I had one of the best teaching moments a few weeks ago on 9/12 with my 5th period... we played a review game for our first quiz. I write a word they learned, a student has to stand in front (back facing the board), they can't see the word and the other students have to either act out or give hints (it's a combination of charades and taboo). If the student gets it on either the first or second try, the entire class gets a point. If the student gets it wrong, Ms. H gets a point. If the class wins, they get tickets for a raffle drawing for a prize. My 5th period ATE IT UP. They were jumping out of their seats to either participate or explain the concepts. It was amazing. I saw that they understood what I taught them and they were EXCITED to share their knowledge.
Worst teaching moment--- 9/21 with my 6th period. Within the first 20 minutes of class a fight broke out in the front of the classroom!!! I went to talk to the side to pull a chair for a student, and then out of nowhere one student brushed up against another (when he wasn't even supposed to be up) and next thing you know, the two boys are punching each other. Had to run to call security to break up the fight. Everyone else in this class of 30 was soo riled up that I just had them do book work for the next hour :( It was so rough. I wrote two referrals and 4 detentions in an hour. Out of control. This class is just out of control. I have students who I rarely ever see because they are constantly suspended for fighting. It's like the principal purposely put all the troubled 7th graders together and said "here you go Hidalgo, good luck!" It really sucks. And it's not because I can't manage, because my other classes are under control... it's this group of kids that they just can't handle each other, can't handle rules and can't control themselves. I spoke to the dean of discipline and hopefully we'll move some kids out because the behavior prohibits my teaching and their learning.
The school had an "Instructional Review" where people from the district and state came to observe all teachers. All morning there were people in suits walking around with clipboards, observing everything-- hallways, classroom decorations, teacher lesson plan binders and the cleanliness of our rooms... it was really intimidating. They came to observe me in the middle of my 2nd period lesson, which was about electromagnetic and mechanical waves. I was teaching the difference between "longitudinal" and "transverse" waves on a powerpoint and then had an activity to show my students the relationship between wavelength and frequency... it's a tough lesson because in 7th grade this is the first time you learn this. When they walked in, all my students were taking notes and acting like angels.
I'm very straightforward and honest with my kids and I told them to expect important guests and to act in their best behavior. This class totally had my back. They told me "Ms H, we be good, don't worry..." and they were! Usually there are some students whispering or acting foolish by asking silly questions or just spacing out, not paying attention and I usually have to get on their case to stay on task but during the observation they were 100% on the lesson. It was beautiful... if only they could ALWAYS be like that. The superintendent was in my classroom at the time and apparently loved the lesson. I got some feedback and they said I have a "deep understanding" of the material, which is ironic because I spent the night learning it (thank you Duke for teaching me how to cram). Anyway, after they left my room I still had 20 minutes left with my students and there literally was a sigh of relief from everyone in the room... It was so funny. Then I asked, "People, why aren't you ALWAYS like this???" and they were like "ITS SO HARD TO STAY FOCUSED, my head hurts, I think too much." silly kids. But that's my 2nd period... they're good for the most part-- I have a lot of guys who joke a lot, and the few girls in the class keep it together.
Unfortunately, because I am doing a good job, they want me to teach 8th grade science instead of 7th grade so that I can prepare the 8th graders for the science standardized test... I was flattered but I am going to try to fight it. I don't want to leave my 7th graders... especially my 1st, 2nd and 4th periods... they are so fun. I've already created a classroom culture with many of these kids... everyday I have kids wanting to be in my class even when they already had me earlier in the day. I had one student who had to be switched out of my science class to another science class last week because of another scheduling conflict and he is still sad/mad about it. He passes by my class (I stand by my door as the students switch classes) and he gives me a sad look. These kids get really attached pretty quickly.
Speaking of attached, one of my students made it pretty clear that he likes me. He is this little black kid who looks like he could be in 5th grade but acts 15 (he's 12). He is always trying to be tough to make up for his small size. Last week in the middle of teaching he raises his hand...
"Charles, what is your question?">
"It's not a question, I have something to tell you."
I respond... "Does it have to do with how a generator works?" (I was teaching energy transformations).
"Not exactly but it's important"
*The whole class is quiet because they know what hes about to say because he talks about me at lunch.*
I say "Okay, what is it?"
>He goes, "Ms. H, you are the prettiest teacher I ever had. And there's something else I want to tell you, but I can't right now so I'll tell my friends after school."
With a straight face I say, "Charles, I appreciate the compliment but (1) that's inappropriate and (2) that has nothing to do with the lesson."
He apologized and then I continued teaching. After class students brought it up and asked "If you were his size would you go out with him?" In my head I was dying of laughter. Students ask the funniest things in the funniest ways. But I have to put on this really mean act so that they stop talking/asking nonsense.
October is supposed to be a hell-ish month. Students get restless and the "honeymoon period" between teachers and students is over. I'm not sure what to expect, but all I know is that it's a long month-- there's only one day off, which isn't even a day off for me because it's a teacher planning day where I won't teach and instead attend a professional development workshop.
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