- I taught grammar all week to my seniors. They didn't hate it as much as I thought they would...instead, they sat and listened intently as I reviewed the rules and some hints at remembered them. I was SURE they'd be viciously bored, but they verbalized often that they were glad to hear these rules one more time before I sent them off into the world. Maybe it helped (scared them...?) that I mentioned this would probably be one of the last grammar lessons they would receive EVER unless they were going to be an English major in college. At any rate, I love grammar and it can be really boring to teach because, honestly, there is no way around lecturing of the rules, even though I bribe them with candy and (what I think are) funny example questions...so this was refreshing...to see them appreciate it.
- I gave my Argument and Debate students a podcast to listen to for two days of class. I really liked a lot of the examples I found while creating my own podcast, so I wanted to see how they would react. They're all considered gifted and often challenge me (verbally) to teach them well, so I knew this would be interesting. Since the curriculum includes listening skills, I thought this would be fit perfectly. I set it up by asking them to fill in completion questions as they listened to practice jotting down MANY notes, as they have to during debates in class. A lot of them asked right away about the actual definition of a podcast, so I explained the sounds, mood creation, background themes, etc., and they seemed pretty excited. End result? They LOVED it! I used one (I think I mentioned it before) from thisamericanlife.org called "The House on Loon Lake," a true story mystery. They were absolutely riveted the entire time. They got to make predictions and voice their complaints for the ending...it was a cool way to have them use their skills from class to observe and analyze a true hour-long story, something that they will definitely have to do as we create an entire classroom debate later in the semester.
- All that aside, this class (as I mentioned) is quite challenging for me. I try to incorporate fun and creativity to the lessons as I am taking over for a teacher who taught this for 25+ years, so I am kind of free to change it up a bit. However, it's on a topic that does not really interest me (student congress and parliamentary procedures), so each day I struggle with the content AND the delivery. Any suggestions? I've tried voicing my concerns to our English dept. head, that this is more of a social studies class than ELA, but it's tough because then I wouldn't have a class to teach and what would that mean for furloughs and full-time status? Sigh...
- But...I really overall have so much fun teaching my seniors for the remainder of the day (I only have one A & D class this semester), that I don't really let it bother me as much as it could. I have really gotten to know the 12th graders and I think they feel that I understand their academic needs very well because they always seem appreciative. (Probably helps that they're getting college credit for this course, right?) Anyway...I love it.
I had a good week and I don't mind saying THANK GOODNESS OCTOBER IS OVER. (I'm a big proponent that October is the roughest teaching month...I generally love the fall weekend activities, but honestly, teaching through the whole month with no breaks is quite daunting) So it's on to November now and I'm happy to be here!
Long string of random comments is now over ;-)
October is my least favorite month to teach because of ALL the breaks. I feel like the entire month flies by and I get way less than I actually wanted to accomplish because of everything that's going on -- Columbus Day, Homecoming Week, Senior Retreat, PSAT/Terra Nova Testing -- even Halloween is a half-day!
ReplyDeleteAs far as your post, it sounds like you're doing a great job despite those challenges. I had a long-term sub position where I taught all writing courses (plus two sections of Rhetoric) and I remember my sense of relief when I started teaching having those literature classes to fall back on for a "break."
Students who enjoyed grammar? I'm jealous. I'm with you on trying to make it seem relevant and using ridiculous examples, but my ninth graders never took to it (except for the rare few who wanted to learn even more). Way to make it interesting for your students!
ReplyDeleteAlso, Thanksgiving is so close-- keep holding on!
That is really awesome that you were able to incorporate podcasting into your classroom, Lesley. I am so happy to learn that you are able to take what you do in here and directly apply it to your classroom and that your students benefit from it.
ReplyDeleteAnd congrats on surviving October. I tend to agree, it's a rough month. Almost time for Thanksgiving!