Spring Break

The kids think they rule the joy of spring break, but I guarantee teachers are just as excited. My question for today...what can I learn today and use in the classroom in the future? Even on break, I am in planning mode.

BOY TOY

Before anyone who doesn't know gets the wrong idea, BOY TOY is the pet name given to male Teachers of the Year at my school. It is a moniker that was bestowed upon me to wear for the 2014-2015 school term. I am deeply honored to have been chosen; however, I don't feel that I am all that deserving. I see myself currently as mediocre teacher. There is a lot I need to improve about my teaching. Strangely though, I get the impression that being named Teacher of the Year will be the catalyst to me becoming Teacher of the Year, as paradoxical as that may sound.

Summer 2012

Here we go with another summer as I prepare for a new school year. I hope to become a better teacher and put my administrative dreams on hold.

It's been awhile...

2009 to 2012. That's a long time to let a blog sit idle. I don't know if I will do any better this time, but I plan to try. Tomorrow I issue interims to my second semester students. I have tried a new method of grading which involves giving them only one grade per week for class participation and one for homework. I usually grade every piece (and I still grade each one) as an individual grade, but have found this method a little cumbersome. I am still trying to identify the best way to check the work without wasting valuable class time. Besides, the grades have been terrible. With only two or three assignments each week, the averages can be drastic if a student misses one.

As for my scheduling, I still think I try to shove too much in for the tests. I don't think they know the stories at all when we are done. Part of that is that they don't read them, but on my end it just seems as if we're skimming.

Are we really behind?

Checking out this article tonight: http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090518/ap_on_re_us/us_education_trash_talk

I've always said that comparisons of US students to students in foreign countries is flawed. Sure there's stuff we could improve on, but students are learning. No Child Left Behind is a pipe-dream, but the opportunity is there for students who desire to learn and parents who are willing to stress the importance of an education. Frankly, we teachers don't have much say over the close nurture of a parent. If the parent doesn't support it, chances are the student isn't going to try to their potential. For that matter, they probably won't work to their potential if their parents do stress it. Life in America is too easy, and until we have to struggle, it is my belief that things won't change much in this country.

My opinion for what it's worth.

Teaching with Rap

I just found a really cool site with rap and r&b music that can help students learn basic concepts of curriculum such as math, English, science, and social studies. Some of the songs are lame in their musical delivery (think bad 80's rap by Vanilla Ice wannabes), but all of the songs are full of good information. Take a listen. Some are better than others. The site says you can buy the albums from iTunes, but I couldn't find them. The price on the site is $19.98 per album and $49.98 (i think) for all four. A little pricey, but worth it if you can find a use for it and help your kids learn these concepts through catchy songs. Here is a YouTube video version for memorizing the 44 Presidents of the U.S.A.

I am depressed to hear

I am depressed to hear on the news that one of my former students is a suspect in a shooting here in Sumter. I can't say I'm surprised, though.