Saturday, January 16, 2010

Clever student

I've been at my school sorting and grading papers all morning.  As I flipped through the pile of haiku I had my students write, one caught my eye.
 
His winter haiku:
 
Tis the season to
 
be jolly fa la la la
 
la la la la la
 
I am constantly amazed at the creativity and cleverness of the students I work with.
 
From another student, one who is usually completely oblivious to just about everything.
 
Fall:
 
Orange leaves fall
 
all things die
 
except me.

Tuesday, January 5, 2010

Prepared

   Everyday, I call my students' names one by one to check if they are prepared for the class.  In my class, being prepared means that one has brought the following six things:

  

A pen or pencil

Notebook (for journal)

Binder

English folder

Reading book

School planner

   

    As I left the apartment this morning, I congratulated myself on being "prepared" for the day in my own way.  For me, "prepared" means the following:

   

I have eaten breakfast and read my scriptures.

I have a homemade lunch in my hand.

I'm leaving early enough to get to school by about 7:15, but 7:30 at the latest.

I know what I'm teaching that day, and maybe even the next.

There's a skateboard and palm guards in the back of the car.

I have a bag of extra, casual clothes that I can skateboard in just in case I don't go home before having adventures after school.

  

Spontaneity seems to take more preparation these days.