Week Six

Day Twenty: During 1st, 3rd, 6th, and 7th Molly and I talked to the kids about their grades on the essays they wrote the week before. We told them that the essays were good but there was a specific aspects we wanted to point out. Molly and I showed the kids transitions between paragraphs and we discussed the importance of transitions. Then we read the story about Chief Joseph: The Protector of his People. Once the story was read we showed the kids a 5 Ws worksheet for the article. For 2nd we read aloud our book and it is getting really interesting. I had the kids write an expository paragraph on how to make a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. During 4th and 5th Molly and I looked at my online classes to work on homework and lesson planning. Also we worked on entering grades.

Day Twenty-One: This morning we had student access and a couple of students came in to improve their grades. A mom came in to talk to Molly and wow she was heated. After she left I said, "Wow, that was a whole lot of mamma in the morning!" Molly just started laughing. In 1st, 3rd, 6th, and 7th period the kids worked on another 5Ws worksheet. During the team planning periods we chatted about the Health and Wellness day coming up on May 3rd. Also we met with the principal and looked over Power School and Citizenship as references for a child. 2nd period was so much fun! On Monday the kids had to write a paragraph on how to make a peanut butter and jelly sandwich and today the kids read their paragraphs as Molly and I made the sandwiches. They were so so messy. The kids were a little embarrassed when they saw their sandwiches and knew that my professor would see the pictures. But I assured them that they would learn how to write paragraphs with enough detail so that they would be able to make a successful sandwich and have a snack on Thursday!

Day Twenty-Two: I normally go to school on Wednesdays, but this Wednesday I didn't go to school so that I could come on Friday. It's crazy how I missed being at school. I came in this morning, Thursday, and Molly told me that the kids asked her all day where I was. How cute! In 2nd Period we didn't read aloud because I wanted to have plenty of time for our peanut butter and jelly lesson. So, I tested the kids with MAZE and RCBM and then we got into the lesson. On the Smartboard the kids and I made a list of what is needed when making a sandwich. Then I showed them the green, yellow, and red Step-Up to Writing system. Students wrote new paragraphs and read them aloud as I made their sandwich. Everyone was successful and had a nice snack! During 4th period we had team planning where we discussed the benefit of girls group and boys council. Ah Study Hall was so crazy, Molly got stopped for a meeting and so I ran the show. Kids came in to get stickers and hikers for challenges. Others came in to raise their grade by fixing paragraphs/reading. Also mandatory study hall work was turned in. During 6th period Molly taught because I didn't see her teach yesterday. She showed the kids the website, http://myheroproject.org/go/home.asp. This site is where people can share who they think are heroes. The kids will look at the categories and pick their top ten maybes. From that list students will pick their top three to take notes one and with the notes they will write paragraphs.

Day Twenty-Three: Today is the day for me to teach all by myself. Molly wanted to be able to hang out with her brother and niece today and so, I am the TEACHER! I'm really excited and nervous. Advisory Meeting this morning and the teachers talked about the calendar for next year with activities like reading a book and other team building activities. During Advisory I had the kids fill out their planner for the next week. In 1st, 3rd, 6th, and 7th students worked on myheroproject.org looking at articles, taking notes, and then writing paragraphs. In order to stay up with the standards based grading we give students a work ethic grade each week. For this students get points off for not being prompt, not being prepared, no planner, late work, not present, not productive, and not polite. I had to take off quite a few points in 3rd period. In 2nd period we discussed the importance of organization and explanation in paragraphs in relation to making peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. I had the kids move around the rook doing jumping jacks, high knees, swimming, etc. We read aloud for the rest of class. We normally have team planning but Molly was gone and so was the science teacher and so we had our own time and I worked on my homework. During 7th period something funny happened. Some of the girls were reading about Koko the gorilla. As one girl was reading she read aloud that all of Koko's kittens had died.

Student 1: All of Koko's kittens died

Student 2: I think one escaped and was run over

Student 1: Ya, Koko was driving

later Student 1: Koko is very gentle with kittens...by hitting them with trucks

Okay, I'm exhausted now. Time for sleep and waking up early to work out with Molly and D.