Today a spider was hanging from the ceiling, and my students noticed it but continued to take notes and pay attention to my presentation. That is how amazing I am at classroom management.
I’m kidding. It was absolute chaos. Students screamed, until I caught it.
Last class, students worked together to find text evidence to support a claim. I posted pictures of their posters on Canvas for them to use as a resource while they organize evidence for their essays.
Many of these students are reluctant readers, and they are LOVING this story. Every time we read, at least one reader says “Ms. Brown, I read too far! Is that okay?”…um, YES! Thankful for the opportunity to teach important texts to my ninth graders.
Reading @GeorgeTakei’s They Called Us Enemy in English I today. As we were reading about the Takei family’s journey to Tule Lake, I glanced up from my own copy of the text and saw nearly every single student engaged with this important story.
As you look at your class lists, keep an open mind. It is so easy to make judgements when discussing students with coworkers (even when they mean well!). It’s a new year, give students the opportunity to start with a clean slate!
Me: *gives direction*
Kindergartener: Yes, ma'am!
Me: Ooh, thank you for calling me "ma'am." That made me feel very respected.
Kindergartener: You're welcome, your highness.