Tuesday, August 25, 2015

Post date: Aug 25, 2015 8:30:45 PM

What a day! My goal this year is to teach differently than I ever have before. I read an amazing book entitled Teach Like a Pirate, and in it, it talks about "hooking" my students. I tried today. I felt at times I slipped into some old habits, but all I can ask of myself is that I tried.

In Literature 9 we learned how to say "good morning"; we even had a little retraining. It brought a smile (and a shortness of breath) to several of us. Then first hour traveled to the auditorium to visit with Mr. Range. He discussed a polished stone, and I talked to the class about Day 1. I really hope that everyone feels like we (the staff) is there for them. My fifth hour class played with some play dough, signed up for Remind, and hopefully had a little laugh (cats vs. dogs). Don't miss tomorrow as we'll have a lesson that you'll be talking about all day.

In English 10 we reviewed the importance of starting the year strong and maintaining that level of energy. Second hour we struggled with getting everything done because of meetings and computers, but we'll catch up tomorrow or Thursday. We worked on questions for Senator Grassley, signed up for Remind, and hopefully laughed as well (cats vs. dogs). We also saw a quality speech given by Ashton Kutcher. This structure will be something we follow all year.

In American Literature we first discussed the importance of leadership. As upper classmen, they will be setting a tone for the rest of the school. We then watched some fun videos (cats vs. dogs, Ashton Kutcher). We signed up for Remind, filled out our name cards, and then created some top-notch questions for Senator Grassley. We ended the class period with a Colonization of Dione assignment. We'll get more into the project on Thursday.

Since I shared a pic of Gabby, I thought it only appropriate to share one of Addisyn. Her facial expression of sheer joy is something I would like to see on everyone's face sometime this week and multiple times this year. I hope school is a place of joy for you. If it isn't, please come and talk to me (or someone else in the school system). It's important that you like being here!

All in all a good day. See you all tomorrow!