Wednesday, October 5, 2016 (Day #31)

Post date: Oct 5, 2016 7:54:50 PM

This morning a former student shared a video from ABC News about teachers showing appreciation to the students they teach. I was really moved. Today I tried to find a few random students to tell them I really appreciate them for what they do in my classroom. I could take every student in the high school (and that would be a wonderful goal, but a lofty one) and tell each one I appreciate them. I truly love what I do. I love being a teacher, and I can only teach because so many of you are willing to learn. Thank you for letting me do what I love.

In Literature 9 we worked on our characterization workshop. We discussed how an author wants each of us to have the same experience; therefore, he/she will not hide their intentions when a character is positive or negative. We then took a reading check over the "Cask of the Amontillado". Towards the end of the class period, I tried to sneak in the winner of the recent Poe Adaptation Award. In first hour we managed to finish (short of seeing the skeleton), but in fifth hour we have about four minutes left. Tomorrow we'll discuss that and then more on to the last story - "The Interlopers".

In English 10 it was all about finishing up our book evaluations. We had a few technical difficulties, but it truly isn't that big of a deal. I know we'll get everything to work out. Everyone then filled out an individual evaluation. I don't know why we feel we need to be self-deprecating. It seems that we feel we need to choose the "1's" because if we believe we're a "5" then we're being arrogant. Being arrogant is when you hold it over someone else's head. Being humble is saying "Thank You" and giving credit to those that helped you. We'll move onto our listening unit tomorrow.

In American Government I was jacked! I so enjoyed today's thoughtful and well-researched presentations. You guys rocked. You had statistics and evidence to support your thought process. Now after hearing all the problems, the "do-er" in me wants to dive in and do something. Send food, medical supplies, raising money for wells. Something! I want to do something to help all those that we discussed this morning in class. On Monday (the next time we have class), we're going to have a quiz over the different types of government, but then present our solutions. Everyone can still tweek and work on that portion of the project. Most of you did an amazing job.

Great day! Lots of learning - on both sides. Ruth taught me how to change the paper (legal to jumbo). I never knew. I love learning something I didn't know before. (To be honest, I think she showed me this before, and I needed some retraining. :-) )