Drank a cup o' reality at 4:22 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 05, 2003
It is absolutely freezing in this room of my house.
So, I’m having an ‘I’m a Good Teacher’ week. I planned this unit as a filler while I was waiting for the US history teacher to get to the American Revolution so we can read My Brother Sam is Dead. My 7th and 8th graders have spent the last few weeks working on Demonstration Speeches. I was really insistent that they demonstrate a skill or hobby, something that they are passionate about. Yes, there have been the kids who are sure that they really only know how to make chocolate chip cookies. I doubt this, but I let it slide… to be honest they are the kids who were going to give crappy speeches regardless. But, hey, nice treats in the afternoon!
What I’m thrilled about are the kids who stepped into the spotlight and absolutely shined! The coolest part is how much I have learned. Definitely living in Southern MN continues to be a learning experience, but this has been a huge week for me. I have had students bring in dirt bikes to change spark plugs, and others video themselves doing tricks on dirt bikes. Others have disassembled and reassembled skateboards; others have cleaned them and done tricks for the class. Those boys who do not excel at anything showing their ability to teach classmates amazing skateboard skills have tickled me. The class has gone to the lake (albeit a frozen one!) in town to fly fish; too bad all we caught was a tree! Some have taught sports skills or tricks. A few have taught me lots about animal husbandry. I now know more about raising steer and sheep than I ever thought I would. A girl brought in her pigeons and I was amazed at how casually she handled them. Today a boy brought in his goats. It was clear to me that he, the class clown, completely adores these two little girl goats. But, perhaps the pinnacle of my fun happened yesterday. I helped clean and gut a pheasant. The girls were shocked as I reached in a pulled out stuff, as I exclaimed, “Cool, that’s the heart!” I took pictures with the head and reached in the meat to look for bee-bees. I love the tail feathers that are on my pencil cup! It was also really amazing to see how many families rallied around their students, taking time off work, going out of their way, staying up, working hard and all around helping their kids pull off a successful 5 minutes in front.
On Monday we will be writing thank-you notes to those who made it possible. Every student has someone to thank. I will be writing mine to the damn superintendent and principal who were willing to let paint ball guns, hunting knives, dead birds, live birds, goats, diesel scooters and skateboards into the school. When people look at me quizzically and wonder why I stay here I will tell them about this week.
And you know what, I have some students who will always remember this project. That’s why I do this.
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Old Married Lady
And now, I'm old enough for that. - Thursday, Mar. 10, 2005
I don't get it! - Saturday, Feb. 26, 2005
Stardom - Saturday, Feb. 12, 2005
many neuroses - Saturday, Feb. 05, 2005
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Miss Spunky is:
a 25 year old English teacher currently on an extended adventure in Minnesota, searching for a good man with a big... truck!
I love:
My students, excessive amounts of coffee, Baja Fresh and a good hockey game.
I dislike:
Ignorance, mosquitoes, and people who write in IM and/or grammar so poor that it is clear that they are lazy. IM is LAZY, LAZY do you hear me???