Billy Joel...anyone? anyone?
Anyway, so today was my last "real" day at Reynolds...unfortunately not the best I've had and that's kind of a sad way to leave things, but alas, we all must move on.
SO! My question for you all....i would LOVE some advice on how to make my transition over to L-S...Jeff, Kim - I'm looking at you.
Jess, you went to L-S, so obvi I'd love some imput and behind the scenes from you as well. Also, maybe you can give me some tips on how to manage the culture shock I know I'm in for? (since you went from L-S to the city and i'm doing the opposite - I'd like some coping strategies lol)
Thanks guys!! I'm excited to report from my new "home" in two weeks!
Be prepared for hour and a half long class periods! Of course that leaves a lot of room to do some sizable stuff, but the class periods can also (very easily) drag on if not prepared well (been there too many times...).
ReplyDeleteFor your two World Lit classes-They are sooo capable of great discussions from big issues/questions. They're really great students and incredibly respectful and easy to get along with. They'll do anything you ask without complaint. They're just good like that.
American Lit-They're not bad either, but will want you to hold their hand more often than they need (I'm sure I'm preaching to the choir). I would imagine, though, that that might be a bit of second nature to you by now. There are some great students in that class and some that you might want to strangle a few times. But, just like all the other white kids, they'll do what they're told without very many issues.
All in all, start out firm and feel it out. American lit will need that consistent firmness while World lit you'll be able to be more relaxed with.
I foresee no issues with this transition.
Welcome to L-S Jackie! I am so excited that you'll be joining our team!
ReplyDeleteI agree with what Jeff said... these kids won't give you many problems, and they usually do what we ask of them. These kids are used to taking common finals, writing papers that adhere to the traditional mold, and the kill and drill type of grammar and vocabulary lessons. I try to find ways to keep the lessons active, especially because of the block scheduling. I have a ton of ideas for teaching vocab, but I am still struggling with ways to teach grammar without drilling them every day.
I will be happy to share some of my vocab materials with you. I have found a pattern that seems to work, but all in all, I am still presenting them with the new words each Monday and quizzing them on Friday, but I allow them some creativity in the process. They get to draw pictures to help them remember the defintions, and write creative stories using the words. I also found that because these words are new to them, it is important to have them categorize the words by part of speech and model HOW to correctly use the words. Also, we practice pronunciation.
I am sure we will talk soon. I have a lot more to say :)
Hey. Sorry I missed this earlier. Well, basically, the whole threat of failing that the kids at Reynolds seem to lack, yeah, at L-S it's pretty legit, at least in my classes it was. I remember just doing things because the teacher told us to. I don't know if it's changed, but behaviorally, you shouldn't have a problem compared to Reynolds. How are you doing? I miss seeing you in the halls!
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