Wow, it's been a rough few weeks. At least I can say that I didn't feel like
crying the last two days. That is improvement. Last week was rough. I'm
still sick (going on three weeks now), and I lost my voice this week! Some good
things:
That one 7th grade student was finally put back on his medication, and he has
been a changed kid the last two days. Not having to chase him around the
room has alleviated a lot of my stress. As for the rest of the class, they are
better but not great. I'll take "better" for this week, but I still want them
to improve. Several have gotten phone calls home. Some have had to write
essays during class, which they really don't like. It helps when I talk to them
privately outside. I let them know that they chose to write the essay when
they chose to act inappropriately in my class. I tell them that I am on their
side and that they should only be upset with themselves because they made their
choices, not me. They seem to get it, and I think they realize that I do
care about them. After a little chat, they go back into my room with less
attitude and get the essay done.
Despite those improvements, I'm still having trouble with the talking. They
just won't shut up when I'm trying to talk or give directions, and it is so
frustrating. Today, they just wouldn't pay attention when I was trying to give
them instructions for cleanup. So, I walked around the room and allowed the
four students who were sitting quietly to line up. I then explained to the
class that they were "choosing" to be late to their next class because I was not
going to allow them to line up or leave my classroom until they did what they
were supposed to. They finally realized that I meant business, but it was a
struggle! I even stood on a stool today to get their attention! They thought
it was funny, and they got my point, but they STILL couldn't control themselves!
Ugh. At least I was able to laugh about it today, but these kids are going
to age me before my time. My principal told me today that my students love me.
I told him that he was crazy, and he said, "No, Ms. D, they turn on the
teachers they don't like. They turn on them as a group and try to get the teacher
out. These kids like you." I'm not sure how to take that.
Anyway, without a voice, I haven't tried to teach anything this week. I've
given them simple projects (like sub plans), and they started making portfolios
out of construction paper. Oh yeah, I got some supplies in! Dick Blick came
through and delivered on Wednesday. I was ecstatic. It was like Christmas.
Of course, I still only have bare minimums, but at least I have a little more
with which to work. Also, I ordered some stuff from Crystal Productions, and
it got here in two days! I couldn't believe it!
So, here are my thoughts: Next week I want them to start on a drawing
project. I have given them a choice of drawing from a still life or bringing in a
magazine to make a collage from which to draw. I also hope to do the "cookie
and frosting" color wheels with them if they can handle it. I'm a little
scared, but I'd like to do it because I think they'd get a kick out of it.
The following week, I'd like to do a project on Romare Bearden, and have them
try some collage. If you have any especially good projects you have used,
I'd love to know. I got a good video on him and a nice book.
Then I'd like to do a project on surrealism because that's pretty fun and
easy.
Then I'm trying to put together a Graffiti project. Here's my main question:
How do I get them excited about graffiti without encouraging them to go out
and start tagging! I mean, of course they should know better, and I'll
explain that it is illegal and that they should always get permission...but I just
don't want some parent or administrator accusing me of putting bad ideas in
their heads. How have you guys approached it, and what would be a simple project
for them?
Other than that, I'm still thinking...maybe aboriginal art, maybe some
painting, O'Keeffe?
I only have them for six more weeks. I can do this, right? I can make it
through six more weeks and hope that the next batch will be better.
Thanks again to everyone on this list. You are all so helpful. I hope to
one day be able to give my own words of wisdom to new teachers.
