My second semester of school has been so unlike the first semester that I am now trult enjoying teaching. I made some changes, and as Frost writes, "That has made all the difference . . ." I separated my troublemakers and let them know that I would not give in to their pleas to "change it back." I stand at the front and make them move to their correct seat if they try and pull a fast one on me - which they often do. I also have a notebook requirement for class now. They have to have a three-ring binder with sections for grammar, notes / handouts, tests and journal entries. I do a notebook check every two weeks and assign grades according to organization and completeness. I no longer have papers left on desks or the floor. These two small changes have been just what was needed to make my classroom more effcient and keep me from going crazy.
Last Friday, my 10th graders got their PSAT scores back. Some of them did fairly well on these tests and I was so excited by how excited they were. Before the bell rang, they stood around my desk asking me questions about their scores and telling me what the report said hey needed to improve on. They also asked me about college and what they needed to do to prepare for college. I always talk about how great college is and how necessary it will be in the future and it seems like this is the first time they have even considered college as an alternative. Most of the kids tell me that they hate to read, but instead of accepting this, I handed out book report assignments at the beginning of the semester. But I gave them alternatives to writing a traditional book report, and Ilet them choose the book they wanted to read. One of the girls that claims she hates to read, came into class the day after choosing her book and said, "Ms. Taylor! I love this book! I am almost finished with it and I cannot wait to write a book report so you will see how good this book is!" She had three weeks to complete the assignment and she did it in three days. I can see why teachers return year after year to a very stressful job. Even my 7th period class that used to make me pull my hair out, is paying attention and really interacting with one another. I am sure there will be bad days to follow, but I am falling in love with my job . . . finally.
