Things are finally getting (a little) easier

Something is finally starting to change in my classes. There are a lot of factors... more failed the first nine weeks of this year than failed any nine weeks in my classes last year, I am finally getting comfortable and more organized, and the students seem to respect and trust me more. I really am not sure why...this week my first period has changed from my "worst" to my "best" class. They push me on through the lesson...wanting me to go faster (although I try to wait for the majority to catch up) and asking me to give them more homework. They get it and they are eager to get to the work. It is crazy. I actually have felt like I am a teacher.

So this year is easier, but certainly not easy. I have said before it was not...but if nothing else, I do know what to expect. For example, homecoming was not nearly as crazy. I did not attempt to teach, but instead compromised by playing "math-o" all week long... and showed the beloved Donald in Mathmagic Land (for you math teachers, these are both valuable resources on those useless days of state-testing or what-not and I would be more than happy to share.) It varied what the other teachers did...from playing Madden to actually having class (for those veteran teachers with an iron-fist). I mean, it was crazy...but bearable.

And I knew I had to come back strong this week, the first "real" week of the second nine weeks. I had my roll book and gradebook ready to go, and I had a plan. I have made a few minor changes this nine weeks, and so far, it is going better:
1. Not a warm-up everyday-

Everyone says it is good to have this while they are coming in. And, yes, it is good, and my kids can come in and be too crazy, but I had a nasty habit of making them too long...so it would take me begging/reminding them to do their warm-up and then going through it with them for close to 20 minutes everyday, and I didn’t think it was that helpful. By the time we got to the lesson, instead of being interested and ready to go, they were worn out and irritated, as was I. So now-fewer warm-ups, more sets (which were rarely-to-never done prior to now).

2. More frequent, shorter quizzes

This one I took from Meredith. Many kids already have test-anxiety, plus math-anxiety, so give them a long test with a bunch of problems and large blanks and they have already given up. Instead, I’m breaking up the material more with these quizzes. They also are getting feedback faster, and (yeah) it’s easier for me to grade.

3. Delegating!

I’m getting students (who do not really have a class that period) come help me during my planning period. I’m also getting my students to take roll and to help me around my classroom in general, including helping other students. I forget that I don’t have to work as hard and that there’s only one of me and plenty of other resources around me.

4. Take up homework consistently and (if possible) grade it for accuracy so they know what they did wrong. They feel held more accountable and do their work more.

Here are a couple of other fun little tips:

1. (For math teachers) give a bonus (especially on major tests) that really has very little do to with math- write a poem, draw something (I had them draw a picture using certain angles, lines, and polygons in geometry) that helps those who really just don’t have the math background but really are trying.
2. Put stickers on graded work. They love it. They get mad when they don’t get one.
3. Watch a movie while you work on stuff at home. It might not seem like you get as much done, but all in all you are enjoying yourself more and are actually more productive.

I get down, so down, and irritated and want to give up. You've gotta come home and do whatever you need to do to get your spirit up, especially surrounding yourself with animals and people you love. Remember those students who make you want to keep becoming a better teacher, and do it for them.