BACK TO SCHOOL

This week has been kind of a whirlwind in terms of starting my first teaching job as well as starting our courses for the semester.

Wednesday was CHS’ first day of school. I felt like I kind of flat lined in my first couple of hours. Presenting a syllabus is boring for everyone, so I know it wasn’t exactly the most entertaining time spent. I felt like I sort of got them back with my “About Me” power point. They probably know more about me than they ever wanted to know, but at least it was personal rather than educational. We played an ice breaker game in my Comp II class (Unique but Different). They moaned and groaned about that too though, so who knows what is going to happen when they start having real group work. My freshman seemed nervous, but I like that we’re both new to the building. At this point, they feel like allies.

Thursday, we started work in all three courses. My American Lit & Comp. class started their first weekly grammar worksheet, my Comp. II class started writing a (prompted) short story, and my freshmen went to the library to get the presentation on award winning books and check out books to read for AR. My Comp II classes (sophomores) somewhat resisted having to start work already. I had a few boys say they’d never written more than half of a page before even. Once most of them got into writing their creative short story though, they rolled with it and did much more than they thought they could. I’m hoping to use these stories to gage where my sophomores are at with writing mechanics so that I can help them work on things they struggle with this year. We also did a mini introduction ice breaker in my Comp II classes where each person had to say their name, their favorite hobby, and one place they want to visit before they die. They liked this activity because they got to talk about themselves and dream big. I’d say the most stressful part of Thursday came after the final bell rang though. The drive from Chillicothe to Kansas City is daunting when you know you’re going to have to come right back a few hours later. Class itself was fine, the drive back seemed long. Having made that drive a number of times already, I thought I was prepared for it – I was wrong.

Friday, we were in full swing for course work. My juniors graded their grammar worksheet and my sophomores finished up their stories and then we played another ice breaker. I only had three of my six class periods due to class meetings and a pep assembly though. The juniors rolled with the plans to work anyway because they’re used to the rigor and know that they’re in the more advanced course (as opposed to English III). I appreciated that they stepped up to the plate. My sophomores were a bit more reluctant. I’m anxious to dive into real instruction next week as we start our units (mostly short stories).