The 2nd full week has come and gone, and I continue to learn more about my students each day.
For example, we had our first test this week, and while kids conceptually understood all the questions, many made so many multiplication/division errors that the grades were less-than-stellar. The difficulty with teaching math really is that students 1) are at SO many different levels and 2) are certain that they are “not good at math” NOT because they are not capable but because some past teacher did not do their job of imparting them with the basic skills that are critical as they advance in school…
So, academically-speaking, it was definitely a learning week for me. However, I also continue to discover more about their personalities each day. This week, a conflict between my girl, C, and my man, M2, blew my mind. It started with an “I thought she was talking to me, so I told her to shut up,” and ended with an “I’m going to have my cousin come in and kick your ass.” Nearly all fights start with something stupid, but I am constantly surprised by how quickly things can escalate, esp. in the middle school.
Additionally, it seems that in the Bronx, there exists a particular need for respect that when broken (or perceived as broken) can turn a simple conflict into a full-on fight. It is often a class conversation, and I have still not been able to figure out exactly how to personally deal with it other than watching what I say trying to make sure that I’m always perceived as fair and respectful.
Hmm… more on that later.
Other highlights included a 7th/8th grade parent’s night that was slightly changed by the administration and didn’t have quite the expected turnout but ended up being a successful evening complete with a mom bringing in Mangú (Dominican mashed plantains) as a thank you the following day AND a chance to talk to the parents of both kids involved in the conflict. Also, I have found some EXCELLENT classroom helpers that have simplified my life.
Yom Kippur on Monday (yay!) and a fieldtrip to the Natural History Museum on Wednesday :) hopefully mean that this week will be a much-needed time for student and teachers to recharge.
I assume the fall and its accompanying nostalgic feelings have found you as they have found us here in NYC. Enjoy the cooler weather, and I look forward to hearing from you soon.
Lots of love,
Ms. Newton
For example, we had our first test this week, and while kids conceptually understood all the questions, many made so many multiplication/division errors that the grades were less-than-stellar. The difficulty with teaching math really is that students 1) are at SO many different levels and 2) are certain that they are “not good at math” NOT because they are not capable but because some past teacher did not do their job of imparting them with the basic skills that are critical as they advance in school…
So, academically-speaking, it was definitely a learning week for me. However, I also continue to discover more about their personalities each day. This week, a conflict between my girl, C, and my man, M2, blew my mind. It started with an “I thought she was talking to me, so I told her to shut up,” and ended with an “I’m going to have my cousin come in and kick your ass.” Nearly all fights start with something stupid, but I am constantly surprised by how quickly things can escalate, esp. in the middle school.
Additionally, it seems that in the Bronx, there exists a particular need for respect that when broken (or perceived as broken) can turn a simple conflict into a full-on fight. It is often a class conversation, and I have still not been able to figure out exactly how to personally deal with it other than watching what I say trying to make sure that I’m always perceived as fair and respectful.
Hmm… more on that later.
Other highlights included a 7th/8th grade parent’s night that was slightly changed by the administration and didn’t have quite the expected turnout but ended up being a successful evening complete with a mom bringing in Mangú (Dominican mashed plantains) as a thank you the following day AND a chance to talk to the parents of both kids involved in the conflict. Also, I have found some EXCELLENT classroom helpers that have simplified my life.
Yom Kippur on Monday (yay!) and a fieldtrip to the Natural History Museum on Wednesday :) hopefully mean that this week will be a much-needed time for student and teachers to recharge.
I assume the fall and its accompanying nostalgic feelings have found you as they have found us here in NYC. Enjoy the cooler weather, and I look forward to hearing from you soon.
Lots of love,
Ms. Newton
No comments:
Post a Comment