Yesterday was a good day for all.

The 7th Grade are just absorbing everything I am giving them in History. The questions and the thirst of wanting to know the minute details is actually a little overwhelming to myself however giving them as much information I can during class time, having to answer questions outside class or at home because some of the boys just need to know the answers.

6th Grade is shaky on their basic english skills as I look over their work. Been using a new book of mine to give them practice help so working heavily on that before I move on to more standardized writing. The Jewish History is still not being terrific for the boys or myself, need to do something new, have to talk to some people on Monday about that issue.

8th Grade accomplished their ELA and their History lessons, so was happy about that. Could be that the two biggest trouble makers were out 'helping' everyone else.

Becoming apprehensive about the ELA. I know my boys have the skills but hoping they can take the test without major problems. Next week we do lots and lots of practice testing.

Have told my Principal that I can do the yearbook, I've calmed down from being so angry with the administration, but I need respect and I need compensation for my time. Quite literally how much the yearbook from me compared to how much they paid last year is rediculous. I can give it to them for approximately 10% of what they spent last year. Let's hope for good news on that front.

Lately I haven't been helpful

I really do realize that I haven't been at my 100% lately. The stress of work and a baby that is almost here has severely decreased my ability to take the BS from anyone. So what to do about it?

Well I think that surrendering to the fact that I just need to try my hardest without having to throw myself entirely, and with that make myself dead tired, into the classwork has actually helped. Today was actually very pleasent. The 7th Grade was absolutely divine! I really mean that. We got through the lesson so easily and we did so many interesting and fun questions and discussions that it even made my head spin. The 6th Grade was better, doing ok, we got the work done. The grammar we were doing was harder than it seemed so many of them were having difficulties. The 8th Grade was its usual but we got the lesson done with History, did that only today. Going to do ELA more tomorrow. Still got some time before it happens.

I know I am not 'restarting' creative writing any time soon because that really does exhaust me...but not sure about the yearbook. I do know that I cannot volunteer my time for free when it isn't in my job description. I need to know that I am being made a valued member of the school by doing this. I am not going to do something and not feel that I am being pushed aside and not cared for...plus my time does = money. Though I really do care about the kids...I am going to have to see about it.

Will be putting up links soon, so stay tuned. Want to share all my useful sites that I have for english and history subjects.

Yesterday

Yesterday was horrendous.

Had to argue with my Principal because he is being VERY behind on ensuring that I get the photocopies I need for my lessons. I am not happy about this damnable situation.

The 7th Grade were moderately behaved, we got through the lesson without any major problems.

6th Grade were horrendous. All talking all the time. It was horrible. Had to yell at them :(. It was very sad.

The 8th Grade wasn't too bad. Started ELA review yesterday and going to continue it all week.

The Menahel seems to be wanting every bit of paperwork, hw, etc to 'cross his desk' because he really did mess up before the school year started, not everything is going smoothly, so what is he doing? He is looking for things he can blame for the problems in the classes when it comes to behavior. I have no issue with admitting when I am wrong or if I am doing something wrong in the class but I cannot stand it when someone won't admit that they could of done better as well. So right now, to make my own life easier, I'm just going back to the 'basics' in the classroom and discontinuing some of my extra work I have done to make it more fun for the kids because I cannot do all the extra work + jump through his hoops.

So no more Yearbook or Creative Writing for now. I'll still be teaching the kids in my classes well, but if I do those two things there is no way I can also try and please my boss....if that is even possible.

Sorry for the very depressing/very downtrodden post

A new week

I so need to recover from today.

The 7th Grade was fine, we did an amazing lesson about the constitution and the 3 branches which we are continuing tomorrow. Gave them a huge amount of
HW though he he. We'll see how that goes tomorrow.

6th Grade was a bit shaky because the usual two were at it again. *sigh*. But got through the lessons that I had planned.

The 8th Grade was just horrible. Only have 5 kids wanting to learn to taught to them. The Menahel came in at the end of the day and was wondering why a kid had been being picked upon and that why isn't there more homework and that discipline needs to be enforced.

*growls*

Okay, for those of you who are not in a classroom, the teacher is not in charge of administration issues. I have tried to deal with these kids inside the classroom with absolutely no success. Despite what people may believe a teacher cannot control a child if they do not wish to learn or know how to behave during a lesson. Especially when I only have them for one hour. It is an administration issue. The Menahel needs to pull them out, yell, scream, have parents come down, suspend, or even finally throw out a couple of them because they have been major issues since almost the beginning of the year. I truly dont see how, if most of the teachers are complaining about certain children, that they are not doing well with their work, that nothing is happening with them.

Of course the school has been having a lot of issues because the Menahel couldn't get himself or the school organized back in June but suddenly tried to get things working one week before school opened.

I'm just really annoyed with today and will be even more annoyed for later because tomorrow have to deal with the same thing with the Menahel since I just know he's going to try and follow up.