ANYTHING.......
The students in the class are there because they failed their 8th grade reading test. They don't like to read. They don't want to read. They are not so great students. They are not badly behaved. They are a just a bunch of 15 year olds who'd rather be doing something besides reading activities at 8:00am in the library. And did I mention, one speaks no English and two are limited. And at least one is on and off of ADHD medication. And one sleeps as much as I will let him... And one.....well, I'll just stop there.
It's a good thing I guess that we have absolutely NO money to spend on any books this year. I don't have to worry about doing such craziness as choosing, cataloging, reading, processing new books. Yay--I'm so glad the lottery has garnered so much money for education in Oklahoma. NOT.
In case you didn't know--every dollar that is spent of lottery income on education is money the state doesn't have to give the schools??? So we are not getting new money--just the same amount. And it just happens to come mostly from low income, low education individuals who buy their daily lottery ticket. But somehow there isn't any state money for the schools anyway.... Which is why I'm teaching Reading.
But enough about that!!!!!
I'm also weary cause there's a wedding in two weeks. I've lost my mind. Truly. I head somewhere on a mission and wonder if invitations were sent to our actual friends. In the middle of a booktalk, I wonder if we bought enough candles. While setting up equipment, a vision of cake-less wedding guests pops in my head. Driving home from school, I ponder how much sherbert we need for an undetermined number of glasses of punch.
Truthfully, most days, I'm inclined to join that Freshman in an 8 am nap!
I'm channeling one or the other of these characters pretty much all the time!
10 comments:
I hope you get some good rest. Yay for the upcoming wedding! And good luck with your class.
Dawn - we have a child who does not care to read... But, last week she started and finished a book in two days and even recommended it to mom... MENTOR - the Kid and the CEO. All eighth graders at our school received a copy as a gift from the author. Looking at the website mentorhope.com, it appears that they donate one copy of the book for each copy that is sold. The book was written with short chapters -- maybe for people with short attention spans. I started and finished it in a couple of days after she recommended it. Being a school librarian, you might contact the author to be the next place that he donates... :o) If you have not read it, I would recommend... Based on a true story; connections to OKC... Reading between the lines, you can see that mentor relationships can change lives -- for the mentee and the mentor!
I can't even imagine not LOVING to read.
I hope you have some real inspiration that will help your class learn the JOYS of finding a NEW WORLD in a book.
I'm sorry you're having a rough time. I really can't relate to not liking to read. I remember when doing my student shadowing, one English teacher I was working with let her students do a book report on a comic book series. Her attitude was that "at least he is reading something". I totally know what you mean about the lottery. Its very frustrating to see something that was supposed to help our kids not do anything for them.
From one of your and your husband's former students, what you do does make a difference. You can't always see the legacy you are leaving but its there and its wonderful.
Deidre'
I'm sorry you are feeling so overwhelmed. The wedding will come off beautifully. Your students are...hmmmm another thing all together. I do like the book report off comic series idea. in higher ed they are cramming the internet down our throats...is there an internet assignment?
I am sorry for your weariness. Just reading your blog inspires me and I'm guessing even though those students don't like to read they will always remember you as a positive influence.
I don't like how reading is taught in school, it seems there are too many kids struggling with it.
Anyhow, hope you are chipper soon...yesterday I tried to comment 2x without any luck. Hopefully it works today.
Happy thoughts, friend!
Hey it worked!
I thought you would be happy to see a whole bunch of new comments.
That Freckled Hen sure is funny!
The wedding will be fine, and over soon.
*sob*
I'm pretty sure your class thing will work out soon, too!
Have a good week! Oh, and I replied to your question on my comments page...
I'm weary too. I'm going to bed & it's only 8:35...
Isn't it tragic how times have changed. When I was growning up we could do anything and go anywhere in a book. Now it is on the internet. Sadly the place they go isn't always a good thing. Good luck with your class and all will go well with the wedding. If it doesn't....no one will know. Moms aren't perfect and it is a new experience letting your children go. Love you.
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