Today, because of a scheduling change, I had English class with the entire 9th grade at last period. With the large class, we had to meet in the Board Room, which was a stuffy, sultry place on this warm afternoon. To aggravate the situation, the students were exhausted from an all-day trip to an island with the 1st graders, and surely did not look forward to a forty-minute period of wearisome English work. However, much to my surprise, it was a fairly efficient and enriching class. I think it helped that I acknowledged, at the start, their right to be tired and hot, and that I asked for their help in making the best of an uncomfortable situation. They pitched in and made a dogged effort to stay alert, despite their sleepy eyes and the sticky, motionless air.
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One of my goals this year is to make observations of four students each day. I choose the names in the morning, and then I try my best to pay particular attention to them during the day. Thus far, I have had little success, mostly because I promptly forget about this goal once the classes actually start! I guess I get so wrapped up in making sure I achieve all the objectives of the lesson that the names of the students quickly slip away. I'll keep trying, though. I'm sure a little practice and resolve will help the activity become a habit.
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