The end of the first full-week of school is here and I must say, it is welcomed. Although I have very much enjoyed my students, all I'm thinking is, "I need a nap!"
The week started out well with my students and host teacher. The 11th and 12th graders worked on an introductory essay which helped my host teacher and I get to know a little bit about them. It was also nice to get an early look at their writing skills. After hours (Yikes) of grading we were able to come up with a starting point for teaching editing and grammar.
I was nervous about working with seniors, but I must say that I am really enjoying it. They're a fun group of kids, but they're also very respectful and hard-working.
I have one 11th grade student whom I am concerned about. He puts his head down as soon as he enters the classroom and he refuses to do any work. I've been warned not to address him about this in class because he will retaliate. I decided to write a note and place it in his grammar book for him to find. That might be a challenge considering he never opens it, but hopefully it will help out a bit.
I already took over full-time instruction for the juniors, but I will be waiting a week or so to take on the senior classes. I just want to make sure that I am 100% in the swing of things before I begin, that way I don't become too overwhelmed.
So far I really am enjoying myself. My host teacher is wonderful and the staff has been very helpful. I'm looking forward to another week of grading papers and learning names, (hopefully without the earthquake)!
