A Long Day

         Today was a long day to put it mildly. It started out very well with the seventh grade classes. I taught two of three. During the classes, we read a short play about a famous or perhaps not so famous Patriot, Francis Marion. Students volunteered to read for the various parts and some did a very good job at portraying their character. Intermittently, I discussed Marion’s relevance to the American Revolution and how the play focused on the several tactics employed by Patriots during the war. I actually didn’t know much about Francis Marion prior to the classes, but by the end, I would consider myself well informed. Luckily for me, the seventh graders were not shy about participating. Many of them were eager to answer questions and share their opinions, which made the classes all the more enjoyable for me. I must add that they have reminded me that sometimes not being afraid to embarrass yourself by being silly can be a good thing.

            The second part of my day was a bit chaotic. All of the eighth grade classes had to make a thank you note for another student intern that has been coming in every Monday since the beginning of the year. The students made a rough draft/sketch of what they were going to draw/write and were able to start on their final copy once I approved them. Following the directions was not an issue, however, talking was. The frustrating part was that the students were not finishing their notes because they were talking so much. I also probably would not have minded their chatter as much if they had not been so quiet during class late last week. Its amazing how much and how loud the eighth graders can talk when they want to. I also understand that these are their last days of school before "graduating" but a little cooperation would be nice. I certainly would not call today a good or a bad day, but demanding may be more fitting.