So Proud of Them

Yesterday, my LA students' outlines were due for their research essay. I gave them templates on Wednesday to fill in with their information, and told them it would be due on Thursday with no exceptions. I knew I was probably asking for disappointment, but I hope I'd scared them enough with the past couple of check points that they knew I was serious.

It turns out they DID know I was serious. Almost all of my students had their outlines to turn in, and it was a wonderful thing! I allowed them to talk or work quietly as I read through each outline, concentrating on the overall organization of their information (thesis, topic sentences, details). Some of them were outstanding, most of them were good, and a few needed a little more work to get good. But hey, as long as they turned it in, I was very proud of them and gave them no lower than an 85%. I had mostly 100%'s, though! I was actually very pleased and impressed with how well most of them were organized. Yes, they were using a template that I created for them, but it does take a certain amount of skill to insert the information into the template!

Today was a little easier since they'd worked so hard most of the week. I took them to the computer lab so they could start thinking about their PowerPoint Presentations or posters. Most of them are doing PPT presentations, but there are a few who prefer posters. They are already interested in each others' topics, and I saw them asking each other questions, sharing pictures and information, and telling their neighbors shocking facts about their topic.

One of my students, JC, did not have his outline yesterday. When I asked him about it, he said he'd work on it, but went right back to socializing with a couple of girls in the class. I scolded him a couple of times, so he put the work away, said he didn't understand it, and then pulled out his history homework. We had a couple of words, so I took him outside. I said the usual, "I know you can do better. You are already behind. Do you want to go to college? You seem like you don't care." At this, he turned his head to the side, and said quietly, "I do care." I'm going about this all wrong, I thought.

I told him that I care, too. I care about him, and I want him to succeed, to do his best. I asked him if he wanted extra help. "Yes, Miss." I asked if he could stay after school. "I don't know...." So, I told him I'd be there if he could. He didn't show up after school.

Today, JC came to class, looking downtrodden. "JC, do you have your outline?" "No, Miss, I didn't get it," he mumbled.
"Are you OK?" He really did not look happy. Was my class doing this to him?
"No." He shook his head. "I got in trouble again yesterday."
"Yesterday wasn't a good day for you, was it?"
Another shake of the head.
"Why don't you work on your outline right now then?"
"Miss, I can work on my PPT presentation now. Will you stay after school today?" (He's asking you for help!!!)
"Sure, JC, I'll be here until 3:00."

JC came for help this afternoon...along with 6 of his friends; 3 of whom are also in one of my classes and are doing the same project. When JC told them why he was there, they encircled him, and started giving him ideas for what to put on his outline. It was quite a sight to see...7 rough-and-tough, hyper, you'd think school is the last thing on their mind, Hispanic guys, crowding around their friend to help with a research outline. It warmed me to the core. I was so proud of all of them. After they left, I helped JC get his thoughts together. He left feeling organized and capable. The more I can empower these kids toward their own success, the better I do as a teacher.

Today was a good day. My students were engaged, they all jumped to give me their email addresses when I asked if they wanted me to email them their progress report, they were helping each other, they were nice to me, and they provided evidence of their learning. The perfect day in a teacher's week.

Quote of the Day:
"S____, did you have your Weaties this morning?"
"My weedies?"
"Yeah."
"...Are you asking me if I'm high?"