Saturday morning (May 14th)

Just finishing what I started and trying to remember the end of the week before I forget ...or something like that!
No one can say life is dull around here...the weeks are going by so fast I can hardly keep up and it always seems that there is so much to do...

Thursday May 12th

Morning classes: general day
French verbe du jour (jeudi) was -er verb: parler for which we managed to complete the match activity and the conjugation of the verb into les phrases.
Band
Instead of math today, we finished the personal planning section started Wednesday on the female reproductive anatomy- the students had some fabulous questions and we had a great session. I am so very grateful to Life magazine for the amazing colour photographs of the process of the conception of a baby right through to nine months. Thank-you for technology :)
Ms. Drenka covered class for the afternoon
DEAR time - also provided more 'novel' time for those who needed it!!
Ch 4 science review and crossword puzzle
Computers- mainly to provide time and access for stuents who need to work on their socials and novel work due tomorrow (thank-you to Ms. Mah's class for agreeing to switch computer times with our class at the end of the day (I don't have computers scheduled on Thursdays)

Friday, May 13th
general day:

Due to the beautiful morning weather, I decided to take advantage of some time outside for DPA/ Phys. Ed. and had the grade sevens split into two groups for long jump and shot put practice for Track and Field. In the gym, due to class use, we are restricted to 30 minutes but it was nice to actually provide time for every student to practice proper technique and have three throws and three jumps each. A big thank-you to the 'recorder' students who helped me be in 'two places at once" so to speak. The outdoor time was refreshing considering this long wintery spring.

[I was inspired after spending Thursday evening at a preliminary Track and Field meet. in West Van (West Van Secondary) with our local coach of the year Anne Bracy (from Don Ross secondary). Congratulations to Ms. Bracey who has been recognized by the B.C. School Sports for her 30 years of coaching and inspiring athletes in our district. She is currently inspiring my son among others to qualify for the upcoming Track and Field Competition which will be held at Swangard Stadium next Thursday.]

I tried a science 'observation' experiment back in class but unfortunately it was a 'bust' as I ran out of patience with trying to have the students follow directions- they were not in a listening mood and some of the materials were delivered too slowly and mixed together incorrectly which meant the 'density jar' observation did not quite deliver expected results. I guess that's science BUT I have resolved to do this observation activity as a demonstration next week and hope we get better results- it can be a messy one. The clean up was more entertaining than the activity! C'est la vie- n'est ce pas?

Lunch time saw me back out in the field with the grade three and fours (using real shot puts for the first time) and a few sevens for shot put practice. Ms. Masterson conducted long jump and the students switched once they had a few recorded throws. I have no voice left and I am hungry!

DEAR time- last day for novel work due by end of day- no one can say that time has not been provided- it is just always I feel a disappointment that, as a 'teacher', I cannot always convince students to use their time wisely or productively [I tried to have some lunch and finish the science equipment clean up]

We did some role play using volunteers for a game of 'freeze' - my students have been having some adolescent angst in their daily realtionships and I thought that trying a role play approach might be a source of understanding feelings.
Conclusion- not so much- maybe not Friday afternoon (?) I had to quell the few in class who wanted to entice a 'physical altercation' !! Had to send one out for a break- Holy, Moly - that was after discussing the differences among the need to balance passive, assertive and aggressive personality reactions in given situations.

Have you noticed I am batting approximately 50% today!!

We finshed our day and our eventful week at the computer lab for a last ditch effort and access to the computer for the novel activities - those students completed novel work were allowed some free time- some not completed just took free time anyway- I am at the point now that I really want them to accept their responsibilty. I have decided not to 'police' the few individuals who are hell-bent on flaunting the expectations especially when I have so many students who want the direction and the assistance and I am at peace with that. :)

3pm Dismissal- another week- another Friday

I had a massage booked- yeah for me!

Reflection on the week for anyone who cares to continue reading- I do realize that these reflections are more for me than anyone else but you are welcome to them anyway :)

Last week (on top of everything else) for me was 'morning duty' which comes around approx. every month and a half from 8:30/35am to the morning bell at 8:55/9am. It makes morning classroom beginnings (well mine anyway) a little less 'organized'. Luckily, this week there was only one miserable rainy morning and the rest were cool but pleasant.
It is an intersting 'assignment' to be on 'duty' as you get to see the morning unfold from its very infancy when students and colleagues arrive in various states of mood, dress and manner- the children with parents or grandparents and younger siblings (or pets) in tow, by foot or on bikes skateboards and/or roller blades, in vehicles which, despite our attempts, always manage to cause a back up in the 'drop off' only area in front of the school, on school buses and with their friends in small groups. I see the differences in the energy levels, get an idea who to direct to the breakfast program, meet and greet as our community arrives and generally have a chance to see the bigger picture before the school day gets underway!

Now it is Saturday- I have a 'tome' of novel activities to enjoy!?!
Have a nice weekend.
Mrs. J.