10:16am first official sighting of summer- the sun popped out for 20 minutes!
no homework
there are still a couple of students still to bring fieldtrip forms and payment-
It makes me crazy that deadlines seem to be meaningless but I know that we play a big part in NOT enforcing them so ...yeah!
The fieldtrip should be cancelled BUT we all make excuses: "I was absent so I need an extra day", payment is not always easily forthcoming for some of my students, some have come to rely on the 11th hour as an expectation and I know for a fact some parents would not be happy if their child was excluded so sometimes it is easier to let it go and therein lies the problem
This another thing that needs a re-visit next year and maybe there will be less fieldtrips (or less students on them!)
As a matter of fact if a few characters cannot 'toe the line' behaviourally in the next couple of days they will be excluded from the fieldtrip anyway so...I'll keep you posted.
General Day
Ms. Sorben the Band teacher wanted the grade six and seven students to see a music related movie called Drumline so that started the day. (9-10:30am)
Personal Planning: today we looked at applying our decision making skills that we have been exlporing in grade seven and applying them to different scenarios that could be a possibility in grade eight
It was like a WWYD (What would you Do) activity.
The nice thing about moving to grade eight, a new school and new teachers is that you can re-invent yourself and decide to do things differently and hopefully better...
We discussed how some habits are hard to break and how our own thinking and reactions can make it difficult to change our inner voices to be more positive to create a positive rather than a negative 'cycle' of consequences.
The students responded to four scenarios or 'events' but I did not push them too much to discuss their reactions as I had offered privacy for their thought and feelings.
A= activating event
B= beliefs (inner voice, thoughts and feelings
C= consequences ( of behaviour and reactions)
The students bought in well enough but it seems that a few characters are really trying to impress their peers with their 'couldn't care less' attitude. I guess there are a few in every classroom around this time of year because the writing is on the wall so to speak (the report card in reality) so they may as well celebrate their ennui publicly as a way to cover their insecurities.
Before lunch we did an activity that turned the topic to their favourite moments of the school year- this generated a much more fun-loving and positive vibe - thank-goodness
I was heartened that many who handed in their top three mentioned that a highlight was organizing and running sports day- who would have guessed:) Pleasantly surprised :)
DEAR time was a little delayed as our principal requested some serious thoughts and opinions from the grade sevens about the physical, rude and silly behaviour that has been gathering speed among them for the last two days. Students are on notice that they will be excluded from our class fieldtrip Friday if they have any further referrals to the office.
It's been coming now for a while and this is the last stop! As I said above, I'll keep you posted.
Spend a million project time
as per yesterday- picking up on the posters and images for the posters for their 'spending spree'.
And of course I have a couple of 'whiny' voices asking- do we have to? It's not for marks...I have offered another activity (Roman history project) but so far no takers!!
It is too bad because this can be a really fabulous project but I know at least a third of this group of students have lost interest already- they need something new because they very seldom follow things through to the end. They're not here to 'learn' but would prefer to be entertained! Another issue is that attendance wise some students who paired up yesterday have lost their partners as I had 9 students absent to start the day and 5 by the day's end!!!
Phys. Ed. had a longer gym session today as the grade six class went out to the field - thanks to the boys who offered to assist with the set up of the tables for Mrs. L.- she really appreciated it. We did a line soccer, line basketball and line handball. Was a bit crazy with students coming and going (helping set up for the Kindergarten potluck) but everybody that wanted had the chance to play.
Back to class clean up- reminders about tomorrow and 3pm dismissal
Can't wait for more fun and excitement tomorrow!!!
Mrs. J.
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