Wednesday, November 01, 2006

High on lesson planning . . .

Or is it the permanent markers?

No, I'm here having a great time planning my lessons. I'm on my 6th or 7th hour here at the desk/computer and I think I've really hit my stride. We'll see if I actually enjoy being in the classroom with the pubescent monsters tomorrow, but I just might. I'm finally getting the hang of what these little buggers need: the perfect mix of games, very structured worksheets and grammar activities, activities that remind them that they don't actually know how to use what they think they know, and discipline. Yes, it's true, I often try to remind them that they don't know things. I know it sounds horrible, but it is one of the only ways to make them listen. Their propensity to cockiness is unbelievable, due mainly to the fact that they are good at worksheets and structured situations. What they are not yet so good at is actually using what they have learned. So we go back and forth between speaking and writing practice, and the rules and worksheets.

In other news, my palm needs a new pot; it looks really squished.

3 comments:

skhl said...

I am good at worksheets.

Anonymous said...

I am beginning to worry about my houseplants over Christmas. Vik will be at the house but I don't know if I can trust him to water my plants, but not too much ... I can't wait to meet your collection.

Rhiannon said...

ah, the joys of teaching. i can't decide what would be worse - cocky eigth graders, or zoned-out architects and art history first years at 830 in the morning. i feel for you!
ps - check out my bog some time - i've actually made a post!
love you!