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Mysterious Teaching

Insights behind the perils of being a teacher

Do you have Charlotte's Web?

One of the questions on their end of year test is about Charlotte's Web.  I can't believe how many of them came up to me and asked me if I still had the book.  Like I am going to help them with the answers?  They have read that book every single year since Kindergarten.  And now there is a movie!  They can certainly answer the question without my help.  But NOOOOOOoooooo.

These helpless little darlings are waiting for someone to give them the answers.  I have had that problem with them all year.  I give them notes for tests making sure that we cover every single item on the test.  They copy them off the board (sometimes), but do they study them?  "but I wrote them down!"  That's studying, isn't it?  I should not have to read my notes over and over.  You should just pass me because I wrote them down.  Oops, I only wrote the first two.  Well you should pass me because I intended to write the rest down but I got sidetracked playing with paper in my desk.

How can you expect me to learn when I have to talk to my BFF and boy friend every night? 

I don't have time to study I have to clean my room. 

We went into town so I couldn't study.  My mom said that was OK this time. 

I am amazed at the constant excuses they have for not studying.

Published Wednesday, May 16, 2007 9:45 AM by MysteryTeacher
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Comments

 

Betty said:

I have had principals who don't believe in retention and students move from grade to grade without doing much work.  They know that there is always that extra credit assignment available to pull them up if necessary (or a parent arguing over a grade).  This gives them all the time in the world for a social life without having to stress out and study.

May 17, 2007 7:22 AM
 

MysteryTeacher said:

Yes, I have had several teachers who didn't believe in retention.  I just keep documentation on the kids and show a need for it.  I use the argument that they are not ready for the next grade because they are missing too many skills.  We now have pre and post tests too.  Oddly enough, they are the students who did NOT improve at all on the tests.  That is because they didn't learn anything this year.  In fact one little boy went DOWN!!!  He spent the year playing in his desk.

May 17, 2007 9:11 AM
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About MysteryTeacher

I am a wild, whacky, weird, wonderful woman and teacher. I am venturing into a previous life by teaching ELL this fall. I use to teach ESL years ago. I am excited, empowered, and employed. I love life.

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