D- for the day; A+ for the effort

Ok, so I was gung ho on starting this blog, being able to talk about my awesome career, and I knew that those "need-to-vent" moments would come up, but not so soon.  It was definitely the case of the MONDAYS!

This is NOT passing, F or no F.  Below par, not even average, practically failing with that minus, and something to be ashamed of.  Not to this kid...


I spent the weekend grading their book reports.  There was a project portion and a written portion.  The directions and rubric outlined beautifully AND clearly (if I do say so myself) exactly what I wanted them to write about in the written portion.  I already anticipate that no matter how much I stress directions and rubric (in addition to examples, reminders, etc.), there's always that one kid (or two) who forgets does not follow directions and only completes the project portion or writes about something totally NOT what I asked for.  But that's okay because it's a good beginning-of-the-year lesson to show them how not following the rubric can affect their grade.  But I give them a talk and tell them if they would like to make up the missed sections, I will regrade it and add points on accordingly.

I give this kid the talk.
He tells me he wants to be a good kid, smart, etc.
I ask him if he knows what I am offering.
I ask him what his options are. (redo it or not)
I ask him his decision.
He says he'll keep the D- grade.
WHAT???!!!   "I want to be smart" and "I'll keep the D-" do not go hand in hand.
Anyway, I ask, "Why?"
He says, "I don't know." (of course)

Basically, I tell the kid how sad and disappointed I am, ya da ya da ya, and tell him to take the lunch break to think about it.  The talk must have worked because he came back to tell me he would redo the assignment.  Well, let's see if actions speak louder than words here.  It's not like the work is turned in just yet.

Honestly, getting kids to be intrinsically motivated is SOOOO difficult sometimes!  I'd say I'd love help from the home front, but that's been tried in this situation and... it's a whole other story.

What kind of kid is this in your classroom?

No.  Monday is not over.

I'm going over some Monday announcements going home today and the upcoming fundraiser for our school.  To get them motivated, I talk about the competition where the highest selling upper grade class wins a pizza party and free recess.  Before I could go on, I hear a comment from a kid off the the side to himself (and probably his neighbor) saying "Eh, I have money.  I can just buy my own pizza and not have to share."  HELLOOOOOOO!!!!

Where is the character education being taught at home!?  Of course, he didn't think I heard him, so I make the comment to the class, "I know pizza and free recess are not huge prizes, but here is how this fundraiser can help our school and those who have much less than some of us..."  A+ for effort?  I thought so.  At least I know who to focus my character education lessons on now!


"What happened with your good kids today?"

...says my hubby every time after he hears me vent.  He truly is a nice guy and I love that he's so positive and listens to all my stories.  Alright, here it is...

I had kids who wanted to stay in to study (on their own) or catch up.
There was a boy who asked a girl who was crying what the matter was and consoled her.
My sub plans for two meeting days this week are done.
The difficult math concept I worked so hard to plan is ready to roll and I'm looking forward to teaching it.

All bad days come to an end and there's always a silver lining.  :)