Remember how in my last entry I said I was, "headed for burn out"? What I did not mention when running down my daily schedule, was that I have essentially worked myself out of any sort of planning block 4 days a week. But hey, at least I still have lunches...
Then I wrote this email to the other literacy teachers. I'm gearing up to say "so long" to my lunch period. Just once a week though...
Since yesterday's 9th grade course selection meeting, I have been visited by a number of students from my literacy class who would like to Honors English next year. Some I have no qualms about signing off on on. Others have not been producing "honors level" recently, but have sworn to me that they're going to be working "REALLLLY hard" for the rest of the year. I'd like to give them an easy "no"; only problem there is I know this kids are indeed as smart as they say they are and could probably use an extra challenge.
SO, here is the deal I've struck with my kids: In exchange for my signature, I'll be asking them to read some books outside of class then meet with me during SSR once a week to discuss/ pass in assignments that will factor into their regular literacy grade. Looking at the list of classroom sets that Megan sent out in January, The Pearl and Animal Farm would probably be good places to start.
If you'd like to throw any of your cherubs into the mix, please just send me their names. I'll check out logistics and let you know which day of the week we'll be getting together and where we'll be.
Thanks!
-Amanda
