I feel accomplished today, it was a great end to a kinda lousy week.
I gave a color mixing quiz today, and everything ran smoothly. Apparently my kids have a good understanding that when you are taking a test or quiz it is time to STFU. Most of them did really well on it too, I can tell they paid attention while they were filling out their worksheets the last few days, or at least studied up before class today. I had several kids make 100s, and a few even got the bonus question in addition to that. A few however, clearly did not look over it at all or pay any attention whatsoever to what they did this week. I didn't give anyone lower than a 50, but it certainly wasn't because no one made below that. I even managed to get all my quizzes graded and into my gradebook before 8th period was over!! WHOOO!
Monday and Tuesday went pretty well too, we played pictionary those days. My kids needed a change of pace, and it was the tail end of a project we'd been working on, so as soon as they were done with their projects they could join in the game. I really feel like even though we were playing, it was a learning experience for all of them. Every time they draw something they've never tried to draw before they are learning something new.
Wednesday was a turning point. I sat down with every single class to explain to them how things had to change for this last 6 weeks of the semester. Things like actually turning in their homework, and doing a good job on their sketchbooks. Also, I told them that I was giving out NO MORE SECOND CHANCES when it came to cell phones...and then I gave them candy for playing the game the days before. That went smoothly until 4th period, my art 2 class. These kids are GREEDY, and apparently entitled to whatever they want out of life. They all took extra candy when I was in the room next door helping a few of them with their current project. I was pissed. 5th period did the same thing, I walked across the room for something while they were working and when I turned around they were raiding the candy bucket. Punks. 7th period wound up not getting any candy that day because all that was left after those 2 classes was Whoppers.
Thursday I showed up with more candy so that 7th period could actually get some, and my Art 2 kids really crossed the line this time. While I was out of the room again, they went behind my desk and rooted through my drawers and found the unopened bag of candy in a walmart sack on the counter...and opened it, and ate over half of it. Once again I didnt have enough candy for 7th period. I flipped out and bitched the entire class out for it, even though I know that half the class was definitely not responsible for it. Today, I told them that they are no longer welcome on that side of the room without my express verbal consent. They have also all been warned that if I ever catch them back there or in my desk I will ask no questions and immediately write them up. Damned kids.
I NEED this weekend. I have been looking forward to it for days. I cant wait to not think about school for a little while- Thanksgiving can't come soon enough!
