Talking...

The major issue I am facing during lead teaching is dealing with talking. Talking is a good thing, but at appropriate times and my students have no clue when the appropriate time is. I continue to use the "3 Check" system that my CT uses; 1st and 2nd check are warnings, 3rd check is a consequence. I have adopted this system to fit my style a little more. The 1st check will be a warning, the second the student will be sent to the hall to complete a set of questions called the "Plan of Action." Example questions students have to answer are: What happened?, What did Mr. Kay think happened?, What is your plan of action to return to class?, Next time in this situation I will...The third check is either going to be a call home from the student and myself or a trip down to the office.

I will be trying this out on Tuesday when we return to school, until then I am going to enjoy my snow day off and get some much needed work done.

Help for Haiti

This past Friday my two related arts classes held a bake sale during all school lunches. Over the past few weeks the classes have been learning about Haiti and other current events. Students felt compelled to do something to help out people in Haiti and they decided on holding a bake sale to raise money. We raised over $260!! I was very impressed with my students and I am really glad we had a chance to make a difference in people's lives.

Over Winter break I worked on my online portfolio, resume and cover letter. I took advantage of what little free time I have had and got some really important things done. I will be attending a teaching career fair in three weeks in Colorado. The College of Education does not tell you much about career fairs, only their own at the end of your intern year. I am unsure of what to expect in Colorado, but feel that my preparedness will pay off in the long run, because in reality, you not only complete the internship year to become a better teacher, but you also do it to get a J-O-B!

Check out my online portfolio @ www.bryankayportfolio.weebly.com. Keep in mind, this site is under continual construction as I am adding new things to it everyday.

Motivation..

Some kids have it, others don't. Motivation is a main reason people are successful in school and in life. While a majority of my class is motivated to turn in work and do well in class, I still feel there are some that just don't care. I have spoken to these students individually and tried to plan out ways they can be successful and what we can do so they change their habits. These students are the ones I have to call on numerously throughout the day to finish work or to get started doing whatever it is I have them doing. It is frustrating when a student doesn't care about the lesson you are teaching after it took you so long to try and create something that was engaging and fun.

One of my least favorite lines from my students is "this is boring..."! When students say that it means that the activity is really lame, its too hard or way too easy. I would like to think my lessons are exciting and that my tasks aren't too challenging or too easy, it just seems like some kids just don't care. I plan activities and assignments with the purpose of engaging students in things they are interested in, but even that doesn't work. I am not going to give up on these students but it sure would be easy too. I am sure that many teachers, after trying several things like myself for these kids, give up. I don't want to give up because I will be doing what most everyone else has done to these students, not care. I have to find a way to connect with these students and dig deep to find a solution. I would love some help...any suggestions? email @ kaybryan@msu.edu