Today I offered a chance for students to earn back reading points they’ve missed from either being absent, not having their books during SSR (sustained silent reading), or being tardy to class. All of which cause them to lose 5 points each day it happens.
Each day, when the bell rings, my students are “supposed” to have their books out and be reading. They read for ten to twenty minutes. If we have a lot of work, I do a short reading, but really, I know it’s quite hard to get into a book in just ten minutes.
I’m sitting here with twenty students out of all my classes (apx.132 students). It’s lunch time. They are reading silently. SILENTLY…can you believe that?! And on their own time! I’m offering ten points if they come in and read (it’s not really that much, more about trying to empower them to take ownership of their grade and success in class/life).
I’m proud that this many showed up. It means they care. It means they respect me. I say that because students who don’t like teachers, won’t come on their own time because they think it’s their way of saying, “I’ll show you”. I’ll save the sign in sheet because these are the students who are showing they care and are taking responsibility. This is behavior that should be acknowledged; in hopes that it encourages more behavior like this in the future. Perhaps another reading day will be offered by me next week. 
Filed under: Uncategorized
Hey I think that’s great
I heard about this guy but I can’t think of his name right now, anyhow he has this saying “never paint anyone into a corner and always give them a way out”, I’m not sure why but I’ve always connected to that statement. I guess I just feel like if you give people a way out and you never trap them into their circumstances they can turn things around and make smart choices for themselves.
I really wish I could remember who that guy was, cuz I think he’s brilliant, oh well.
Your post is cool and what you’re doing is awesome and it reminds me of that guy I’m sure he’d be impressed, whatever his name is.
TTYL
Sounds nice & encouraging Tamara. As I mentioned before, I’ve always thought it was finding something, anything that would connect with each kid somehow. That often takes some time and investigation by both parties.
TG, That’s a common thought in the game theory set, and for plenty of strategic planning. It’s also one of the reasons why ‘high stakes testing’ in schools is generally counter productive. It drives more kids out of the system than helps them achieve more. And for plenty of systems, that’s to their benefit in making their NCLB/State ‘numbers’. For many kids, they need all the chances people are willing and able to offer. Most of the time, that willingness runs out right after their schooling does, and this always needs to be kept in mind. Cheers & Good Luck, ‘VJ’
TG: I have this one friend in my life. He’s a great guy actually. Sometimes, when we talk and I get stubborn or perhaps focused on the wrong thing…which is rare of course
, he tells me not to put him in a corner. I bet that guy read the guy’s book you’re talking about. Either way…this friend and that guy…lovely people.
VJ: VJ, no talk of NCLB…Mr. Bush’s supposedly genius plan to “fix” American education. ROFLMAO…ROFLMAO…what a farce. Perhaps if he sent his kids to an urban public school; then he’d see where the real issues lie. He’s a putz…sorry