They were either half asleep or loving it.

This morning I had a happy teacher moment.  This is what happened.

I was teaching a VERY full day’s lesson.  We started with a 15 minute quiz.  Next it was time for new vocab. To have routine, I have vocab tests, new vocab, and a grammar concept on the same day each week.  This keeps the kids clear as to when to expect quizzes and it lets me know, at least for one day, exactly what can and does get covered.

So, we did the test, we did the five new academic vocabulary words and ten etymology/roots.  Next it was time to review some old stuff: Pronouns.  Kids sort of remember that they have heard the word, but they really don’t know the details, In all honesty, neither did I. 

We are working through reading the pronoun sheet (thanks Ms. Ward) and then doing two column notes. Last week we worked on highlighting skills. I try to incorporate some study skills since these kids just don’t have them.  So time is ticking by, we’re doing our thing, and then I look at the clock.  The clock reads 9:40. I look at the schedule, class ends at 9:32, so I look again at the clock, then at my watch, then at the class.

“HEY GUYS! Why didn’t you tell me class ended EIGHT minutes ago!”. Usually a couple kids start saying, “Should we finish up?”, or something to that effect.  We were all surprised and cracked up.  We are not using bells at the new school as part of creating a college going atmosphere (some like it, some don’t).  My class is at the end of my hall so no kids walk passed my room, meaning there is little noise. And to top that off, I don’t have a second period so we didn’t have other kids entering. We truly lost track of time!

The kids rushed to pack up and I wrote a couple passes for GROUPS of kids who had their next class far.  I walked about ten or so kids upstairs to their classes so I could take the blame and shame myself

Overall, I’d like to think this was a SUCCESSFUL class today…or perhaps they were all bored to death and asleep