Not so Settle

When I started this silly side project I was more gung ho for it than any undertaking I had endeavored to pursue in quite some time.

And yet here I am, caught in the middle of the beginning of 2010 and over on the right hand side it reads 13. To date I have posted a mere 13 entries (not including this one) this calendar year.

The last entry comes from day 87 and I regret to say that I had to reread it to recall its lesson.

Having done so, I will say that for as much as how day 87 felt like a downer, during day 88 I was living high.

For those that weren't living it with me, I'll recap following today's lessons.

Day 91:
Every once in a while my meager mind will manufacture a method of instruction that I all but guarantee to drive the point of the lesson home.

Today WAS NOT that day.

This is not to say that my methodology was lacking, so much as to say that my madness did not account for a birth of backfire .

Let me explain.

In addition to overcoming numerous natural disasters, the early settlers of Japan had to overcome the fact that only 15% of their land was farmable.

Today I decided to have my students live this out by removing upwards of 35% of the chairs in my classroom. Truthfully, I was hoping the lack of resources would generate some tension, maybe even conflict, over who would have access to them. But true to unpredictable fashion, my tweens resolved to fall into one of two categories: Steal or Settle.

Some stole from their table mates while most settled for their lot and resolved to endure the day atop their table.

The dramatic effect rated a whoppin' zero. But bless their hearts because each period, in one form or another, stated they were reluctant to bicker because they know my stance on bullying.

Needless to say....

Today I learned from my students that sometimes making a point is as easy as simply saying it.
Today I learned that grandiose does not always guarantee results.
Today I learned that failure can be good - because it generates an awareness of what does not work, which in a sense, moves us closer to that which does.


And here's a taste of the lessons from last week...

Day 88:
Ah, "By the Numbers: The Purpose of Middle School".
Hands down this is my favorite from-the-heart message I give to my students. I may not be able to answer their question of, "Why do we have to learn history", but I can definately, passionately explain why the most awkward, least desired point of our schooling career is necessary.

The great point(s) of gratification comes as students exit the class muttering their appreciation for the truths laid out during this lecture.

Because straight up, with out Middle School, we wouldn't have the chance to build upon the skills we learned in elementary school. Nor would we be afforded the opportunity to establish the new ones that will in turn create opportunities for high school and beyond.

This day I learned that I teach history because its content matter provides flexibility.
This day I learned that I teach history so that I may help students look towards their future.

DAY 89-90
These days contained lessons of their own, however I am lacking the time to adequately address them....more to come.