The Refreshing Day - 9/24/08

Today when I walked into class, several students were already there. Immediately they began asking me questions about a homework assignment that I had given them during the previous class. I was excited that they were trying, finally, to be on top of things. In my head I was thinking "It's about time!" I explained to them that they didn't need to freak out, but that I would explain my expectations when the rest of the class arrived.

Several students walked in late, but I got started right away even though some still weren't there because they have a tendency to be late. I would catch them up when they arrived.

I started class by putting an email up on the overhead that I had sent to one of my professors the previous day and wanted to show them because I thought it would be a great way to show them how our work in project 1 is relevant to other areas of our lives. The email had been sent to my SPED prof and was a mixture of a thank-you and a suggestion. I felt that it turned out well and read it to my students. Their eyes were glued on me as I read and I could see that this was a serious moment for them and one that they didn't want to miss. I explained my reasoning for sharing it with them and they seemed really grateful.

I then wanted to still their fears about project 1, so I handed out the checklist for process materials that I had them write down the class before and then I explained to them what the rubric would be like and how I would grade them. They seemed a little shocked that they wouldn't receive a grade, but accepted it nonetheless with no major issue.

Finally, we finished up project 1 with their reflection piece. I handed out the questions that I wanted them to answer on a sheet of paper and told them to write their responses there. Once they were finished, I had them put the reflection in the folder and collected project 1. One thing I wished I had done was to talk with them about their responses. We had a lot to accomplish and I forgot to talk about it. I think I may discuss it with them at another time or at least for project 2 reflection.

After the reflection, I gave them a little heads up about how important their attendance and preparation for class is. I wanted them to know that and to talk to me if they have any problems, either with organization or other.

We then transitioned into project 2. I had them divide into 2 groups: the men and the women. I then gave instructions to each group, asking them to come up with characteristics of the opposite sex. Immediately, they were having fun. I had a hard time keeping them quiet until we shared. I gave the guys the choice of whether or not they would go first. They decided to because they figured the girls would have a longer list. Right away the girls wanted to respond. I tried to keep their responses solely to giggles. I was impressed because the guys chose some really great works (like fickle). I then had the girls put their list on the board. The guys also wanted to respond, but I held them back as well. Once they were done writing, I asked them how they felt. Many of them said they didn't care, but I prodded them to go further. One girl said she wouldn't share this list with her boyfriend because it wasn't all true of him. We finally came to the conclusion that the words on the board were stereotypes.

I couldn't end the activity with that, so I asked them why I would have them talk about stereotypes. At first, they didn't know what to say. However, as we talked, they figured out that cultures and stereotypes often clash. What a moment. At that point they pulled out their homework and shared their ideas with one another. I had each student pick his or her top choice of culture to examine, gave a brief explanation of what project 2 would entail, and then had a student help me write the ideas on the board so that they wouldn't double up. We only had one issue and the students resolved it quickly.

I then handed out the proposal sheet, explained it, and then dismissed those who didn't have teacher consults.

Overall, the day went really well. I was excited to see their attentiveness to the way I started class and yet their enthusiasm for project 2. I wish that every class could be like today.

Teacher consults went well, too. The first group of 3 completed the goal sheet. They didn't want to share much, but were respectful with one another and each one came up with some good goals. Even my Japanese student had great responses and seemed confident to share. After completing the goal sheet, I asked them if they had any other things they wanted to talk about. One girl said she was struggling in math and another girl said she was in the same math class and had gotten a tutor to help her. I asked if she would help the other girl find a tutor and she agreed!

The second group was really honest in their sharing. This group consisted of one guys (who is very chatty) and two other girls (one outgoing, the other shy). They each had something different to say about their strengths, weaknesses, and values in writing and shared some of the same struggles. It was a very personal time, probably the most yet, but it was great to see how they each respected one another and me. I can't wait to see them all grow in the class.

I think you can now see why this day has a title...it truly was refreshing.