Whining = No Privileges For You

I teach p.e. to two 6th grade classes once a week.  When it's cold outside, I have to be creative to get that many 6th graders in the gym.  Yesterday, I thought we'd play crab soccer with a giant ball. I think it's a fun game.  Apparently 6th graders don't.  They all grumbled and whined and complained.  I cancelled p.e. and had them write essays about why they should be respectful and thankful that they get two p.e.s a week while all other grades only get one.  Here are some of the gems I got:

"I'm sorry if we disrespected you.  To tell you the truth, I didn't want to play crab soccer at first, but then I wanted to.  Some people I talked to wanted to do it.  I'm really thankful though that we get all the fun things you provide for us."   ~TI

"I'm not very happy that some people were giving my teacher an attitude but I have to live with it."   ~NK

"We should be bowing to our teachers because they work their butts off to teach us and just hand us p.e."   ~CV

"Our teachers are really nice and kind to give us their extra time.  They could let us do art or something, but they think an extra p.e. would make US HAPPY.  That is what they think about."   ~CB

"We didn't have p.e. today cause we weren't thankful for what we have.  I guess you don't realize what you have until you've lost it.  Everyone said, "That game stinks!"  I realize now that we need to stop doing that cause it's rude and ignorant.  I am sorry!"   ~SL

"I don't like some of the games we play but I don't complain because I'm too busy being thankful."   ~JB

"I'm mad at everyone that had groaned.  It's not nice, what they did.  It's rude to you and to everyone who doesn't get to play now.  I think people are rude when they do that.  Now we can't play and it's unfair to everyone.  But, because we did that we shouldn't be able to go.  Your choice was fair and I'm ok with your decision."   ~KW

"All the other grades only get p.e. once a week so when we whine or complain we are basically saying we don't want or deserve to be there.  We need to appreciate what our teachers do for us and make them feel appreciated or maybe one day they will just stop."  ~FT 

I think they'll appreciate any activity we do in p.e. from now on...or at least for the next 3 weeks.

Pretty but Not a Slut

My cohort student started today.  When she came in I was meeting with a small reading group.  They saw her and JB says,

"She's really pretty."

Me: "She is very pretty."

"She looks a lot like my cousin except without all the piercings...and she's (pointing to the cohort) not a slut like my cousin."

Me: "Oh.  Let's not use that word in school."

"Really though.  My cousin's a slut!  She's only 16 and she has a baby!"

Oh the joys of 6th graders with no filters.

First Day of School = Epic Success

Last year, 10 students missed the first day of class...this year, 2 students missed the first day of school.  Much better then last year but seriously, who in the h.e. double hockey sticks misses the first day? 

That being said, I am in L. O. V. E. with my class.  They are fabulous!  It is such a different vibe than last year.  I loved my class last year, but they were freaking difficult (remember here, here, here and here?  I sure do!).  It looks like this year will be much different.  It looks like we'll have an amazing time learning and growing together.  I am so excited for this year! 

JB has already said I'm the funniest teacher she's ever had...just you wait, JB...Just you wait!  I get funnier (or crazier) as the year progresses.  I have a feeling you'll be rolling on the floor laughing by December. 

Let's cross our fingers and our toes that this year remains as stellar as the first day was!