Six thoughts on a first day of school.
Driving
‘Wait…who pays for college? You mean we have to pay for it? Can I pay to have my own dorm?’
-a 12-year old
‘Can teachers swear in college?’
-a 15-year old
How to throw somebody under a ___ (Math class)
I want you to be able to say ‘I like math’ by Christmas, so you don’t need to be terrified of it, if you are right now, or if you feel like you have gaps in your understanding of math.’
A boy raises his hand high: Um, I have a question…I have a big gap in math. It’s from 5th grade. I was homeschooled by my mom in 5th grade, but there’s a problem: she forgot to homeschool that year. So I have a big gap.
Same boy, later: Umm, I didn’t find out about COVID for a while. I turned 10 in the spring and was going to have everyone over, but then I found out about COVID.
More math
‘We have to know how to USE a lot of math tools, but you don’t have to MEMORIZE everything, so I’ve included some helpful tools at the back of the notebooks I’m giving you.’
-Mrs B———-
Writing, art, games, history, and other such subjects in another class
‘Playing card games is a great way to problem-solve, get our brains cooking, and meet new people.’
Ms D———
So I played UNO with a table of 6th graders. I wore a name tag. But no one used my name, or really looked at me. Also, I did not win.
Thoughts from a wonderful teacher’s intro to class (Ms D———)
I don’t like being told what to do or what to wear. My mom used to pick out these outfits and want me to match and I hated it. I’m an only child. I don’t like to share. I will. But want to do what I want.
I tried to learn origam, but it’s just not for me. I end up crumpling things up and throwing them away. A few years ago, when we were learning about Japan, I had to have a mom teach origami. I sat in the back and tried to follow along, but I would try to distract students so theirs would look worse than mine.
I like to hit my punching bag and speed bag to relax and let off steam. I listen to music - punk rock - to get amped up. Hitting things like a punching bag helps me relax.
In this class, I expect you to be restful, don’t talk over others, get sleep - I hate students coming in and saying I’m so tired. Also I expect you to be kind, be curious, and play fair. Also, don’t write on my whiteboard unless I ask you too. It drives me crazy when people do that.
Other
We discussed Greek mythology. Gods and goddesses, Gorgons, Cerberus, Polyphemus, Hydras, and one of my favorites, that I discussed with a couple 4th graders: Theseus and the Minotaur.
It was a solid first day.
