Friday's lessons

I continued creative writing from the previous week the students. Since they were having issues with mechanics I decided to really break it down and start from the beginning with them. I introduced the 5 step process to them and basically let them do a creative writing piece following the steps. We picked up on Friday with the proofreading/editing bit.  I wanted them to not only get in the habit of proofreading their own work but seeing the importance of it. I also wanted them to do some peer editing. I found a nice checklist that suited for both types of editing and went over it with the kids. I was kind of shocked when Mr. Malseed said they had never done peer editing before. Whoa! He seemed to like it and might perhaps use it once I leave. On Monday I plan on having them finish up editing and writing their final draft and submit that to me. I haven't decided if I want them to publish it on a nice piece of paper and then display these in the room. I think the amount of errors in the writing is going to be significantly less then what I have been finding. I am also hoping that the class goal of having perfect punctuation happens! (cross my fingers)


oh and did i mention we can't assign the students homework on Friday!!!!
-management wise: I kind of feel at a loss to what other strategies to use. I know that management has always been something for me to improve upon in but these students are really stumping me. I notice it is not just with me but the main classroom teacher as well that the students misbehave for. They are a chatty bunch. To get them back on track or to squelch any side conversations seems almost impossible some days. They get bold and will keep on talking even after I have said their name, given the warning of extra homework, and tried multiple other ways of correcting the behavior. I have tried clapping, raised voice, waiting, etc. and nothing has worked. They don't really have a time out place. If i see a student with repeated issues I usually just sit him/her out of the activity.  I think part of it is that they did not have a firm management style from the beginning so when I entered the picture not only was that a factor but they know that I am not from here so they try to take advantage of that as well.  It is a bit frustrating but I am  definitely learning things from the situation.

Update for this week!

• Teaching English (Creative Writing) tomorrow- going to work with the students on run-on sentences, adverbs, adjectives, punctuation, and concise writing. I am excited to see what they come up with! They are a very creative bunch. When grading their last creative writing assignment I was very impressed! (not to mention, I am still amazed at the wonderful handwriting! I think this is something that U.S. schools could use more of in their curriculum. Due to the limited amount of time in a day it seems like handwriting has kind of gone to the wayside. Cursive has already gotten the axe in a lot of schools. Being able to write legible is something worth while!)
• In science the students will be working with potato and lemon batteries. The big upcoming project though is construction of lighthouses! They have to make a battery to run the light in their lighthouses and construct the whole structure itself.. complete with rocky landscape surround the lighthouse.
• Today the whole school gathered for the send off of Christmas boxes to charity. The students could bring in over the week a wrapped box with items for either a boy or girl for Christmas. A Dublin single decker bus came to the school to pick the boxes up. It was fun to see all the infants extremely excited to see the bus. Overall they collect around 160 boxes! way to go Kill!
• The students had Spanish today and it was great to be able to help out some of the struggling students with the vocab! (Thank you LSN and IB for forcing me to take Spanish!)
• They also had cycle training for P.E. Monday. Only 2 of the kiddos didn't know how to ride but they were persistent in trying. One pretty much had it down by the end of the session, although braking and more controlled steering is a thing we will be working on. No injuries though! (few close wall encounters and almost head on crash with another bike but crisis adverted)
• It is such a great experience to see how a classroom teacher can take on all the extracurricular areas (music, p.e., and art).