Last week, we started Scattergories. We break the 140 kids in fourth grade up into different groups to work on Math and Reading. Math is on Mondays and Tuesdays. Reading is Wednesdays and Thursdays. During this time (12-12:30, in between specials and lunch), we go over TAKS practice problems and work on students' writing because they are taking the TAKS writing test this spring. My math group of students is made up of kids who didn't pass the TAKS test, but passsed between the skin of their teeth the second time. They struggle immensely with basic skills that should have be learned (ex. they are still using their fingers and toes to find what 8 + 7 is). The group of kids that I work with in reading, I've been told, are the ones that probably won't pass the TAKS test at all due their differences in learning styles (ie. dyslexia, adhd, etc.) On Thursday, we discussed the differences with fact or opinion. After going through some examples, I had them write out their own fact and opinion and share with the group what they wrote and then we would decide whatever statement was a fact or an opinion. My student couldn't write a full sentence. The thoughts were just jumbled pictures with letters.
The one thing that sticks out to me to be the most frustrating part of new part of my day in teaching is the fact that someone didn't take the extra effort with these kids. I know I might be sounding too nieve; some of them have legit learning problems. But for the most part, these kids come from backgrounds of being ignored and pushed to the side. Why would anyone push aside someone's success?
Although it's challenging, it's absolutely perfect despite their rough edges. My kids were soo excited that I was their teacher during scattergories. Heath, one of the boys in my reading group, used to be in my 1st period class but now works with the math specialist during my teaching time. When he came into my class and found out that we would be working together alongside 6 others, he ran over to my group, grabbed the seat next to me, flashed a huge grin and wanted to tell me all about his day and what he had enjoyed most. This is why I love my job. Seeing the joy in my kids' eyes over the little things.
Okay, time to get started, but I wanted to share one of my crazy kid stories.
On Thursday, we were working on book work in Math. When one of the kids doesn't understand something, they come up to either Mrs. Mateleska's desk or mine and we work on the problem with them. During third period, I was helping Robert. I looked behind him and there were 6 boys lined up behind him; Bryce, Ryan, Preston, Mitchell, Matthew and Andy. Bekah was working with Mrs. Mateleska. Mrs. Mateleska looks at me and then looks at the boys and says, "Now, boys. Do you really need help or are you lined up to ask Miss Chambers a question because you think she is pretty?" All of the boys' ears turned bright and they ran back to their seats. haha.
Ah, to be in 4th grade again.
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