A Day Following A Student

Today was awkward, but, generally, all beginnings in a new environment are.  I took:

Phys Ed: (rigorous compared to my experience)
The teacher also is a published author and has coached field hockey. Most of the teachers I will meet today will participate in some other facet of the school.  Most of the students really care about this class.  I wonder about the loss of motivation for the couple of students who are failing. 

World Cultures
The teacher here also coaches football.
He has the students break up into group to find three different definitions for Jihad, Wahhabism, and Sufi using the internet.  I like this assignment and I get along well with this teacher.  I ask to return to his class later to observer AP World History.  gkratzer@ldsd.org

Spanish Level One
The teacher here is crazy and great.  She has the students pack up their things 5 minutes before the bell to have a discussion on why learning spanish is important for the students' future.  The principal stops in to observe.  I will see him throughout my day.

Art
This is the youngest teacher I will encounter today.  She teaches in the high school and elementary.  Here, the students learn the foundations of art.  very cool...

General Biology
Experimentation in groups then video

Earth Science
Teacher is also field hockey coach.  Students record weather and discuss.  In class experiment regarding weather patterns.  Made use of smart board.

Lunch

Foods
Particpated with a group of kids to make monkey break and orange julius.  Chaotic but fun!  This is the only opportunity I had all day to actually talk to students, so it was the most exciting class for me of the day.

Algebra
I was so bored by now of just watching that I tried to jump in and help my teacher.  Whoops!  I def. need to brush up on math.  Made use of smart board.

I stayed after school to ask questions and make a plan with Mr. Kalos for our upcoming classes.  I learned to use the copier.  4008.  yeah!!!  i have a lot to read...Staying after, however, did make me late for class.  I'm going to start thinking about going in early.

Advice of the day:  Don't treat kids like they're different from you.  They'll totally sense that and back down.

I gave a lesson later in the day on colons that I wished would have went better.  My lesson plans are money!  But my public speaking skills need work...