(I'm almost caught up!!!)
So today we had a chance to see our Gandhi lesson in action. We had 5 seventh grade classes come in today (wow!) to work on these lessons.
The first thing we learned by the end of the day is that we needed to explain why they are doing this research. In NC students take a writing test in grades 4, 7 and 10. This assessment by the state sticks with them through their school lives. We are given the prompt early so they may do the research and practice writing what they plan on writing. Some of the students still didn't care after we explained this, and of course were off task most of the time.
The Gandhi lesson was very interesting, I actually learned a few things that I didn't know before. Their prompt is : "How did Gandhi help the people of India overcome the problems they faced? Were his methods effective?" We broke down the lesson into 6 stations to help them learn different parts of his method; into beliefs, humility and influence. They took notes on each item and answered questions. They will then take these notes and start drafting a paper in class.
Overall it was interesting and fun. There were of course a few students who needed to be talked to or quieted down, but that was to be expected. Even when they are rowdy like this, i still enjoy the lessons. I think I would be more likely to call their parents (which Marion said she did a lot of the rest of the week when the students were misbehaving) only because of my experience as a 7th grade teacher. Once you let them walk on you, the continue to do so, and do not listen to anything constructive you have to say.
We also worked on updating the blog for the library with a few Manga Mania items. I created a budget spreadsheet for the media and technology to keep track of what was purchased or requested, but not paid for yet. I had a chance to experience a large number of 8th graders coming in to take a test. Their teachers just sent them over without any hall pass or agenda and expected us monitor them. We sent them back and made them get their agendas and sign in to the library as expected. We spread them through the room and let them work on their tests. Because there are a number of 8th grade classroom directly across from the media center the teacher forget they have to follow the rules for their students.
Oh! I forgot to mention that Lizzy was moved from part time to full time, so now there are three of us around on Mondays! It is amazingly helpful to have an assistant, I can't quite imagine what Marian would have to give up to take on the duties that Lizzy handles for her. She is great, friendly and intelligent; loves working with the students and is also fun to talk to. I know she will make a great teacher soon.
I really do love spending the day here, I feel spoiled when I leave and have to go back to my job. As exhausting as it is to work 6 days a week (and school work the other day!) I am happy I get one day with other media center folk. I will be quite sad when this experience is over.
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