High: Upon arriving to 1st hour I was informed of a dull day of reviewing ahead so I went to observe the Survival Biology class next door. Thinking I would just be watching those kids for the next few hours, I was instead handed an exam form and told to take the kids out to the greenhouses, give them a flint and a cotton ball, and make sure each of them has made a "passing" fire that lasts 3 minutes by the end of the period. No big deal. Just a day in the life. I couldn't stop snickering at these kids making fires. Yelling at the tough boys to put their bonfires out, telling the girls it wont kill them to actually get a little dirt on their knees, and sitting by the garden waterfall watching chaos ensue made my entire morning. Oh, and I've also decided I should learn some survival skills myself.
High: Second period I went back to my kids so that I could journal them. During the free time review the boy that incessantly asks me questions (many of which I don't know the answer to) started firing review questions at me. I decided to play the game a little differently this time. Instead of answering them I started asking circle questions to get HIM to come up with the answer. Other kids joined in on our heated quizzing. Soon, I had half of the class trying to shout out answers to my steady stream of fast questions. When I walked away I felt so smart and rewarded......and I hadn't even answered one question. Mr. Doyle came over and told me how well I did that =)
Low:During this class everybody was noting that Jake (The cool kid in class) was absent. I was also interested since he sits by me, is a generally good student, and is always busy being way to cool for school. As the bell rang he walked in. Everyone got excited to see him, said their hellos and went to their next classes. As they left he disclosed to Mr. Doyle and I that this morning he was diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease. As he said this tears started streaming down his face and I closed the door to the room. He explained that he may not be in class for the next few days and that his mom would keep contact. Mr. Doyle assured him that everything will work around his needs and schedule. Mr. Doyle asked if he wanted to take a few moments in the room before he left. I watched this popular, handsome, active student muster up all of his might and say "I'll be ok" and leave. Mr. Doyle and I both sat in the empty room stunned and saddened. This is something a teacher must throw all rules and expectations away for. Mr. Doyle did just that and I hope to be just as good at it as him.
