Realization

I have two classes, both at the end of the day, who I haven't seen in almost a week. Thursday I was out in the afternoon and my sub bailed, so the kids got divided among the other classes. Friday we had a concert/assembly, and yesterday school was released early, so we basically only had a single class. Kind of tough on them.

And the hubbub is all about "no school" tomorrow, although the weather reports seem to indicate snow starting around noon or later. The storm should go for a good 12 hours or more, so the chances are good if Wednesday is not canceled, then Thursday will be. Or maybe both. I would prefer to hear something tonight about tomorrow, though, so I can sleep late (as if the dogs would let me).

Finally, been reading a book loaned to me by my mentor, who, in a stunning change from my mentor in the city schools, actually mentors me. It is about Love and Logic, and promotes caring and putting the kids psychologically on the submissive side by dealing with them when YOU have time, not immediately. Letting them stew a bit, and telling them "don't worry about this." I have been trying some of the techniques (and one of the points is that experiments that don't work are not failures on the teacher's part) which don't seem to be geared toward urban youth. But you never know. Some good points about giving the kids a choice, but making sure both choices are something the teacher wants. I am willing to try anything, and it helped keep me calmer today, anyhow.