Scaffolding

So, I don't think I've told you all that I coach the girls soccer team at my school. I thought it was be great because I grew up playing soccer; my life revolved around soccer. I wanted to give the girls similar experiences to what I had. But, then I learned the girls know NOTHING about soccer or the rules of the game. Then, I realized I had to scaffold soccer to the basics.

Example:
I Do: This is where you should kick the ball (show them)
We do: Let's kick the ball to our partners (do together)
You do: Kick the ball (on their own)

Imagine that for everything, and after a day of teaching, it drives me mad. It drives me mad because I assumed that 11-13 year olds knew the fundamentals of soccer (I know I should not assume- but it happened). It drives me mad because these 11-13 year olds who don't know the basics then give me attitude when I try to teach them the basics.

But, bless their hearts some of them do try.

Me: Move up Lisa! (Lisa runs up)
Me: Move back Lisa! (Lisa runs back)
This happens throughout the whole game. Afterwards, Lisa comes up to me and asks,
"Why did you keep telling me to move up and back? I was confused the whole time."
Pause. Deep breath.
" The ball kept moving up and back; the ball moves up the field and back down the field; therefore, you have to keep moving up and back."

Rachel: "The girl pushed me!"
Me: "It's a contact sport; push her back"
Rachel: "I don't want to touch her; she might have something!"

Me: "Why are you guys walking?"
Vanessa: "I don't like to run."
Me: "Well, you picked the wrong sport don't you think?!?!"

Love them.
(Most of the time)

FOR THE BIG DAY TOMORROW...

Now, I believe that a student with a lot of confidence can go a long way...that being said, a class full of confidence is unstoppable. CST, STAR test, State test, whatever your name is...we're going to destroy you tomorrow, and I even managed to teach the students the love of reading and writing. IMAGINE THAT. I figured that at least they'll have a catchy positive tune in their head for the three hour test :)

Enjoy!

Moses strikes again.

I'm beginning to think Moses knows I write a blog on Fridays, so he tried super hard Friday afternoon to be "memorable." Or, he's just a funny kid. Last Friday, my students are working in pairs, and all of a sudden I hear, "Shut up Chris! No one is talking to you." I know it's Moses--his voice is distinct, and he knows (they all know) that I don't allow "Shut Up" to be said in my classroom.

From across the room, I immediately say, "Moses, did you just say something you're not supposed to say?"
Moses replies, "Nope--it wasn't me."
"Are you lying to me, Moses?" I asked.
"Yes." Moses says confidently, and then he corrects himself, "I mean, No- I'm not lying."

But, it's too late, the class is erupting in laughter, and Moses is turning bright red (again). He's quiet until the class is getting ready to leave for the weekend. A couple of students decide to show me the Mother's Day card they had made in homeroom. I tell them they're are nice, but not as nice as the ones my homeroom made. I notice Moses' feelings were a bit hurt, so I tell him I didn't mean what I said.

Moses looks at me and says, "Yeah, uh huh- NOTTTT" as he walks out of class with a sheepish smile.

He's the type of student we all should have: clever, animated, and worth teaching. Here's to more Moses Moments!