Two more school days until Spring Break and I think most of us are ready for the break. It has been a loooong winter but we survived the storms, the cold, and dark days. The daffodils and crocuses are finally up and the days are getting lighter. The fourth marking period starts Monday, April 21st.
Many of us teachers (and students too) are feeling a bit weary right now. But that said, I was thinking about the things that I love about teaching. One of the things that I love most about teaching is the feeling of renewal each time we have a break or a new marking period starting. Just when you feel like it is getting too much to take, we have a break and I come back excited again. Teaching (especially History teaching) is very cyclical and I think that keeps us from going crazy sometimes. :)
The other part I love about teaching is seeing the growth of my students. Seeing their academic growth, as well as their maturing personalities is an amazing perk. Knowing that I have a small part in their growth is always rewarding.
So what are we doing in class right now? To me the fun stuff--the 50s and 60s! In ELL we are finishing the 1950s with projects about famous people. The students are creating obituaries and epitaphs. In the Academic classes, we have just started the 1960s and tomorrow we will be doing a simulation game about the Cuban Missile Crisis. After the break, we will spend some time on the Vietnam War, which the students usually really enjoy because they have heard about it but actually know very little about it.
In AP, we are in the home stretch before the exam. The 1960s test is on Friday and we come back to get ready for the exam in May. The students should be beginning to review on their own time, especially US I material. They can use their Amsco book, online resources, or purchase on their own a review book. There will be some after and before school review sessions in the beginning of May as well. I told the AP students the other day--now is not the time to slack off. They have less than a month to go in this 2 year History journey they have been on. Put the pedal to the medal and finish strong. A "4" or a "5" on the AP exam is within everyone's grasp.
