Hey all,

I’ve decided to post some material to add to Sarah’s poignant musings…As some of you know, I have sent out narrative e-mails to friends and family once every month over the course of my teaching life. I will search the archives for some notes that, I believe, shed light on our profession and post them in this forum.

Anyway, after a strong start to the year teaching 8th grade language arts out in Shelby County, the following have been keys in maintaining an exciting learning environment:

1. On any given day, I might challenge them to a Spicy Cheetos eating contest, lead Simon Says games (if they seem to be lacking energy), or play funk anthems and threaten to break dance. The power of laughter and silly antics cannot be overstated.

2. I’ve looped up to 8th grade this year, meaning I have many of the same students I taught as 7th graders. The advantage having strong relationships with about half my students, going into the year, is paying dividends.

3. We’ve got access to wireless laptops at Shelby East Middle School. Bringing the laptops into the classroom is instant engagement. I have to ask them to be off-task when you pop that piece of plastic in front of them.

4. Instead of telling the kids what I don’t want them to do, I’ve made my most concerted effort to lay out positive, crystal clear expectations for most classroom activities. For instance, when a certain song plays at the end of class—right now it’s “Gimme Shelter” by the Rolling Stones—the students know it’s time to clean up, pass in papers, and stand behind their assigned seats. As I read this, I realize I have no posted rules.

5. Be consistent. As teachers we always hear it, but sometimes it’s hard to treat the apathetic skater-punk or tobacco chewin’ farm boy the same as the teacher pleasin’ advanced student. I think I’ve been able to acheive this consistency this year, and the kids acknowledge and appreciate it.

Take it easy,

-Paul