The first few weeks of school are so telling. I am starting my 20th year of teaching...I don't think I am old enough to be an "old teacher" but 20 years says a lot.
I have spent 5 days with all of my classes. They have told me a lot about themselves whether they know it or not.
I have found the "leave me alone...I don't need any help" students.
I have found the "I need help with everything I do" students.
I have found the "You need to watch everything I do or you'll be in trouble" students.
And I still have a contingent of students that I do not have pegged yet but every year some of them just scream their needs during the first days.
I also seem to have the most focused group of 9th graders I have seen in a long time. They have been working like mad all week on their first assignments. They also seem to have very engaged parents who have written me notes and emails about how they like what I am doing.
I feel a good year starting!
