- One boy sat at an empty desk. He informed me he had no paper. His neighbors managed to find him a sheet. Then he told me he had no pencil.
- Another boy (when I approached and asked why he was doing no work) argued that writing was outdated. He should be allowed to do his assignment (in algebra 1) via technology. I agreed that would be best, then I pointed out that until everyone in class had an iPad, they were going to have to continue to use pencil and paper.
- Two boys (on the other side of the classroom) tried to convince me that they were the smartest students in the class. Even though they were doing no work. And another student informed me that not only did they never do any work, they never even bothered to take notes.
- Then in the middle of the room two boys and a girl put their heads together to take a selfie. When I approached the boy who had put the cell phone in his pocket, he acted like he'd never heard the term.
- Another boy tried to jump over his own leg. And argued with me when I told him not to. (He didn't make the attempt.)
- Then a girl and boy stepped outside the classroom. The girl needed to "fix her hair". (Outside? In the wind?) The boy needed "fresh air". They argued about returning inside.
- Finally, a boy "tooted" loudly enough for everyone around him to hear. So, all the students in the vicinity fled. Scattering across the room and a couple even went outside.
Of the 24 students in the class, only four were making progress on the assignment. The rest made excuses.
Freshmen. Sigh.
Today's A to Z Challenge post brought to you by the letter...
Wouldn't math class have been more fun if you could have turned in your assignments via iPad? What excuses did you use to not do your math homework?
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LOL. They totally need to come see what school is like at my house. Excuses? I don't think so.
ReplyDeleteI retreated into the fetal position just reading your post...
ReplyDelete4 is better than none. Reminds me of one of my students. So lazy, but a nice bloke. I teach English to adult migrants.
ReplyDeleteJeesh, busy day.
ReplyDeleteI think I'd prefer using a pencil and paper for my math homework. Something about writing it helps me figure it out easier.
This is why I can never be a teacher. I have no patience, and would have exploded in a situation like this.
ReplyDeletePatience...insanity... Same difference.
DeleteWell, I guess everyone needed fresh air after Tootin' Tom let loose.
ReplyDeleteI honestly don't know how you do it! I work with the elderly, although often that's no picnic either. Particularly when the dementia sets in and they try to kill you because they think you're attacking them.
None of the students have ever accused me of murder. At least, not to my face...
Deletethough we make a lot of excuses in our college, its nothing infront of these excuses! good one :D
ReplyDeleteYeah, some of them were brilliant.
DeleteI think it takes a special person to be a teacher. I know I couldn't do it. I'm sure you have heard every single excuse ever invented. I liked math, but stopped at algebra after freshmen year, so didn't mind doing the calculations in my mind; I do think there is a process the brain needs to go through to really grasp the concept of working out a problem by doing it on paper, as I'm sure you agree :)
ReplyDeleteThankfully today is the weekend and two days away from the classroom to recharge!
betty
Wow, it takes someone special to be a teacher. For sure! I'm amazed you held it together so well during all this craziness! I bet you are exhausted!!
ReplyDeleteOr someone crazy... And that wasn't nearly the worst day I've ever had. But that's the joy of having a blog. When they get insane, I sit back and think, "This is great material."
Deletehats off for your patience ! I never did well in maths, I never liked maths as a young girl. I used to be frightened to write maths exam. Now when i look back i am surprised how i managed to pass ... now i send my daughter for maths tution.. sure this weekend will refresh you !
ReplyDeleteIt would have been more fun if they were doing the work. Then, at least, I could have helped them.
DeleteI have the greatest respect for anyone who teaches. But substitute teachers? I really don't know how you do it! Students must give you a lot of inspiration for writing!
ReplyDeleteI don't know how I do it either. Sometimes. Some days, it's not all that hard. (Yes, they are great for material...)
Deletewhew! What a class! Loved the comment above about patience... insantity same difference, lol. Perfect!
ReplyDeleteHaha! Typical huh? I teach nine year olds who can be almost as bad :)
ReplyDeleteI wouldn't call this group typical. I've had better days...
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