The New Group
We began a new school term today and all three of my classes are new ones. Here are my first impressions:
The second period Biology Honors class is great! I'm afraid I scared the pee out of some of them by selling the fact that I set very high standards. Those 9th graders are easily frightened. At least I got their attention and I'm sure they will all try their hardest. Nice kids.
The fourth period Anatomy Honors group is a large class. I have the feeling that a few of the kids in that class took it thinking they would get an easy credit. Hah! I will probably lose a few of them when they realize they are actually going to have to work for their grade. Some of them appear to have a good work ethic but those few I mentioned didn't bring a book to class and basically just sat there. We do a lot of interesting things in class and have a lot of fun but when we work, we work hard. I think that a few will drop by the wayside after the first test next Monday when they fail. The others will probably do great. Last term I didn't have a grade lower than a "C" in Anatomy and I expect the same from these guys.
Sixth period Anatomy Honors class is a dream come true. Eleven students!! I'm afraid that guidance will realize this and try to cram them all into my fourth period class. That would be horrible for everyone. If I can just keep this group I will be able to end the day with a lot of contact time per student. It's a wonderful opportunity, especially for labs.
That's it, folks. Overall they are good groups. I'm going to have to step on a few in fourth period if they stay. A kick in the rear will be just the thing to get them into the swing of things. After all, it IS honors level. If they aren't honors level kids they should be in another class. I think it is going to be a good term. A number of kids left the class telling each other they thought they were going to enjoy it.
