Last edited Sat Jun 9, 2012, 03:30 PM - Edit history (1)
I taught Earth Science and also Physics. I told the ES students that it wouldn't break my heart if they didn't like science. Nobody likes everything. I then told them not to transfer their feelings about the subject to me and the class.
I pointed out that they had to have 2 science credits to get a diploma. Unless they were hot to take chemistry or physics, ES was their best bet for one.
The best way to live through the year would be to TRY their best to do the work. Don't spend their time causing troube. If they gave it their best shot, they might not be A students but they would live through the class. Most kids who flat out failed missed class, didn't turn in their work, and didn't care.
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This one may be the most important in a way.
The first month, I kept a fairly tight rein on the 9th graders. A counselor told me they got their way in the middle school they came from. I wanted them to know that I was serious about the rules I had. I gave detention, called their parents, had conferences, etc. This settled down about 99% of them for the rest of the year.
When I called their parents, i always started by saying , 'I need your help.' this wasn't some trick. I did want their help and I didn't want an adversarial relationship. Asking for their help was a good way to bring them into the discussion in a useful way. It didn't create me against them.
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