We did a jumping jack project in class this past week. We're beginning to work on functions, function tables, and linear equations. So, we were filling in a function table for number of jumping jacks in a 90 second time period, dividing it into 10 second sections. It was quite a complicated experiment as many things were going on at one time, but the students enjoyed it. And, it was hilarious! I don't know how you make it to 7th grade without learning how to do a jumping jack, but many of my students have. And, I'm okay with that because it was so funny to watch! Their coordination, or lack thereof, could win me a million dollars on America's Funniest Home Videos; if only I'd had a video camera.
In this experiment, each group had four people. One to jump; one to count; one to record; and one to keep time. I was helping one group keep time because they couldn't figure out how to keep track of 10 seconds. So, as I'm watching the clock, this is what I hear, "...61, 62, 63, 64, 65, 66, 67, 68, 69, 40!" I looked at him confused and he goes, "...72, 73, 74..." and keeps on going. He said 40 so assertively and confidently like it has always come after 69, but wasted no time continuing with the 70s.
It's getting cold outside and the weather change this time of year makes all of our skin a little dried out and itchy feeling. My students have been all about asking for lotion this past week. In the middle of anything and everything this is what I hear, "Ms. Hemric, you got any lotion?" I don't keep lotion for students to use so I quickly answer no and move on. Well, during this jumping jack project the other day, a boy asks me for some lotion and I tell him I don't have any. A few minutes later I hear someone say, "That's NOT lotion!" I turn around and this young man is rubbing this all over his arms.
And, yes, this does look like soap, but if you look closely, you will notice this is in fact soap. I considered not even telling him it was soap, but figured that would cause him to get even more itchy as the day went on. So, after fussing at him for touching my stuff (that is not allowed in my class room), I let him go wash his arms. At least he smelled good the rest of the day and killed all the germs on his arms!
I have a boy in my class who is very quiet and rarely says anything. I gradually got him to at least say, "Good" when I ask him how he is when he comes in class. Well, the other week I put students in pairs to work. All of the sudden I hear someone raising his voice. I turn around to fuss at who ever is fussing at his partner and it's this student who never says anything. He and his partner were arguing about which terms you could combine in the expression. The quiet boy is saying, "YOU HAVE TO ADD THE X's AND YOU CAN'T ADD THEM TO THE Y'!s" I was so excited that he was participating so actively. Since he was on task, I didn't have to ask him to be quiet. Well, Wednesday we had an even bigger break through. You see this boy never raises his hand in class. He's smart and usually knows the answer, but has never volunteered to answer a question. And, he never shares good things because he is that shy. But, Wednesday he did! He raised his hand and told me he was getting to go to the Carolina Hurricanes game this weekend. I, of course, acted like it was no big deal that he shared a good thing, while inside I was so excited to see this young man come out of his shell!!
Dad and I have been listening to Christmas music a lot lately! I LOVE the holiday season. I'm excited to share all of the excitement with my students this year and am excited that next year, Stephen and I will get to begin our own holiday traditions!
I know you're all wondering why mine and Stephen's face were not plastered all over the news when we got engaged like Prince Charles and Kate's have been this week. Before you go boycotting the media, you should know that Stephen and I turned down the media and interviews. They obviously couldn't get a hold of our story fast enough, but we asked them to hold off.
PS only two more days of school until Thanksgiving break! I can. not. wait! The kids AND teachers are more than ready for three days off!
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