2006/03/02
Angel, Working Like Beavers, Francais
Hi everyone out there in blogland. I just got home from work and found my driveway and sidewalk all cleared of snow. This must be due to my across-the-street neighbourhood angel, Gordie. He's the only other one close by with a snowthrower. And I thought I would have to do that job when I got home from work. What a pleasant surprise. I take my hat off to random acts of kindness.
I was subbing in one school in the morning and went to another one in the afternoon. The morning school was two grade eight classrooms. This age group can be a handful, but they were working on Power Point presentations on Ancient Egypt and all were on task and working like little beavers in the computer lab. For the two prep periods, the teacher had me previewing a video on ancient cities and composing questions for the students to answer about the video. One of the ways I create good will for myself is by noticing little things about the individual students. For example, commenting on a nice piece of jewellry, or asking about the message on a T-shirt. Also I try to inject a little humour. I asked the 8C class what the "C" stood for. When they told me it was the initial of their home room teacher I said, "No, I think it stands for "cool", doesn't it?" Of course they agreed with me and for the rest of the morning I referred to them as "Grade 8 Cool." Thirteen-year-olds are pretty easily manipulated.
In the afternoon I subbed in a grade five at a French immersion school. They couldn't get a francophone sub, so they took me. I speak very little French, but with a few remembered phrases and a lot of English explanation, we managed. One of my tasks was to listen to small groups read aloud from a French novel. One of the boys thought he would have fun with the sub and began to pronounce the words very badly. Even I could tell. After a while he began to pronounce the words correctly and I said to him, "Your pronunciation has improved greatly since you started reading." Another boy said, "He did that on purpose." I said, "I know - I just wanted to be sure he knew that I knew." Well, that kid sure was smart. Word got around the class that they couldn't put much over on the sub. It made me chuckle inside. I made them all ask to get a drink and go to the bathroom en francais, though. "Est-ce que je peux aller a la toilette?" "Oui." See, I do remember some French. If I ever have to ask to go to the toilet in France, I'll be able to do it!
So, I had a good day at work today. It was fun. They pay me good money for this! Looking forward to watching Survivor on TV tonight.
Gotta go take Suzie for a walk before I lose the sunshine. Peek on globbing!
My heart is singing for joy this morning! A miracle has happened! The light of understanding has shone upon my little pupil's mind, and behold, all things are changed! - Anne Sullivan
Angel, Working Like Beavers, Francais
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I was subbing in one school in the morning and went to another one in the afternoon. The morning school was two grade eight classrooms. This age group can be a handful, but they were working on Power Point presentations on Ancient Egypt and all were on task and working like little beavers in the computer lab. For the two prep periods, the teacher had me previewing a video on ancient cities and composing questions for the students to answer about the video. One of the ways I create good will for myself is by noticing little things about the individual students. For example, commenting on a nice piece of jewellry, or asking about the message on a T-shirt. Also I try to inject a little humour. I asked the 8C class what the "C" stood for. When they told me it was the initial of their home room teacher I said, "No, I think it stands for "cool", doesn't it?" Of course they agreed with me and for the rest of the morning I referred to them as "Grade 8 Cool." Thirteen-year-olds are pretty easily manipulated.
In the afternoon I subbed in a grade five at a French immersion school. They couldn't get a francophone sub, so they took me. I speak very little French, but with a few remembered phrases and a lot of English explanation, we managed. One of my tasks was to listen to small groups read aloud from a French novel. One of the boys thought he would have fun with the sub and began to pronounce the words very badly. Even I could tell. After a while he began to pronounce the words correctly and I said to him, "Your pronunciation has improved greatly since you started reading." Another boy said, "He did that on purpose." I said, "I know - I just wanted to be sure he knew that I knew." Well, that kid sure was smart. Word got around the class that they couldn't put much over on the sub. It made me chuckle inside. I made them all ask to get a drink and go to the bathroom en francais, though. "Est-ce que je peux aller a la toilette?" "Oui." See, I do remember some French. If I ever have to ask to go to the toilet in France, I'll be able to do it!
So, I had a good day at work today. It was fun. They pay me good money for this! Looking forward to watching Survivor on TV tonight.
Gotta go take Suzie for a walk before I lose the sunshine. Peek on globbing!
My heart is singing for joy this morning! A miracle has happened! The light of understanding has shone upon my little pupil's mind, and behold, all things are changed! - Anne Sullivan
Angel, Working Like Beavers, Francais
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