It does seem like conversations with students now a days are more geared toward the future..high school, college. I find myself giving a lot more life advise this time of year, at least for the 8th graders.
Moving towards spring, I notice that some students are feeling like "I do everything wrong, so why try", or "I'm not gonna walk." It seems to me that this is the time where we can offer the second chance to do good work. I noticed today a ton of kids who need dailies showing up with dailies, with direct correlation to improved behavior and work habits. I think that the extrinsic, tangible reward of positive feedback, documented on the dailies, will be an opportunity get some extra kids across the stage.
Yes, that's exactly why we (the counselors) did it. We are going to be having a dance this Friday for eligible 8th grade students. For those students who would not be eligible to attend based on grades from the 5 week progress reports we are giving them a second chance. If they can prove to us (the counselors) that they have brought up their grades, thus, the purpose of using the weeklies, then they will be able to attend the dance. Providing students with an incentive to do better will hopefully help us get more kids to culminate.
I often tell my eight grade students," This is it!". This is their lasts days at YOKA and appreciate it. I also give a lot more life advise this time of year.
I focus on my 8th grade future as a motivation for them to not give up if this year has not been successful for them. However, for my 7th graders I start pumping them up on what they should focus on for next year. I find myself being a preacher instead of a teacher these last few months.
The seeds I'm planting are flowers that bloom in late spring and this fall. I'm hoping that my chats with the 8th graders about life and school strike a chord. For the underclassmen I'm hoping to instill the desire to continue with me for one year.
I hope to be planting the seeds for my students to be able to socialize appropriately. We have been working on social skills during our cooperative learning groups or during our second step lessons. My hope is that the lessons they learn in class will help them in all aspects of their daily lives.
For 8th graders......take care of your business before the 15 week grades. Get rid of any F's, D's, or U's so you don't have to scramble around trying to secure your eligibility for culmination and are able to participate in 8th grade activities.
I agree. The 8th grade students are perhaps the easiest to focus and encourage towards the end of the year since it is a finite day for them and the absolute end for their YOKA time.
Wonderful Advice! The 15 week grade report determines their eligibility for culmination. There is an appeals process for those students who have experienced extenuating circumstances. In the appeals meeting they have to show evidence of attending tutoring 2-3 times a week. completing all classwork and homework assignments and maintaining the expectations for good behavior. If you have any students whom you would like to advocate for in the appeals process, please contact Mr. Magana for any 8th grade boy and Ms. Bernard for any 8th grade girl to schedule an appeals hearing. Appeals will begin May 1st after the 15 week grades are posted. The student must write an appeals letter and the parent and the student must be in attendance at the appeals hearing. Thank you for all you do to support our students' academic and socio-emotional growth.
Because I have mostly 7th graders and one US History/advisory of 8th graders, I've been communicating to the 7th graders how this time of the year is very "high stakes" for 8th graders, because what matters for them is the Week 15 grades (not Week 20); so between Week 10 and 15, they pretty much only have 5 weeks to really hustle it and work hard to ensure they can make the culmination list/participate in 8th grade activities. I think this catches some students' attention because they do recognize how fast the time flies between each progress report. I think some don't feel like 8th grade is very close, but to others they do understand next year is "big time."
At this point in the school year, I find that teachers and students start to get defeated. People are exhausted and daydreaming about spring break and summer. It's important to remember that the end-all be-all is not culmination (or the good and bad days). Rather, it's the long term achievement and tools that we provide students with that are important.
For me, the seeds that I would like to plant in my students are compassion for others, pride and a strong work ethic. Whether students get answers right or wrong is not as important to me, as the kind of people that my students become.
It might be a great idea to highlight where the students are moving in the right direction. An example of this may be pointing out to my advisory students that they are raising their AR points, slowly, gradually, but growing in numbers. This may be an affirmation that they may need to move them in the right direction. It is most likely the opposite of what they are used to hearing.
Talk about high school and beyond, motivate them and let them know that if they struggle now it doesn't mean they will always struggle so to keep their heads up, and keep pushing.
For me, being firm, fair and consistent with the students amidst the challenges keeps me and the kids level headed. I'm finding that there are a few students really trying to bring up their grades so I like to encourage all students that it's never too late to try.
For my 6th grade classes, it's about planting the seeds to ensure that they really feel like they're a part of the yoka community. They came in new and unsure, and as they grow and mature, they are becoming more confident. It's about knowing these students will be here for two more years and helping them be successful now so that when they are 8th graders, they are on track to culminate.
I echo a lot of people - a lot of life advice right now: that students need to be responsible for their own education, life, etc. What helps students achieve this is to be transparent with grades- students know where they stand and what they can do to improve. Many students have embraced this and are turning their grades (academic, work habits, cooperation) around. Ferrel
This is a conversation I had with parents last thursday during the gear up workshops. We were talking about how we need to continuously have meaningful conversations with the students and keep "expecting" them to go to college not just "hope" for them to go. We said we need to keep pushing them and demanding them to do their best, and we need patiently wait for the day it will click in their brains. We need to be patient for the day they realize why we were pushing them so much and they will be thankful. So we just need to keep the expectations for them to be responsible with their materials, complete work, and study hard to get a grade C of higher. At tough times we need to keep them more accountable and be consistent with our expectations.
I've been telling my eighth graders to not give up. It's never too late!! Some of them are motivated to culminate and they've been paying attention and participating more.
With the completion of the Marathon I believe that I have planted seeds that will grow with my students as they go on with there lives. SRLA is training for life.
I try to bring the best out of students, and I let them know what I see in them, not to give up. I have great 8th grade boys this year having a great time doing projects and getting ready for culmination.
I have one 8th grade class, and I've been attempting to tie in both curriculum and social (science based) concepts into my subsequent lessons that they will most likely encounter in their first few years of high school. Reflecting back on my time in middle school and my early years of high school, there were quite a few things that I was unprepared for that I would ultimately face. For instance, I'm currently covering the basics of chemistry. While I'm preparing the students for some of the concepts that they'll face in high school level chemistry, I'm also tying it to the physiological aspects of chemistry that they're all currently experiencing during this developmental stage in their lives. Additionally, I'm also starting to touch upon some of the inevitable choices that students will experience in the coming years regarding certain chemical compounds and their effect upon the human body, and the mechanisms involved. Ultimately, it further engages the students into material that often is challenging, especially at this time of year.
As a 6th grade teacher I speak to them about the expectations I have of them for the future and I remind them that as long as I am here at YOKA they will always be expected to behave like the adults I see in them.
I consider my "Library Practice" students as my "seeds" because the training/knowledge/skills that I give them will help myself and my patrons overcome challenges. I am consistently thinking of new things to teach them that will help the library program.
I think giving personal affirmations to students to build up their self-efficacy is really important, especially when some of the students may not be doing the best in some of their classes. Also continuing to try new things in the classroom is a positive seed to sow. Over the last few weeks, I started playing classical music during our journal writing time, and the students really seemed to appreciate.
It does seem like conversations with students now a days are more geared toward the future..high school, college. I find myself giving a lot more life advise this time of year, at least for the 8th graders.
ReplyDeleteMoving towards spring, I notice that some students are feeling like "I do everything wrong, so why try", or "I'm not gonna walk." It seems to me that this is the time where we can offer the second chance to do good work. I noticed today a ton of kids who need dailies showing up with dailies, with direct correlation to improved behavior and work habits. I think that the extrinsic, tangible reward of positive feedback, documented on the dailies, will be an opportunity get some extra kids across the stage.
ReplyDeleteYes, that's exactly why we (the counselors) did it. We are going to be having a dance this Friday for eligible 8th grade students. For those students who would not be eligible to attend based on grades from the 5 week progress reports we are giving them a second chance. If they can prove to us (the counselors) that they have brought up their grades, thus, the purpose of using the weeklies, then they will be able to attend the dance. Providing students with an incentive to do better will hopefully help us get more kids to culminate.
DeleteI often tell my eight grade students," This is it!". This is their lasts days at YOKA and appreciate it. I also give a lot more life advise this time of year.
ReplyDeleteI focus on my 8th grade future as a motivation for them to not give up if this year has not been successful for them. However, for my 7th graders I start pumping them up on what they should focus on for next year. I find myself being a preacher instead of a teacher these last few months.
ReplyDeleteThe seeds I'm planting are flowers that bloom in late spring and this fall. I'm hoping that my chats with the 8th graders about life and school strike a chord. For the underclassmen I'm hoping to instill the desire to continue with me for one year.
ReplyDeletePlan the seeds of high expectations including AG readiness, Non Fiction Literacy, Math Practices and NGSS preparedness.
ReplyDeleteI hope to be planting the seeds for my students to be able to socialize appropriately. We have been working on social skills during our cooperative learning groups or during our second step lessons. My hope is that the lessons they learn in class will help them in all aspects of their daily lives.
ReplyDeleteFor 8th graders......take care of your business before the 15 week grades. Get rid of any F's, D's, or U's so you don't have to scramble around trying to secure your eligibility for culmination and are able to participate in 8th grade activities.
ReplyDeleteI agree. The 8th grade students are perhaps the easiest to focus and encourage towards the end of the year since it is a finite day for them and the absolute end for their YOKA time.
DeleteWonderful Advice! The 15 week grade report determines their eligibility for culmination. There is an appeals process for those students who have experienced extenuating circumstances. In the appeals meeting they have to show evidence of attending tutoring 2-3 times a week. completing all classwork and homework assignments and maintaining the expectations for good behavior. If you have any students whom you would like to advocate for in the appeals process, please contact Mr. Magana for any 8th grade boy and Ms. Bernard for any 8th grade girl to schedule an appeals hearing. Appeals will begin May 1st after the 15 week grades are posted. The student must write an appeals letter and the parent and the student must be in attendance at the appeals hearing. Thank you for all you do to support our students' academic and socio-emotional growth.
DeleteBecause I have mostly 7th graders and one US History/advisory of 8th graders, I've been communicating to the 7th graders how this time of the year is very "high stakes" for 8th graders, because what matters for them is the Week 15 grades (not Week 20); so between Week 10 and 15, they pretty much only have 5 weeks to really hustle it and work hard to ensure they can make the culmination list/participate in 8th grade activities. I think this catches some students' attention because they do recognize how fast the time flies between each progress report. I think some don't feel like 8th grade is very close, but to others they do understand next year is "big time."
ReplyDeleteAt this point in the school year, I find that teachers and students start to get defeated. People are exhausted and daydreaming about spring break and summer. It's important to remember that the end-all be-all is not culmination (or the good and bad days). Rather, it's the long term achievement and tools that we provide students with that are important.
ReplyDeleteFor me, the seeds that I would like to plant in my students are compassion for others, pride and a strong work ethic. Whether students get answers right or wrong is not as important to me, as the kind of people that my students become.
It might be a great idea to highlight where the students are moving in the right direction. An example of this may be pointing out to my advisory students that they are raising their AR points, slowly, gradually, but growing in numbers. This may be an affirmation that they may need to move them in the right direction. It is most likely the opposite of what they are used to hearing.
ReplyDeleteTalk about high school and beyond, motivate them and let them know that if they struggle now it doesn't mean they will always struggle so to keep their heads up, and keep pushing.
ReplyDeleteFor me, being firm, fair and consistent with the students amidst the challenges keeps me and the kids level headed. I'm finding that there are a few students really trying to bring up their grades so I like to encourage all students that it's never too late to try.
ReplyDeleteFor my 6th grade classes, it's about planting the seeds to ensure that they really feel like they're a part of the yoka community. They came in new and unsure, and as they grow and mature, they are becoming more confident. It's about knowing these students will be here for two more years and helping them be successful now so that when they are 8th graders, they are on track to culminate.
ReplyDeleteI echo a lot of people - a lot of life advice right now: that students need to be responsible for their own education, life, etc. What helps students achieve this is to be transparent with grades- students know where they stand and what they can do to improve. Many students have embraced this and are turning their grades (academic, work habits, cooperation) around.
ReplyDeleteFerrel
This is a conversation I had with parents last thursday during the gear up workshops. We were talking about how we need to continuously have meaningful conversations with the students and keep "expecting" them to go to college not just "hope" for them to go. We said we need to keep pushing them and demanding them to do their best, and we need patiently wait for the day it will click in their brains. We need to be patient for the day they realize why we were pushing them so much and they will be thankful. So we just need to keep the expectations for them to be responsible with their materials, complete work, and study hard to get a grade C of higher. At tough times we need to keep them more accountable and be consistent with our expectations.
ReplyDeleteYes, I'm learning that we need to be VERY patient and wait for the day...
DeleteI've been telling my eighth graders to not give up. It's never too late!! Some of them are motivated to culminate and they've been paying attention and participating more.
ReplyDeleteWith the completion of the Marathon I believe that I have planted seeds that will grow with my students as they go on with there lives. SRLA is training for life.
ReplyDeleteI am already recruiting students for you. Go Dragons!!!
DeleteI try to bring the best out of students, and I let them know what I see in them, not to give up. I have great 8th grade boys this year having a great time doing projects and getting ready for culmination.
ReplyDeleteI have one 8th grade class, and I've been attempting to tie in both curriculum and social (science based) concepts into my subsequent lessons that they will most likely encounter in their first few years of high school. Reflecting back on my time in middle school and my early years of high school, there were quite a few things that I was unprepared for that I would ultimately face. For instance, I'm currently covering the basics of chemistry. While I'm preparing the students for some of the concepts that they'll face in high school level chemistry, I'm also tying it to the physiological aspects of chemistry that they're all currently experiencing during this developmental stage in their lives. Additionally, I'm also starting to touch upon some of the inevitable choices that students will experience in the coming years regarding certain chemical compounds and their effect upon the human body, and the mechanisms involved. Ultimately, it further engages the students into material that often is challenging, especially at this time of year.
ReplyDeleteAs a 6th grade teacher I speak to them about the expectations I have of them for the future and I remind them that as long as I am here at YOKA they will always be expected to behave like the adults I see in them.
ReplyDeleteI consider my "Library Practice" students as my "seeds" because the training/knowledge/skills that I give them will help myself and my patrons overcome challenges. I am consistently thinking of new things to teach them that will help the library program.
ReplyDeleteI think giving personal affirmations to students to build up their self-efficacy is really important, especially when some of the students may not be doing the best in some of their classes. Also continuing to try new things in the classroom is a positive seed to sow. Over the last few weeks, I started playing classical music during our journal writing time, and the students really seemed to appreciate.
ReplyDelete