The Honeymoon is Over

Trying to get students to pay attention today was like pulling teeth.  Harder, actually.  I've seen kids lose teeth and it's a heck of a lot easier than getting them to read when they don't want to.  Today was one of those why-am-I-doing-this-again?-someone-remind-me! moments.  You parents, how do you get your child's undivided attention without violence, bribery or lies?  {I'll pause while you finish laughing.}

Colossal sigh.

The introverts are exhausted. 

But that homework ain't gonna do itself.

I present to you, Neurotic Lucy: A Series

Every day, people.  Every day.  Loose pieces of tissue paper everywhere we step.

I have a book recommendation, though!  For those of you at the 7th grade reading level!

Ungifted by Gordon Korman

I borrowed this book from my new student (I asked him for an example of something he would read for fun right now if he had to pick) and have been going through it, developing a lesson plan for reading comprehension and general overview of literature.  It's hilarious!  The story is about a hell-raising boy who, through a series of mishaps, accidentally gets put on the admissions list of an elite Academy for the gifted.  He ends up hiding there and trying to fit in before they realize he's not a genius.

I would definitely recommend this for middle school/early junior high because it taps into a kid's (male perspective) desire to be cool without crossing the line to inappropriate language or innuendos.  In fact, if our lessons go well over the next couple of weeks, I will probably look up some of Korman's other books for future work.  Maybe he writes from a girl's perspective too?  I hope so!  He writes in a way that captures a young person's attention and keeps the story moving along, yet also has overarching themes and literary devices worth studying.

And that, folks, is all I got.  Here's hoping - and I mean seriously hoping - that tomorrow is a better day.  Adios, Monday.