We are NOT the Bronx

Breaking it Down--Math Style
I went to a teacher training meeting yesterday.  They reviewed why worksheets aren't the most effective teaching tool and gave us twenty other things we could do.  Using music and songs was one of them.

Inspired, today I downloaded a "Math Rap" to teach the standard system (because really, who can remember how many stinkin' yards are in a mile and how many pints are in a gallon?).  I thought it was brilliant.  The kids would LOVE it.  I mean, we would rap our way to perfect test scores, right?

Right.  If I taught in the Bronx.  Or inner-city Chicago.  Or D.C.  But wait...I don't.  I forgot that most kids have never heard rap (even if they are wholesome lyrics about inches and feet).  They went nuts.  Three got up and started doing what I can only assume was their version of break dancing or regular dancing or...something.  Everyone started yelling, "We're not going to learn this!!!!"  And, of course, it was right about then that a mom walked in.  Perfect.  The day was getting better and better.

I was so mad I turned off the whole thing.  I have yet to see whether it will ever make another appearance.  Talk about a waste of $2.99!  Perfect test scores may be down the drain with that money I spent downloading the song.  Although hey...look on the bright side.  The next time I do teach somewhere diverse, I'll be prepared.
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What Kind of Biographies Do You Read?
Book reports were due this week.  The kids were supposed to read biographies and make a poster.  They also had to turn in their reading logs with what they had read and how many pages it was.

I knew I was in Utah when one student put "Book of Mormon Scripture Stories."

Hmmm...does that count as a biography?

So, what did I do?
Well, what could I?
I mean, I just said as I was explaining the assignment that a biography/autobiography:
#1Was someone writing about themselves or someone else
#2 Actually happened. It has to be true.
Last time I checked, Book of Mormon Scripture Stories appears to fit the bill.
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We All Have Bad Days

One student was giving his book report on Lincoln.  With all his sincerity, he said,
"He had a lot of really big problems.  Like...he even got assassinated--which probably really stunk."


Indeed.  It probably really did.


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Somehow, even on the hardest days, I just have to look back and laugh.  After all, it is kind of funny.