Friday, May 20, 2011

Out of the mouths of teens...

I hope I don't wring a neck. 

One of my sweet little gems asked yesterday why all the teachers were so stressed. 

Oh, I don't know.  Maybe it is because senior grades are due while we are finishing units and grading unit tests for underclassmen, and writing study guides for finals and writing the finals themselves.  Could it be because every kid in America has suddenly decided to turn in the late work we've been asking for during the last month?  Add in graduation and graduation parties, senior grad speakers needing speeches proofread, journalism students interrupting class for interviews, and a student who needs just one last reference.  Oh, and there are the kids who aren't going to be here for the last week, so could we give them their tests and final assignments early?   

So when she (the little gem) said that maybe if teachers did a better job of planning, everything wouldn't be left to the end of the year--I considered jumping over four desks (and taking out several students) to get to her!

I was speechless.  What a great idea!  Maybe we should do a better job of planning. Why didn't I think of that?

Next year, I will end the last unit in April and just sit and look at them during the month of May so I don't have to grade anything.  I'm sure they'll be model students just sitting their twiddling their thumbs.

References?  No.  Interviews?  No.  Proofreading?  No.  Late work?  Absolutely not.  Go away.  Don't bother me, I'm watching the class.  Who are doing....???  Nothing.

By golly, the girl is a genius.

And I let her leave the room in one piece.

6 comments:

Mary said...

You need to remember this when she's a senior and asks you for something the last couple of weeks of school! Then you can tell her maybe she should've planned better. But, she probably won't have any idea what you're talking about! :)

Alicen said...

It helps to remind yourself that reality doesn't strike for most kids until high school is over. I'm sure she's been told she should have planned better and now thinks it is wise advice to be applied to all situations :) Hang in there!

SEB said...

And she has no idea how lucky she is! :) Love ya, Mrs. E!

Anonymous said...

Boy, do I have a plan for HER!
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Puna said...

This made me smile and I have you say, you showed great restraint. My son is guilty of turning late work...I'm grateful for teachers like you! Ask the girl what her plans are for this weekend...

Beth said...

Oh, that's a beaut!