The Eighth Grade

Eighth Grade students are great. I am having more fun than a human being has a right to. The only thing that makes me sad is when they sabotage themselves. I see that happening in two to three students in each class. They refuse to use the strategies I provide. The cooperating teacher is so enthusiastic about these strategies, and I find that very comforting. However, there are those few young people who will not take advantage of the tools available to them. Even when they can use notes and open book on a test they will take the entire test in agony, but refuse to open the book to find answers. These same students wonder why their grade is average or below. One of the rules I plan to use in my class is simply "Pay Attention". The list is as follows: 1. Be Careful 2. Pay Attention 3. Think 4. Get to Work. Pay attention seems to be the most difficult rule for some students. I need to work on that. Otherwise things are great.
Life is very hectic now with student teaching, classes and work. The family gets the short end these days. They try to understand. I know it's hard for them, but they are all grown up and can take care of themselves. It can be hard to make them understand that if everyone is patient, I will have an abundance of time for them. Patience is hard. Life is tough, so it goes for the mean one.