Well, the end of the school year is fast approaching. My students are getting that glazed look in their eye that tells me they are thinking more about the beach(we live on the coast) than coordinating conjunctions. Excitement is in the air for freshmen, and the seniors have this sad teary eyed look. I can't tell if they are excited to jump out into the world, or if they are scared to death.
It's getting increasing more difficult to harness their attention. We had a full moon last week, and the craziness of the moon--plus spring fever almost did me in. So, it's time to re-evaluate the situation and go back in to battle armed with more than a piece of gum and suspension.
I'm paying closer attention to the length of my assignments and lessons. If I have them in the palm of my hand we will keep on truckin' through that last act of Romeo and Juliet. However, if I notice eyes start to wonder, mouths start to move, and attention start to stray; I'll shift into second gear and we will move swiftly into another highly engaging lesson.
My method of presentation will also stay limber as I work to keep their shifting eyes on the page at hand. I will mix up text with, audio, visual, and tactile exercises. Act I of Romeo and Juliet last week was capped with a video clip from the video, a demonstration of how to age your love letter assignment, and sprinkled with props from my closet for the readers to wear.
Movement will take center stage as we get closer to the end. I had my students stand up with their books to read their parts in Romeo and Juliet last week. The front of the room became Verona, and they were walking around in it. They need to stay active to stay engaged.
I've have several tricks up my sleeve for next week. A sword fight will take place, we will venture into the capulet tomb, and we will stand on our chairs and play spelling elimination for a finale.
I think we are going to make---scratch that--We will soar above it.
