The Big Apple...

I've known for a couple of weeks I'd be heading in on Friday the 13th.  The sixth grade teacher I subbed for the Friday before vacation asked if I'd return on this date - it was a half-day session, though.  The kids came running in, grumpy faces because they knew they'd drawn me as their sub (they know I don't take sassiness), but cheered up a bit when they saw the apples and clementines on my desk.  I sometimes bring in fresh fruit for the 6th grade - it seems they're always hungry and I don't think their parents pack snack for them any longer - heaven forbid they should have to pack their own.  The day started with the smell of fresh citrus in the air.  No, I did not provide snack as a bribe for the kids, I truly feel bad that many start the day with grumbling stomachs.  The clementines seem to disappear quicker than the apples - I'll have to remember that (and at least they pick up their peels!)
     This day would be relatively simple - science class had them doing a weather related word search.  We all worked together in small groups and some of them picked up new strategies for finding words (look for double consonants, look for odd letters (j, k).  And then in math, there were two worksheets - no new lessons to be learned.  We had to calculate area (oh my goodness how long has it been???) and had to identify and calculate mixed, improper and proper fractions (MUCH easier!).  The kids were really focused, perhaps because their classes were only 35 minutes long for this half-day session.  For those who chose to work quickly, they got the benefit of going onto the computers to play math games.  This little benefit wasn't announced at the beginning of class, it just happened as kids finished their work - this way, they were working because they liked to work, not because they knew they'd get a special benefit if they worked.  I don't like to bribe...
   The kids were bringing home a permission slip today - the class will be visiting New York City at the end of the year for a cultural trip.  The other sixth grade teachers came in to ask if I might be willing to be a chaperon for that trip - they'd love to have me along.  I felt like one of them, they wanted me to join them!  I was told I'd only have 4 students in my group - I don't think I'll have a chance to choose which ones but those who have not completed the academic requirements or the behavioral requirements will remain behind. And on another positive note, I think the king cobras have all be located and put back into their cages... I love New York, but I'm not sure if I'll survive the bus trip!  I'll keep you posted!