Life In 238

One high school English teacher's account of slowly losing her mind. Newt - 20s

[lifein238]

Technically, I'm trained. Practically, I'm making it up as I go.

[waronidiocy]

If Dr. Seuss Books Were Titled According to Their Subtexts

my theatre teacher has all of these on a wall in his classroom.

[thatweirdteacher]

Co-Worker: You’re always so put together and organized!

Me:

[lifein238]

When I was told I was teaching Hamilton, I was nervous. Historically, my kids have not enjoyed learning about millennial faves. But dang, I've been impressed by how much they're engaging with this:

A frequent class cutter stays late to finish a paragraph about how much Hamilton's life reminds him of his own.

Students being appalled that he was shot by a political rival but also super into it as a historical reflection of Biggie and Tupac

A frequent sleeper stays awake and begins bopping to Helpless and tells me it's actually not half bad.

A student who's constantly talking over me to her friends instead sings along to Satisfied by the end of the song.

A table of girls Google Anthony Ramos to fawn over him. Across the room, boys fawn over Jasmine Cephas Jones

I think this unit might work out.

[lifein238]

Me: Ok, this category is Founding Father or Rapper and you have to tell me if a founding father or a rapper said the quote. Student, advising their team: If it's racist, but in a good way, it's a rapper.

[lifein238]

*Student A walks into classroom and pauses to make an announcement to the other students already in the room.*

Student A: Guess who got accepted to college, bitch?

*Student B launches self from seat and runs across the room, proceeding to tackle Student A into the wall with a hug.*

I love teaching seniors.

[lifein238]

Me: "Alyssa how do you spell your name?"

Student: "Well...my name's Alison."

[lifein238]

Student: Ms. Newton I'm so sorry it's late but I'm trying to finish it and I'll send you what I have by Monday so you can get it in, but after that I'm going to keep working on it because I love my idea and wanna see where it goes.

Me: Ok, but you also have to send me that completed version.

Student: Ok....hey, Ms. Newton?

Me: Student?

Student: What if it's good enough to get published? Can I do that?

[lifein238]

Co-Teacher: It's like you guys are allergic to instructions.

Student: To what?

[lifein238]

Today two of my students (who normally text and fall asleep) begged me to let them take their books home because they wanted to read more. One said with a huge smile, "This book is actually dope though. I like it."

[lifein238]

If I haven't taught my students anything else, at least they really get "Show Not Tell" and that's one of the hardest skills in writing. I'm so proud.

[lifein238]

"I'm a comma kinda guy. I don't do periods." — A student when I asked him why he wrote a 3 page sentence.

[lifein238]

Student: Have you watched part 3 (of High School Musical)? That's *actually* what we're going through right now as seniors.

Friend: I guarantee you it's not.

[lifein238]

Student, walking in late to class: You look sick.

Me: Yeah, I think I have a bit of a cold.

Student: You look like a zombie.

Me: ........Thank you for your concern, have a seat.

[lifein238]

Student: Ms. Newton, is that a chair for your phone?

Me: Yes.

Student: .....why?

Me: Because my phone deserves the best.

[lifein238]

Me: We have 31 days left together in this class.

Student: *Screams*

The rest of the class and I turn to look, alarmed.

Student: I'm sorry, I'm just so happy. No offense, Ms. Newton.

Me: I mean, same.

[lifein238]

Thinking of changing my name to Beautiful or Champion or Best Teacher Ever so at least when all of my students call me over at once it sounds like they're complimenting me.