Two Little Stars in a Sea of Circles

Jim (not his real name) was late handing in his math homework. I had graded the other students' homework and most did very well. As I began to grade Jim's paper, I did what I normally do: I circled the incorrect answers. My heart sank as I circled and circled and circled--the first 12 problems were incorrect. I kept on grading and, suddenly, I saw a correct answer. It gave me such an emotional jolt that I quickly made a star next to the answer. To my amazement, the next answer was correct as well. Another star. Normally, I don't star each correct answer, but I did this time. It turned out that those two stars were the only stars in a sea of circles. I looked over the many incorrect problems to see why he had missed them and realized he was quite confused about the topic. I'd need to work with him and I was not looking forward to him seeing all the circles. There was so much we needed to cover. Where would I begin? How could I build his confidence? The two little stars seemed to call out to me: begin with us, they told me. And so I did. When Jim and I sat down to work together, I began with the stars. "You did a great job with #15--tell me what you did to get the answer." As he talked me through his process, which was mathematically solid, I had the impression that we were constructing a foundation--something solid we could build on. We both saw that he had done some competent math, and so it became comfortable to bring up the problems he did incorrectly. We talked about how the incorrect problems were different to him and were able to pinpoint areas of confusion. His attitude seemed open and hopeful. I felt the time we worked together was helping both of us to move forward. Thank you, little stars.

Not Blogging on a Snowy Day

This is our second day of "vacation" due to school cancelations brought on by snow. Should I feel guilty about how thrilled I am to be home instead of in the classroom?? Well, no. I have been thinking about the kids and missing them, BUT, I find this "forced" slowdown of my hectic life to be utterly delicious. I'm not required to think profound thoughts , I'm not required to hold an intelligent conversation, and I'm not required to engage in educational activities. In short, I'm

r-e-l-a-x-i-n-g, and it is so renewing! So how do I handle our professor's request that we blog about the science readings due today? (Wow. Talk about a rude interruption!) This request will require me to do the very things I've been taking a break from. And, then, once I start thinking and talking about the science readings, who knows, I might then start working on a lesson plan for my main placement. And where will that lead? In short, my "mind break" will be over and done with. Of course I could blog about the science readings and do my lesson plan after we're back to our normal routine, but won't I miss an opportunity to get "caught up" while I have the chance? Hmm....