I Can't Dance...

Mark's blog entry has got me thinking about Phil Collins/Genesis, thus the random post title.

In other news, I think I'm starting to get how to teach. Not as in "I've almost learned everything there is to know;" but more like "I'm starting to not sound like a total jackass maybe 50% of the time." I think a lot of it stems from the fact that I am becoming less reluctant at calling out individual students, whether it's to offer assistance or to tell them to can it. I'm getting to know the kids pretty well, so I know when I can turn the screws.

However, I have also discovered that middle schoolers have egos that should be encased in bubble wrap. There are some kids who you can totally wreck without even knowing it. You'll be going along with your class, and out of the corner of your eye you'll see some kid break down and start crying. Laurie and I have started a tally of who can make the most kids cry, and I think I moved up on her 2-1 yesterday, but does it count if it's the same kid?

I always cite my reasoning for teaching middle school as the fact that they are easy to mess with, but I never meant for it to go this way. It's OK, kids, everything's going to be aaaaaalright.