First period is Math, and will be a bit difficult. The students are at a very basic level, basic operations. They remind me of some of the kids I taught at Marlton, though, so I'll probably be using a lot of the same methods. I'll just have to do the best I can to make it fun for them and help them to be successful where they're at. I'm planning to focus on basic operations, simple word problems, money, and time. Thinking of rotating topics each day, Monday=basic math, Tuesday=word problems, etc. We'll see how it goes...I still need to assess a bit more this week.
Third period is US History, and I think will be one of my more challenging classes...subject-wise, and also student-wise. I have my three troublemakers in that class (but I really shouldn't think of them that way, should I?), I need to make sure I'm consistent and firm with them. I also need to keep them busy. I think I'll start off with critical-thinking activities, start with a foundation of how to think through scenarios and determine causes/effects, etc. Otherwise it will just be a rote memorization of facts...I really want them to be able to interact with the historical events, thinking through what happened and making applications for today. Maybe that's a little ambitious.... but that's the goal. It doesn't really help that several of the kids are all about "Mexican pride" and couldn't care less about US History.
Fourth period is American Government, this will be an interesting class. They seem much more opinionated, knowledgable about the world, ready to discuss issues. They still have very little real knowledge of how government or politics works, but there's at least more motivation there. I think if I focus on connecting it to their real lives, bringing in current issues and events, it will be a good class. I also need to start out with some critical thinking activities for this class. One of my students this period is hard of hearing and doesn't know much sign, so I'll have to sim-com. That will be a challenge, so we'll see how things go...hopefully we can build her signing skills though, even if I need to continue supporting with speech.
Fifth period is English, but I'm not sure yet if students will be moved around or not. I kind of hope I can keep this class the way it is, but we'll see. There's a bit of a range in abilities, but the students are cooperative and willing to learn. I have my "class clown" in this class, he needs some motivation for studying anything except dance. One student really likes to write, so I hope I can take advantage of that and build off of her motivation. I'm looking forward to teaching English, I really want to make it worthwhile and enjoyable for the kids...so often Deaf kids hate English, but I hope they will learn to value and enjoy it. This is a double-period, fifth and sixth, so it's going to be a challenge to have class this long and not lose their attention...I need to think of a good way to break things up.
Tomorrow I'll be going over rules and procedures...I want to involve the kids in the discussion, help them to "own" our classroom rules. Should be interesting for 3rd period...gambaru! :)
