The following are some tips you may find useful to not only survive, but THRIVE in my English class:
1. I love the English language, and I love to teach. I am committed to doing my best to make English class fun, exciting, and enjoyable. I ask that my students come into my class with an open mind, ready to learn, ready to participate, and ready to have fun. Who knows? You just may end up loving English!
2. In my class, there are no stupid questions. I want you to ask! I don’t want you to assume anything. And I don’t want you to feel like your question is dumb. You will never learn if you don’t ask questions! However, don’t feel insulted if I direct you to a dictionary, thesaurus, or encyclopedia for those “How do you spell….?” or “What does….mean?” questions. I’m not trying to “blow you off” but rather to teach you to use those important tools.
3. I have a son, Asher, and I will more than likely tell you stories about him on a regular basis. However, I know what it means to get a teacher off on a “rabbit trail” so don’t think you’re going to get away with it….
4. Mr. Rogers, the high school history teacher, is also my husband. Keep that in mind when you decide to complain about a history assignment, lesson, or the teacher when you are in my class. Besides, I love history, and have been a history teacher as well, so you’re not going to get any sympathy from me.
5. In keeping with #4, I won’t have any negativity in my classroom about any teacher, administrator, or any other staff member. My classroom environment will be positive, exciting, and upbeat at all times.
6. Be prepared. Be prepared for class every day, for tests or quizzes when they pop up, and for every assignment or project you are asked to do. Think ahead, plan ahead, and be prepared. Procrastinators will be left behind.
7. Study. STUDY. And pay attention in class. I always reiterate points you need to know. If you’ve heard it more than once in class, you probably need to know it for a test or quiz.
8. Do your best. Your best may not always be an “A+,” but I always expect your best. Even if your very best is a “C.” Always be striving to do better. Sometimes a grade can be determined based on the amount of improvement you’ve made. As the saying goes, “Good, better, best---never let it rest---until your good is better, and your better is your best!”