"A Good Day of Learning" dedicated to Devins

I just made a decision to give a student a chance to come out of a substantially separate classroom into a regular ed. classroom. I resisted the change at first then said I will give it a try and let him know in no uncertain terms it was a "trial basis" and I would ship him back 'quick, fast and in a hurry if he didn't put his full effort into it and fooled around. At the end of one week and a day, he has proved his worth. Today he said to me before he left the classroom, "Thanks for a good day of learning Ms. Williams". Blew my mind ! Imagine if I just blew him off without giving him the benefit of a chance.

To Devins: Thank you for a good day of learning. You taught me how far I have drifted away from why I went into teaching in the first place: to give kids a chance. I don't know how many chances you have gotten in life,but take this one and keep running with it, and if you stumble, I'll be there to help you up and get you going again quick, fast and in a hurry!!!!

Don't be Bored During Vacation Week

Free!!! ages 12-18

Application deadline is Wednesday January 20th.

What are you doing during February vacation week? Want to accompany me (Ms. B. Williams) to a fun filled day along with other youths across the city? Open up the link and let me know if you want to be a part of this. Please let your parents know about this and see if they can get you there, or if you need help getting there. Go to the website below for more info.

http://www.carolecopelandthomas.com

Keith Lockhart, conductor of Boston POPS visits

Keith Lockhart, conductor of the Boston Symphony Orchestra visited one of my classes today as part of the Big Cheese Reads program. This is a program sponsored by Boston Partners in Education and links business and community leaders with middle school students by coming into the schools and reading to them and talking to them about literacy and career success.

I didn't realize Lockhart was such an avid reader and he impressed me with his knowledge of literature. He says literature is much like the symphony, in that, when words are put together in certain ways it is like music to his ears.

I would like to hear what some of you have to say about his visit today.

Welcome to Our Class Pages

This blog is created so that the students of my English Language Arts classes can share their work, ideas, and sentiments about things they are learning and experencing in class. Topics can range from literature responses to social justice and change. We encourage you to visit our blog and lend your voice and expertise, or just learn along with us.