It's work, work, work, but so gratifying when you begin to break through learning barriers...

Every night, I plot and plan how even my newest ESL students might glean a new word or two.  I draw graphic organizers to hint what we're looking for as we read. 

I stalk the classroom, coaxing, cajoling, explaining again what the questions are, clarifying and simplifying.  It's exhausting. But what is the alternative?  Giving bright kids A's and consigning those with disabilities to failure?  Sliding through those who refuse to participate with 70's?  No and no. 

Third period has been my nightmare group all year.  I've had five students expelled from that class.  They have the disabilities, the ADHD, the reluctance to learn, unwillingness to try...I insist that they write something every day...read a selection, no matter how short.  Take a vocab or spelling test weekly.  And some of them are learning, responsibility at least.  To think and write a little at most. 
 
I thrilled today to see that a senior really understood the question and answered it appropriately.  She is a girl who seldom "gets" the abstract, higher level questions--but evidently, with the multitude of examples and illustrations, she caught the drift today.  My 6th graders understood easily...but how wonderful that this 12th grader finally did.  I could have wept tears all over her paper...and told her how proud I was.  Let my approval shine through.

Most of my kids will work for me.  I'm not sure whether it's the begging or the threats, but they do.  And so I'm off to check the lesson plans, rack my brain, and take vitamins...for tomrorrow's lesson.