Recently, I distributed the first Peer Assessment sheets for the students to fill in.  I didn’t think it would take as long as it did.  Some students finished fast because their answers were not thorough.  Others, like the ELL students required more time.  I wasn’t sure how I was going to time this and do a sketchbook check.  The first class I did this with, the peer assessment took 20-30 minutes.  I didn’t think it would take this long but knowing the duration that it could last, I made sure to give the second class more time for their peer assessment.  I took less time with the students for the sketchbook check because there were so many I had to go through.  Even though took less time with each student, I still only made it through half of them.  The kids at the bottom of the alphabet are lucky in that they get the weekend to do their sketches!

A few things that I wish to correct or address:

1. Sketchbook checks do take the whole class- thorough ones anyway

2. Peer Assessment requires at least 30 minutes.  I need to tell them I want FULL sentences and explain WHY they come up with the answers they do.  I will most likely need to rephrase some of my questions for the Peer Assessment sheet.

3. Dealing with those ELL students.  Many who struggle with English still need extra help and attention.  I tell them all the time that they need to come up to me if they need help.  They just nod and say “yes”.  I can only take their word for it but I cannot expend my energies to help the one on one every class.  I’m doing what I can but many just don’t do the work.  It’s not fair for me to mark them down because it is not an intelligence problem; however, it is also not fair if I mark them high for not doing the same amount of work that the other non-ELL students are expected to do.  This the biggest challenge I am dealing with.

4. Being flexible with sick and absent students.  Do I wait for a sick note or do I take their word for it and give them more time to do their work?  Many non-absent students still fail to keep track of their due dates and act surprised when the due date creeps up on them.  I believe I have made an effort to keep things transparent including the due dates.  Do I need to remind them everyday?  Do they not take any responsibility for getting their work in on time?  Instead, many are left rushing last minute to complete their tasks.  Perhaps this is the norm?  There are many students who are responsible and hand in solid work on time.

These are my reflections from the past week.  I am nervous for next week.  I start my 80% load this coming Monday.  I just pray that I will be OK. I am most worried about prepping for each class in time.  In addition to that, if I can get through these next two weeks, then I get  to have a break for two weeks!  I really need this!