Big goal?

This is what I want my students to believe:

"I believe in myself and my ability to do my best.

I am intelligent.  I am capable of greatness.

I can learn.  I will learn.  I must learn.

Today, I will listen. I will speak. I will see.

I will think. I will feel. I will try. I will reason.

I will read. I will write. I will ask questions.

I will do all these things with one purpose in mind: to do my BEST.

I am too smart to waste today!"

It is sad to say that I’ve given up on many of my monumental goals for my students and fellow teachers.  Unlike last year, this year’s students are EXTREMEMLY apathetic.  They feel “entitled” in a sense.  Little effort is given unless the class is “fun” or the teacher is “crunk” and allows them to do what they want to do.  Well, that ain’t my class!  Of course, I love a game every now and then, but only after the material has been covered.  Because so many students are behind (and don’t give a ****), it takes two times longer to cover an objective.  When the game is presented, the concept behind the material is lost and all they are concerned about is “winning” and how this person and that person is cheating, and looking at them, and a host of other irrelevant topics.  As for the teachers, too many of them are coasting along- leading the kids into darkness and the never-ending cycle of poverty.

In spite of the above, I do work hard to get my students prepared for the state test.  As much as I don’t like the constant pressure to do well and cover the objectives, I’m doing what I have to do.  At this point, I’m just praying the scores are decent enough for the school to no longer be “at risk of failing.”

In addition to this, my school has been granted 120 “free” Lumosity accounts.  I am super excited about this endeavor.  Already, the students are loving the games and brain exercises offered on the website.  I hope that after I leave, another teacher continues to apply and encourage more cognitive thinking/development programs.

At the end of the day, my prayer is that each of my students become a good person.  I am constantly reminding them of the importance of a good attitude, good behavior, and a strong work ethic.  After about 6 months, I’m finally starting to see some change in a few.