Homework or not?

Today I was teaching a lesson on persuasive writing and how you have to have reasons to back up your opinion. So I gave the topic of should children have to do homework. The students who agree that homework should be given stood on one side of the room and the ones who disagree went to the other side. I gave them some time to talk with each other to decide on three points to present to the other group. I explained that they have to say enough details to go along with their point so that they can try to persuade the other side to agree with them. Let me tell you, they were getting into it! The side that was against giving homework had an opening point from that said, “We believe children should not give homework because it is stupid and boring” Of course I had to tell them I didn’t like that word and they needed to pick a new one but they just said, “Ok well its boring”. Then the other two points were not very memorable I think they had to do with something about not having time for going to a party or playing video games or something. The other side (which by the way has a lot of the strong readers and writers) they got very defensive and all of them had a look on their face that meant they were talking business! They said that by giving homework “we will be up here and you will stay down here” (Owain had one of his hands up near his chest and the other close to his bellybutton to give a visual) The next point was that when they grow up the children who had homework will be getting hired at all the jobs and the others will be getting fired. Ha I can’t remember the last one but I just thought it was funny how they were getting so serious with this topic! They seemed like lawyers trying to persuade the jury to believe what they believe! (threw that in for you, Leila J)

Alazer and Danny of course always crack me up. Today I was wearing a dress that has some white buttons on the front that are shaped liked roses and they are pretty big. So Alazer looks at one and says, “Are those chocolates on your dress?” and then Danny says, “oh that is making me hungry can I have some of those chocolates on your dress?” haha they are just hilarious. They sit next to each other in class and we may have to change them around because they are always crackin’ jokes.

I know I have said this before but it is just so hard being a teacher sometimes! I come home from school and am completely exhausted! I should have been preparing for next week’s lessons but I was so worn out when I got home I couldn’t do anything except relax on the back porch! Tracy’s sister Janet came over and she is awesome! Katie Evans, she is just like your mom except her hair is brown! She is a teacher at a catholic high school and she was giving me tips on classroom management this afternoon. I like that Tracy is so close with her family around here because it really reminds me of home how I am with my family.

This morning I got to Skype with Daddy and Anna Beth! It was about 6 am for me and 4 pm for them but I’m glad I got to see them! I would love to Skype with any of you as well so just send me an email or add me on Skype. My name is kathleenboehme! Tomorrow is Friday and that means I am done with week 3 and only have 9 more to go!

Before I go I must say that I am so upset about what I have heard about Toomer’s Corner. That is one of my favorite traditions and I can’t believe someone would be so malicious. I really hope they can save the trees and keep the tradition alive. I believe in Auburn and love it!

Matthew 28:5-7