Soccer practice

I have started coaching under 14 boys. I have always working with girls until a few years ago when they all moved up to the high school. Coaching boys is definitely different than coaching girls. I have been having a lot of fun with them but it has taken me longer to develop a "trust" with them than with the girls. I don't know if it is because I am female and they take male coaches more seriously or if it just the group of kids. After 6 weeks of practices, they are getting the light bulb moment of "I get it" A week ago we lost to a team 5-4. During that next week, we worked on adjustments because we had to play the same team again the following week. We ended up winning 5-3. It was awesome and the boys were so proud of themselves!!!!

Skits performed

Today my 8th graders starting performing their 2.5 minute skits. The principal was very curious to see what I was doing in class with these skits and had asked me to inform him when they were happening. Today he came down to view a few of them. He was thrilled to see how well they performed. He even asked if they copied the skits from somewhere else and when he was told that they came up with them on their own, he was even more impressed. It was a great day infront of the principal!!!

Health

Today I taught on abstinence and have a great activity the kids loved. Have each one roll one die six times. Have them record each roll on a piece of paper. Then I start with the number 5. Anyone who rolls a 5 must stand. These people represent sexually transmitted diseases. Have those who rolled a 5 the first time then those who rolled multiple fives. Then we talk a little about the disease and the impact it can have on relationships. Then I ask for the number 6. Anyone with a six stands. These represent pregancies. I ask for who rolled a six the first time and for multiple sixes. We then talk about teen pregnancies and how that can affect someone. Lastly I ask those who didn't roll a 5 or 6. (Hopefully I have at least one) I tell them I was proud of them and was willing to give them 10 bonus points for it, but they could earn 5 more if they rolled again and didn't get a 6 or a 5. If they did - all points are gone. The kids usually pressure them into going for it. I usually try to get them to roll. Then they roll a 5 or 6 and all is lost. (I keep upping the anti until all is lost) We then talk about the pressures out there and then the dangers. They loved this activity and it is a great ice breaker to start taking about the subject.

Classroom Management

Today was a rough day. I have a student that just won't stop talking in class. He likes to make comments to others even those across the room. Yesterday I even sent him out of my classroom to the office for his behavior. I have moved his seat already. Does anyone have any suggestions on how to handle the really difficult kids in the classroom?

Technology Use

I am getting better with this technology thing. I still am having trouble with this blogging thing, but I have been taking pictures of our Varsity girls soccer team and band and have found how to send them to the local paper that comes out every Friday. I have seen some of my photos now published.

Health

In health we are working on our "patient" research. Every student was given a patient with a disease to look up and then eventually give a speech on.

Health Class

My 7th grade students are in the process of becoming "resident doctors". They have been given a patient to research and then give a 2 minute speech. They must be able to answer questions from the "audience"