Back to School

I am reminded of a favorite movie of mine every year at this time. Billy Madison, although a comedy and a slapstick one at that, shows the nervousness of each new school year through a one year span. The excitement, the disappointments and the successes. "Back to school, back to school, to prove to dad I'm no fool," is a song Billy Madison, played by Adam Sandler, sings before heading off to his first day of Kindergarten as a grown man. In the story, Billy is trying to prove to his father that he can take over the family business.

I think of all of the new students at school and wonder where they are coming from, what is their background, what are their experiences, what do they bring to the conversation??? What do they have to prove? As a teacher, how do I find that out? I want to know what my new students are "experts" at and what they would like to learn more about. I usually start off the new school year by asking students what they did over the summer. This year I am going to add to that by asking what they would consider their "area of expertise." This will hopefully spark some conversations amongst the freshmen and lead to some sharing of knowledge. I will let you know how this goes.

I am excited for this school year because I have only FOUR preps first semester and five second semester. In my eight years of teaching this is the smallest number of different courses I have had to prepare for! I am excited to have a couple repeat courses and the opportunity to adjust and experiment with some new lessons. I feel like I have quite a bit to do before now and the first day with the students! I need to get going!!! Have a great school year!