The halfway point - part 2

November
The local newspaper had holiday essay contest. I decided this would be a great project for the students. They disagreed, but I reminded them that composition class–like life–is not fair. I tried to provide an incentive by reminding them that the winner would receive a $50 savings bond. "What's a savings bond, Miss Tiefel?" They weren't too thrilled with the explanation, preferring crisp greenbacks in their hands. The requests to watch a movie in class continued, but I persevered with my whimsical idea that education is more important than entertainment. Winter's right around the corner...is there a glorious snow day in my future? Nope.

December
The finished holiday essays are sent off to the newspaper. Congrats to Joey, who took first place in her age category! The fifth and sixth graders began writing business plans in composition. To my pleased surprise, most of them loved this project so much they lobbied to skip reading class and just work on composition. Some of the seventh and eighth grade students informed me that they have formed a Miss Tiefel fan club. I am suspicious that this is a plot to manipulate me into in-class movie watching. Eau Claire receives 22 inches in a record snowfall, but this icy bounty arrives over a weekend. Foiled again. I was blown away by the amazing number of thoughtful Christmas gifts from students and parents and I enjoyed having a Christmas break for the first time since college.

January
All of my students began prepping for a second round of research papers for the school's history fair, which takes place in February. I began prepping myself for endless questions about sources, citations and bibliographies. We started a sci-fi unit in literature class and I decided this was the perfect time to watch a movie! They are beyond thrilled. We watch the first half of Tron. The students laugh at the 80s hairstyles and clothes. (What's so funny about that? I thought they looked awesome.) Oh, and in the longest, coldest month of the year, here's the ultimate irony: I still haven't had a snow day.