And I do this for what reason?
Monday, March 24, 2008 at 08:34PM I graded my vocabulary test from last week and needless to say I was quite disappointed. My vocabulary list builds each week which means that you will have a longer list, but there are only a few new words. I asked the students to write down why they made a failing grade. Here are a few of the responses.
- I didn't have time to study because I had spelling homework. (Funny thing....he hasn't turned in his spelling homework for two weeks.)
- I studied but my sister was playing and I paid more attention to her.
- I didn't study. I didn't want to study.
- I didn't study. I went to my cousin's house. (They have the whole week to study, so I couldn't understand how one day at his cousin's house caused him to fail! Go figure!)
- I was too busy playing with my step brother and sister to study.
- I didn't study because I didn't think I needed to.
- I didn't study. I was watching t.v.
- I didn't study because I had to go to bed. (Of course, my question was "When did you start studying?"
- I didn't study enough!
- I didn't study real well because I had to watch t.v. ("had" to watch t.v. What...was it life or death?)
Then, to really put things in perspective I gave a test on the continents. Yes, I told them they had to label the continents and spelling counted.
Student: Are you going to write the continents on the board?
Teacher: Hmmm.... now if I did that I would give you the answers.
Student: Well, then how will I know how to spell them?
Teacher: Remember I told you that spelling counted.
Student: Oh...well I guess I will just spell Alabama the best I can. (No....you guessed it. We are not in Alabama.)



Reader Comments (1)
And to think...Oe day one of these children will be running our country!!!
Alabama has a "no child left behind." I believe this hurts more then it helps!!!