January 26, 2010

• Question Jar

  This morning I picked a slip of paper out of my question jar so that I could write about it for you.  Here is the question.   “What would you do if you were the teacher and everyone forgot his homework?”

  First of all, in all my years of teaching I’ve never seen an entire class FORGET their homework.  Maybe a few or even several, but there is always someone who has it done and ready to turn in.   But if we suspend reality for a moment and pretend that everyone really did forget their homework, I’ll tell you what I would do. 

  I’d start with a blank sheet of paper for each kid.  I’d expect the room to be silent.  Maybe even move all the desks apart so there is no looking at other papers. I’d have each student write a one page explanation on why they don’t have their homework.  Spelling counts, punctuation counts, and grammar counts.  That would be the grade that would replace the homework they forgot. 

  Also, I’d pick a few to read to the class (names withheld to protect embarassment) and we would talk about it. 

  I’m not going to lie.  Some kid in the class will have a brilliant and likely very funny paper.  I’d find that one to read.  You know, everyone makes mistakes.  There should be consequences for mistakes, but also learning.  If I can find a way to make it a FUN learning experience I will.   I’ll let my class know I’m disappointed, then brainstorm ways to not let it happen again.   

  Probably the very first thing I would do is to look incredulous at the fact they all forgot… step into the hall and laugh a little because it would appear to be an organized prank and then return to class looking stern and assign the papers.  

  Have a happy day!

  • 12:09 pm
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