by the way (and i feel weird using this expression because in "i know why the caged bird sings" by maya angelou, the proud zealot grandmother, "momma," beats her grandchildren for saying "by the way" because it is a "whitefolks" expression, and blasphemy. yet i know i'm not using it as blasphemy, but i sure don't like being grouped in with "whitefolks"...), if anyone would like to email me, my address is: harrisodaniels@hotmail.com
i'm beginning to see how i can maintain control over my classroom of 24 rowdy ninth graders. choice. it's simple. it's worked so far. "you have a choice: you can continue to have social conversation and hold up the rest of the class, or we can go on with the lesson that i think you all will enjoy." addressing a disruptive student directly, with proximity, of course.
anyway, beyond theory, the classroom is such a fun place to be. i wish i could be friends with some of these kids. i wish i could invite them to shows that my bands play. i want to recommend bands, albums, movies, books, etc. to them.
i want to be a kid again.
but being a teacher is pretty cool.
hi. this is the first post of what i hope will be many. my name is harris daniels, and lately i've become more used to being addressed as "mr. daniels". this is because i am student teaching in worcester, massachusetts. i am not quite used to this yet, and i hope to express my many frustrations, mixed emotions, and generally try to come to terms with the balance between being an adult and a young person on this "blog." wish me luck.