Getting down to business

I always feel as though this is the week where things really get rolling--the introductions are over, kids have had a chance to see how class runs, and I'm finally collecting a few assignments. Today I talked to kids .

about commitment to improving their skills--and how it should be an important focus as they move into the ever-increasingly competitive world of work and college. Students often want to get the work done as quickly as possible--sometimes not stopping to think deeply or answer thoroughly. I saw this today with some small group "discussions" that took all of 5 minutes and on Moodle Monday when students didn't complete their tasks for the hour. Improving reading and thinking skills doesn't come without commitment and hard work--I'm not a fan of "busy work", but I do offer many opportunities for students to practice reading and writing skills. They should be prepared to slow down, read closely, use strategies to make meaning, and re-write essays this year. Tomorrow we have our first vocabulary quiz; words are here (link). Students should know the spelling and definition.