As school winds down

LET THEM EAT

As I see more and more of my friends saying they are on summer vacation, I get crankier. I've never been in school this late. I'm down to the last two exam days and I'm plodding toward the finish line. I can't go faster because the students have been through for weeks. Once the seniors were out, the undergrads gave up.

I've got a couple of suggestions for the end of year doldrums.

First and foremost would be food--sort of like treats for a puppy for good behavior. If they knew they had cookies, brownies or some other goodie when they finished their work, they would be more willing to put in some work. I could circle the room and put goodies out as they completed a solid effort. Of course, we can't do that because the food allowed in school is limited. The kids can bring anything for themselves but than matters not to the Feds.

Second, if they finish all the work and have made changes as necessary, let them out. Just let the ones who have done all they will to start their vacation immediately. They've checked out mentally. Now let their bodies follow suit.

Of course, we can't let them out. We should set up classrooms where they are challenged to do things that are fun or have fun rewards. Perhaps they could play history games. Create teams and have them compete. The winning team could pick from a plethora of things as their reward.

Reality is. It's hard to keep the students engaged during the last month. We need to recognize that and provide ways to make them look forward to then end--and not just because it's the end.

Judy Babb
West Mesquite High School
Mesquite, Texas