I have to write what?!

Alright, all. So I survived Week 1. Well, technically, I survived the first 3 days. Let me just say that 95 minutes per class is ENTIRELY too long! I don't remember exactly how I managed that when I was in junior high/high school. On the other hand, it's absolutely wonderful to have that long as a planning period! Plus, mine is third block which includes all the lunches so technically I get about an extra 25 minutes, making my "off" time 2 hours. I love it! I get so much accomplished! Not that I still don't have a lot to do each evening post-school. Speaking of, I have papers to grade. Fun stuff.

So my kiddos have to write an essay one-page long. ONE-PAGE. ABOUT THEMSELVES. THAT'S IT. ONE-STINKING-PAGE. C'mon! Now how many people can rattle on about themselves for at least a page? No big deal, right? Oh, no. You'd think I asked them to submit a 10 page essage complete with bibliography and footnotes. This essay can even be handwritten!! Oh, the groans. And then let's not even talk about spelling mistakes! I have my work cut out for me! Of course, if I wasn't such a nerd, maybe I wouldn't be so surprised at this mess. I will say, we must do a better job teaching grammar. MUST. I gave my students a grammar quiz today to see what they remembered. Results? NOT MUCH. (Sorry for so many caps tonight.) Then I took the papers up, we went over every part, I redistributed the papers, and then let them work with a partner to correct their answers! And I'm still getting nearly failing grades. It's going to be one long year. I was going to take this as a quiz grade; I'm thinking daily might be the way to go. Lord, grant me strength!