Reason #34 I got it! I’m feeling it!

I have wondered why it is that freshmen have the energy of puppies.  They can just go and go and go. Their attention span leaves something to be desired if the activity is longer than 30 seconds. Their desire to interact with others is unstoppable.  Or is it?  That is the big question.  

How in the world do you get a freshman to focus?  Well there is no getting to be got.  They have to do it themselves. That is the catch.  It is not up to me.  If only it were!  Some of my days would be so much easier!

Now, puppies have tons of energy.  But they also have a sweetness to them, a desire for attention. One of my dear freshman is moving along in many ways.  He is now not wearing his hat in class.  Yeah! 

Today he was able to focus on our activity, after a little standing and getting a better view of the class during my explanation.

As this is Valentine’s week, students are creating a card to give to someone. Sitting next to Victor, Léonard asked me to read what he had written before he put it on his card.  I was quite impressed and with pride and confidence he said “I get it. I’m feeling it!  I’m feeling it!” It was hilarious.  I thought he was going to jump up and dance. I was about to, so impressed with his focus and happy to see what he could produce when he did!  Amazing!

That was not the end of the excitement with Léonard.  When I went to work with Victor and asked him to write a little more, Léonard looked at what he wrote and said “Touch her heart. Reel her in.” The tone with which he said it was so dramatic! We would have never, ever guessed he had that in him!  What fun!!      

Seeing student step out and show off their enthusiasm… 

This is why I teach!