There once was a boy...

Today started our new semester, and a new semester for me brings a new group of students to my remediation Algebra 1 class. These students are assigned to this class because they were not proficient on the Algebra 1 Keystone Exam (Pennsylvania's state assessment). The law requires us to remediate these students, prior to them taking the test again.

Every one of these students have a 2nd math class. They all have a year long Geometry class. Most of these students are your struggling math students, that simply don't like math. The thought of having 2 math classes in (sometimes) the same 4 block day, is daunting and scary.

My remediation class is a flipped mastery class, where the students do absolutely all work in class. There is no outside homework, and they are always able to improve on any score they receive. It is a standards based graded course as well. Every student has their own individual learning plan, based on their state assessment scores.

So, 2nd block today, while waiting for the students to find the room, and for class to start, the following conversation happens. The boy's name will be John for this conversation, so that his identity is protected.

John: "Are you Mrs. McGowan?"

Me: "I am!"

John: "I just want to tell you I don't want this class. I already have another math class, and I can't simply handle another math class. Can I please be exited from this class?"

Me: "But, John, I was SoooOOOOoooo looking forward to teaching you. I was told that your smile will brighten my day, and that your humor will surely make me smile, regardless of the day that I was having.

John: just looking at me

Me:  "I was told that I you are such a great student, that I will be blessed having you as a student"

John: "You were really told that!"

Me: "Yes! Can you give me a chance?"

I continued with class, where we did absolutely no math. We did a kahoot about me, students answered 10 questions about them, filled out a blog on "I wish my teacher knew...", did a learning style quiz, and played a Socrative space race on pop culture.

While playing Kahoot, the para's name in the room was mentioned. John exclaimed, "I know her! She's in my Geometry class too!" I, then told John, that is who told me all of those nice things about him.

John looked at the para and said "You really said those things! Thank you!"

At the end of the block (90 minutes), John announced to the class:

"I like you, Mrs. McGowan. It's going to be a great semester together!"

Now, I just have to make sure I live up to my end of the bargain. That my friends, is how I hook the students. I learn positive things about them, prior to knowing them, so that I can make sure they know I care.