It was a Monday

January 30, 2007 at 4:24 AM

Warning: tired teacher blog below
Did you know that when it is actually below freezing, that showing up on time is optional (or at all)? Ditto for rain. I know I live in the south now, but this is a bit ridiculous. Schools actually do run on time here, so yes, you do need to show up on time for your before school Suzuki class. And, yes, you should listen to your recording that should have been bought 6 months ago. Oh, yeah, practice is a nice touch too. I have 2 beginner classes that are like night and day. Some parents totally get it-they are supportive in the right ways, their class goes smoothly and those students take off. It's frustrating to see some such a great opportunity for these city students wasted by lack of follow-through. In our middle school, again, so many students are just squandering away another great opportunity to take ownership of their own learning. You really should remember that a D natural is a D. And that F# is a high 3 on the viola C string. And that ears can hear pitches without tapes for your fingers. And those beautiful fake nails that match your violin (whose painted on color is not found in nature) have to go. And good grammar will get you a lot farther than "where you at"/"where you wuz"/"what is that thang" and "what I did". And yes, you might just be bored after you forget your music and hang your head for most of class. And yes, I expect you to practice because I am trying to help you!

From Laurie Niles
Posted on January 30, 2007 at 6:33 AM

I feel your pain... In fact, today I'm sick as anything!

Those kids are getting something special from you, though, whether they appreciate it now or not, so keep heart!

From Anne Horvath
Posted on January 30, 2007 at 3:13 PM

Laurie, I picked up a hideous cold over New Years when I was visiting my parents (and I never, ever get sick), and my Dad gave me this stuff called "Airborne". It is really a bunch of vitamins, and it seemed to help. Get well.

Patricia, it is cold here in Alabama too. My all-time favorite South-Winter-Weather story is when my brother, at Mississippi State University, called home to my Yankee parents and announced that because it was 20 degrees outside, it was too chilly and all classes were canceled. No snow, no ice, just chilly. I still giggle at that one.

From Linda Lerskier
Posted on January 30, 2007 at 8:18 PM

What you mean? xD =P

I know what you mean. It's not much better in HS orchestras.

From Linda Lerskier
Posted on January 30, 2007 at 8:20 PM

By the way, very adorable kids!

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