Oh my lovely children -- this years group is completely different from last years. It always amazes me how different class dynamics can come up. I am teaching a class called College Prep this year. Its the first time its been offered at our school and the curriculum is pretty fluid. The students, however, are rather unexpected. I've had classes of "failing" students before. I've also had classes on high achieving students before. This is a class of "average" students. They all came into the class because while they've passed their previous courses they haven't excelled in them. Only a small number of them came with A's or B's from the previous math class. Most came through with C's and D's. Its the most social group of kids I've ever had together in one room. I finally had to crack the whip this week on appropriate behavior. I love for my students to interact, but we were losing lots of class time. Fortunately, they were very responsive -- because they do still want to do well, even if they aren't obsessed about the "A" like some of the honors classes.

I've also got a group of struggling math students that you can't help but love, but loving them makes you want to cry. Only sophomores in high school, many of them don't really forsee themselves graduating. They are so used to failing in the past that the beginning of the school year is very challenging. I've had this class type for 3 years running now and every year I find myself really enjoying it, but being exhausted by the effort that is necessary to help these students understand the concepts (and more importantly -- just try to understand the concepts). I have such a mix this year of abilities that I actually got a former student whose in Pre Calculus to become an aide so she can help out.

Then there's the usual Algeba 2 classes. Its been the first time that I've had so many students carry over from the previous year, with lots repeating the course because they made some poor choices before. Fortunately, they are doing really well this time through and give guidance and advice to some of the sophomores about how important doing homework and keeping up on the material is. Its amazing what a difference the summer can make.

So that may be more than you wanted to know. I'll have to track down Anne of Green Gables. We have a library within walking distance of our home so I'll just get a nice walk in and get the first one! I'm glad you mentioned them -- I need something new to read. How are you and your family doing?