Random Thoughts During 1st Period

So I haven't updated for awhile. I have wanted to. I can't think of ANYTHING to write about. I read other blogs by my friends, who always write about random stuff that is so funny and I wish I could be more like them. Cindy always writes about stuff that's everyday but everyone deals with and relates to. I can never think of anything! Leslie will write short entries that are so hilarious and random, and I wish I could do that, too. And then there are those who have cute children, and so there's ALWAYS something to write about.

I don't have cute children. YET. What I do have, however, are obnoxious junior high students. Everyone always feels so bad for me that I have to deal with teenagers, but I prefer them to small children any day. Well, maybe not my OWN small children, but definately other people's. The hardest thing about teaching junior high is being able to discipline and keep kids this age in check. I just don't seem to have much trouble with that. It sort of comes to me naturally. So I get to revel in the advantages to this age group.

Advantages?

Yes, there are advantages to 7-9th graders.

1. My subject is much simpler at this level. I don't have to teach the real in-depth stuff that takes a lot of time and prep. I can stick to the basics.
2. I only have three preps, or subjects. In high school, business teachers can sometimes teach six different subjects. Any idea how much WORK that is?
3. I don't have to do FBLA or any after school clubs. Unless I want to (ballroom). That's pretty nice too. When the bell rings, i can go home.
4. It's a lot easier to get 7th graders to worship you than high school kids. And once they like you, they are far less likely to give you trouble. Ok, they don't worship me, but they like me. And I make darned sure it's not because I let them break rules or just talk all period. They work hard. But we have fun, too. Its easier to have fun with junior high kids. High school kids think EVERYTHING is lame. JR. high kids just SAY it is. But they don't really beleive it. They still have hope. They still have a bit of a kid in them. I love this age group.

What I want to know is, where are the 9th grade parents? (not 9th graders who are parents, but parents who have 9th graders...) Parent Teacher conferences are next week, (PLEASE say I won't have my baby before that!) and what's interesting is I get TONS of parents for my 7th graders who all have A's and are doing well, but the 9th graders who are struggling more rarely have a parent come. Why is that? 9th grade is when their grades "count." Why aren't their parents watching them more closely? I just don't get it. Maybe I will when I have a 9th grader myself...Man, that is a LONG time away!