Pros and Cons

Today was just full of ups and downs. First period wasn't very cooperative during a game, so I told them that I don't have to spend my time thinking of games; worksheets are a-plenty around here! One student replied, "But you get paid for this."
"Heck, no, I don't!"
"Yes, you do."
"I"m a student teacher. The first part, being student. I am paying to teach."
"Well that's just dumb. Why?"
"So in a few months I can get a piece of paper that says thanks for your $20,000 and five years of your life. Go and teach!"
"TWENTY THOUSAND DOLLARS?!??!? You can buy a car with that! Why would you pay that much?"
"It's the value of an education."
*Can you guess this student was a boy from the car comment?

Second period was angelic. I loved giving the lesson to them and hear their stories about kitchen safety (or lack of, actually). It was great!

*sigh* Oh, third period. There are a few trouble-makers speckled throughout the class that are just enough to drive any sane person crazy. I sent one kid out into the hall which was a bad idea since it was lunchtime and students like to wander down to peek in the door. I had another student wash my dishes from the demo I did earlier. It's a challenge to try and reach all of the students and manage behavior for an optimal learning environment.
Also, this is the period with Salad. I was mistaken. His "full" name is Salad Lover. Oops. As I was wandering around the room, I noticed a piece of paper in the back of his binder that said "I heart Salad." So I guess he really is a salad lover. The name fits!

Fourth period was my time to relax and unwind since I only observe/work on lesson plans during this period. I love it!! Teaching three classes in a row with only a 30 minute lunch is more draining than I thought it would be.

Today I demonstrated how to make Peach Muffins with a Crumb Topping, courtesy of Emeril Lagasse and the Food Network. My teacher just loved them!! She's going to use them once I leave but change the name to Mini Peach Cobblers. It actually sounds a lot more appealing to the junior high-ers. The demos went well, and I even had one student come back after school and ask for the recipe! I loved it! It totally fed my pride.

So, there were ups and downs today, that's for sure. I just need to find something to relate to those trouble makers to help them learn...besides doing dishes and sitting in the hall talking to their friends.