Dressing and Educating: Days 84-86

Day 84: December 19, 2016

I hit the home stretch toward Christmas break today. In English, we reviewed for our big test with a friendly game of Review Basketball. We recently finished the seventh chapter of Not a Drop to Drink by Mindy McGinnis and so their test prior to Christmas Vacation is over the first seven chapters of the novel.

In Honors World History, my students performed their Epic Rap Battles between Karl Marx and Adam Smith. This was my first time conducting this project and my students really exceeded my expectations. I was so pleased with their finished products and enjoyed getting to see them rap live, listen to their pre-recorded videos, or present their slideshows about each philosopher.

I wore my brand new Perfect T and leggings from Lula Roe with a black cardigan, a scarf, and boots.

Day 85: December 20, 2016

A few years ago we used to hold semester exams the last three days before Christmas break. Because of state testing and other requirements my district decided not to add to the already weighty test schedule with semester exams. I go back and forth on how I feel about taking exams off of the table, but one thing I know I miss is the order it created for the last three days. With an exam-adjusted schedule school was all-business those last days before break. I miss that.

Today my students were buzzing with talk about Christmas and many of them handed out gifts to friends in the hall way. It was a loud day and particularly challenging in my English classes as my students took their test over the first seven chapters of Not a Drop to Drink. I was not pleased with their scores on the test which has me worried that many of them have turned off their “school brain” a little early.

Today I wore red jeggings, a white tshirt, and a blue flannel from Primark in England.

Day 86: December 21, 2016

Finally, the last day before break.

Students in Honors World History took their unit test today over the Industrial Revolution. It was a tidy end to the semester as we can begin a brand new unit after Christmas break. We will be moving on to the Age of Imperialism and barreling toward the first world war.

In English, since students took their test yesterday I decided to make today a reading day. Students were given a set of terms and ideas relating to irony. They defined the words and then we read “The Gift of the Magi” together. It’s a classic story that always leads into some interesting discussion.

Today I wore jeans and a pink sweater from Delias.

I’m so glad to be entering my Christmas break. By the time you read this I will already be in the midst of the most wonderful time of the year cherishing memories with those I love along the way. I hope you are all enjoying this same time during the Holidays season.