When you started by telling us that you do 'fun activities' I
knew right away that you have them at a point where they are
looking for the next dog and pony show (bread and circuses to
the Romans). You're also, I think, physically wiped out for
trying to whip up these activities. You cannot now grab them
with the meat and potatoes content of the course. (And you are
not doing yourself a favor anyways because if anyone asks them
about your class in a few months, they'll say they did lots of
dumb things but didn't learn anything. That's what children are
like. Yes, you are right that they are immature. They are also
the proverbial dogs in the 'wild dogs that bite the hand that
feeds them' quotation) Do the best you can to salvage the
course. Start the next semester with a much more concrete
approach to the content and choose engaging, but meaningful,
activities that appeal to their intelligence. They'll learn,
enjoy and respect you.

On 10/27/09, L. Swilley wrote:
> On 10/27/09, First Year Teacher wrote:
>> My students have just worn me down (I teach 9th grade
>> English) etc...
>
> ===================================
>
> First, tell us what you are currently trying to teach in
> literature/writing. The current story, poem, play, essay -
> and a couple of selections ahead.
>
> L. Swilley

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