unbalanced

     I think the tsunami on Saturday threw everyone off.
     A bunch of kids showed up with homework undone and homework logs unsigned. Junior and Neo, surprisingly, were absent. It could have been a better day if I weren't quite so grumpy. After reading from "Blue Skin of the Sea," we slogged through a session with the Social Studies textbook (always a party!). I kept some of the boys in for recess for not doing any work. They sulked, but I took them through some of the questions, then freed them for 5 minutes of recess.
     After recess we had guided reading and I introduced the reader response chart to help students build comprehension. Slow going, but I have to remember this was their first time working with it, so confusion is natural.
     After lunch (surprise - it featured a chicken patty), we delved into figuring out the median of a set of numbers. Finally, finally, the bell rang and the students raced out.
     Thinking about the day, I realized that I was feeling a little rushed from the morning. My feeling uncentered throws the class off a little, too. I feel better when I can deal with the students with patience and balance.
    Nothing else to say but, try again tomorrow ...