Friday, August 31, 2007

Orientationism

Three days of school behind me, three days of weekend ahead of me.

This week we had "new student orientation." Working in a high school makes me so happy that I am no longer in high school. High school is tough! Especially when you're a new student. You're either a) trying to let everyone know real quick who you are and what you're all about, or b) desperately trying not to be noticed so that people won't figure out too soon who you are and what you're all about.

Meanwhile I planned an activity for them today where they worked in groups to create a three-minute presentation, which they then presented in front of all 40 new students. What you guys are probably thinking, which didn't occur to me, is that no high schooler is going to want to a) work in a group of strangers and b) do a presentation in front of a huge group of strangers. Oh my god, it was awful. Bless them, they all did the best they could, but I have never seen such mass anxiety.

Fortunately they all have three days to recover before they come back on Tuesday, where they'll be joined by a whole bunch of returning kids for the whole-school orientation.


High school: Less like this .....




... than like this:

2 comments:

Unknown said...

julie,

are you sure it was awful?
is there something else would you have chosen as an activity, if you had to do it over?
you don't really have to respond if it's a hassle. i'm just interested in how teachers think and plan. it's good to learn stuff--it helps me think better.
alison

Unknown said...

p.s.
my little kids love high school musical!!
alison