However, I think when we are at or above 30 kids in a classroom, we're asking for trouble in terms of maximizing learning. 22-24 is my magic number, as it is large enough for class discussion, but small enough to put kids into rotations in a timely manner. Forget differentiating instruction...you simply cannot do that with 30 plus kids, something that many of my colleagues at Penn and other schools deal with on a regular basis. If we want quality learning for our children, then we need to take a long hard look about how we use space and how we maximize learning for all students.
My 3rd hour sits at 31 and sometimes I literally want to break a wall down because I feel like we're on top of each other. I trip over a desk or leg at least twice in a class period, kids are on top of each other, and personal space is simply nonexistent. I know it isn't helpful to reflect on things that are out of my control, but it drives me nuts because it is hindering quality learning from taking place. It's also stressing me out. I looked ahead to next trimester and I'm supposed to have 34 kids. I literally do not have a desk for those three extra kids, and I'm using every bit of space I have right now.
9th graders are also really good at invading personal space. They should have a class on THAT.
On an entirely different note, we're studying Greek Mythology right now and of course the mythological body biographies were hysterical. Those Greeks were some crazy people. I mean Athena was born out of Zeus' head after he swallowed his mistress. One of the terms that came up was nymph, which then led to nympho, which then led to a discussion of sex addiction and the following term created by one of my students: "MISS, these people are crazy! All of them are sex alcoholics!" I'm trying not to think of that phrase too much because I start laughing and when I laugh my jaw hurts A LOT. However, it was a gem that I had to share, and I want to end on a positive note :)
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