The Joys and Pains of Teaching Seniors

There is a certain attitude in high schools that Senior teachers often get off easy. Typically, their students finish sooner than the rest of the school. Further, the worst behaved students have often times left school for good by that point. Despite these positives, teaching Seniors is not always a bed of roses. So how do we keep students who are suffering from Chronic Senioritis motivated? I cant say I have all the answers, but I can give you some insights that might help you make it through the last day of graduation practice without losing your mind or your patience. Teaching Seniors requires a person with a special personality. You cant take things as seriously with Seniors because, honestly, you are dealing with at least four special circumstances: Non-college bound students who are doing fine and will definitely graduate. They know that by second semester they only need to pass (not excel) in your class and therefore they do not take it seriously. Note: If you teach an non-required elective, this is even worse.College-bound students who by their second semester have already been accepted to their University and know that it is VERY rare that students will be turned away based on their last semester grades unless they fail.Students who are in danger of not graduating and are doing everything they can to stay afloat and make that grade that will give them the required GPA.Students who have no chance of graduating on time. These can be divided into two subcategories: those that will take the required summer courses to graduate and those that wont. Further, the ones who wont are often under the false impression that somehow a miracle will happen and they will be allowed to graduate. (Whats really sad is that many schools allow the se individuals to actually walk across the stage - just not get a diploma. Why cant we teach our students the harsh reality of their poor decisions? They will learn them soon enough - so arent we doing them a disservice by not helping them learn coping mechanisms now? But thats another article for another day.) So with that said, you can probably see that your best and average students are usually not interested in giving it their all. The only people still interested in working hard are those who either do or dont have a chance to graduate on time. And they are most interested in getting work in that will raise their grades. What to do? You can choose to give up for the last semester and just show movies - loosely based on your topic. You can continue teaching as always hoping they will settle down and get back to the way they were first semester. Or you can change what you are doing and include interest building activities that could actually result in some thinking and learning. Ideas for Interest Building Activities: Have the entire Senior class work on a project that culminates near the end of the year. In my school, we always had a Mock Legislature. Kids spent time writing bills and then for two days, the bills went through committees. If they made it through the House committees then they had to go to the Senate committees. If they made it out of their, they had to go to the entire House and Senate. If they made it out of that, the Governor would determine if it was a worthy bill and either sign or veto it. Of course, the competition for the top spots (committee chairs, Speaker, Governor, etc.) would be advertised and students would have to apply and turn in resumes. etc. This kept kids motivated and interested in coming to school. Hold classroom debates Go back to Grade School. The oddest thing happens with last semester Seniors. They are eager to leave but they are also (secretly) afraid of leaving the safety of High School. Therefore, they seem to really enjoy activities in class that requ ire artwork, cutting and pasting, experimenting, even coloring. Make them curricularly-sound - they will enjoy it. Teach them about what they can expect in College. Spend a little time talking to them about college and about how to succeed. Teach them note-taking skills. Let them in on some truths - like how important it is to figure out each professor at the beginning of a course to know how best to turn in work that they will appreciate. Help them create goals. There is no greater gift that you can give them giving students a road map to making their dreams become reality. Play educational games. Some simulation games provide students wiht a real depth of understanding. Interact has an awesome line up of simulations throughout the curriculum. Even though something might be listed as for Middle School, it can still be used in the upper grade. In the end, motivating Seniors is more about changing your teaching style to keep their interest. This is not say that you have to be an entertainer but if you want to make the last months of school enjoyable each year, try one or more of these strategies and see what happens. Good Luck!

Prostitution And The United States - 1044 Words

Jeana Williams Scruggs English Three 07 December 2016 Prostitution in the United States Prostitution is one of the world s oldest professions.Even though that it may increase sex trafficking, prostitution should be legalised in the United States because it would decrease violence and It would boost the economy. Men and women around the world are free to chose prostitution as their own profession, yet not in the US. Only one state has legalized prostitution and some want it made illegal there this would be a mistake as it would exacerbate the problems caused by it not being legal. Many people view prostitution as a deplorable job held by women who have no other option. Yet just like the porn industry if regulation was implemented then most of the stigma surrounding it would dissipate. These stigmas include that the women are worthless and unnecessary as well as that there are no men who work in this industry as a sex worker. In both legal and illegal brothels both sexes participate on both sides. In Nevada which is the only state where prostitution is legal, there are a total of 8 brothels owned by Dennis Hof a billionaire trying to work in politics to legalize prostitution everywhere (Hamdan 5). Regulations include that â€Å"[t]he workers must be at least 21 years old, use condoms, and undergo weekly testing for STDs and HIV. As of date none of the workers have tested HIV positive since testing mandated in 1985.† (5) The workers also participate in the community and showShow MoreRelatedProstitution : Prostitution And The United States2442 Words    |  10 PagesProstitution is unlawful in the United States, with the exception of a few areas in Nevada. In any case, prostitution is in most part of the United States, regardless of the way that it has been authorized. Prostitution is a demonstration whereby, one offers his/her body for sex. In the United States, Prostitution is separated into three general classes; road, escort, and massage parlor prostitution. Whorehouse prostitution happens in massage parlor houses, which are houses where whores can offerRead MoreProstitution And The United States1892 Words   |  8 PagesProstitution is illegal in the United States and the laws keeping it illegal are causing more problems than they are solving. Because there are no regulations or laws protecting sex workers in the United States, and everything is run underground, there is nothing stopping the mistreatment and abuse of sex workers in the United States. The only way to protect sex workers is to legalize prostitution. In the foll owing paper, I will attempt to prove that prostitution is a victimless crime and the lawsRead MoreLegal Prostitution in the United States Essay1086 Words   |  5 Pagesodd to think that prostitution, which is considered to be the world’s oldest profession, would be illegal and harmful in nature. The issue of legalizing prostitution has entered public conversation around the world, which is severely divided. Many, like myself, consider prostitution to be a victimless crime. Despite such opposition to legalizing prostitution, many argue that legalizing it would result in decreased morality issues, increase the economic activity in the United States, and help decreaseRead MoreThe Legalization Of Prostitution Within The United States2257 Words   |  10 PagesProstitution is a profession that has been around for centuries and has a majority of negative stigmas toward it. People of different genders and sexual practices have found jobs within this industry. They face problems within their line of work due to many areas having this profession marked as illegal. These legal restrictions breed further problems for sex workers ranging from health problems, work environment dangers, and tough economic situations. The idea of legalizing prostitution within theRead MoreThe United States Should Legalize Prostitution2243 Words   |  9 Pagesnot the United States should legalize prostitution is a highly debated social, political, ethical, and cultural issue. Prostitution by definition is to engage in sexual activity with someone for payment. Although many countries and even some rural counties in the U.S. have legalized prostitution, it still has dire effects on the women involved and is an immoral and exploitative act. Prostitution is an unethical and immoral act of exploitative, degrading, and abusive work that the United States shouldRead MoreMoving Prostitution Through The United States2100 Words   |  9 PagesMoving Prostitution in the Right Direction in the United States Abstract: This paper explores the world’s oldest and most controversial occupation and puts forth a foundational plan for legalizing and regulating sex work in a safe way that satisfies both radical and liberal feminists ideals. To understand how prostitution has evolved to where it’s at today, this proposal travels through the history of prostitution in the United States (heavily focusing on the twentieth century.) Prostitutes wereRead MoreThe United States Of America Should Legalize Prostitution1178 Words   |  5 PagesControversy and Significance Statement(s): Prostitution is a crime in Amreica and criminalizing it is putting more sex workers in jail. Credibility Statement: I have researched and read about prostition. Persuasive Thesis: The United States of America should legalize prostitution. Preview Statement: Today, we’ll will be defining what prostitution is and examining it’s difference from human trafficking. Then, we’ll be examining why we should be legalizing prostitution rather than just decriminalizing itRead MoreProstitution Should Be Legalized Within The United States1602 Words   |  7 PagesKnown globally as â€Å"The world’s oldest profession†, a prostitute can give you quite the bang for your buck! Prostitution should be legalized within the United States of America for numerous reasons, some of which including decrease in rape and diseases, adding a nice little boost to our economy, and generally reducing violence against women of the night. Even though prostitution can be very dangerous, many women choose that path. If you re strapped for cash and don’t have many options don’t worryRead MoreShould the United States Legalize Prostitution? Essay1148 Words   |  5 PagesProstitution in its legal sense is defined as sexual intercourse of some kind in exchange for some kind of payment, usually money (Adriaenssens and Hendrickx 665; Perer 826).As of 2013, there are an estimated 1 million to 2 million prostitutes active in the world wide sex work industry today (Adriaenssens and Hendrickx 666). Prostitution is illegal in the United States; however, many experts think that should change. Most European and Asian countries have legalized prostitution (Agustà ­n 74). SomeRead MoreShould Prostitution be Legalized in the United States? Essay1984 Words   |  8 PagesProstitution is an issue that has been debated in many countries. 22 countries have legalized prostitution. In the United States, prostitution is only legal in 11 rural counties in Nevada. It used to be legal in Rhode Island due to a loophole, but since 2009, it has been illegal 1. Women are not the only ones who are prostitutes, about 20 to 30% of prostitutes are male 2, which means both genders are affected by laws against prostitution. Men and women should be allowed to choose how they want to

Life unworthy of life phobia and Mass murder in hitlers’ Germany Free Essays

James M. Glass was known for his expertise in politics and psychology of illusion. Glass’ interests include political theory, philosophy, and political psychology. We will write a custom essay sample on Life unworthy of life: phobia and Mass murder in hitlers’ Germany or any similar topic only for you Order Now His current researches also include about the study of the psychological preconditions for engagement with civil society. This is the reason why he was able to come up with a written narrative regarding the historical background on the Nazi regime. As a result, the historical account that has been written by the particular author is a fine display of the history of the people of the time of Hitler. About the Book In Hitler’s regime, it could be seen and imagined how hard the individual Jews struggled for their survival. If the situation would be compared to the present society today, it could be observed that the present society is already lucky it is   not experiencing what the Jews have   undergone during the those times. During the time of the German Nazi era, the rules and the code of the government were not merely implemented in good ways. The abusiveness of the power is a mere factor why so many Jewish people suffered the pains and agonies brought about by the regime. They were a part of a community that has freedom and will   to do whatever they wanted to do, but during that time racial discrimination made a big impact and easily affected the German Jews. Glass’ report on the said important account of the situation has mainly pointed out several important factors that contributed to the succession of the history towards the Nazi regime. THE ENLIGHTENMENT: ACTION AND REACTION In the time of Hitler’s Dynasty, some of the government officials do not know what the importance of life was. Killing for them is very easy and vigorous, and they did not consider it as a crime. However, today, the situation that happened before has mainly affected the views of the present society regarding their respect of life. This touching history enlightens the people on how they will respect each other in different ways all over the world. It is a challenge to the people to always remember how the Jews faced the bitterness of political adversary, political error and abusiveness of power by the leader of the nation How to cite Life unworthy of life: phobia and Mass murder in hitlers’ Germany, Essays

Shooting Stars Analysis Carol Ann Duffyt free essay sample

Shooting Star – Carol Ann Duffy The poem Shooting Stars by Carol Ann Duffy tells a shocking story of a female prisoner held by Nazis in a concentration camp around the time of the Holocaust. The poem is set in 1940, Hitler and his Nazi party had taken control of most of Europe and had vowed to exterminate the entire Jewish race. Duffys haunting use of imagery and word choice make this poem so memorable and its very strong opening prepares the reader for the rest of the poem. The title choice, Shooting Stars is a very effective and ambiguous.The first meaning is that the word ‘Stars’ represents the Jewish symbol in which is The Star of David. Jewish people were forced to wear them on their clothes to mark them out as targets of abuse and torment for Nazis. Another possible meaning of the title is metaphorically symbolising a literal shooting star and comparing it to the life of the Jewish prisoners. The Jews life is similar to the shooting star in the way that their life and potential was bright and brilliant but was cut short.The title stays with the reader and is reinforced by its clever use of alliteration and also reinforces the fact that any death, no matter how small, is still heroic and brave. The poem begins with After I no longer speak they break our fingers to salvage my wedding ring. Duffy opens the poem by using shock tactics which catch the reader’s attention and also prepares us for the rest of the poem. This spoken by a dead Jewish woman is a shocking description telling how the Germans would take anything valuable off the Jewish women and how they value jewellery more than human life.The word Salvage is usually used to mean saving useful parts of something which is being disposed of, the associations of this word clearly indicates the lack of respect and care the Germans had for the dead Jewish bodies. The persona comes across as a heroine, for the reader because she attempts to give the reader a list of the names in which we have believed to of passed away â€Å"Rebecca Rachel Ruth Aaron Emmanuel David† All these names used are stereotypical Jewish family names.In addition Duffy has also not used any punctuation whilst listing them possibly to highlight the fact the list goes on and on due to the mass killing of the Jewish race and the ignorance and lack of care from the Germans. â€Å"Mourn for the daughters, upright as statues, brave. † Not only men were dying, but women and children too. It forces the readers to question themselves, and put themselves in the personas place and question whether we would be as brave. † ‘upright as a statue’? This tells us that these people were strong before they died they were not quavering and falling about they kept their dignity.In addition this highlights how the persona was continuing to act as a heroic fig ure within the poem. The bravery of the persona continues throughout the poem. â€Å"You would not look at me. You waited for the bullet. † The single word sentence emphasises the sudden and disturbing death which the persona has to witness. The dark tone and brutal graphic imagery used by Duffy brings the reader into the situation which creates a strong feeling of hatred toward the German soldiers in which are doing this to innocent Jewish women.The persona will not let the reader forget â€Å"I say Remember. Remember these appalling days which make the world  for ever bad† Repetition of the word ‘Remember’ impacts and addresses the reader personally. In addition the repetition of Remember echoes in our head like a guilty conscience, the last dying word of a fellow human being at the hands of incompetent young men. The way in which Duffy says â€Å"which will for ever make the world bad† Indicates that no matter what, this brutal behaviour and these actions have already occurred.Furthermore nothing anyone does will erase what has happened to the innocent Jews, which impacts on how the world will almost be forever tainted as sometimes being a bad place. After the brutality that has already occurred Duffy continues to bring in more imagery whilst describing the persona getting raped. Although Duffy narrows into the rape at first with a subtle manor by saying â€Å"One saw I was alive. Loosened his belt. † The enjambment between ‘loosened’ and ‘belt’ draws the attention to the horrific fact that this woman is actually about to be raped. Duffy goes about it in a very subtle way, but the graphic description we get next is enough to make anyone feel the sheer impact of what has just occurred. The horror of what is happening to the poor innocent Jew continues as Duffy says â€Å"My bowels opened in a ragged gape of fear† I believe this is one of the lines in the poem which has most impact toward the reader. The long vowel sounds and the graphic imagery of the event is etched into your mind.The single word ‘gape’ mirrors the word rape which leaves the horrific image in the readers head of what is happening to the Jewish girl and it makes you empathise with her situation. â€Å"I could see a child† the soldiers had no morals, the meaning of right and wrong had been torn away from the soldiers and acts of brutality were happening to women and children. â€Å"I shot her in the eye† Duffy says this so carelessly within the poem to highlight just how carelessly the soldiers shot the innocent child in the eye.In addition links with the clear horrific imagery Duffy is using whilst building up toward the main event of the poem which is the murdering of the persona. The unashamed soldiers continue their horrific acts and take no notice of what they are actually doing to the once living human beings around them. â€Å"young men gossiping and smoking by the graves† His total disrespect for the dead Jews again will make the reader sympathise with Duffy’s persona, and drew my attention towards her bravery and how she held on, no matter what happened to her.What happens next is devastating. The persona tells how â€Å"her bare feet felt the earth and urine trickled down my legs until I heard the click. Not yet. A trick. † Duffy shows how it’s almost as if the soldiers were playing a game, mocking the persona and thriving off how weak she is. Furthermore the horrific imagery produced by Duffy for the pour lifeless persona lying on the ground after everything that has happened to her. Which links with the next line how no matter what is happening to the persona she still holds on to her religion which is inspirational.Which shows true faith due to the situation in which she is in, she hasn’t given up. The persona doesn’t even begin to question her faith which highlights how she is a truly heroic character. â€Å"Tell them I sang the ancient psalms at dusk inside the wire and strong men wept. † She tells of how her psalms made strong men weep. Her story is terrible and sad, but she will never let us forget. Her final lines echo the words of the 25th  psalm â€Å"Turn thee  unto me with mercy, for I am desolate and lost. The persona is finally telling the reader of how she is ‘desolate and lost’, a sad and reflective ending which makes the persona seem nostalgic but also everlasting, her voice echoes in our heads. The persona left it until the end as the dignity and true belief in her religion kept her strong in one of the worst situations in which any human being could be placed in. Shooting Stars’ is a story of heroic life being destroyed and taken away by guiltless soldiers who believe what they are doing is for the good of their country.The poem is told differently as it does not tell the fanciful tales of the glory of the war, it tells it how it is. It tells of the real heroic people of the world, the innocent blood of women and children, pooling on the ground in countries like Iraq and Bosnia, and Duffy lets the reader know that these events are still goi ng on and ‘The world turns in its sleep’ as if we do not care and forget the terrible events which happened. But Duffy says we must Remember and her haunting words from the grave will never be forgotten. We will not forget.