Wrong Time, Wrong Place

Ever try to do something funny and it backfires? That's what happened in English 11 today.

Some students thought that it might be funny to play a joke on me and hide. While I went to the office, several students ran outside - I think that everyone was supposed to go, but about 5 students decided to remain in class. Normally this wouldn't have been such a big deal - I would have just laughed and asked them to get back to class. Unfortunately, for both them and me, I was not in the mood to play games.

Just before I left class, I did a homework check and more than half the class did not do their work from last day. This upset me because I am very worried that a number of students are in serious jeopardy of failing. Quite a few students need to pass this class to graduate - am I the only one who cares? As I was walking back to class I was wondering how I could get the class to realize that they have to begin taking this class and their education seriously. That's when I saw students running outside.

I sent the "run aways" to the Connections Room - didn't wait for an explanation because, frankly, I was not in the right frame of mind to listen. In retrospect, maybe I did react harshly. But it is only because I was, and still am, very concerned with lack of desire and work ethic that is needed to get through English 11. I really can't understand why anyone would want to repeat a class - can someone please explain that to me?

Anyway, the point is, think about when and where you play a joke on someone. It may be the wrong time or place and maybe it will turn out not to be so funny. It wasn't for me.