Teaching is leaving a vestige of one self in the development of another. ~Eugene P. Bertin

I am now reaching the end of my student teaching. I officially have but 7 days left with my kids. Can I just say how in love with my classes I am? Sure, they chatter incessantly and with the fact that spring has, in fact, sprung, they are more rowdy than usual, but I am going to miss them.

My experience with student teaching has been one of joy, stress, early nights (I just can't keep my eyes open!), and planning without ceasing. And it has been one of the best experiences of my life. No joke.

I literally think that student teaching has changed me in a profound way. It quelled the doubts that I had about my chosen career. It opened my eyes up to the experience of teenagers elbowing their way into your hearts even as they elbow their way past you in the halls. I have wanted to scream often (at them and at myself) and I have wanted to cry. I have wanted to jump up and down with excitement when they finally GET it! (Oh wait, I'm pretty sure I DID jump up and down in front of them). I have paused before I walked into class and thought, "I am so not ready for this." I have been changed.

And so, as I reflect on my experience, I am sure of two things...

I am going to bawl on my last day of class with these students (because I'm welling up now just thinking about it) and...

I am going to miss my 9th, 10th, and 11th graders way more than I ever thought possible.

And then I think to myself...How am I going to survive being with kids for a whole year and let them go?

Thank you North Quincy High for a great few months!

Oh, For the Love of Grammar!

Have you ever walked by a sign or a billboard and noticed that there are too many commas, apostrophes, letters, et cetera? I am constantly finding grammatical errors and it makes me shake my head as I laugh.

Just the other day, I was browsing Google and I found a picture of a sign that said "Best Price's on Coffee." I know it sounds strange, but I just can't seem to understand why people cannot seem to grasp that every "s" does not require an apostrophe preceding it. So remember, only put an apostrophe in front of (or after) an "s" if you are trying to show possession, for compound nouns, and to pluralize letters and figures.

Look at the picture to the left. I do not know why, but it often seems as though government signs mess up way too much. This picture brings a thought immediately to mind...Why would I want to steal their plates? I have no interest in the Department of Transportation's plates. Of course, I am just kidding, but it does seem as though grammatical errors happen way to often for my liking.

Are you as interested in bad grammar as I am? If so, I highly recommend the book "Eats, Shoots, and Leaves" by Lynne Truss. This book is an amazing take on grammar and how to approach it. It reads like a novel and leaves the reader with a (possibly) newfound appreciation for punctuation. This book will make you think, but in a good way. For more about the book, including The Punctuation Game, excerpts from the book, and professional responses to the book, go to http://www.eatsshootsandleaves.com/. If you are interested in reading the book, check at your local or school library. Happy Punctuating!