Tape Measures, Ping Pong Balls, an Empty Hall and Second Graders

Today I was trying once again to finish a ping-pong ball activity in my second grade class. We started the activity 2 weeks ago. I planned on it only lasting a week. Today started week three. It is a simple activity were they flick a ping-pong ball and then we measure how far their ball went. I wanted each student to have two turns so we could figure out the average.

Unfortunately, my kids are oblivious to my planning and we have never managed for the whole class to have two turns. I complain but deep down I have found the whole process hilarious. Here is picture of our latest attempt at the "ping-pong" activity.

As you can see we were having a good time. I have decided to consider it a success. . . the fights can be counted on one hand, I only gave out two "official" warning, only had to use my whistle once and only one student managed to draw blood when goofing off with the tape measure. If you are think to yourself that isn't a success then you have never taught children.

One of the girls, Claudia, got hold of my camera and took picture of her classmate. She didn't get the whole crew but here is a good chunk of my 2nd grade class.

Up first is the adorable and amazingly quite Sandy. I adore her because I never had to tell her to raise her hand to talk, instead I have to call on her if I want to hear her voice. I just can't be happy either I think they are to loud or I think they are to quite.


Next in the line up is Benson. This kid is funny and wants to be good but it hard when all your friends, who are little hellions, are having so much fun being obnoxious. He always has something to add to class and never let a minute pass in silence.

Cindy, her name is Cindy, and I keep calling her Sandy. I struggle with names it is a bit ridiculous. No, it is ridiculous. Cindy is quite but she won't put up with any of the crap the boys try to pull. She is not going to do their work and if they are working in partners and not pulling their weight she lets me know. I love it.

Alice wants to learn English. Her hand is the first one up and she is alway trying to say something. It is usually contains large amounts of Chinglish but at least she is trying and she talks about something beside poop. A common topic for the males in the class. I am glad that at least on of my girls is a talker.

Jerry would be the sweetheart of the class. The kid is always trying to pay attention and he does what I ask!!! Plus he has the talent of being one of the boys without getting into trouble like the rest. He gets along with everyone. Thank goodness for the peacemakers in the world. He doesn't like having his picture taken. . . I'm sure you noticed.

There are four more kids in the class Claudia, the photographer, Jon, he was absent today, Rick and Jack. Rick and Jack are the bane of my existence. They are the reason teachers do not last long in the teaching profession. They are hyperactive, loud and can not remember to raise their hands. They are also hilarious and carry all the conversations in class. I will admit that things were rough the first week but I think we are all settling in and I think we will have a blast this semester. I am all ready falling for these second graders.