I am trying to cram 2 chapters and a test in before spring break and it is bringing out a special type of whining in my classroom.  I assigned their regular homework and a 1 page personal narrative (sooooo easy), a test study guide (most of which we do in class together) and review essays for the test (two paragraphs, max) and at this point I know many of my students think I am truly evil.  Like, in their minds they think of Hitler, Stalin, Saddam Hussein and then ME.  This morning it bothered me, as they only have 5 classes a day and two of them are usually electives. 

Now, I am really over it.  I am so sick of kids asking me where to find the answer for any given assignment that I practically want to scream at them that what I am evaluating them on is their ability to do it themselves.

I wish that between 2:30 and 3:30, smoking wasn't bad for you.

And then, there are my Lisa Simpsons.  My favorite kids ever.  I categorize kids I like into two catagories, Lisas and Barts.  Lisas are generally smart (athough enthusiasm can make up for it), LOVE school (will clap hands when given work, I am not making this up, I have some every trimester) and are proud of their accomplishments, yet often overlooked.  Bart Simpsons are guys (and girls) who are having way too much fun amusing themselves to get anything done.  This is the typical (usually male) student who could do so well if they just applied themselves.  I usually have fun with Bart Simpsons regardless of how well they are doing in my class.

 Don't ask about the Ralphies.