Middle School Antics

This year I picked up a section of 7th grade speech. This is an exploratory class, so I see every 7th grade student in 6 week rotations. These grades don't count in their GPAs, but are simply to give them a taste of some electives. I wasn't completely excited to teach 7th grade as the last three year I taught English 11 (juniors) and didn't have too much desire to teach middle school; however, I was willing to give it a try.

Wow- middle school students have ENERGY! I can't imagine going through that class several times a day, once in the day leaves me exhausted. And surprisingly they are willing to try, they try doing the crazy warm ups, modeling of activities and other games I incorporate into speech. (This is something I didn't experience with high school, some tried- most complained.) Yet, what I hadn't realized when I started teaching is how much you most go over rules- everyday! I didn't know that when we discussed how an oral interp of drama means no touching and they get their scripts, I would have to again explain that no, you can't really pull her hair. I haven't confiscated this many rubber bands or projectile paper clips in my life. And, new to me, I never realized I would have to ask the boys to get their arms out of their shirts and stop pretending to be T-Rexes. (Yet, I was giggling on the inside as they did look funny). I am into the 2nd week of my 2nd rotation, and while I never planned to teach 7th grade, I must say they keep me on my toes and give me some slight invigoration.

On to the book review:

Bruiser by Neal Shusterman

This was the last of the Golden Sower nominees that I needed to read, and it ties for one of my favorites. Bruiser is told through the eyes of 4 characters: Tennyson and Bronte (twin brother and sister), Bruiser (Brewster) and Cody (Brewster's brother). Tennyson and Bronte don't sound like your average 15 year old students, but their parents are both English professors, so I can imagine that vocabulary development was important. I feel like the writing was captivating as we were able to see the scenes through the eyes of these characters and get different perspectives. Bruiser's perspective is written in verse, and you will see why when you read the book.  Bronte begins dating Bruiser (whom has a bad reputation) which irks Tennyson- so he begins to follow Bruiser. Tennyson sees that Bruiser's home life is terrible and even finds out a secret about his life, even accepting Bronte and Bruiser's relationship. The book takes on an almost "Green Mile" feel (John Coffee's character) when we learn about Bruiser's amazing secret. I found that it seemed realistic to how a person might take advantage of someone if they had the power's Bruiser has, and Shusterman chronicled the ways we use and abuse those we love well.

All in all, it was a great book and would appeal to young adults and adults alike.