Propp’s Propaganda
High School English teacher discusses high school curriculum and student issues
Block Scheduling
In my small rural high school, we found out that the schedule will be different next year. The idea of longer class periods had been coming up during department leader meetings. After months of discussion, it was decided that next year our science department and the English department would go to teaching on the block. Being an English teacher, this will be a big change for me. I like the idea of longer instructional time but 82 minutes scares me! This year I have a very large population of special education students that are blended in with other students. These are the kids that I worry about. These kids have trouble already paying attention during class that currently lasts 38 minutes! What in the world will I do with them for 82 minutes? How do I keep students who are already hard to captivate, motivated to stay tuned in? Another issue I fear is not seeing these kids everyday. Will they be able to maintain what was taught? Then there is the fact that if a student is absent, they essentially miss two days by missing one 82 minute class period. I realize that changing instructional strategies will be a must in this type of format. However, attention span and attendance are my big worries for the changed schedule.
6 Comments Already, Leave Yours Too
Block scheduling can take some getting used to. I meet with each of my classes four days a week. Three of those class periods are 40 minutes long, while the fourth is 80 minutes. Over some time, I have learned how to use the periods well, but when I taught on a 4X4 block my first year (all classes 90 minutes each day; instead of a year, a course lasted a semester), I was rotten at it.
Okay, so we are having block scheduling next year. I thought it was just a rumor that was being passed around. I guess it would be harder for the teacher to keep the attention in class for that long. Not that your now hard to pay attention to. You keep the class interesting.…what you don’t believe me? ^^; aww come on I may not look like I’m paying much attention but I am! Haha. Mrs. Propp I really don’t think you’ll have a hard time with it. You seem capable! Thinking back I don’t remember any boring things we ever did at the beginning of this year. Everything was always interesting. You’ll do great. It may take some time to get the hang of it at first, but that’s what happens when you try out something new! Like Manga! You got the hang of that didn’t you? Come on Mrs. Propp! YOU CAN DO IT! ^_^
Love you soo much !!!♥
Omg 82 min they better get us more comfortable seats like all soft yah youso can do it this way we get to listen you more all that knowledge will seep into our brain LOL ^_^ You can pull anything off seriously you are awsome the best well class i almost over so better go
your biggest fan
Renay
I will admit during high school 38 minute classes seemed to drag on. Everytime I looked at the clock it seemed it never moved. However, now that I’m in college with 75 minute classes, observing your class for two periods seems like it flies by. Although it’s been about three years since I’ve had you as a teacher I don’t really remember being bored in your class. Even if you were just reading a book to the class you always made it interesting by the tone of voice you used. Since I’m going to school to be a teacher I’ve realized that planning out lessons is a lot more involved than I thought it would be; but you are a great teacher and I’m sure you’ll think of some way to keep your class engaged. I can’t really give any good advice on how to teach your students for a longer time period [ for the obvious reason that I'm not a teacher 
], so I’ll leave you with this; “You’re an excellent teacher so don’t stress over it too much because you and your students will adjust to it in no time.”
So this is when i’d be pulling my hair out. 82 minutes! I’m so happy i’m a senior! This will be sure hell on your shoulders once you begin. It will take time to learn your students and for you to get use to the schedule. I believe it will come easy to you. Have faith in yourself and your new students!
