Second meeting

I find it interesting how different classes can be, even when I do essentially the exact same thing in each one. I know sections change over the semester--something I chatted about briefly this afternoon when I ran into a student from last year in between classes. The sections that start out seeming wonderful can go sour, and vice versa. Or not: sometimes a class that starts out with one complexion stays that way all semester long. But after two meetings, I can say that so far, my 1:00 T/Th class is not as "good" as the 4:00 T/Th class. The students are less responsive, less engaged, less lively. The 4:00 class is going well so far--quite well. I'm pleased. If things stay this way, it will be great to end each week on a positive note.

I do find that the sort of stumbling start to the semester has me a bit thrown, however: it's hard for me to keep in mind that today is Tuesday, that I won't see the students again until next week, that the students I see tomorrow I will see again before I see today's lot again.... I did my little ice-breaker/"I learn your names more quickly this way" thingy today--and then thought, "Well, it will be interesting to see if I remember any of this by the time I see these students next."

And further to the late registration foo-raw, I have a few new students on my rosters--one of whom didn't show up today. I'm on the fence about what to do if anyone shows up next week for the first time. Technically, any such student would only have two (out of an allowed three) absences. On the other hand, the student would have missed two full weeks--and a hell of a lot of work. Humph. I'll chew on it over the weekend and make a determination by Monday. And hope like mad it turns out to be a moot point.

I'm much too tired and cranky right now to do anything remotely productive (reread the story the students will be working on in tomorrow's short-story class, read any other stories trying to nail down the rest of the assignments for that class, any number of useful things I might do). Instead, I'll have a little dinner here in the office and noodle around until it's time to go to dance class. Won't stay for both probably, just the first class, then home and I hope early to bed. My body--including the brain--would certainly benefit from additional sleep.