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Being stuck behind a giant yellow bus on my morning commute was my inspiration for this week’s QW. As I inhaled the exhaust fumes and read the “WATCH THAT CHILD” bumper sticker I found myself thinking about when I was in school and I wanted to ask all of you:
What were some of you best (or worst!) memories from when you were in school?
I will be thinking about this one and will answer soon but until then know that all of you who participate this week will get an A for effort 
Bunnies4Buddha 
I think that a lot of my memories of school have driven the way that I teach. I lucked out and had some awesome teachers along the way. I try to incorporate the things I remember liking to do, like labs in science and a bit of silliness here and there, and try to limit the things that drove me nuts, like repetitive worksheets and teachers that talked to me like I was dumb. My favorite class was actually my Bio II class, because we were able to direct our own learning and the teacher accommodated what we were interested in. My least favorite class was actually my Bio I class, and I learned a lot of what NOT to do in a classroom.
On a more personal / social level, I loved the time I spent in Drama club…running around back stage, spending all day Saturday at school with my friends building sets, and going to conferences that meant a weekend in a hotel with limited supervision. I also loved my senior year, when I was so fed up with the people around me that I suckered the school into letting me leave after a half day so I could go “to work”!
Wow, that’s a broad question. I was incredibly socially awkward in grade school so I’ve chosen to forget about most of that. So the stuff I remember is more related to academics.
One story that I remember is that in 4th grade, I had to write a book report. I, of course, hadn’t read a thing. So invented a book, complete with author, title, and plot. I don’t remember the grade I received, but it wasn’t an ‘F’ for making it up.
I also remember my 6th grade math teacher deciding that I wasn’t ready for algebra in 7th grade. I did poorly in her class because I was bored. It was the same material I learned in 5th grade. What’s the point of doing the homework? I already knew that stuff. Because of that, I spent 7th grade relearning all the same crap again!
Yeah – so this question was a tough one…
I can definitely relate to being a part of the drama club and all of the memories that go along with late night rehearsals and opening nights.
One of my most valuable school memories happened when I was in college and as a sophomore I was mistakenly registered for a senior level course. At the time I was not ready, and it was really hard but the professor worked with me and taught me how to write for science classes. Although I did not like it at the time and “just wanted to get through it” it made the rest of my college career much easier and I learned so much.
Sid – I too was socially awkward but during middle school everyone is to some degree.
Let’s see, worst memories?
Taking my ex-girlfriend to the Senior prom (we had already broken up but went together anyway), lot’s of personal ridicule by a number of bullies through the years, like Sid a bunch of general social awkwardness,.
Best memories?
School chorus road trips, drama club, chess club, driving to a quiz bowl away from school with some friends, missing our first match and as a result not gettign very far (sounds like a bad memeory but we had a blast), programming on an Apple II during lunch, looooong AD&D games (lasting 24+ hours with no sleep and only breaks for food/caffeine). Good lord!!! I was a real geek.