It's that time of year when the students begin to get restless.I teach 8th grade health in a rural middle school in Southeastern Indiana. This is a very trying time of the year. The students are definitely ready to be out! As the weather warms and the sun shines, the longing for being outside increases. Not to mention the raging hormones that hinder the learning process.
We just started our unit on drugs. It's amazing to me how so many of them seem to have all the answers to life's big problems. It scares me a little how they don't seem to have regard for each other or any self respect. There has been a breakdown somewhere along the line as to the difference between right and wrong.
Is there even such a thing as a conscience any more? I am concerned about where society is headed if something doesn't change soon. Many young people aren't worried at all about the consequences they might face for doing something wrong. If the adults don't make a change in the way we handle those who break the law, I fear things will get much worse.
But, I don't want to leave you with the opinion that all students are bad. There are many outstanding young people who are concerned about their education and doing the right thing. If I didn't have some hope for the future, teaching would become a task I would dread. So far, I haven't gotten to that point yet. I still enjoy working with the students. In fact, some students who seem to not get along with most adults, I have good relationships. I think it's because I try to see the good in everyone and I give them the caring that so many of them crave. I really wouldn't trade my teaching career for anything!