The Deer in the Headlight Look and a Receding Hairline!

After a refreshing Labor day weekend with my family, I was introduced to two facts as I returned to the grind! The first three days of class were all about how the classroom was going to be operated and what procedures the kids need to know to be successful this year. These are not the funnest days of school, but they are important. In order for the students to learn the class needs to be managed.

Today was the first day the kids really tackled some middle school math concepts. I gave all my students a pretest based on the first unit of study. The pencils were sharp, and the students were sitting up in their desks ready to show what they know. The tests went out and in a matter of minutes their eyes went from full of excitement (OK maybe not excitement, but a teacher can dream right), to the blank stares that can only be described by what a deer looks like when it is about to be pummeled by a speeding vehicle. Now keep in mind I like to see the students struggle a bit because it gives me a chance to work my magic, but today I just plain felt sorry for them. I can see them freaking out about if this test will be graded. I always say yes first, then explain that it will not have an effect on their overall grade. (Try this....the kids will freak out even more).

As the students left my class I assured them that they will fail in math class and that it is OK. It is what we do after failure that counts.

Now what the heck does this have to do with a receding hairline? Nothing really I just know that my head got a little sun burned at the Rodeo this weekend and realized that my hair line is a little further back than it has been.

Is that because of age or my profession?