Soooo Angry...
OK First of all a warning – anyone thinking of posting a comment here being sympathetic to my students – DON’T. Just don’t. Got that? Don’t. No – I said Don’t.
I have spent most of my weekend marking mock exams. It’s the problem with this time of year – every group generates at least one mock paper per teacher. One set have been pretty good – admittedly I had the usual little troup come to see me to try to get out of it on the grounds that they hadn’t had the chance to revise – I made them do it anyway – it’s only a mock, and it’s better over and done with – and those same souls have done pretty well – Bs on the whole, so if that’s what they can get without revision, a quick glance at their notes should easily push them up to an A.
No, it’s my other group – they have their real exam in 10 days, and by last Thursday, they had apparently done no work. Now, I know that some of them have done some work. And I know that the paper we used as a mock was particularly harsh, although the grade boundaries take that into consideration. But some of the things they couldn’t do are completely basic. And I know that every single one of them has a copy of all the past papers we could get our hands on – and a few more sets of questions besides. Every one has model answers, and mark schemes and examiners’ comments. These are the most valuable revision resource they could possibly get. My hunch is that the majority of them couldn’t even tell me where they’ve left theirs, never mind actually used it.
And breathe…
OK rant over. (But I still mean it – don’t even think of commenting in support of them – I will simply remove the comment.)
The tam jacket is still growing. The book has finally had to go back to the library – I renewed it as many times as I was allowed. It will be lovely when it’s finished, but remind me not to knit even baby jackets on 2mm needles again…
So peeps – Big R is going to take up knitting – any suggestions on where she should start? I’m thinking garter stitch scarf in chunky yarn with big needles – some instant gratification to get her hooked. But what yarn? I don’t want to land her with something splitty or laddery or eyelashy while she’s trying to sort out the mechanics of it. And I want it to be soft and delicious and preferably variegated so it’s fun and exciting to knit. Please do comment on this – I promise I won’t delete those comments!
I’m off to eat (more) chocolate and watch something (no idea what) on t’elly.
six comments:
Hey Anne!I reckon a nice scarf in rowan’s big wool could be just the ticket for your b. Ruth. The first sweater I ever made was out of big wool (it was the shawl collared sweater in Rowan Babies) and although I had been knitting for some time by this point, I used it because it was big and fast and soft and lovely and didn’t split much. A nice sized scarf will prolly take 3-5 balls depending on her width/length preferences…
Oh and they do have a big wool accessories book that would be useful too.
Hope that helps some.
Oh and I wouldn’t dream of defending the students – most teenagers are lazy and get away with what they can unless pushed at times!
:)
Kate (link) - 14 May '06 - 23:41
Happy Mothers Day! oh, what about something fuzzy and soft – and even while sorting out the logistics, fuzzy hides a multitude of sins. Maybe a big acrylic chennille.ya know, there is nothing like suffering the consequences of not doing ones work for teens to learn a lesson. I think sometimes its kinder to flunk them than to try to nurse them along. They didn’t do the work? Grade = F
Marji () (link) - 15 May '06 - 00:02
Hey there – I think that something snuggly and gorgeous would be fab as a first knit. Maybe something like a ball of the hipknits varigated cashmere knitted up into a scarf – a bit pricey, but one ball should get you a nice scarf and it will be so soft and touchy feely.I totally understand your desperation re your students – it must be so frustrating when you give them the tools to do the job and then they just don’t bother – eat more chocolate it is the only way to make yourself feel better !
Becky () (link) - 15 May '06 - 07:37
1) Students should study. Sheesh.2) Scarves take too long and are too boring! A hat can be made flat and sewn, and you just go straight until you’re confident, and then get to decrease the top and feel all clever. Or just swatch squares, which can be all different, and then sewn into a baby blanket. Or doll blanket! Yarnwise, go smooth, like some All Seasons Cotton or such.
3) Enjoy your chocolate.
Mary
Mary de B () (link) - 15 May '06 - 08:45
Nah, I have no sympathy for the students. They need to get off their behinds and do some work. There’s only so much you can do (and it sounds like you’ve done it!)I know somebody whose first project was one of those Rowan Knit Big scarf kits (has the needles, patterns and some Big Wool (I think) in it). It came in nice variegated colours and was relatively quick to knit. Might be worth checking if it’s cheaper to buy the bits separately. Or subbing something like Wendy Pampas – which also comes in nice colours.
Daisy () (link) - 15 May '06 - 10:39
This is going to sound like a speech at an Oscar Award ceremony, but I’d like to thank Anne for asking you all to advise me on where to start with my knitting venture. And I’d like to thank you all for making such great suggestions. I shall be e-mailing Anne for more advice on where to start – but I think that a scarf sounds like a great idea – and you never know, if I start one now I may have it finsihed by winter!!Thanks ever so much everyone.
(And yippeee – no blogroll in the way!!!)
Big Ruth (link) - 16 May '06 - 18:23
