COMMON SENSE???

I have been pondering something, and perhaps you can help me out. I have been pondering how to teach my students common sense. Let me give you a few examples:

Today I was in a regular education class for math. After the instruction was over, my students headed for the door to go to my classroom with me. I turned to one of them and said, "Do you have your notes so you know what steps to do to solve the problems?" To which the student replied, "No." Hum....

On FRIDAYS I eat lunch with my students. ON FRIDAYS. EVERY FRIDAY. IT NEVER CHANGES. A student who is in that group asked me today "Can we eat with you on Friday?" Hum...

A different math group was in my class today working on their assignment. My para wrote steps up on the board and told the students to write down the steps on the board so they can refer back to them. Only one of them did it. When asked why they didn't do it, one of the students said, "I can do it in my head." Hum...that's not what your paper shows...

I am often stunned as my students know that they struggle in school, but they don't always put forth the effort needed to make sure they have the information to complete their work. Sometimes, they don't care if the work is done. So, I am left to wonder how do I teach them to CARE about having the work done and done CORRECTLY? I'm just wondering...

I think that perhaps Spring Break is just what we all need. Throughout the building today I kept hearing, "You're not listening" from various classrooms. Between tough students and last week's stuff, we all need some time away, I think. I know I do...

*grin*
LIFE.
IS.
GOOD.