FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions

Q: When you have students collect the “Do Now,” why do you have them put the papers on your chair?

A: I do that so I have to deal with them as soon as class is over. If I had our scholars put them on my desk, it’s possible I could overlook them for a few hours or days. Putting them on my chair brings them to my attention immediately.

Q: Why don’t you use turn-in bins?

A: Since I teach two grades and four science classes, staying organized is critical. I have found that using turn-in bins becomes very messy. Students put the wrong papers in the wrong bin and it makes grading much more difficult.

Q: Why so much homework?

A: You must be an eighth grader. I give a lot more homework to the eighth grade than the seventh grade. There are several reasons. First, we have a lot to cover and can not get it all done in our 50-minute classes. I tend to give a lot of readings for homework and those are intended to prepare you for the next day’s classwork. Second, your middle school teachers have to get you ready for high school. You will be expected to do even more homework in high school. We are trying to get you used to spending time on academics even when you are not in school and help you develop good habits - like doing your homework.

Q: What’s with the “Mr. McKellar is Currently Reading” signs in the window?

A: I think reading is critically important to learning. Not everything you need to know can be summarized in a 3-minute Youtube video. By sharing what’s on my reading list, I hope to encourage others to read more. 

I read a lot. I usually have a book I’m really reading and an audiobook that I’m listening to in the car. I enjoy reading. I’m curious about a lot of things and reading is how I learn about them. For example, I visited Cuba this past summer and became interested in the history of that island nation. So, I am listening to a book about the history of Cuba. I also love reading fiction. I love how fiction can make you feel for a character, like he or she is a real person. Fiction can touch your emotions in a very special way.

Q: I’m interested in doing Current Events but really, really hate speaking in front of the class. What should I do?

A: I get it. I do not care for public speaking either. The most terrifying part of the year for me is at the end of the school year when I have to present the eighth grade science student award in front of the whole school, and a ton of parents. It takes just thirty seconds to say what I need to say, but those thirty seconds just kill me. As for Current Events, we can share the presentation. I’ll present for you the first couple of times, then you can tell everyone the name of the article, while I explain it and so on. Over time, you’ll become more comfortable speaking in front of your classmates. It is an important skill to develop and you can do that by practicing - like presenting your current event.