Today was a dreary Monday that felt more like a Thursday. The kids were fine until the cold front started to blow in after lunch. After that they became very talkative and resembled the class that I have trouble dealing with most days of the week.
The morning went close to fabulously and we were on target for behavior and work to be done. We were able to do a very interactive lesson because everyone was being very attentive and quiet. I like teaching like that...I hate teaching where I talk and the kids listen because they don't know how to participate appropriately. That's why I became a teacher...not to lecture. Kids don't learn by just listening.
On the way back to class from the bathroom this afternoon, I was bombarded with stories and questions. My kiddos seem to think that walking in line is the time to ask questions and tell stories. I know they have all kids of things they want to talk about and not enough time in the classroom, but walking down the hall is not the time. I may need to put a box on my desk for questions they have or stories they want to tell.
I almost forgot to write about my educational lunch. Each week, I give a group of kids the opportunity to win Lunch Bunch. This consists of me eating lunch in the classroom with the kids and sometimes we watch cartoons as well. During today's lunch we turned on the Disney channel to see what was on. Apparently the kids were in agreement that they didn't like the show that was on and they had a long list of shows they preferred. I heard them all sing the theme song for Witches of Waverly Place and some Miley Cyrus (Hannah Montana) songs. Did I mention that this is a group of boys who won Lunch Bunch today? They also taught me the difference between a few shows and why certain shows were better than others. I was moving furniture during most of this TV education, but I did catch something I thought was funny. So, I was asked what happens when a genius and rocket scientist get married...(because it happened on Kim Possible). You never want to marry a rocket scientist if you're a genius and vice versa because your kids will be so smart that they know how to build rockets and they'll do it in the house. I had no idea such issues were happening on the Disney channel. haha...Oh and The Suite Life of Zach and Cody is the best show on Disney!
Writing this blog has caused me to reflect daily and make changes accordingly (i.e., adding a story and question box to my desk)...it's been a wonderful thing.
Oh yeah, the title...I was asked that while walking down the hall by our resident hermit crab fanatic. Am I really supposed to know things like that?
Monday, March 31, 2008
Saturday, March 29, 2008
Questions for the Candidates
Today my kiddos read a Time For Kids magazine that focuses on a face off between Hilary Clinton and Barak Obama. They were then asked to ask the candidates a question and why that question was important to them. This is what I got:
Which candidate is going to give raises to teachers?
Because teachers deserve raises and it's important because teachers could have a family and he/she needs to take good care of. Plus it would be nice.
Why can't kids vote?
Because kids should have some rights.
Why do they want to be our president? And what will they do when they will be president?
Because I care about who will be our president because it we just pick someone, they might be a bad president.
Obama says he will lower gas prices...Why do you believe him? He could just be like Bush and lie to us all.
Because I don't like liars.
What are you going to do for America?
Because my teacher told me to make something up.
Why is John McCain back?
Because he tried at 2000's race for president and he failed and he might fail again because there are two good candidates that might win.
Will you bring the soldiers back from the mideast so we could see how well Irag will do by itself?
Because Many of the soldiers are getting killed in the mideast and why should we help Irag? We already killed their leader and supplied them with weapons and an army.
As president, will you make an act to stop pollution and illegal killing?
Because the ozone layer is getting thinner and soon all of the water from the arctic will drown many animals and people. And illegal killing will make some animals extinct or endangered species.
Obama won't put his hand on the Bible...How could you like him if he doesn't put his hand on the Bible?
Because I would put my hand on the Bible.
Why do you want to be president?
Because I just want to know.
What is George Bush's vote?
Because I hope Obama wins because Hilary is not so good for me but Obama is the best! Go Obama!
Mr. Obama, when you were a kid, did you have big dreams to become president?
Because he is my favorite candidate.
Hilary, are you going to just follow what your husband says or will you lead us? Obama, do you have an second thoughts about the things your priest said?
Because I need to know is Hilary only going to listen to her husband and is Obama going to let someone say rude words to anyone?
Why retreat from Irag if the war is not over? That would be a waste!
Because there could be terrorists again!
Who has the most votes?
Because one will make history for president.
Mr. Obama, do you like football?
Because it look like you played football before.
How will you deal with the fighting between Isreal and Palestinians?
Because we need peace everywhere.
Hilary, will you just let Bill take control to win? And Obama, are you going to use any dishonest way to win?
because I want a present who's independent but still needs help from other people to make this country even better.
Why do you want to send the army back?
Because my teacher told me to make stuff up.
Are you going to retreat the soldiers?
Because we don't need fighting, we need peace.
What are superdelegates?
Because I want to know what superdelegates are.
(I would like to know the answer to this as well.)
I found some of these questions to be humorous and most of them to be much more serious than I was expecting. I'm proud of my class for being somewhat informed about the presidential race.
Which candidate is going to give raises to teachers?
Because teachers deserve raises and it's important because teachers could have a family and he/she needs to take good care of. Plus it would be nice.
Why can't kids vote?
Because kids should have some rights.
Why do they want to be our president? And what will they do when they will be president?
Because I care about who will be our president because it we just pick someone, they might be a bad president.
Obama says he will lower gas prices...Why do you believe him? He could just be like Bush and lie to us all.
Because I don't like liars.
What are you going to do for America?
Because my teacher told me to make something up.
Why is John McCain back?
Because he tried at 2000's race for president and he failed and he might fail again because there are two good candidates that might win.
Will you bring the soldiers back from the mideast so we could see how well Irag will do by itself?
Because Many of the soldiers are getting killed in the mideast and why should we help Irag? We already killed their leader and supplied them with weapons and an army.
As president, will you make an act to stop pollution and illegal killing?
Because the ozone layer is getting thinner and soon all of the water from the arctic will drown many animals and people. And illegal killing will make some animals extinct or endangered species.
Obama won't put his hand on the Bible...How could you like him if he doesn't put his hand on the Bible?
Because I would put my hand on the Bible.
Why do you want to be president?
Because I just want to know.
What is George Bush's vote?
Because I hope Obama wins because Hilary is not so good for me but Obama is the best! Go Obama!
Mr. Obama, when you were a kid, did you have big dreams to become president?
Because he is my favorite candidate.
Hilary, are you going to just follow what your husband says or will you lead us? Obama, do you have an second thoughts about the things your priest said?
Because I need to know is Hilary only going to listen to her husband and is Obama going to let someone say rude words to anyone?
Why retreat from Irag if the war is not over? That would be a waste!
Because there could be terrorists again!
Who has the most votes?
Because one will make history for president.
Mr. Obama, do you like football?
Because it look like you played football before.
How will you deal with the fighting between Isreal and Palestinians?
Because we need peace everywhere.
Hilary, will you just let Bill take control to win? And Obama, are you going to use any dishonest way to win?
because I want a present who's independent but still needs help from other people to make this country even better.
Why do you want to send the army back?
Because my teacher told me to make stuff up.
Are you going to retreat the soldiers?
Because we don't need fighting, we need peace.
What are superdelegates?
Because I want to know what superdelegates are.
(I would like to know the answer to this as well.)
I found some of these questions to be humorous and most of them to be much more serious than I was expecting. I'm proud of my class for being somewhat informed about the presidential race.
Friday, March 28, 2008
I'm the champion!
The day started out a bit rough not knowing how we were supposed to pay for the field trip because the secretary was unable to give us a check. And when I went to pick up the kids from their morning meeting place, all the kids began to yell out "Julion cussed a kid out at flag duty this morning!" WHAT?!?! I look around for him, but the principal already had him in her office. He later returns to class, seemingly without a consequence. I'm curious that he can do something like this and he's not made responsible for his actions...well, apparently he didn't cuss out a kindergartner, but beat up a first grader at his apartment. And since it happened off of school property...the school has no jurisdiction.
After this drama passed, we head out the door for the field trip. Except we don't get very far because the buses aren't here yet. After 15 minutes of waiting in front of the school, the last bus arrives. The bus ride was mostly uneventful, except for the air conditioner dumping loads of water on the kids sitting in the back seat.
We were now in the middle of nowhere, also known as Elgin, TX at the Evergreen Farm. They have stations set up to talk about Texas History, which is what 4th graders study. We learned about the farm being a settlement back in the 1800s. We also went on a trail to learn about compasses and a wagon ride for ??? It had a purpose, but I was ready to leave at that point because of a child who chose to jump off of the wagon as it was moving and then run and jump back on. It was a combination of a group of boys that just didn't want to listen (the same ones I have trouble with in the classroom).
After lunch, the kids were able to play games (tetherball, bean bag toss, hop scotch, etc.). Some of the teachers had never played tetherball before and I used to be fairly good at it. I proceeded to go to a tetherball pole and show the kids (and watching teachers) how it was done. I beat every kid in line TWICE. They kept asking for the punishment. I was the tetherball champion! If the kids hadn't been in line, I would have sat down, but they kept getting back in line time after time of losing. That made my afternoon and made me sweat (yes! physical activity).
When we returned to school, it was recess for the remainder of the afternoon. This also meant that I needed to show these kids (and teachers) how to play a little game called kickball. The other teachers and I first explained the rules to kickball because they've been playing by bogus rules that change daily. After all new rules were established, I got my turn to kick. I am always on the kicking team. And I always go 3rd in line...not enough for the kids to have already gotten 3 outs, but not first. I'm up to bat...the pitch is coming...it was the best kick I've had since playing recess kickball...it goes all the way to the far fence. The kids are in awe...and they're watching me round the bases all the way to home! If the 4th grade classes need help with playing sports or athletic games, I'm there to show 'em how it's done. I may not look most athletic among the 4th grade teachers, but I've got plenty of skills on them. By the way, what good does a treadmill do when trying to impress 4th graders?
Update on Disrespectful: Not such a good day, but I will cut him a break because we were on a field trip...a fairly unstructured field trip.
After this drama passed, we head out the door for the field trip. Except we don't get very far because the buses aren't here yet. After 15 minutes of waiting in front of the school, the last bus arrives. The bus ride was mostly uneventful, except for the air conditioner dumping loads of water on the kids sitting in the back seat.
We were now in the middle of nowhere, also known as Elgin, TX at the Evergreen Farm. They have stations set up to talk about Texas History, which is what 4th graders study. We learned about the farm being a settlement back in the 1800s. We also went on a trail to learn about compasses and a wagon ride for ??? It had a purpose, but I was ready to leave at that point because of a child who chose to jump off of the wagon as it was moving and then run and jump back on. It was a combination of a group of boys that just didn't want to listen (the same ones I have trouble with in the classroom).
After lunch, the kids were able to play games (tetherball, bean bag toss, hop scotch, etc.). Some of the teachers had never played tetherball before and I used to be fairly good at it. I proceeded to go to a tetherball pole and show the kids (and watching teachers) how it was done. I beat every kid in line TWICE. They kept asking for the punishment. I was the tetherball champion! If the kids hadn't been in line, I would have sat down, but they kept getting back in line time after time of losing. That made my afternoon and made me sweat (yes! physical activity).
When we returned to school, it was recess for the remainder of the afternoon. This also meant that I needed to show these kids (and teachers) how to play a little game called kickball. The other teachers and I first explained the rules to kickball because they've been playing by bogus rules that change daily. After all new rules were established, I got my turn to kick. I am always on the kicking team. And I always go 3rd in line...not enough for the kids to have already gotten 3 outs, but not first. I'm up to bat...the pitch is coming...it was the best kick I've had since playing recess kickball...it goes all the way to the far fence. The kids are in awe...and they're watching me round the bases all the way to home! If the 4th grade classes need help with playing sports or athletic games, I'm there to show 'em how it's done. I may not look most athletic among the 4th grade teachers, but I've got plenty of skills on them. By the way, what good does a treadmill do when trying to impress 4th graders?
Update on Disrespectful: Not such a good day, but I will cut him a break because we were on a field trip...a fairly unstructured field trip.
Thursday, March 27, 2008
Miracles can happen!
Today was the first day since the student I named Disrepectful has been in my classroom, that I've seen signs of progress and REspectful behavior. Because I've not been teaching very long, my bag of tricks is small (like a clutch you carry on a date). In my few months of experience, I have learned that one thing always works...BRIBERY! The kids came in this morning to find a ticket on their desk. These tickets are used to buy luxuries or privileges in the class (example: using my chair for the day or sitting by a friend at lunch). My class thrives for these tickets. They will pretty much do anything to get the tickets. Some of them need to earn as many as they can because they also have to use these tickets to buy them things they need in the class (extra bathroom breaks or pencil lead). Like I said, the kids will do anything for these tickets!
The all received the morning ticket for showing up to school today (I made that up once they asked what it was for...you didn't even have to be on time to receive it). I then held up a bag of tickets and told them that my goal was to pass out every last ticket by the end of today. I warned that if there were only 2 people on task, then 2 people would get to share all of those tickets. But, if everyone was on task, everyone would get a few or many tickets. They all wanted this bag of tickets badly! Everyone was seated and working and their voices were quiet. I gave out tickets like I had endless amounts of them.
It gets better...I didn't raise my voice all morning and I didn't get upset/frustrated with Disrespectful once. Unlike the other kids, he does not have many tickets, because he has not earned them. BUT...I complimented him every time he was doing something close to right. I gave him ticket after ticket after ticket. He was smiling and so happy with himself, knowing that he can do the right thing. We made a deal that he could earn "tent time" if he continued like this all day ("tent time" aka "another form of bribery leftover from Writing Camp"). To my shock and awe, he earned his reward! Yay for miracles!
Another step made in the right direction with this child was during bus duty today. If you read my blog from Tuesday about him refusing to hold my hand on the way to the bus because he failed to follow directions, there is an update. Today I realized that I didn't see him yesterday when I walked the bus riders to the bus...in fact, I remember seeing him coming from another direction when I got around to the bus. So, today I told him that he had to hold my hand so that I could make sure he got to the bus and took the correct route. He didn't give me his hand, but he did let me take it. He didn't "hold" my hand, but he put it straight out so I could hold his. It was enough of a success for me that I felt good about today and the future for our class.
Tomorrow's blog will be about the "joys" of field trips! ha!
The all received the morning ticket for showing up to school today (I made that up once they asked what it was for...you didn't even have to be on time to receive it). I then held up a bag of tickets and told them that my goal was to pass out every last ticket by the end of today. I warned that if there were only 2 people on task, then 2 people would get to share all of those tickets. But, if everyone was on task, everyone would get a few or many tickets. They all wanted this bag of tickets badly! Everyone was seated and working and their voices were quiet. I gave out tickets like I had endless amounts of them.
It gets better...I didn't raise my voice all morning and I didn't get upset/frustrated with Disrespectful once. Unlike the other kids, he does not have many tickets, because he has not earned them. BUT...I complimented him every time he was doing something close to right. I gave him ticket after ticket after ticket. He was smiling and so happy with himself, knowing that he can do the right thing. We made a deal that he could earn "tent time" if he continued like this all day ("tent time" aka "another form of bribery leftover from Writing Camp"). To my shock and awe, he earned his reward! Yay for miracles!
Another step made in the right direction with this child was during bus duty today. If you read my blog from Tuesday about him refusing to hold my hand on the way to the bus because he failed to follow directions, there is an update. Today I realized that I didn't see him yesterday when I walked the bus riders to the bus...in fact, I remember seeing him coming from another direction when I got around to the bus. So, today I told him that he had to hold my hand so that I could make sure he got to the bus and took the correct route. He didn't give me his hand, but he did let me take it. He didn't "hold" my hand, but he put it straight out so I could hold his. It was enough of a success for me that I felt good about today and the future for our class.
Tomorrow's blog will be about the "joys" of field trips! ha!
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
Nobody's Perfect!
Ahhhhhhhhh! That's the sound of my body relaxing for the first time all day. If I were a crier, today would be the day. If I try to think of things that went well today, my list would be extremely short. Even my normally nerdy overachievers who don't know how to make a bad decision made bad decisions today.
On days like these, I feel like I have no idea how to manage a classroom, never mind teach. What I do feel good about after today is that for those few students who had a great day and were consistently on task, I sent home a good note. Just a quick note that took me 2 seconds to write that says "I enjoy having ____ in class. She is a good role model for other students." I use "she" because only girls received them. I have a rowdy bunch of boys and it doesn't help they overwhelm the girls in movement, loudness, and bad choices just because they're boys, but also because I have twice as many as I do girls. I've tried giving away some of the boys to other teachers, but I've not been successful. The other teachers see my kids and stay as far away from them as possible. I'm not saying that the other teachers "hate" my class, but my class has many students that other teachers have had issues with. Is it bed to say that I like when other teachers get onto particular students so I'm not the only bad guy all day??
At the end of the day, I'm thankful that I work with such wonderful people and have wonderful friends; they relieve a lot of the stress so I am re energized enough to manage these crazy kiddos each day.
On days like these, I feel like I have no idea how to manage a classroom, never mind teach. What I do feel good about after today is that for those few students who had a great day and were consistently on task, I sent home a good note. Just a quick note that took me 2 seconds to write that says "I enjoy having ____ in class. She is a good role model for other students." I use "she" because only girls received them. I have a rowdy bunch of boys and it doesn't help they overwhelm the girls in movement, loudness, and bad choices just because they're boys, but also because I have twice as many as I do girls. I've tried giving away some of the boys to other teachers, but I've not been successful. The other teachers see my kids and stay as far away from them as possible. I'm not saying that the other teachers "hate" my class, but my class has many students that other teachers have had issues with. Is it bed to say that I like when other teachers get onto particular students so I'm not the only bad guy all day??
At the end of the day, I'm thankful that I work with such wonderful people and have wonderful friends; they relieve a lot of the stress so I am re energized enough to manage these crazy kiddos each day.
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
Don't Argue With Me!
What bothers me more than kids who talk non-stop or dance in their seats? KIDS WHO ARE DISRESPECTFUL! I can handle misbehaving if you're not hurting other kids or if you talk so much that I hear your voice even when you're not talking, but I CANNOT handle kids who are disrespectful.
When a teacher (specifically me) asks you to stop shouting across the room, interrupting me, playing in line, and numerous other things...you should STOP! When you stop and then do it again when I turn around, I consider that disrespectful because you know you aren't supposed to be doing it and you're still doing it. You laugh or smirk when I ask you to stop and look around for support from your classmates...there is no support. They gave up on you. They tell me when you're not listening or when you're bothering them. They don't like when you're rude to me and don't listen. They want to learn and you're keeping them from that. They've learned when to not say anything. JUST SHUT YOUR MOUTH and KEEP IT SHUT! You also don't need to have a comeback for EVERYTHING. It didn't matter what you did before, just STOP! If you try to argue to cover it up, I'm not going to listen...I'm going to get more frustrated with you!
If you haven't guessed, I got very frustrated with this child today. He can't just stop talking, he needs to give me an excuse or tell me why he should be talking or out of his seat or playing in line or putting his hands on another kid's shoulders or...(insert anything else you could imagine).
Thankfully I am in a portable and it was a nice day (with my door open), so that he could go sit on the porch where I could see him and he could hear us. While he was outside, the kids began telling me everything he's done wrong today...and by wrong I mean he wasn't following my directions after multiple warnings.
This could have been enough for today, but of course there's more! I have bus duty this week and the rule is that the teacher walks in front of the kids to get to their buses so they walk slow enough nobody gets run over. Well, this child didn't want to walk behind me. I warned him twice that if he didn't, he would be holding my hand. You guessed it...he needed to hold my hand. Except, he refused! Of course he tried arguing his way out of it. But before he could even say a word, I said, "No." "No." "No." "No." "No." "No." (after each of his attempted excuses) He still refused to hold my hand until I threated to get the assistant principal. Even then, he tried letting go of my hand and running to the bus. I just stopped and waited for him. If he truly had as much guts as he thinks he does, he would have just run to his bus...we were only 15 feet away from it. My goodness, why couldn't you just listen the first time?
Tomorrow begins a new behavior plan with "Disrespectful", as I will refer to him from now on.
When a teacher (specifically me) asks you to stop shouting across the room, interrupting me, playing in line, and numerous other things...you should STOP! When you stop and then do it again when I turn around, I consider that disrespectful because you know you aren't supposed to be doing it and you're still doing it. You laugh or smirk when I ask you to stop and look around for support from your classmates...there is no support. They gave up on you. They tell me when you're not listening or when you're bothering them. They don't like when you're rude to me and don't listen. They want to learn and you're keeping them from that. They've learned when to not say anything. JUST SHUT YOUR MOUTH and KEEP IT SHUT! You also don't need to have a comeback for EVERYTHING. It didn't matter what you did before, just STOP! If you try to argue to cover it up, I'm not going to listen...I'm going to get more frustrated with you!
If you haven't guessed, I got very frustrated with this child today. He can't just stop talking, he needs to give me an excuse or tell me why he should be talking or out of his seat or playing in line or putting his hands on another kid's shoulders or...(insert anything else you could imagine).
Thankfully I am in a portable and it was a nice day (with my door open), so that he could go sit on the porch where I could see him and he could hear us. While he was outside, the kids began telling me everything he's done wrong today...and by wrong I mean he wasn't following my directions after multiple warnings.
This could have been enough for today, but of course there's more! I have bus duty this week and the rule is that the teacher walks in front of the kids to get to their buses so they walk slow enough nobody gets run over. Well, this child didn't want to walk behind me. I warned him twice that if he didn't, he would be holding my hand. You guessed it...he needed to hold my hand. Except, he refused! Of course he tried arguing his way out of it. But before he could even say a word, I said, "No." "No." "No." "No." "No." "No." (after each of his attempted excuses) He still refused to hold my hand until I threated to get the assistant principal. Even then, he tried letting go of my hand and running to the bus. I just stopped and waited for him. If he truly had as much guts as he thinks he does, he would have just run to his bus...we were only 15 feet away from it. My goodness, why couldn't you just listen the first time?
Tomorrow begins a new behavior plan with "Disrespectful", as I will refer to him from now on.
Monday, March 24, 2008
Not so bad...
Today wasn't a hectic day like I've been having. There was a kid absent, which made things flow a bit nicer than usual. It wasn't THE kid, but it was one who just makes things easier when he's absent. With a pretty uneventful day under my belt, I had plenty more excitement to deal with...
And my excitement, I mean dreadfully, painful torture in a dentist's chair. It was my first visit at this new place and I have been neglectful in oral health the last few years because of a lack of dentist in the area when on my parents' insurance. Anyway...at the first visit, I guess it's routine to go by every tooth and see what's wrong with it. I've had lots of cavities and therefore, fillings in my life along with teeth pulled and braces for what seemed like a lifetime. I did warn the dentist that I usually have cavities, so that wouldn't be much of a surprise to me. Well, apparently some fillings and seals need to be fixed along with new fillings. My treatment plan says that I will need at least 20 seals/fillings done. RIDICULOUS! Oh, did I mention that I also need to get my wisdom teeth taken out sometime soon as well?!?!? My goodness...treatments start Friday...not sure how many fillings they are going to do then. Hopefully not too many because I'm having a reunion with my cohort for dinner that night.
And my excitement, I mean dreadfully, painful torture in a dentist's chair. It was my first visit at this new place and I have been neglectful in oral health the last few years because of a lack of dentist in the area when on my parents' insurance. Anyway...at the first visit, I guess it's routine to go by every tooth and see what's wrong with it. I've had lots of cavities and therefore, fillings in my life along with teeth pulled and braces for what seemed like a lifetime. I did warn the dentist that I usually have cavities, so that wouldn't be much of a surprise to me. Well, apparently some fillings and seals need to be fixed along with new fillings. My treatment plan says that I will need at least 20 seals/fillings done. RIDICULOUS! Oh, did I mention that I also need to get my wisdom teeth taken out sometime soon as well?!?!? My goodness...treatments start Friday...not sure how many fillings they are going to do then. Hopefully not too many because I'm having a reunion with my cohort for dinner that night.
Saturday, March 22, 2008
Sam
While at Barnes and Noble, I discovered a WONDERFUL book. It is a perfect book to get kids started on writing. I think every teacher should have it for every age. There are also plenty of creative activities that you could do to get your kiddos psyched about writing and being authors!My kids will soon be finding books from Sam the Library Mouse in our classroom library. I am grateful that I found this book and now want to share it with everyone that I can.
"A small creature offers his big voice for aspiring authors everywhere. Every child can be a writer—and Library Mouse shows them how! Beloved children’s books author and illustrator Daniel Kirk wonderfully brings to life the story of Sam, a library mouse. Sam’s home was in a little hole in the wall in the children’s reference books section, and he thought that life was very good indeed. For Sam loved to read. He read picture books and chapter books, biographies and poetry, and ghost stories and mysteries. Sam read so much that finally one day he decided to write books himself! Sam shared his books with other library visitors by placing them on a bookshelf at night. Until there came the time that people wanted to meet this talented author. Whatever was Sam to do? The joy of reading, writing, and sharing is brought to life in this warmhearted tale. "
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Another book to get kids started on writing...I've used this one previously and the kids enjoy it.
"An exciting new story about a teacher who motivates a class to become inspired.
It was an ordinary morning when the ordinary boy woke up, and it was an ordinary journey to school. But when Mr Gee bounced into the classroom, everything changed. “He’s bonkers,” the children whisper. “What’s he on about?” But Mr Gee plays rousing music that thunders round the classroom, and asks what it makes them think of. Stampeding horses! Racing Cars! Elephants! “Write a story about it,” laughs Mr Gee. And the ordinary boy began to write, and the words tumbled out of him pell-mell. It was extraordinary!"
Tea Sipper
I traveled home to see my parents for Easter this weekend and knew that I would be in for some sleeping in and eating out. It was smooth traveling home, except for the bit of unexpected traffic when I was 20 minutes from home. :( We went to eat lunch and run a few errands (visiting the new Target), before returning home for an evening nap that turned into going to sleep for the night. I slept 12 hours last night and it was wonderful.
In the midst of errands yesterday, I remembered something that was said last weekend while I was visiting my sister and soon-to-be brother-in-law. I remembered something that was said that took me by surprise. While at nephew's baseball game, I met his grandpa. When introduced, he said, "Oh, is this the tea sipper?" What does that mean? Does that mean I don't burp and fart on command? Does it mean I eat with a fork, occasionally lift my pinky when I drink something, or talk like Larry the Cable Guy? Does it mean I don't like holes in my clothes, wearing camouflage, riding 4-wheelers through mud, shooting things, or drinking beer? Then, in that case, I guess I am a tea sipper. But, come on...I know that I am definitely not what others would refer to as a tea sipper. I guess there could be worse things to be called?????????
I woke up this morning to run (by run, I mean walk) a 5K...but at least I did some physical activity, and quite a bit of it too. Then off to the Houston Museum of Fine Art to see the exhibit on Pompeii (which I will be visiting the real thing on my vacation this summer). It was really interesting...especially how they created the molds of the people who were trapped under all the volcanic ash and debris. We also visited an exhibit called, "Where Clouds Disperse". My 4th graders could have made a much more exciting exhibit. But apparently it's modern art in Korea. They are so modern at everything else, they need to catch up in art!
It's been a wonderful visit to home. I usually enjoy seeing my cousins, aunt, and uncle (favorite cousins, aunt, and uncle) while I'm home, but they went out of town this weekend, so that's a bummer. I'll still enjoy my time home and will have to come visit again or have them visit sometime soon.
In the midst of errands yesterday, I remembered something that was said last weekend while I was visiting my sister and soon-to-be brother-in-law. I remembered something that was said that took me by surprise. While at nephew's baseball game, I met his grandpa. When introduced, he said, "Oh, is this the tea sipper?" What does that mean? Does that mean I don't burp and fart on command? Does it mean I eat with a fork, occasionally lift my pinky when I drink something, or talk like Larry the Cable Guy? Does it mean I don't like holes in my clothes, wearing camouflage, riding 4-wheelers through mud, shooting things, or drinking beer? Then, in that case, I guess I am a tea sipper. But, come on...I know that I am definitely not what others would refer to as a tea sipper. I guess there could be worse things to be called?????????
I woke up this morning to run (by run, I mean walk) a 5K...but at least I did some physical activity, and quite a bit of it too. Then off to the Houston Museum of Fine Art to see the exhibit on Pompeii (which I will be visiting the real thing on my vacation this summer). It was really interesting...especially how they created the molds of the people who were trapped under all the volcanic ash and debris. We also visited an exhibit called, "Where Clouds Disperse". My 4th graders could have made a much more exciting exhibit. But apparently it's modern art in Korea. They are so modern at everything else, they need to catch up in art!
It's been a wonderful visit to home. I usually enjoy seeing my cousins, aunt, and uncle (favorite cousins, aunt, and uncle) while I'm home, but they went out of town this weekend, so that's a bummer. I'll still enjoy my time home and will have to come visit again or have them visit sometime soon.
Haiku
Today while teaching Haiku (something I've never done before and hoped the kids had), we were talking about the requirements for Haiku. It has to be about nature, 3 lines (1st line = 5 syllables, 2nd line = 7 syllables, 3rd line = 5 syllables), and it does not have to rhyme. The kids were getting it very quickly. Thank goodness, cause I was having a very hard time coming up with anything for an example. Yes, I had the example in their poetry flip book, but I always like to provide multiple examples...you know, for the kids who NEED multiple examples?!?!
Anyway, the kids were doing great and coming up with some very clever, creative, and interesting Haiku. Then, I called on a kid to share the poem he was creating in his mind. What he shared was not about nature. The other kids quickly snapped at him and reminded him, "It has to be about nature!" When another added in, "Think like a hippie!"
What does this kid know about hippies? He was born in 1999 (maybe 1998) and I know for a fact that his parents are NOT hippies. I couldn't contain myself. BUT, all of a sudden, the other kid figured it out. The other kid who also has no idea what a real hippie is. They are definitely too young to have seen That 70s Show (because we all know it depicts REAL hippies) or understand Flower Power, the true meaning of Tree Hugger, or any other related topic.
This is why I teach...no matter what grade, they all have comments that keep you smiling throughout the day.
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A book to use while teaching Haiku...it's adorable and the small panda only speaks in Haiku!
Anyway, the kids were doing great and coming up with some very clever, creative, and interesting Haiku. Then, I called on a kid to share the poem he was creating in his mind. What he shared was not about nature. The other kids quickly snapped at him and reminded him, "It has to be about nature!" When another added in, "Think like a hippie!"
What does this kid know about hippies? He was born in 1999 (maybe 1998) and I know for a fact that his parents are NOT hippies. I couldn't contain myself. BUT, all of a sudden, the other kid figured it out. The other kid who also has no idea what a real hippie is. They are definitely too young to have seen That 70s Show (because we all know it depicts REAL hippies) or understand Flower Power, the true meaning of Tree Hugger, or any other related topic.
This is why I teach...no matter what grade, they all have comments that keep you smiling throughout the day.
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A book to use while teaching Haiku...it's adorable and the small panda only speaks in Haiku!
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
Class Band
I was teaching or waiting for the class to quiet down or something...
I started tapping a beat on a chair and once I realized what I was doing, I began looking around and noticed one kid tapping his pencil on his chair leg...
another snapping...
another rocking in his chair...
another trying to rhythmically pop is chip bag...
and one more tapping his fingers on his desk.
Everyone had their rhythm going and it melded together better than most of the students' personalities do on a good day!
I was taken out of the moment to watch/listen everyone make music in our classroom. The kids know that tapping is one of my pet peeves, but there was something unconscious about it for all of us.
I started tapping a beat on a chair and once I realized what I was doing, I began looking around and noticed one kid tapping his pencil on his chair leg...
another snapping...
another rocking in his chair...
another trying to rhythmically pop is chip bag...
and one more tapping his fingers on his desk.
Everyone had their rhythm going and it melded together better than most of the students' personalities do on a good day!
I was taken out of the moment to watch/listen everyone make music in our classroom. The kids know that tapping is one of my pet peeves, but there was something unconscious about it for all of us.
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
New Shoes
I wanted to post this yesterday, but I was a bit tired and didn't feel like multiple posts.
After Spring Break, there are always lots of stories about where kids went and what they bought and who they played with. I know kids get new shoes quite often because of their rapidly growing feet, but I don't expect their parents to buy expensive shoes that they will only grow out of in 2 months. I guess I thought wrong. A kid who I know likes nice clothes (starched jeans kid) and has a laptop came to me and asked me to guess how much his shoes cost. I guessed $50. WRONG! Try $105. WHAT??? Apparently his mother spent that much on his shoes and also spent $60 on his 4-year-old brother's shoes. Are you kidding me? Most of my class is economically disadvantaged and these parents spent over $150 on two pairs of shoes? I just don't understand how parents can spend so much money on items that will quickly grow old or be grown out of and not be able to afford necessities. hmmmm....
After Spring Break, there are always lots of stories about where kids went and what they bought and who they played with. I know kids get new shoes quite often because of their rapidly growing feet, but I don't expect their parents to buy expensive shoes that they will only grow out of in 2 months. I guess I thought wrong. A kid who I know likes nice clothes (starched jeans kid) and has a laptop came to me and asked me to guess how much his shoes cost. I guessed $50. WRONG! Try $105. WHAT??? Apparently his mother spent that much on his shoes and also spent $60 on his 4-year-old brother's shoes. Are you kidding me? Most of my class is economically disadvantaged and these parents spent over $150 on two pairs of shoes? I just don't understand how parents can spend so much money on items that will quickly grow old or be grown out of and not be able to afford necessities. hmmmm....
4 Minutes
6:35 PTA Meeting Called to Order
Members Present:
2 parents (secretary and treasurer)
1 president (a kinder teacher)
2 principals
1 school secretary
ME (representing 4th grade)
late = 2 third grade teachers
TOTAL = 9
Agenda: minutes from last month (but they can't be voted on because there are not enough people present), Principal's Report (yay for 3rd and 5th grade TAKS scores...I think we'll be getting some smart kiddos next year), reminders about our Spring Festival, and school supply sale
6:39 Meeting Adjourned
Did I really stay at school for an extra 2 hours for a 4 minute meeting in which there couldn't be anything done because of the lack of people???
Members Present:
2 parents (secretary and treasurer)
1 president (a kinder teacher)
2 principals
1 school secretary
ME (representing 4th grade)
late = 2 third grade teachers
TOTAL = 9
Agenda: minutes from last month (but they can't be voted on because there are not enough people present), Principal's Report (yay for 3rd and 5th grade TAKS scores...I think we'll be getting some smart kiddos next year), reminders about our Spring Festival, and school supply sale
6:39 Meeting Adjourned
Did I really stay at school for an extra 2 hours for a 4 minute meeting in which there couldn't be anything done because of the lack of people???
Excuses, Excuses, and more Excuses!
As a teacher, I understand that I will hear many excuses in my career and today, I heard more in one day that I usually do. By the time I finished collecting homework, I heard 6 different excuses for why they couldn't turn it in...only one of which was actually legitimate (and not listed below).
--"My mom went to the hospital last night and my backpack was in her truck." (I've heard this one before.)
--"I did it, but forgot it at home." (How do I know you really did it then?)
--"I forgot it in my desk when I left yesterday." (Well???? How are you supposed to do it then?)
--"I didn't know we had homework." (I only announced it 20 times and passed it out to each person individually.)
--"I only did some of it. I had other things to do." (Remember we're learning responsibility by finishing and bringing back your homework????)
I have also already heard many excuses for children's behavior when talking to their parents...now I know where the kids get is from.
--"I'm out of town right now and he always acts like this when I'm gone. I'll also be out of town next week for a few days." ARE YOU KIDDING ME? She's out of town like 3 days EVERY week!
--"He told me he's being made fun of and I think his behavior is stemming from that." (I have not heard him being made fun of or anything close.)
--"His schedule was altered this week because we have family visiting. He acts like this every time his routine is messed up." (Learn to deal with it! Life is not always routine.)
--"I'm divorced and when she spends time with her mother, her family thinks its funny to act like that. When she's with them, she thinks that how you are supposed to act. I've tried, but can't do anything about it. That's why we aren't married anymore."
I've only been teaching for a few months...after one year, I imagine I could have an entire book of excuses!
--"My mom went to the hospital last night and my backpack was in her truck." (I've heard this one before.)
--"I did it, but forgot it at home." (How do I know you really did it then?)
--"I forgot it in my desk when I left yesterday." (Well???? How are you supposed to do it then?)
--"I didn't know we had homework." (I only announced it 20 times and passed it out to each person individually.)
--"I only did some of it. I had other things to do." (Remember we're learning responsibility by finishing and bringing back your homework????)
I have also already heard many excuses for children's behavior when talking to their parents...now I know where the kids get is from.
--"I'm out of town right now and he always acts like this when I'm gone. I'll also be out of town next week for a few days." ARE YOU KIDDING ME? She's out of town like 3 days EVERY week!
--"He told me he's being made fun of and I think his behavior is stemming from that." (I have not heard him being made fun of or anything close.)
--"His schedule was altered this week because we have family visiting. He acts like this every time his routine is messed up." (Learn to deal with it! Life is not always routine.)
--"I'm divorced and when she spends time with her mother, her family thinks its funny to act like that. When she's with them, she thinks that how you are supposed to act. I've tried, but can't do anything about it. That's why we aren't married anymore."
I've only been teaching for a few months...after one year, I imagine I could have an entire book of excuses!
Monday, March 17, 2008
She's Trippin'
Today was the first day back from Spring Break and while I enjoyed spending time with friends and family and relaxing, I was kind of glad to be back. The morning started off well and the kids seemed like they remembered how they SHOULD act in class. But, something happened at some point and the kids started acting like they did before break...non-stop talking, arguing, tattling, playing at inappropriate times, etc.
I did have three kiddos absent today and if I had chosen who was absent, I wouldn't have chosen those three. I can name you three others that I would be very excited to teach for a day without (all three at once would be a bonus, but impossible). Unfortunately, the three I would pick NEED to be at school. They NEED to be at school for the academics AND social skills.
I have one student who I have a very hard time liking. (see previous blog, "Back to work...") I strive to be a good teacher who is fair and nice to every student, but when he doesn't listen when I tell him something four times and then argues and says I'm trippin', it's hard. I know that it's important to give him a fair chance at everything, but I find it very difficult. This child does everything in his power (without even knowing it) to make me dislike him. He truly needs someone in his life who cares and gives him stability, but when he doesn't even try to respect others and myself, it makes it that much harder. This situation is probably the hardest I've faced so far as a teacher.
I did have three kiddos absent today and if I had chosen who was absent, I wouldn't have chosen those three. I can name you three others that I would be very excited to teach for a day without (all three at once would be a bonus, but impossible). Unfortunately, the three I would pick NEED to be at school. They NEED to be at school for the academics AND social skills.
I have one student who I have a very hard time liking. (see previous blog, "Back to work...") I strive to be a good teacher who is fair and nice to every student, but when he doesn't listen when I tell him something four times and then argues and says I'm trippin', it's hard. I know that it's important to give him a fair chance at everything, but I find it very difficult. This child does everything in his power (without even knowing it) to make me dislike him. He truly needs someone in his life who cares and gives him stability, but when he doesn't even try to respect others and myself, it makes it that much harder. This situation is probably the hardest I've faced so far as a teacher.
Saturday, March 15, 2008
Baby Overload!
The past few days, I've been looking at more baby stuff than I ever have in my whole life. Today my sister and I went and walked a 5K for St. Paddy's Day and I'm happy to report that we were not last. Even my preggo sister finished before quite a few people. After that, she was in the mood to do a little shopping. For those of you who know her, this was surprising. We eyed many cute items at Target and found some cute maternity clothes (cause she has grown out of all her others).
We stopped at Burlington Coat Factory cause we knew they had a baby depot, but I had NO IDEA they had such a large department. It was rows and rows of baby clothes, bottles, safety products, nipple covers, breast pumps, and adorable little shoes. I kind of wish that she was having a girl so that I could buy her little dresses and PINK PINK PINK outfits and accessories, but she's having a boy. He will end up wearing CAMO CAMO CAMO in this family. That was definitely an overload of baby "equipment" today!
This evening was spent making wise cracks while cooking dinner (a family effort) and at Celebration Station. It was a little too cold to be playing mini golf and way too cold to be riding bumper boats and beyond too cold to be waiting in line for 30 minutes for go-carts...but, Dylan wanted to do those things and we already pay for them, so Preggo and I suffered through. It was an enjoying evening people watching as well. I spied lots of unsupervised kids, teenagers who didn't care about their job, and some others with fabulous earrings pants down to their knees. And best of all, it was time well spent with Preggo and nephew, because I won't be able to visit again for a while.
We stopped at Burlington Coat Factory cause we knew they had a baby depot, but I had NO IDEA they had such a large department. It was rows and rows of baby clothes, bottles, safety products, nipple covers, breast pumps, and adorable little shoes. I kind of wish that she was having a girl so that I could buy her little dresses and PINK PINK PINK outfits and accessories, but she's having a boy. He will end up wearing CAMO CAMO CAMO in this family. That was definitely an overload of baby "equipment" today!
This evening was spent making wise cracks while cooking dinner (a family effort) and at Celebration Station. It was a little too cold to be playing mini golf and way too cold to be riding bumper boats and beyond too cold to be waiting in line for 30 minutes for go-carts...but, Dylan wanted to do those things and we already pay for them, so Preggo and I suffered through. It was an enjoying evening people watching as well. I spied lots of unsupervised kids, teenagers who didn't care about their job, and some others with fabulous earrings pants down to their knees. And best of all, it was time well spent with Preggo and nephew, because I won't be able to visit again for a while.
Friday, March 14, 2008
Too busy being fabulous...
Or not! It was just a song on the radio that I found humorous.
Today has been a lot of doing nothing. I dropped off my step-nephew at school after grabbing a yummy breakfast. I returned home to watch lame morning television and do nothing. I get bored easily and can't do nothing for long, so I cleaned my nephew's room (he better thank me for that later), and went to do some shopping--for the baby! Baby clothes are sooooooo cute and irresistible! After venturing into the Target baby section and Babies R Us, I bought lunch for my nephew so I could eat with him at school. I got lost and tried going to the wrong school (it was next door) and after finally making it to the right place, I find out that my nephew has left because his real mom is having her baby. Yes, both of his "moms" are pregnant...well, one still is.
With no need to pick him up after school today, I relax on the to channel surf and I find, Life in the Fab Lane with Kimora Lee Simmons. Man, she really thinks she's fabulous and spoils her children as well...but I guess if you've got it, flaunt it?
I guess the only thing to look forward to today is a pedicure. But I even have to wait for that. Wait is the theme of today. Wait for lunch, wait for after school, wait for sister to get off work. Good thing I don't wait everyday in my usual life or I might hurt myself. I know people like being bums, but I don't.
I had a wonderful pedicure at a place that needed to be twice as big as it was and a quiet night with the sister and her fiance. Tomorrow should be similarly relaxing starting off with a 5K walk for St. Patrick's Day in Dallas.
Today has been a lot of doing nothing. I dropped off my step-nephew at school after grabbing a yummy breakfast. I returned home to watch lame morning television and do nothing. I get bored easily and can't do nothing for long, so I cleaned my nephew's room (he better thank me for that later), and went to do some shopping--for the baby! Baby clothes are sooooooo cute and irresistible! After venturing into the Target baby section and Babies R Us, I bought lunch for my nephew so I could eat with him at school. I got lost and tried going to the wrong school (it was next door) and after finally making it to the right place, I find out that my nephew has left because his real mom is having her baby. Yes, both of his "moms" are pregnant...well, one still is.
With no need to pick him up after school today, I relax on the to channel surf and I find, Life in the Fab Lane with Kimora Lee Simmons. Man, she really thinks she's fabulous and spoils her children as well...but I guess if you've got it, flaunt it?
I guess the only thing to look forward to today is a pedicure. But I even have to wait for that. Wait is the theme of today. Wait for lunch, wait for after school, wait for sister to get off work. Good thing I don't wait everyday in my usual life or I might hurt myself. I know people like being bums, but I don't.
I had a wonderful pedicure at a place that needed to be twice as big as it was and a quiet night with the sister and her fiance. Tomorrow should be similarly relaxing starting off with a 5K walk for St. Patrick's Day in Dallas.
Thursday, March 13, 2008
Boobie!
Today was more eventful than I expected and ended on a somewhat fun note (for old ladies).
I spent what seemed like days in my car driving to my sister's house outside of Dallas. I finally arrived to an empty house to wait for everyone to get home. I ventured out to Sonic because I knew exactly where it was and then needed to find a grocery store to buy food to cook dinner for my sister's fiance and kid. I decided I would just drive until I saw a grocery store...I found Old Navy. After a short detour inside to see their new cute summer clothes, I used my buddy TomTom to find my way back to my sister's. I somehow ended up on the opposite side of town, but thanks to GPS systems, getting lost is not a problem.
I navigated towards home and tried searching for a grocery store again...SUCCESS!
I prepared dinner before a bike ride and hop scotch in the park. My sister's fiance's son, Dylan (who is for all intents and purposes my nephew) began playing tag with Maurice. Maurice is a 4th grader as well who confessed that he should actually be in 5th grade. He didn't know me, but he felt the need to say that he shouldn't really be a 4th grader. Well, you should be if you didn't pass it the first time! While playing tag, I also came to realize that Maurice was wearing blue boxers. I found this out while he was playing tag and his pants fell down to his ankles. The teacher I am yelled at him to pull his pants up.
Another quick bike ride home, I began cooking dinner for fiance and nephew when sister called and said she NEEDED me to come play Bunco with her because they didn't have enough people. She warned me that it's a bunch of old ladies and all I would need to do was roll some dice. I went and rolled dice. I didn't roll dice very well because I won the Boobie prize. Some of you may know that I was the recipient of this award many years ago! This prize was given to the player who LOST the MOST games. I was quite proud of my accomplishment. After I lost a few more, I will admit that I wanted to lose more because I heard of this prize and knew it was the only prize that I had a chance of winning.
After returning home to a whining 9 year old asking, "Where were you? Why did you take so long?" I helped him put together a fun foam treasure chest. He made it just tacky enough to be cute. We then (as a family) tried to have our dogs make friends. Keep in mind that Tiva weighs 15 pounds and their dogs weigh 80 and 60 pounds. Their drool is enough to bathe Tiva in one lick. Tiva is definitely too much of a diva to be touched by those monsters! She even goes on the couch where she "isn't allowed!" She sits on her throne regardless of what anyone tells her!
Tomorrow I'm planning on taking Dylan to school, taking him lunch, visiting his Book Fair, and wasting time driving around. Maybe I'll get lost in another store tomorrow on my way to nowhere!
I spent what seemed like days in my car driving to my sister's house outside of Dallas. I finally arrived to an empty house to wait for everyone to get home. I ventured out to Sonic because I knew exactly where it was and then needed to find a grocery store to buy food to cook dinner for my sister's fiance and kid. I decided I would just drive until I saw a grocery store...I found Old Navy. After a short detour inside to see their new cute summer clothes, I used my buddy TomTom to find my way back to my sister's. I somehow ended up on the opposite side of town, but thanks to GPS systems, getting lost is not a problem.
I navigated towards home and tried searching for a grocery store again...SUCCESS!
I prepared dinner before a bike ride and hop scotch in the park. My sister's fiance's son, Dylan (who is for all intents and purposes my nephew) began playing tag with Maurice. Maurice is a 4th grader as well who confessed that he should actually be in 5th grade. He didn't know me, but he felt the need to say that he shouldn't really be a 4th grader. Well, you should be if you didn't pass it the first time! While playing tag, I also came to realize that Maurice was wearing blue boxers. I found this out while he was playing tag and his pants fell down to his ankles. The teacher I am yelled at him to pull his pants up.
Another quick bike ride home, I began cooking dinner for fiance and nephew when sister called and said she NEEDED me to come play Bunco with her because they didn't have enough people. She warned me that it's a bunch of old ladies and all I would need to do was roll some dice. I went and rolled dice. I didn't roll dice very well because I won the Boobie prize. Some of you may know that I was the recipient of this award many years ago! This prize was given to the player who LOST the MOST games. I was quite proud of my accomplishment. After I lost a few more, I will admit that I wanted to lose more because I heard of this prize and knew it was the only prize that I had a chance of winning.
After returning home to a whining 9 year old asking, "Where were you? Why did you take so long?" I helped him put together a fun foam treasure chest. He made it just tacky enough to be cute. We then (as a family) tried to have our dogs make friends. Keep in mind that Tiva weighs 15 pounds and their dogs weigh 80 and 60 pounds. Their drool is enough to bathe Tiva in one lick. Tiva is definitely too much of a diva to be touched by those monsters! She even goes on the couch where she "isn't allowed!" She sits on her throne regardless of what anyone tells her!
Tomorrow I'm planning on taking Dylan to school, taking him lunch, visiting his Book Fair, and wasting time driving around. Maybe I'll get lost in another store tomorrow on my way to nowhere!
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
Is anyone out there?
This day was another adventurous day out and about with friends. Like I said yesterday: debauchery, Indian food, and kayaking were on the agenda for today. Mission Accomplished!
Jackie and I ventured to the lake to rent kayaks for exercise and to enjoy the beautiful Austin weather and scenery. Nothing exciting happened except that we did get lost. I looked on my GPS for the name of the place, but when you can't remember it, the GPS can't read your mind. It did however offer a visual of our location compared to the thick blue line. I drove towards it, and there it was, The Rowing Dock. We paddled upstream for half of our rental time and then "floated" back, but by floated, I mean paddled. Jackie is hardcore and wasn't about taking relaxing breaks. It was beautiful outside and I wanted to enjoy it.
We had a few hours to kill before we needed to get ready for dinner and sitting at the bar at Hula Hut was a good use of 30 minutes. ha. The food was good and so were our drinks, but we paid for alcohol and we didn't taste or feel any...disappointment. Again, it was nice to sit on the dock and enjoy the weather and watch a turtle swim aimlessly around begging for food.
As the afternoon grew old, I was growing anxious and nervous simultaneously about my first Indian meal that was soon to happen. This dinner was with a very good friend who has been asking me to eat Indian food for quite a while and the usual suspects from this week...except Wendy. Not sure what happened with her, she said she would go and then...well, I needn't say more.
Dinner was surprisingly GREAT! There was bread (always fantastic even though it did have fennel, or was it rye? either way, I don't like those seeds), delicious chicken, and sauces of all kinds, and did I mention bread? I was expecting the worst and things that I wouldn't even want to put in my mouth and what I got was the opposite. It was also wonderful discussion with friends about the obnoxious ladies sitting next to us and the fact that someone was having a bachelorette dinner at this Indian restaurant.
My agenda for today is almost complete, but still missing the debauchery. When I pulled into my parking lot, we noticed my neighbor was outside with someone else. I haven't mentioned this neighbor before, but we're not sure if he's Jesse's type or mine. *wink*wink* In order to discover which of us he is better suited for, we kind of stalk him. Jackie and Jesse were constantly looking out my window asking, "Is anyone out there?" They even insisted that we walk Tiva every 5 minutes to see if he was out there. If he was out and they saw him, they claim that they would invite him over to play a game, but they are too chicken for that. Needless to say, we played the game by ourselves, without Neighbor Boy (until I think of a better moniker for him).
Tomorrow I head to visit my sister and her family. Blogs probably won't be as event-filled, but I'll do my best with what happens.
Jackie and I ventured to the lake to rent kayaks for exercise and to enjoy the beautiful Austin weather and scenery. Nothing exciting happened except that we did get lost. I looked on my GPS for the name of the place, but when you can't remember it, the GPS can't read your mind. It did however offer a visual of our location compared to the thick blue line. I drove towards it, and there it was, The Rowing Dock. We paddled upstream for half of our rental time and then "floated" back, but by floated, I mean paddled. Jackie is hardcore and wasn't about taking relaxing breaks. It was beautiful outside and I wanted to enjoy it.
We had a few hours to kill before we needed to get ready for dinner and sitting at the bar at Hula Hut was a good use of 30 minutes. ha. The food was good and so were our drinks, but we paid for alcohol and we didn't taste or feel any...disappointment. Again, it was nice to sit on the dock and enjoy the weather and watch a turtle swim aimlessly around begging for food.
As the afternoon grew old, I was growing anxious and nervous simultaneously about my first Indian meal that was soon to happen. This dinner was with a very good friend who has been asking me to eat Indian food for quite a while and the usual suspects from this week...except Wendy. Not sure what happened with her, she said she would go and then...well, I needn't say more.
Dinner was surprisingly GREAT! There was bread (always fantastic even though it did have fennel, or was it rye? either way, I don't like those seeds), delicious chicken, and sauces of all kinds, and did I mention bread? I was expecting the worst and things that I wouldn't even want to put in my mouth and what I got was the opposite. It was also wonderful discussion with friends about the obnoxious ladies sitting next to us and the fact that someone was having a bachelorette dinner at this Indian restaurant.
My agenda for today is almost complete, but still missing the debauchery. When I pulled into my parking lot, we noticed my neighbor was outside with someone else. I haven't mentioned this neighbor before, but we're not sure if he's Jesse's type or mine. *wink*wink* In order to discover which of us he is better suited for, we kind of stalk him. Jackie and Jesse were constantly looking out my window asking, "Is anyone out there?" They even insisted that we walk Tiva every 5 minutes to see if he was out there. If he was out and they saw him, they claim that they would invite him over to play a game, but they are too chicken for that. Needless to say, we played the game by ourselves, without Neighbor Boy (until I think of a better moniker for him).
Tomorrow I head to visit my sister and her family. Blogs probably won't be as event-filled, but I'll do my best with what happens.
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
Yay for AirTunes!
Today consisted of:
-- Waking up later than every other day this week - YAY!
-- Going to Best Buy to return a wireless router that I purchased yesterday.
-- Going to Apple to buy a new wireless router (cheaper than Best Buy).
-- Chips and Queso
-- Going back to Apple to exchange something I bought earlier in the day.
-- Setting up my new SECURE wireless network that includes AirTunes. If you don't know what AirTunes are, let me explain. With the Mac router, it has the capability to play your iTunes through your speaker system without actually being hooked to your iPod or computer. It's wonderfully amazing and I've listened to more music today than most months combined. It works with both Mac and PC operating systems...everyone should try it. And if you have multiple speaker systems throughout your house, you can have them all play the same music at the same time or all different. Apple is one innovative company. Oh, I forgot to mention that when I made my first purchase there today, they e-mailed me my receipt. I couldn't even show them the receipt to exchange because I hadn't been home. But that was okay because the very nice customer service man had me use their computer with a 30 inch monitor to check my e-mail for the receipt.
Christmas List: 30 inch Mac monitor.
It seems like this was enough for one day, but no, I'm just very descriptive and wordy...you all know how much I like to talk!
For the evening, I had an appointment at Shalinda's house (4th grade teacher also). We were having our first Book Club meeting, which, from what I understand, you don't actually have to read the book. Book Club is a synonym for Wine Club...bring a bottle and drink a bottle! Everything was going well and we were playing a fantastic game called Marry, Date, or Dump, which I was WINNING! This was interrupted by another co-worker who just got dumped by her boyfriend who she thought she was going to marry. I don't know her that well, so I just felt awkward and avoided the tears. The game obviously wasn't appropriate once she arrived. This ended most of the fun. Good thing I had a companion in avoiding awkwardness...Hopefully next Book Club meeting goes better. Tomorrow I'll go buy the book we decided on, What The Dead Know.
Tomorrow's Spring Break Agenda:
-- kayaking (Did you know kayak is spelled the same forwards and backwards?)
-- first experience with Indian Food (think Ben Stiller in Along Came Polly)
-- debauchery with friends
-- Waking up later than every other day this week - YAY!
-- Going to Best Buy to return a wireless router that I purchased yesterday.
-- Going to Apple to buy a new wireless router (cheaper than Best Buy).
-- Chips and Queso
-- Going back to Apple to exchange something I bought earlier in the day.
-- Setting up my new SECURE wireless network that includes AirTunes. If you don't know what AirTunes are, let me explain. With the Mac router, it has the capability to play your iTunes through your speaker system without actually being hooked to your iPod or computer. It's wonderfully amazing and I've listened to more music today than most months combined. It works with both Mac and PC operating systems...everyone should try it. And if you have multiple speaker systems throughout your house, you can have them all play the same music at the same time or all different. Apple is one innovative company. Oh, I forgot to mention that when I made my first purchase there today, they e-mailed me my receipt. I couldn't even show them the receipt to exchange because I hadn't been home. But that was okay because the very nice customer service man had me use their computer with a 30 inch monitor to check my e-mail for the receipt.
Christmas List: 30 inch Mac monitor.
It seems like this was enough for one day, but no, I'm just very descriptive and wordy...you all know how much I like to talk!
For the evening, I had an appointment at Shalinda's house (4th grade teacher also). We were having our first Book Club meeting, which, from what I understand, you don't actually have to read the book. Book Club is a synonym for Wine Club...bring a bottle and drink a bottle! Everything was going well and we were playing a fantastic game called Marry, Date, or Dump, which I was WINNING! This was interrupted by another co-worker who just got dumped by her boyfriend who she thought she was going to marry. I don't know her that well, so I just felt awkward and avoided the tears. The game obviously wasn't appropriate once she arrived. This ended most of the fun. Good thing I had a companion in avoiding awkwardness...Hopefully next Book Club meeting goes better. Tomorrow I'll go buy the book we decided on, What The Dead Know.
Tomorrow's Spring Break Agenda:
-- kayaking (Did you know kayak is spelled the same forwards and backwards?)
-- first experience with Indian Food (think Ben Stiller in Along Came Polly)
-- debauchery with friends
Special Edition
As I sit here watching "The Bachelor - Where are they now?" I realize how many hours of TV I've wasted in the last 6 years. At the time, it feels as though it's good TV...and watching the clips to refresh my memory reminds me that yes, it is still good TV.
Yes, there were some bachelors that were not attractive whatsoever (personality or looks), but I have still been a loyal Bachelor watcher since the beginning.
Seeing the previews for The Bachelor that starts next Monday, I remind myself how much I want a British man. Not because they are so fabulously good-looking with perfect teeth, but because that accent can make anyone cute. He's not the cutest bachelor ever, but when he speaks, I'd argue that he is.
Here goes more hours of my life spent in front of the TV watching "The Most Dramatic Rose Ceremony Ever!"
Yes, there were some bachelors that were not attractive whatsoever (personality or looks), but I have still been a loyal Bachelor watcher since the beginning.
Seeing the previews for The Bachelor that starts next Monday, I remind myself how much I want a British man. Not because they are so fabulously good-looking with perfect teeth, but because that accent can make anyone cute. He's not the cutest bachelor ever, but when he speaks, I'd argue that he is.
Here goes more hours of my life spent in front of the TV watching "The Most Dramatic Rose Ceremony Ever!"
Monday, March 10, 2008
Rematch!
I woke up this morning to the pitter patter of rain on the asphalt of the parking lot outside my window. It was wonderful sleeping in listening to the rain. Needless to say, I was in no hurry to get out bed to sit around because I refuse to go out in rain when I don't have to.
When I did finally get out of bed (to move to the couch), I realized that my wireless router is breaking. I have had it for a while and it's just been getting slower and slower. I head to Best Buy in order to get back the high speed internet I once had, only to realize that I needed (wanted) the best router for my computer--an apple router. I spent a little too much money, but if I buy one now rather than a cheaper one every year, it levels out in my mind.
On my way home I decide that I need some milk. That's how it all started...I go into Whole Foods and start buying food to cook dinner. I give my friends a call (refer to last post) and demand they come over for dinner because I'm cooking. Of course they all quickly agree because as I later found out in the evening, none of them cook.
Dinner was delicious (as I heard over and over and over again) and so was dessert (thanks to Wendy). I will from here on out refer to this group of friends as the Games Group. Jackie brought her game of Cranium over and it was a good night because I was on the winning team. As my close friend pointed out, the only loser both nights in a row was Wendy. I hate to say this, but it was a close call and thanks to a disqualification, we pulled out the victory. YAY for people who don't follow the rules! haha
And in the middle of this fun evening, I had a friend volunteer to watch Tiva (my dog) while I'm on vacation this summer. She just about begged me...that's because my dog is simply irresistible. If you don't believe that, you should see a picture of her and you'll be convinced.
If anyone has any suggestions on games we can play in the future, let me know. We already enjoy Scrabble, Cranium, Pop 5, Scene It, etc...
At the end of all the useless trivia games, we all said goodbye so that we could update our blogs for each other to read. Keep in mind that we are reading what happened to all of us when we were together. It's actually quite funny to read everybody's take on the day's events! Also check out:
www.dustymiller83.blogspot.com
www.useinplaceof.blogspot.com
When I did finally get out of bed (to move to the couch), I realized that my wireless router is breaking. I have had it for a while and it's just been getting slower and slower. I head to Best Buy in order to get back the high speed internet I once had, only to realize that I needed (wanted) the best router for my computer--an apple router. I spent a little too much money, but if I buy one now rather than a cheaper one every year, it levels out in my mind.
On my way home I decide that I need some milk. That's how it all started...I go into Whole Foods and start buying food to cook dinner. I give my friends a call (refer to last post) and demand they come over for dinner because I'm cooking. Of course they all quickly agree because as I later found out in the evening, none of them cook.
Dinner was delicious (as I heard over and over and over again) and so was dessert (thanks to Wendy). I will from here on out refer to this group of friends as the Games Group. Jackie brought her game of Cranium over and it was a good night because I was on the winning team. As my close friend pointed out, the only loser both nights in a row was Wendy. I hate to say this, but it was a close call and thanks to a disqualification, we pulled out the victory. YAY for people who don't follow the rules! haha
And in the middle of this fun evening, I had a friend volunteer to watch Tiva (my dog) while I'm on vacation this summer. She just about begged me...that's because my dog is simply irresistible. If you don't believe that, you should see a picture of her and you'll be convinced.
If anyone has any suggestions on games we can play in the future, let me know. We already enjoy Scrabble, Cranium, Pop 5, Scene It, etc...
At the end of all the useless trivia games, we all said goodbye so that we could update our blogs for each other to read. Keep in mind that we are reading what happened to all of us when we were together. It's actually quite funny to read everybody's take on the day's events! Also check out:
www.dustymiller83.blogspot.com
www.useinplaceof.blogspot.com
Sunday, March 9, 2008
I'll try humdinger...
I spent the afternoon and night with a few close friends and had a wonderful time. We started our outing at an Austin Ice Bats game (hockey for those of you unfamiliar with the name). It was good fun...the Ice Bats came from behind in the last quarter to tie it up and then lost because of some bogus call giving the other team a penalty shot to win in sudden death overtime. It was definitely a good game though...kept us cheering and excited. They definitely enjoy throwing themselves around and the other team into the walls. Just one or two fights, but definitely a lost of thrashing about on the ice.
We topped off that fun with a trip to IHOP to eat some breakfast for dinner (my favorite meal)!
And then we traveled back to my apartment for some board games. My close friend is tired of beating me on computer scrabble, so he wanted to play a real game...a game in which I beat him! I didn't win the whole game, but I beat who mattered. He wanted a little revenge, so I opened a game I've never played, but had for over a year. It's a fun pop culture game made by Cranium, POP 5. My team lost, We Wu Hoko Wa and myself, because she couldn't guess my humdinger...I may not have been on key, but come on.
I laughed more tonight than I usually do at my 4th graders! I'm up for another game of POP 5 if anyone wants to challenge me...this time I'll kick your butt!
We topped off that fun with a trip to IHOP to eat some breakfast for dinner (my favorite meal)!
And then we traveled back to my apartment for some board games. My close friend is tired of beating me on computer scrabble, so he wanted to play a real game...a game in which I beat him! I didn't win the whole game, but I beat who mattered. He wanted a little revenge, so I opened a game I've never played, but had for over a year. It's a fun pop culture game made by Cranium, POP 5. My team lost, We Wu Hoko Wa and myself, because she couldn't guess my humdinger...I may not have been on key, but come on.
I laughed more tonight than I usually do at my 4th graders! I'm up for another game of POP 5 if anyone wants to challenge me...this time I'll kick your butt!
Saturday, March 8, 2008
Freddy
No, that's not an alias for another of my students, but rather the name of the kite a friend and I tried flying today. We named him Freddy the Fish and well, he was definitely a floater. I am using the word floater to describe how he would float in his fishbowl if he were alive (or dead), not like he floated in the sky today (because that didn't happen).
I felt defeated today when my friend and I were unable to launch Freddy. We stood in the middle of the park seeing kites flying all around us and all we got were a few attempts when I ran completely across the field, only to have the kite be dragged across the grass. We even tried getting some help from a "professional" kite flier and well, he just broke Freddy's string hook. It was quite pathetic. And if this experience couldn't have gotten any worse, I was kneeling down to get something when I whacked my chin with Freddy's coffin (aka plastic storage container). My chin is visibly injured and quite sore. That's the last time I ever help fly a kite...well, until tomorrow!
I felt defeated today when my friend and I were unable to launch Freddy. We stood in the middle of the park seeing kites flying all around us and all we got were a few attempts when I ran completely across the field, only to have the kite be dragged across the grass. We even tried getting some help from a "professional" kite flier and well, he just broke Freddy's string hook. It was quite pathetic. And if this experience couldn't have gotten any worse, I was kneeling down to get something when I whacked my chin with Freddy's coffin (aka plastic storage container). My chin is visibly injured and quite sore. That's the last time I ever help fly a kite...well, until tomorrow!
Friday, March 7, 2008
It's finally here!!
SPRING BREAK! Thank goodness that it's here. It could not come soon enough! My kiddos were driving me INSANE! Trying to keep the class somewhat normal today was a lost cause. We even watched a movie this afternoon and I did not understand why they couldn't sit and watch the movie without causing problems. I know for a fact that many of them sit at home after school and wait for their parents while gluing their eyes to the TV. So, why can't they just watch a movie in class for an hour?
I counted down the minutes of today similar to the way I will count on the last day of school. 2:45 came a bit too slow for my liking. I thought I would get one thing ready for the Monday we return and I thought wrong. I was at the copy machine when my cell phone rang. It was one of my team mates warning me that I better walk out of the school right now or she would come drag me out. I was to meet them at a restaurant before I thought about touching one more thing. Of course I obeyed. She's my mentor and I'm supposed to listen to what she says. She's the one who fills out my paperwork discussing my progress and how I'm doing as a first year teacher. So I reminded myself that those papers and and everything else will still be sitting on my table in a week. HAPPY SPRING BREAK!
I counted down the minutes of today similar to the way I will count on the last day of school. 2:45 came a bit too slow for my liking. I thought I would get one thing ready for the Monday we return and I thought wrong. I was at the copy machine when my cell phone rang. It was one of my team mates warning me that I better walk out of the school right now or she would come drag me out. I was to meet them at a restaurant before I thought about touching one more thing. Of course I obeyed. She's my mentor and I'm supposed to listen to what she says. She's the one who fills out my paperwork discussing my progress and how I'm doing as a first year teacher. So I reminded myself that those papers and and everything else will still be sitting on my table in a week. HAPPY SPRING BREAK!
Thursday, March 6, 2008
Back to work...
Today was a fairly uneventful day in 4th grade. It was our first, sort of, work day since we mentioned the word TAKS 2 weeks ago. The kids saw the morning note on the board that said, "Good morning! Your morning work is on the back table. You may quietly work with your group. Make your lunch choice," and immediately began their moaning and groaning. "We have to start working again?" I asked if they would prefer taking a test every day rather than working and that got an immediate "NO!!!!!" (Thank goodness! I don't think I could take another day of that for myself.)
Getting back to work did refresh my memory of how I have one kid makes me tense. I don't believe I've mentioned it before but I have one kid in my class that just stresses me out (and I'm not a stress-prone person). He tends to be absent quite a bit and is always tardy. I know it's bad, but I smile inside myself when he's absent and I smile at the thought of him being absent. It's not that I don't like the child, it's that I don't like how the rest of the class acts when he's there. This one kid changes the dynamic of my entire class and I don't like it. They forget how to behave and talk to each other appropriately when he's there. He is constantly narrating what others are doing wrong, but never evaluating his own actions. He stirs up trouble where there isn't any and creates arguing when it should only be talking. He tattles on others when he is not involved and tattles on his own situations, when he's the one to blame. Hypocrite!
I know this kid needs love and stability and while I try to supply that, it's hard when he's constantly at the root of problems. He could easily come in and do his work and take care of himself and worry about how his absences have affected him not learning the same things as everyone else, but he does not. He needs me. What I need is for him to be absent. I feel like I've made great progress with my class since their last teacher, but feel like we've regressed when he's in class.
It's hard...do I discipline and not supply the caring support that he needs because he's causing the class to change their behavior or do I ignore his behavior problems and just love him?
Either one of these options is difficult because once we make any progress, he's absent for no less than 2 days in a row.
Getting back to work did refresh my memory of how I have one kid makes me tense. I don't believe I've mentioned it before but I have one kid in my class that just stresses me out (and I'm not a stress-prone person). He tends to be absent quite a bit and is always tardy. I know it's bad, but I smile inside myself when he's absent and I smile at the thought of him being absent. It's not that I don't like the child, it's that I don't like how the rest of the class acts when he's there. This one kid changes the dynamic of my entire class and I don't like it. They forget how to behave and talk to each other appropriately when he's there. He is constantly narrating what others are doing wrong, but never evaluating his own actions. He stirs up trouble where there isn't any and creates arguing when it should only be talking. He tattles on others when he is not involved and tattles on his own situations, when he's the one to blame. Hypocrite!
I know this kid needs love and stability and while I try to supply that, it's hard when he's constantly at the root of problems. He could easily come in and do his work and take care of himself and worry about how his absences have affected him not learning the same things as everyone else, but he does not. He needs me. What I need is for him to be absent. I feel like I've made great progress with my class since their last teacher, but feel like we've regressed when he's in class.
It's hard...do I discipline and not supply the caring support that he needs because he's causing the class to change their behavior or do I ignore his behavior problems and just love him?
Either one of these options is difficult because once we make any progress, he's absent for no less than 2 days in a row.
Wednesday, March 5, 2008
I cannot answer that, do the best you can.
Today was our state standardized tests for 4th graders in writing (TAKS). The rules of this test are strict:
- The teacher is not allowed to do anything except watch the kids take the test (but not look at the test herself).
- The kids have to read or sleep when finished. They are not allowed to leave the room or talk.
- The teacher must carry around the tests at all times, from the time she receives them until the end of the day when testing is over.
- The teacher must not sleep!
This was my first time administering the test. I have only had experience as the test taker when I was in school. It's much different as the teacher than student. I hated these tests when I was in school, but after today, I would much rather take the test than be the administrator. After one hour, I was BORED OUT OF MY MIND. I am not a person that can just sit and not doing anything all day. I know there are things I can be doing, so I would rather be doing those things.
There are rules against looking at any kid's test and knowing what/how they did. There are specific lines we are allowed to say and we are NOT allowed to stray away from those lines. Too bad, I can't use the response in my classroom on a daily basis: "I cannot answer that, do the best you can." It's hard telling kids this when they truly seemed clueless to what they needed to do.
It's also hard when we've prepared for this test intensely for the past week and a half. We dedicated ALL of last week to Camp Write Along. We had camp shirts, a decorated classroom, camp songs, cabin awards, etc. We wrote, wrote, wrote all week. We talked about how the test would be and what to expect. I answered a gazillion questions regarding the test and making sure my kids were as prepared as I could make them. Then...today...the kid who was NOT at writing camp last week asked me a minimum of 30 questions. These ranged from, "What is a paragraph? What is a prompt? Where do I write? How much do we have to write? Can you spell something for me? Can I write about whatever I want?" I wanted to shout at the kid that if he had been at writing camp, he would know the answers to every one of these questions. Instead, I had to respond, "I cannot answer that, do the best you can."
Needless to say, it was quite frustrating. After all, I did become a teacher so that I could help children learn and leaving them to be eaten alive by a vicious standardized test today was hard. I know you have to regulate what kids are learning and making sure teachers are doing their jobs, but aren't there better ways besides locking down the school and making kids bubble and write their 4th grade life away (and every other grade above 3rd).
- The teacher is not allowed to do anything except watch the kids take the test (but not look at the test herself).
- The kids have to read or sleep when finished. They are not allowed to leave the room or talk.
- The teacher must carry around the tests at all times, from the time she receives them until the end of the day when testing is over.
- The teacher must not sleep!
This was my first time administering the test. I have only had experience as the test taker when I was in school. It's much different as the teacher than student. I hated these tests when I was in school, but after today, I would much rather take the test than be the administrator. After one hour, I was BORED OUT OF MY MIND. I am not a person that can just sit and not doing anything all day. I know there are things I can be doing, so I would rather be doing those things.
There are rules against looking at any kid's test and knowing what/how they did. There are specific lines we are allowed to say and we are NOT allowed to stray away from those lines. Too bad, I can't use the response in my classroom on a daily basis: "I cannot answer that, do the best you can." It's hard telling kids this when they truly seemed clueless to what they needed to do.
It's also hard when we've prepared for this test intensely for the past week and a half. We dedicated ALL of last week to Camp Write Along. We had camp shirts, a decorated classroom, camp songs, cabin awards, etc. We wrote, wrote, wrote all week. We talked about how the test would be and what to expect. I answered a gazillion questions regarding the test and making sure my kids were as prepared as I could make them. Then...today...the kid who was NOT at writing camp last week asked me a minimum of 30 questions. These ranged from, "What is a paragraph? What is a prompt? Where do I write? How much do we have to write? Can you spell something for me? Can I write about whatever I want?" I wanted to shout at the kid that if he had been at writing camp, he would know the answers to every one of these questions. Instead, I had to respond, "I cannot answer that, do the best you can."
Needless to say, it was quite frustrating. After all, I did become a teacher so that I could help children learn and leaving them to be eaten alive by a vicious standardized test today was hard. I know you have to regulate what kids are learning and making sure teachers are doing their jobs, but aren't there better ways besides locking down the school and making kids bubble and write their 4th grade life away (and every other grade above 3rd).
Tuesday, March 4, 2008
New Kid Tuesday
Maybe this is because of my lack of teaching experience, or because I just don't understand people, especially parents, but...
I don't know why parents move their kids with 8 weeks left in the school year. I mean, I'm not sure why parents move their kid to a new school the DAY BEFORE TAKS. That's actually the least of my worries...
The registrar knocks on my door to bring in a new kid. (She had warned me the day before that he would be coming.) He comes in, seems like a happy kid (which is a characteristic I like). A lot of my kiddos go up and shake his hand and introduce themselves. I told him that he wouldn't remember their names until he had heard them many times later, but my class was trying to be polite. (This is a HUGE HUGE HUGE step in the right direction!!!!!)
I got him situated and the rest of the class to work so I could figure out what we were going to do. We had a class meeting where the class wouldn't stop talking and asking David questions.
He seems like a good kid. He looks like a soccer player, so I ask him about that and tell him we are the kickball class. The class continues to talk about kickball and that I'm the best kickball player. (**SMILE**)
He automatically likes that I play kickball and one of their rewards is kickball, which is a great thing.
During specials, I find out that he wanted to request his class because he had a friend at this school. This friend is not such a good choice. He's been in trouble many times before...not good news.
As the day goes by, I have positive thoughts about this kid, but then.............
During car rider duty another teacher comes up to me, "So, I hear you have one of my previous students."
Me: "I do? Who?"
Teacher: "David. I just want to let you know what's up..."
She goes on to tell me how he was at the top of her list of concerns in many details. This got me thinking...At the end of the day, I can't decide if I wanted to know that he has had a bad past or if I wanted to think he was a good kid and then deal with it when he makes bad decisions.
Which is better...having previous information that will give you a preconceived idea or not knowing anything and dealing with things as they come?
DID I MENTION THAT I'M EXPECTING ANOTHER NEW KID (BOY) BY WEEK'S END??????
I don't know why parents move their kids with 8 weeks left in the school year. I mean, I'm not sure why parents move their kid to a new school the DAY BEFORE TAKS. That's actually the least of my worries...
The registrar knocks on my door to bring in a new kid. (She had warned me the day before that he would be coming.) He comes in, seems like a happy kid (which is a characteristic I like). A lot of my kiddos go up and shake his hand and introduce themselves. I told him that he wouldn't remember their names until he had heard them many times later, but my class was trying to be polite. (This is a HUGE HUGE HUGE step in the right direction!!!!!)
I got him situated and the rest of the class to work so I could figure out what we were going to do. We had a class meeting where the class wouldn't stop talking and asking David questions.
He seems like a good kid. He looks like a soccer player, so I ask him about that and tell him we are the kickball class. The class continues to talk about kickball and that I'm the best kickball player. (**SMILE**)
He automatically likes that I play kickball and one of their rewards is kickball, which is a great thing.
During specials, I find out that he wanted to request his class because he had a friend at this school. This friend is not such a good choice. He's been in trouble many times before...not good news.
As the day goes by, I have positive thoughts about this kid, but then.............
During car rider duty another teacher comes up to me, "So, I hear you have one of my previous students."
Me: "I do? Who?"
Teacher: "David. I just want to let you know what's up..."
She goes on to tell me how he was at the top of her list of concerns in many details. This got me thinking...At the end of the day, I can't decide if I wanted to know that he has had a bad past or if I wanted to think he was a good kid and then deal with it when he makes bad decisions.
Which is better...having previous information that will give you a preconceived idea or not knowing anything and dealing with things as they come?
DID I MENTION THAT I'M EXPECTING ANOTHER NEW KID (BOY) BY WEEK'S END??????
Monday, March 3, 2008
I love 4th grade!
Have I mentioned how much I enjoy teaching 4th grade? For starters, today we had a relaxing day (before TAKS) and so most kids were playing games, while others wanted to be my left and right hands (see previous post). Do you deny kids the right to help when they are trustworthy and truly offer help, not something you'll have to do over, I think not!
It was wonderful saying: Pick that up and take it over there! Can you clean that for me? Rearrange these! Make sure these are correct!
And so on while I sat in my chair like a dictator working on yearbook and having everything else done that I needed to, except, I didn't have to use my own hands. I know this couldn't have happened with 1st graders for sure. If this is the one reason I continue to teach 4th grade, is that a bad thing?
It was wonderful saying: Pick that up and take it over there! Can you clean that for me? Rearrange these! Make sure these are correct!
And so on while I sat in my chair like a dictator working on yearbook and having everything else done that I needed to, except, I didn't have to use my own hands. I know this couldn't have happened with 1st graders for sure. If this is the one reason I continue to teach 4th grade, is that a bad thing?
20 Questions
From Sophie and Coral:
1. Ms. Leining, do you like crafts?
2. Do you do crafts on the weekend?
3. What kinds of crafts do you like?
4. Would you rather do something yourself or with someone else?
5. Do you like things perfect?
6. Do you like crafts? (Yes, I know it's a repeat...I answered it twice.)
7. Are your shoes comfortable?
8. Why did you wear high heel type shoes on a rainy day?
9. Does Tiva bite?
10. Does Tiva ever get mad at you?
11. Can Tiva come visit us?
12. Do you know how cute Tiva is?
13. Do you need help with anything?
14. What can we do next?
15. Can we do that for you?
16. Do you need help with anything else?
17. What are you making?
18. Did you know we used that last year in 3rd grade?
19. Do we use that every year in EVERY grade?
20. What are we going to do now?
1. Ms. Leining, do you like crafts?
2. Do you do crafts on the weekend?
3. What kinds of crafts do you like?
4. Would you rather do something yourself or with someone else?
5. Do you like things perfect?
6. Do you like crafts? (Yes, I know it's a repeat...I answered it twice.)
7. Are your shoes comfortable?
8. Why did you wear high heel type shoes on a rainy day?
9. Does Tiva bite?
10. Does Tiva ever get mad at you?
11. Can Tiva come visit us?
12. Do you know how cute Tiva is?
13. Do you need help with anything?
14. What can we do next?
15. Can we do that for you?
16. Do you need help with anything else?
17. What are you making?
18. Did you know we used that last year in 3rd grade?
19. Do we use that every year in EVERY grade?
20. What are we going to do now?
My feet are too big...
Amani: Can I try on your shoe and see if it fits?
Me: I guess if you really want to.
Amani puts the shoe on, the girls egg him on to make sure it's on all the way and he walks around in it shaking his hips showing it off. I mean supermodel hip shaking and even pulling up his pant leg to show it off.
Did I mention that these shoes were a type of high heel???
Same conversation...
Me: Do you iron your pants every day to get that crease?
Amani: No, my mom like 'em that way. She does it.
Me: Are the backs creased too?
Amani: No.
Sophie: YEAH they are!
Amani: Oh man, no way! Whatever, I just wear the pants.
Me: I guess if you really want to.
Amani puts the shoe on, the girls egg him on to make sure it's on all the way and he walks around in it shaking his hips showing it off. I mean supermodel hip shaking and even pulling up his pant leg to show it off.
Did I mention that these shoes were a type of high heel???
Same conversation...
Me: Do you iron your pants every day to get that crease?
Amani: No, my mom like 'em that way. She does it.
Me: Are the backs creased too?
Amani: No.
Sophie: YEAH they are!
Amani: Oh man, no way! Whatever, I just wear the pants.
Saturday, March 1, 2008
Kickball Drama!
It was just another day of recess, except this time, we had a real game of kickball in action (on an actual field rather than the blacktop with children jump roping in the middle of the game). We had a dad playing on one team, while I played one inning on the other team. Our bases were make-shift (a kid's jacket, pile of existing dirt, water bottle, and the edge of the track) and sometimes hard to find, but everyone agreed. The teams were somewhat even (but of course my team had the advantage cause I was playing) and we were ready to go.
I took my turn kicking and because of the ridiculously strong wind, got out on a fly ball. I never get out. I always make at least a double play. I refused to embarrass myself anymore and lose the respect of my students, so I was done for the day. I would give it another chance on a less windy day. I was of course, the best kickball playing teacher. My kids brag about it, and I sort of do as well.
While "supervising" for the rest of the game, kids were having problems finding the bases. I would tell them where it was, but most of the time, they would get tagged out before they got near it. Here comes the drama...
One of the kids in my class is standing about 20 yards away from the water bottle base and has no idea he isn't even close. I yell, "Hey Brayden, the base is up there." He tries running towards it when another kid yells, "You're OUT!" Brayden immediately comes to me and says, "YOU RUINED MY RECESS!!!!!!!!!!!" And storms off crying.
Come on, did one silly out during kickball ruin the kid's entire recess? Probably not!
I took my turn kicking and because of the ridiculously strong wind, got out on a fly ball. I never get out. I always make at least a double play. I refused to embarrass myself anymore and lose the respect of my students, so I was done for the day. I would give it another chance on a less windy day. I was of course, the best kickball playing teacher. My kids brag about it, and I sort of do as well.
While "supervising" for the rest of the game, kids were having problems finding the bases. I would tell them where it was, but most of the time, they would get tagged out before they got near it. Here comes the drama...
One of the kids in my class is standing about 20 yards away from the water bottle base and has no idea he isn't even close. I yell, "Hey Brayden, the base is up there." He tries running towards it when another kid yells, "You're OUT!" Brayden immediately comes to me and says, "YOU RUINED MY RECESS!!!!!!!!!!!" And storms off crying.
Come on, did one silly out during kickball ruin the kid's entire recess? Probably not!
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