It's that time of year that the kiddos are turning loco (or so I'm told that's the reason). They've decided that the rules they've been living by for the past 7 months aren't good enough for them anymore. Well, that's what I hear from the other teachers...I know that my class hasn't lived by any rules (more or less) for the last 7 months. Even since I've been their teacher, it's been quite difficult to instill structure because of so much resistance. Anyway...
Yesterday I got fed up with a group of boys who continually disrupt learning in my classroom and called the principal to step in. She had a little talk with them and if you read yesterday's blog, you know it was ineffective. Today I told them that my fuse was short. I would warn them and then their clips would be moved. If they moved it 4 times, it wouldn't be lunch detention, but an office referral. I can talk a big game, but I hate backing it up. I know that I have to in order to make myself credible. Fortunately, I did not have to write any of them up...they were close, but not quite there. Woooo on that note...
We were getting ready to pack up for the day (before our assembly) when an incident happened with 2 boys, an innocent bystander, and a chair. Somehow the chair leg ended up in the stomach of the innocent bystander and the other two boys were playing around. Neither wanted to claim responsibility and kept putting it on the other person. I asked them each to move their clips. After one of them did this, he walked across the room and on his way, pushed a desk and yelled at another kid to "SHUT UP!" I couldn't let a kid pull this in class...the others would think they could as well (and I have plenty that would try).
Did I mention that this same kid had already been called down for his referral from his bus driver this morning? He came back without any consequence because it was his first referral since he's been at our school, but he felt the need to brag about it and tell the kids what he did and that nothing happened. He even bragged before he left the room about getting a referral, like it was an accomplishment. After I spoke to the principal, he was called back down to discuss choices and consequences and that in the future the consequences would be more severe.
Well, they were definitely more severe when he visited the office for the third time in one day. He will now be thinking about his anger management in ISS for two days. But, he's not the only one...It's Spring Fever for a reason and there are many other 4th graders that will be keeping him company next week. I do feel bad for the boy because he doesn't have the greatest role models at home, but it's still important that he understand appropriate choices and that his actions determine his future.
Friday, April 18, 2008
Thursday, April 17, 2008
Boys, Boys, Boys!
Today started off on a good note...everything was going smoothly for most of the morning. We were adding words, pictures, and definitions to our homemade math dictionaries and talking about problems that were commonly missed on a recent worksheet. Throughout this, I'm asking "the boys" to please raise their hand if they would like to make a comment or share their thinking. The disruptions continue...
I warn them that if they don't raise their hand and make only appropriate comments, they will "move their clip" (which means 5 minutes of recess). The disruptions continue...
They're off to specials and I'm off to the the principal's office to see if she can talk with them and scare them into behaving. She tells me that she can meet with them at lunch and I should bring them in. I later find out that they all started crying like babies and admitting everything they've done wrong in class. (These kids think they are so tough in the classroom, yet they are babies at heart!) She talks about what will happen next (referral -> ISS) if they don't get their act together and sends them back to class. The disruptions return...
I didn't get much teaching done this afternoon because of all their talking and infectious laughing (it never infected me, but it did get to the other kids). As the boys walked out the door I asked each of them who I should call home to speak to (knowing full well, that I would just talk to whoever I could get a hold of). It just sparked a little more fear in their eyes and they all claimed that they would "be better tomorrow". I've already given them more chances than any of them deserve. I was trying to handle my classroom management on my own and these boys are beyond my control. Tomorrow they will be written up if they don't choose to make good choices (being on task and raising their hand to speak--or just not yelling out will work too). Their parents are also going to remind them of their future if they don't make good choices tonight!
Some of you may have noticed that I only mention this talkative bunch to be boys...well...it is ONLY boys! I am not being sexist in any way...it's just the way they are!
I warn them that if they don't raise their hand and make only appropriate comments, they will "move their clip" (which means 5 minutes of recess). The disruptions continue...
They're off to specials and I'm off to the the principal's office to see if she can talk with them and scare them into behaving. She tells me that she can meet with them at lunch and I should bring them in. I later find out that they all started crying like babies and admitting everything they've done wrong in class. (These kids think they are so tough in the classroom, yet they are babies at heart!) She talks about what will happen next (referral -> ISS) if they don't get their act together and sends them back to class. The disruptions return...
I didn't get much teaching done this afternoon because of all their talking and infectious laughing (it never infected me, but it did get to the other kids). As the boys walked out the door I asked each of them who I should call home to speak to (knowing full well, that I would just talk to whoever I could get a hold of). It just sparked a little more fear in their eyes and they all claimed that they would "be better tomorrow". I've already given them more chances than any of them deserve. I was trying to handle my classroom management on my own and these boys are beyond my control. Tomorrow they will be written up if they don't choose to make good choices (being on task and raising their hand to speak--or just not yelling out will work too). Their parents are also going to remind them of their future if they don't make good choices tonight!
Some of you may have noticed that I only mention this talkative bunch to be boys...well...it is ONLY boys! I am not being sexist in any way...it's just the way they are!
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
YAY!
Today was a day of randomness. A lot happened today and a lot of random comments from my kids and coworkers were said. I tried writing down as many as I could, but there were too many to keep up. (I forgot them at school and will have to add them tomorrow.)
My kids are showing progress in their behavior and also their ability to turn work in. That may be because I'm tired of listening to them talk non-stop and I'm also tired of seeing "missing" in the grade book. I'm "cracking the whip" on both...a warning is given for talking out and then they miss 5 minutes of recess. It may seem a bit harsh for some of you, but these kiddos think they can talk all day and nobody can tell them otherwise. Having their recess taken away seems to be the only consequence that means anything to them...even though it's already worn off for some. I've also looked through my grade book and told those with missing work that they will not be going to recess until I have the work. Fortunately, those with lots of missing work haven't figured out that they could get away with a little speaking out because they've already lost all of their recess. DUH!
I felt like a successful teacher today...kids were working, quality work was being done, and cooperative learning conversations were taking place. YAY!!!!
Today was also my first interview on the "other side of the table". I can't even claim to be very experienced with them because I was hired after my second interview (unheard of, right?!). The other aspect of this interview that was different was that the interviewee was a current long-term sub at our school who is already liked by her teammates and administration. Unfortunately, we aren't that crazy about her. They don't really want to give us any other choices, but we want choices. In the end, she may be the best choice, but we need to learn that for ourselves. With our team, there are two things that you need to show in the interview...good answers and a great personality. We're a lively bunch and need someone who can keep up, but also do a quality job with our crazy kiddos. We're still looking for the just right person to have a portable to themselves next year (just like I've lived with since I started). hahahaha
My kids are showing progress in their behavior and also their ability to turn work in. That may be because I'm tired of listening to them talk non-stop and I'm also tired of seeing "missing" in the grade book. I'm "cracking the whip" on both...a warning is given for talking out and then they miss 5 minutes of recess. It may seem a bit harsh for some of you, but these kiddos think they can talk all day and nobody can tell them otherwise. Having their recess taken away seems to be the only consequence that means anything to them...even though it's already worn off for some. I've also looked through my grade book and told those with missing work that they will not be going to recess until I have the work. Fortunately, those with lots of missing work haven't figured out that they could get away with a little speaking out because they've already lost all of their recess. DUH!
I felt like a successful teacher today...kids were working, quality work was being done, and cooperative learning conversations were taking place. YAY!!!!
Today was also my first interview on the "other side of the table". I can't even claim to be very experienced with them because I was hired after my second interview (unheard of, right?!). The other aspect of this interview that was different was that the interviewee was a current long-term sub at our school who is already liked by her teammates and administration. Unfortunately, we aren't that crazy about her. They don't really want to give us any other choices, but we want choices. In the end, she may be the best choice, but we need to learn that for ourselves. With our team, there are two things that you need to show in the interview...good answers and a great personality. We're a lively bunch and need someone who can keep up, but also do a quality job with our crazy kiddos. We're still looking for the just right person to have a portable to themselves next year (just like I've lived with since I started). hahahaha
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
AAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHH!
Once again Jackie came to the rescue, similarly to the way she cleared my balcony of yellow jackets. As I walked into my classroom after dropping off my kiddos at specials, I see a lizard crawling across my wall. I screamed and ran into the classroom next to me, sure as not to let the lizard into that classroom (it was crawling very close to the shared door). I informed her of my "emergency" and then returned to my room. As I sat at my desk trying to work, the only think I could think of was the lizard crawling closer and closer to my desk. I even screamed a little at one point because my pants touched my foot and I thought it was the lizard. I was sitting at my desk long enough to send an e-mail for another teacher to come rescue me from the terror this lizard was causing me.
Within minutes, Jackie and the class from next door arrived. One of the little girls said, "I catch lizards all the time...I kind of like them." EWWW! I tried standing on a table and knocking things off of the shelf where I saw the lizard...unsuccessful. Jackie then stood on the same table and gently removed things from the same shelf. (Her strategy was much more thoughtful.) Sure enough, the lizard came running out and I ran away screaming. The girls then ushered the lizard towards the door and returned it back to nature. It was a team effort to save the day. This also rescued me from dealing with my screaming class when they returned from specials.
Besides this excitement...my day was, by far, the best I've had in quite some time!
Within minutes, Jackie and the class from next door arrived. One of the little girls said, "I catch lizards all the time...I kind of like them." EWWW! I tried standing on a table and knocking things off of the shelf where I saw the lizard...unsuccessful. Jackie then stood on the same table and gently removed things from the same shelf. (Her strategy was much more thoughtful.) Sure enough, the lizard came running out and I ran away screaming. The girls then ushered the lizard towards the door and returned it back to nature. It was a team effort to save the day. This also rescued me from dealing with my screaming class when they returned from specials.
Besides this excitement...my day was, by far, the best I've had in quite some time!
Monday, April 14, 2008
Parents Are Stupid!
Some of you may think the title is a bit harsh, but some of you completely understand.
When all my kids came in the room I noticed there was one missing. It wouldn't usually phase me, but this particular kid told me his last day would be last Friday. When I got my hopes up, I realized I should call home and check with mom to be sure. My dreams were crushed when mom said, "We are not moving soon. We will sometime, but I don't know when yet. We can't go anywhere until I get my health problems under control and I've been in and out of the hospital almost daily."
Today when he didn't show up, I assumed he was absent because his mom was in the hospital and couldn't bring him (which was a very common occurrence). When I went to specials, I informed the registrar that he wasn't here AGAIN, but mom said they weren't moving. When I went to lunch I checked my mailbox and only to find a withdrawal form for none other than Disrespectful.
This usually wouldn't be a big deal, but this child has only been in my class for about 9-10 weeks. He and his family are actually what is known as Traveling Gypsies. (I will have to explain this in another blog.) My biggest concern with this child no longer being in my class is that he has some serious learning and behavior problems. I understand that many of his problems stem from moving school-to-school every 9 weeks, but he is also not at a school long enough to have an interventions done. He needs some serious help and it seems as though he's never going to receive it.
To piggyback on the idea of this child moving with only 5 weeks left in the school year, a teacher that I work with received a new student today. I was fortunate in knowing that she was coming because she is from the school that I did my student teaching at (I still have contacts). My question is...why doesn't her mom just commute her to school each day. The schools are only 10 minutes apart and one is an IB World School and the other is not. I'll leave it at that!
Crazy, crazy parents...
When all my kids came in the room I noticed there was one missing. It wouldn't usually phase me, but this particular kid told me his last day would be last Friday. When I got my hopes up, I realized I should call home and check with mom to be sure. My dreams were crushed when mom said, "We are not moving soon. We will sometime, but I don't know when yet. We can't go anywhere until I get my health problems under control and I've been in and out of the hospital almost daily."
Today when he didn't show up, I assumed he was absent because his mom was in the hospital and couldn't bring him (which was a very common occurrence). When I went to specials, I informed the registrar that he wasn't here AGAIN, but mom said they weren't moving. When I went to lunch I checked my mailbox and only to find a withdrawal form for none other than Disrespectful.
This usually wouldn't be a big deal, but this child has only been in my class for about 9-10 weeks. He and his family are actually what is known as Traveling Gypsies. (I will have to explain this in another blog.) My biggest concern with this child no longer being in my class is that he has some serious learning and behavior problems. I understand that many of his problems stem from moving school-to-school every 9 weeks, but he is also not at a school long enough to have an interventions done. He needs some serious help and it seems as though he's never going to receive it.
To piggyback on the idea of this child moving with only 5 weeks left in the school year, a teacher that I work with received a new student today. I was fortunate in knowing that she was coming because she is from the school that I did my student teaching at (I still have contacts). My question is...why doesn't her mom just commute her to school each day. The schools are only 10 minutes apart and one is an IB World School and the other is not. I'll leave it at that!
Crazy, crazy parents...
Sunday, April 13, 2008
Goldilocks
I woke up early to walk the Bun Run downtown with a close friend while my mom was running. We had to do a bit of negotiating (smiling) in order to get a shirt and number for a friend who wasn't there but said she signed up. She only wanted the shirt even though she couldn't make it because it's "one of the most coveted shirts in Austin". It happened...everyone got a shirt and we had an enjoyable walk. We walked towards the capitol, with some people dressed in Southwest Airlines mini airplanes, and ran in the last .005 mile. It was nice to get out and get a bit of exercise on such a beautiful day.
My mom and I then ventured to Home Depot to pick out some flowers for my apartment. They were definitely the right choices. We also wanted to get some balcony furniture but everything was too expensive. She traveled home and left me to find balcony chairs on my own. I am incapable of picking some things out on my own and these were one of those things. Jackie (my tennis partner) came over so we could find some chairs. After all, she would be using these chairs when she came over. We went to Big Lots and sat in about 5 different chairs...they were all too hard, too cheap, or too expensive. Luckily our next stop was Wal-Mart and we found chairs that were JUST RIGHT...comfort and price. As we were trying to maneuver these chairs into my car (which is full of boxes of books for school), a Wal-Mart guy came up and asked if we were okay. I laughingly said no. He then told us exactly how to make them fit and moved things around. He got them in the first try without any sort of struggle. He did get a few laughs from us though (hopefully it made his day). I said today that each day I like to make someone else laugh...even if it's at my expense. As long as I'm laughing too, all is well...and even if I'm not, I probably deserve it.
With only two scraps on our legs, we managed to carry the chairs up the stairs and arrange them on my balcony. Now my balcony is an extension of my living room on beautiful Austin days.
My mom and I then ventured to Home Depot to pick out some flowers for my apartment. They were definitely the right choices. We also wanted to get some balcony furniture but everything was too expensive. She traveled home and left me to find balcony chairs on my own. I am incapable of picking some things out on my own and these were one of those things. Jackie (my tennis partner) came over so we could find some chairs. After all, she would be using these chairs when she came over. We went to Big Lots and sat in about 5 different chairs...they were all too hard, too cheap, or too expensive. Luckily our next stop was Wal-Mart and we found chairs that were JUST RIGHT...comfort and price. As we were trying to maneuver these chairs into my car (which is full of boxes of books for school), a Wal-Mart guy came up and asked if we were okay. I laughingly said no. He then told us exactly how to make them fit and moved things around. He got them in the first try without any sort of struggle. He did get a few laughs from us though (hopefully it made his day). I said today that each day I like to make someone else laugh...even if it's at my expense. As long as I'm laughing too, all is well...and even if I'm not, I probably deserve it.
With only two scraps on our legs, we managed to carry the chairs up the stairs and arrange them on my balcony. Now my balcony is an extension of my living room on beautiful Austin days.
Saturday, April 12, 2008
Liar Liar Pants on Fire
This blog is a day late, so just keep in mind that it should have been posted on Friday.
After two days off at staff development, it was hard to return to the chaos that is my class. I couldn't remember if it was Monday or Friday or ? I tried taking them to their normal Monday special, but I was wrong because it was Friday. Thank goodness they know where they are supposed to go.
But before specials, we had the Mini Metric Olympics. This was supposed to be a fun, hands-on, competitive event that had everyone active and practicing their measurement skills. What it actually did was show me how much my class can cheat and lie in order to win. The rules of the game were easy...estimate a measurement for the event (mass, distance, volume), complete the event, and then write the difference between their estimation and actual scores. Sounds simple enough, right? As I walk around checking on groups, I see many kids who have perfect guesses on multiple events. I wonder how in the world they managed one perfect guess, never mind multiple, especially when they've had such a problem understanding measurement in the past.
When I collected their score sheets in order to decide winners and those who would receive "medals", I noticed that a few students had a total difference of ZERO because they managed to guess correctly on EVERY event. I then say, "As I'm looking at these score cards, I'm noticing lots of estimations that were right one your actual score. When I tried these events, I know it was very difficult to estimate the exact answer, especially to the millimeter or centimeter. I feel it is near impossible to guess one correctly, never mind, all of them. I definitely know that that is IMPOSSIBLE. Because of this, I am going to set aside the score cards that had two or more perfect estimates and only consider the others for the medals." This caused lots of moans and groans but those who did complete the Olympics correctly thought it was a great idea. Those who knew they were wrong did not say anything, which was a good idea.
This has taught me that next year, I am going to work on my strategies in teaching this lesson in order to prevent cheating and lying in order to win a paper medal. But, for those who did win these medals were unimaginably happy..."I've never won anything before." (That's why I teach.)
After two days off at staff development, it was hard to return to the chaos that is my class. I couldn't remember if it was Monday or Friday or ? I tried taking them to their normal Monday special, but I was wrong because it was Friday. Thank goodness they know where they are supposed to go.
But before specials, we had the Mini Metric Olympics. This was supposed to be a fun, hands-on, competitive event that had everyone active and practicing their measurement skills. What it actually did was show me how much my class can cheat and lie in order to win. The rules of the game were easy...estimate a measurement for the event (mass, distance, volume), complete the event, and then write the difference between their estimation and actual scores. Sounds simple enough, right? As I walk around checking on groups, I see many kids who have perfect guesses on multiple events. I wonder how in the world they managed one perfect guess, never mind multiple, especially when they've had such a problem understanding measurement in the past.
When I collected their score sheets in order to decide winners and those who would receive "medals", I noticed that a few students had a total difference of ZERO because they managed to guess correctly on EVERY event. I then say, "As I'm looking at these score cards, I'm noticing lots of estimations that were right one your actual score. When I tried these events, I know it was very difficult to estimate the exact answer, especially to the millimeter or centimeter. I feel it is near impossible to guess one correctly, never mind, all of them. I definitely know that that is IMPOSSIBLE. Because of this, I am going to set aside the score cards that had two or more perfect estimates and only consider the others for the medals." This caused lots of moans and groans but those who did complete the Olympics correctly thought it was a great idea. Those who knew they were wrong did not say anything, which was a good idea.
This has taught me that next year, I am going to work on my strategies in teaching this lesson in order to prevent cheating and lying in order to win a paper medal. But, for those who did win these medals were unimaginably happy..."I've never won anything before." (That's why I teach.)
Thursday, April 10, 2008
Another Long Day
Today was another exhausting day of ESL training. It's much easier to teach all day and "entertain" a class full of kids than it is to sit in a 7 hour training.
We did one activity in which we were all standing in a circle...as I looked around, I noticed how many teachers were unable to stand still. They were rocking, playing with the cards in their hands, and looking around the lecture hall. We are the ones who expect our students to sit in their seat, not to play with the materials on their desks and to look at us while we are teaching. I found it quite ironic...but I'll admit I was one of them. I didn't hear a word the presenter said.
I'm anxious and skeptical about going back to school tomorrow. It's been a nice break, but I don't know how people sit in meetings all day...I need more interaction...and believe me, my kiddos provide PLENTY of interaction.
We did one activity in which we were all standing in a circle...as I looked around, I noticed how many teachers were unable to stand still. They were rocking, playing with the cards in their hands, and looking around the lecture hall. We are the ones who expect our students to sit in their seat, not to play with the materials on their desks and to look at us while we are teaching. I found it quite ironic...but I'll admit I was one of them. I didn't hear a word the presenter said.
I'm anxious and skeptical about going back to school tomorrow. It's been a nice break, but I don't know how people sit in meetings all day...I need more interaction...and believe me, my kiddos provide PLENTY of interaction.
Wednesday, April 9, 2008
You's A "Hoe"!
Today started off well because I was able to sleep in an extra hour. It was going to be a long day of staff development, but an extra hour did me some good. Luckily, there were other teachers from my school at this workshop and we were able to sit together to make the day go faster.
There were a few interesting moments during this mostly boring day of learning about ESL learners.
One of these moments was when we heard some yelling coming from the hallway. (Did I mention this workshop took place in a high school?) All we hear is, "You's a 'hoe'! No, you's a 'hoe'! No I ain't...but you is!" (I know I spelled hoe wrong!) The other teachers from my school who think they have some very behaviorally challenged fifth graders then realized that they have nothing to worry about. It made us laugh.
The rest of the day was filled with boredom and realizations that I am smarter than any of my older counterparts that I work with. We were reading a passage and one of the teachers couldn't even understand what it said...I had to explain the meaning. By older counterparts, I mean older, but that's just at my school. I was definitely the youngest in the room, but here were many close to my age asking what I like to call STUPID questions. These are questions that could be answered by being aware of what happens around you, listening to the speaker (even though I wasn't doing that), and just knowing because it's stuff we are supposed to know.
I am going to bed early tonight because I'm just so anxious about another day of ESLness tomorrow....NOT!
There were a few interesting moments during this mostly boring day of learning about ESL learners.
One of these moments was when we heard some yelling coming from the hallway. (Did I mention this workshop took place in a high school?) All we hear is, "You's a 'hoe'! No, you's a 'hoe'! No I ain't...but you is!" (I know I spelled hoe wrong!) The other teachers from my school who think they have some very behaviorally challenged fifth graders then realized that they have nothing to worry about. It made us laugh.
The rest of the day was filled with boredom and realizations that I am smarter than any of my older counterparts that I work with. We were reading a passage and one of the teachers couldn't even understand what it said...I had to explain the meaning. By older counterparts, I mean older, but that's just at my school. I was definitely the youngest in the room, but here were many close to my age asking what I like to call STUPID questions. These are questions that could be answered by being aware of what happens around you, listening to the speaker (even though I wasn't doing that), and just knowing because it's stuff we are supposed to know.
I am going to bed early tonight because I'm just so anxious about another day of ESLness tomorrow....NOT!
Tuesday, April 8, 2008
"That sucks!"
Those are two words that sum up my day. Days like today make me want to call in sick. As I was driving to school this morning, a bird flew into the side of my car. Luckily there wasn't any damage, but it was still odd and how the rest of my day would be.
The kids came in and were chatty, chatty, chatty. I'm now in the search for new strategies to get a class quiet. Disrespectful came in and said his last day is Friday. Did you see the smile come over my face? It was there...well, until my conference period when I called his mom to check and she said it wasn't true. He will be moving sometime, eventually, "soon", but not this week. She's having too many health problems to leave. Poor thing...I hope she gets well soon! ;)
Recess for my misbehaving, talkative squirts is dwindling fast. I do have about 5 kids who are on task and making good choices 99% of the time and then another 5 who are on task about 75% of the time and then the last 50% is why I want to call in sick. We manage to make it to specials (i.e., time for me to breath and regroup) and then it's another struggle until lunch. They just won't stop talking and I refuse to teach over them. Yes, there are kids who do want to listen, but the others are so disruptive that it's impossible.
Yay...finally lunch and recess for as long as it takes me to have the urge to line them up to go in. I had a majority of the class sitting out some time for recess. Some of the boys decided that they wanted to throw rocks at each other's heads. They are tattling on each other non-stop. I separate them even more and they still decide they are going to throw rocks. I've asked them to stop along with the other 4th grade teachers and also a 3rd grade teacher. They should have just stopped, but that would be too easy. Because they didn't, the first thing I did when I got back to our room was to write two of them up. I wrote referrals and said, "Take these to the office. They will want to talk to you." They came back later with the referral that said they both got one day of In School Suspension. This was a minor success in regards to my day and for some reason made me feel wonderful!
I'm going to be out for the next two days at a prep class for an ExCet test I am taking next weekend and it made me feel a lot better that the sub will not have to handle those two boys along with everyone else. Too bad I couldn't be there tomorrow to enjoy their absences myself. :)
The kids came in and were chatty, chatty, chatty. I'm now in the search for new strategies to get a class quiet. Disrespectful came in and said his last day is Friday. Did you see the smile come over my face? It was there...well, until my conference period when I called his mom to check and she said it wasn't true. He will be moving sometime, eventually, "soon", but not this week. She's having too many health problems to leave. Poor thing...I hope she gets well soon! ;)
Recess for my misbehaving, talkative squirts is dwindling fast. I do have about 5 kids who are on task and making good choices 99% of the time and then another 5 who are on task about 75% of the time and then the last 50% is why I want to call in sick. We manage to make it to specials (i.e., time for me to breath and regroup) and then it's another struggle until lunch. They just won't stop talking and I refuse to teach over them. Yes, there are kids who do want to listen, but the others are so disruptive that it's impossible.
Yay...finally lunch and recess for as long as it takes me to have the urge to line them up to go in. I had a majority of the class sitting out some time for recess. Some of the boys decided that they wanted to throw rocks at each other's heads. They are tattling on each other non-stop. I separate them even more and they still decide they are going to throw rocks. I've asked them to stop along with the other 4th grade teachers and also a 3rd grade teacher. They should have just stopped, but that would be too easy. Because they didn't, the first thing I did when I got back to our room was to write two of them up. I wrote referrals and said, "Take these to the office. They will want to talk to you." They came back later with the referral that said they both got one day of In School Suspension. This was a minor success in regards to my day and for some reason made me feel wonderful!
I'm going to be out for the next two days at a prep class for an ExCet test I am taking next weekend and it made me feel a lot better that the sub will not have to handle those two boys along with everyone else. Too bad I couldn't be there tomorrow to enjoy their absences myself. :)
Monday, April 7, 2008
Is everyone allergic to bullets?
Today started off with good intentions, all the kids came in and began their morning work. We began our math review because I apparently didn't teach angles well enough the first time. This is where it began sliding downhill. I explained numerous times that we would go question by question to make sure you understand why you missed it and you'll know the answer and similar ones for next time. Well, I never said my class was blessed with patience and so this review didn't go as smoothly as it should have. I had kids yelling, "Do number 3! Do number 6! No, number 1 on the next page!" If they would have just waited, I would have done every one of them in order.
Then comes my new computer. The kids knew I was super excited about this new computer and they were excited about it as well, because this meant my old computer was now going to be available for them to use as a privilege. This disturbed any semblance of a lesson I had remaining. I thought the kids couldn't be any more distracted at this point...I thought WRONG!
My door was open today due to the computer arrival and while I was working on something with a kid, I hear, "We have a new student!" WHAT?!?!?! Did I just get one two weeks ago and 3 weeks prior to that? Seriously! Well, at least it was a girl this time. I could not have handled one more boy in my classroom. She seems sweet, while her mom could have cared less that I was her new teacher. She was texting the entire time she was standing at my door dropping her off. She didn't acknowledge me and I'm not sure if she even said bye to her daughter. I can see that this one is all about parent involvement. Getting a new kid situated is always tricky...trying to manage/control the rest of the class who have endless questions for the new kid and also making sure she knows the procedures, etc. I usually try to stop the lesson and we have a class meeting to let the new kid know about us and our class, but this week is special. I will be out 2 days and have already written my lesson plans, which means I must stay on task so that we are exactly where the sub needs to pick up.
So by now the day is shot and it's only 9:05! I definitely have high hopes for the rest of the day...but not really! The day continues with non-stop chatting, unacceptable classroom behavior, and incomplete work. It's a lot to manage and it makes me grateful that there are only 37 days of school left.
In the midst of today, I had a humorous conversation with one of my students on the way to lunch. Most of the class freaks out because there is a wasp flying around the sidewalk we are on and then one of the students asks me, "Ms. L, is everyone allergic to bullets?" In my mind, I heard bees or wasps or ants, but no...you read correctly, she said bullets! I said, "Well, you CAN'T be allergic to bullets. You can die from them, but you can't be allergic." And she turns to a friend and says, "HA!" This concerned me. She was not right in any argument and didn't know the difference. She is one of my lower performing students, but I still didn't expect this from any kid, not a second grader and definitely not a fourth grader! Maybe we'll have a discussion tomorrow about things you can actually be allergic to.
Then comes my new computer. The kids knew I was super excited about this new computer and they were excited about it as well, because this meant my old computer was now going to be available for them to use as a privilege. This disturbed any semblance of a lesson I had remaining. I thought the kids couldn't be any more distracted at this point...I thought WRONG!
My door was open today due to the computer arrival and while I was working on something with a kid, I hear, "We have a new student!" WHAT?!?!?! Did I just get one two weeks ago and 3 weeks prior to that? Seriously! Well, at least it was a girl this time. I could not have handled one more boy in my classroom. She seems sweet, while her mom could have cared less that I was her new teacher. She was texting the entire time she was standing at my door dropping her off. She didn't acknowledge me and I'm not sure if she even said bye to her daughter. I can see that this one is all about parent involvement. Getting a new kid situated is always tricky...trying to manage/control the rest of the class who have endless questions for the new kid and also making sure she knows the procedures, etc. I usually try to stop the lesson and we have a class meeting to let the new kid know about us and our class, but this week is special. I will be out 2 days and have already written my lesson plans, which means I must stay on task so that we are exactly where the sub needs to pick up.
So by now the day is shot and it's only 9:05! I definitely have high hopes for the rest of the day...but not really! The day continues with non-stop chatting, unacceptable classroom behavior, and incomplete work. It's a lot to manage and it makes me grateful that there are only 37 days of school left.
In the midst of today, I had a humorous conversation with one of my students on the way to lunch. Most of the class freaks out because there is a wasp flying around the sidewalk we are on and then one of the students asks me, "Ms. L, is everyone allergic to bullets?" In my mind, I heard bees or wasps or ants, but no...you read correctly, she said bullets! I said, "Well, you CAN'T be allergic to bullets. You can die from them, but you can't be allergic." And she turns to a friend and says, "HA!" This concerned me. She was not right in any argument and didn't know the difference. She is one of my lower performing students, but I still didn't expect this from any kid, not a second grader and definitely not a fourth grader! Maybe we'll have a discussion tomorrow about things you can actually be allergic to.
Sunday, April 6, 2008
15-Love
It was a beautiful day in Austin...perfect weather to spend the entire day outside or inside with windows open. I did a little of both. I went to lunch with a friend I haven't seen in a while to catch up on how her job is going and what her plans are for next year. It was a delicious lunch and perfect for outside dining. We walked around some shops looking for "work shoes"...(i.e., any shoes that would look good on the weekend but we could swing appropriate for work).
I had prior arrangements to go play tennis with The Crew yesterday afternoon, so after lunch, I headed that way. Tennis was interesting...interesting in that I sucked at it. I thought I would be decent at tennis, but I thought wrong. It includes lots of upper body strength, which I don't have. Based on my friends' comments, it doesn't matter how much tennis you've watched on TV, it doesn't mean you can play. I gave it my best shot and my best shot wasn't even a good attempt. It was good fun though. We have another match scheduled for later today...after my massage, a little grocery shopping, and looking for some plants for my balcony.
I had prior arrangements to go play tennis with The Crew yesterday afternoon, so after lunch, I headed that way. Tennis was interesting...interesting in that I sucked at it. I thought I would be decent at tennis, but I thought wrong. It includes lots of upper body strength, which I don't have. Based on my friends' comments, it doesn't matter how much tennis you've watched on TV, it doesn't mean you can play. I gave it my best shot and my best shot wasn't even a good attempt. It was good fun though. We have another match scheduled for later today...after my massage, a little grocery shopping, and looking for some plants for my balcony.
Saturday, April 5, 2008
Who will buy it for 2 tickets?
Today was an okay day at school...compared to others it was actually more than okay. I guess my expectations are set a bit too high for this particular group of kids. (Not for individual kids, but as a whole...cause I do have some amazing kids.)
Of course the bargaining chip on the table for good behavior and attentive listening was again letting them open their stores for business. Again, kids brought in their backpacks filled with books that they could barely carry. They piled up the books by their desk and awaited the words, "You can open your stores now." Other kids had novelty school supplies today (pink paper, cool erasers and pencils). This kid had it down...1 ticket for one piece, 5 tickets for ten pieces, and 10 tickets for 10. That's a pretty good deal if you ask me...it paid to buy more.
Another kid came to me and told me he would have to lower his prices in order to get more customers...this is why I'm letting them do this...to problem solve how they can attract the most customers and ultimately make the largest profit.
As I sat back and watched each child deal with their own business issues (they won't pay me how much I asked, I sold it to them and they want to return it, I want my eraser back if they are just going to sell it to someone else), I heard the kids advertising for something new. One kid was walking around with a baggy yelling, put your tickets in here for a raffle, you'll be able to pick anything from my store. Another was gathering other kids so he could conduct an auction. I heard, "Who will buy it for one ticket? Two tickets?" The teacher next to me came over to visit and began laughing at everything that was taking place...she found it quite humorous, but also productive. It's wonderful when kids are allowed to explore ideas and learn as they go.
After a humorous afternoon, I was ready to spend some time with The Crew. The Crew consists of one of my coworkers (who I will hopefully be sharing a portable with next year), a friend who rarely hangs out because she has a hard time answering her cell phone, and a close friend who I did my student teaching with (and spend time with often). We went to Olive Garden to share some laughs over dinner (and not the wine that costs $5/glass when I've bought it at HEB before for $4/bottle). One thing I found particularly interesting is that all of my friends commented on how "mean" my words can be but how nice my actions are. I know I do this, but that each one of them realized it was funny. They referred to a time last semester when (I must have been having a rough day) I told each of them that the clothes they were wearing were bad (well, bad not be an accurate description). I have no recollection of this, but they all said it was true. WHATEVER! If I'm so mean, stop using me for my gift cards! hahaha I consider it part of my charm...and they know they couldn't live without me or my occasionally mean sarcasm. ;) If I couldn't take it, I wouldn't dish it out...
Of course the bargaining chip on the table for good behavior and attentive listening was again letting them open their stores for business. Again, kids brought in their backpacks filled with books that they could barely carry. They piled up the books by their desk and awaited the words, "You can open your stores now." Other kids had novelty school supplies today (pink paper, cool erasers and pencils). This kid had it down...1 ticket for one piece, 5 tickets for ten pieces, and 10 tickets for 10. That's a pretty good deal if you ask me...it paid to buy more.
Another kid came to me and told me he would have to lower his prices in order to get more customers...this is why I'm letting them do this...to problem solve how they can attract the most customers and ultimately make the largest profit.
As I sat back and watched each child deal with their own business issues (they won't pay me how much I asked, I sold it to them and they want to return it, I want my eraser back if they are just going to sell it to someone else), I heard the kids advertising for something new. One kid was walking around with a baggy yelling, put your tickets in here for a raffle, you'll be able to pick anything from my store. Another was gathering other kids so he could conduct an auction. I heard, "Who will buy it for one ticket? Two tickets?" The teacher next to me came over to visit and began laughing at everything that was taking place...she found it quite humorous, but also productive. It's wonderful when kids are allowed to explore ideas and learn as they go.
After a humorous afternoon, I was ready to spend some time with The Crew. The Crew consists of one of my coworkers (who I will hopefully be sharing a portable with next year), a friend who rarely hangs out because she has a hard time answering her cell phone, and a close friend who I did my student teaching with (and spend time with often). We went to Olive Garden to share some laughs over dinner (and not the wine that costs $5/glass when I've bought it at HEB before for $4/bottle). One thing I found particularly interesting is that all of my friends commented on how "mean" my words can be but how nice my actions are. I know I do this, but that each one of them realized it was funny. They referred to a time last semester when (I must have been having a rough day) I told each of them that the clothes they were wearing were bad (well, bad not be an accurate description). I have no recollection of this, but they all said it was true. WHATEVER! If I'm so mean, stop using me for my gift cards! hahaha I consider it part of my charm...and they know they couldn't live without me or my occasionally mean sarcasm. ;) If I couldn't take it, I wouldn't dish it out...
Thursday, April 3, 2008
The 1st Graders I Left Behind
While at dinner (the same one I heard entertaining stories about clueless interns), I was told a few humorous stories about the first graders I left behind in order to get a paying job.
My CT is very unfamiliar with the operations of cell phones. During the year I spent working with her, I helped her operate her phone countless times...everything from saving a phone number to sending text messages. Well, one of her daughters was in town this weekend and was playing with CT's phone...knowing she wouldn't answer it until the next day (April Fool's)...and she was right! While there were observers (including the principal) in the room and it was perfectly quiet (except for the Writer's Workshop music), her cell phone rang..."Take this job and shove it! I ain't workin' here no more..."
The adults in the room start cracking up after realizing CT had no idea that was her ring. One of the very bold and energetic kids in the room (who's caused us both tons of stress), said, "Are you tired of this crap yet?"
My CT is very unfamiliar with the operations of cell phones. During the year I spent working with her, I helped her operate her phone countless times...everything from saving a phone number to sending text messages. Well, one of her daughters was in town this weekend and was playing with CT's phone...knowing she wouldn't answer it until the next day (April Fool's)...and she was right! While there were observers (including the principal) in the room and it was perfectly quiet (except for the Writer's Workshop music), her cell phone rang..."Take this job and shove it! I ain't workin' here no more..."
The adults in the room start cracking up after realizing CT had no idea that was her ring. One of the very bold and energetic kids in the room (who's caused us both tons of stress), said, "Are you tired of this crap yet?"
Miss. Clueless
After a never-ending day in 4th grade, I had a dinner scheduled with the teacher I did my student teaching and internship with (aka my CT -- cooperating teacher). I always enjoy our dinner and am so thankful to have had such a wonderful mentor and now friend. Anyway, since I have moved on, she's "replaced" me....but I do use the term loosely. I could, of course, NEVER be replaced. She had many stories to tell me about the new intern, all of which I was flabbergasted to hear and dumbfounded that someone like this might be in charge of children one day.
Incident #1: On the first day of the month, my CT asked the intern to fix the calendar for April. I had made the calendar last semester and even made little balloons with each kid's name and birthday, so that they could be put on the calendar without any thought...but nobody would get forgotten. She sends the intern into the hall to complete this. (I probably made the calendar from scratch faster than she wrote 1-30 on it.) She is working on it for quite some time when my CT goes to see what she's up to. CT sees another teacher and asks what intern is doing...she can't bring herself to ask. They finally ask and she says, "There are too many boxes."
Incident #2 (but probably more like 200): Intern is modeling a lesson (or something) on the overhead. She is using a transparency that looks identical to the paper the kids are using (I made the transparencies...and used them many times). To demonstrate how to set up the paper, the intern turns the transparency sideways to begin writing (keep in mind the kids are supposed to be reading this and those of you who know how transparencies and overheads work, know that this does not!). The kids and CT tell her, "We can't read that." She says, "But I can't write like that." (REALLY?!?!) And then, as she is writing, my CT is in awe..."Miss. Merr" she writes. A kid raises her hand to say, "Miss doesn't have a period." "Oh, it doesn't???" The story goes on in that she isn't writing on the transparency using the lines correctly and the kids get very upset and so does CT because she's taught this to her many times before. Kids need something done right...they can't handle when they've learned something and you still do it wrong. (Well, their last student teacher didn't do it wrong. *wink*wink*
Incident #300: Miss Clueless (intern) was scheduled to teach a lesson today and her supervisor was coming to watch. I know from experience that supervisors don't just drive to the school hoping they'll get to see you in action...they plan on it. Well, Miss Clueless writes it on CT's calendar, "Lesson 10:00". CT rearranges her whole morning schedule, doesn't do guided reading, work stations, etc. just so that Clueless can fit in her lesson. Well, she begins at 10:00 and no supervisor is seen...she keeps going, nobody...finally at 10:30, Miss Clueless' lesson is over and in walks her supervisor. CT is confused as to why she is showing up when the lesson was over...apparently Clueless told her supervisor 10:30 and didn't tell CT the real time.
Incident #4,000: Miss Clueless visits music class (as part of her internship assignment, we all had to do it). This is a special day in music class...it's a TAKS day for the rest of the school, which means everyone must be as quiet at possible and try not to disturb the hallways, etc. Well, that was a great plan until Miss Clueless starts playing clapping/paddy cake games in the corner of the room with some kids. (Yes, there is a lesson being taught by the music teacher at this time.) The music teacher gives THE GLARE and the kids move away, Miss Clueless apparently didn't take the class about THE GLARE. So, she is then seen braiding a girl's hair a few minutes later. CT had no idea this happened until it was all outlined in an e-mail in which the bottom read, "YOUR INTERN MAY NOT VISIT MY CLASS AGAIN UNTIL SHE HAS LEARNED HOW TO BEHAVE!"
If this girl only knew everything I did each week (during my internship, never mind student teaching) because I was expected to do it and because I was so efficient I needed more to do...CLUELESS!
Incident #1: On the first day of the month, my CT asked the intern to fix the calendar for April. I had made the calendar last semester and even made little balloons with each kid's name and birthday, so that they could be put on the calendar without any thought...but nobody would get forgotten. She sends the intern into the hall to complete this. (I probably made the calendar from scratch faster than she wrote 1-30 on it.) She is working on it for quite some time when my CT goes to see what she's up to. CT sees another teacher and asks what intern is doing...she can't bring herself to ask. They finally ask and she says, "There are too many boxes."
Incident #2 (but probably more like 200): Intern is modeling a lesson (or something) on the overhead. She is using a transparency that looks identical to the paper the kids are using (I made the transparencies...and used them many times). To demonstrate how to set up the paper, the intern turns the transparency sideways to begin writing (keep in mind the kids are supposed to be reading this and those of you who know how transparencies and overheads work, know that this does not!). The kids and CT tell her, "We can't read that." She says, "But I can't write like that." (REALLY?!?!) And then, as she is writing, my CT is in awe..."Miss. Merr" she writes. A kid raises her hand to say, "Miss doesn't have a period." "Oh, it doesn't???" The story goes on in that she isn't writing on the transparency using the lines correctly and the kids get very upset and so does CT because she's taught this to her many times before. Kids need something done right...they can't handle when they've learned something and you still do it wrong. (Well, their last student teacher didn't do it wrong. *wink*wink*
Incident #300: Miss Clueless (intern) was scheduled to teach a lesson today and her supervisor was coming to watch. I know from experience that supervisors don't just drive to the school hoping they'll get to see you in action...they plan on it. Well, Miss Clueless writes it on CT's calendar, "Lesson 10:00". CT rearranges her whole morning schedule, doesn't do guided reading, work stations, etc. just so that Clueless can fit in her lesson. Well, she begins at 10:00 and no supervisor is seen...she keeps going, nobody...finally at 10:30, Miss Clueless' lesson is over and in walks her supervisor. CT is confused as to why she is showing up when the lesson was over...apparently Clueless told her supervisor 10:30 and didn't tell CT the real time.
Incident #4,000: Miss Clueless visits music class (as part of her internship assignment, we all had to do it). This is a special day in music class...it's a TAKS day for the rest of the school, which means everyone must be as quiet at possible and try not to disturb the hallways, etc. Well, that was a great plan until Miss Clueless starts playing clapping/paddy cake games in the corner of the room with some kids. (Yes, there is a lesson being taught by the music teacher at this time.) The music teacher gives THE GLARE and the kids move away, Miss Clueless apparently didn't take the class about THE GLARE. So, she is then seen braiding a girl's hair a few minutes later. CT had no idea this happened until it was all outlined in an e-mail in which the bottom read, "YOUR INTERN MAY NOT VISIT MY CLASS AGAIN UNTIL SHE HAS LEARNED HOW TO BEHAVE!"
If this girl only knew everything I did each week (during my internship, never mind student teaching) because I was expected to do it and because I was so efficient I needed more to do...CLUELESS!
Wednesday, April 2, 2008
Rent 2 Get 1 Free
Of course after a store opened for business yesterday, I knew there would be more stores opening today. And I was right. The kids came in immediately and put out their open signs. The entrepreneur from yesterday even had a new "special" for his book rentals...Rent 2 Get 1 Free!
As I saw open signs pop up and kids gather the books that they brought to school in hopes of renting, I realized how many stores we had open. I was fully aware of each and every store because each child asked me for tape for their open/closed sign. Anyway, the kids started to notice this as well...and wondering who was going to rent books if everyone was operating a store of their own.
Here came our economics lesson...if there are so many competitors that nobody is left to buy, what happens? Well, in our case it didn't cost thousands of dollars to open their stores, so they decided that they were closed for today. Next economics lesson...Advertising. When I finally allowed the kids to open their stores and shop around, I saw them setting out their books for display, I heard kids saying, "World Records Books", "Newest Edition of Inside the Longhorns", "You get the CD with my version of the Wimpy Kid book." etc. They were also making deals about how much they would charge for the rental in order to beat out a competitor. I expect that some will have a list of their inventory by tomorrow, unless I just missed it today.
Did I mention that the original book rental store now has a salesperson who helps the owner? She works behind his desk with him when there are customers and helps manage his profits, inventory, and disorderly customers. I overheard that he pays her 1 ticket for every 3 books he rents. Clever on both of their parts...she earns tickets without her own inventory and he has help in renting out more books per hour.
I was fun to sit back and watch them run their businesses, figure out how to multitask, and try to attract the most customers.
As I saw open signs pop up and kids gather the books that they brought to school in hopes of renting, I realized how many stores we had open. I was fully aware of each and every store because each child asked me for tape for their open/closed sign. Anyway, the kids started to notice this as well...and wondering who was going to rent books if everyone was operating a store of their own.
Here came our economics lesson...if there are so many competitors that nobody is left to buy, what happens? Well, in our case it didn't cost thousands of dollars to open their stores, so they decided that they were closed for today. Next economics lesson...Advertising. When I finally allowed the kids to open their stores and shop around, I saw them setting out their books for display, I heard kids saying, "World Records Books", "Newest Edition of Inside the Longhorns", "You get the CD with my version of the Wimpy Kid book." etc. They were also making deals about how much they would charge for the rental in order to beat out a competitor. I expect that some will have a list of their inventory by tomorrow, unless I just missed it today.
Did I mention that the original book rental store now has a salesperson who helps the owner? She works behind his desk with him when there are customers and helps manage his profits, inventory, and disorderly customers. I overheard that he pays her 1 ticket for every 3 books he rents. Clever on both of their parts...she earns tickets without her own inventory and he has help in renting out more books per hour.
I was fun to sit back and watch them run their businesses, figure out how to multitask, and try to attract the most customers.
Tuesday, April 1, 2008
Now Open for Business!
Today was interesting my class and I have tons of things to write about, but I'll save those for days when I have nothing. I did find something very humorous today that I can't resist talking about...
While we were working this morning, I notice kids are constantly around a certain kid's desk (Brandon). He is also constantly around everyone else's desk...just being a busy bee all over the room. I'm starting to get quite agitated because he won't stop talking and walking around. He also keeps asking me what time it is (I didn't have the TV with the clock on today) and making notes on a piece of paper. I confiscate one of the papers and can't figure out what he is doing.
After specials, he's up to "no good" again. I call him over and ask what's going on. He explains that he is RENTING his personal books out to the class for tickets. I try to avoid laughing. You see, he's got great books all the time because his mom buys him new books on a weekly basis. He used to donate them to our class library, but he's found a new way to make tickets off of his books (and friends).He explained that he charges 1 ticket per hour and 4 tickets for 5 hours (it's a deal). He writes down the time the book was checked out, the time it was returned and how much the kids owe. There are rules that go along with renting his books: You cannot take them home and you cannot put them in your desks.
Anyway, I'm proud of him for developing his own business in our classroom (he even has an open/closed sign), but something still isn't right....He's earning tickets in my classroom (kind of like making money) and I'm not earning anything from him. So we made a deal that he owes me 1 ticket for every 5 he gets (that's 20% commission). He has to pay for running a business inside my classroom (in other words, he's renting his space in my classroom). Because Brandon was talking to me about paying me for tickets he makes, other kids were talking about starting up their own book rental business. The only problem is that Brandon has much better books than most of the other kids. They may try to start a business as well, but I think his will be much more profitable.
Although it may be causing distractions in class, the kid (and many others) are practicing their business skills and math (time, addition, percentages) without doing a single worksheet. Yay for hands-on, exploratory learning.
While we were working this morning, I notice kids are constantly around a certain kid's desk (Brandon). He is also constantly around everyone else's desk...just being a busy bee all over the room. I'm starting to get quite agitated because he won't stop talking and walking around. He also keeps asking me what time it is (I didn't have the TV with the clock on today) and making notes on a piece of paper. I confiscate one of the papers and can't figure out what he is doing.
After specials, he's up to "no good" again. I call him over and ask what's going on. He explains that he is RENTING his personal books out to the class for tickets. I try to avoid laughing. You see, he's got great books all the time because his mom buys him new books on a weekly basis. He used to donate them to our class library, but he's found a new way to make tickets off of his books (and friends).He explained that he charges 1 ticket per hour and 4 tickets for 5 hours (it's a deal). He writes down the time the book was checked out, the time it was returned and how much the kids owe. There are rules that go along with renting his books: You cannot take them home and you cannot put them in your desks.
Anyway, I'm proud of him for developing his own business in our classroom (he even has an open/closed sign), but something still isn't right....He's earning tickets in my classroom (kind of like making money) and I'm not earning anything from him. So we made a deal that he owes me 1 ticket for every 5 he gets (that's 20% commission). He has to pay for running a business inside my classroom (in other words, he's renting his space in my classroom). Because Brandon was talking to me about paying me for tickets he makes, other kids were talking about starting up their own book rental business. The only problem is that Brandon has much better books than most of the other kids. They may try to start a business as well, but I think his will be much more profitable.
Although it may be causing distractions in class, the kid (and many others) are practicing their business skills and math (time, addition, percentages) without doing a single worksheet. Yay for hands-on, exploratory learning.
Monday, March 31, 2008
When is mating season for hermit crabs?
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?
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?
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???
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