Showing posts with label Teaching. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Teaching. Show all posts

Vine and Talking with my Hands

Have you heard of Vine?  I don't think I would unless I was teaching high school.  Basically, its a 6 second little movie of various video clips.  My students think they are hilarious.  That and I definitely talk with my hands!


Posted in: , on Thursday, May 9, 2013 at 1 comments  

Pregnant at Prom - 14 Weeks

Well this was a first for me...Pregnant at the Prom. Oh-so-proud. Obviously just a chaperone but still had a great time. The kids all looked fabulous. However it is a must to completely ignore the bumping and grinding in the middle o the dance floor. Your eyes will be forever scarred.

The cutest moment was watching all 750 students do Cupid's shuffle. Boys love this one. I think it's because it has instructions and tells them what to do. Life lesson in there somewhere.

Posted in: , , , , on Sunday, April 28, 2013 at 0 comments  

Holy Smokes...2012 You Were Packed


Seriously 2012 was The Year of Change.  Here are some of the highlights:
  1. New Career.  Leaving one career for another is scary.  But I could not be more happy
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  2. Full Time Gig - And in that new career...I successfully finished student teaching and SCORED a full time J-O-B at my Dream School.  
  3. New House.  We even moved during the first week of school in August.  YIKES!!!
  4. Mr. T started Preschool.  Whoa...my baby boy is all grown up and it still catches me off guard when he walks away sometimes. 
  5. Gator Guy's Job excels.  Seriously, I am proud of that man every day for who he has become.  (PS...it is his birthday!!!  Happy Birthday Bubby!!)
  6. New Car.  It was the first time we have bought a brand new car.  Seriously in love.  My favorite part...having sweet speakers now to jam it out!!!
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  7. Trip to CA.  Took Mr. T to San Diego and Disneyland.  I still day dream about how great that trip was.
  8. Completion of my first semester.  I know I keep mentioning this first year of teaching, but everyone said it would be tough and holy crap were they right.  However, I think of it like a good work out - it kicked my ass, but I loved every moment of it as it is my passion and something that will change me forever.   :)


    Thanks for being so great 2012 and for hanging in there during all the craziness!!! 
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Posted in: , , on Friday, January 4, 2013 at 1 comments  

First Day of School

I am officially a teacher.  And it feels damn good.


And thanks to my dearest e, I plan to read this quote to my class as we all start a new year full of excitement, To-Do lists, and anxiety!! 

 “Be careful what you water your dreams with. Water them with worry and fear and you will produce weeds that choke the life from your dream. Water them with optimism and solutions and you will cultivate success. Always be on the lookout for ways to turn a problem into an opportunity for success. Always be on the lookout for ways to nurture your dream.”
- Lao Tzu

This is also my theme song tomorrow.  So don't worry.... It's always a good time.

 

Posted in: , on Monday, August 13, 2012 at 0 comments  

The Golden Eagle

This is the Golden Eagle.  I love this Eagle.  Love love love.   It is huge, gold, and sturdy.  It used to be in my Mom's office when she was at the state Capitol.  Very fitting.

Gator Guy hates it.  Hates.  So does my Dad.  They both wanted to see it off to a donation center death.  I was appalled. 

I have saved The Golden Eagle and gave it a new home in my classroom.  I am going to make my students tap the Golden Eagle for good luck before a test.  You know...kind of like the Notre Dame Sign.

Test like a champion today.  Test like a champion.

Posted in: , , on Monday, August 6, 2012 at 8 comments  

Another Lucky Double


In January, I was on a roll with doulbe yolk eggs.  It was just one after another and I felt like it was something lucky coming my way.  I even bought lotto tickets and was slightly disappointed when nothing happened right away.  However, now that it is June, I realized that luck was pretty darn good to me!!  I finished up my student teaching with two job offers!! And the second is at my DREAM SCHOOL.  Seriously...the place where I want to teach for my career. 

As me and my dearest E say...the stars are aligning. 


This morning I cracked open yet another double yolk.  Not sure what this one will bring, but I am certain it is something fabulous!!!

Posted in: , , on Friday, June 1, 2012 at 3 comments  

Hopped up on Chocolate and L-O-V-E

Valentine's Day in a High School is a whole new ball game.  The amount of money spent on roses and dinner plans for these teens is amazing.  I have never seen so many GINORMOUS teddy bears, balloons, and bouquets of flowers.  Even the guys were sporting it too.  I had two boys in my class with balloons that could barely get through the door...and one was even a singing balloon (that was fun).  Today's hyper energy is a definite tie with the night before a giant snow storm and snow day.  Perhaps the winner.  Kids all hopped up on chocolate and L-O-V-E.  And making out in the hallway as if they were heading off to war.  Its 50 minutes kids.  Five. Zero.  You will see your crush and one & only love very soon. 


Either way...I must say that my highlight of all the roses was the beautiful bouquet delivered to our house from Gator Guy.  Quite a catch I snatched for myself....in high school.  (I swear....we were soooo not that couple on Valentine's day.)

Posted in: , , , , on Tuesday, February 14, 2012 at 1 comments  

You are Braver Than You Believe

I printed this message to give to a bunch of my students tomorrow.  This was a tough week.  At school, we had to announce to our classes that a student had passed on Monday night.  And in a very tragic way.  I have only been here for just a little bit and I did not know that particular student.  However, seeing my students in complete shock, complete sadness, and through the process of mourning has been difficult.  I had a test scheduled for this day.  And I still administered it.  I of course said that if they were not ready or in the right mind to take it, to definitely reschedule for another day.  But as we started, I all of a sudden saw a handful of students crying.  Sobbing.  I of course told them to stop taking the test,  gave a quick hug in the hall and headed them to the library where they had set up a huge counseling center.  

That was tough.  What is the right balance?  Should I have canceled the test?  Continue with the plan? I am not sure.  I didn't know what other teachers were doing.  Would it be too much if we all cancelled  plans and talked about the situation?  I'm not sure. To be honest, I didn't have anything else planned and didn't want to move to the next unit.  The test was already a day late due to the snow day and I know some just wanted to be done with it.  I still continued yesterday's lecture with the 1950's wearing my pink ladies jacket and pointed frame glasses.  We listened to 1950's Rock 'n' Roll today while analyzing the lyrics and cultural impact.  I know some of them were not ready for the dancing and laughter.  Some definitely were ready.  What is the right balance??

Either way, it has been a tough week.  The students, teachers, and community are all coming around.  Their support for each other here is amazing.

I am not sure what the students will think of my quote handout.  I actually found that saying last week after my dear dear friend lost her father.  She is strong, brave, and smart.  She is amazing.  But at a time like that, I just wanted to make sure she remembers that.  I think we can all use that reminder when times are tough. 

Posted in: , , on Thursday, February 9, 2012 at 1 comments  

Just Breathe...And Then Read


First of all, I must say that I absolutely L-O-V-E teaching.  It makes my heart happy to get to know these kids and become their classroom "coach".  I love my commute (two stop signs & three turns which totals .3 miles).  I love that on some days I can grade papers, go to yoga, stop by the store, start dinner, and STILL be home all before I would start my commute for my last job.  I love the school, teachers, students, and overall moral there. 

However...I also must admit that Student Teaching is hard!!!  Yes.  I knew it was going to be. (My Dearest E warned me many a times!!)  But here a few of my realizations:

-  I have 3 episodes of Gossip Girl, 3 of Pretty Little Liars, 3 of Modern Family, and even Desperate Housewives on our DVR.  Hell I am sure there is more, but that is the top that I saw when looking for a recorded Mickey Mouse Clubhouse to parent entertain Mr. T with while making dinner. Instead of my Must See TV....I am catching up on videos of Elvis on the Ed Sullivan Show and the life story & legacy of Muhammad.  Anyone wanna get some popcorn and join me???


-  I spend just about every night reading up on the content.  I mean, who the heck knows the details of the Byzantine Empire, Mongol Rule, and Fallout Shelters just because??  Not this girl. 


-  I just picked up a copy of The Art of Racing in the Rain.  It is the chosen book for our monthly book club.  I want to read it tonight (especially after slacking and not even starting the last book club book....Again sorry girls!!).  But honestly...Ivan the Terrible and Kievan Russia just scream "Read me!  Read me!! Read me NOW!!"


-  I do have to give myself props for learning 180 student names in the first two weeks.  Don't even ask me to tell you their last names, but I can at least call on them when they fall asleep during a video or give them a fist bump in the hallway.  
via

The funny thing is...I may be putting in just as much or even more hours than I did at my previous job but I am still LOVING it.  I know some days will be an absolute failure, but I also know that each and every day will start and end with a smile.  :)

Posted in: , , , , on Wednesday, February 1, 2012 at 1 comments  

Ten Thoughts for the Weekend

1.  The Broncos beat the Steelers!!!!  What an amazing game!!  And with an 80-yard touch down pass from my Boy Tebow to DThomas!!! Unbelievable!! 

denverpost.com

nytimes.com

2.  I might have shed a tear (or at least complained as much as possible) as I had to give up my ticket to today's game because I was sick.  Ladies and Gents...that means I was siiiiccckkk.  Not just a cough.  Because not to see my BFF Tebow in person and in action....heartbreaking!!  But at least I was warm in my Bronco Snuggie. 

3.  I finished my first week as a student teacher and absolutely love it.  Still working on learning 170 student names and lesson planning, but I already know that it is all worth and where I am suppose to be.

4.  I am quite excited for this season's Bachelor with Geico Man Ben the Bach.  He is growing on me...as is the drama that ABC always provides.  Looks like we have some villains who like to skinny dip and continued drama with the blogger!  Fantastic. 

5.  I also watched the latest Pretty Little Liars this weekend.  Seriously, it is not to late to watch this one with all the other 14 year-olds.  I am just pleased to know that one of my dearest neighbors is also a PLL fan and I am not the only 30 year-old that indulges in the flick. 


6.  I keep having dreams this weekend about anchors falling on my head.  What does this mean???

7.  Every day this week I drove less than 3 minutes to work and LOVED it.  I even didn't buckle my seat belt for one of the trips and felt like such a rebel!!  (I know...I know.  Most accidents happen close to your house.  I promise it was my only time!).  Just what am I going to do with 2 hours of commuting back in my life???  Yoga? Perhaps cook a week day dinner for the first time in over a year!?  The possibilities are endless. 

8.  I had much needed drinks with my Dearest E this weekend.  We just talked for hours about anything and everything.  We gave each other encouragement, asked questions, and basically reassured ourselves that we are effing fabulous.  Gator Guy doesn't understand that we can just sit on the couch, drink micro brews, and talk.  He and his Bromance Bro instead play darts.  For hours.  Now, that I do not get.

9.  Aside from being sick, I am giddy to go to work tomorrow.  Giddy.  It has been a long time since I have felt that! 

10.  Holy Crap the Broncos won!!!! 


Posted in: , , , , , , , , , , , , on Sunday, January 8, 2012 at 0 comments  

My Final Day at the J-O-B


The final day has come!!!  I would like to think that the one giving the thumbs up is totally me!!  Very fitting. But either way my bags are packed and I'm begin my new adventure of being.....



A High School Teacher  :)
Bring on happy hour on this wonderful Friday.

Posted in: , on Friday, December 2, 2011 at 1 comments  

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