For many, Halloween is (or was) a night to dress-up, walk the streets going door-to-door, and trick-or-treating. Children begin at very early ages and continue through high school in some areas. Adults carry on the fun by throwing and attending Halloween parties. Some children attend Fall Festivals, trunk-or-treat, and city and/or church celebrations.
For me, Halloween was first and foremost my dad's birthday. I hate that I never had a conversation with my grandparents about having a child on Halloween. Dad liked his birthday. In pictures of my first Halloween, he is dressed in a mask and I have on a little costume. He walked me to the neighbors' house to trick-or-treat.
Growing up, before we could go trick-or-treating, we sang "Happy Birthday" and had cake. Yes, it was always decorated for Halloween, and I always looked forward to it. I was never really into the dressing up part, so Halloween was a birthday celebration for me. When I was in college, I came home, baked a cake, and took it to him at the football stadium where he ran the clock and the press box for whatever home games there were those nights. We sang in front of his friends and left cake and plates/plasticware for them.
While my street can be pretty spooky at night, we never had many trick-or-treaters. On non-game nights, Dad stayed home with our cat, Blue, which was totally black, and waited for trick-or-treaters, if there were any. Mom walked the streets with us as we gathered candy. As an adult and as Granny aged, we would go to her house to hand out candy. She would get as many as 500 trick-or-treaters in a night. Granny loved Halloween, seeing all the kids dressed-up, and visiting with everyone.
After Dad passed away, we spent every Halloween helping Granny. But . . . before we did that, I would get cookies or cupcakes, and I would take my niece and nephew to the cemetery. We would sit on a blank, sing "Happy Birthday," and tell Grandpa whatever they wanted. We didn't tell anyone what we did. It was just for us.
This Halloween will be a little hard. Dad isn't here. Granny isn't here. The kids don't live here. Not really sure what Mom and I will do this year.
It just might include cookies or cupcakes. :-)
Thursday, October 31, 2013
Wednesday, October 30, 2013
Spiritual Gifts--Fulfillment
I started a Bible Study last week around Spiritual Gifts. The first session was about the Bible verses discussing Spiritual Gifts, what they were, if we see them in ourselves, and if we are drawn to people with specific gifts or talents.
Tonight's lesson had us look into our past for events or times when we felt fulfilled. I had a hard time with this. We were to list the event or time and then what talents or characteristics we had to make that happen.
Have you felt fulfilled? What do you think makes you feel fulfilled about one thing and not another? What talents or characteristics did it take to do that event or activity and feel fulfilled?
When others shared a time they felt fulfilled, some had a hard time deciding what talents or characteristics it took. Others around the table told them what they saw in the person or what it took to do the event or moment. It was neat to hear what others had to say to support one another.
Our pastor challenged us to tell others what gifts or characteristics we see in them.
Tonight's lesson had us look into our past for events or times when we felt fulfilled. I had a hard time with this. We were to list the event or time and then what talents or characteristics we had to make that happen.
Have you felt fulfilled? What do you think makes you feel fulfilled about one thing and not another? What talents or characteristics did it take to do that event or activity and feel fulfilled?
When others shared a time they felt fulfilled, some had a hard time deciding what talents or characteristics it took. Others around the table told them what they saw in the person or what it took to do the event or moment. It was neat to hear what others had to say to support one another.
Our pastor challenged us to tell others what gifts or characteristics we see in them.
Tuesday, October 29, 2013
Teaching Reading for a Change
Today, our district held Professional Development for all 7th-high school English and Reading teachers. On our campus alone, we had 18 or 19 teachers out for this training. Some of the ELA and Rdg teachers as well as a few others went to Love and Logic training. In total, we had 21 teachers out. 8 positions were not picked up by subs, so any and everyone covered classes today. I had the opportunity to teach 7th grade Reading for 2 periods, and I really enjoyed it.
Everyone has their niche, and I prefer the 7th graders to the 8th graders. I will work with both, but when I have a choice, I choose 7th grade. I guess it is because they are so much like my 6th graders I taught for years and loved. 8th graders have a few more hormones and a lot more attitude.
The hard thing about covering a class is, like subs, you don't know what you are doing until you walk in the room. Once I'm in there, I want to make the lesson my own. Today, I had to tweak a few things b/c there wasn't enough time to finish what was assigned. I also don't like students to work independently, silently for a whole class. I broke up the lesson with discussions, which the students enjoyed.
I would go teach Reading again. I really enjoyed it today.
Everyone has their niche, and I prefer the 7th graders to the 8th graders. I will work with both, but when I have a choice, I choose 7th grade. I guess it is because they are so much like my 6th graders I taught for years and loved. 8th graders have a few more hormones and a lot more attitude.
The hard thing about covering a class is, like subs, you don't know what you are doing until you walk in the room. Once I'm in there, I want to make the lesson my own. Today, I had to tweak a few things b/c there wasn't enough time to finish what was assigned. I also don't like students to work independently, silently for a whole class. I broke up the lesson with discussions, which the students enjoyed.
I would go teach Reading again. I really enjoyed it today.
Monday, October 28, 2013
Science Professional Development
Today was a Professional Development day for our district. Science had the opportunity to do some vertical teaming with the high school teachers during the morning. During the afternoon, the middle school teachers worked together to create videos. Each teacher was assigned a standard. They had to create a 10 minute video to teach teachers the standard. They then created a 2-4 minute video to teach students the standard. A lot of good, hard work was done. I can't wait to see the videos.
Sunday, October 27, 2013
Pumpkins
I LOVE carving pumpkins!
When I was little, my dad loved doing it, so it really meant we sat and watched. When we got older and our own pumpkins, we finally got to design and carve our own.This year, I attended a church small group gathering where everyone carved jack-o-lanterns. I helped my BFF's kids with theirs, and I had a ton of fun.
I was a little sad that I wouldn't get to carve pumpkins with my niece and nephew, but I remembered we would be visiting them before Halloween. I got some tiny ones, that we learned could be carved, but we also got big ones when we visited.
I think they turned out really cute!
little mini jack-o-lantern
another little mini jack-o-lantern
a regular sized pumpkin
another regular sized pumpkin
Sunday, October 20, 2013
Teacher Retention
I read an article earlier, Why Do Teachers Quit?
Interesting read!
I know, within the first 5 years of teaching, I considered quitting. Feelings of frustration, being overwhelmed, lack of respect, facing situations I never faced before, trying to find ways to connect with children when I wasn't raised the same, and more.
Unless you have taught, spent more than one day being in charge, doing all the paperwork, checking for understanding, and doing all that is involved in educating today's youth, you have no idea what it is like. I have always said that everyone with children, politicians, and anyone else making decisions or having opinions about education should have to spend time in a school.
Interesting read!
I know, within the first 5 years of teaching, I considered quitting. Feelings of frustration, being overwhelmed, lack of respect, facing situations I never faced before, trying to find ways to connect with children when I wasn't raised the same, and more.
Unless you have taught, spent more than one day being in charge, doing all the paperwork, checking for understanding, and doing all that is involved in educating today's youth, you have no idea what it is like. I have always said that everyone with children, politicians, and anyone else making decisions or having opinions about education should have to spend time in a school.
Practicing Balance
Today, we began a new book study in Sunday School. My dearest BFF is leading the study of Practicing Balance: How Congregations Can Support Harmony in Work and Life by David Edman Gray. Since we just received the books, we haven't started reading yet, but she did a fabulous job leading us through the Preface and Chapter 1.
Everyone is in a different place in life with different jobs, responsibilities, children/no children, and more. The experiences, worries, and variousness of the group led to a great discussion. I can't wait to read the book.
Everyone is in a different place in life with different jobs, responsibilities, children/no children, and more. The experiences, worries, and variousness of the group led to a great discussion. I can't wait to read the book.
Friday, October 18, 2013
GS: Fall Fun
When I chose dates for meetings, I had to work around my schedule and my co-leader's schedule. We had no idea that there was a school carnival scheduled for tonight where half our girls attend. Despite that, we had 6 girls attend the meeting, including one who went to the carnival and then came to the meeting.
No girls had signed-up to lead the meeting, so I planned it.
1. They began by choosing a meeting date on a wall calendar to lead their chosen badge/activity.
2. We then created a dessert that was layers of sugar free Vanilla pudding, crushed Oreos, and orange sprinkles. Some liked it more than others. We sang Happy Birthday to one of the girls and Juliette Gordon Low.
3. The girls were able to make masks with inexpensive plastic masks, Sharpies, chanel sticks/pipe cleaners, pom poms, and feathers.
4. They ended the night decorating little pumpkins with Sharpies.
The girls had a great time and really got along. They talked, laughed, and were just silly. It was a great evening!
No girls had signed-up to lead the meeting, so I planned it.
1. They began by choosing a meeting date on a wall calendar to lead their chosen badge/activity.
2. We then created a dessert that was layers of sugar free Vanilla pudding, crushed Oreos, and orange sprinkles. Some liked it more than others. We sang Happy Birthday to one of the girls and Juliette Gordon Low.
3. The girls were able to make masks with inexpensive plastic masks, Sharpies, chanel sticks/pipe cleaners, pom poms, and feathers.
4. They ended the night decorating little pumpkins with Sharpies.
The girls had a great time and really got along. They talked, laughed, and were just silly. It was a great evening!
Another Good Week
Monday: See October 14th post.
Tuesday: I had the opportunity to cover a class, see October 15th post, and then I ended the day attending a workshop, Critical Conversations. It is a three part series on how to coach and lead teachers while having critical conversations.
Wednesday: Today, I worked with various teachers and ended the day with a meeting with other Science Instructional Specialists in the district to plan a Professional Development. I love meeting with the ladies, asking questions, getting ideas, and more.
Thursday: Today, our 8th graders took a test to help them learn more about the skills they need to be college ready. We had a teacher out, and since a certified teacher has to administer the test, I filled in. I was so happy with their behavior. Sometimes students give you a run for your money when there is a sub, a test, and a group made-up of students not normally together, but they did a great job. We also had early release for Professional Development/Curricular Planning. I had helped organize the whole afternoon, so I supported teachers presenting to the whole group. Then, I shared some ideas I learned at last week's conference with the Reading and History Departments. When the day ended, I was exhausted. There was actually a moment that I thought I would not be able to get to my car and drive myself home. Great, exhausting day!
Friday: I began the day at a district meeting for other Instructional Specialists. We learned (or reviewed in my case) Cooperative Grouping. Now . . . to get my teachers to use it. I covered for the Computer Technology teacher while he attended a meeting for a few minutes in the afternoon. As I watched the students, I learned about special effects.
Tuesday: I had the opportunity to cover a class, see October 15th post, and then I ended the day attending a workshop, Critical Conversations. It is a three part series on how to coach and lead teachers while having critical conversations.
Wednesday: Today, I worked with various teachers and ended the day with a meeting with other Science Instructional Specialists in the district to plan a Professional Development. I love meeting with the ladies, asking questions, getting ideas, and more.
Thursday: Today, our 8th graders took a test to help them learn more about the skills they need to be college ready. We had a teacher out, and since a certified teacher has to administer the test, I filled in. I was so happy with their behavior. Sometimes students give you a run for your money when there is a sub, a test, and a group made-up of students not normally together, but they did a great job. We also had early release for Professional Development/Curricular Planning. I had helped organize the whole afternoon, so I supported teachers presenting to the whole group. Then, I shared some ideas I learned at last week's conference with the Reading and History Departments. When the day ended, I was exhausted. There was actually a moment that I thought I would not be able to get to my car and drive myself home. Great, exhausting day!
Friday: I began the day at a district meeting for other Instructional Specialists. We learned (or reviewed in my case) Cooperative Grouping. Now . . . to get my teachers to use it. I covered for the Computer Technology teacher while he attended a meeting for a few minutes in the afternoon. As I watched the students, I learned about special effects.
Tuesday, October 15, 2013
Family Dynamics
Today, I covered for our "Home Ec" teacher while she attended a meeting for a few minutes. I showed the students a video on family groups and then got them started on a timeline that was to include all the important people in their lives.
These are a few of the ones from the class. Some have slightly different names.
These are a few of the ones from the class. Some have slightly different names.
Nuclear Families
- Approximately half of all families with youngsters under age 18 are composed of two biological parents and their children.
Single-Parent Families
- Single-parent families make up 27 percent of households with children under age 18.
Cross-Generational Families
- Approximately 670,000 families with children under age 18 have a family member age 65 or older living with them.
- Roughly 2.5 million children under age 18 live with one or both parents in their grandparents’ home.
Adoptive/Foster Families
- Approximately 120,000 children are adopted each year.
- 6.3 children per 1,000 live in out-of-home foster care.
Never-Married Families
- About 1.5 million unmarried couples have at least one child under age 15.
Blended Families
- About 20 percent of children in two-parent households live in blended families.
Grandparents as Parents
- Approximately 1.3 million children under age 18 live with their grandparents.
I was a part of a nuclear family, but I had grandparents who were close-by my whole life. We talked about leaning on family members and having extended families due to financial needs. I explained the relationship and family dynamics with my brother, sister-in-law, niece, and nephew, their nuclear family being a part of an extended family and living in a home with three generations. I, myself, thought I would have my own family, etc., but I am a single family taking care of another generation.
The lesson, as short as my time was, was very interesting and eye-opening. I knew it, but to hear it was very eye-opening. Many of the students were a part of a Never-Married Family, Single-Parent Family, families where students never knew their fathers, or with families with multiple generations living together. If I had been able to do more with the class over a longer period of time, there is so much that could be done with differences and then building a classroom community.
It also made me even more grateful for the life I have led, having my grandparents so close, and the opportunity to have spent so much time with my niece and nephew in their early years.
Monday, October 14, 2013
To My Blog Readers
To My Blog Readers,
I don't know who you are, but I know you exist. I also know my blog is not the most entertaining, but I greatly appreciate you and thank you for reading my rambling. Feel free to comment or ask questions.
Sincerely,
Dr. K
I don't know who you are, but I know you exist. I also know my blog is not the most entertaining, but I greatly appreciate you and thank you for reading my rambling. Feel free to comment or ask questions.
Sincerely,
Dr. K
What a day!
Have you ever had one of those days that you had so much to do that you had no idea what time it was? You just worked and worked and worked?
My co-worker and I spent all day preparing for campus Professional Development taking place this Thursday afternoon. We will be having teachers present information they have learned at recently attended trainings. It is the first time they have led PD like this, so I am excited to see how it goes. I will be leading one session, so we worked on those materials all day. Now we just have to make copies and finalize the guiding questions. I hope the teachers truly take the new information and use it in their classrooms.
I also had to have a very interesting conversation with a student. One I never imagined having. Nope, not sharing it here, but it was a first for me.
My co-worker and I spent all day preparing for campus Professional Development taking place this Thursday afternoon. We will be having teachers present information they have learned at recently attended trainings. It is the first time they have led PD like this, so I am excited to see how it goes. I will be leading one session, so we worked on those materials all day. Now we just have to make copies and finalize the guiding questions. I hope the teachers truly take the new information and use it in their classrooms.
I also had to have a very interesting conversation with a student. One I never imagined having. Nope, not sharing it here, but it was a first for me.
Sunday, October 13, 2013
Christmas Memories
We have been going through and setting out Halloween, Easter, and Christmas decorations at Granny's for our Christmas in October sale. My mom and Great Aunt finished getting everything out on Friday. Today, I went over to go through everything and sort out/keep what I wanted. I took all the ornaments, many 60-70 years old, and divided them among the 5 grandchildren. (Guess it won't be a secret or a Christmas surprise if any of them actually read this blog. Ha ha!) I kept a few other items for myself, some for my brother and sister-in-law, and a few things for my niece and nephew. There is still tons to sell. Cousins have either already looked or will this week. I'm not sure if my cousins/brother will appreciate the items, and I don't know if they will pass them on to their children, the great-grandchildren, but I hope they do. Granny loved Christmas, and I know she would want the kids have a little part of her happiness. The great-grandkids are all pretty much old enough to carry memories of her with them, so I hope they will enjoy the ornaments when they are old enough.
Saturday, October 12, 2013
Literacy Conference
My 2 BFFs and I submitted a proposal to a state literacy conference. (Actually, they did all the work, and I got to be included.) One friend had to back out due to a work commitment that came up, but my other friend and I headed to the host city on Friday night to attend and present at the conference on Saturday.
We presented my friend's dissertation study has a round table discussion during the first breakout session. She did a great job, and I supported her all along the way. I enjoyed participating in the conversation that occurred.
During the rest of the conference, I attended a session on Vocabulary/assisting ELLs and a session on Voice/using & writing poetry. I learned some new ideas and will be sharing them this week at work.
I will organize my thoughts and present the information with a group of teachers this year.
We presented my friend's dissertation study has a round table discussion during the first breakout session. She did a great job, and I supported her all along the way. I enjoyed participating in the conversation that occurred.
During the rest of the conference, I attended a session on Vocabulary/assisting ELLs and a session on Voice/using & writing poetry. I learned some new ideas and will be sharing them this week at work.
I will organize my thoughts and present the information with a group of teachers this year.
Friday, October 11, 2013
Another Great Week in the Work World
This was a great, busy week at work!
Monday:
We had the day off today. Woohoo! I spent it running errands and getting things done around my house. Did you know that if you lose the key to your lawn mower that you can buy a new one at your local hardware/lawn care store? Yep! It was so easy and cheap. We thought we might need a new ignition or starter. Thank goodness we didn't!
Tuesday:
Back to work! I was supposed to have a meeting off campus, but it was rescheduled, so I worked on all kinds of things at school. I think I did at least 10 or 11 walkthroughs and put together around 40 magazine boxes to organize Science manipulatives. I covered a teacher while she was in a meeting, so I taught a Resource English class last period. I haven't done that it quite a while, but it was fun! I finished the day in a Reading Department meeting.
Wednesday:
I did all kinds of things today, including organizing more Science manipulatives and visiting more classrooms. I ended the day leading an 8th grade Science Department meeting. We used a new format, and it went well. There was some great discussion around our state standards.
Thursday:
We had a lot of teachers out for some reason. Two were at Professional Development off campus, but I'm not sure where the others were. I spent the morning making sure the subs had everything they needed. I was supposed to cover a Science teacher while she attended a meeting, but she was out. I ended up covering the Theater Arts teacher for half of one period, all of the next period, and then a few minutes of the last period. I have no Theater Arts background, and I had no idea what they were supposed to do, so they behaved, but it wasn't quite like I would normally cover a class. I ended the day leading a 7th grade Science Department meeting. We used a new format, the same one from yesterday, and it went well. There was some great discussion around our state standards. It lasted longer than they would have liked, but the discussions were great!
Friday:
There were many teachers out again. At least 5 had subs covering their classes, but 2 were not picked-up by subs. I ran around all morning making sure all the subs had what they needed, etc. Once they were all settled, I helped a Science teacher with some technology. The rest of my morning was spent helping a teacher and her students with Science Fair, checking on subs, getting some materials to Science teachers, and working on some other things for the English/Language Arts/Reading Department and Professional Development. I left midday to head out of town for a Literacy Conference.
Monday:
We had the day off today. Woohoo! I spent it running errands and getting things done around my house. Did you know that if you lose the key to your lawn mower that you can buy a new one at your local hardware/lawn care store? Yep! It was so easy and cheap. We thought we might need a new ignition or starter. Thank goodness we didn't!
Tuesday:
Back to work! I was supposed to have a meeting off campus, but it was rescheduled, so I worked on all kinds of things at school. I think I did at least 10 or 11 walkthroughs and put together around 40 magazine boxes to organize Science manipulatives. I covered a teacher while she was in a meeting, so I taught a Resource English class last period. I haven't done that it quite a while, but it was fun! I finished the day in a Reading Department meeting.
Wednesday:
I did all kinds of things today, including organizing more Science manipulatives and visiting more classrooms. I ended the day leading an 8th grade Science Department meeting. We used a new format, and it went well. There was some great discussion around our state standards.
Thursday:
We had a lot of teachers out for some reason. Two were at Professional Development off campus, but I'm not sure where the others were. I spent the morning making sure the subs had everything they needed. I was supposed to cover a Science teacher while she attended a meeting, but she was out. I ended up covering the Theater Arts teacher for half of one period, all of the next period, and then a few minutes of the last period. I have no Theater Arts background, and I had no idea what they were supposed to do, so they behaved, but it wasn't quite like I would normally cover a class. I ended the day leading a 7th grade Science Department meeting. We used a new format, the same one from yesterday, and it went well. There was some great discussion around our state standards. It lasted longer than they would have liked, but the discussions were great!
Friday:
There were many teachers out again. At least 5 had subs covering their classes, but 2 were not picked-up by subs. I ran around all morning making sure all the subs had what they needed, etc. Once they were all settled, I helped a Science teacher with some technology. The rest of my morning was spent helping a teacher and her students with Science Fair, checking on subs, getting some materials to Science teachers, and working on some other things for the English/Language Arts/Reading Department and Professional Development. I left midday to head out of town for a Literacy Conference.
Saturday, October 5, 2013
An Amazingly, Wonderful Day
Today was an amazingly, wonderful day!
My two BFFs and I did a Dirty Girl 5K to start the day. We aren't serious runners or walkers. We take our time and get out of the way of those who are trying to beat their time. We laughed and talked and laughed some more. We had a great time and got a little muddy along the way!
The three of us have all gotten our Doctorates, so our team name portrayed that, and we had many compliments about our shirts/team name. My favorite quote of the day was from my BFF when someone asked if we were really doctors. She said, "We are the doctors who make doctors possible."
After a good shower and a nap, it was time for the Girl Scout Ceremonies. Just before I left, Mom walked in with my niece and nephew. My favorite people!
After the Ceremonies, Mom and I drove my niece and nephew back. Even though I only saw them for a short time and spent most of that time in the truck, I was so glad to see them. Love those two young people!
It was a great day b/c it was filled with so many of my favorite people. Oh, what an amazingly, wonderful day!
My two BFFs and I did a Dirty Girl 5K to start the day. We aren't serious runners or walkers. We take our time and get out of the way of those who are trying to beat their time. We laughed and talked and laughed some more. We had a great time and got a little muddy along the way!
The three of us have all gotten our Doctorates, so our team name portrayed that, and we had many compliments about our shirts/team name. My favorite quote of the day was from my BFF when someone asked if we were really doctors. She said, "We are the doctors who make doctors possible."
After a good shower and a nap, it was time for the Girl Scout Ceremonies. Just before I left, Mom walked in with my niece and nephew. My favorite people!
After the Ceremonies, Mom and I drove my niece and nephew back. Even though I only saw them for a short time and spent most of that time in the truck, I was so glad to see them. Love those two young people!
It was a great day b/c it was filled with so many of my favorite people. Oh, what an amazingly, wonderful day!
Girl Scout Ceremonies
Tonight, we had our Rededication/Awards Ceremony, Bridging Ceremony, and Investiture Ceremony.
We chose to do a candlelight ceremony for the Rededication/Awards Ceremony. Each girl had a part and lit a candle. My wonderful co-leader read the parts of those not in attendance.
We were supposed to do a candlelight ceremony for the Bridging Ceremony, but we chose not to include the candles this time. Again, each girl had a speaking part, and my co-leader read the parts of those not in attendance.
Our final portion was the Investiture Ceremony. As each girl said a part, she would step forward and take the hand of the girl before her. By the end, all the girls were holding hands and welcoming the new girls.
We ended the night with a Friendship Circle, which included the parents and siblings, and then cupcakes and cookies.
We chose to do a candlelight ceremony for the Rededication/Awards Ceremony. Each girl had a part and lit a candle. My wonderful co-leader read the parts of those not in attendance.
We were supposed to do a candlelight ceremony for the Bridging Ceremony, but we chose not to include the candles this time. Again, each girl had a speaking part, and my co-leader read the parts of those not in attendance.
Our final portion was the Investiture Ceremony. As each girl said a part, she would step forward and take the hand of the girl before her. By the end, all the girls were holding hands and welcoming the new girls.
We ended the night with a Friendship Circle, which included the parents and siblings, and then cupcakes and cookies.
Friday, October 4, 2013
Another Good Week in My Work World
This week has been filled with Professional Development.
Monday:
I taught 8th grade Science all day. A teacher had a personal matter to handle that kept her from school and the sub canceled. Teaching speed = distance / time can be difficult. :-) There was no way I could leave this for teachers or aides to do throughout the day.
Tuesday:
Today, I had the opportunity to attend a training with a guru assisting us in understanding our state assessment and what it takes to understand our state standards in association with the state assessment questions. We focused on Reading today. I am so excited to be working with Reading/Language Arts again. I am having to really pull from deep in my memory and research to find answers to help my teachers.
Wednesday:
This morning, I attended a workshop (part 1 of 3) on how to lead/participate in Critical Conversations. I was with my principal, new assistant principal, and former assistant principal. I enjoyed working with them and learning the information. I reaffirmed that I am a good listener and horrible talker (with those I don't know well). I also found out that I am pretty good at coaching people on how to have critical conversations, but I don't like to lead them.
Thursday:
Today, I had the opportunity to attend a training with the same guru from Tuesday, but today, we focused on Science. The training was slightly different as the assessments are different, but the info was good. I can't wait to use what I learned next week.
Friday:
I spent the morning at our local super store purchasing supplies for Science teachers to use the next six weeks. The shopping, unloading, sorting/organizing, and delivering to classes takes hours. I was so hot and sweaty by the time I finished. I ended the day assisting an 8th grade English teacher while her SpEd Inclusion teacher was in a meeting. It was great getting back to my English roots helping the students write/edit their essays.
Monday:
I taught 8th grade Science all day. A teacher had a personal matter to handle that kept her from school and the sub canceled. Teaching speed = distance / time can be difficult. :-) There was no way I could leave this for teachers or aides to do throughout the day.
Tuesday:
Today, I had the opportunity to attend a training with a guru assisting us in understanding our state assessment and what it takes to understand our state standards in association with the state assessment questions. We focused on Reading today. I am so excited to be working with Reading/Language Arts again. I am having to really pull from deep in my memory and research to find answers to help my teachers.
Wednesday:
This morning, I attended a workshop (part 1 of 3) on how to lead/participate in Critical Conversations. I was with my principal, new assistant principal, and former assistant principal. I enjoyed working with them and learning the information. I reaffirmed that I am a good listener and horrible talker (with those I don't know well). I also found out that I am pretty good at coaching people on how to have critical conversations, but I don't like to lead them.
Thursday:
Today, I had the opportunity to attend a training with the same guru from Tuesday, but today, we focused on Science. The training was slightly different as the assessments are different, but the info was good. I can't wait to use what I learned next week.
Friday:
I spent the morning at our local super store purchasing supplies for Science teachers to use the next six weeks. The shopping, unloading, sorting/organizing, and delivering to classes takes hours. I was so hot and sweaty by the time I finished. I ended the day assisting an 8th grade English teacher while her SpEd Inclusion teacher was in a meeting. It was great getting back to my English roots helping the students write/edit their essays.
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