October:
We met at the beginning of the month to plan our Bridging and Awards Ceremony. Normally, we have the ceremony at the end of the school year or during early June, but we put it off this year. Once the girls decided what they wanted to do for their ceremony, they decorated skulls for Day of the Dead of Día de Muertos. We discuss what the day was, the Mexican culture and the development of the holiday, and then provided the supplies for them to design their own skulls. One of the most exciting parts of the night was that my niece got to join us via Skype. I had mailed her the craft supplies, so she joined in the discussion and then got to do the craft right along with us. All the girls loved that she was joining us.
Two weeks later, we met with their families to perform our ceremony and bridge 4 young ladies from Brownies to Juniors and 3 young ladies from Juniors to Cadettes.
November:
We met twice this month. The first meeting was spent planning meals and beginning discussions around a Scouts Own for our Service Unit Campout in December. We finished the night with the girls creating a Thanksgiving craft.
The second meeting began with our Parent Cookie Meeting/Training and then concluded with the final discussion/plan of the Scouts Own we are leading at the campout next month.
Showing posts with label planning. Show all posts
Showing posts with label planning. Show all posts
Saturday, November 15, 2014
Friday, September 19, 2014
1st Girl Scout Meeting of 2014-2015
Tonight, 6 of our 10 girls were able to meet.
We began with a get-to-know you activity (to just catch-up b/c it has been a while since we've been together). They chose a Skittle, and each color was assigned a memory--something more precious than gold, something that makes you feel warm, something that makes you cry, something that makes you laugh, etc. The girls had a great time with this.
We then had them look through ceremonies for Bridging and Investiture and plan their Awards and Bridging Ceremonies, which we will do at the beginning of October.
Finally, they began planning their Bronze/Silver project. With two levels, we are trying to kill two birds with one stone. We will have them do one project to accomplish both Awards.
We filled our time together, they had great conversations, and we can't wait to see what this year holds.
What have you done to kick-off the new Girl Scout year?
We began with a get-to-know you activity (to just catch-up b/c it has been a while since we've been together). They chose a Skittle, and each color was assigned a memory--something more precious than gold, something that makes you feel warm, something that makes you cry, something that makes you laugh, etc. The girls had a great time with this.
We then had them look through ceremonies for Bridging and Investiture and plan their Awards and Bridging Ceremonies, which we will do at the beginning of October.
Finally, they began planning their Bronze/Silver project. With two levels, we are trying to kill two birds with one stone. We will have them do one project to accomplish both Awards.
We filled our time together, they had great conversations, and we can't wait to see what this year holds.
What have you done to kick-off the new Girl Scout year?
Saturday, July 12, 2014
Educators on Summer Break
Educators, have you seen 26
Signs You’re a Teacher on Summer Break? Some of you will read it and
immediately connect to several items on the list.
My alarm has gone off 80-90% of my summer mornings. When it hasn’t gone off, I’ve been up
between 6:30 & 7:00 and out of bed soon after. I also know what most days
are. I have also been in
professional dress 75% of my days off. Why? Because my 2nd and 3rd jobs started
the Tuesday after the year ended—teaching Summer Acceleration and writing 6th
gr Science curriculum.
There have been no beach visits & hammock swaying, or
any other fun, relaxing days or activities either. Summer is the time to get everything done that had to be put
on the To Do List during the school year. I am cleaning out and cleaning up my
grandmother’s house and cleaning up and reorganizing my house. This has been a
huge, exhausting job.
My mind is constantly racing with ideas for the next school
year, and I am reading various books and articles for ideas we can implement.
Yes, I do visit Pinterest looking for ideas for my house and
school. If I had children or some
children to borrow, I would try out some of my new ideas. I had the energy, I
would try out some of the ideas for the home I have found.
Sadly, because I have been so busy with housework, teaching,
and curriculum writing, I have not visited the library. That doesn’t mean I
haven’t read about 5 books since school let out.
Yes, my treadmill and BFF’s neighborhood streets are getting
a workout. I try to get 2-4 miles
in a day. More than when school is
in session.
I hate deciding what to eat for lunch and dinner. It just seems easier during the school
year.
Yep! An
educator’s job is never finished.
We end working with one group and prepare to work with the next group.
We read, find new ideas, think of ways to improve on last year, wonder about
the new students and faculty, worry about those no long in our classrooms or
schools, and prepare to make a difference in the lives of the students and
teachers we will meet in August.
Resources:
Hudson, H. July 2, 2014. 26 Signs You’re a
Teacher on Summer Break.
Retrieved from http://www.buzzfeed.com/weareteachers/26-signs-youre-a-teacher-on-summer-break-h0xt
on July 12, 2014.
Saturday, September 21, 2013
Whatever It Takes
I am used to working in a "Do Whatever It Takes" environment. You put students first, and you do whatever it takes to meet students' needs and help them be successful.
I'm sure, after I say this, if there are any people from work that read this, they will have one more reason to be mad at me or rant about me at Happy Hour, but here it is.
Teachers I work around have not had to act as every other teacher in the nation normally does. They have not been held accountable and have not had to research, make, and create whatever is needed to teach their students. There is so much complaining about working long hours, not being able to balance work and home, and not having enough time. All the things these teachers, some who have been teaching 8-10-12 years, are now experiencing should have been experienced their first few years of teaching. The stress of teaching, figuring out the bureaucracy and paperwork, getting everything done, attending meetings, planning lessons, and balancing work and home lives is what first through third year teachers struggle to figure our and learn. These teachers should have that by now. Yes, the beginning of the year brings about some of those struggles, but the amount of stress and complaining around these issues is out of control. Many are not stopping to realize that they are fighting a change that will happen with or without them.
My second year of teaching, I switched schools and grade levels. I was given brand new state standards, a simple scope and sequence, and an extremely old textbook, which we didn't have enough student copies for every student. Everything I did that year, I figured out on my own. I bought my own resources, created my own lessons, did everything on my own. Eventually, the district coordinator started having professional development sessions to help us with content and lessons. Even with that information, I still had to do my own thing. This is what has made me the teacher I am. I love to research and create.
I have been amazed at the lack of professional development these teachers seek out. I am a life-long learner. I sought out any and all related professional development. Most of these teachers do not.
Teaching is not an 8-4 job. For those who really "do whatever it takes" and do "what's best for kids," they are working 24-7 from August until June. Thinking, creating, worrying, and so much more.
I love watching the changes that are taking place. It is hard, stressful, and not the happiest environment, but things are a changing, and our students will benefit.
I'm sure, after I say this, if there are any people from work that read this, they will have one more reason to be mad at me or rant about me at Happy Hour, but here it is.
Teachers I work around have not had to act as every other teacher in the nation normally does. They have not been held accountable and have not had to research, make, and create whatever is needed to teach their students. There is so much complaining about working long hours, not being able to balance work and home, and not having enough time. All the things these teachers, some who have been teaching 8-10-12 years, are now experiencing should have been experienced their first few years of teaching. The stress of teaching, figuring out the bureaucracy and paperwork, getting everything done, attending meetings, planning lessons, and balancing work and home lives is what first through third year teachers struggle to figure our and learn. These teachers should have that by now. Yes, the beginning of the year brings about some of those struggles, but the amount of stress and complaining around these issues is out of control. Many are not stopping to realize that they are fighting a change that will happen with or without them.
My second year of teaching, I switched schools and grade levels. I was given brand new state standards, a simple scope and sequence, and an extremely old textbook, which we didn't have enough student copies for every student. Everything I did that year, I figured out on my own. I bought my own resources, created my own lessons, did everything on my own. Eventually, the district coordinator started having professional development sessions to help us with content and lessons. Even with that information, I still had to do my own thing. This is what has made me the teacher I am. I love to research and create.
I have been amazed at the lack of professional development these teachers seek out. I am a life-long learner. I sought out any and all related professional development. Most of these teachers do not.
Teaching is not an 8-4 job. For those who really "do whatever it takes" and do "what's best for kids," they are working 24-7 from August until June. Thinking, creating, worrying, and so much more.
I love watching the changes that are taking place. It is hard, stressful, and not the happiest environment, but things are a changing, and our students will benefit.
Friday, September 20, 2013
First GS Meeting of the Year
We had our first meeting of the 2013-2014 Girl Scout year tonight. Of our 14 girls, we know one has chosen not to return. There are two from which we haven't heard. We had one girl join our troop as the meeting began. Two more girls visited to see what it was all about. They are friends of one girl and go to school with at least four of the girls.
After a welcome and introduction, we split the girls into their GS levels. They were given all the materials we had and asked to create a list of events, activities, field trips, and badges they want to do. Once they created a list, each girl had to take responsibility for at least one item on the list that they will either get the details on and schedule or a badge they can present to the group.
After I study the list, I will send emails to the individual girls/families with directions about gathering details, etc.
We are working very hard to make our troop girl-led, so we are asking the girls/families to do the leg-work. It is our hope the girls come through. If they don't, we just won't do that activity, field trip, or badge.
After a welcome and introduction, we split the girls into their GS levels. They were given all the materials we had and asked to create a list of events, activities, field trips, and badges they want to do. Once they created a list, each girl had to take responsibility for at least one item on the list that they will either get the details on and schedule or a badge they can present to the group.
After I study the list, I will send emails to the individual girls/families with directions about gathering details, etc.
We are working very hard to make our troop girl-led, so we are asking the girls/families to do the leg-work. It is our hope the girls come through. If they don't, we just won't do that activity, field trip, or badge.
Friday, August 16, 2013
Girl Scouts--Starting a New Year
Are you already planning your New Girl Scout year? What do you have planned?
We have been girl-led this last year, but we want to take it a bit further and involve parents more. We haven't really gotten any plans on paper, but I want to have a planning session with the girls so they can truly take ownership of the badges/activities and run the meetings. We'll see how it goes.
We have been girl-led this last year, but we want to take it a bit further and involve parents more. We haven't really gotten any plans on paper, but I want to have a planning session with the girls so they can truly take ownership of the badges/activities and run the meetings. We'll see how it goes.
Friday, June 7, 2013
Final Girl Scout Meeting of the Year
Tonight, we will hold our final Girl Scout meeting of the school year. Traditionally, we have a Bridging and Award Ceremony to end the year, but we are doing it differently this year.
We have 8 girls who could earn their Bronze Award. Each girl has between 7.5 and 13.5 hours left to complete the project. We will be talking to the girls about what they can do to finish their project and give them a due date this summer to turn in all evidence. It will be each girl's responsibility to finish. We have gotten them this far, and now it is their chance to take responsibility and finish. We will have a special celebration in late August or early September, when we will hold a Bronze Award, Bridging, Awards, and Investiture Ceremony.
We will also give the girls the opportunity tonight to plan next year. They will work in GS levels to decide on badges they want to earn and what field trips they want to take. It is our hope that they will have a great plan by night's end. This is the next step in building leadership skills and giving our girls ownership of their troop.
We have 8 girls who could earn their Bronze Award. Each girl has between 7.5 and 13.5 hours left to complete the project. We will be talking to the girls about what they can do to finish their project and give them a due date this summer to turn in all evidence. It will be each girl's responsibility to finish. We have gotten them this far, and now it is their chance to take responsibility and finish. We will have a special celebration in late August or early September, when we will hold a Bronze Award, Bridging, Awards, and Investiture Ceremony.
We will also give the girls the opportunity tonight to plan next year. They will work in GS levels to decide on badges they want to earn and what field trips they want to take. It is our hope that they will have a great plan by night's end. This is the next step in building leadership skills and giving our girls ownership of their troop.
Monday, April 29, 2013
Plan Ahead
Again, in just a few short months, we are saying our "good-byes" to a family member. (More to come in a future post.)
I cannot say it urgently or loudly enough--Plan ahead! (I have no idea what this family member has done, so this is not in response to today's activities.)
No matter how old you are, let your loved ones know your final wishes. It is never too early to create a Will, Living Will, and Power of Attorney. You never know what life will bring or how soon it will end. Don't make your loved ones guess as to what you would want.
DNR? Life support?
Where to be buried? What songs to play? Scriptures to be read?
Have your affairs in order and/or let someone you trust know about bank accounts, property, etc.
There is so much involved when making life/death decisions and then funeral arrangements. Most people don't think about it until it actually happens. Don't wait! Ease your mind and the minds of your loved ones. Plan ahead.
I cannot say it urgently or loudly enough--Plan ahead! (I have no idea what this family member has done, so this is not in response to today's activities.)
No matter how old you are, let your loved ones know your final wishes. It is never too early to create a Will, Living Will, and Power of Attorney. You never know what life will bring or how soon it will end. Don't make your loved ones guess as to what you would want.
DNR? Life support?
Where to be buried? What songs to play? Scriptures to be read?
Have your affairs in order and/or let someone you trust know about bank accounts, property, etc.
There is so much involved when making life/death decisions and then funeral arrangements. Most people don't think about it until it actually happens. Don't wait! Ease your mind and the minds of your loved ones. Plan ahead.
Saturday, January 26, 2013
Bronze Award Project
Our January 25th meeting was all business. We don't like to do an "all business" meeting, but we had to have discussions that needed to lead to a decision and then planning for the Bronze Aware project/award. The girls had created a list of ideas a few months ago. Last night, we broke them into two groups. Each group was asked to narrow the choices down to their top three. Once both groups had three, we discussed them and then narrowed them down to one. Both groups chose two that were the same and then each had a different one. After discussing projects other local troops have done and some future projects, the girls decided to make bags/baskets for church shut-ins for four holidays between now and the end of May. They chose Valentine's Day, a Girl Scouts themed one to deliver on Girl Scout Sunday, Easter, and Spring. Once they had their concept and four holidays, they brainstormed a list of items to give elderly church members for each theme. J and I bought the items for the Valentine's gifts based on their lists and a few things we know about the church members. The girls will spend the February 1st meeting putting things together.
Sunday, December 16, 2012
Meetings and Giving Continue
In November, we rediscussed plans for the spring. The girls voted to spend the night at a local zoo and visit a local aquarium and possibly do badge work. Looks like we are not old enough for badge work at the aquarium, so we might do a badge workshop while at the zoo. We shall see. The girls also created a list of interests to help us get started on their Bronze Award project. We will revisit their list, narrow it down, and get started in January. They ended the meeting making crafts to show what they are thankful for or to represent Thanksgiving.
Our December meeting brought fewer sweet faces due to recitals, Christmas programs, visiting relatives, and more, but those who were at the meeting created two ornaments and went caroling. We forgot that since we meet on a Friday night, many people are not home, but one wonderful family opened their door to hear their sweet voices. The girls also voted to spend $100 on coats to purchase for a local coat drive. We were able to purchase 5 coats to donate. Our girls have such sweet, giving hearts!
Our first meeting in January will be a parent meeting to get our cookie information. Be ready! Our cookie sellers will be out and about the second weekend of January!
Our December meeting brought fewer sweet faces due to recitals, Christmas programs, visiting relatives, and more, but those who were at the meeting created two ornaments and went caroling. We forgot that since we meet on a Friday night, many people are not home, but one wonderful family opened their door to hear their sweet voices. The girls also voted to spend $100 on coats to purchase for a local coat drive. We were able to purchase 5 coats to donate. Our girls have such sweet, giving hearts!
Our first meeting in January will be a parent meeting to get our cookie information. Be ready! Our cookie sellers will be out and about the second weekend of January!
Sunday, August 19, 2012
New School Year . . . New Girl Scout Year
What are you most looking forward to this school year?
What do you have planned for the upcoming Girl Scout year?
We are bouncing around some ideas and just sent out the first draft of our calendar. Come back throughout the year to see what we are doing.
Tuesday, November 15, 2011
Journey Materials
Have you received the new materials--Girls' Guide to Girl Scouting and/or Journey Skill Builders? I may not have called them by the correct names, but they look fantastic. I am still waiting on my Brownie and Junior GGGS, but I have looked through the badge work for the Brownie Quest Journey. We are almost finished earning the Keys, so I look forward to planning activities so the girls can earn the badges.
Have you worked with any of these? How is it going? Ideas for others?
Have you worked with any of these? How is it going? Ideas for others?
Wednesday, August 10, 2011
Planning For the Year
Have you begun planning the 2011-2012 year?
Not having the new materials reminds me of starting a new school year without the new curriculum. I am a planner. I like to spend time looking through all the resources, making decisions about the year, deciding what trips we will take & which events we will attend, and setting a tentative, yet firm, calendar.
When looking at the year, I create a document that looks like a lesson plan. My document includes the date of meeting, plan for meeting (activities, crafts, etc.), materials needed, plan for dinner/snack, and notes about upcoming events to discuss with parents. I tend to plan as detailed as possible for the first semester, make changes as we go, and then build the second semester closer to December.
My co-leader and I have not planned our year yet, but we are seriously considering beginning with one of the Journeys and work through it until we can add the new materials to it. We will have a tri-level troop this year, so we will work to keep everyone on their level but doing activities/crafts that tie the levels/Journeys together.
So . . . have you planned your year yet? What plans do you have?
Not having the new materials reminds me of starting a new school year without the new curriculum. I am a planner. I like to spend time looking through all the resources, making decisions about the year, deciding what trips we will take & which events we will attend, and setting a tentative, yet firm, calendar.
When looking at the year, I create a document that looks like a lesson plan. My document includes the date of meeting, plan for meeting (activities, crafts, etc.), materials needed, plan for dinner/snack, and notes about upcoming events to discuss with parents. I tend to plan as detailed as possible for the first semester, make changes as we go, and then build the second semester closer to December.
My co-leader and I have not planned our year yet, but we are seriously considering beginning with one of the Journeys and work through it until we can add the new materials to it. We will have a tri-level troop this year, so we will work to keep everyone on their level but doing activities/crafts that tie the levels/Journeys together.
So . . . have you planned your year yet? What plans do you have?
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
Snow Day = Girl Scout Planning
I am off work and almost every school district and business around me is closed today due to the sleet and snow that fell overnight and this morning. What does one do with a day off? Well, if you are a Girl Scout Leader and/or serve on the Service Unit Team, there is always work to be done.
I have been working with my co-leader the past few days to plan our next meeting. This meeting will incorporate cookie booth sales and World Thinking Day.
We have been working on both Try-Its tied to cookies. One is in the Try-It book, Cookies Count, I believe, but the other, Smart Cookie, can be found online at http://www.girlscouts.org/program/gs_central/insignia/online/cookies/brownie_smart_cookie.asp.
By the time our booth sales end, our girls should have both of these.
We need to make signs for our booth sales, discuss "thanking" our customers, practice selling to booth sale patrons, and ask our parents to work with our girls on making change. We have to create a shopping list too, so we just need items to make the posters for this part of the meeting.
The rest of the evening will be spent working on our presentation station for our local World Thinking Day event. Those organizing the event let us know two days ago what our country would be. (We had to give our top 3 choices.) We have been asked to create a presentation board, possibly made from a science fair board, that shares something about what Girl Scouts is like in that country, their language, a snack, a game, a SWAP, and their flag.
We are going to make a flag from a pillowcase. We will probably create it with fabric paint, but we haven't made a final decision yet.
We haven't decided on our snack yet, but we need to feed about 150 people, and we need something that can be kept hot or cold easily or can be enjoyed at room temperature.
As for our SWAP, we need something easy enough for our girls to complete and also make 150 during our meeting. Besides making the item, we need to print little cards with our troop #, World Thinking Day 2011, and something that goes along with our country.
We have seen a couple of games that wouldn't be too hard, so we will have to make sure we have the space necessary around our station to play it.
Our presentation board will include the Law, Promise, pictures of uniforms, and more that represent Girl Scouts in our country. This will probably be posted in the country's language and English.
Guess we'll complete the shopping list, and when we thaw out, we'll go get the supplies. The meeting should be fun. Maybe I will be able to post some pictures.
What are all of you doing for World Thinking Day? Know of any helpful sites?
Do you have any good ideas to make the most of booth sales?
I have been working with my co-leader the past few days to plan our next meeting. This meeting will incorporate cookie booth sales and World Thinking Day.
We have been working on both Try-Its tied to cookies. One is in the Try-It book, Cookies Count, I believe, but the other, Smart Cookie, can be found online at http://www.girlscouts.org/program/gs_central/insignia/online/cookies/brownie_smart_cookie.asp.
By the time our booth sales end, our girls should have both of these.
We need to make signs for our booth sales, discuss "thanking" our customers, practice selling to booth sale patrons, and ask our parents to work with our girls on making change. We have to create a shopping list too, so we just need items to make the posters for this part of the meeting.
The rest of the evening will be spent working on our presentation station for our local World Thinking Day event. Those organizing the event let us know two days ago what our country would be. (We had to give our top 3 choices.) We have been asked to create a presentation board, possibly made from a science fair board, that shares something about what Girl Scouts is like in that country, their language, a snack, a game, a SWAP, and their flag.
We are going to make a flag from a pillowcase. We will probably create it with fabric paint, but we haven't made a final decision yet.
We haven't decided on our snack yet, but we need to feed about 150 people, and we need something that can be kept hot or cold easily or can be enjoyed at room temperature.
As for our SWAP, we need something easy enough for our girls to complete and also make 150 during our meeting. Besides making the item, we need to print little cards with our troop #, World Thinking Day 2011, and something that goes along with our country.
We have seen a couple of games that wouldn't be too hard, so we will have to make sure we have the space necessary around our station to play it.
Our presentation board will include the Law, Promise, pictures of uniforms, and more that represent Girl Scouts in our country. This will probably be posted in the country's language and English.
Guess we'll complete the shopping list, and when we thaw out, we'll go get the supplies. The meeting should be fun. Maybe I will be able to post some pictures.
What are all of you doing for World Thinking Day? Know of any helpful sites?
Do you have any good ideas to make the most of booth sales?
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