May 2013
23 posts
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You are [our sunshine]
Today, I am tired. I think most of us teachers are feeling the exhaustion levels rise.
We went to the preschool spring sing rehearsal first thing, and the students seemed to love this. They felt like it was a way for them to show their support of their younger counterparts. It felt good to have the school gather together, listening in to their sweet songs. Two of the songs tugged my heart...
[Resilience]
Today was less messy. Less tear-filled. More numbness and shock. I woke up fiercely missing Maria and did my best to channel her sweet spirit for the sake of our students.
We gathered together as a fifth and sixth community to start the morning, providing a space for students to ask questions, share memories of Maria, and sadness as well. We gathered together to offer resources, coping...
[Heavy Hearted]
Today I received some very sad news about a truly incredible colleague. I don’t think anyone ever wishes sad news for anyone, nor do we really know how to react when faced with such tragedy. I guess that’s how the world shocks us out of the clouds of everyday stresses and back into reality and what’s most important.
Throughout the day I have had moments of sorrow and tears, and know that these...
John Green's tumblr: The Commencement Address →
fishingboatproceeds:
Some people have asked to read the commencement address I delivered this morning to the 2013 graduates of Butler University. So here it is.
My own commencement speaker, who shall remain nameless, began with a lame joke about how these speeches only come in two varieties: Short and bad. This…
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“I think that one of these days you’re going to have to find out where you want...”
– J.D. Salinger (via masoeuretmoi)
That’s the tricky part. Figuring out where you want to go, and what you will do when you get there. Or figuring out what you want to do and where it will take you.
[5.8.13] erbs, day 3
3 things that went well today:
1) Sharing new science library books
2) Clue
3) (Happy) Hour with CFGs
My role in these 3 things:
1) I went to the library yesterday and snagged a bunch of neat new science books for our upcoming studies based on students’ interests. They’ll be gathering some information and ideas about what they would like to do with their final science long term...
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“Aerodynamically, the bumblebee shouldn’t be able to fly, but the bumblebee...”
– [ Mary Kay Ash ]
To my extraordinary bumblebee students: fly on!! You are capable of achieving so much success by believing in yourselves.
[5.6.13] erbs, Day I
4 things that went well today:
Up early for school
ERB testing kick-off
Quick HWK Check
Setting up for CLUE (math sample spaces)
My role in these 3 things:
I went to bed late due to Dynamo fun in Los Angeles, and had a hard time settling down due to all of the excitement from the game. I set a few alarms just in case, as I knew my commute would be a little longer than usual. I was able to...
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“Be not afraid of growing slowly, be afraid of only standing still.”
– [ Chinese Proverb ]
[5.1.13] May!
3 things that went well today:
1) CPR Share
2) Sex Determination Video/Discussion
3) Dinner with a longtime friend
My role in these 3 things:
1) I shared my news of moving to a new school with my students this morning. As I mulled over my news over the past few days/weeks, my heart was weighing heavy with fear and sadness, not for my move, but for my kiddos and how deeply sorry I feel for...
April 2013
36 posts
[4.29.13]
3 things that went well today:
1) Math concept review in stations all around the room
2) Male reproductive system models
3) Gym time
My role in these 3 things:
1) I set up the space with various questions around the room. I set a time limit today, which i think helped the group to focus overall. Usually I will extend the time based on their needs. Today, they managed their time and...
“A good teacher is like a candle: it consumes itself to light the way for others.”
– [anonymous]
I am so fortunate to have been surrounded by a team of incredible teachers over the past few years. I am so thankful for them everyday.
“Listen to many, speak to a few.”
– William Shakespeare (via awelltraveledwoman)
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[4.25.13]
3 things that went well today:
Community meetnig prep, part 2
Percents -> Decis
PLP Check-ins
My role in these 3 things:
My teaching partner and I asked students what they could and should do next in preparing for their community meeting presentation for next Friday. They decided it would be a good idea to meet in their pairs again, hash out scripts and decide upon visuals to share via a...
[4.24.13]
3 things that went well today:
1. Community meeting prep
2. Female reproductive system models
3. Math chats about percent and fraction
My role in these 3 things:
1. I helped to group students based on an interest survey they filled in. These are typically tricky because i want to honor their choices and buy-in, and also create groups that will have successes together. I know i cannot...
“Talking about our problems is our greatest addiction. Break the habit. Talk...”
– [ Rita Schiano ]
Earth day! [4.22.13]
3 things that went well today:
1. Community Meeting brainstorm 2. Student Skype from Chile 3. Earth day celebrations
My role in these 3 things:
1. I facilitated the discussion during our morning circle of power and respect. We gathered possible ideas to share with the community, had students scribes collect the information on the whiteboard, eliminated options with silent gestures to offer...
“Always be a little kinder than necessary.”
– [jm barrie]
Solid reminder. Everyone deserves kindness.
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[4.18.13]
Things are a bit nutty at school, but we’re having a great week back in the classroom. I’ve really enjoyed my time talking about body systems and organs with the kiddos. We’ve talked digestive and urinary over the past few days, and so far, the story-telling, videos, diagrams, and human machines have been a lot of fun. I hope the students are feeling more empowered through their education and...
“Besides the noble art of getting things done, there is the noble art of leaving...”
– [Lin Yutang, Chinese writer, translator, linguist and inventor]
[4.17.13]
3 things that went well today:
Ratios with frozen concentrate
PLP Log/Blog
Homemade soup & Sleepy Time Tea
My role in these 3 things:
I brought in frozen lemonade concentrate to help solidify student understanding of ratios and ratio tables. I shared with them how my brother and I used to argue over who would get to make the fruit punch from concentrate when we were younger…and how...
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“It is the wise mother who gives her child roots and wings.”
– [ Chinese Proverb ]
[4.15.13]
3 things that went well today:
Great Artist Clean-up // Reset
Intro to ratios: head to height
Intro to body systems
My role in these 3 things:
My rockstar co-teacher led this plan of action, guided roles and responsibilities. My role was small, simply that of overseeing kiddos and helping them to make safe choices. The reason why this went so well was the many people involved. I appreciated...
“Don’t let success go to your head or failure go to your heart.”
– [ anonymous ]
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“The time to be brave is now. To take risks, step outside your own fears and...”
– [my current mantra]
“To live is so startling it leaves little time for anything else.”
– [ Emily Dickinson ] 