I've started a good dozen different blog topics, uploaded pictures, but keep coming back to this one.
It's almost March, which means we're in the final stretch of the school year. It's been a wonderful year with my students, but I can't help but to zoom in on some of the challenges I've faced this year.
Pacing
I disagree with our grade level chair on pacing and classroom practices. His strategies work for him and he's a great teacher, but his methods don't work for me.
He's also used to doing a bulk of the work for the grade level, which I'm sure has been a shift for him to include others in planning decisions.
However, we made the long range plans last year and I just sort of agreed to what had been always done. I didn't feel a sense of ownership because I was new to the grade level.
Being new to the grade level and having student teachers were an adjustment as well.
However, now that I'm feeling more comfortable with the third grade material, I think it's time to take a closer look at the long range plans. For me, it was something that was just completed as quickly as possible to check off a box on a list from admin. I didn't feel a sense of ownership and I rarely, if ever, looked at them.
That mindset isn't really helpful.
So I've begun drafting out my long range plans for next year but I'm making them more meaningful to me. I'm including hyper links to ideas, pinterest images, mentor text ideas, and put in a weekly social studies or science focus.
I also hope to get to create my own schedule next year. The provided one (language/writing/math/lunch/reading/specials/reading/computers) isn't really working for me. I know I can't change specials or lunch, but I'd like to start my day with computers/RTI instead of leaving it for the end of the day.
Math
I've done a good job with having my students take daily multiplication tests to track their fluency and progress towards mastery, but I don't like the tracking system I've been using. I also need to change how I have the forms organized. I also need to change the pacing to reflect NCTM's suggested guide: 1, 2, 10, 5, 0 (and so forth) as well as remove the expectation for 11s and 12s. I also need to do more math games that focus on skip counting before introducing the timed tests.
I've also incorporated more math stations into review days and practice tests before the real test, but there's still work to do.
I'm toying with the idea of station teaching for math next year.
5-10 minutes: hw check, number talk, multiplication fluency, entrance ticket
Station time: ( 3 daily stations for 20 minutes each)
1) With teacher for explicit instruction
2) computers/iPads/ST Math or math center (review/extension)
3) partner practice (on previous day's skill)
5-10 minutes: closure, discussion, hw distribution
Writing and Reading
I haven't been thrilled with my writing instruction (because it's the hardest subject to teach), so that was one subject I really put my best effort into this year. I've tried new strategies, explicitly included language lessons (rather than passively bringing it up), and used rubrics for every prompt (most of which were created with the students). We've done more publishing (typing) than ever before and I branched out with google docs.
However, all that intentional writing came at a price. I haven't done a read aloud with my students this year. I plan to re-start the one we did in October. I'm struggling to find the time. I haven't done a lot of work with syllable types and creating multi-syllabic words, due to time.
I'm not sure how to plan moving forward. I unfortunately don't always have the support from my grade level. I don't always work with people who pull their fair share of the work load, which is frustrating. As people, I like them all very much. As colleagues...there's some work to do. We are looking at the possibility of eight third grade teachers (yikes!) so realistically this would break down to two planning teams of 4.
I'm excited to try some new strategies next year, but am going to try and field test them this year. Fingers crossed!
Showing posts with label reflection. Show all posts
Showing posts with label reflection. Show all posts
Monday, February 19, 2018
Saturday, January 6, 2018
Top 3
Last October, I attended a teacher conference and the keynote speaker gave us each a copy of his book:
His advice was to savor the book and read it over the course of a full school year (or season as he calls it). Baffled, I resisted my binge reading impulse and have been slowly reading a chapter or two per week. There are lots of thought-provoking questions and reflection space,which does hinder the speed reading.
I'm glad I've taken my time. I've had quite the range of emotions this school year, ranging from excitement to disappointment to exhaustion. I've been able to pinpoint why I'm experiencing those emotions and examine my teaching practices through a critical and empathetic lens.
Today's chapter focused on time. The one thing we never seem to have enough of as educators (and well, people in general). It focused on getting rid of the glorification of busy and talked about the negative impacts of multi-tasking.
I pride myself on my ability to multi-task, but maybe that's not such a good thing.
The chapter's call to action was to truly examine how time is being spent. By constantly toggling between various tasks (and social media), we (teachers) spend day in and day out feeling distracted, disappointed, overwhelmed, and juggling a lot of tasks, yet never really completing them.
I found myself agreeing with the author's description of the because I can syndrome.
"Loehr refers to this multitasking tendency as the "because I can" syndrome. Why do I check emails while on vacation? Why do I text during family dinner? Why do I interrupt a conversation to take another call or return a text message? Why do I work every night until after midnight? Why do I answer my cell phone during my daughter's concert? Why do I skip my work out? Why do I miss breakfast?
Because I can." (HEART, p. 72)
The author goes on to state "everyone I know has this issue I suspect that, at one time or another, you have taken on too many tasks and become overwhelmed. The demands of managing work, family, and your personal health (and energy) make it impossible not to skirt the edges of faulty assumptions. Eventually, one of these areas, if not all three, begins to suffer." (72)
As a teacher, there's always more work that can be done. Being aware of this is the first step. However, life can't be all work. Instead, I should focus and fully commit to three goals per day instead of attempting everything with varying levels of focus.
Even as I write this post, I had to make a conscious effort not to have Netflix on in the background, not to be checking my phone, not to be texting, or not to be on social media.
Newsflash: It was difficult. I was uploading some pictures to dropbox, so I checked the status of that. My phone went off a few times, so I checked the social media updates. It was nothing crucial or important. I also listened to music. B's at a softball tournament, so it means I can listen to the Wicked Soundtrack without his sassy comments. My mind started to stray about the laundry I could start, or the errands I could do, or the chores that could be started, and as a result, this post took a while to write.
This is exactly what the author is talking about: the superficial tasks and the "simpler, better, faster" mantra.
The blunt truth of this chapter really resonated with me:
Except in rare circumstances...you will never be as good as if you focused on one thing at a time. Period. That's the bottom line. " (71)
He goes on to quote The Way We're Working Isn't Working with "We create plenty of distractions for ourselves by juggling tasks, making ourselves perpetually available to others, opening several windows on our computers, and focusing on whatever feels most urgent at the moment without regard to whether what we are doing is really important." (71)
The book suggests thinking about 3 goals per day. So, that's what I'm going to try.
I found this while cleaning:
And it seems perfect for this new strategy.
My goals for Monday (the first day back) are:
1) Plan my smart notebook for the day and gather necessary materials
2) Plan for Tuesday (lay out copies, etc) right after school
3) Plan with Ms. H (we were supposed to plan over break, but family time was more important)
My going into Monday with my goals in mind makes it easy to grasp. My day is planned. My 3 goals for the day are laid out (and written down in my goal setting planner).
However, I don't want to wait until Monday to try this new strategy. I've started today's list of my top 3 goals:
1) Go to Target for a few items
2) Spend 45 minutes in the garage organizing and going through teacher boxes
3) Nail appointment with two coworkers (It's been a month)
What are your top three goals for today?
His advice was to savor the book and read it over the course of a full school year (or season as he calls it). Baffled, I resisted my binge reading impulse and have been slowly reading a chapter or two per week. There are lots of thought-provoking questions and reflection space,which does hinder the speed reading.
I'm glad I've taken my time. I've had quite the range of emotions this school year, ranging from excitement to disappointment to exhaustion. I've been able to pinpoint why I'm experiencing those emotions and examine my teaching practices through a critical and empathetic lens.
Today's chapter focused on time. The one thing we never seem to have enough of as educators (and well, people in general). It focused on getting rid of the glorification of busy and talked about the negative impacts of multi-tasking.
I pride myself on my ability to multi-task, but maybe that's not such a good thing.
The chapter's call to action was to truly examine how time is being spent. By constantly toggling between various tasks (and social media), we (teachers) spend day in and day out feeling distracted, disappointed, overwhelmed, and juggling a lot of tasks, yet never really completing them.
I found myself agreeing with the author's description of the because I can syndrome.
"Loehr refers to this multitasking tendency as the "because I can" syndrome. Why do I check emails while on vacation? Why do I text during family dinner? Why do I interrupt a conversation to take another call or return a text message? Why do I work every night until after midnight? Why do I answer my cell phone during my daughter's concert? Why do I skip my work out? Why do I miss breakfast?
Because I can." (HEART, p. 72)
The author goes on to state "everyone I know has this issue I suspect that, at one time or another, you have taken on too many tasks and become overwhelmed. The demands of managing work, family, and your personal health (and energy) make it impossible not to skirt the edges of faulty assumptions. Eventually, one of these areas, if not all three, begins to suffer." (72)
As a teacher, there's always more work that can be done. Being aware of this is the first step. However, life can't be all work. Instead, I should focus and fully commit to three goals per day instead of attempting everything with varying levels of focus.
Even as I write this post, I had to make a conscious effort not to have Netflix on in the background, not to be checking my phone, not to be texting, or not to be on social media.
Newsflash: It was difficult. I was uploading some pictures to dropbox, so I checked the status of that. My phone went off a few times, so I checked the social media updates. It was nothing crucial or important. I also listened to music. B's at a softball tournament, so it means I can listen to the Wicked Soundtrack without his sassy comments. My mind started to stray about the laundry I could start, or the errands I could do, or the chores that could be started, and as a result, this post took a while to write.
This is exactly what the author is talking about: the superficial tasks and the "simpler, better, faster" mantra.
The blunt truth of this chapter really resonated with me:
Except in rare circumstances...you will never be as good as if you focused on one thing at a time. Period. That's the bottom line. " (71)
He goes on to quote The Way We're Working Isn't Working with "We create plenty of distractions for ourselves by juggling tasks, making ourselves perpetually available to others, opening several windows on our computers, and focusing on whatever feels most urgent at the moment without regard to whether what we are doing is really important." (71)
The book suggests thinking about 3 goals per day. So, that's what I'm going to try.
I found this while cleaning:
And it seems perfect for this new strategy.
My goals for Monday (the first day back) are:
1) Plan my smart notebook for the day and gather necessary materials
2) Plan for Tuesday (lay out copies, etc) right after school
3) Plan with Ms. H (we were supposed to plan over break, but family time was more important)
My going into Monday with my goals in mind makes it easy to grasp. My day is planned. My 3 goals for the day are laid out (and written down in my goal setting planner).
However, I don't want to wait until Monday to try this new strategy. I've started today's list of my top 3 goals:
1) Go to Target for a few items
2) Spend 45 minutes in the garage organizing and going through teacher boxes
3) Nail appointment with two coworkers (It's been a month)
What are your top three goals for today?
Wednesday, January 3, 2018
2017 Resolutions, Revisited
It's that time of year again. Everyone is posting these drastic, ambitious goals and reflecting on the past 365 days.
I decided to re-read {a post} I wrote almost a year ago. The original post is in italics with today's reflections in regular print.
Resolutions
Seeing how we're over a week into 2017, I guess I should get around to posting my goals. By sharing them, I'm more likely to be accountable for them.
It appears late resolutions will be my fate again in 2018.
I've been making steady progress with this goal. Last month I finished (finally) There's Nothing Worse Than Witches and started The Hammer of Thor. I've been trying to read a few chapters each night and type up notes about the novel as I go. I'm currently on chapter 22 (of around 60), so we're counting this as a win. As I {previously shared}, I've got the goal of at least one book per month.
So...I didn't read as much as I'd planned. I finished There's Nothing Worse Than Witches, The Hammer of Thor, and The Dark Prophecy in terms of young adult books. I'm in the middle of The Ship of the Dead.
Professionally I read Your School Rocks, Play like a Pirate, Teach Like a Pirate, Love and Logic, Essential 55 and am in the middle of Heart.
Personally I read Hygge and part of The Life Changing Magic of Tidying Up. (Spoiler, it wasn't life changing and I couldn't even finish the book. It was far too pompous for my liking.)
I know there were a few other new children's books in there too, but I read about a book a month. Not awful, but not quite on track.
With report card comments due soon, this one has been a tad more difficult to follow.
That was literally my life last week.
I didn't stay past 5 any day this week and didn't really bring any work home for the weekend, which are both steps in the right direction. I'm trying to preserve my morning times as quiet, productive moments.
Still working on this.
On the bright side, I was selected to attend an educator's conference in Anaheim at the end of March. I'll be going with three other teachers from my school as well as my principal. I've heard of the guest speakers, but haven't read their books yet. I'm hopeful we'll get free copies at the conference.
Yes, I am easily bribed with free books. Fingers crossed!
I got free books. I also bought books. I also met the authors (Quinn Rollins and Dave Burgess) of some of the books, so that was pretty nifty.
I {previously shared} my resignation letter for Jamberry. We're going through our closets and donating what no longer fits, we don't wear, or is no longer reflective of who we are. Tonight we're going through our mugs (we have a lot) and donating ones that aren't sentimental or reflective of us as a couple.
I'm also applying this to friendships or relationships with people. I tend to over-invest in people, then are hurt when they don't reciprocate. I'm investing less in these toxic relationships (because some I have to keep professionally). I'm keeping my boundaries (they aren't a bad thing) and letting go of things (and relationships) that don't bring me joy.
Relearned this lesson. Still happy with my boundaries.
We are still paying for it...and our honeymoon.
We've also had some unexpected expenses lately (new tires), planned expenses (water softener, couch repair, bedroom set, security door), and an impulse buy (new TV, but for more than half off because of gift cards and Black Friday sales).
All of those things are now paid off.
Unfortunately, as a teacher, I don't make a lot. (Yes, I know my job is rewarding and I'm in it for the outcome, but cliches aside, I work really hard and it'd be nice to be compensated more for my time).
Don't worry, I still don't make a lot. I was still deprived a pay raise that I earned.
However, we're taking lots of steps towards financial freedom. We've paid off our couch repair, new TV, the surprise tires he needed, and our new water softener. I paid off my car this week and have two payments left on our second security door. We're paying off all our credit card debt within the next few months and eating out less to not only be healthier, but because it's cheaper.
Trying. Credit card debt is there, but less each month.
We're using Ibotta, cartwheel, and coupons as often as possible. We've limited our spending to food, gifts for others, and bills. We had a financial check in with a consultant, fund our savings each month, and have set realistic financial goals together as a couple.
We've mapped out our big expenses for the year (new mattress, new tires for me, home warranty, wedding & baby shower gifts) and luckily, they're pretty spread out. We are both also working overtime because we'd like to take a Disneyland trip in the upcoming months, but don't want to acquire new debt to do so.
We bought the new mattress and tires, both of which are already paid off. Home warranty accounted for, along with HOA payments and gifts.
Disney didn't happen, but Universal Studios did. Life is about compromises.
We're using our upcoming tax return to fund our savings and tackle home improvement projects, which will only add value to our home for when we eventually sell and move.
It's difficult at times to say no to the pretty things at Marshall's, but I know in the long term, a mattress is more important.
But still...
#adulting.
We are still adulting. We now have student loans to factor into our adulting.
2017 was worse.
However, focusing on the negatives and complaining doesn't really do any good. Yes, I understand the need to vent. However, I'm putting into place the idea of venting about a particular issue to just 1-2 people, then letting it go.
More importantly, I picked up a grateful journal and am writing in it each night. (Found at Marshall's for a few bucks.)
I have no idea where that journal is. I think I wrote in it twice.
We also started a jar for 2017. Every time something awesome happens, we add it to the jar.
To be fair, I am way more into this then B is, but it'll be nice to look at on New Year's Eve.
I lost track of this in February. It was depressingly low. We'll do better this year.
I don't like the word diet and I don't like saying I'll completely cut something out of my life. Instead, we're focusing on healthy habits. Coincidentally, I'm also participating in Biggest Loser at work, so that money pot is a financial incentive. B is totally on board with healthy habits, which makes a huge difference because I have support at home and at school.
I came in third.
We're cooking more at home and eating earlier in the evening. I'm taking Waffles on her morning walks, but we've also added in evening walks which benefits everyone. He is really excited about a yoga DVD set, so we're trying to incorporate those work outs a few times per week. We're working on portion sizes and I've cut down on soda consumption. Instead of viewing soda as an every day drink, I'm limiting myself to 12 ounces per day and as a reward instead of a frequent drink. We're adding healthy snacks to the fridge as go-to items and I'm adding a dash of lemonade to my water in the morning for flavor.
Still working on this.
We've also got cheat meals planned and enjoy them. Last night we went to Olive Garden, but didn't eat all of our meals. I had two bowls of soup, salad, and a small bit of my pasta. The rest was taken home and split into 2 smaller meals.
Still working on this...and now craving Olive Garden.
One of the best healthy habits tips I read was to ask for a to go box when you order food at a restaurant. Before you start eating, box up half of it for a later meal. Automatic portion control!
My last goal is an all-encompassing one. At the end of the day, my family matters. My husband matters. My overall health (physical, mental, emotional, spiritual) matters. My pets matter. My friends matter.
Yes. All of this.
My job is important, but it doesn't define me. There will always be more work that can be done. There won't always be more time to enjoy being a newlywed. There won't always be time to enjoy my (future) children when they're little. (Not a pregnancy announcement, kids are still in the distant future, not on the horizon.)
Still no babies. Hopefully this year we will start a family.
I'm vowing to spend more time on the big, important things.
What are your new year's resolutions?
Moving forward to 2018, I am working on:
Reading more and watching less.
Leaving work at work.
Work-life boundaries.
Listening more.
Mentoring more.
Embracing creativity.
Not feeling ashamed of the food I put in my body, but making more of an effort to make it healthy.
Not letting the negativity of others steal my joy.
17 in 17, revisited
About a year ago, I shared my {17 in 17} post. For readability sake, I've reposted the article in italics.
As I look at my calendar for 2017, I'm optimistic for the year ahead.
1) I'm looking forward to B graduating college. For the past four years, he's been working (more than) full time, playing softball, and in school full time with the University of Phoenix. He's got a few classes left and is enjoying what he's studying, which is setting him up for a future career that he loves.
He graduated. He's searching for a job within his field.
2) I'm looking forward to friends' weddings. We have one in April, one in May, two in September, and one in October. (That we know of...)
We enjoyed them all, thoroughly. We've got a few upcoming weddings in 2018 but things have simmered down.
3) I'm looking forward to our friends having babies. One is due in January, one in February, two in April, one in May, and one in July...again, that we know of!
Sweet, sweet babies. More are on the way. None of them are ours.
4) I'm looking forward to our honeymoon. It's occurring over the summer and on an island. We're still working on the details.
We spent half a week in Arizona, a week in Florida, and a week in St. Martin. It was perfect.
5) Finishing our bedroom. We purchased a bedroom set on Black Friday and the final piece was just delivered to the store. We'll be making a quick road trip to Arizona later this month to pick up the last dresser. We'll also be purchasing a new mattress in February (when they're on sale for President's Day) and building our new bed. It's a little tough for two adults and three pets to share a queen sized bed and the mattress is literally falling apart.
Here's a preview of our new furniture:
(We purchased from {American Furniture Warehouse} and have been pleased with their products. We now have a bed, 2 night stands, 3 dressers, a media stand, a recliner, a table, and eight chairs. #adulting!)
Bed is still great. We got some new sheets from my mama for Christmas. They're puppy approved!
6) I'm looking forward to making our financial goals. My car will be paid off this month (years ahead of the loan). Our security door will be paid off in six months (so no interest!) and we're working side jobs to reduce our debt (the wedding was expensive). We've got a plan and are on our way to meeting our goals.
Vehicles are paid off, security door paid off, mattress paid off, bed furniture set paid off. Working on honeymoon debt, holidays, and student loans.
7) Working on my resolutions. I'm excited for the books ahead!
I didn't read as many books as I'd planned.
8) I'm excited to plan events. I'm working on a baby shower for early March and bridal events over the summer. B will be graduating (and then getting an epic party) and his aunt & uncle are celebrating their 40th anniversary. His second cousin is turning 18. His cousin is getting married in May. There's a lot of exciting events to help organize.
Baby showers and wedding events went as planned, for the most part. One wedding got cancelled, the 40th anniversary was replaced by a 90th birthday party, and a few other baby showers popped up.
9) Traveling to new places. My bestie is teaching at UNC and I want to see her new home in Charlotte. We're also looking forward to taking our first Disneyland trip as a couple this year. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter (CA) is also on the agenda for this year.
We didn't make it to Harry Potter world or Disneyland. We made it to Universal Studios in Florida instead. I didn't make it out to UNC. When we were on the East Coast, she was at a conference in Paris. I'd be jealous if I wasn't so insanely proud of her.
10) I'm looking forward to pursuing passions. I'm currently working on a scrapbook for a friend. B is building a 3D pirate ship. It's nice to be crafty separately, but still together.
Still working on those passions. He built a Rick and Morty lego thing yesterday.
11) I'm looking forward to finally finishing the Gilmore Girls revival! Over Thanksgiving break, I prioritized grading and family time. I am dreading the end (although it's already been spoiled) because I waited so long for this revival!
I watched it, more than once. We are ready to start season 2 of Stranger Things!
12) I'm really, really excited to get our wedding pictures back! We had a wonderful time and can't wait to see the professional shots. It's been about six weeks, so I'm hopeful they'll be done soon.
Done, back, gorgeous. I'll get around to making an album one of these days.
13) I'm looking forward to a tater tots & beer festival. We didn't order tickets in time for the one last November, so I'll be quicker with purchasing the tickets.
We looked into this and it was ridiculously expensive. Plus it was really close to the Vegas Shooting, so we weren't quite ready to try outdoor festivals.
14) I'm looking forward to continuing to spend time with friends. We'll be enjoying potlucks and game nights as we all focus less on going out for wild crazy nights and adjust to life as adults in our thirties (gasp).
The events didn't happen as often as I'd like but we still had adventures with friends.
15) I'm excited to be a sounding board for close friends that are getting married. I'm still working on blog posts about my favorite parts.
Their weddings were lovely.
16) I'm looking forward to our field trips. We're taking the kiddos to the Springs Preserve for a guided field trip in early February.
That was a fun field trip. We also took the third graders to the science museum last month.
17) I'm excited to watch B help coach girls soccer at my school with Mrs. S. He'll be assistant coach to the fourth and fifth grade girls this spring.
That was cute. He's ready to do it again. Waffs and I enjoyed some games.
What are you looking forward to in 2017?
2017 had its ups and downs. All political commentary aside, it was a year of change. I decided to switch grade levels and am now thoroughly enjoying teaching third. We enjoyed some trips, I read a few good books (and one I really disliked), did some crafting, strengthened friendships, and let toxic ones go. All three pets are still relatively healthy, my mom opened her Etsy shop (more on that later), and we wrote about our hopes for 2018:
As I look at my calendar for 2017, I'm optimistic for the year ahead.
1) I'm looking forward to B graduating college. For the past four years, he's been working (more than) full time, playing softball, and in school full time with the University of Phoenix. He's got a few classes left and is enjoying what he's studying, which is setting him up for a future career that he loves.
He graduated. He's searching for a job within his field.
2) I'm looking forward to friends' weddings. We have one in April, one in May, two in September, and one in October. (That we know of...)
We enjoyed them all, thoroughly. We've got a few upcoming weddings in 2018 but things have simmered down.
3) I'm looking forward to our friends having babies. One is due in January, one in February, two in April, one in May, and one in July...again, that we know of!
Sweet, sweet babies. More are on the way. None of them are ours.
4) I'm looking forward to our honeymoon. It's occurring over the summer and on an island. We're still working on the details.
We spent half a week in Arizona, a week in Florida, and a week in St. Martin. It was perfect.
5) Finishing our bedroom. We purchased a bedroom set on Black Friday and the final piece was just delivered to the store. We'll be making a quick road trip to Arizona later this month to pick up the last dresser. We'll also be purchasing a new mattress in February (when they're on sale for President's Day) and building our new bed. It's a little tough for two adults and three pets to share a queen sized bed and the mattress is literally falling apart.
Here's a preview of our new furniture:
(We purchased from {American Furniture Warehouse} and have been pleased with their products. We now have a bed, 2 night stands, 3 dressers, a media stand, a recliner, a table, and eight chairs. #adulting!)
Bed is still great. We got some new sheets from my mama for Christmas. They're puppy approved!
6) I'm looking forward to making our financial goals. My car will be paid off this month (years ahead of the loan). Our security door will be paid off in six months (so no interest!) and we're working side jobs to reduce our debt (the wedding was expensive). We've got a plan and are on our way to meeting our goals.
Vehicles are paid off, security door paid off, mattress paid off, bed furniture set paid off. Working on honeymoon debt, holidays, and student loans.
7) Working on my resolutions. I'm excited for the books ahead!
I didn't read as many books as I'd planned.
8) I'm excited to plan events. I'm working on a baby shower for early March and bridal events over the summer. B will be graduating (and then getting an epic party) and his aunt & uncle are celebrating their 40th anniversary. His second cousin is turning 18. His cousin is getting married in May. There's a lot of exciting events to help organize.
Baby showers and wedding events went as planned, for the most part. One wedding got cancelled, the 40th anniversary was replaced by a 90th birthday party, and a few other baby showers popped up.
9) Traveling to new places. My bestie is teaching at UNC and I want to see her new home in Charlotte. We're also looking forward to taking our first Disneyland trip as a couple this year. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter (CA) is also on the agenda for this year.
We didn't make it to Harry Potter world or Disneyland. We made it to Universal Studios in Florida instead. I didn't make it out to UNC. When we were on the East Coast, she was at a conference in Paris. I'd be jealous if I wasn't so insanely proud of her.
10) I'm looking forward to pursuing passions. I'm currently working on a scrapbook for a friend. B is building a 3D pirate ship. It's nice to be crafty separately, but still together.
Still working on those passions. He built a Rick and Morty lego thing yesterday.
11) I'm looking forward to finally finishing the Gilmore Girls revival! Over Thanksgiving break, I prioritized grading and family time. I am dreading the end (although it's already been spoiled) because I waited so long for this revival!
I watched it, more than once. We are ready to start season 2 of Stranger Things!
12) I'm really, really excited to get our wedding pictures back! We had a wonderful time and can't wait to see the professional shots. It's been about six weeks, so I'm hopeful they'll be done soon.
Done, back, gorgeous. I'll get around to making an album one of these days.
13) I'm looking forward to a tater tots & beer festival. We didn't order tickets in time for the one last November, so I'll be quicker with purchasing the tickets.
We looked into this and it was ridiculously expensive. Plus it was really close to the Vegas Shooting, so we weren't quite ready to try outdoor festivals.
14) I'm looking forward to continuing to spend time with friends. We'll be enjoying potlucks and game nights as we all focus less on going out for wild crazy nights and adjust to life as adults in our thirties (gasp).
The events didn't happen as often as I'd like but we still had adventures with friends.
15) I'm excited to be a sounding board for close friends that are getting married. I'm still working on blog posts about my favorite parts.
Their weddings were lovely.
16) I'm looking forward to our field trips. We're taking the kiddos to the Springs Preserve for a guided field trip in early February.
That was a fun field trip. We also took the third graders to the science museum last month.
17) I'm excited to watch B help coach girls soccer at my school with Mrs. S. He'll be assistant coach to the fourth and fifth grade girls this spring.
That was cute. He's ready to do it again. Waffs and I enjoyed some games.
What are you looking forward to in 2017?
2017 had its ups and downs. All political commentary aside, it was a year of change. I decided to switch grade levels and am now thoroughly enjoying teaching third. We enjoyed some trips, I read a few good books (and one I really disliked), did some crafting, strengthened friendships, and let toxic ones go. All three pets are still relatively healthy, my mom opened her Etsy shop (more on that later), and we wrote about our hopes for 2018:
Sunday, October 1, 2017
Writing Lessons
For me, writing is one of the hardest subjects to teach. We don't really have a writing curriculum to follow (we don't have any curriculum, just standards), so we make it up on our own.
Luckily I have a great team and we work together well to share the responsibility of lesson planning.
Last year, I wasn't thrilled with my writing plans or instruction. I was okay with writing, but it was the subject I'd often skip on days we had assemblies, project based learning lessons, counseling lessons, etc. I think that dismissive attitude rubbed off on my students because they didn't seem to value writing either.
So instead of keeping with the status quo, I decided that this year I would be teaching writing first thing in the morning and do a more explicit job with modeling all steps of the writing process.
I also made sure that if we skipped a day in writing, we skipped math or reading the next time. More importantly, I verbalized this skip and why to the students. I think there is value in them hearing me state that all subjects are important and that's why we take turns skipping them when other things arise.
I also am explicitly teaching language mini-lessons instead of having them sprinkled throughout the writing instruction. Fifth graders could handle these sporadic truth bombs, but the third graders (at least my group) need a more systematic approach to language.
At seven weeks in, here's what we've covered:
They just finished their first papers (autobiographies) and we're transitioning into personal narratives. We'll do a few short writes, focus on conclusions, character traits, adjectives, and more typing mini-lessons.
We'll also be doing the Monster Project, but more on that later!
Luckily I have a great team and we work together well to share the responsibility of lesson planning.
Last year, I wasn't thrilled with my writing plans or instruction. I was okay with writing, but it was the subject I'd often skip on days we had assemblies, project based learning lessons, counseling lessons, etc. I think that dismissive attitude rubbed off on my students because they didn't seem to value writing either.
So instead of keeping with the status quo, I decided that this year I would be teaching writing first thing in the morning and do a more explicit job with modeling all steps of the writing process.
I also made sure that if we skipped a day in writing, we skipped math or reading the next time. More importantly, I verbalized this skip and why to the students. I think there is value in them hearing me state that all subjects are important and that's why we take turns skipping them when other things arise.
I also am explicitly teaching language mini-lessons instead of having them sprinkled throughout the writing instruction. Fifth graders could handle these sporadic truth bombs, but the third graders (at least my group) need a more systematic approach to language.
At seven weeks in, here's what we've covered:
They just finished their first papers (autobiographies) and we're transitioning into personal narratives. We'll do a few short writes, focus on conclusions, character traits, adjectives, and more typing mini-lessons.
We'll also be doing the Monster Project, but more on that later!
Wednesday, July 29, 2015
A nice refresher
Besides conquering both laundry and an exciting day at Chevy (recall on my car, nothing major), my other goal for the day was to get started on my first week lesson plans.
While emotionally preparing to open Curriculum Engine (the site where we make & store our digital lesson plans), I got distracted on pinterest by preparing for your first week articles. Most of them weren't that helpful, but I found this {one} that had some good points.
Here are my favorite take-aways from the article:
#1: "Set up your classroom in an active learning format"
Fingers crossed the rumors are true and my projector got ceiling mounted over the summer! I was spoiled with a ceiling mounted one for years and forgot how much I'd missed it. Not having a desk or table in the center of the room really clears up space. Not to mention I'd get to skip the daily (okay, several times each day) frustration of when a child accidentally (or sometimes on purpose) would bump the projector, causing the smartboard to need to be recalibrated. Without the desk and cord set up (hello tripping hazard), I would be able to teach from the center of the room and strategically move closer toward off task students.
#2: Starting the day off with something other than roll call
We have our morning procedures (unpack, papers turned in, backpacks hung up, pencils sharpened, etc) and class jobs (lunch cards, attendance) but then we do our morning meme.
Yup, we start our day off with a meme and it just sets everyone off on a good day. Laughter is always good thing! You can follow my classroom meme pinterest board {here}! Plus if you've got a funny classroom meme, send it my way!
#3: Make Up work:
I've done the orange "while you were gone" folders and I haven't decided if I want to keep it again. I already have them made, so that's a plus. (Apparently I don't have a picture, but it's a florescent orange folder that says "we missed you".)
I like the idea of using a tub and putting a file in for each day in the month (1-31). All extras would be filed there (minus one for me to use as the master copy if needed). With this system, I'd only have to clean it out once a month :)
#4: Class Norms:
Preach! This is one of our first week activities with a gallery walk. I remake the class norms poster each year and have them sign it. It helps with our buy in and provides a nice link to the US Constitution (when we get there in social studies).
#7: Noise
We are near a kinder classroom. We do our best. Sometimes there is just loud shouting, crying, and other unidentifiable noises so I just shake my head, try not to laugh, and remind them that I teach fifth grade for a reason.
#9
We don't do questions stems per say, but rather accountable talk stems. I want my students to answer in complete sentences and know that it's okay for them to disagree with one another as long as they do it in a respectable manner.
I have these in my classroom at the front of the room. They are color coded to help students know how to phrase their comments. Accountable talk stems also help students listen to one another because I expect them to give credit to one another for ideas.
#11: Encouraging risks
I want to do more of this, but I'm not sure how. Wheels in my brain are spinning, stay tuned!
#12: Self-reflection
I have them reflect on their learning throughout the day and we have class discussions after we try something new (particularly if it doesn't go exactly as I've planned). I don't know if my fifth graders could handle a written reflection daily, but I like when they reflect upon their learning (which should happen often).
#17: Blog
We've got a weebly and I hope I have more parent communication with it. I'll be doing class dojo as well to foster communication with families. I do want to turn some of the responsibility of blogging over to my students. I think it'd be a great venue for collaboration as well as authentic writing. They have an audience: their classmates and their families, so I think they'd do a good job trying to impress one another. It'd also be a great way to imbed those mini-lessons on technology that are so important.
#18: Class jobs
Again, amen! My first few years in the classroom, I tried to do all these things myself. But fun fact: kids want to help! Fifth graders are not too cool to be motivated by a high five or a sticker. They want to feel in control and help, so I might as well turn some of the smaller tasks over to them.
I have 36 different classroom jobs and it helps me stay sane. Obviously I can't have them grade essays, but I can have them remind me to take attendance, file nurse notes, lead the class in the pledge, pass out lunch cards and papers, and other small time-consuming tasks. I like to set aside the last five minutes of the day (during our "pack and stack") for class jobs and tidying. Another "negative Nancy" teacher has commented time and again that her students don't need classroom jobs and that things just magically get done. I like structure and I don't think that's a bad thing. We switch up jobs every month and I have students vote on their top five choices.
#20: Learning Styles Assessment
I try to shape my lessons to hit multiple learning modalities (auditory, visual, kinesthetic) but it's nice for my students to realize what type of learners they are. Most of them have never really thought about this before fifth grade, so it's nice for them to think about themselves as learners. I stress that it's okay to be a combination of styles. Knowing what "type" they are empowers them to take charge of their learning and that's never a bad thing!
What were your take aways from the article? Any "ah ha" moments?
While emotionally preparing to open Curriculum Engine (the site where we make & store our digital lesson plans), I got distracted on pinterest by preparing for your first week articles. Most of them weren't that helpful, but I found this {one} that had some good points.
Here are my favorite take-aways from the article:
#1: "Set up your classroom in an active learning format"
Fingers crossed the rumors are true and my projector got ceiling mounted over the summer! I was spoiled with a ceiling mounted one for years and forgot how much I'd missed it. Not having a desk or table in the center of the room really clears up space. Not to mention I'd get to skip the daily (okay, several times each day) frustration of when a child accidentally (or sometimes on purpose) would bump the projector, causing the smartboard to need to be recalibrated. Without the desk and cord set up (hello tripping hazard), I would be able to teach from the center of the room and strategically move closer toward off task students.
#2: Starting the day off with something other than roll call
We have our morning procedures (unpack, papers turned in, backpacks hung up, pencils sharpened, etc) and class jobs (lunch cards, attendance) but then we do our morning meme.
Yup, we start our day off with a meme and it just sets everyone off on a good day. Laughter is always good thing! You can follow my classroom meme pinterest board {here}! Plus if you've got a funny classroom meme, send it my way!
#3: Make Up work:
I've done the orange "while you were gone" folders and I haven't decided if I want to keep it again. I already have them made, so that's a plus. (Apparently I don't have a picture, but it's a florescent orange folder that says "we missed you".)
I like the idea of using a tub and putting a file in for each day in the month (1-31). All extras would be filed there (minus one for me to use as the master copy if needed). With this system, I'd only have to clean it out once a month :)
#4: Class Norms:
Preach! This is one of our first week activities with a gallery walk. I remake the class norms poster each year and have them sign it. It helps with our buy in and provides a nice link to the US Constitution (when we get there in social studies).
#7: Noise
We are near a kinder classroom. We do our best. Sometimes there is just loud shouting, crying, and other unidentifiable noises so I just shake my head, try not to laugh, and remind them that I teach fifth grade for a reason.
#9
We don't do questions stems per say, but rather accountable talk stems. I want my students to answer in complete sentences and know that it's okay for them to disagree with one another as long as they do it in a respectable manner.
It started like this:
But has evolved to this:
I have these in my classroom at the front of the room. They are color coded to help students know how to phrase their comments. Accountable talk stems also help students listen to one another because I expect them to give credit to one another for ideas.
#11: Encouraging risks
I want to do more of this, but I'm not sure how. Wheels in my brain are spinning, stay tuned!
#12: Self-reflection
I have them reflect on their learning throughout the day and we have class discussions after we try something new (particularly if it doesn't go exactly as I've planned). I don't know if my fifth graders could handle a written reflection daily, but I like when they reflect upon their learning (which should happen often).
#17: Blog
We've got a weebly and I hope I have more parent communication with it. I'll be doing class dojo as well to foster communication with families. I do want to turn some of the responsibility of blogging over to my students. I think it'd be a great venue for collaboration as well as authentic writing. They have an audience: their classmates and their families, so I think they'd do a good job trying to impress one another. It'd also be a great way to imbed those mini-lessons on technology that are so important.
#18: Class jobs
Again, amen! My first few years in the classroom, I tried to do all these things myself. But fun fact: kids want to help! Fifth graders are not too cool to be motivated by a high five or a sticker. They want to feel in control and help, so I might as well turn some of the smaller tasks over to them.
I have 36 different classroom jobs and it helps me stay sane. Obviously I can't have them grade essays, but I can have them remind me to take attendance, file nurse notes, lead the class in the pledge, pass out lunch cards and papers, and other small time-consuming tasks. I like to set aside the last five minutes of the day (during our "pack and stack") for class jobs and tidying. Another "negative Nancy" teacher has commented time and again that her students don't need classroom jobs and that things just magically get done. I like structure and I don't think that's a bad thing. We switch up jobs every month and I have students vote on their top five choices.
#20: Learning Styles Assessment
I try to shape my lessons to hit multiple learning modalities (auditory, visual, kinesthetic) but it's nice for my students to realize what type of learners they are. Most of them have never really thought about this before fifth grade, so it's nice for them to think about themselves as learners. I stress that it's okay to be a combination of styles. Knowing what "type" they are empowers them to take charge of their learning and that's never a bad thing!
What were your take aways from the article? Any "ah ha" moments?
Monday, July 27, 2015
July goals revisited
Apparently July is ending soon, so I thought I'd revisit my July goals post. The original post is in italics while my updated thoughts are in bold.
So let's set some goals for July:
1) I will keep my wedding prep talk to a minimum. B's brother and fiance are getting married next month and we're both in the wedding party. I don't want to steal their thunder.
Yeah....I got a little carried away with the planning. Sorry readers...I'll refrain from posting more for a bit. I've tried to keep it to the blog and with my mom. I did get my dress for their wedding and am helping with some craft project on Thursday morning.
2) Finish The Blood of Olympus. I'm on chapter 14 and don't plan on doing much more the rest of the day. Plus this will be my plane reading.
So my plane reading became napping. I'm on chapter 32 (of 50?). I plan to knock out a few more chapters tomorrow. I'd be farther along if I didn't have my helper...
We've been doing lots of belly rubs! Waffles has been amazingly helpful at blogging, reading, and crafting. Her fur sisters have been equally helpful at aggressively smelling things and knocking sharpies to the ground for Waffles to play with.
My goal is to finish it before I go back to school...and before his next novel comes out! The main character shares a last name with Annabeth and this is based on Norse gods. My heart is happy.
3) Learn, a lot. I'm off to DENSI 2015 tomorrow evening and super excited to reconnect with others. I'm the only representative from my whole state...so no pressure there!
I learned so much! Now I just need to stop being a slacker and share what I learned.
4) Help a friend earn some great rewards with her online Jamberry party. We are having lots of fun with our nail wraps and I love that I can have gorgeous nails without a trip to the salon for way cheaper! It's a win-win all around! I previously posted, I'm currently rocking a Shark Week themed jamicure.
Favorite Jamicures:
Oh yeah, I did that glittery pink and silver ombre look at home in 20 minutes flat while watching television. Bam!
Her party is finishing up on Wednesday. We've had fun and I've learned a few things. I don't think the next online party will go as long because there isn't the sense of urgency when it's open for three weeks. Now I know better.
5) Finish
watching season 2 of Arrow. We've got just a few episodes left, but
it's Shark Week and that obviously takes priority!
DONE! We've got a new season of Ink Master to enjoy next.
6) Catch up
with family and old friends. We're seeing one of my oldest friends and
his girlfriend tomorrow for dinner. I get to spend next weekend in DC
with my bestie. I'll get to talk to my mom soon (she's gallivanting in
Europe and having the time of her life!)
DONE! I've had some recent painful moments where I've realized that the friendships I treasured just aren't the same because people change. That's been a rough lesson to learn this month. I feel like this is a lesson I keep learning over and over again because I have a hard time giving up on people. But I've also had some great times with the wonderful people in my life, many of them my new friends from my new school. Thanks tribe for being awesome.
7) Finish up some minor craft projects that I've started. I donated a bunch of old items to a friend for her church's garage sale, so it's nice to purge items that I no longer need. I'm in the process of organizing the garage and cleaning out our guest room (since it will quickly be taken over by wedding prep craft projects).
Done...ish. One paint project is currently drying. Others are being finalized this evening (I am binge watching Netflix without shame) or tomorrow after my eye doctor check up. Our guest room has three distinct piles: work, Jamberry, and wedding. The school pile is the largest.
August will be consumed with their wedding, math training, and returning to work to conquer year seven in the classroom.
I've got five or six small wedding projects (mostly for the engagement party) to work on next month. I'm excited about my math training.
I'm also excited for this free learning opportunity:
It's an online PD on August 4th and I'll get teaching materials in the mail after completing the course. I didn't have the opportunity to attend this at DENSI, so I'm pleased it's offered again. To clarify, I'm not excited about the content. I think the content is beyond important and I am excited to learn strategies for discussing this dark period in history with my students. I plan to use Number the Stars as one of our grade level read alouds and want to do a better job front loading the novel with the historical context.
Last year we read Esperanza Rising and building in the historical context about the Dust Bowl made a world of difference with my students.
What are your goals? Did you achieve them? If not, (no judgment) what's your revised plan for success?
So let's set some goals for July:
1) I will keep my wedding prep talk to a minimum. B's brother and fiance are getting married next month and we're both in the wedding party. I don't want to steal their thunder.
Yeah....I got a little carried away with the planning. Sorry readers...I'll refrain from posting more for a bit. I've tried to keep it to the blog and with my mom. I did get my dress for their wedding and am helping with some craft project on Thursday morning.
2) Finish The Blood of Olympus. I'm on chapter 14 and don't plan on doing much more the rest of the day. Plus this will be my plane reading.
So my plane reading became napping. I'm on chapter 32 (of 50?). I plan to knock out a few more chapters tomorrow. I'd be farther along if I didn't have my helper...
We've been doing lots of belly rubs! Waffles has been amazingly helpful at blogging, reading, and crafting. Her fur sisters have been equally helpful at aggressively smelling things and knocking sharpies to the ground for Waffles to play with.
My goal is to finish it before I go back to school...and before his next novel comes out! The main character shares a last name with Annabeth and this is based on Norse gods. My heart is happy.
3) Learn, a lot. I'm off to DENSI 2015 tomorrow evening and super excited to reconnect with others. I'm the only representative from my whole state...so no pressure there!
I learned so much! Now I just need to stop being a slacker and share what I learned.
4) Help a friend earn some great rewards with her online Jamberry party. We are having lots of fun with our nail wraps and I love that I can have gorgeous nails without a trip to the salon for way cheaper! It's a win-win all around! I previously posted, I'm currently rocking a Shark Week themed jamicure.
Favorite Jamicures:
Oh yeah, I did that glittery pink and silver ombre look at home in 20 minutes flat while watching television. Bam!
Her party is finishing up on Wednesday. We've had fun and I've learned a few things. I don't think the next online party will go as long because there isn't the sense of urgency when it's open for three weeks. Now I know better.
DONE! We've got a new season of Ink Master to enjoy next.
DONE! I've had some recent painful moments where I've realized that the friendships I treasured just aren't the same because people change. That's been a rough lesson to learn this month. I feel like this is a lesson I keep learning over and over again because I have a hard time giving up on people. But I've also had some great times with the wonderful people in my life, many of them my new friends from my new school. Thanks tribe for being awesome.
7) Finish up some minor craft projects that I've started. I donated a bunch of old items to a friend for her church's garage sale, so it's nice to purge items that I no longer need. I'm in the process of organizing the garage and cleaning out our guest room (since it will quickly be taken over by wedding prep craft projects).
Done...ish. One paint project is currently drying. Others are being finalized this evening (I am binge watching Netflix without shame) or tomorrow after my eye doctor check up. Our guest room has three distinct piles: work, Jamberry, and wedding. The school pile is the largest.
August will be consumed with their wedding, math training, and returning to work to conquer year seven in the classroom.
I've got five or six small wedding projects (mostly for the engagement party) to work on next month. I'm excited about my math training.
I'm also excited for this free learning opportunity:
It's an online PD on August 4th and I'll get teaching materials in the mail after completing the course. I didn't have the opportunity to attend this at DENSI, so I'm pleased it's offered again. To clarify, I'm not excited about the content. I think the content is beyond important and I am excited to learn strategies for discussing this dark period in history with my students. I plan to use Number the Stars as one of our grade level read alouds and want to do a better job front loading the novel with the historical context.
Last year we read Esperanza Rising and building in the historical context about the Dust Bowl made a world of difference with my students.
What are your goals? Did you achieve them? If not, (no judgment) what's your revised plan for success?
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