A Teacher's Daze

Peeking out from under tons of student papers and notes from here and there to do this and that, I can identify, completely, with this picture! I laughed out loud when I saw this pic on Pinterest.  Give the guy a little more hair, a feminine characteristic or two, and it's a perfect picture of what I feel like when I'm overwhelmed with paper-work.    Whenever I see teachers leaving at 3:30, I look at them in a sort of awe-struck stare.  After twenty-three years, it would seem I could develop some type of system to help me avoid days like this, but alas, I haven't reached that level of expertise, and quite frankly, given my personality and my extended history, it's not likely that I will ever receive a medal for ever really "catching up."  So, I've decided that "catching up" is highly over-rated.  If I "catch-up," what in the world would I do? I suspect if I ever got to that point, I would inadvertently make-up more things t

"Moving on up...." "My 'Teacher's Space'" This is a simple canvas of city lights that I enhanced by using an old desk lamp with a bendable neck.  It's perfect to spotlight this scene! Growing up watching the sitcom, The Jeffersons, I couldn't help but think of this song when creating my "Big City View" or "Going Places" theme for my middle school classroom.  In fact, the theme song to this sitcom has been stuck in my head, for days.  :-D...  I find myself singing "Moving on up/ to the East side...... I finally got a piece of the pie...."  If you aren't familiar with the show, then it is hard to imagine why this song fits perfectly with the underlying idea behind this classroom theme. First, I have to admit something.  I didn't start out thinking, "Okay, I'm going to create a theme that shows big skyscrapers, bright city lights, and famous places across the world."  Actuall

                                My Teacher's Space Motto:   "KEEP CALM and TEACH ON"                                                   "Get ready, get set....." Teachers spend weeks before school starts preparing because when the bell sounds and students start pouring into the classroom, there is no time to "get ready."  It's full speed ahead!     After spending the last two weeks of summer vacation, walking up and down two flights of stairs, carrying armloads of school supplies and decorations, as well as balancing a head full of ideas collected from Pinterest and teacher blogs over the summer, I'm certain it isn't a dream because surely I would have awakened by now, right? Getting back into the everyday routine of "back to school" is not only hard for students, but often , it is a time of uncertainty and anxiety for teachers , as well.  The frustrations teachers face are diverse from year to year and from place t

During my family's recent vacation, I was browsing through a gallery of hundreds of posters when I came across the above picture.  My first reaction was to read the caption again, to make sure I read it correctly.  My second reaction was to smile at the irony of the words, especially considering the "dated" illustration chosen to accompany it, and "yes" I have to admit, my third reaction was to take a picture, so I could share it on my blog, as well with my students.   Now, please don't over react and assume I "agree" with this humorous statement.  Obviously, the suggestion of the mother is in direct contrast to what a mother would "normally" say to warn a child of danger.  The author of this illustration and caption combination is simply identifying with a harried mother of small children by using a gross exaggeration, to say the least.   I walked away with a wistful smile remembering days when I was a sleep-deprived mother

Wow.... 48 pages of what to do to become an M-STAR teacher..... I'm wondering if this is just too much information to digest at one time, or is it just me?  I'm also wondering why I am pondering this on July 10, when I should be enjoying the precious time we have left this summer. I suppose the next couple of years will be interesting.  I'm all for becoming the most effective teacher I can be, but I don't want it to interfere with the teacher that I am.... does that make sense?  I know there are always more effective ways things can be done, but there are also things that are individual to every teacher that works for him or her.  Can a specific guideline take that into consideration? What works for one teacher in one situation may not work for another in another situation, so that leaves me with a lot of unanswered questions.  My solace is I'm quite sure I'm not alone.  :-).... It's always good to have company.  Smiles. Hmmm.... there are so many

Memories wash over me, slowly, almost painfully.  I've decided upon "bittersweet" to describe that late day in May of 2011.  The excited chant of children at a pep-rally, but this was no ordinary pep-rally.  It was a day to celebrate the student's hard work throughout the year, preparing them for the MCT II that loomed ahead.  I joined a group of bouncing 4th graders wearing matching yellow shirts.  I watched in admiration as their teacher's enthusiasm matched their own.  My own son was privileged to be a part of this group.    From the beginning of the school year, I knew Ms. Blackwell was one of those teachers that a child never forgets.  My son, a good student, but always a bit timid, began to become more animated than I had ever seen him, describing his school day.  I realized he was learning and at the same time having a lot of fun.  This is not an easy feat for a teacher to incorporate into a classroom, especially with the stress of the MCT II, but

I do not pretend to know the answer to my own question.  I do not know "exactly" where to start.  What I do know is a "start" is needed; therefore, I chose to begin reading historical fiction, which is a good transition from fiction to non-fiction, in my humble opinion.   After teaching English for 22 years, it's easy to get boggled down in doing what I've always done.  It's easy to rationalize that what I've always done has brought about, for the most part, effective results.  However, it is folly to imagine that there is not room for improvement.  So, I'm beginning in a way that I see as profitable.   Most teachers will agree that the more one knows the subject matter they teach, the more effective their teaching.  There is, obviously truth to this.  It's not the only way a student learns, however.  A teacher who can whet the appetite of young readers with books and stories that appeal to their curiosity will go on to read books that the te

Watching this video, filmed of my boys in 2003, brings back memories of days gone by, as well as memories of many of my high school seniors who have, since that day, gone to war.  Now, 11 years later, my boys are almost grown. I would like to say "thank you" to every soldier who has fought in the name of freedom so that children around the world can continue to pursue their dreams.  I am blessed to be living in the United States of America. So, on this day, July 4, 2013, I would like to salute the American soldiers who have taken time away from their own families to go overseas, as well as to the families who have had to go on with their day to day lives without them.  Some soldiers have paid the ultimate sacrifice and there are no words worthy to write that would convey my gratitude and respect for those men and women who died as heroes defending the freedoms we enjoy today.   In my feeble attempt to say "thank you," I would like to post this video in honor o

As I was checking out at a store, I noticed these little packaged boxes with "Boogie Board" written on it.  (okay... OKAY... I admit it... I fell victim to the oldest trick of getting people to "notice" things for sale:  Putting it near the check-out counter....)  Anyway, in this case I consider it to have been advantageous, not just for the store owner, but for me, the consumer.   Basically, a "Boogie Board" is about a 1/4 of an inch thick board a little bigger than a 5X7 photograph.  It comes with a stylus, a screen cleaning cloth, and a clip-on for the stylus.  Also, it features an ion battery that never needs replacing.  The way it works is very simple.  You write something on it, and then you push a button, a light flashes, and you have a "clean slate."   Possible uses in the classroom quickly came to my mind, as I was standing there at the check-out counter.  So, what do I do?  I buy it.  The more I got to thinking about it, the more

No bears, I mean.  However , there is one "tiger" cat, who is, admittedly, a bit overweight and doesn't attract quite as much attention as a bear, but she's a good sight for me, (despite the fact she snubbed her nose at us when we first arrived home, as if to say:  " Hmph!! So... You finally made it back! Yawn.... Now, where's my treats?") Ahh, yes... but I'll take my chances with a pre-menopausal cat against a black grizzly bear, any day!  Smiles.   It's always great to get away, but the luxury of your own bed and bath..... well, that's just hard to beat.  So, I guess I'll use a saying that trite, but true: "There's no place like home!"

A Teacher's Daze: .... and THEN there WAS a BEAR.... : This glorious summer day brought it's own special surprises-- and yes, it included a black bear!  The cabin owners said that we needed t...

This glorious summer day brought it's own special surprises-- and yes, it included a black bear!  The cabin owners said that we needed to make sure and put our garbage up, so that critters and "bears" wouldn't get into it.  I thought, "yea.. yea... "... maybe a few critters, some raccoons, etc.... but this afternoon while sitting on the porch with my Mom and sister-in-law, along with my six year old twin nieces, my Mom started a sort of pointing..... and she couldn't seem to get out what she was trying to say.  Finally, I turned around, and would you believe, a big BLACK Grizzly Bear was sauntering down the middle of the road right beside our cabin...... we were just a few yards from him.  It astonished us so much that we kind of froze, but then we started trying to take pics.  My husband actually got some of the best pics, but by that time the bear had veered from the road and started searching around a cabin across from us.  Amazing. We are still

A Teacher's Daze: I Can't Help It : It's sad, really, but I just can't help myself!   That is-  I can't help myself from thinking about "school," even whe...

A Teacher's Daze: Summer Daze.... : It's finally summer..... and "yes" I'm in a daze, that is- on most days.  My experience is by the time I get used to being...

            A Teacher's Daze: Using Quizlet in the Classroom : Using quizlet in the classroom is one of the most effective tools that I have used for students to study “on the go.”  Students move at a face pace, in our booming technology centered society, and they can navigate anything digital in no time.      It works for any subject and on any grade level, and as an added bonus, it can now connect directly with Google Classroom, and syncs students to a teacher’s Quizlet quizzes, with very little fuss.        A new feature added to quizlet.com last year was definitely a “hit” with my students.  It’s a game that promotes community building between groups in the classroom and the competitive nature makes it addictive to even the most reluctant student to join in the fun.       Last year, I used www.quizletlive.com and it opened up a whole new way of learning and interacting with quizlet.  

A Teacher's Daze: There's Just Something About.... : There's just something about traveling in the car with your WHOLE family going on vacation that makes getting to your vacation destinati...

It's sad, really, but I just can't help myself!   That is-  I can't help myself from thinking about "school," even when I'm in a theme park!  LOL... I found myself snapping pictures of potential ideas to use in my classroom during the coming school year.  I was particularly impressed with the various crafts that can be made with handprints.  So, what do I do?  You guessed it.  I took some pics to share with everyone.  :-).  My family had a blast today.  It's great to have some refreshing days before school begins!   A Whole Family..... Daddy, Mama, and babies! Awwwww..... "Libby's 5 1/2 (so says this pic I copied).... Aren't the penguins adorable? Interesting ...... I think this sheep is adorable!!! 

There's just something about traveling in the car with your WHOLE family going on vacation that makes getting to your vacation destination, even sweeter!  :-).... Finally, we are HERE enjoying the comfort of a nice cabin in the mountains.   The thing is a teacher never really goes on vacation, at least not a vacation away from teaching.  Today I found myself thinking about what I will be doing at the start of the new year and how I can't wait to share this or that idea with my colleagues.  I guess that's one way to know you have the best job in the world, when you take it with you on vacation and you actually enjoy the "company."

Using quizlet in the classroom is one of the most effective tools that I have used.  It works for any subject and on any grade level.  The picture below shows my students acting out their vocabulary list for the week.  After uploading the pictures to the site. the students could go to a computer or smartphone to study their weekly vocabulary test.  Using the students' ideas to act out the words made learning their vocabulary a cinch!   It's super easy to get started.  It literally takes minutes to post an entire list of words for students to access.  You don't have to use pictures, but if you want to, but don't have any of your own, quizlet has a variety of ones to choose.   If you haven't tried this, this is a MUST TRY!!! I've used it for two years, now, with both a senior English class and a middle school class.  It really works!!! Check it out!  

It's finally summer..... and "yes" I'm in a daze, that is- on most days.  My experience is by the time I get used to being at home, it's time to go back to school.  At the moment though, it's quite a while before those days are here.  So, I think I'll sit back and relax a little and enjoy the "daze."