This year will mark my 14th year teaching. Amazingly, I have not given up. Many have given up on me and I still plug along working each year as if it is my first. At times it has felt like my first year all over again. Each year students change in little ways. As society changes, they change. Addictions to media, technology, and helicopter parents creates a student that is easily distracted with excuses galore. I myself have to stop using excuses to mask my problems. It hurts to see students manipulated by their parents and vice versa.
With the school year now approaching fast.... (1 week of vacation left for teachers) I am optimistic of who my students are and their parents. Information has already been shared that the parents have lost sight of what is the most important thing about education, the student. My personal goal this year will be to redirect the parents to focus on what the student needs and not what they want. Education is not a game played to receive services. Meetings can be quick and easy if approached with forewarning and caution. (That might go out the window half way through the year... ;) I just hope to bring some light and focus back into this school.
Friday, August 7, 2015
Thursday, June 18, 2015
Wisdom Wanderings
Time to think is often something that is taken for granted. Often the time my brain begins thought is while I am driving or sitting alone not talking to anyone but God. There are times when surrounded by people that my brain is screaming at someone or something yet the mouth remains silent. The brewing storm resides inside my head doesn't really calm down until hours later. Stewing and churning thoughts regardless if they are positive or negative.
Sleep occasionally interrupts the thoughts. People can interrupt the process of analyzing with a welcome distraction. They have sent my thoughts into deep reflection at times. Their thoughts that became words will stir the storm anew and bam! I'm either hurt or wanting more.
The process of wisdom comes from reflection of oneself and others. Thinking of the past experiences and what the future holds builds who are. From wisdom great kingdoms are built or torn down. The kingdom of the future relies on wisdom of the grace and love of Jesus Christ. His only record is written in the bible. Through that we are able to make decisions that are wise beyond our years.
Thinking wisdom doesn't affect our lives is a lie. Without those quirky sayings all over the media we see would not enlighten us. Wisdom comes from God alone. When you act and speak in wisdom the result is respect from all who choose the path of righteousness.
That path is by no means easy. It is long, treacherous, and firm, yet worth every step. Being different in thought sometimes is the only way to survive. Be strong in the light of Jesus Christ. Be noble in the pursuit of eternal life in a new world full of hope.
Friday, June 12, 2015
The Smell
Every town and season has a different smell. This week it smelled like summer in Redding. The scent of roasted dirt, not just any dirt, red dirt. Only red dirt can smell the way it does, deep, earthy, with tones of hot molten rock. Oak trees that begin to shed their leaves contribute to the airborne breeze. Lingering in the breeze a wooden musk so gentle between the red dirt and chlorine. An occasional sniff of pine or is it redwood that drifts along the summer breeze. Ah the joys of summer when that nose is pleasantly surprised at all it finds along the gentle summer breeze.
Sunday, May 10, 2015
End of Year...
Yes, it is the ending of another school year. Graduations are abundant. Life if springing forward. Students are going to be on vacation soon. Teacher are cleaning out and working on next year already.
Thinking ahead lots of gardeners are getting ready for summer produce, myself included. I have blossoms on new strawberry, bell peppers, and tomato plants. Basil is planted and growing nicely. Amazingly, the spiders have been fast at work too. They have created webs all around the new pots ready to catch little bugs for lunch or dinner. :)
I'm ready to move on with summer. Again, packing my classroom and moving to a new school. At least I have a job that I have accepted. Now, to just get the paperwork in and see what my new class looks like.
Thinking ahead lots of gardeners are getting ready for summer produce, myself included. I have blossoms on new strawberry, bell peppers, and tomato plants. Basil is planted and growing nicely. Amazingly, the spiders have been fast at work too. They have created webs all around the new pots ready to catch little bugs for lunch or dinner. :)
I'm ready to move on with summer. Again, packing my classroom and moving to a new school. At least I have a job that I have accepted. Now, to just get the paperwork in and see what my new class looks like.
Saturday, March 7, 2015
Another year of being let go...
After spending a whole evening crying my eyes out, I can finally talk about being fired... Yes... essentially when you get pink slipped you are fired. Even when you think you were doing well they pull the rug out from under you and let you go.
I've been let go before but this time it hurt. No warning, no hey let's talk and see what we can do to make things work... nothing. Just nothing but good-bye. Ouch. I'm ready to have a job that doesn't make you work the last three months with people that clearly don't want you there.
Being a special education teacher with credentials that are rare you would think it would be easier to keep a job. Apparently, not. I am so tired of the politics. If there was a job that I was good at other than teaching I would do it instead. I am really good at teaching. I'm tired of moving around and starting fresh every year. It is hard to show that I am really good with little less than a year in a classroom. It takes a good 3 years to get into a groove... I just want a chance.
Wednesday, February 4, 2015
Life happens
I think about writing everyday I log onto the internet. The blogger page automatically opens, along with Facebook. So you can just take a wild guess as to which one I gravitate toward. Anyways, catching up with life through writing.
Recently, I met up with a friend from college. It really left a mark on me. It is amazing to see people who have such anger in their lives against people and situations they had no control over. It is tragic to see that they dwell and can't move on. There is a reason that it mentions in the bible we should leave the past behind.
I notice that once we label a behavior people own it to the point of losing self-control. My life has not been as rough as some, possibly more stressful than others, but still I think within normal limits. What keeps me sane and rational is Faith. My faith in God has always been the center of who I am. Jesus said all it takes is faith the size of a mustard seed. Mustard seeds are tiny. Super tiny. If that's all it takes to have faith in God then it is doable. I once thought that faith that size would be difficult. I realized it grows. With each day, step, action, it grows.
God speaks through us to others and through others to us. In the conversation with my friend God spoke to her. In my life a few moments have happened that I had the right words to say. This was a time I knew it was not me but fully God through me. What a blessing to be able to share those words of strength and hope with her.
Recently, I met up with a friend from college. It really left a mark on me. It is amazing to see people who have such anger in their lives against people and situations they had no control over. It is tragic to see that they dwell and can't move on. There is a reason that it mentions in the bible we should leave the past behind.
I notice that once we label a behavior people own it to the point of losing self-control. My life has not been as rough as some, possibly more stressful than others, but still I think within normal limits. What keeps me sane and rational is Faith. My faith in God has always been the center of who I am. Jesus said all it takes is faith the size of a mustard seed. Mustard seeds are tiny. Super tiny. If that's all it takes to have faith in God then it is doable. I once thought that faith that size would be difficult. I realized it grows. With each day, step, action, it grows.
God speaks through us to others and through others to us. In the conversation with my friend God spoke to her. In my life a few moments have happened that I had the right words to say. This was a time I knew it was not me but fully God through me. What a blessing to be able to share those words of strength and hope with her.
Friday, January 2, 2015
A New Year... 2015
Yesterday, began a new year. The year of 2015. All over Facebook my friends are excited about the new year. They aren't making resolutions, they are making positive changes. They are choosing to be positive and hoping for new adventures.
I too hope for changes and new adventures. The past year was much better than the one before which means there was some changes that were for the better. I just pray the enthusiasm of my friends and family does not disappear as the year goes on.
The changes I'm making this year are as difficult as they come. Taking something you love (bread and sugar) and ending the love affair. The advice my mom's doctor gave her was to leave the relationship with bread and sugar. Nothing else. I am joining her on that journey to be a cheerleader and companion.
I too hope for changes and new adventures. The past year was much better than the one before which means there was some changes that were for the better. I just pray the enthusiasm of my friends and family does not disappear as the year goes on.
The changes I'm making this year are as difficult as they come. Taking something you love (bread and sugar) and ending the love affair. The advice my mom's doctor gave her was to leave the relationship with bread and sugar. Nothing else. I am joining her on that journey to be a cheerleader and companion.
Wednesday, July 9, 2014
Working on the New Me
Over the past year I have been working on getting me back in order. I had a handle on myself a few years ago and then... I got a boyfriend and then got married! Of course, throw me out the window for a while. God called my heart to attention and said get it together. I spent some time seeking him and knew I needed an attitude change.
That change was helped along by my new job this year as I watched and listened more than I have in a very long time. God is good. He directs your path even when you don't think so. Although, I do have trouble speaking up for myself at times, I'm making progress.
Today, I begin the journey of wellness for my body. I've tried many things in the past. Weight Watchers, Diet Center based diet, exercise... and a few others. This time I started slow. Changing one thing here and there today is the day I exercised. Albeit just 20 minutes but that was good after nothing. I will choose to eat healthier and make a go at it. I know what to do. Motivation is the key. Maybe in the future I will feel comfortable enough to share my success and the before picture I will be taking today... Ugh... I don't wanna. I know that it will be good to have as a reference to know that I don't want to be like this anymore. Uncomfortable, fat, and scared. Yes, scared.
Scared? Yep, honestly scared at what might happen. Old habits that are going to be hard to break will come knocking. The daily, hourly, no minutely decisions that make or break this mind set. Hard to fathom that some simple changes result in something life changing. I just hope that I can stick to this part of the journey. My mind is healthy and I can envision the goal. Keep me in your prayers as I change my lifestyle.
That change was helped along by my new job this year as I watched and listened more than I have in a very long time. God is good. He directs your path even when you don't think so. Although, I do have trouble speaking up for myself at times, I'm making progress.
Today, I begin the journey of wellness for my body. I've tried many things in the past. Weight Watchers, Diet Center based diet, exercise... and a few others. This time I started slow. Changing one thing here and there today is the day I exercised. Albeit just 20 minutes but that was good after nothing. I will choose to eat healthier and make a go at it. I know what to do. Motivation is the key. Maybe in the future I will feel comfortable enough to share my success and the before picture I will be taking today... Ugh... I don't wanna. I know that it will be good to have as a reference to know that I don't want to be like this anymore. Uncomfortable, fat, and scared. Yes, scared.
Scared? Yep, honestly scared at what might happen. Old habits that are going to be hard to break will come knocking. The daily, hourly, no minutely decisions that make or break this mind set. Hard to fathom that some simple changes result in something life changing. I just hope that I can stick to this part of the journey. My mind is healthy and I can envision the goal. Keep me in your prayers as I change my lifestyle.
Thursday, June 19, 2014
Summer Vacation
The title brings fond memories of carefree days of yesteryear. Unfortunately, as adults we all begin to wonder where those days went when we are doing laundry, paying bills, cooking dinner, and working. Alas, one of the many reasons I am a teacher. Although, the pit falls are everyone is on vacation at the same time. Walk into a restaurant, a store, or even a coffee shop and you hear the dreaded "Hello Mrs.... " from wee little voices you were trying to escape. Well, not everyone tries to escape but we sometimes like to think we do. ;0)
People think "Teachers have is so good summer vacation is awesome." I would rather spend my year working and then dictate when I get to have a vacation. Oh the joys of planning everything you want to do into a short two month period. Oh did you think teachers got three months off... That got thrown out the window years ago. School starts in August and gets out in June. That leaves two months folks.
I stayed the week after school was out to pack up my classroom and get it ready to move. Not every teacher has to move every year, I am one of the lucky few (sarcasm) that has had to move around schools and classrooms for the past six years! Maybe next year will change, which brings me to the next point... I will be returning to my classroom in August to get it ready for the coming school year. It will take a week or so to get things ready and prepared for my students.
In reality I get a total of six weeks off... Already a week has flown by and we are headed into the next. I hope time slows down enough for me to relax... Not likely, as I am constantly reminded I have things to do and accomplish before school starts again...
People think "Teachers have is so good summer vacation is awesome." I would rather spend my year working and then dictate when I get to have a vacation. Oh the joys of planning everything you want to do into a short two month period. Oh did you think teachers got three months off... That got thrown out the window years ago. School starts in August and gets out in June. That leaves two months folks.
I stayed the week after school was out to pack up my classroom and get it ready to move. Not every teacher has to move every year, I am one of the lucky few (sarcasm) that has had to move around schools and classrooms for the past six years! Maybe next year will change, which brings me to the next point... I will be returning to my classroom in August to get it ready for the coming school year. It will take a week or so to get things ready and prepared for my students.
In reality I get a total of six weeks off... Already a week has flown by and we are headed into the next. I hope time slows down enough for me to relax... Not likely, as I am constantly reminded I have things to do and accomplish before school starts again...
Saturday, June 7, 2014
The End of Year 1
Much to my surprise I ended the year upbeat and more excited about next year than I have ever been! The school I work at opened their arms to me the first day and haven't let go since. I am relieved that they are kind and wanting to improve their teaching for the students. ALL OF THEM!
This is a rare find. Having come from many different district and schools my observations have been that about 10% of the teachers are there for a paycheck until retirement. They choose to not interest the students and help them grow. They fall into the same routine and curriculum with no updates each year.
As all technology gets updated so should our teaching. I encourage those who have fallen into the same old, same old routine to seek out something new and try it. If it doesn't work then fine but keep trying something new. One thing a month, a week, or a day you choose.
This year marked my 11th year teaching. It was the first I was able to teach general education. I enjoyed it but found my weaknesses blaring out at me each day. Having never really taught a class of over 15 students I was overwhelmed with 33! Even 25 students in one of my classes was hard to manage. But, I tried one new thing a month in classroom management. I found some times it didn't work but I moved on. I adjusted what didn't and focused on what did.
As they year came to a close I grew excited about my prospects for next year. Big changes for my new students but back to something familiar for me. Challenges will be presented and students will rise to meet them. Perhaps because I will help them along the way. Perhaps because I won't be willing to put them on an island and say "Stay there, you are different, you are only going to do this and not that."
From my first years of teaching I always looked at my special education students as those who are able to accomplish much more than we give them credit for. I want to push them to their limits and then expand what they do know. The brain is mysterious and complex and is able of much more than we know. I hope to encourage, challenge, and help my students gain new skills and confidence to try something new and exciting.
This is a rare find. Having come from many different district and schools my observations have been that about 10% of the teachers are there for a paycheck until retirement. They choose to not interest the students and help them grow. They fall into the same routine and curriculum with no updates each year.
As all technology gets updated so should our teaching. I encourage those who have fallen into the same old, same old routine to seek out something new and try it. If it doesn't work then fine but keep trying something new. One thing a month, a week, or a day you choose.
This year marked my 11th year teaching. It was the first I was able to teach general education. I enjoyed it but found my weaknesses blaring out at me each day. Having never really taught a class of over 15 students I was overwhelmed with 33! Even 25 students in one of my classes was hard to manage. But, I tried one new thing a month in classroom management. I found some times it didn't work but I moved on. I adjusted what didn't and focused on what did.
As they year came to a close I grew excited about my prospects for next year. Big changes for my new students but back to something familiar for me. Challenges will be presented and students will rise to meet them. Perhaps because I will help them along the way. Perhaps because I won't be willing to put them on an island and say "Stay there, you are different, you are only going to do this and not that."
From my first years of teaching I always looked at my special education students as those who are able to accomplish much more than we give them credit for. I want to push them to their limits and then expand what they do know. The brain is mysterious and complex and is able of much more than we know. I hope to encourage, challenge, and help my students gain new skills and confidence to try something new and exciting.
Wednesday, April 23, 2014
A New Opportunity...
Again this year I look at the options for the next school year. Being a temporary employee at a school for the last few years I am used to the change every year. This year is a bit different due to the opportunity to possibly stay in within the same district. It is unfortunate that I will not be able to stay in the same position. I think the superintendent had me in mind for the position that he said might be available when he hired me last August.
Oh well... back to special education I go. So a little background might be in order. I have been teaching special education for the last 10 years! I can't believe it... Although, I got a bit of a reprieve this year by being able to teach regular education English and History. It has been a challenge though learning how to manage 30 students rather than 10. I have thoroughly enjoyed every minute. I love working with the team of teachers and will miss some of those interactions next year. I will be on the same campus but a world away.
I look forward to having a job in the field that I know I am capable of doing with ease.
Oh well... back to special education I go. So a little background might be in order. I have been teaching special education for the last 10 years! I can't believe it... Although, I got a bit of a reprieve this year by being able to teach regular education English and History. It has been a challenge though learning how to manage 30 students rather than 10. I have thoroughly enjoyed every minute. I love working with the team of teachers and will miss some of those interactions next year. I will be on the same campus but a world away.
I look forward to having a job in the field that I know I am capable of doing with ease.
Thursday, April 17, 2014
Too Long...
It has been too long since the last time I wrote. I had a wonderful plan and then life happened. :) OH well, back on track. Spring break was this week and I have thoroughly enjoyed myself. I haven't done much... I got the laundry done at least! Oh and I bought a new car! My first new car ever!!!
The history of my car life has been filled with wonderfully used cars. My first car was a Chevy Citation. It was a shade of brown that was no longer shiny. His nickname was Cockroach. 1987 was a good year for the little 4 door car. I bought it from my aunt for $500. In high school we all had used cars or borrowed cars. I learned to drive a stick shift because of that car. (Which my husband is thankful that I know how. :) The unfortunate transmission decided to die and I was no longer able to drive it long distances. After getting it fixed I sold the poor thing to my cousin for $100. He amazingly got $1000 from insurance when a lady rear ended him in it.
My next car was given to me by my parents. My first hand-me down car a lovely Mercury Sable. This car was silver. I had it the first year or so of college in 1996-1997. It died one summer night when a drunk driver crashed into it while it was parked. It was a good buddy for the short time I had it.
Number three happened to be a nice upgrade and a zippy little 2-door light blue Nissan Sentra. She was great! I zipped around Redding to and from Livermore frequently as a college student does. At one time I had 5 college students squeezed into it for a driving scavenger hunt! A college friend of mine BJ decided it would be a good idea to pop the gears into park or neutral as I was driving frequently almost killing my little Sentra.
A 1997 4- door white Chevy Blazer was my graduation from college present. It had been a work vehicle for my dad. He was able to buy it off of the company when they changed over the vehicles. My blazer spent a week floating in the pacific ocean on its way to Hawaii for a year and then came home with me. It drove to Pinetrees beach which is a secluded locals only spot for camping and surfing. It went around the big island without any problems. It was a sweet ride that served as a tent twice when camping on Pinetrees beach.
Next up was a Ruby Peal Toyota Avalon. My mom's second hand-me down. I got this when I returned from Hawaii. I sold the Blazer to a different cousin due to the fact that the Avalon had much better gas mileage for driving around the Bay Area. The Avalon lasted me up until two weeks ago. She decided one Sunday evening to start shaking after I had started her up and began to drive her. Derrik checked her out and found that the compression in one of the valves was gone. :( She will be on her way soon...
After having a wonderful chauffeur for the week before spring break we began the hunt for a new car. Last Saturday after much research we went to test drive some cars. Many phone calls back and forth with my parents I was finally able to secure a new 2014 Chevy Equinox. In my 36 years this is my first brand new car. I still can't believe that the vehicle sitting in my driveway is mine! It's like a rental or a borrowed car. I suppose it will take some getting used to having a new car. I'm excited about driving everywhere!
See you on the road!
The history of my car life has been filled with wonderfully used cars. My first car was a Chevy Citation. It was a shade of brown that was no longer shiny. His nickname was Cockroach. 1987 was a good year for the little 4 door car. I bought it from my aunt for $500. In high school we all had used cars or borrowed cars. I learned to drive a stick shift because of that car. (Which my husband is thankful that I know how. :) The unfortunate transmission decided to die and I was no longer able to drive it long distances. After getting it fixed I sold the poor thing to my cousin for $100. He amazingly got $1000 from insurance when a lady rear ended him in it.
My next car was given to me by my parents. My first hand-me down car a lovely Mercury Sable. This car was silver. I had it the first year or so of college in 1996-1997. It died one summer night when a drunk driver crashed into it while it was parked. It was a good buddy for the short time I had it.
Number three happened to be a nice upgrade and a zippy little 2-door light blue Nissan Sentra. She was great! I zipped around Redding to and from Livermore frequently as a college student does. At one time I had 5 college students squeezed into it for a driving scavenger hunt! A college friend of mine BJ decided it would be a good idea to pop the gears into park or neutral as I was driving frequently almost killing my little Sentra.
A 1997 4- door white Chevy Blazer was my graduation from college present. It had been a work vehicle for my dad. He was able to buy it off of the company when they changed over the vehicles. My blazer spent a week floating in the pacific ocean on its way to Hawaii for a year and then came home with me. It drove to Pinetrees beach which is a secluded locals only spot for camping and surfing. It went around the big island without any problems. It was a sweet ride that served as a tent twice when camping on Pinetrees beach.
Next up was a Ruby Peal Toyota Avalon. My mom's second hand-me down. I got this when I returned from Hawaii. I sold the Blazer to a different cousin due to the fact that the Avalon had much better gas mileage for driving around the Bay Area. The Avalon lasted me up until two weeks ago. She decided one Sunday evening to start shaking after I had started her up and began to drive her. Derrik checked her out and found that the compression in one of the valves was gone. :( She will be on her way soon...
After having a wonderful chauffeur for the week before spring break we began the hunt for a new car. Last Saturday after much research we went to test drive some cars. Many phone calls back and forth with my parents I was finally able to secure a new 2014 Chevy Equinox. In my 36 years this is my first brand new car. I still can't believe that the vehicle sitting in my driveway is mine! It's like a rental or a borrowed car. I suppose it will take some getting used to having a new car. I'm excited about driving everywhere!
See you on the road!
Saturday, January 18, 2014
In The Beginning...
I was so good about blogging in the beginning... Here it is months later... I ignore the blog startup page every day... NOT ANYMORE... I must write. I must keep prodding on.
My journey of health has been better than this time last year. After moving, beginning a new job, and settling in in a house, I am able to say that I have lost 20 pounds! Without doing much other than cut back on what I eat... oh wait... my stress level is now very little which makes for much better results and a much happier heart.
I did have a little trouble with my back but my chiropractor put that back in place. I now only have occasional numbness on the bottoms of my feet. :) I have a pinched sciatic nerve in my lower back. I feel much better knowing that I can go in to a chiropractor and have him snap, crack, and pop my back and neck into their original positions.
Off I go to get ready for a scrapbooking afternoon of fun at my place today. I can't wait to see my mom and my aunt as they join me in creativity today.
My journey of health has been better than this time last year. After moving, beginning a new job, and settling in in a house, I am able to say that I have lost 20 pounds! Without doing much other than cut back on what I eat... oh wait... my stress level is now very little which makes for much better results and a much happier heart.
I did have a little trouble with my back but my chiropractor put that back in place. I now only have occasional numbness on the bottoms of my feet. :) I have a pinched sciatic nerve in my lower back. I feel much better knowing that I can go in to a chiropractor and have him snap, crack, and pop my back and neck into their original positions.
Off I go to get ready for a scrapbooking afternoon of fun at my place today. I can't wait to see my mom and my aunt as they join me in creativity today.
Saturday, September 21, 2013
Rainy Day Bliss...
It started raining today. My favorite weather. I suppose because I get all melancholy and such... The cool crisp air, the scent of the rain on concrete, and a hot cup of orange tea makes my day.
This year so far I am enjoying the few moments I get to sit and breathe without interruption. I know in the future those moments will be few and far between. I treasure the time right now that I have before my life gets into too much of routine that I forget to stop and smell the roses so to say.
Life has been better here where we moved to. The northern part of California tends to move at a slower and less stressful pace. It took some getting used to again for me to slow down. Here I sit during one of those times... The laundry is done... granted not put away yet ;-) But it is finished and I am able to relax for a few minutes before I have the next project to move on to.
The house we have been living in has been partially under construction. We are painting, replacing, and fixing different things around the place. Paint is on most of the walls and now that the rain is here we have to get a few more things fixed before we are able to fully move in all the furniture and unpack all the boxes. I really dislike living out of boxes.
This year so far I am enjoying the few moments I get to sit and breathe without interruption. I know in the future those moments will be few and far between. I treasure the time right now that I have before my life gets into too much of routine that I forget to stop and smell the roses so to say.
Life has been better here where we moved to. The northern part of California tends to move at a slower and less stressful pace. It took some getting used to again for me to slow down. Here I sit during one of those times... The laundry is done... granted not put away yet ;-) But it is finished and I am able to relax for a few minutes before I have the next project to move on to.
The house we have been living in has been partially under construction. We are painting, replacing, and fixing different things around the place. Paint is on most of the walls and now that the rain is here we have to get a few more things fixed before we are able to fully move in all the furniture and unpack all the boxes. I really dislike living out of boxes.
Friday, September 13, 2013
The 36th year...
Today marks my 36th year on this earth... Yes, my birthday is today. And how do I feel now that I am 36, you ask? Hmmm.... a bit like I did yesterday. I feel much loved and cherished. It is the first time I have ever had a student give me a birthday present... (a bag of gummi worms and gummi bears) :) Two of my classes sang Happy Birthday to me and the same student who got me the candy also bought the class mini cupcakes. :) I feel loved! Never before have I had such caring students. What a difference a few hundred miles makes.
Thursday, September 5, 2013
Lier, lier, pants on fire...
One of my students decided to lie about his reading score. We do Accelerated Reader and he took the tests all last year and this year. He knew that he wouldn't have to read as much if he scored lower.
Little ole me, a former special education teacher, noticed that he scored higher last year than this year. I did a little investigation and 'Oh my!' I found that he got a really high score last year (not a fluke). He also scored a full grade and a half lower than his last score in May of last year. Hmmmmm... suddenly I saw a red flag.
When I alerted his mother she asked him about his reading skills. He said he "doesn't like to read, not he doesn't know how to read..." He admitted to his mom that he faked his scores last year and already this year. Tomorrow, the poor little fellow will re-take his reading test a third time this year. Since, he knowingly blew it this year twice. I think some consequences will happen...
Little ole me, a former special education teacher, noticed that he scored higher last year than this year. I did a little investigation and 'Oh my!' I found that he got a really high score last year (not a fluke). He also scored a full grade and a half lower than his last score in May of last year. Hmmmmm... suddenly I saw a red flag.
When I alerted his mother she asked him about his reading skills. He said he "doesn't like to read, not he doesn't know how to read..." He admitted to his mom that he faked his scores last year and already this year. Tomorrow, the poor little fellow will re-take his reading test a third time this year. Since, he knowingly blew it this year twice. I think some consequences will happen...
Saturday, August 31, 2013
Similarities
At school we have been using Project Wisdom in Advisory. The first week was called New Beginnings and this last week was called Clean Slate. I don't think the students quite all get why a clean slate is a good thing. Many of them haven't been through anything really tough yet.
It is different to be in a community where the children are protected and cared for rather than treated as equal to an adult. Having experienced teaching in a poverty stricken area and now an area where people are a little more careful with their money I am shocked by the differences in the children.
I see how children can be treated as they should be. Protected from bits of society that are rough and exposed through conversation and knowledge rather than experience. The children I worked with before had seen too much and experienced too much for their young fragile minds. It hardens them and creates a pattern they wish to remain in the rest of their lives.
I am so very thankful to be able to see the differences and be a part of the plan in life to help guide young minds in the directions that they should go. To encourage and strengthen them is a blessing. When before I was just helping children remember that they are only children and that life is not about growing up so fast.
It is different to be in a community where the children are protected and cared for rather than treated as equal to an adult. Having experienced teaching in a poverty stricken area and now an area where people are a little more careful with their money I am shocked by the differences in the children.
I see how children can be treated as they should be. Protected from bits of society that are rough and exposed through conversation and knowledge rather than experience. The children I worked with before had seen too much and experienced too much for their young fragile minds. It hardens them and creates a pattern they wish to remain in the rest of their lives.
I am so very thankful to be able to see the differences and be a part of the plan in life to help guide young minds in the directions that they should go. To encourage and strengthen them is a blessing. When before I was just helping children remember that they are only children and that life is not about growing up so fast.
Tuesday, August 27, 2013
Refresing
There is hope in parents... I guess for the last 10 years I have been dealing with parents of students who didn't really give a hoot as to how their children acted. They always had some excuse as to why their students can't do this and can't do that.
Back to School night was tonight and I was shocked at how many parents told me to call them or to email them when their child acts out! There is hope in humanity. There is hope in parents actually parenting their children to be respectful of others.
Working in a impoverished area really takes its toll. Some people have no clue what it is like to work in those trenches where the parents are just as awful as the students with disrespect. Even the special ed parents don't fully get how hard a teacher works just to maintain classroom conduct for 10 minutes! It is a never ending battle and I pray for those teachers that they can continue in their chosen line of work. Bless them!
Back to School night was tonight and I was shocked at how many parents told me to call them or to email them when their child acts out! There is hope in humanity. There is hope in parents actually parenting their children to be respectful of others.
Working in a impoverished area really takes its toll. Some people have no clue what it is like to work in those trenches where the parents are just as awful as the students with disrespect. Even the special ed parents don't fully get how hard a teacher works just to maintain classroom conduct for 10 minutes! It is a never ending battle and I pray for those teachers that they can continue in their chosen line of work. Bless them!
Sunday, August 25, 2013
Survival
Lately, it feels like I have been just getting by. In reality, I have been. It is hard living out of boxes and with only a little fridge. The joys of moving into a house from an apartment. Slowly but surely things will come together. I'm just glad my classroom was ready for students this last week and that I will be ready for Back to School night next week.
Wednesday, August 21, 2013
First Day at School
Today was my first day teaching general education. It is such a lovely thing. The students are in need of a good teacher. Already I see I have my work cut out to challenge those who need it and help those who are struggling.
The biggest challenge I am going to find for myself is speaking and writing English. I tend to throw in made up words and speak in not so perfect sentences. A lot of it comes from living in Hawaii for a year. I picked up quite a lot of pigeon while there. I came back with an accent that my mother did not like. She had a really tough time with it. I on the other hand did not.
Anyways, back to how my first day of school went. I had students do a free write today about a picture of a kid snorkeling. It was interesting how many of the eighth grade students couldn't write as well as the seventh grade students. The creativeness of the seventh graders is beyond what the eighth graders could produce.
Which leads me to know that I have much more to do to get many of the students up to where they need to be. The school lost 70 API points this last year and I see where the deficit is in the eighth grade. I already feel the pressure of this and I know that I can do the best that I can for these students this year.
The biggest challenge I am going to find for myself is speaking and writing English. I tend to throw in made up words and speak in not so perfect sentences. A lot of it comes from living in Hawaii for a year. I picked up quite a lot of pigeon while there. I came back with an accent that my mother did not like. She had a really tough time with it. I on the other hand did not.
Anyways, back to how my first day of school went. I had students do a free write today about a picture of a kid snorkeling. It was interesting how many of the eighth grade students couldn't write as well as the seventh grade students. The creativeness of the seventh graders is beyond what the eighth graders could produce.
Which leads me to know that I have much more to do to get many of the students up to where they need to be. The school lost 70 API points this last year and I see where the deficit is in the eighth grade. I already feel the pressure of this and I know that I can do the best that I can for these students this year.
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