I've been having an exceptionally good week. I've been doing the little things, like eating and sleeping better, but I think it has more to do with how I've been running my classroom. I've been focusing less on management (I don't want to say I've got it down, but it's definitely becoming more instinctive) and more on building relationships with students. I've had some lunches with kids, and I'm being more forgiving here and there. I've been keeping my sense of humor more. And at the end of the day, I am really enjoying my job. It is becoming a lot more fun.
It's still hard, but I'm better at taking a disastrous class and turning it productive, or taking a good class and pushing it further. The weeks are still long and slow, but I feel more energetic at the end. (At least, in retrospect. By about Tuesday, I'm usually ready to be done with the week.)
My planning for this past 2-week cycle was really solid, and that made my classes better. The students understand that they are expected to be working for an entire 40-minute period, so there is less misbehavior and more compliance. In fact, today in my homeroom class, I had two girls on task for the first time in as long as I can remember. It was glorious. (Really, who doesn't love the circulatory system?)
In planning for the next two weeks, I planned a lesson on metals vs. nonmentals (in my Periodic Table unit), and in the process, figured out how to take some flashlights and wires lying around and make homemade conductivity testers. I also bought a Periodic Table t-shirt, because really, what real science teacher is without one?
I squeezed in a 2-miler this evening, but I'm getting a little anxious about the duathlon this weekend. The weather is supposed to be cool (52) and rainy, so I'm hoping that there is a likelier chance I will win a trophy by default. And, biking and running in the mud can't hurt either. I just got a new pair of tri shorts (a size smaller from last year!), but I might have to throw on a pair of sweats over it, so I don't freeze. I hope to dress warmly and embrace the mud. Actually, I can't wait.
Thursday, March 29, 2012
Tuesday, March 27, 2012
200
This is my 200th post. I have been blogging for a long time now. It's been about 10 months.
Today I declare myself a real science teacher. Why? Because I just ordered a periodic table t-shirt. I got a ton of planning done, and rather than actually planning an introduction to the periodic table, I bought a t-shirt. I'll plan it tomorrow. My plans are getting way better, which makes day-to-day life easier.
Lockdown is over! Well, we're having a 3 day trial of not-lockdown, but the way things work around here, behavior management tends to come in second to logistics. I'm pretty happy about it, now that I'll have my classroom back, but I'm going to have to rework some of the routines. I'm a little nervous about it, but I'm happy to be back home. Mostly, I'm looking forward to having my quiet preps in my quiet classroom.
I'm really tired after not sleeping well last night, but I'm also muscle tired from the workout yesterday (I can no longer type the word "muscle" and think it looks correct, after all of the lesson plans I made today). I know it's normal to feel this tired after a new workout, but I find it very intimidating when I start thinking about this spring/summer's triathlon training. I guess I can do a 5 mile bike, 2 mile run without too much trouble, but I have big plans this summer:
This weekend is a 2 mi/10 mi/20 mi run/bike/run.
Next month, maybe a 5K. I'd love to break 30 min.
June 17, sprint tri (1/2 mi swim, 10 mi bike, 3.1 mi run)
July mud race? 5K?
August Olympic tri (1 mi swim, 25 mi bike, 6.2 mi run)
(maybe) September sprint tri, the 4th (!) anniversary of my first tri.
The sprints aren't too much of a worry, although I'd really like to improve my times. I'd like to improve my Olympic time too, but I think I'm already on my way to that. At least as far as running is concern, I'm training much better this year than I ever have in the past.
And now, I'm having a glass of wine and watching TV.
Today I declare myself a real science teacher. Why? Because I just ordered a periodic table t-shirt. I got a ton of planning done, and rather than actually planning an introduction to the periodic table, I bought a t-shirt. I'll plan it tomorrow. My plans are getting way better, which makes day-to-day life easier.
Lockdown is over! Well, we're having a 3 day trial of not-lockdown, but the way things work around here, behavior management tends to come in second to logistics. I'm pretty happy about it, now that I'll have my classroom back, but I'm going to have to rework some of the routines. I'm a little nervous about it, but I'm happy to be back home. Mostly, I'm looking forward to having my quiet preps in my quiet classroom.
I'm really tired after not sleeping well last night, but I'm also muscle tired from the workout yesterday (I can no longer type the word "muscle" and think it looks correct, after all of the lesson plans I made today). I know it's normal to feel this tired after a new workout, but I find it very intimidating when I start thinking about this spring/summer's triathlon training. I guess I can do a 5 mile bike, 2 mile run without too much trouble, but I have big plans this summer:
This weekend is a 2 mi/10 mi/20 mi run/bike/run.
Next month, maybe a 5K. I'd love to break 30 min.
June 17, sprint tri (1/2 mi swim, 10 mi bike, 3.1 mi run)
July mud race? 5K?
August Olympic tri (1 mi swim, 25 mi bike, 6.2 mi run)
(maybe) September sprint tri, the 4th (!) anniversary of my first tri.
The sprints aren't too much of a worry, although I'd really like to improve my times. I'd like to improve my Olympic time too, but I think I'm already on my way to that. At least as far as running is concern, I'm training much better this year than I ever have in the past.
And now, I'm having a glass of wine and watching TV.
Monday, March 26, 2012
Holy Hell
The title is kind of misleading, it was just a thought that came to mind about halfway through my workout today. Overall, my day was great.
I love my job, and I very much dislike anyone who tries to ruin that for me. I was a little anxious about a double period class that involved some setup and a class that I don't get along with the best, but I ended up having a great time. I managed to give almost half the kids one-on-one attention, and they all enjoyed the activity (using filtration to separate a mixture - watching a black marker spot bleed red and blue). The kids were extra excited, because of a new girl in the class, but she was nice and smart. The kids were being difficult at first, trying to push my buttons a little, but I ran with it and ended up having a lot of fun.
My other classes were good, and I think one of the girls I went running with last week worked extra hard on her quiz today.
Two more kids from my homeroom are now suspended, because of a fight they had during library. I'm pretty disappointed with them.
Yesterday I went shopping for my positive reward system, and ended up spending about $30 on raffle tickets, candy, Spongebob notebooks, pencils, and other little toys. I only remembered to introduce it to two of the classes, though. I was about to explain it to my last class when the 5-minute-long afternoon announcements began. Oh well, I'll introduce it tomorrow.
My second assignment for my coach was student relationship-building. I invited one of my most challenging students to my room for lunch - and once I said he could bring a friend, he was on board. I had three challenging boys to chat with during lunch, and it was nice. There was no ground-breaking communication, but I got to listen to some partially-incomprehensible boy chatter, and we all talked about how our days were going. One step at a time.
I left school right at 3:15, because I had an important workout to do. Last week's gym brick was derailed by someone else getting on the stationary bike, and yesterday's bike ride was cancelled due to weather, so I needed to get on the bike today. I left school right away, and stopped at the supermarket partially to procrastinate my workout and partially because I need to eat more fresh food. I bought the ingredients for an exciting dinner, and headed to the park.
I planned a 5 mile bike and 2 mile run, and that's what I did. The first half of the bike was uphill and into the wind, and I was only wearing a t-shirt. That's where the "Holy Hell" comes in. It was tough, and I ended up windburned everywhere. I also forgot my sunglasses, which didn't help with the whole keeping-dirt-out-of-my-eyes part. The second half of the ride was great, though, zooming down the hill and breaking any small branches that got in my way. Overall, it was slower than I expected (just under 12 mpg), but nice to get back in the saddle again.
Then came the brick part of the brick. I managed about a 2-minute car transition (front tire of the bike off, bike in the car, helmet off), and began my run. It felt pretty brickish, but I'm in much better running shape than I've ever been in my life. As I started running, I decided to cut it to 1 mile, but after I passed the half-mile marker I kept going and ended up doing the whole 2 miles at a nice 11-minute pace. By the end of the run, I couldn't really feel my calves any more, but I managed to flop me feet in the right direction. It was cold and I worked hard.
In the 45 minutes after I went home, I managed to make dinner (and lunch for the week) and clean up the kitchen. Appetizer: edamame-style steamed fresh garbanzo beans tossed with salt and cayenne (do NOT rub your eyes). Main: shells with smoked turkey sausage, eggplant, baby spinach, and cherry tomatoes. Also: Minty chamomile rooibos tea.
Also, during that time, I got a phone call from the parent of a suburban student I tutor asking if he could give my number to his daughter's classmate. Absolutely.
My feet are up, I am watching Toddlers and Tiaras, and I'm about to eat an awesome dinner. I am okay for now.
I love my job, and I very much dislike anyone who tries to ruin that for me. I was a little anxious about a double period class that involved some setup and a class that I don't get along with the best, but I ended up having a great time. I managed to give almost half the kids one-on-one attention, and they all enjoyed the activity (using filtration to separate a mixture - watching a black marker spot bleed red and blue). The kids were extra excited, because of a new girl in the class, but she was nice and smart. The kids were being difficult at first, trying to push my buttons a little, but I ran with it and ended up having a lot of fun.
My other classes were good, and I think one of the girls I went running with last week worked extra hard on her quiz today.
Two more kids from my homeroom are now suspended, because of a fight they had during library. I'm pretty disappointed with them.
Yesterday I went shopping for my positive reward system, and ended up spending about $30 on raffle tickets, candy, Spongebob notebooks, pencils, and other little toys. I only remembered to introduce it to two of the classes, though. I was about to explain it to my last class when the 5-minute-long afternoon announcements began. Oh well, I'll introduce it tomorrow.
My second assignment for my coach was student relationship-building. I invited one of my most challenging students to my room for lunch - and once I said he could bring a friend, he was on board. I had three challenging boys to chat with during lunch, and it was nice. There was no ground-breaking communication, but I got to listen to some partially-incomprehensible boy chatter, and we all talked about how our days were going. One step at a time.
I left school right at 3:15, because I had an important workout to do. Last week's gym brick was derailed by someone else getting on the stationary bike, and yesterday's bike ride was cancelled due to weather, so I needed to get on the bike today. I left school right away, and stopped at the supermarket partially to procrastinate my workout and partially because I need to eat more fresh food. I bought the ingredients for an exciting dinner, and headed to the park.
I planned a 5 mile bike and 2 mile run, and that's what I did. The first half of the bike was uphill and into the wind, and I was only wearing a t-shirt. That's where the "Holy Hell" comes in. It was tough, and I ended up windburned everywhere. I also forgot my sunglasses, which didn't help with the whole keeping-dirt-out-of-my-eyes part. The second half of the ride was great, though, zooming down the hill and breaking any small branches that got in my way. Overall, it was slower than I expected (just under 12 mpg), but nice to get back in the saddle again.
Then came the brick part of the brick. I managed about a 2-minute car transition (front tire of the bike off, bike in the car, helmet off), and began my run. It felt pretty brickish, but I'm in much better running shape than I've ever been in my life. As I started running, I decided to cut it to 1 mile, but after I passed the half-mile marker I kept going and ended up doing the whole 2 miles at a nice 11-minute pace. By the end of the run, I couldn't really feel my calves any more, but I managed to flop me feet in the right direction. It was cold and I worked hard.
In the 45 minutes after I went home, I managed to make dinner (and lunch for the week) and clean up the kitchen. Appetizer: edamame-style steamed fresh garbanzo beans tossed with salt and cayenne (do NOT rub your eyes). Main: shells with smoked turkey sausage, eggplant, baby spinach, and cherry tomatoes. Also: Minty chamomile rooibos tea.
Also, during that time, I got a phone call from the parent of a suburban student I tutor asking if he could give my number to his daughter's classmate. Absolutely.
My feet are up, I am watching Toddlers and Tiaras, and I'm about to eat an awesome dinner. I am okay for now.
Thursday, March 22, 2012
Relationship Coaching
Today the coach came again, and although the class started in chaos (surprise eye exams for 10 kids at a time!), I eventually had 90% on task for a self-directed science experiment (what variables affect heart rate). Almost every student helped design and participate in an original experiment with their group. I had students walking, speed-walking, laughing, and "sleeping". They were also testing out homemade lie-detectors (stopwatch and pulse). My feedback was regarding student relationships, which I always need to spend more time on.
I've been working hard on getting to know students better, being a little more forgiving, and helping them with problems. I've been spending more of my prep time talking to students one-on-one. My assignment for my coach is to get to know two students by inviting them for lunch (food bribery works, I imagine) and just chatting. I picked my two students, and I can't wait to get to know them. One of the students moved into the school a few weeks ago, and today was switched into my homeroom (from the higher class) and was NOT happy about it. The other student is also fairly new and I realized I have had more contact with his grandmother than with him.
In building relationships with students, I also decided to take part in the school "boot camp" this afternoon, which meets Tuesdays and Thursdays starting this week. It's a one-hour workout session with a sixth grade teacher and about a dozen students, 2 of them from my classes. I went for a nice mile-ish jog and then took part in an obstacle course. I need to bring better clothes; I only had a t-shirt and sneakers this time. Today definitely called for shorts (or something other than green slacks). It was fun, though, and I worked up a good sweat before finishing my work.
This morning, while the 8th grade finished testing, I showed my kids August Rush, a fantastic feel-good movie starring Robin Williams and that kid from Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. Not only did I enjoy the movie (and some tears at the end), but I also managed to FINISH grading papers. For the first time this year, I was completely current on grading. Then, I taught two more classes, but for the span of almost an hour, I was done grading.
My other assignment is to work on my positive incentive plan. Starting next week, we decided I will put in place a reward ticket system, and students are given tickets for good behavior. At the end of the week, the tickets are put in a bucket and a couple of prizes will be raffled off. I'm pretty excited about this, especially since I have a couple of cool science-y toys that my awesome 6th grade science teacher bestowed upon me.
Feeling positive and still sleepy. Tomorrow is Friday, and I'm hoping for a 4+ mile run after school. Right now, I'm meeting a friend for sushi happy hour. Pretty ideal, right?
I've been working hard on getting to know students better, being a little more forgiving, and helping them with problems. I've been spending more of my prep time talking to students one-on-one. My assignment for my coach is to get to know two students by inviting them for lunch (food bribery works, I imagine) and just chatting. I picked my two students, and I can't wait to get to know them. One of the students moved into the school a few weeks ago, and today was switched into my homeroom (from the higher class) and was NOT happy about it. The other student is also fairly new and I realized I have had more contact with his grandmother than with him.
In building relationships with students, I also decided to take part in the school "boot camp" this afternoon, which meets Tuesdays and Thursdays starting this week. It's a one-hour workout session with a sixth grade teacher and about a dozen students, 2 of them from my classes. I went for a nice mile-ish jog and then took part in an obstacle course. I need to bring better clothes; I only had a t-shirt and sneakers this time. Today definitely called for shorts (or something other than green slacks). It was fun, though, and I worked up a good sweat before finishing my work.
This morning, while the 8th grade finished testing, I showed my kids August Rush, a fantastic feel-good movie starring Robin Williams and that kid from Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. Not only did I enjoy the movie (and some tears at the end), but I also managed to FINISH grading papers. For the first time this year, I was completely current on grading. Then, I taught two more classes, but for the span of almost an hour, I was done grading.
My other assignment is to work on my positive incentive plan. Starting next week, we decided I will put in place a reward ticket system, and students are given tickets for good behavior. At the end of the week, the tickets are put in a bucket and a couple of prizes will be raffled off. I'm pretty excited about this, especially since I have a couple of cool science-y toys that my awesome 6th grade science teacher bestowed upon me.
Feeling positive and still sleepy. Tomorrow is Friday, and I'm hoping for a 4+ mile run after school. Right now, I'm meeting a friend for sushi happy hour. Pretty ideal, right?
Wednesday, March 21, 2012
Spring
Today is the vernal equinox, when you can stand an egg on its end.
Just like every other day.
It's also the day that has the same length of day and night, and the first full day of spring. Spring has come in full force, with fantastic weather to enjoy after school, and awful heat in school until the heater is turned off for the year.
Wednesdays aren't usually too bad, and my classes went well, although I did cover for another teacher during my prep again (7th period today, 4th period Monday, and 5th period Friday). The testing has been rough on our schedules.
Testing is done after tomorrow, but my kids are done already. I get to show them a video tomorrow during testing, because the 8th graders still have one more test and we can't shuffle the classes around. I'll be happy when the testing is done, but it means more energy spent teaching (and more time enjoying teaching, of course).
I'm still pretty tired, but last night I finished the Hunger Games trilogy, which I've been enjoying since Christmas. Tonight, maybe, I'll finally get to sleep early. After trivia, of course.
Just like every other day.
It's also the day that has the same length of day and night, and the first full day of spring. Spring has come in full force, with fantastic weather to enjoy after school, and awful heat in school until the heater is turned off for the year.
Wednesdays aren't usually too bad, and my classes went well, although I did cover for another teacher during my prep again (7th period today, 4th period Monday, and 5th period Friday). The testing has been rough on our schedules.
Testing is done after tomorrow, but my kids are done already. I get to show them a video tomorrow during testing, because the 8th graders still have one more test and we can't shuffle the classes around. I'll be happy when the testing is done, but it means more energy spent teaching (and more time enjoying teaching, of course).
I'm still pretty tired, but last night I finished the Hunger Games trilogy, which I've been enjoying since Christmas. Tonight, maybe, I'll finally get to sleep early. After trivia, of course.
Tuesday, March 20, 2012
More Testing
Testing is getting boring/tedious/exhausting. I don't have to teach for the morning, but I do have to walk around constantly in a high-stress room. I'm really just complaining, but I'm so tired. I have a hard time at the end of the day having the energy I need to get a class going really well. I can get a class running, but if I want it to go really well, I need to work extra hard. I need to be better about saving energy for the end of the day.
Now, it's the end of the day, an I'm plain tired. A good friend gave me some good advice once, and that is: If you're staying late to do work, then be doing work. If you're staying late to do work, and really staring into space instead, then go home and do something fun. I don't have it in me today to do any more grading of papers. I got a big chunk done during my prep. I'd rather spend my afternoon doing some active relaxing, than stressful not-working.
I have plans for my first brick workout of the season. A brick is a combination bike-followed-by-run workout, and is named after the feeling in your legs after beginning to run. Now that I've started the racing season with a great race, I need to get into triathlon shape. I don't know when my apartment pool opens, but I can think about biking. I have a brick planned today and a bike ride with my dad on Sunday. I've even signed up for a duathlon (bike + run) on April 1, because I love racing. It's a 2 mile run, 10 mile bike, and another 2 mile run. I'm excited about it because in the past three years (according to internet results), there have been fewer than 3 people competing in my age group (20-24), and the top 3 get trophies. I might get a trophy by default! It happened once before, in a 5K, and it was almost as exciting as earning it for real. Maybe one day I can earn trophies, but for now I'll hope for winning them by default.
I might even be really productive this afternoon and make a trip to Macy's, because my recliner broke and I have to pick out a replacement (covered due to manufacturer's defect). Time to go pick out a free recliner!
Now, it's the end of the day, an I'm plain tired. A good friend gave me some good advice once, and that is: If you're staying late to do work, then be doing work. If you're staying late to do work, and really staring into space instead, then go home and do something fun. I don't have it in me today to do any more grading of papers. I got a big chunk done during my prep. I'd rather spend my afternoon doing some active relaxing, than stressful not-working.
I have plans for my first brick workout of the season. A brick is a combination bike-followed-by-run workout, and is named after the feeling in your legs after beginning to run. Now that I've started the racing season with a great race, I need to get into triathlon shape. I don't know when my apartment pool opens, but I can think about biking. I have a brick planned today and a bike ride with my dad on Sunday. I've even signed up for a duathlon (bike + run) on April 1, because I love racing. It's a 2 mile run, 10 mile bike, and another 2 mile run. I'm excited about it because in the past three years (according to internet results), there have been fewer than 3 people competing in my age group (20-24), and the top 3 get trophies. I might get a trophy by default! It happened once before, in a 5K, and it was almost as exciting as earning it for real. Maybe one day I can earn trophies, but for now I'll hope for winning them by default.
I might even be really productive this afternoon and make a trip to Macy's, because my recliner broke and I have to pick out a replacement (covered due to manufacturer's defect). Time to go pick out a free recliner!
Monday, March 19, 2012
Satisfaction
Today I was really anxious to try a new lesson plan idea, but I think it's working. The objective is for students to be able to explain how the history of the atomic theory helped contribute to modern theory. The lesson is over three days and starts with a discussion of students preconceptions about the history of atomic theory, and some note-taking on the six notable contributors: Democritus, Dalton, Thomson, Rutherford, Bohr, and Chadwick. Students are then split into 6 teams, and each team is given a 1-2 page reading (Wikipedia copy-paste) and a series of 7 questions to guide them through the reading. Finally, each team is responsible for a 5-minute presentation on their scientist, making sure to include the answers to their 7 questions (most importantly, how this scientist's discovery contributed to the current understanding of atomic theory).
I was worried they'd all decide not to do it or something, but it's going pretty well. I've introduced the assignment to all three eighth grade classes, and I'm learning a few things on the way. One class definitely needed more explanation on the questions. Another class probably thought the questions were too restrictive, and the other class required me to make their groups for them, or nothing would get done.
In my homeroom class, I'm beginning a 5-day inquiry activity on the different factors that affect heart rate. I'm so excited! I really enjoy the job part of this job. The politics are another story.
Today, two students (male/female) were found in a bathroom stall together. One of the students had wandered off when I had taken my class to the bathroom (she went to the other bathroom), but thankfully the assistant principal said there was nothing I could have done to prevent it.
In other news, the four toughest kids in my homeroom class and one in the other 7th grade class recently got into some serious trouble when they jumped an eighth grader as he got off the bus (at their end, not at the school), and the kid ended up in the hospital. A police officer came to the school on Friday to speak to them, and now they're all suspended for 10 days (a serious one), pending possible suspension. It's so frustrating to always go out on a limb to help these kids succeed, and then they go do something like this. Almost every one of those kids took pride in success independently, but always gave into the peer pressure of the "thug life". At the very least, I'll have a smaller (and much better behaved) homeroom class for a while, which is a huge advantage to the other 25 students.
Yesterday was my 4 mile race, and it went really well! I ran in 42:18, which is a 10:34 mile. I previously thought I could only do a 10:30 mile for 2 mile, but I guess I was wrong. I was running with two friends (both faster, but less trained), and they kept me moving. We passed the time by sharing stories. In the last mile, we split up, and I finished a minute behind one and two minutes behind the other. It was a flat race, but all on a high-crowned asphalt road, which left me with some sore knees and ankles. Even though I want to run today (gorgeous weather), I'll take the day off. I was surprised to hear that my two friends are much more sore today than I am; I guess even though I'm slower, my training paid off. I'm even looking forward to yoga tonight.
This weekend also involved some great weather and great cooking. On Saturday night, I was so stressed out that I had to make zeppoles. Other highlights include eggy pasta, a cheese plate, and a burrito adventure.
I was worried they'd all decide not to do it or something, but it's going pretty well. I've introduced the assignment to all three eighth grade classes, and I'm learning a few things on the way. One class definitely needed more explanation on the questions. Another class probably thought the questions were too restrictive, and the other class required me to make their groups for them, or nothing would get done.
In my homeroom class, I'm beginning a 5-day inquiry activity on the different factors that affect heart rate. I'm so excited! I really enjoy the job part of this job. The politics are another story.
Today, two students (male/female) were found in a bathroom stall together. One of the students had wandered off when I had taken my class to the bathroom (she went to the other bathroom), but thankfully the assistant principal said there was nothing I could have done to prevent it.
In other news, the four toughest kids in my homeroom class and one in the other 7th grade class recently got into some serious trouble when they jumped an eighth grader as he got off the bus (at their end, not at the school), and the kid ended up in the hospital. A police officer came to the school on Friday to speak to them, and now they're all suspended for 10 days (a serious one), pending possible suspension. It's so frustrating to always go out on a limb to help these kids succeed, and then they go do something like this. Almost every one of those kids took pride in success independently, but always gave into the peer pressure of the "thug life". At the very least, I'll have a smaller (and much better behaved) homeroom class for a while, which is a huge advantage to the other 25 students.
Yesterday was my 4 mile race, and it went really well! I ran in 42:18, which is a 10:34 mile. I previously thought I could only do a 10:30 mile for 2 mile, but I guess I was wrong. I was running with two friends (both faster, but less trained), and they kept me moving. We passed the time by sharing stories. In the last mile, we split up, and I finished a minute behind one and two minutes behind the other. It was a flat race, but all on a high-crowned asphalt road, which left me with some sore knees and ankles. Even though I want to run today (gorgeous weather), I'll take the day off. I was surprised to hear that my two friends are much more sore today than I am; I guess even though I'm slower, my training paid off. I'm even looking forward to yoga tonight.
This weekend also involved some great weather and great cooking. On Saturday night, I was so stressed out that I had to make zeppoles. Other highlights include eggy pasta, a cheese plate, and a burrito adventure.
Friday, March 16, 2012
Thursday, March 15, 2012
Period
I had a wonderful day with my homeroom class. I was terrified to begin the reproductive system, but the students really rose to the challenge (after 10 minutes or so of rudeness and giggling). A lot of students were really interested in learning about the male reproductive system (female is tomorrow), but most importantly, they were comfortable asking questions. Once the first question came out (what does "ejaculatory" mean?), the questions kept coming. And the kids were really engaged in the answers. I spent several minutes explaining to an enraptured group of 12-year-olds why girls get their period. It is horrifying that they never learned this, especially because this is the age at which the average girl gets her period. That means that at least half of the girls in my class have been dealing with this without understanding it. I also took an opportunity to explain that they CAN still get pregnant if they have sex during their period, and that there is only ONE surefire way to avoid pregnancy. Of course, if I had it my way, I'd be handing out condoms and bananas, but I'll have to stick to plain old honesty and science, and hope their parents will teach them this one thing. At least I feel confident that 12-year-olds should not be having sex, regardless of marital status.
Yesterday, I was really angry about a certain lunchroom policy. Apparently, no food is allowed to leave the cafeteria. The kids didn't love their lunch, and a lot of unopened lunches were stacking up at the end of the table. I put them on a tray, with the intention of bringing them to the teacher's lunchroom after lunch duty was over, because teachers often indulge in a nice $2 school lunch. Unfortunately, I was informed that food cannot leave the cafeteria. It is a liability. So, about 8 sealed meals were thrown in the trash. It was terribly wasteful, and made me think about how much food is thrown away in Connecticut public schools. Imagine how many people could eat if they would pack up the food and send it home with some of the hungrier kids (and I know some of them are) or even take it to a food bank or homeless shelter.
Yesterday, I did a great zombie run. My town's gate was broken, so I had to lure the zombies towards another town. The other town helped us by shooting the zombies for us (okay, they were aiming at us, because we brought them zombies, but we ducked in time), and we were able to return home just in time for them to finish fixing the gate. Unfortunately, the other runner I was with has developed a rattling cough, which is the first symptom of the zombie virus. For the first time in a while, I took the long way around an extra block because I was enjoying the run so much. 2.25 miles at about 11:30/mile. I'm done running for the week in preparation for the 4-miler on Sunday. My faster friend has said she will keep me company during the run, so I might not even need the ipod. I'm excited; I haven't raced since my half-marathon last May and not-trained-for triathlon in June. (I think? Have I done any racing since then? The last oh-my-gosh-it's-been-almost-a-whole-year has been pretty intense).
As guilty pleasures go, I've been given a great gift: Lifetime is starting a new series, Dance Moms: Miami. Because the regular Dance Moms isn't quite enough.
Back to work, back to planning.
Yesterday, I was really angry about a certain lunchroom policy. Apparently, no food is allowed to leave the cafeteria. The kids didn't love their lunch, and a lot of unopened lunches were stacking up at the end of the table. I put them on a tray, with the intention of bringing them to the teacher's lunchroom after lunch duty was over, because teachers often indulge in a nice $2 school lunch. Unfortunately, I was informed that food cannot leave the cafeteria. It is a liability. So, about 8 sealed meals were thrown in the trash. It was terribly wasteful, and made me think about how much food is thrown away in Connecticut public schools. Imagine how many people could eat if they would pack up the food and send it home with some of the hungrier kids (and I know some of them are) or even take it to a food bank or homeless shelter.
Yesterday, I did a great zombie run. My town's gate was broken, so I had to lure the zombies towards another town. The other town helped us by shooting the zombies for us (okay, they were aiming at us, because we brought them zombies, but we ducked in time), and we were able to return home just in time for them to finish fixing the gate. Unfortunately, the other runner I was with has developed a rattling cough, which is the first symptom of the zombie virus. For the first time in a while, I took the long way around an extra block because I was enjoying the run so much. 2.25 miles at about 11:30/mile. I'm done running for the week in preparation for the 4-miler on Sunday. My faster friend has said she will keep me company during the run, so I might not even need the ipod. I'm excited; I haven't raced since my half-marathon last May and not-trained-for triathlon in June. (I think? Have I done any racing since then? The last oh-my-gosh-it's-been-almost-a-whole-year has been pretty intense).
As guilty pleasures go, I've been given a great gift: Lifetime is starting a new series, Dance Moms: Miami. Because the regular Dance Moms isn't quite enough.
Back to work, back to planning.
Tuesday, March 13, 2012
Test Stats
Whoever thought it would be a good idea to do standardized testing 2 days after daylight savings spring ahead was mistaken. This morning during testing, kids were practically falling asleep. Sometimes, I forget they're only 12.
I began to wonder whether the scores for the test today will be noticeably lower because of the daylight savings jetlag. In all of TFA's emphasis on data and statistics, I've become really interested in the topic (despite how much I hate stats. I would have been an epidemiologist if I didn't hate stats so much).
In class this Saturday, we learned about standardized testing. In order for a test to be standardized, it has to be tested (or at least, each question) for five years, in order to determine the results of each group (IEP, poor, rich, middle) taking it, as well as weed out any errors or biases in questions. If I had to leave the classroom for any reason (burnout, etc), this might be the next career path I'd pursue. The only thing I love more than writing and proofreading is testing data.
I began to wonder whether the scores for the test today will be noticeably lower because of the daylight savings jetlag. In all of TFA's emphasis on data and statistics, I've become really interested in the topic (despite how much I hate stats. I would have been an epidemiologist if I didn't hate stats so much).
In class this Saturday, we learned about standardized testing. In order for a test to be standardized, it has to be tested (or at least, each question) for five years, in order to determine the results of each group (IEP, poor, rich, middle) taking it, as well as weed out any errors or biases in questions. If I had to leave the classroom for any reason (burnout, etc), this might be the next career path I'd pursue. The only thing I love more than writing and proofreading is testing data.
Work
I've been really busy, so I haven't gotten a lot of time to write. I need it, but I'm still busy. I've been preparing for a formal observation by the principal that was yesterday, and that went pretty well. She commented that at times I was TOO strict and consistent. Really? Okay, I'll take it. She also gave me a lot of advice on effective questioning strategies, in order to assess the students' learning over the course of the class.
I ran a beautiful 4 miles on Sunday, in 45:12, with 55 degrees of warmth. It was wonderful, and gave me a good guideline for the race next Sunday (anticipated 60 degrees). My original goal was to break 45 minutes, but I think I can do better than that in the excitement of the race. Maybe 44 minutes? Possibly less? Who knows!
I have SO MUCH planning to do. I keep procrastinating, but it's time. Back to work.
I ran a beautiful 4 miles on Sunday, in 45:12, with 55 degrees of warmth. It was wonderful, and gave me a good guideline for the race next Sunday (anticipated 60 degrees). My original goal was to break 45 minutes, but I think I can do better than that in the excitement of the race. Maybe 44 minutes? Possibly less? Who knows!
I have SO MUCH planning to do. I keep procrastinating, but it's time. Back to work.
Thursday, March 8, 2012
Improving
Today, I improved a lot. Either that, or my real-time coach spoke to all of my students and told them to be really well behaved today.
Testing went very well. I took charge and ran the entire testing in my room myself, with my mentor there as support. The kids did really well. After testing, there were some logistical issues, and my homeroom class sat quietly and chatted/wordsearched for a whole hour. I guess the clear (concise) expectations and behavior narration work that well. When I saw them again later, we did an entire lab activity, and I think over 80% of students handed in a completed assignment! They were pretty good about "staying seated, quiet, and on-task", and I only have a few phone calls to make tonight.
My last class was a bit trickier, but again, I saw almost 100% compliance. It was awesome. I love teaching, no matter how challenging it is.
Testing went very well. I took charge and ran the entire testing in my room myself, with my mentor there as support. The kids did really well. After testing, there were some logistical issues, and my homeroom class sat quietly and chatted/wordsearched for a whole hour. I guess the clear (concise) expectations and behavior narration work that well. When I saw them again later, we did an entire lab activity, and I think over 80% of students handed in a completed assignment! They were pretty good about "staying seated, quiet, and on-task", and I only have a few phone calls to make tonight.
My last class was a bit trickier, but again, I saw almost 100% compliance. It was awesome. I love teaching, no matter how challenging it is.
Wednesday, March 7, 2012
Lunch Duty
I was part of an adorable/wonderful interaction at lunch duty today. It made me feel good.
Third grader: Miss, I hate girls. They're so annoying.
Me: When you grow up, you'll learn to like them. And then you might still find them annoying.
Third grader: No, I'll never like them.
Other third grader: You'll never like girls? Then you're gay!
Me: And there's nothing wrong with that.
Third grader (to other third grader): No, YOU'RE gay and there's nothing wrong with it.
Third grader: Miss, I hate girls. They're so annoying.
Me: When you grow up, you'll learn to like them. And then you might still find them annoying.
Third grader: No, I'll never like them.
Other third grader: You'll never like girls? Then you're gay!
Me: And there's nothing wrong with that.
Third grader (to other third grader): No, YOU'RE gay and there's nothing wrong with it.
Real-Time
Today I had some more real time coaching, and I need to say some terrible things about my coach (just kidding, she's great). I need to do better with clear expectations and behavior narration. I was coached into a couple of minutes of almost 100% compliance, though. It was beautiful. I have a lot I need to work on, though, so I can get there myself.
Clear expectations. I had a world of results last month when I was reminded that clear expectations are awesome, but I've been too lazy about implementing them. I've got a few that have been working great, but I need to spend more time planning ahead. I have to plan not only to give clear expectations, but how to make them better. Until I get an instinct for it, I need to spend more time writing them out ahead of time. Not surprisingly, I tend to get too wordy when left to my own devices. Clear, concise.
And behavior narration. I need to do more of it, even though it feels awkward. I need to be better about narrating the kids who are unusually good, and narrating circles around the bad folks. Peer pressure at its finest.
Today, my homeroom class got really enthusiastic about a lab activity. To introduce the digestive system, we're doing a lab where they can test whether chewing, talking, or amount of saliva affects how fast a Lifesaver dissolves. They will eventually "discover" that it is both saliva (chemical digestion) and chewing (mechanical digestion) that are necessary for eating.
I took a couple of days off running, but I need to get back into it today. I'm hoping for 2 miles, then some work, then trivia.
Clear expectations. I had a world of results last month when I was reminded that clear expectations are awesome, but I've been too lazy about implementing them. I've got a few that have been working great, but I need to spend more time planning ahead. I have to plan not only to give clear expectations, but how to make them better. Until I get an instinct for it, I need to spend more time writing them out ahead of time. Not surprisingly, I tend to get too wordy when left to my own devices. Clear, concise.
And behavior narration. I need to do more of it, even though it feels awkward. I need to be better about narrating the kids who are unusually good, and narrating circles around the bad folks. Peer pressure at its finest.
Today, my homeroom class got really enthusiastic about a lab activity. To introduce the digestive system, we're doing a lab where they can test whether chewing, talking, or amount of saliva affects how fast a Lifesaver dissolves. They will eventually "discover" that it is both saliva (chemical digestion) and chewing (mechanical digestion) that are necessary for eating.
I took a couple of days off running, but I need to get back into it today. I'm hoping for 2 miles, then some work, then trivia.
Monday, March 5, 2012
Testing
Today began the big one, the three weeks of the Connecticut Mastery Test (CMT). Well, today was the practice test, where I walked the kids through the kinds of questions they might see in the next few weeks.
As a new teacher, I actually am benefited by the testing procedures. Each teacher is responsible for testing their own homeroom class for the first 2 hours of the school day, and then the regular class schedule resumes. Since my class is so challenging, they are being split between two rooms for testing. So, I only have 14 kids in the class. Not only that, they don't let first year teachers proctor alone, so I have another teacher there with me the whole time. If this morning was any indication, this should be easy.
And then my day was uneventful, until a fight broke out in my last class. Amidst the resulting paperwork, I did not get enough work done today and had to stop due to a headache. I guess I'll just have to relax until tomorrow! Tomorrow I get to begin some hands on activities for several of my classes.
P.S. Yesterday I ran a mile in 9:44. Certainly not my best ever (9:22), but I'm getting better.
As a new teacher, I actually am benefited by the testing procedures. Each teacher is responsible for testing their own homeroom class for the first 2 hours of the school day, and then the regular class schedule resumes. Since my class is so challenging, they are being split between two rooms for testing. So, I only have 14 kids in the class. Not only that, they don't let first year teachers proctor alone, so I have another teacher there with me the whole time. If this morning was any indication, this should be easy.
And then my day was uneventful, until a fight broke out in my last class. Amidst the resulting paperwork, I did not get enough work done today and had to stop due to a headache. I guess I'll just have to relax until tomorrow! Tomorrow I get to begin some hands on activities for several of my classes.
P.S. Yesterday I ran a mile in 9:44. Certainly not my best ever (9:22), but I'm getting better.
Thursday, March 1, 2012
Zombies! Run!
I got a new iPhone app called Zombies! Run! It's an audio running game that incorporates your run into a zombie scenario over 30 or so episodes. Today, as I began my (treadmill) run, I learned that I had been in a plane crash on the way to take supplies to Abel Township. When Abel discovered that I survived, I was instructed to run back to the town. Then, their medical director (which is a jerk, apparently) told me that their previous "Runner 5" was killed on a mission to the hospital to pick up some medical supplies and documentation. I was told that if I didn't earn my way by risking my life to get supplies, I might not be allowed into the over-burdened town.
So, I ran towards the hospital. I grabbed some medical kits and the NIH paperwork, and then a pack of zombies appeared! I outran them, but as I approached the town, one of the zombies broke away from the pack and started catching up to me. As the communication center folks from town were still watching, they let me know that the stray zombie was, in fact, the previous Runner 5. They told me that a gun squad would run out to meet me as I approached the town, and they did. Zombies were held back, I got into Abel township safely, and I brought them important supplies.
Then I decided to tack on another two miles, to make it an even 4.5.
It was one of the best runs I've had in a while (especially on a treadmill) and it felt great. It helped me forget about a frustrating day, when the kids had a little extra energy.
It's almost the weekend. So close.
So, I ran towards the hospital. I grabbed some medical kits and the NIH paperwork, and then a pack of zombies appeared! I outran them, but as I approached the town, one of the zombies broke away from the pack and started catching up to me. As the communication center folks from town were still watching, they let me know that the stray zombie was, in fact, the previous Runner 5. They told me that a gun squad would run out to meet me as I approached the town, and they did. Zombies were held back, I got into Abel township safely, and I brought them important supplies.
Then I decided to tack on another two miles, to make it an even 4.5.
It was one of the best runs I've had in a while (especially on a treadmill) and it felt great. It helped me forget about a frustrating day, when the kids had a little extra energy.
It's almost the weekend. So close.
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