Blogging is a good thing to do during detention, because it doesn't take up my attention quite like planning or grading does. However, today's detention is especially boring (1 red, 2 yellows, and 2 greens), so I've got nothing to say about it.
It's getting to be that time of the year. It's too far away from September, but too far away from June. Everyone is sad and cranky and tired. Fortunately, I've learned how to inject joy into my classroom. In fact, last Thursday's faculty meeting focused on making the classroom more joyful. I even got a shout out for my Lab Coat Fridays! I've learned, and noticed since then, that when I get excited about the content, so do the kids. On Friday, I introduced my lesson as, "I'm so excited, this is my favorite lesson. Today we get to connect the lines on our speed vs. time graphs!" Several kids rolled their eyes, as 7th graders do, but one kid, the type of student who can score a B if he's really on his game, made a fist and whispered, "Yes!" If they can get excited about it, so can I.
This Saturday night, we had our annual staff karaoke night. Since we're a 100% school, I made sure to attend. We only ended up with about 75% of the staff there, but it was still riotous fun, including the principal and my IL and the DOO (and the secretary and most of the teachers). The best part was that most of the songs chosen were not recent pop songs that I never heard before. There was a lot of Disney, and somebody (it wasn't me, really) instigated an 8-or-so person rendition of Defying Gravity. There also might have been a drink or two.
Not only did I realize how amazing it is to work with such a good group of people, I also realized that I'm no longer 18 and can't go out like that regularly. I spent a lot of Sunday being not-too-happy, and I'm still pretty tired today. Totally worth it, though.
This week is another 100% week in workouts. I think I can. I already started with tonight's run moved to last night, because the weather was so nice. I did 3.5 miles at a 10:26 pace, which is a little longer and faster than usual. I had worried that my times were slowing down due to the higher volume, but an easy week brought me back up to par. Tonight, I'll do a 45 minute easy bike ride (or however long it takes to watch this week's episode of Bunheads). I'm really hoping to go to sleep before 9 tonight. I'll be proud when I can go to sleep early after finishing 2/7 of my workouts for the week!
This week is going to be a week of distance records. 16 miles of running, 1 mile of swimming, and hopefully a 15 mile bike ride in the real outdoors (45 and sunny on Saturday) + 1:15 riding indoors. I think I can!
Tuesday, February 26, 2013
Monday, February 25, 2013
Mid-Year Evalutaion
Today, I received my mid-year evaluation. Well, I was evaluated a few weeks ago, but today I met with my principal and IL to discuss it. I was pretty happy with it. Mostly, I was very unsurprised about the action steps. In fact, everything on the form was something that either I have previously discussed with my IL, or something I put on my self-evaluation. I was also happy to see a lot of positive feedback. I got shouted out for my love of data analysis and my strong relationships with students. I was also complimented on being reflective (duh!) and receptive to feedback. Apparently, I have made a 100% turn around since last year. Or something. In addition, they told me again and again how happy they are to have me. You're happy? I'm happy.
Last week was just as crazy as I expected, but I finished it all just in time for 4:30 PM Friday. I had my weekend to myself. The weekend was also as crazy as I expected, but that's a story for another time...
Last week was just as crazy as I expected, but I finished it all just in time for 4:30 PM Friday. I had my weekend to myself. The weekend was also as crazy as I expected, but that's a story for another time...
Teacher Reply Form for Mid Year
Evaluation
After reading my
evaluation…
I am pleased about:
o Having shown some improvement in student work
quality, including starting to implement No Opt Out and overseeing answer
quality
o Positive feedback on student relationships: I
have always struggled with non-planned, non-scripted student interaction, so I
am happy that it has been working out.
o My passion for science shows. I’m here because
I love it, and it is good that that is evident in my classroom (I am also
passionate about data
o Finding
no major surprises: All of the action steps have been skills that I have
already begun to work on, or that I have planned to fix in the near future
I plan to work on the following goals:
o Right
is Right – push students to answer 100% correctly by adding correct answers to
my plans, then pushing the students to provide them
o Management – consistently use strong voice by
not talking over murmuring (but instead fixing the problem) and using private
corrections
o Keep
my classroom neat – weekly tidying
o Take
ownership of skills students’ success – meet with Mr. Walter proactively to
make sure students are prepared for assessments and major assignments, identify
questions to pre-call students in plans
o Engagement
– focus on more hands raised
I have questions about or could use
assistance with:
o
Examples and specific ways to show Right is
Right
Wednesday, February 20, 2013
That Week
This is one of those weeks. I'm really, really glad I declared it an easy training week. It's one of those days with one less day, but one more day of stuff to do. In addition to my regular 5 days of planning for next week, I also had to do a data analysis on the NSA, get extra grades together for the interim progress report grades, do some technique practice, and prepare for our School Beautification deadline. (And now that I've outlined my essay with a strong thesis statement and 3 topics...)
I had entered all the NSA data over the weekend, so I only thought I had a few hours of data analysis, which I kind of enjoy. Of course, I discovered on Tuesday morning that the spreadsheet was a little wonky, so the data analysis part was missing (percentages of mastery of each question and objective), so I couldn't reflect on it. I got that fixed by the end of the day, but by then I was already behind schedule. And that doesn't include the two questions that are incorrect, and that I feel should be stricken from the register. And, I found out today that they want the practicals graded differently, so I have to regrade the practicals.
We were also surprised on Sunday with the news that this is the last week in the first half of the third marking period, so we need at least 15 grades for the interim reports. However, NSA and NSA review don't create grades. Also, the usual 3-grades-per-week rule doesn't even help because this half-quarter was only 4 weeks, not 5. So, I've been grading every homework, Do Now, and Exit Ticket. And then entering all of them into the gradebook between classes.
Yesterday, I had a really rough class. One of the really smart, but really difficult kids threw a tantrum. He didn't follow the rules, didn't make the corrections, and then made a big show about leaving the room. It kind of threw the class off it's game for the first 2/3 of the period, which made me very unhappy. Since I was working on some sills anyway, I had the class videotaped. This helped make a case against him for the dean, which resulted in a really solid apology today, but had other results. Today, I met with my IL to play Monday morning quarterback. It was pretty embarrassing to watch myself losing my temper, but then I had to stand in an empty classroom and practice my technique. I know it'll make a difference in my class (keep an even tone, don't show your poker face), it was rough. It was exhausting.
Lastly, we were told two weeks ago about a School Beautification deadline this Friday. It's no big deal, but it means by Friday I have to update all my bulletin boards. It's an extra hour or two of work, and an extra thing in my head.
In conclusion, it's been a busy week. Add that to some extra bad traffic today and having to wait behind a train, and I'm pretty cranky. I even failed at going to the gym because I made up some excuse about feeling shin splints coming on again. I still love my job, and I still love when students keep coming up to me and asking for advice about their science fair projects, but I need a nap. Or a drink. Besides, I got some credit from my IL for working so hard through all the NSA confusion that results from working on a new curriculum. It makes me feel pretty good.
I had entered all the NSA data over the weekend, so I only thought I had a few hours of data analysis, which I kind of enjoy. Of course, I discovered on Tuesday morning that the spreadsheet was a little wonky, so the data analysis part was missing (percentages of mastery of each question and objective), so I couldn't reflect on it. I got that fixed by the end of the day, but by then I was already behind schedule. And that doesn't include the two questions that are incorrect, and that I feel should be stricken from the register. And, I found out today that they want the practicals graded differently, so I have to regrade the practicals.
We were also surprised on Sunday with the news that this is the last week in the first half of the third marking period, so we need at least 15 grades for the interim reports. However, NSA and NSA review don't create grades. Also, the usual 3-grades-per-week rule doesn't even help because this half-quarter was only 4 weeks, not 5. So, I've been grading every homework, Do Now, and Exit Ticket. And then entering all of them into the gradebook between classes.
Yesterday, I had a really rough class. One of the really smart, but really difficult kids threw a tantrum. He didn't follow the rules, didn't make the corrections, and then made a big show about leaving the room. It kind of threw the class off it's game for the first 2/3 of the period, which made me very unhappy. Since I was working on some sills anyway, I had the class videotaped. This helped make a case against him for the dean, which resulted in a really solid apology today, but had other results. Today, I met with my IL to play Monday morning quarterback. It was pretty embarrassing to watch myself losing my temper, but then I had to stand in an empty classroom and practice my technique. I know it'll make a difference in my class (keep an even tone, don't show your poker face), it was rough. It was exhausting.
Lastly, we were told two weeks ago about a School Beautification deadline this Friday. It's no big deal, but it means by Friday I have to update all my bulletin boards. It's an extra hour or two of work, and an extra thing in my head.
In conclusion, it's been a busy week. Add that to some extra bad traffic today and having to wait behind a train, and I'm pretty cranky. I even failed at going to the gym because I made up some excuse about feeling shin splints coming on again. I still love my job, and I still love when students keep coming up to me and asking for advice about their science fair projects, but I need a nap. Or a drink. Besides, I got some credit from my IL for working so hard through all the NSA confusion that results from working on a new curriculum. It makes me feel pretty good.
Sunday, February 17, 2013
Successes
I'll just keep writing, because my Skype tutoring student hasn't showed yet. I ended the last post on a bit of a low note, so I'd like to share my successes.
Science Fair Club. We had our first meeting on Friday. I spent a lot of time preparing, and ended up walking into the meeting thinking, What was I thinking? I could've spent all this time grading the exams and planning. This is the last place I want to be.
That thought ended quickly. I had 15 eager students in my classroom, busting with new ideas. We tossed around some ideas about how science helps our every days lives. I introduced them to the Google Science Fair, shared the rules, and showed them a video about last year's winner. We then went to the computer lab to search for ideas. The kids were eager, although it was a little bit disorganized. I don't know how many of the kids will finish projects, or if they can win anything, but I spent 90 blissful minutes with a roomful of 12-year-olds who had it in their heads that they could help the world. That is why I do what I do.
I also had another (almost) 100% workout week. I say almost, because my swim was cut in half due to the pool closing, but I also threw in 30 minutes of yoga. In the last week, I ran 15 miles, biked almost 2 hours, swam 900 yards, and did 30 minutes of yoga. I worked hard this weekend especially.
Yesterday, I enjoyed a glorious 6 mile run. It was chilly, but running outside is a world away from running on a treadmill. I found a paved running path near my Saturday SAT class, and just sort of zoned out for an hour to the sounds of A Confederacy of Dunces. I'm not loving the audiobook, and I absolutely detest the protagonist, but it's low effort listening, and it's a book I'll be happy to cross off my list. The run wasn't too difficult, although my knees are a little bit achy. After the run, I went to the Y to swim, but only got in 900 yards before the pool closed. I think I need to either move the run to before SAT class (and then shower, and then get dressed), or move the swim to Sunday. Either way, it means more showering per weekend.
This morning, I got out of bed before 8 and went to a spin class at the Y. It definitely allowed me to push myself harder than I normally would on a bike indoors, although the suburban spin community is not necessarily the friendliest bunch. I have to decide whether I want to make this class a regular thing. I might stick with it until it gets warm enough to go outside (I can't decide if I'm waiting until it's 40+ or 50+ degrees to ride). I then hopped on the treadmill for 2.5 miles and joined a yoga class. I did not like the yoga class. The instructor just didn't do it for me, so I left after 30 minutes.
That makes this my highest-mileage running week (I think ever), of 15 miles. That gives me an average of 10.7 miles per week so far in 2013, which is exciting. Last year, I was pushing for the 10 miles. This year, I'm above 10 miles, and that takes into account two easy weeks so far (every third week). I'm at 32.2 miles for February, and it's only the 17th, so I should be able to easily beat my all-time best of 50 in a month, even with a rest week next week.
I'm a little achier than usual. My left knee is sore, and I'm not sure if I have a tight calf or the start of shin splints. I've had two consecutive "build" weeks, where I've really increased volume. I was hoping to do three build weeks and then a rest week, but I might have to rest early. I'll decide during Tuesday's run. I guess two build weeks is still a personal best. If I'm still achy on Tuesday, I'll make it an easy week.
Now that I'm looking back at my past few weeks' mileage, it looks like I've done well with a rest week every third week. As much as it hurts my pride, my big goal is to make it through the year with out taking any forced time off (like I have in the last 4 years for injured shoulders, knees, ankles, and shins). Rest week it is. Nonetheless, I've worked hard, and I'm proud.
Science Fair Club. We had our first meeting on Friday. I spent a lot of time preparing, and ended up walking into the meeting thinking, What was I thinking? I could've spent all this time grading the exams and planning. This is the last place I want to be.
That thought ended quickly. I had 15 eager students in my classroom, busting with new ideas. We tossed around some ideas about how science helps our every days lives. I introduced them to the Google Science Fair, shared the rules, and showed them a video about last year's winner. We then went to the computer lab to search for ideas. The kids were eager, although it was a little bit disorganized. I don't know how many of the kids will finish projects, or if they can win anything, but I spent 90 blissful minutes with a roomful of 12-year-olds who had it in their heads that they could help the world. That is why I do what I do.
I also had another (almost) 100% workout week. I say almost, because my swim was cut in half due to the pool closing, but I also threw in 30 minutes of yoga. In the last week, I ran 15 miles, biked almost 2 hours, swam 900 yards, and did 30 minutes of yoga. I worked hard this weekend especially.
Yesterday, I enjoyed a glorious 6 mile run. It was chilly, but running outside is a world away from running on a treadmill. I found a paved running path near my Saturday SAT class, and just sort of zoned out for an hour to the sounds of A Confederacy of Dunces. I'm not loving the audiobook, and I absolutely detest the protagonist, but it's low effort listening, and it's a book I'll be happy to cross off my list. The run wasn't too difficult, although my knees are a little bit achy. After the run, I went to the Y to swim, but only got in 900 yards before the pool closed. I think I need to either move the run to before SAT class (and then shower, and then get dressed), or move the swim to Sunday. Either way, it means more showering per weekend.
This morning, I got out of bed before 8 and went to a spin class at the Y. It definitely allowed me to push myself harder than I normally would on a bike indoors, although the suburban spin community is not necessarily the friendliest bunch. I have to decide whether I want to make this class a regular thing. I might stick with it until it gets warm enough to go outside (I can't decide if I'm waiting until it's 40+ or 50+ degrees to ride). I then hopped on the treadmill for 2.5 miles and joined a yoga class. I did not like the yoga class. The instructor just didn't do it for me, so I left after 30 minutes.
That makes this my highest-mileage running week (I think ever), of 15 miles. That gives me an average of 10.7 miles per week so far in 2013, which is exciting. Last year, I was pushing for the 10 miles. This year, I'm above 10 miles, and that takes into account two easy weeks so far (every third week). I'm at 32.2 miles for February, and it's only the 17th, so I should be able to easily beat my all-time best of 50 in a month, even with a rest week next week.
I'm a little achier than usual. My left knee is sore, and I'm not sure if I have a tight calf or the start of shin splints. I've had two consecutive "build" weeks, where I've really increased volume. I was hoping to do three build weeks and then a rest week, but I might have to rest early. I'll decide during Tuesday's run. I guess two build weeks is still a personal best. If I'm still achy on Tuesday, I'll make it an easy week.
Now that I'm looking back at my past few weeks' mileage, it looks like I've done well with a rest week every third week. As much as it hurts my pride, my big goal is to make it through the year with out taking any forced time off (like I have in the last 4 years for injured shoulders, knees, ankles, and shins). Rest week it is. Nonetheless, I've worked hard, and I'm proud.
Black History Month
There has recently been a shift away from the "heroes and holidays" mentality of celebrating minority contributions, and instead a belief that minority contributions should be included in all history books and classrooms. However, we are still celebrating Black History Month. Every Circle this month is dedicated to the celebration. It's nice to see my kids discussing role models that they can relate to, and seeing them witness the struggles that have led to their opportunities.
I would like to say that it breaks my heart to hear the kids talking about Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka Kansas. This was the court ruling in 1954 that eliminated the "separate but equal" paradigm, and led to integration of public schools in the south. We are not in the south, though. We are in Newark. It is incredibly segregated. I went to a school that was almost entirely white and upper middle class. I had every privilege afforded to me. I could choose any path, and it would've been pretty hard for me to fail. These kids come from a community that is almost entirely minority (I don't think there are any white students in my school). Newark Public Schools has a 2% college graduation rate. My kids are lucky. We recently learned of a study that determined that being a student at Uncommon Schools negates all educational shortcomings due to growing up in poverty. That means they're lucky. That doesn't mean that the segregation of the 1950s has been fixed.
We learned about an interesting historical figure: Claudette Colvin. She refused to give up her seat on the bus before it was popular. In 1955, she was arrested for refusing to give up her seat. It was nine months before Rosa Parks did the same. However, Colvin did not become the face of the civil rights movement because she was a teenager who became pregnant out of wedlock.
It hurts me a little bit that I didn't achieve my goals on the most recent interim assessment. My kids averaged a 75%, which was quite a bit below my goal. I need to push them harder, and give them more opportunities to think analytically about the content in new and interesting ways. It's difficult to come up with new ways to question them, but that's what I need to do.
It's frustrating that my kids have to work so hard to earn the opportunities that were just handed to me, but the data show that it will happen. Research shows that my kids will be successful, and that my long hours of hard work will contribute to their success. Sometimes I need to remind myself of that.
I would like to say that it breaks my heart to hear the kids talking about Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka Kansas. This was the court ruling in 1954 that eliminated the "separate but equal" paradigm, and led to integration of public schools in the south. We are not in the south, though. We are in Newark. It is incredibly segregated. I went to a school that was almost entirely white and upper middle class. I had every privilege afforded to me. I could choose any path, and it would've been pretty hard for me to fail. These kids come from a community that is almost entirely minority (I don't think there are any white students in my school). Newark Public Schools has a 2% college graduation rate. My kids are lucky. We recently learned of a study that determined that being a student at Uncommon Schools negates all educational shortcomings due to growing up in poverty. That means they're lucky. That doesn't mean that the segregation of the 1950s has been fixed.
We learned about an interesting historical figure: Claudette Colvin. She refused to give up her seat on the bus before it was popular. In 1955, she was arrested for refusing to give up her seat. It was nine months before Rosa Parks did the same. However, Colvin did not become the face of the civil rights movement because she was a teenager who became pregnant out of wedlock.
It hurts me a little bit that I didn't achieve my goals on the most recent interim assessment. My kids averaged a 75%, which was quite a bit below my goal. I need to push them harder, and give them more opportunities to think analytically about the content in new and interesting ways. It's difficult to come up with new ways to question them, but that's what I need to do.
It's frustrating that my kids have to work so hard to earn the opportunities that were just handed to me, but the data show that it will happen. Research shows that my kids will be successful, and that my long hours of hard work will contribute to their success. Sometimes I need to remind myself of that.
Tuesday, February 12, 2013
S-s-science Fair?
I made it 100% last week. 7 workouts in 7 days. (I had made a mistake when I said 8.) .9 miles swum, 60 min. biked, and 14.1 miles run. That's almost an Olympic Triathlon. I'm tired, but proud. Now to do it again this week (I'm 100% so far - 35 min biked yesterday!).
1 day until the NSA--but based on today's review game, I'm pretty hopeful. I worked privately with every single (non-special ed) kid who failed the diagnostic. I don't think that was enough to boost a 65 to a 75, but maybe it'll get a few 68's up to the magic 70. Although, my stated goal this time around is 80% of students scoring above 75%. I'm excited to see the numbers, but know that there's a lot of grading between now and then. Oy. No teaching tomorrow, but lots of grading.
Well, having three classes in a row this afternoon pretty much killed any chance for productivity this afternoon, so I'm glad I'm up to date on planning.
Oh yeah, there was a blizzard. We got about 6 inches of snow. All it took was a couple of minutes of (watching my boyfriend) clean off my car, and a horrible 6 miles on the treadmill (with 1.5 episodes of Law and Order: SVU).
I also had a date with my daddy this weekend. I got to spend a whole day in the city. First, I met my college roommate for lunch. I adore her and I'm always happy to see her. She's the kind of person that I expect to be at my wedding, my kid's bar mitzvah, and planning my 50th birthday party. Then I met my dad for some theater (The Mystery of Edwin Drood - phenomenal cast, some great humor, but dragged in the end) and a wonderful Italian dinner at my grandmother's favorite restaurant.
Over the course of the school year, several students have asked me whether there will be a science fair. I don't have to tell you how I feel about science fair. So, I dismissed their questions, and hoped the answer would be no. I found out this week that there wouldn't be a science fair until 8th grade (whew!), but I found a way that everyone could win--an opt-in Science Fair Club! Google is advertising their Google Science Fair, which I thought would be a perfect opportunity. The kids have the chance to win some really awesome prizes (10 day trip to the Galapagos, $50,000 scholarship, engineering lesson at CERN or LEGO, etc.), although I don't know if I have the mentoring ability to get them there on my first try. I will make it clear that this is a self-directed project. I will meet with students (and I only expect about half a dozen who are interested) on non-half-day Fridays after school until the April 30 deadline (there are 5). It's self limiting in several ways, and I have a whole year's experience in what NOT to do about a science fair. Let the games begin!
1 day until the NSA--but based on today's review game, I'm pretty hopeful. I worked privately with every single (non-special ed) kid who failed the diagnostic. I don't think that was enough to boost a 65 to a 75, but maybe it'll get a few 68's up to the magic 70. Although, my stated goal this time around is 80% of students scoring above 75%. I'm excited to see the numbers, but know that there's a lot of grading between now and then. Oy. No teaching tomorrow, but lots of grading.
Well, having three classes in a row this afternoon pretty much killed any chance for productivity this afternoon, so I'm glad I'm up to date on planning.
Oh yeah, there was a blizzard. We got about 6 inches of snow. All it took was a couple of minutes of (watching my boyfriend) clean off my car, and a horrible 6 miles on the treadmill (with 1.5 episodes of Law and Order: SVU).
I also had a date with my daddy this weekend. I got to spend a whole day in the city. First, I met my college roommate for lunch. I adore her and I'm always happy to see her. She's the kind of person that I expect to be at my wedding, my kid's bar mitzvah, and planning my 50th birthday party. Then I met my dad for some theater (The Mystery of Edwin Drood - phenomenal cast, some great humor, but dragged in the end) and a wonderful Italian dinner at my grandmother's favorite restaurant.
Over the course of the school year, several students have asked me whether there will be a science fair. I don't have to tell you how I feel about science fair. So, I dismissed their questions, and hoped the answer would be no. I found out this week that there wouldn't be a science fair until 8th grade (whew!), but I found a way that everyone could win--an opt-in Science Fair Club! Google is advertising their Google Science Fair, which I thought would be a perfect opportunity. The kids have the chance to win some really awesome prizes (10 day trip to the Galapagos, $50,000 scholarship, engineering lesson at CERN or LEGO, etc.), although I don't know if I have the mentoring ability to get them there on my first try. I will make it clear that this is a self-directed project. I will meet with students (and I only expect about half a dozen who are interested) on non-half-day Fridays after school until the April 30 deadline (there are 5). It's self limiting in several ways, and I have a whole year's experience in what NOT to do about a science fair. Let the games begin!
Thursday, February 7, 2013
An Email I Sent This Evening
Ms. L____________,
I was so happy to see your name in the staff directory. I was thinking about you today, when I was out on my evening run, and I kicked some sort of pinecone. It made me think about different seed dispersal mechanisms, and how I collected and studied different types of seeds in kindergarten. I think my career path was set on that day. I also remember how to crack eggs open, and that sitting on wax paper makes the slide more fun. I realized I think about you quite often, and not just when I kick pinecones and crack eggs, but also when I am talking to one of my students and thinking about how much I can't wait to see them in 20 years.
It's been 20 years since I was in your class. I think I saw you briefly when I was in high school, although I don't remember why. I've since graduated from Brown (twice!) with a couple of degrees in biology. I tried biomedical research for a bit, but it didn't work out, and now I'm loving my life in my second year teaching middle school science, now teaching 7th graders at North Star Academy in Newark. I try every day to remember what you taught me, that learning and concrete objectives and challenges can be hidden in games and puzzles. My students are amazing and I can't wait to see what they'll be like in 20 years.
Best Wishes,
R____________________
Heights School Kindergarten Class of '93
I was so happy to see your name in the staff directory. I was thinking about you today, when I was out on my evening run, and I kicked some sort of pinecone. It made me think about different seed dispersal mechanisms, and how I collected and studied different types of seeds in kindergarten. I think my career path was set on that day. I also remember how to crack eggs open, and that sitting on wax paper makes the slide more fun. I realized I think about you quite often, and not just when I kick pinecones and crack eggs, but also when I am talking to one of my students and thinking about how much I can't wait to see them in 20 years.
It's been 20 years since I was in your class. I think I saw you briefly when I was in high school, although I don't remember why. I've since graduated from Brown (twice!) with a couple of degrees in biology. I tried biomedical research for a bit, but it didn't work out, and now I'm loving my life in my second year teaching middle school science, now teaching 7th graders at North Star Academy in Newark. I try every day to remember what you taught me, that learning and concrete objectives and challenges can be hidden in games and puzzles. My students are amazing and I can't wait to see what they'll be like in 20 years.
Best Wishes,
R____________________
Heights School Kindergarten Class of '93
Tuesday, February 5, 2013
Procrastination
I'm sitting in detention. It's frustrating, because I'm good every single week, and yet I still have to sit in detention every Tuesday. Ho-hum.
Detention isn't much good for planning, unless it's an exceptionally small group like last week. This week, I have 9 students spread throughout the room, 3 reds and 5 yellows (on the behavioral stop light scale). Fortunately, I can write while scanning around.
I do have planning to do, although I am up to date on this week's action plan. This week is an easy week for planning (and an extra red 5th grader just walked in -- frequently kicked out of 5th grade detention, and does better here) because next week is the 3rd NSA (and Red #1, who sits right next to me, needs redirecting) (Yellow #1 needs to go ask the math teacher a question) (Red #1 needs redirecting again). Due to the exam, I don't need to plan for Wednesday (test) and half of Thursday (practical). Unfortunately, when I have less to do, it's harder to do it. It doesn't help that I switched my Friday after-school duty for a Wednesday after-school duty, so I "have" to save myself at least one day of planning for Friday, which I don't tend to do. That means I have to force myself to relax, stress less. I really can't wait until this Thursday, which is a big test that I'll use as a diagnostic for the NSA. I love data!
This week, I'm 100% on workouts so far. I did 30 minutes easy on the bike trainer, while watching the first 30 minutes of last week's episode of Bunheads (to quote a colleague, "We work hard. We deserve to watch that sort of stuff"). Tonight will have a higher activation energy, but greater reward. (Yes, 100% on task. 2 yellows and a red slouching, but it's detention. You gotta pick your battles.) Tonight I have to run 3 miles. It's gonna be cold, but once I get past the first half mile or so, it'll be great. Besides, I've told you about it, so there's no turning back. I'm hoping this week will be my first 100% compliant week in workouts (4 runs - 3 mi, 3 mi, 6 mi, 3 mi; 3 bikes - 30 min each; 1 swim - 1 mi). Even though we have conferences tomorrow, I still think I can do it.
(A colleague just walked in, to give make-up work to a couple of students. Surprisingly, most of detention stays on task.)
(Check email. Delete ads.)
(Scan.)
(Yellow #2, "Sit up". Tap Red #1's desk. He sits up.)
I'm trying a new grading technique for Thursdays test. It should streamline the process. For the multiple choice, rather than having students circle their answers on the test booklet, I'm giving them a bubble sheet (poor man's Scantron). This way, I can bubble in an answer key, copy it onto a transparency, and lay it over the answer sheets. It's really easy to pick out wrong answers this way.
(Yellow #3 drops pen. Again.)
I do enjoy writing, but I guess I can get some planning done. I think I'll work on the half-lesson after the lab practical.
Detention isn't much good for planning, unless it's an exceptionally small group like last week. This week, I have 9 students spread throughout the room, 3 reds and 5 yellows (on the behavioral stop light scale). Fortunately, I can write while scanning around.
I do have planning to do, although I am up to date on this week's action plan. This week is an easy week for planning (and an extra red 5th grader just walked in -- frequently kicked out of 5th grade detention, and does better here) because next week is the 3rd NSA (and Red #1, who sits right next to me, needs redirecting) (Yellow #1 needs to go ask the math teacher a question) (Red #1 needs redirecting again). Due to the exam, I don't need to plan for Wednesday (test) and half of Thursday (practical). Unfortunately, when I have less to do, it's harder to do it. It doesn't help that I switched my Friday after-school duty for a Wednesday after-school duty, so I "have" to save myself at least one day of planning for Friday, which I don't tend to do. That means I have to force myself to relax, stress less. I really can't wait until this Thursday, which is a big test that I'll use as a diagnostic for the NSA. I love data!
This week, I'm 100% on workouts so far. I did 30 minutes easy on the bike trainer, while watching the first 30 minutes of last week's episode of Bunheads (to quote a colleague, "We work hard. We deserve to watch that sort of stuff"). Tonight will have a higher activation energy, but greater reward. (Yes, 100% on task. 2 yellows and a red slouching, but it's detention. You gotta pick your battles.) Tonight I have to run 3 miles. It's gonna be cold, but once I get past the first half mile or so, it'll be great. Besides, I've told you about it, so there's no turning back. I'm hoping this week will be my first 100% compliant week in workouts (4 runs - 3 mi, 3 mi, 6 mi, 3 mi; 3 bikes - 30 min each; 1 swim - 1 mi). Even though we have conferences tomorrow, I still think I can do it.
(A colleague just walked in, to give make-up work to a couple of students. Surprisingly, most of detention stays on task.)
(Check email. Delete ads.)
(Scan.)
(Yellow #2, "Sit up". Tap Red #1's desk. He sits up.)
I'm trying a new grading technique for Thursdays test. It should streamline the process. For the multiple choice, rather than having students circle their answers on the test booklet, I'm giving them a bubble sheet (poor man's Scantron). This way, I can bubble in an answer key, copy it onto a transparency, and lay it over the answer sheets. It's really easy to pick out wrong answers this way.
(Yellow #3 drops pen. Again.)
I do enjoy writing, but I guess I can get some planning done. I think I'll work on the half-lesson after the lab practical.
Monday, February 4, 2013
30 Damn Minutes
Dine-in movie theaters are awesome. I watched a movie in a red leather recliner, with a shrimp taco in one hand and a mango margarita in the other. It was kind of like vacation. I saw Django Unchained, which was decidedly not like a vacation. It was interesting, in that I'm not too familiar with Quentin Tarantino. The acting was phenomenal, but I was constantly unsure what was serious social commentary and what was violent parody. It was a very enjoyable 3 hours, though, especially the rapid-fire action of the first hour.
I had my first week moonlighting as an SAT teacher (teaching a class in Edison). I have some opinions about the program as a whole, but I had an easy two hours teaching Critical Reading to smart local students (local to suburbia, not to Newark). Money is money (which promptly ceased to be money, on my way home, and became a dress, a handbag, and three blouses).
Sunday was my next attempt at a sub-30 5K. Ugh. It was cold, and there was a layer of snow on the ground. It was very hard to get warmed up. I could keep making excuses, but the truth is, if I had just run my first, or second, mile 7 seconds faster, I would've had it. 30:06.7. Ouch. Once again, if they had measured start line to finish line, instead of gun to finish line, I would've had it. But, if I want that official record that I can look up online as I please, I'll have to do it better. Excitingly, though, I was 7/19 in my age group. That's considerably better than 50th percentile.
After an easy week of running, my monthly massage was easier than usual. My hamstrings and IT bands were not extremely painful. It was nice and relaxing in that immediate sort of way, rather than the usual I-Know-This-Is-Good-In-The-Long-Term sort of way.
I did not, I repeat, not, watch the Super Bowl yesterday (*gasp*). I'm a little disappointed that I missed a good Beyonce show, but I've had enough blackout this year. I much preferred a low key Downton Abbey marathon. Off to another week!
I had my first week moonlighting as an SAT teacher (teaching a class in Edison). I have some opinions about the program as a whole, but I had an easy two hours teaching Critical Reading to smart local students (local to suburbia, not to Newark). Money is money (which promptly ceased to be money, on my way home, and became a dress, a handbag, and three blouses).
Sunday was my next attempt at a sub-30 5K. Ugh. It was cold, and there was a layer of snow on the ground. It was very hard to get warmed up. I could keep making excuses, but the truth is, if I had just run my first, or second, mile 7 seconds faster, I would've had it. 30:06.7. Ouch. Once again, if they had measured start line to finish line, instead of gun to finish line, I would've had it. But, if I want that official record that I can look up online as I please, I'll have to do it better. Excitingly, though, I was 7/19 in my age group. That's considerably better than 50th percentile.
After an easy week of running, my monthly massage was easier than usual. My hamstrings and IT bands were not extremely painful. It was nice and relaxing in that immediate sort of way, rather than the usual I-Know-This-Is-Good-In-The-Long-Term sort of way.
I did not, I repeat, not, watch the Super Bowl yesterday (*gasp*). I'm a little disappointed that I missed a good Beyonce show, but I've had enough blackout this year. I much preferred a low key Downton Abbey marathon. Off to another week!
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