I guess I should be proud that it took 2 months and 100 miles until I had my first cancelled run of the year. I got on the treadmill (sleet is non-negotiable), and 3 minutes later I stopped because my knee hurt. Poo.
It was probably because I spent almost the entire day on my feet. We had our annual trip to Barnes and Noble! We piled all the kids who regularly make their paycheck onto buses, and split the 7th grade among two stores. We went to the one at the Livingston mall. The kids had a good time, and it was easy management, but it was work. We brought them back in time for lunch, and then had I taught three in a row. Ouch. My feet were feeling it. It was worth it to encourage the students to build their personal libraries, but I'm pretty sad I had to skip a run.
Fortunately, tomorrow is a half day "to catch up on work and on life". I'm going to catch up on swimming, and maybe running on the treadmill at the Y. Not only that, but during the school day, I am going to observe the 8th grade science teacher at another North Star school, so it'll be a super easy day.
I'm hoping I feel 100% tomorrow. In the meantime, I will have a glass of scotch, watch shameful television, and eat lots of things. With chocolate.
Thursday, March 7, 2013
Tuesday, March 5, 2013
100th Day
Our elementary school celebrated 100th Day, which is the 100th day of school, and an excuse for kids to do projects that give them a sense of what a hundred means (collect 100 stickers, write 100 words, etc). That was a couple of weeks ago--today was my 100th Day. That is, today I ran my 100th mile in 2013. For some comparison, last year's 100th mile was in June!
I also ran my longest short run (that is, the longest run ever that was not a long run) of 4 miles. Actually, the GPS gave me 3.99, but screw it. I ran 4 miles!
This week, I've been teaching the kids to calculate the force of gravity (F=Gmm/r2), which requires them to use scientific notation and graphing calculators. They have experience with scientific notation, in that they understand what it is, but they have never seen graphing calculators before. This resulted Monday's lesson carrying through today, and still without a terribly satisfying conclusion. About 1/3 of the kids are really comfortable with the calculations, 1/3 can do it with some prompting, and 1/3 are lost and cranky. Not the way I like to end a lesson. Fortunately, tomorrow is another day of practice.
Next year, I will have a whole day of calculator familiarizing. We'll start with simple operations, then an introduction to entering scientific notation. Then, we can manipulate some exponential expressions, and move up from there. The best part about teaching is that there's always tomorrow, and next week, and next year.
(Fun fact: I just learned on Wikipedia that the reason calculators use "EE" to signify exponential notation is because they want an "E", but don't want it confused with "e". I understood that, did you?)
I also ran my longest short run (that is, the longest run ever that was not a long run) of 4 miles. Actually, the GPS gave me 3.99, but screw it. I ran 4 miles!
This week, I've been teaching the kids to calculate the force of gravity (F=Gmm/r2), which requires them to use scientific notation and graphing calculators. They have experience with scientific notation, in that they understand what it is, but they have never seen graphing calculators before. This resulted Monday's lesson carrying through today, and still without a terribly satisfying conclusion. About 1/3 of the kids are really comfortable with the calculations, 1/3 can do it with some prompting, and 1/3 are lost and cranky. Not the way I like to end a lesson. Fortunately, tomorrow is another day of practice.
Next year, I will have a whole day of calculator familiarizing. We'll start with simple operations, then an introduction to entering scientific notation. Then, we can manipulate some exponential expressions, and move up from there. The best part about teaching is that there's always tomorrow, and next week, and next year.
(Fun fact: I just learned on Wikipedia that the reason calculators use "EE" to signify exponential notation is because they want an "E", but don't want it confused with "e". I understood that, did you?)
Monday, March 4, 2013
Joy
Since our PD a few weeks ago was on joy, we had to film a 10-minute clip, and comment on "glows and grows". My IL had asked me to videotape my lab last week, as a potential instructional video for new science teachers (!), so I had the video already. I watched it, and it's pretty easy to be joyful during a lab. I also noticed that I'm really good at giving clear directions. There are a few more things I can do, like more positive narration, but I've been better at not narrating the negatives (and giving private corrections).
I was ALMOST 100% on workouts. I did 100% on running, which is my priority between now and April 21 (UNITE Half Marathon). 16.5 miles total this week, with a long run of 7 miles. The most exciting part was that the long run was not too hard (until about the last mile). Also, the last 7 mile run I did was in July, it was 9 minutes slower, and it took me out of running for 2 weeks with shin splints. This time around, (almost) no pain. My manicure is shot, though.
After my SAT class on Saturday, I went to the Y...and the pool was closed. Some Girl Scout event. Poop. Out of my control.
Sunday, it was supposed to be 45 and sunny. Instead, it was 39 and windy. It was far from idea conditions for riding a bike, so I only got 40 minutes done of my planned 60. All in all, not too disappointing. I'd say it was an 80% week. Now, I've got at least one more build week, and then I'll see if I need a rest week. It's going well.
I also had a weekend full of parents. Saturday night was dinner with the boyfriend's family, and Sunday was lunch with both sets of parents. All enjoyable, though a bit stressful. I think the families get along. No major complaints. And there was good food. Lots of good food.
I was ALMOST 100% on workouts. I did 100% on running, which is my priority between now and April 21 (UNITE Half Marathon). 16.5 miles total this week, with a long run of 7 miles. The most exciting part was that the long run was not too hard (until about the last mile). Also, the last 7 mile run I did was in July, it was 9 minutes slower, and it took me out of running for 2 weeks with shin splints. This time around, (almost) no pain. My manicure is shot, though.
After my SAT class on Saturday, I went to the Y...and the pool was closed. Some Girl Scout event. Poop. Out of my control.
Sunday, it was supposed to be 45 and sunny. Instead, it was 39 and windy. It was far from idea conditions for riding a bike, so I only got 40 minutes done of my planned 60. All in all, not too disappointing. I'd say it was an 80% week. Now, I've got at least one more build week, and then I'll see if I need a rest week. It's going well.
I also had a weekend full of parents. Saturday night was dinner with the boyfriend's family, and Sunday was lunch with both sets of parents. All enjoyable, though a bit stressful. I think the families get along. No major complaints. And there was good food. Lots of good food.
Tuesday, February 26, 2013
Weekly Update
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!
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!
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.
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