Thursday, February 21, 2008
Grade 8!
I am so excited for this upcoming block. My grade 8 class is fabulous and I am so excited to work with my associate. I am still nervous but I know that once the first few days pass, I will feel integrated into the class. Having Tiffany and Scott at my school will be a great help as well, and we are planning on leading some extracurricular initiatives together. I am really looking forward to this and wish everyone the best as well!
Sunday, February 17, 2008
...3 weeks left!?
they said the year would go fast - but this fast!? i can't believe i am here, struggling to complete all these major assignments that i never thought would actually come due! but it has been quite the ride until now...sharing great times like our recent bowling night and valentines day treats are memories i will always remember!
so here i come grade 8 --- and SOUTH AFRICA!!!!!!! teacher's college is turning out to be quite the year :) and until the next post...
so here i come grade 8 --- and SOUTH AFRICA!!!!!!! teacher's college is turning out to be quite the year :) and until the next post...
Monday, January 21, 2008
Social Issues Day 2
I want to thank all who took part in organizing both social issues days because they were wonderful! This past one for me was especially touching. I was emotionally challenged when listening to the real life account of the Holocaust. I can't even begin to describe or express my reaction without saying - i actually teared up! It will be something I will always remember...and most importantly, something I intend to speak about in my classroom where appropriate. Stories need to be told because we cannot have history repeat itself.
Tribes also fantastic because it is a cleaver approach to classroom management. The term tribes can be thought of as 'teams,' and it helps students feel as though they have a purpose - that they are part of something in addition to the classroom community. Integrating Tribes into DPA, gym and even recess are just some ideas, as creative thinkers can use this collaborative approach while teaching all disciplines. It is fun, realistic and adaptable in all classrooms. I can't wait to purchase the book!
Tribes also fantastic because it is a cleaver approach to classroom management. The term tribes can be thought of as 'teams,' and it helps students feel as though they have a purpose - that they are part of something in addition to the classroom community. Integrating Tribes into DPA, gym and even recess are just some ideas, as creative thinkers can use this collaborative approach while teaching all disciplines. It is fun, realistic and adaptable in all classrooms. I can't wait to purchase the book!
Friday, December 28, 2007
last leg of term 1...
Interview Skills and Resume Workshop
Listening to the Principals speak was very valuable. They shed some light on the reality of the 'real world,' reminding us that we are all job seekers and unfortunately facing tough competition ahead. How silly was I to think 'getting in' teachers college was the tough part...ha, well regardless that I was (and still am partially...) living in my little bubble of rainbows and puppies, I have to wake up and smell the coffee: patience is a virtue in getting that classroom of my dreams. Hinting at resume and interview tips, these professionals did overwhelm me at but I still managed to leave with an optimistic attitude - that in a mere 3 years I may be on contract. All sarcasm aside, I believe we are all skilled and passionate for this job - so opportunity is right around the corner...
Federation Day
'Logistical' + "Political" is how I would describe Federation Day. This is the portion of my future career that I find exhausting, yet condemning because this is stuff i have to know. Valid and factual on paper, may i even dare to comment on the dealings I have witnessed in classrooms that contradict the laws of education? No, because I am still learning...but absolutely at the same time because it will teach me how to become a better educator. All this aside - the afternoon lecture on 'how to deal with difficult parents' reinforced to me that as I am in this for the children, I am also working for parents. That is why it is so important to remain professional at all times.
Social Issues Day
The Aboriginal Presentation/Lecture in the morning of Social Issues Day was fantastic. I thoroughly enjoyed it and did learn a lot. Listening to the stories, witnessing the tradition(s), and critically considering their solemn place in this world lead me to a sad realization that as a student myself, their history/value/worth/beliefs/traditions were vaguely approached yet even touched upon in the minimalist way. This made me very sad as I sat there thinking - now, how I am supposed to teach children if I don't even know myself? With this thought I believe care and commitment will allow me to seek out the resources to produce the knowledge. I will never forget how they concluded their presentation: "As future educators, please don't forget our children..." And to that I promise to do my best and acknowledge their children, just as I will every other student.
Listening to the Principals speak was very valuable. They shed some light on the reality of the 'real world,' reminding us that we are all job seekers and unfortunately facing tough competition ahead. How silly was I to think 'getting in' teachers college was the tough part...ha, well regardless that I was (and still am partially...) living in my little bubble of rainbows and puppies, I have to wake up and smell the coffee: patience is a virtue in getting that classroom of my dreams. Hinting at resume and interview tips, these professionals did overwhelm me at but I still managed to leave with an optimistic attitude - that in a mere 3 years I may be on contract. All sarcasm aside, I believe we are all skilled and passionate for this job - so opportunity is right around the corner...
Federation Day
'Logistical' + "Political" is how I would describe Federation Day. This is the portion of my future career that I find exhausting, yet condemning because this is stuff i have to know. Valid and factual on paper, may i even dare to comment on the dealings I have witnessed in classrooms that contradict the laws of education? No, because I am still learning...but absolutely at the same time because it will teach me how to become a better educator. All this aside - the afternoon lecture on 'how to deal with difficult parents' reinforced to me that as I am in this for the children, I am also working for parents. That is why it is so important to remain professional at all times.
Social Issues Day
The Aboriginal Presentation/Lecture in the morning of Social Issues Day was fantastic. I thoroughly enjoyed it and did learn a lot. Listening to the stories, witnessing the tradition(s), and critically considering their solemn place in this world lead me to a sad realization that as a student myself, their history/value/worth/beliefs/traditions were vaguely approached yet even touched upon in the minimalist way. This made me very sad as I sat there thinking - now, how I am supposed to teach children if I don't even know myself? With this thought I believe care and commitment will allow me to seek out the resources to produce the knowledge. I will never forget how they concluded their presentation: "As future educators, please don't forget our children..." And to that I promise to do my best and acknowledge their children, just as I will every other student.
Sunday, December 2, 2007
and ... it's all over.
B-A-M!!! No more grade four's?!!I can't believe how fast this last month has gone, especially since going into it seemed like it would last a lifetime! and what a ride it was...late nights, early mornings, coffee stops with my driving buddy, the eggplants hard work down 58, neverending lesson plans, lesson plans, and more lesson plans, 32+ resources out of the IRC, 10inch day book (literally), the joys of teaching in a portable, buzzword student, 'spirit of learning' teams, mapping, canada, patterning, remembrance day, mandela's, religion and relationships, gym games/activities galore, paper hearts, drama, dance, scavenger hunts, singing, DPA, coaching volleyball, st.v team lunch room meets, suprise teacher breakfast, mass mornings, school masses, assemblies, beauty and 
the beast trip, recess duty, teacher VS student-teacher
the beast trip, recess duty, teacher VS student-teacher volleyball game, evaluation day, indoor recess days, 'joy day,' cupcake 'thank-you' cake, student buttons, parent-teacher interviews... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ...
and there goes my stay with the grade 4s. i'll miss them.
Saturday, November 24, 2007
God Lives under the Bed.
I believe in reflection because it is so easy to loose track of your purpose. You work so hard towards something and then succeed at it, that you forget the joy and excitment it used to bring to you. That 'novelty' wears off...and you continue to look for something greener on the other side. I hope that as a teacher, children will continue to remind me of the daily miracles worth celebrating each and every single day.
This story forces these thoughts even deeper in me...
GOD LIVES UNDER THE BED
I envy Kevin. My brother Kevin thinks God lives under his bed. At least that's what I heard him say one night. He was praying out loud in his dark bedroom, and I stopped to listen, "Are you there, God?" he said. "Where are you? Oh, I see. Under the bed..." I giggled softly and tiptoed off to my own room. Kevin's unique perspectives are often a source of amusement. But that night something else lingered long after the humor. I realized for the first time the very different world Kevin lives in.
He was born 30 years ago, mentally disabled as a result of difficulties during labor. Apart from his size (he's 6-foot-2), there are few ways in which he is an adult. He reasons and communicates with the capabilities of a 7-year-old, and he always will. He will probably always believe that God lives under his bed, that Santa Claus is the one who fills the space under our tree every Christmas and that airplanes stay up in the sky because angels carry them.
I remember wondering if Kevin realizes he is different. Is he ever dissatisfied with his monotonous life? Up before dawn each day, off to work at a workshop for the disabled, home to walk our cocker spaniel, return to eat his favorite macaroni-and-cheese for dinner, and later to bed. The only variation in the entire scheme is laundry, when he hovers excitedly over the washing machine like a mother with her newborn child.
He does not seem dissatisfied.
He lopes out to the bus every morning at 7:05, eager for a day of simple work.
He wrings his hands excitedly while the water boils on the stove before dinner, and he stays up late twice a week to gather our dirty laundry for his next day's laundry chores.
And Saturdays-oh, the bliss of Saturdays! That's the day my Dad takes Kevin to the airport to have a soft drink, watch the planes land, and speculates loudly on the destination of each passenger inside. "That one's goin' to Chi-car-go!" Kevin shouts as he claps his hands.
His anticipation is so great he can hardly sleep on Friday nights. And so goes his world of daily rituals and weekend field trips.
He doesn't know what it means to be discontent.
His life is simple.
He will never know the entanglements of wealth of power, and he does not care what brand of clothing he wears or what kind of food he eats. His needs have always been met, and he never worries that one day they may not be.
His hands are diligent. Kevin is never so happy as when he is working. When he unloads the dishwasher or vacuums the carpet, his heart is completely in it.
He does not shrink from a job when it is begun, and he does not leave a job until it is finished. But when his tasks are done, Kevin knows how to relax.
He is not obsessed with his work or the work of others. His heart is pure.
He still believes everyone tells the truth, promises must be kept, and when you are wrong, you apologize instead of argue.
Free from pride and unconcerned with appearances, Kevin is not afraid to cry when he is hurt, angry or sorry He is always transparent, always sincere. And he trusts God.
Not confined by intellectual reasoning, when he comes to Christ, he comes as a child. Kevin seems to know God - to really be friends with Him in a way that is difficult for an "educated" person to grasp. God seems like his closest companion.
In my moments of doubt and frustrations with my Christianity I envy the security Kevin has in his simple faith. It is then that I am most willing to admit that he has some divine knowledge that rises above my mortal questions
It is then I realize that perhaps he is not the one with the handicap. I am. My obligations, my fear, my pride, my circumstances - they all become disabilities when I do not trust them to God's care.
Who knows if Kevin comprehends things I can never learn? After all, he has spent his whole life in that kind of innocence, praying after dark and soaking up the goodness and love of God.
And one day, when the mysteries of heaven are opened, and we are all amazed at how close God really is to our hearts, I'll realize that God heard the simple prayers of a boy who believed that God lived under his bed.
Kevin won't be surprised at all! ~~ Author Unknown ~~
This story forces these thoughts even deeper in me...
GOD LIVES UNDER THE BED
I envy Kevin. My brother Kevin thinks God lives under his bed. At least that's what I heard him say one night. He was praying out loud in his dark bedroom, and I stopped to listen, "Are you there, God?" he said. "Where are you? Oh, I see. Under the bed..." I giggled softly and tiptoed off to my own room. Kevin's unique perspectives are often a source of amusement. But that night something else lingered long after the humor. I realized for the first time the very different world Kevin lives in.
He was born 30 years ago, mentally disabled as a result of difficulties during labor. Apart from his size (he's 6-foot-2), there are few ways in which he is an adult. He reasons and communicates with the capabilities of a 7-year-old, and he always will. He will probably always believe that God lives under his bed, that Santa Claus is the one who fills the space under our tree every Christmas and that airplanes stay up in the sky because angels carry them.
I remember wondering if Kevin realizes he is different. Is he ever dissatisfied with his monotonous life? Up before dawn each day, off to work at a workshop for the disabled, home to walk our cocker spaniel, return to eat his favorite macaroni-and-cheese for dinner, and later to bed. The only variation in the entire scheme is laundry, when he hovers excitedly over the washing machine like a mother with her newborn child.
He does not seem dissatisfied.
He lopes out to the bus every morning at 7:05, eager for a day of simple work.
He wrings his hands excitedly while the water boils on the stove before dinner, and he stays up late twice a week to gather our dirty laundry for his next day's laundry chores.
And Saturdays-oh, the bliss of Saturdays! That's the day my Dad takes Kevin to the airport to have a soft drink, watch the planes land, and speculates loudly on the destination of each passenger inside. "That one's goin' to Chi-car-go!" Kevin shouts as he claps his hands.
His anticipation is so great he can hardly sleep on Friday nights. And so goes his world of daily rituals and weekend field trips.
He doesn't know what it means to be discontent.
His life is simple.
He will never know the entanglements of wealth of power, and he does not care what brand of clothing he wears or what kind of food he eats. His needs have always been met, and he never worries that one day they may not be.
His hands are diligent. Kevin is never so happy as when he is working. When he unloads the dishwasher or vacuums the carpet, his heart is completely in it.
He does not shrink from a job when it is begun, and he does not leave a job until it is finished. But when his tasks are done, Kevin knows how to relax.
He is not obsessed with his work or the work of others. His heart is pure.
He still believes everyone tells the truth, promises must be kept, and when you are wrong, you apologize instead of argue.
Free from pride and unconcerned with appearances, Kevin is not afraid to cry when he is hurt, angry or sorry He is always transparent, always sincere. And he trusts God.
Not confined by intellectual reasoning, when he comes to Christ, he comes as a child. Kevin seems to know God - to really be friends with Him in a way that is difficult for an "educated" person to grasp. God seems like his closest companion.
In my moments of doubt and frustrations with my Christianity I envy the security Kevin has in his simple faith. It is then that I am most willing to admit that he has some divine knowledge that rises above my mortal questions
It is then I realize that perhaps he is not the one with the handicap. I am. My obligations, my fear, my pride, my circumstances - they all become disabilities when I do not trust them to God's care.
Who knows if Kevin comprehends things I can never learn? After all, he has spent his whole life in that kind of innocence, praying after dark and soaking up the goodness and love of God.
And one day, when the mysteries of heaven are opened, and we are all amazed at how close God really is to our hearts, I'll realize that God heard the simple prayers of a boy who believed that God lived under his bed.
Kevin won't be surprised at all! ~~ Author Unknown ~~
Tuesday, November 13, 2007
ps - how can i forget my pink ladies!?
Check out our awesome Halloween costumes!
...well at least I thought they were awesome but then the majority of my students asked me why I didn't dress up? -they were just referring to me of course :)
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