I haven't really posted much on this blog lately. Summer school took a lot out of me. As it is, there are only ~6 weeks till school starts up. That seems unreal, and it's not nearly enough time!
I've been doing other reading, for myself, while on break. I've been reading Alan Sitomer's book Teaching Teens... and a book I found at Borders called See Me After Class.
I like both books quite a bit. See Me After Class has been very practical and helpful. I'm not quite finished with it yet. However, I am going to try a number of the suggestions it includes, particularly the organizational system for papers, etc, it has in Chapter 5.
Sitomer's book, on the other hand, is good, but yet I'm wondering about the reality of some his activities in my classroom. He seems to either a) have a lot of freedom to read whatever (i.e. no reading list he must choose from) or b) has a "I don't give a care" attitude about what they read. As a third year teacher (next year) I'm not willing to try to buck the system and risk getting in trouble. Yet, I know there need to be changes made to what our students are reading. Particularly my juniors -- oy, some of their books are so boring. Bleagh. Yet...his insistence that teens need to do projects in the classroom is in line with the curriculum writing I participated in at the beginning of the summer. We designed a lot of projects and came up with a lot of suggestions for many of the novels we're allowed to teach at the junior level.**
(**side note -- my group was VERY big. Some days there were 7 of us trying to write curriculum. That was too many people for me to try to collaborate with -- especially when we're all crowded around one computer, trying to work. Gah).
I have more reading to do over the summer -- Great Gatsby, more teacher books, and books for a project I'm involved in that will allow for collaboration between teachers AND students from different schools within my city.
No resting on these laurels...that's for sure. :-)
Sunday, July 5, 2009
Friday, June 12, 2009
Oppressed vs. Oppressors
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
Summer School
So...I just spent the last 30 minutes entering what few grades I have (so far) for summer school. And I realized...this kinda blows. There are several reasons for the current suckage that is summer school with Ms. Midwest Teacher: A) I'm so much a big picture, initial idea person, that I don't think stuff through the way I ought to. So, a trip to the library for background information that would enable students to give a presentation (on said information) -- ended up with presentations that were less than stellar. It's not a total debacle, but it's close. B) I have SO MANY students who are failing already. C) My classroom doesn't have enough structure (AND I'm sick, so my voice sucks) so I feel I've already lost control. I have about 58 students. Currently I have 12 students passing.
S&#%
I need to re-vamp things. Sad thing is, it's Wednesday. We have exactly 20 days of summer school & today we finished day 3. How can I turn things around? Esp when my voice (which is normally one of my tools -- it carries, and usually I don't have to yell, but I think that's a big part of my self-confidence in the classroom (b/c I fake it lots). When I can't talk how I'm used to, I flounder) is out of commission?
Crap-tastic. I wanted to try some newer/more fun/engaging things during summer school to get students involved. Maybe I should just have study guides for them. (Boring -- we're trying to move away from that, as a district, for English classes).
But, hell, study guides would be easy points & maybe more of them would pass. At this point, I'm considering anything -- I do NOT want to have 50 failures (which is what could end up happening) when these kids are here specifically to get their credits back on track. Oh, did I mention I have freshmen and the whole point of the program their in is to get them on track to graduate on time? Yeah...no pressure.
GAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH! Even if you don't have any ideas...please just send positive thoughts and prayers my way, would ya? I sure could use 'em.
S&#%
I need to re-vamp things. Sad thing is, it's Wednesday. We have exactly 20 days of summer school & today we finished day 3. How can I turn things around? Esp when my voice (which is normally one of my tools -- it carries, and usually I don't have to yell, but I think that's a big part of my self-confidence in the classroom (b/c I fake it lots). When I can't talk how I'm used to, I flounder) is out of commission?
Crap-tastic. I wanted to try some newer/more fun/engaging things during summer school to get students involved. Maybe I should just have study guides for them. (Boring -- we're trying to move away from that, as a district, for English classes).
But, hell, study guides would be easy points & maybe more of them would pass. At this point, I'm considering anything -- I do NOT want to have 50 failures (which is what could end up happening) when these kids are here specifically to get their credits back on track. Oh, did I mention I have freshmen and the whole point of the program their in is to get them on track to graduate on time? Yeah...no pressure.
GAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH! Even if you don't have any ideas...please just send positive thoughts and prayers my way, would ya? I sure could use 'em.
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
2nd year down...
I've officially finished my second year of teaching. The teaching part, that is. I have a tentative schedule for next year (juniors and then 2 credit recovery classes -- whoopee on those).
I need to do two major things (which have a bunch of smaller components) during this week.
1) Check out for the 2008-2009 school year (this includes cleaning out my cubicle)
2) Prepare for summer school
Oy...not enough time in the day.
I need to do two major things (which have a bunch of smaller components) during this week.
1) Check out for the 2008-2009 school year (this includes cleaning out my cubicle)
2) Prepare for summer school
Oy...not enough time in the day.
Thursday, May 21, 2009
Countdown
So, my students are taking their Raisin in the Sun final today. I'm glad we got to finish the play this semester (last semester's students did not get to finish). I'm pretty sure they'll do ok, considering we read it in class. I think you'll fail only if you slept through the entire darn thing.
I can't believe tomorrow is the last day of 2008-2009 school year. Wow. This year went be really quickly.
My plans for the summer include summer school, more curriculum writing (focusing on novels and creating project-based assessments for the junior English classes), Grammar "Boot Camp", and probably this thing where I learn how to approach teaching literature and writing from a tolerance perspective.
I also plan to spend time at the gym, spend time on my couch, and take a few small road trips to visit friends. Specifically I want to go see my friends K&B & their kid (she's not a baby anymore) in July.
***
Right now I'm excited for this weekend. It's my aunt & uncle's 50th wedding anniversary. Two of my aunts & their husbands are in the area already. Most of the rest of everyone is showing up today and tonight. w00t! I'm so excited! I'm especially excited to see my cousin's kid, T. I haven't seen him since he was 8 mos old -- now he's 3 yrs old. Hooray. I wish today was over already and it was the evening. I want to see everyone NOW.
I just have to get through today and tomorrow. Just have to survive.
I can't believe tomorrow is the last day of 2008-2009 school year. Wow. This year went be really quickly.
My plans for the summer include summer school, more curriculum writing (focusing on novels and creating project-based assessments for the junior English classes), Grammar "Boot Camp", and probably this thing where I learn how to approach teaching literature and writing from a tolerance perspective.
I also plan to spend time at the gym, spend time on my couch, and take a few small road trips to visit friends. Specifically I want to go see my friends K&B & their kid (she's not a baby anymore) in July.
***
Right now I'm excited for this weekend. It's my aunt & uncle's 50th wedding anniversary. Two of my aunts & their husbands are in the area already. Most of the rest of everyone is showing up today and tonight. w00t! I'm so excited! I'm especially excited to see my cousin's kid, T. I haven't seen him since he was 8 mos old -- now he's 3 yrs old. Hooray. I wish today was over already and it was the evening. I want to see everyone NOW.
I just have to get through today and tomorrow. Just have to survive.
Monday, May 18, 2009
Kind words
I got a farewell note in my box today from a graduating senior. I had her for both junior English and senior English -- she's one of my fave students. Bright, thoughtful, funny and I'm excited for her to go on to college. It's messages like these that make teaching way more than tolerable.
"Midwest Teacher,
I am so grateful for everything you have done for me. You were one of the best teachers I had. You taught me so much in the 2 years you were my teacher. Thank you so much. --M"
*sniffle*
That's all I need for today.
"Midwest Teacher,
I am so grateful for everything you have done for me. You were one of the best teachers I had. You taught me so much in the 2 years you were my teacher. Thank you so much. --M"
*sniffle*
That's all I need for today.
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Meme for a Tuesday
I swiped this meme from Mrs. Chili on her non-teacher blog. I felt like a meme.
1) Are your parents married or divorced?
Still married. 35 years this summer. (Wow, eh?)
2) Are you a vegetarian?
I like meat.
3) Do you believe in Heaven?
Well, I guess so.
4) Have you ever come close to dying?
No, but I have recently realized that I'm pretty lucky related to being alive.
5) What jewelry do you wear 24/7?
24/7? Just my cartilage piercing in my left ear. I wear my watch almost all the time, but can't sleep in it.
6) Favorite time of day?
Either when I'm done with work, or when I'm getting ready to sleep.
7) Do you eat the stems of broccoli?
Usually
8 ) Do you wear makeup?
Sometimes -- it depends on the occasion. I usually wear mascara and maybe eyeliner to school. For special occasions I'll haul out the foundation, blush and eyeshadow. When I'm sick I don't wear anything (my eyes water too much)
9) Ever have plastic surgery?
Nope
10) Do you blow dry your hair?
Rarely
11) What do you wear to bed?
tee shirt and pj pants
12) Have you ever done anything illegal?
I have a lead foot.
13) Can you roll your tongue?
Yup
14) Do you tweeze your eyebrows?
Sometimes. I prefer to get them waxed though -- quicker.
15) What kind of sneakers?
Comfy, cute, with boocoo (sp?) arch support. I've got the flattest feet in the world.
16) Do you believe in abortions?
Well, they do exist. I'd like them to keep existing, because I think that it's a choice that should be made available to every woman, should she ever need to make that decision.
17) What is your hair color?
Blonde/dark blonde
18) Future child’s name?
Maddalynne LaDonna; and then I like James Nicholas or something that goes well with Arnold as a middle name.
19) Do you snore?
Yup. I've been told. I'm sure even more now that I have a cold too.
20) If you could go anywhere in the world where would it be?
I'd love to go back to Ireland. Then, also see Italy, Greece and Egypt.
21) Do you sleep with stuffed animals?
Well, I do still have my purple teddy bear, Violet.
22) If you won the lottery…
I would pay off all my bills, plus mom and dad's, buy a new car and a house and hire a decorator
24) Hamburger or hot dog?
Cheeseburger (is that a choice?)
25) If you could only eat one food for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Can't decide.
26) City, beach or country?
City, but a small one please
27) What was the last thing you touched?
My keyboard… duh…
28) Where did you eat last?
Lunch at my desk
29) When’s the last time you cried?
Sunday night while watching the Sound of Music
30) Do you read blogs?
Nope, never ever
31) Would you ever go out dressed like the opposite sex?
Maybe...but I'd rather just dress like me.
32) Ever been involved with the police?
Well, when they've pulled me over for speeding...and my first job out of college when I was a News Director/Reporter.
33) What’s your favorite shampoo, conditioner and soap?
Shampoo & Conditioner -- whatever is moisturizing and safe for color-treated hair. Soap -- Dove Sensitive Skin & Dial Yogurt and Honey Vanilla body wash.
34) Do you talk in your sleep?
I've only been told that I did this once.
35) Ocean or pool?
Ocean's are pretty, but I'll swim in a pool, thanks.
36) What’s your favorite song at the moment?
Not sure
37) What’s your favorite color(s)?
Blue, purple, green, red, black
38) Window seat or aisle?
Aisle...don't like being stuck
39) Ever met anyone famous?
I met Gavin DeGraw and Howie Day; Rascall Flatts,
40) Do you feel that you’ve had a truly successful life?
Well, I'm only 31, so I'm still working on that success thing and what it means for me.
41) Do you twirl your spaghetti or cut it?
Cut, then twirl. My mouth is small.
42) Ricki Lake or Oprah?
I like Ellen, thanks.
43) Basketball or Football?
Football
44) How long do your showers last?
Depends...somewhere around 10, unless I'm shaving my legs, then about 20
45) Automatic or do you drive a stick?
automatic...stick is too much work
46) Cake or ice cream?
both...can't decide
47) Are you self-conscious?
Yes, very...but I like to think I hide it well
48) Have you ever drunk so much you threw up?
A few times, it happens. I was in my 20s.
49) Have you ever given money to a tramp?
Nope, but I donate money to various stuff.
50) Have you been in love?
Yeah, and someday I hope I will be again. Someday.
51) Where do you wish you were?
At home in my bed...nap time might help my cold.
52) Are you wearing socks?
Black ones.
53) Have you ever ridden in an ambulance?
Nope, knock on wood
54) Can you tango?
Nope...not even sure that lessons would help.
55) Last gift you received?
I got shoes for my bday, from my mom.
56) Last sport you played?
I played kickball a few years ago.
57) Things you spend a lot of money on?
Rent; groceries; books
58) Where do you live?
Midwest
59) Where were you born?
In a hospital.
60) Last wedding attended?
Uh, my friend W's... on my birthday...
61) Favorite drink(s)?
Water, pop, fruit smoothies by Naked Juice, Orange juice
62) What’d you do last weekend?
Last weekend...Friday I did nothing. Saturday I hung out with friends and then the evening turned into one of debauchery.
63) Most hated food(s)?
Onions, peppers, pretty much any weird veggies, meatloaf, undercooked beef (it turns my stomach...but yet I love sushi), foods that taste good but make me fat.
64) What’s your least favorite chore?
Paying bills and cleaning my house.
65) Can you sing?
Yeah, I'm actually pretty good (that goes on my "list")
66) Last person you instant messaged?
My friend T...things are currently v. complicated between us. Has to do with debauchery.
67) Last place you went on holiday?
Uh, I don't take vacations. I don't manage my $$ well enough to have any left to take them with.
69) Current Crush?
Alex Karev on Grey's Anatomy; the dude on the Mentalist; Nathan and Julian on One Tree Hill (yeah, I know they're a bit young...oh well), no one in real life, really.
1) Are your parents married or divorced?
Still married. 35 years this summer. (Wow, eh?)
2) Are you a vegetarian?
I like meat.
3) Do you believe in Heaven?
Well, I guess so.
4) Have you ever come close to dying?
No, but I have recently realized that I'm pretty lucky related to being alive.
5) What jewelry do you wear 24/7?
24/7? Just my cartilage piercing in my left ear. I wear my watch almost all the time, but can't sleep in it.
6) Favorite time of day?
Either when I'm done with work, or when I'm getting ready to sleep.
7) Do you eat the stems of broccoli?
Usually
8 ) Do you wear makeup?
Sometimes -- it depends on the occasion. I usually wear mascara and maybe eyeliner to school. For special occasions I'll haul out the foundation, blush and eyeshadow. When I'm sick I don't wear anything (my eyes water too much)
9) Ever have plastic surgery?
Nope
10) Do you blow dry your hair?
Rarely
11) What do you wear to bed?
tee shirt and pj pants
12) Have you ever done anything illegal?
I have a lead foot.
13) Can you roll your tongue?
Yup
14) Do you tweeze your eyebrows?
Sometimes. I prefer to get them waxed though -- quicker.
15) What kind of sneakers?
Comfy, cute, with boocoo (sp?) arch support. I've got the flattest feet in the world.
16) Do you believe in abortions?
Well, they do exist. I'd like them to keep existing, because I think that it's a choice that should be made available to every woman, should she ever need to make that decision.
17) What is your hair color?
Blonde/dark blonde
18) Future child’s name?
Maddalynne LaDonna; and then I like James Nicholas or something that goes well with Arnold as a middle name.
19) Do you snore?
Yup. I've been told. I'm sure even more now that I have a cold too.
20) If you could go anywhere in the world where would it be?
I'd love to go back to Ireland. Then, also see Italy, Greece and Egypt.
21) Do you sleep with stuffed animals?
Well, I do still have my purple teddy bear, Violet.
22) If you won the lottery…
I would pay off all my bills, plus mom and dad's, buy a new car and a house and hire a decorator
24) Hamburger or hot dog?
Cheeseburger (is that a choice?)
25) If you could only eat one food for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Can't decide.
26) City, beach or country?
City, but a small one please
27) What was the last thing you touched?
My keyboard… duh…
28) Where did you eat last?
Lunch at my desk
29) When’s the last time you cried?
Sunday night while watching the Sound of Music
30) Do you read blogs?
Nope, never ever
31) Would you ever go out dressed like the opposite sex?
Maybe...but I'd rather just dress like me.
32) Ever been involved with the police?
Well, when they've pulled me over for speeding...and my first job out of college when I was a News Director/Reporter.
33) What’s your favorite shampoo, conditioner and soap?
Shampoo & Conditioner -- whatever is moisturizing and safe for color-treated hair. Soap -- Dove Sensitive Skin & Dial Yogurt and Honey Vanilla body wash.
34) Do you talk in your sleep?
I've only been told that I did this once.
35) Ocean or pool?
Ocean's are pretty, but I'll swim in a pool, thanks.
36) What’s your favorite song at the moment?
Not sure
37) What’s your favorite color(s)?
Blue, purple, green, red, black
38) Window seat or aisle?
Aisle...don't like being stuck
39) Ever met anyone famous?
I met Gavin DeGraw and Howie Day; Rascall Flatts,
40) Do you feel that you’ve had a truly successful life?
Well, I'm only 31, so I'm still working on that success thing and what it means for me.
41) Do you twirl your spaghetti or cut it?
Cut, then twirl. My mouth is small.
42) Ricki Lake or Oprah?
I like Ellen, thanks.
43) Basketball or Football?
Football
44) How long do your showers last?
Depends...somewhere around 10, unless I'm shaving my legs, then about 20
45) Automatic or do you drive a stick?
automatic...stick is too much work
46) Cake or ice cream?
both...can't decide
47) Are you self-conscious?
Yes, very...but I like to think I hide it well
48) Have you ever drunk so much you threw up?
A few times, it happens. I was in my 20s.
49) Have you ever given money to a tramp?
Nope, but I donate money to various stuff.
50) Have you been in love?
Yeah, and someday I hope I will be again. Someday.
51) Where do you wish you were?
At home in my bed...nap time might help my cold.
52) Are you wearing socks?
Black ones.
53) Have you ever ridden in an ambulance?
Nope, knock on wood
54) Can you tango?
Nope...not even sure that lessons would help.
55) Last gift you received?
I got shoes for my bday, from my mom.
56) Last sport you played?
I played kickball a few years ago.
57) Things you spend a lot of money on?
Rent; groceries; books
58) Where do you live?
Midwest
59) Where were you born?
In a hospital.
60) Last wedding attended?
Uh, my friend W's... on my birthday...
61) Favorite drink(s)?
Water, pop, fruit smoothies by Naked Juice, Orange juice
62) What’d you do last weekend?
Last weekend...Friday I did nothing. Saturday I hung out with friends and then the evening turned into one of debauchery.
63) Most hated food(s)?
Onions, peppers, pretty much any weird veggies, meatloaf, undercooked beef (it turns my stomach...but yet I love sushi), foods that taste good but make me fat.
64) What’s your least favorite chore?
Paying bills and cleaning my house.
65) Can you sing?
Yeah, I'm actually pretty good (that goes on my "list")
66) Last person you instant messaged?
My friend T...things are currently v. complicated between us. Has to do with debauchery.
67) Last place you went on holiday?
Uh, I don't take vacations. I don't manage my $$ well enough to have any left to take them with.
69) Current Crush?
Alex Karev on Grey's Anatomy; the dude on the Mentalist; Nathan and Julian on One Tree Hill (yeah, I know they're a bit young...oh well), no one in real life, really.
Monday, May 11, 2009
Home stretch
Tomorrow is the last official day for seniors. The day after, they either come to take finals, or not (depending on behavior, absences and grades).
The 22nd is the last day for everyone. Hooray!
I'm re-writing quizzes for my after school credit-recovery program. It's taking longer than I'd like. The quizzes are over The Hobbit. The quizzes are multiple choice. This is causing me to have to skim through parts of the book to come up with the answers. I put a joke in about Sting (related to a question about Bilbo's sword), which NONE of my students will get. *sigh*
I wanted to try to find quick and easy grammar stuff to do for the end of school. However, I don't want to use 70+ workbooks for just 1.5ish weeks. And, I don't want to cart around grammar textbooks for that time period either. I dunno...maybe I will. We've been told that next year we'll have to focus a lot more, hard-core, on grammar instruction. I'm crappy at teaching grammar. Mostly because I don't do it. But, I don't do it because I'm not comfortable teaching it. I'm not good at explaining WHY things are the way they are -- I just know that's how it's supposed to be when you're writing/speaking. However, I know my own grammar isn't perfect. So, that's hard too.
My cooperating teacher, when I student taught, was like the grammar queen. My high school English teacher in 10th grade is the grammar high priestess. (Equal levels of skills and rulership, but different arenas). I have 2 coworkers who probably rock hard at grammar as well. I'm attending "Grammar Boot Camp" this summer through our district. I hope it helps. It'd be a nice filler.
I also like the idea of having reading time, for like 20 minutes, for 2 or 3 days a week. I need to develop lessons to focus on reading strategies for next year.
I want to be a kickass teacher when I grow up -- like the high priestess of grammar. Till then, I can only get better, I hope.
The 22nd is the last day for everyone. Hooray!
I'm re-writing quizzes for my after school credit-recovery program. It's taking longer than I'd like. The quizzes are over The Hobbit. The quizzes are multiple choice. This is causing me to have to skim through parts of the book to come up with the answers. I put a joke in about Sting (related to a question about Bilbo's sword), which NONE of my students will get. *sigh*
I wanted to try to find quick and easy grammar stuff to do for the end of school. However, I don't want to use 70+ workbooks for just 1.5ish weeks. And, I don't want to cart around grammar textbooks for that time period either. I dunno...maybe I will. We've been told that next year we'll have to focus a lot more, hard-core, on grammar instruction. I'm crappy at teaching grammar. Mostly because I don't do it. But, I don't do it because I'm not comfortable teaching it. I'm not good at explaining WHY things are the way they are -- I just know that's how it's supposed to be when you're writing/speaking. However, I know my own grammar isn't perfect. So, that's hard too.
My cooperating teacher, when I student taught, was like the grammar queen. My high school English teacher in 10th grade is the grammar high priestess. (Equal levels of skills and rulership, but different arenas). I have 2 coworkers who probably rock hard at grammar as well. I'm attending "Grammar Boot Camp" this summer through our district. I hope it helps. It'd be a nice filler.
I also like the idea of having reading time, for like 20 minutes, for 2 or 3 days a week. I need to develop lessons to focus on reading strategies for next year.
I want to be a kickass teacher when I grow up -- like the high priestess of grammar. Till then, I can only get better, I hope.
Monday, May 4, 2009
Non-school post
I competed (well, participated) in a half-marathon yesterday. For those of you who don't know, that's a 13.1 mile distance. I walked the majority of it (and did a painfully awkward version of jogging -- I'm so NOT a natural athlete) and managed to finish in 4 hours. I did it as part of a fundraiser. My fundraising goal was $1800 & I managed to raise somewhere between $2200 & $2300, which is WAY more than I thought I would raise. I'm so happy about that and pretty amazed that I completed that bad boy yesterday.
So, while we've been having a work day today (much needed -- I got district tests scored, and reported/entered to my supervisors), I've been thinking about yesterday. And I just wanted to share the good news.
:-)
So, while we've been having a work day today (much needed -- I got district tests scored, and reported/entered to my supervisors), I've been thinking about yesterday. And I just wanted to share the good news.
:-)
Friday, May 1, 2009
Huh?
Oy...the students are actually squirrels today. They are so distracted and snippy with each other and completely off-task.
I'm finally (I needed a bit of a break from them) reading through their final drafts of the research paper. I noticed something...some of them did not turn IN a final draft. Nope, just turned in their rough draft. The other thing is that their final drafts (a few) are not long enough. We've been working on this project since March 16th. You can't write the minimum of four pages with that much time? Oy vey!
I just had to get that out...
Some of the papers are pretty good, which is nice. I feel like all I do is complain and I don't like that about myself. Not all my students are horrible. I like a lot of them quite a bit. The ideas they have in their papers are pretty good -- their language mechanics, grammar, sentence structure, etc are what desparately need work.
Oy...so tired too. No rest for the wicked though -- scoring practice writing assessments tomorrow and walking my 1/2-marathon fundraiser on Sunday. So much for getting a nap in this weekend. *sigh*
I'm finally (I needed a bit of a break from them) reading through their final drafts of the research paper. I noticed something...some of them did not turn IN a final draft. Nope, just turned in their rough draft. The other thing is that their final drafts (a few) are not long enough. We've been working on this project since March 16th. You can't write the minimum of four pages with that much time? Oy vey!
I just had to get that out...
Some of the papers are pretty good, which is nice. I feel like all I do is complain and I don't like that about myself. Not all my students are horrible. I like a lot of them quite a bit. The ideas they have in their papers are pretty good -- their language mechanics, grammar, sentence structure, etc are what desparately need work.
Oy...so tired too. No rest for the wicked though -- scoring practice writing assessments tomorrow and walking my 1/2-marathon fundraiser on Sunday. So much for getting a nap in this weekend. *sigh*
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