I’m not much into Halloween, but I had to chuckle when a friend posted the following on Facebook.
I just had to share…
Filed under: This-n-That | Tagged: Halloween, Vegan Witches | 1 Comment »
The Best Laid Plans
Posted on October 30, 2011 by auburnchick
When I was pregnant with my babies, I sang them a lot of songs.
One of them was the following…
Well, my efforts were not in vain.
Today, Rooster informed us that he has decided to attend Auburn.
We took him out to celebrate.
We couldn’t be more thrilled. Orange and blue run through this family’s veins with several graduates among us.
Rooster plans on trying out for Auburn’s band. We’re keeping our fingers crossed. How neat would it be to attend football games and watch him play?! Perhaps my days of being a drumline mom aren’t over yet!
Rooster also received notification that his grades qualify him for the Honors College.
Smart child that the Lord has blessed me with. I’m so thankful and humble.
Please pray that, as we begin making preparations for next year, the pieces will fall into place…that he will find out about the Christian organizations on campus (I know there are quite a few) so that he will keep his goals focused on God’s will for his life.
Filed under: children | Tagged: auburn university, childrearing, college, parenting | 2 Comments »
Necessity is the Mother of Invention
Posted on October 29, 2011 by auburnchick
I am stubborn.
Once I get an idea into my head, I’m bound and determined to find a way to do it.
Such was the case with the vocabulary words that I wanted to introduce to my students.
Not too long ago, my fellow reading teachers discovered a wonderful site called VocabAhead. There are tons of videos.
The only problem is that the word list is limited, in my not-so-humble opinion.
But, this site got my wheels turning…especially more so when intense Google searches failed to turn up any videos for the words I’d selected.
So, I talked to Rooster about my dilemma, and we thought that if I created a PowerPoint, I might be able to convert it into a movie. I wasn’t looking for anything super fancy…no animation…at least not at this point in time. Remember that I’m an overachiever, so it’s possible that I could stretch myself in the future.
I found a video that showed me how to do what I wanted to do…
I simply followed the steps outlined, and VOILA! I had my own, customized video!
I even did the voice-overs! I just love iMovie! In fact, I love my Mac!
I used the instructions on this post, which I’d written a few weeks ago, to save my video. You never know if the school system’s network administrators are going to block out YouTube from being accessible.
The entire project took about an hour.
I’m psyched! Now, I have a template for future videos. I’m excited because my students are going to get exactly what they need…specially designed just for them!
Filed under: Teaching | Tagged: PowerPoint, teaching, vocabulary, YouTube | 3 Comments »
Ready for Monday
Posted on October 28, 2011 by auburnchick
After the emotional week I’ve had, I thought it best if I left my room ready for Monday…
My mentor spent part of a class period modeling ABC Brainstorming. She’s going to return on Monday to help my students understand how to use this brainstorming strategy to discover ways in which authors help them learn…in other words, how to identify text features such as headings, subtitles, and captions.
I’m also going to begin vocabulary instruction in my room. Yeah, yeah. I know…I should have already been doing this, but instead, I spent the first nine weeks on establishing procedures and teaching story elements and context clues.
When I got home from work, I made flip books for my students to use as study aids for their vocabulary words. I don’t have a picture but trust me, they’re bright and cheery. I think my students will enjoy adding the words, definitions, pictures, and sentences.
I’ve got a busy weekend of lesson planning, but I’m well on my way and, at the very least, will be prepared for Monday.
We’ll just have to wait and see about Tuesday.
😉
Filed under: Teaching | Tagged: teaching | 1 Comment »
Teacher Thoughts
Posted on October 27, 2011 by auburnchick
It’s Thursday.
As usual, my brain is filled with my teacher reflections of things that have happened this week…funny things my students have said…mistakes I’ve made (and hopefully learned from), and miscellaneous ramblings.
Thankfully, I have this blog to vent to.
Onward…
Upon my return to school this week, one of my students approached me, gently touched my arm, and said, “Is it really you, or is this a hologram?”
I had to laugh. I’ve spent most of October outside of the classroom…immersed in training.
My students have not been impressed, although I plan on wowing them with the fabulous new strategies I’ve learned about.
Oh, who am I kidding. They’re not going to be impressed…at least not until they grow up and go into education or have their own progeny to take care of.
————————————————————————————————————
I found out that the substitute who filled in for me on Friday is the mother of one of the seniors I taught last year. Yes, I know. How could I miss the connection? Well, I never met the mother, and her last name is different from my student’s. She told my students about our connection and what a wonderful teacher I am. 🙂 My students really liked her.
————————————————————————————————————
Kagan structures are time-consuming to teach, but I see lots of benefits. My students are getting more comfortable sharing with one another. They’re validating each others’ ideas and gaining confidence as others validate their own thoughts.
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I observed one of my county’s highly touted reading teachers. He was everything and more.
I took a few pictures of things from his classroom because teaching is all about “stealing” ideas from others. Why reinvent the wheel?
Root Words - Words are written in the center and words that contain the roots (for example, automobile) are written on the flaps surrounding the center with the definitions written under the flaps
Context Clues Posters - Sentences were handed out. Students had to define the word and name the context clues provided in the sentences. They also had to illustrate the definitions!
The teachers at the school post these outside of their classrooms with the names of the books they are reading. These posters are used to promote literacy by setting the example that teachers are reading. I might make these and have the students place them in their own folders...changing the titles as they begin new books.
Another vocabulary activity - Multiple meanings...elementary but fun!
A fun game for a reading station!
Text Structures Group Activity - Blurbs were typed out. Students, after receiving group instruction, had to categorize each blurb. They were allowed to use a handout that was distributed and reviewed during the group instruction.
Station Rotation Poster - This was for a 9th grade reading class!
————————————————————————————————————
I learned a new strategy for getting students to stop talking.
My friend, Barb, used this strategy when she modeled a lesson on fluency.
Barb is a very even-keeled woman. Her students love her.
Her method was simple. She stood and stared at the clock.
Then she explained what she was doing.
She was counting the seconds that students were wasting. Every second wasted would be given back to her after the bell rang.
Oh yes, students would be staying after class.
She wrote the seconds on the board every time she had to stop, and it didn’t take long for my students to catch on.
She gave them an out though. She explained that if the students could keep the time under one minute, they wouldn’t have to stay.
They only accrued 55 seconds (she was quite generous, but she’s a gentle soul).
I used this strategy for my third and fourth period classes.
It worked like a charm.
I didn’t have to raise my voice.
Lesson learned.
By me, that is.
————————————————————————————————————
For every step forward, there seems to be a step backward.
I ate crow during every class today.
It was humbling.
They say it’s good for students to see you apologize after you make a mistake. I’ve heard it said that it makes teachers appear more “human.”
There is absolutely no way I’m going to be confused with a four-legged creature after all of the apologizing I did today.
Sigh.
————————————————————————————————————
This week, I was reminded of how important it is to discover which student is the ringleader of poor behavior and help that student manage his or her behavior. Done properly, other students take notice and more easily fall into line.
It’s not easy though and requires much fortitude.
I am determined.
In other words, I am stubborn.
I’m seeing success, but it’s slow-going. But, I’m sharing my small victories with my fellow newbies. Fortunately, I have the experience of being a mom for almost 20 years, so I know how important it is to discipline children by following through on consequences. Although I may only be a second first-year teacher, I’ve raised my own teenagers. That should make me almost equal to a veteran teacher of 30 or more years. LOL
————————————————————————————————————
One of my small victories…
I only allow my students to drink water in my class…no sugar drinks…no coffee, etc.
One of my students brought in coffee a few days ago.
I gave him a choice the first day…throw the drink away or put it on the back counter to drink after class.
He became very disruptive because he didn’t like his choices.
The next day, the same student returned…another cup of coffee in his hands.
I pointed to the door, and he left, only to return after the tardy bell had rung but minus the drink.
I quietly marked him tardy and proceeded to teach.
Today, this student came into class with his coffee cup (can you believe it?).
Before I could say a word, he asked if he could set the cup on the back counter until the end of class.
I smiled and agreed.
I think he’s learning.
Small victories.
Filed under: Teaching | Tagged: context clues, procedures, teaching, vocabulary | 2 Comments »
Chiming In
Posted on October 26, 2011 by auburnchick
Today I did a little something out of my comfort zone.
For all of you smarty pants out there, it’s not that I crawled out of bed this morning, thank you very much.
Nope.
Despite a long, but pleasant, day at work, I decided to extend my day a bit…
By going to church…
And signing on to be a part of the handbell choir…
When I told Rooster about my plans, he said, “Mama. That’s a little lame. They don’t really do anything.”
That’s when I reminded him that I used to play handbells at church…way back when he and Chicky were wee things.
He, being all grown up now, didn’t remember.
I started playing around the time I was pregnant with Chicky, and I played, on and off, until I moved from Miami to Coral Springs…around the time Chicky entered kindergarten.
Going to church tonight was a big thing for me.
As I’ve mentioned a time or two on my blog, I tend to be a loner, preferring to bury myself beneath lesson plans, television, knitting, or whatever book I’m currently in the middle of.
Meeting new people? Not on the agenda most days.
But go I did, and oh my gosh…I was soooo glad!!!
I knew one gal there, and although she was wearing an Alabama shirt (boooo, hisssss), I managed to get past the throw-up in my mouth (not against her personally, mind you but those colors she was wearing and the fact that Alabama actually seems to be playing decent football this year) and play nice.
FYI, that last sentence refers to the rivalry between Auburn and Alabama.
😉
Most of the people at the practice haven’t played bells before. Because it’s been about fifteen years since I’ve picked one up, I was nervous.
Oh my gosh, but the first time I rang the bell I’d been temporarily assigned, I felt like I was home.
There’s something inside of me that is drawn to music. I love to hear it, but I have a deep desire to learn how to play it.
My church has a new music director, and he’s a very nice guy. He’s teaching everyone the basics, and I’ll admit that I felt as nervous as one of my students learning a new reading strategy…especially when he called on me to name a certain note.
The 45-minute session flew by.
I could have stayed for a couple of hours.
I am already looking forward to going back next week, getting a little better in my sight reading, and meeting new friends.
Oh, and I plan on wearing my Auburn attire as well. Might as well fight fire with fire, church or no church. 😉
Filed under: Christian | Tagged: handbells | 4 Comments »
Don’t Go Mixing These Ingredients
Posted on October 24, 2011 by auburnchick
What do you get when you mix the following ingredients: a return to the classroom after two days of substitutes, desks that have been rearranged into neat columns and rows for the ACT test that was administered in your classroom, half-finished projects, an “invisible” guided reading table buried beneath tons of papers, and PMS?
The makings for a stressful morning, that’s what!
Oh my word.
Talk about having a Monday!
After rearranging my desks into groups of five, I barely had time to erase last week’s instructions from the white board before my first period class came in.
It was not the easiest class period, but I did the best I could.
I lost my composure, though, when Barbara came in during my planning and commented on the state of my table.
Oy, but I felt so overwhelmed.
You see, that table represented the status of my brain…buried under mounds of work that needs to be tended to.
I simply must learn to keep my emotions in check, though, because Barb is a worrywart. She is a people person and has a deep desire to fix all of the wrongs in the world.
She’s wonderful, and she usually manages to fix most of the wrongs that cross her path.
I don’t want to worry her, though. She’s an amazing friend to have, and I’m blessed.
So, I found my way to her office, apologized for my meltdown, and made my way to my classroom, where I sucked it up.
I plowed my way through those piles of paper and called her into my classroom.
She laughed when I showed her my table.
It was clean.
I wish I’d remembered to take a picture of it, but my hormone-infused brain simply forgot.
That could be because I was toting two bags of exams and projects when I left.
Before I left, though, my mentor teacher stopped by and asked if I would “allow” her to come into one of my classes this week and model a Kagan strategy.
I wanted to laugh.
Actually, now that I’m thinking about it, I’m fairly certain that I did…out of relief, mind you.
“Honey,” I wanted to say, “You can come model (i.e. teach) in my classroom any time!”
Truth be told, I still lack confidence in my teaching skills, and I welcome any opportunity to watch a pro in action. That’s how I learn best.
So, what started out as a morning primed for disaster turned into something manageable, thanks to the concern and care of friends.
Still, I think that next Monday, I’ll make sure that my pot is full of different ingredients…stuff like organized lesson plans, copies already made, and an attitude ready to handle the unexpected pitfalls that inevitably accompany Mondays.
Filed under: Teaching | Tagged: Mondays, teaching | 5 Comments »
A Mini-Vacation
Posted on October 23, 2011 by auburnchick
I realize that I’ve been quiet the last few days, but I had a good reason.
You see, I went on an impromptu mini-vacation…sort-of.
I drove down to Lakeland on Thursday after I finished teaching first period. I was going to be attending training on Friday…
My training was scheduled smack dab in the middle of two of Chicky’s games, so by going down early and staying an extra two days, I squeezed in a lot of fun!
Because I had left home so early, I was able to attend Chicky’s game on Thursday night, where I snapped off this photo…
I spent the evening in the hotel with the other teachers who had also gone down for training.
We got up early the next morning and proceeded to have loads of fun at our Kagan training (more on that in a different post).
We got finished early enough that I was able to attend Guy Friend’s soccer game. The girl’s team had fun cheering on the boys…
That evening, I stayed with Chicky in her dorm room. I had asked if I could, and her roommates had given the okay. I had promised not to be in the way and crimp Chicky’s style. Chicky went with her teammates to her coach’s house to watch game footage, so I stayed behind.
I was one tired puppy from my day of training and crashed at 10pm. I was dead to the world when Chicky came in later that night.
The next morning, she was up early to take a friend to a hair appointment.
I had the morning to myself, where I ran to Starbucks for hot chocolate and then had a knock-down, drag-out yelling match with my GPS, who decided to take me, unbidden, down a toll road in my quest to purchase gas at a Sam’s Club.
I was ticked off, let me tell you.
You should have seen me throwing things out of my glove compartment, desperate to find my SunPass, which emitted a low, ominous “Low Balance” double honking sound.
Grrr.
I went back to the college a different way and threatened the GPS within an inch of her electronic life.
She obeyed.
Chicky returned to her room, but I stayed out of her way, as promised. I was content to sit in her room and knit while I listened to the idle stream of chatter in the main room.
My heart swelled with longing. It’s been too long since I’ve heard females giggle as they gossip in whispered tones.
It was interesting to observe their pre-game preparations as well.
A few of the girls headed to the locker room an hour early to have a “party.” Chicky decided to go along. I was proud as I heard the girls say, “It’s not a party without you there.”
I’m so happy that she’s accepted and loved.
Eventually, I made my way out to the field…
It was a cool day. The sun was shining brightly though. It was glorious!
I always love watching the girls pray before their games. In a world where Christ is often shunned…where students and teachers aren’t allowed to mention God’s Word…this sight is both refreshing and soothing…
I smiled as I watched the girls go through their he-woman pump-it-up chants…
Saturday was the last home game, so it had been designated as Senior Day, when the two eldest (*ahem*) players on the team were honored…
Chicky and her teammates played their hearts out, and they won Saturday’s game (not as great an outcome on Thursday night, I’m afraid).
I returned to Chicky’s dorm, opting out of dinner since the group was going to Five Guys. It’s not exactly a vegan-friendly place.
That was fine with me, though. I can be somewhat of a loner, so I sat, instead, with the second installment of The Hunger Games.
Chicky came back after dinner, and we watched Chopped together before she headed to another teammate’s house to watch a movie.
As I said, I didn’t want to crimp her style. I’m trying to mend my relationship with Chicky, and getting in her way wasn’t about to be a part of the night’s plans.
I went to bed around 11:30 and heard her come in around 1am. Gulp. She’s almost an adult. I didn’t say anything except to ask if she’d had fun.
I got up this morning at the early hour of 6am and, after giving Grumpy Girl a kiss, headed home…
My mini-vacation was over.
As I write this, I feel inspired from the training and refreshed from seeing my baby girl, who doesn’t have a clue how desperately I long just to be in the same room with her. Words don’t have to be exchanged. Simply being is enough for me.
It must be a mama thing.
Filed under: children, Vacation | Tagged: childrearing, children, soccer | 3 Comments »
The Migration
Posted on October 20, 2011 by auburnchick
Dear Chicky,
I’m not sure if you remember your science lessons from of old.
If not, please allow me to refresh your young memory.
When the weather turns cold, birds migrate to the south.
Well, your birdie of a Mama (AuburnCHICK)…and don’t you start saying that I’m flighty and all…is heading south.
That’s right.
I’m heading your way…
To your little ole college town in fact.
Though I’m going down to attend an educational seminar, the timing could not have been more perfect.
You see, I’m going to be able to watch not one but two of your games!
And so, while I’m there, I hope you won’t mind welcoming me into your home away from home (or nest away from nest, if you will).
In between games and educational training stuff, we can spend some quality feather-to-feather time.
I’m sure you’re looking forward to this as much as I am.
If not, play along.
Christmas is right around the corner.
😉
See you soon!
Love,
Mama
Filed under: children | Tagged: childrearing, children, parenting | 1 Comment »
Wednesday Hodgepodge – October 19
Posted on October 19, 2011 by auburnchick
Whoop Whoop! Link up with Joyce to join in the Hodgepodge!
1. How do you typically react in a sudden, extreme, pressure-filled crisis? Would we want you nearby in an emergency?
Oh, tough question. I think it depends on if others are around. If someone else is around, I prefer to let that person take the lead as far as handling the emergency. Case in point: A week before Super Sis got married, Chicky, all of maybe five, went running down the stairs and turned the corner a little too sharply, banging her head on the wall, splitting open her forehead, and causing massive bleeding.
I panicked.
That’s because other people were around. The sight of blood makes me nauseous.
I did manage to get her to the ER, where the doctor butterflied her right up and sent us on our way.
Now, with that said, if there isn’t anyone around, I handle emergencies quite well. Case in point: When Rooster was little…early elementary…he came into the house one afternoon with his brand new Polo t-shirt (courtesy of a trip to the outlet mall the weekend before) covered in blood. He was screaming.
He’d split his chin wide open when he fell off his bike and landed on a rock.
Ouch.
I very calmly said, “Well, Rooster, I think we’re going to let a doctor take a look at this. Chicky, please run upstairs and get Mama a washcloth. Rooster, we’ll buy you another shirt. Don’t worry your sweet head.”
I then drove us to the emergency room, fought like a Mama Bear to get a plastic surgeon to sew up the cut even though our insurance company wasn’t going to pay for it (when an ER doctor says, “I think I can pull it together,” you run for another doctor), and almost passed out when he got several shots in the cut to numb him.
I handled myself brilliantly.
As far as whether or not you’d like to have me around in an emergency, you be the judge.
2. Caramel apple-caramel sundae-caramel corn-caramel macchiato–of the four, which caramel treat would you choose?
I’m going for an edited version…Salted Caramel Frappuccino from Starbucks…creme base (cannot stand coffee)…made with soy…hold the whip…add the toppings.
Tres yummy!
3. Is there such a thing as destiny? Explain.
Although I’m a reading teacher, I decided to look up the definition for destiny (there were no context clues in the sentence to assist me…LOL):
Destiny – The hidden power believed to control what will happen in the future; fate.
Then, I wondered how, exactly, to define fate:
Fate: The development of events outside a person’s control, regarded as determined by a supernatural power.
Do I believe in destiny?
No. Not really.
In Psalm 139:1316, the Bible tells us that…
13You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body
and knit me together in my mother’s womb.
14Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex!
Your workmanship is marvelous—how well I know it.
15You watched me as I was being formed in utter seclusion,
as I was woven together in the dark of the womb.
16You saw me before I was born.
Every day of my life was recorded in your book.
Every moment was laid out
before a single day had passed.
So, I guess, in essence, you could say there’s such a thing as destiny…maybe…since God is an unseen force. However, I do not believe in fate as it is loosely thrown around these days. God controls the weather and that kind of stuff. I believe that He set things up to work in a certain way and allows things to happen, but nothing happens without His knowledge or permission. I also don’t believe that God controls us.
I believe that He can see our lives from beginning to end, and He knows the choices we will make. Does He influence them? If we let Him. Does He force us into following His way? Absolutely not. Why would Jesus have had to die then?
Tough question, Joyce. No easy answer.
4. What’s your favorite piece of furniture? I’m referring to something currently in your possession as opposed to something on your wish list.
My bed is my favorite piece of furniture. Sad, eh? I’m just so darned exhausted at the end of each day that it feels so amazing to lay my head down each night. Getting up at the crack of dawn isn’t much fun either, so I live for the weekends when I can stay snuggled in, loving on my Mollly girl.
5. Wednesday night marks the start of the 2011 Baseball World Series. Did you know? Do you care? Will you be watching? Ever been to a professional baseball game? If you’re not an American, do you find the title “world Series” annoying or amusing?
I’ve been to a few games…the Atlanta Braves and the Florida Marlins. Attending games is way more fun than watching them…most times. Honestly, I’d rather watch NASCAR, which sounds crazy given that men drive around and around in circles, but isn’t baseball the same thing…men going around in circles?
6. Sounds that take me back to my childhood are…
Church bells.
I attended a small Baptist church in Alabama, and the church bells use to ring every day at a certain time. You could hear the bells around town. When I hear this sound today, I am reminded of a time when life was lived at a much slower pace.
7. On average, once you’ve linked your Hodgepodge post to mine, how many other participant blogs do you visit? Do you ever come back to the Hodgepodge later in the day or even the day after to read posts?
Ok…last year, I made it my mission to read most of the links posted. I had more time…I don’t know how with teaching five grades and going to school full-time.
Since starting my year as an intensive reading teacher, I’ve been swamped. I feel like I’ve got a bit more to prove, so I’m putting in even more time, leaving smaller amounts of time to visit a lot of blogs.
One rule of thumb for me is always visit those who visit me. It’s a courtesy. My goal is to visit nine or ten teach each week…combining my visits with “back at ‘ya’s” and “hola new friends.” I typically visit late on the day of the Hodgepodge, after I’ve gotten home from work and can settle down for a bit.
8. My Random Thought
I’ve been talking about teaching a lot lately. That’s because it’s taken me on such an emotional roller coaster ride! The last few days, I’ve really cracked down on my kids…not letting them get away with anything. It’s my attempt to restore full order. We’re almost finished with the first of four nine-week terms, and I honestly did not see the time go by. Of course, that’s probably because I’ve been at training for much of it, but that’s beside the point.
I see so much trust in my kids’ eyes. I simply cannot let them down by allowing the unwise choices that others make to go by.
Yesterday, one of my students told me, in a fit of frustration, “Mrs. AuburnChick, you’re the only teacher who follows all of the rules.”
In other words, I’m the most strict.
I had to remind her and myself that I’m not doing this because I’m on a power trip. I’m doing this because life has rules that we have to follow…for a purpose…to maintain order and lead productive lives. My classroom is a microcosm of the real world…a safe place yet one where students are expected to follow rules, accomplish things according to certain procedures, and be productive in the process.
Then, I sat down with my kids…the class that won the pizza party the other day…and told them that they might not count themselves lucky to have me as a teacher, but they should.
I love them. I genuinely care about them. I want them to succeed and believe that they will.
Guys…the trust that emanated from one of my student’s eyes was too much for words. This gal has a rough, rough exterior. I treat her with kid gloves because I know that it won’t take much to break her, and I won’t be the one to do it with a flippant attitude.
Trust is probably one of the hardest things to get from a student and one of the easiest to lose.
It’s also one of the main things that will help us, as people who are privileged to work with children, truly leave a lasting impact on their lives.
I think I’m feeling the weight of this responsibility, and the emotional ride is scary, to say the least.
I’m in it for the long-haul though and am so grateful to be doing what I’m doing.
Filed under: This-n-That | Tagged: meme, Wednesday Hodgepodge | 8 Comments »
AuburnChick's Adventures 