Category Archives: Teaching

Coming Home

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I feel like it’s been so long since I’ve written that I should probably introduce myself again.  I’ve had millions of possible posts half-written in the insanity that is my mind, and yet somewhere between thinking so eloquently, reflectively and sometimes philosophically and getting it to flow through me and spring forth as actual words has been quite a challenge as of late.

Admittedly, I have been in what I’ll call a “funk” for the past couple of weeks.  Spending my entire day with students who may or may not give a rip that I spent 4 hours categorizing my bookshelves to make them more user-friendly or fighting with the copier for 45 minutes on a Sunday night doesn’t provide the most rewarding experiences.  Add that to the fact that I I’ve entered a new age bracket, which wasn’t really a spectacular celebration, and I’m hyper-emotional being nearly 6 months pregnant, and I hope you’ll understand my absence.  Instead of seeing the glass half-full I’ve been much more inclined to find it completely empty, and trying to “fill it” with empty words and posed pictures seemed trite.

So, on those happy notes, I’m am at least pleased to report that lately, things are looking up.  I’ve had a few days where I’ve seen small successes with students and felt validated in the methods I’m using in class.  I’ve had engaging conversations with new friends, colleagues, and family.  I’ve been bombarded by baby kicks and rolls and happily enjoying Calder as we spent last week combining work, play and rest on our much-needed spring break.

In some ways, my most and least favorite part of a trip is that familiar trip that ends at our front door.  That moment between turning off the car and opening the door is filled with relief that we’re safely back home, and a almost-tangible twinge of regret that our time away has come to an end.  Walking in and looking around, things look oddly different and yet startingly the same.  Even here, as I type, I’m surprised by the changes that have taken place in my absence…yet it feels good to be back among the writing.

So the few of you who are out there reading, please know that I’m back.  Slowly, but surely I’ll find that groove once again and happily share the ups (and downs) with those who are interested enough to stop by.

A swing and a miss

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I was pretty optimistic about presenting digital stories to my 7th grade students.  I thought for sure they would think they’re pretty sweet and motivate them to put forth more than minimal effort.

One class of 7th graders engaged in a great conversation with me on Friday and they seemed on board.  They had ideas for how to make it fair to folks to different genres or writing, possible ways to circumvent the lack of technology issue, etc.  They’re the only class choosing to do this project.

I really hope that it goes well, and that all parties concerned have fun (and LEARN) throughout the process.  It seems like it’s getting harder and harder to keep these kids motivated or excited about a-n-y-t-h-i-n-g.  As if the job wasn’t hard enough…

Getting Prepared

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I’ve heard it before and I know I’ll hear it again, how teachers have the easiest job, we get so much time off and the list goes on.  Granted, last week, was pretty nice, but it was also atypical.  I realize I didn’t report that we did receive the phone call again Friday morning, making it our third day off last week!  For us, we actually went in only on Thursday since we’d taken Monday off since we’d be coming back from Colorado so late Sunday night.

But to be honest, sometimes these long-ish breaks bring on a whole different set of problems!  For one, my plan for tomorrow is to re-read the first two chapters of The Giver with my first hour class, since they had a hard time recalling any of the events they’d read about on Thursday.  Then, we’ll work on re-establishing the rules and rapport of the classroom.  Not to mention that now, we have a full week staring us in the face and it could be a little tough to get through! 

What’s more, G. and I are presenting our first technology workshop for the LMWP Leadership Team on Saturday, which gives us a six-day week.  I’m not saying this to get any pity, just trying to convince myself that I’ll have what it takes to muster through!

On a positive note, we heard from Luke and Ann tonight and they are successfully back from their honeymoon and en route to OKC where I assume the former will immediately pack and head to Texas for his class which commences early tomorrow morning!  Whew!  These jet-setters have me exhausted!  I can’t wait to hear about their trip and see their pictures – which I’m sure I’ll try to share too!

Lastly, we’re happy to report that C. is officially a “peek-a-boo”-er.  I know we’ve been playing it with him for months now, but last night, after his dinner and while we were eating ours, he started playing it right back.  He’s so stinkin’ adorable when his chubby little hands fumble their way to the general vicinity of his eyes and waits for us to play along.  He’s also dangerously close to being ultra-mobile (a.k.a. walking).  If he could stop laughing uncontrollably when he starts taking steps (with assistance) from G. or I, he might actually acquire a bit of balance! 

I suppose that’s all for now…happy Superbowl watching!

Feelin’ the Love

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After a 12-hour first day at school (G. has late practice this week), we just finished dinner (I know, it’s really late to have just eaten) and wrapping up our lunches for tomorrow.  My legs are killing me!  It’s amazing how just standing all day really takes a toll.  I did run on the riverwalk with the new jogger for the first time.  It’s a lot harder than I thought it’d be!  I think not having the power of your arms really makes the difference.  I found myself running one handed a lot.  Plus, it’s so different running outside than it is inside on the treadmill.  I climbed some killer hills (remember the one we walked in the massive snowstorm Mom and Dad?), but all in all I made it about 2 miles running and walked maybe another mile or so.

And (drumroll please) I weighed in tonight a little worried about the holiday picnic yesterday and the couple of nights of pizza.  But, it must have worked out in the long run because I was down another 4.2!!!  That makes a grand total of around 18 pounds so far!  It feels really go do be doing more to get healthier and to stay active.  Plus, I think I’m a much happier teacher right now than I would have been had I needed to dress for work 18 pounds ago! 🙂

I hope to post some shots of my classroom later this week…but for now, I have to do a little computer work and then rest up for tomorrow’s crazy day!  It seems like my classes are going to be pretty good for the most part…it will just a take a while to get used to 2nd hour conference.  It will all fall into place soon enough though!

I hope everyone else is enjoying a good start to their school year…and if you’re out there, stop by and say hello.  I haven’t had any comments in a super long time.  Didn’t you accept my apology for missing a few days worth of entries?