Done!!!

I am officially done with student teaching, and therefore everything required for my undergraduate work at Drake University!!!!! I have a week to pack, apartment hunt, and take care of some other things, and then I graduate next Saturday! It's kind of a scary thought, but also kind of exciting. To know that I successfully made it through 4 years of college with 2 degrees and I have a job when I'm done! It's kind of scary though because then I have to be an adult and pay bills and take care of all of that as well, but I think it will be ok. We'll see!!!

6th Gradisms

In my 6th Grade class we have a “Special Person” each week, where the special person brings pictures and then the class tells them why they are special. I have been Special Person in all three of my classes, and here are what the kids had to say… including misspellings. (I know you probably don’t want to read through all of them, but oh well! ;) I think they're precious!

• Miss Blasi, you are very special because you are a very good teacher, you make learning fun, you have a kind smile, and a sence of humor.
• Miss Blasi you’re a special person because you want to be a teacher to help kids and I think you’ll be a good teacher. Good Luck!
• Miss Blazi you are special because you are a good teacher and a nice person. When you become a teacher I hope I’m in your class.
• Mis. Blasi you are special because you are soft spoken, kind harted, on the husky team, and so many other things.
• Miss Blasi, you is special because you are smart kind, and soft hearted and nice to everybody.
• Miss Blazi, You are special because you are nice, kind, an awesome teacher, and you have a good heart. I have enjoyed you being here. You are a wonderful person.
• Miss. Blasi you are special because you’re fun to have around, nice & smart.
• Miss. Blasi you are special because you are smashing
• Miss. Blasi you are special because you are a nice teacher and you make reading exciting and you are a plane out good teacher good luck at your school that you are teaching at
• Miss. Blasi you are special because you are nice your a good reader and your a nice teacher.
• Miss Blasi you are special because you are cute, funny and you always teach us about poems, and stories.
• Ms Blasi you are special because you are nice and will make a good teacher
• Dear Miss Blasi, You are special because I have never met a student teacher like you and you make learning fun.
• Ms. Blasi you are special because you go to CCDC too!!! (And she drew me a picture!)
• Mrs. Blasie because you went to Drake
• Mrs. Blasi you are special because you read fast.
• Mrs. Blasi, You are special because you got to be with our class.
• Ms. Blazi your special because your an AWESOME STUDENT TEACHER!
• Mrs. Blasy you are spical because you make me want to come to class
• Ms. Blasi your special because your are teacher
• Mrs. Blasy u r special because ur name is Erin.
• Ms. Blasi your special because your brought pictures and your nice
• Ms. Blaise you are special because you have the same name as me – Erin
• Ms. Blasi, You are special because you are really nice & you are so fun.
• Ms. Blasi, Your special because your really nice Your funny & youll be a great teacher I’m going to miss u soooo much Your a great person I’m going 2 miss you soooo much U make learning fun UR A Great teacher P.S. Your Real Pretty 2
• Mrs. Blasi you are special because you are a good student teacher. You dressed up like an old western person and you brought 8 pictures.
• Mrs. Blasi you are special because you have pretty hair, you are a great student teacher, and a bright smile
• Mrs. Blasi, You’re special because you visited our school & your nice & I always have a good time when your in the class room.
• Ms. Blasi you are special because you make reading sound fun
• Mrs. Blasi, your speical because you have lots of reatives (relatives) and you have a bright personality
• You are special because you are going to be a teacher.
• Mrs. Blasi – you are special because you are the oldest student in here and I saw you in a grocery store
• Ms. Blasi you’re special because youre one of the nicest teachers in Meredith and youre of my favorite teachers! Youre special in your own way. And I like your outfit.
• Ms. Blasi you are special because you are a good teacher and you are nice
• Ms. Blasi, you are special, ‘cause you are a nice teacher
• Your special because in homeroom you let me have a pencil.
• Mrs. Blasi, you are special because you are a nice teacher and because you are fun to be with! You Rock
• Ms. Blasi you are special cause you wear earrings
• Ms. Blasi you are special because you are not easy to get away with like other teachers that are in training & you are serious when people goof around & you told me once to stop having an atitude.
• Miss Blasi, your special because your nice, and I have to classes with you.
• Blasi you are speical because you are funny.
• Mrs. Blasi, you are special because you got a job at a school.
• Ms. Blasi, your special because you go to Drake and your nice
• Ms. Blasi you r special cause u helped me learn the parts of speech, & u r nice, & u helped me with my dialogue. And like [another student] said you would make a great teacher
• Mrs. Blazy you are special because you like kids
• Ms. Blasi you’re special because you’re nice
• Mrs. B. You are special cause you are a nice teacher and we appreciate you being here.
• Mrs. Blasi you are speacial because you are nice to us (sometimes) and because you are our student teacher.
• Ms. Blasi, you are special because your age in on [a student’s] folder and you’re a fun teacher and you’re nice.
• Mrs. Blasi you are spicial because you get to teacher or class.
• Mrs. blasi your special because you’re realy nice you have glasses.
• Ms. Blasi you are special because, you are nice. I think you will make a great teacher.

Relays and Whatnot

So, Relays weekend is over. As much as I like Relays and think they're an awesome thing for Des Moines and the Drake community, I'm always a little happy when they're over. I really don't like having to fight for a parking space in my own parking lot or deal with drunken parties outside my window when I'm trying to go to sleep because I have to get up at 6 AM and go teach...

We did have fun this weekend. Friday night we went down to Court Avenue and listened to the bands and had some drinks with some friends. This was the first time I'd ever actually gone down to Court Avenue for Relays weekend. It was actually pretty fun. Makes me glad I'll be here next year! On Saturday I went to the stadium with a couple of my friends and watched the actual relays events for a few hours. We saw someone break the world record in the Women's 100 Meter Hurdles!!!! That was pretty awesome.

My uncle is now out of the hospital and living at my house in Wichita for a few more weeks. At least he's doing a lot better. This is my last week of student teaching! As much as I love teaching, I'm ready to be done, especially since I won't be doing much more this week because I'm supposed to be giving the class back to my teacher...

We had "Mystery Day" on Friday with the kids, which was basically a long scavenger hunt and they were outside for about 2 hours. It was pretty fun for them, and we had gorgeous weather! It's amazing to me - it was pouring 3 days ago, and now it's 80 degrees and sunny, not a cloud in the sky!

2 weeks until graduation. That's a scary thought.

Long Weekend

It's just been a long weekend, and I feel like it's going to be an even longer week. Saturday I drove home because my uncle is in the hospital. Right outside of Osceola, I got out of my car to get a pop, and I locked my keys in my car! Of course, I had locked my phone in there as well. Thankfully, pay phones don't cost anything to call the State Trooper. So they had to connect me to a locksmith who came out and unlocked my door - bye bye $50 because I'm sure my mom will forget to send it in to insurance to get reimbursed... The rest of my trip was fairly uneventful. When I got home I went to see my uncle. It didn't even look like him. He had all sorts of tubes and bags and everything sticking out of him. My cousin kept reminding me that that was "good" compared to what he had looked like. Kind of a sad deal. He wasn't doing too well the majority of the weekend, but apparently today he was doing better, so that's good.

Sunday, my little cousin had her first communion, so we had to go to lunch for that, and then it was my grandma's 81st birthday, so everyone was up for that. It was kind of fun, and I got to eat real hamburgers!!! I miss being at all of the family events. I drove to Manhattan and stayed with one of my friends for the night. It was really nice to get to see her and talk to her again, since the last time I saw her was July!

This morning I got up and drove to Topeka to visit the school that offered me a job. I sat in on three classes. I liked the teachers I met, and the students are pretty much just normal high school students. I don't know what I had in my head, but the pictures kind of clashed. So, then I called the assistant superintendent that I have been working with, and told her I tentatively accepted the job. (After recent family events, I really feel that I need to be closer to home.) However, she had to call the principal that I had just left, and figure things out. The only thing I've heard back from them is that she still has to talk to them...therefore, I'm still going to my interview at Waukee tomorrow. Technically, as long as I don't have a contract in my hand, I can do whatever I want. I just feel like I need to keep my options open. I just assumed the principal knew she'd offered me a position and that if I accepted it, everything would be taken care of...apparently not.

I went straight to tutoring when I got into town, and then I went grocery shopping. I went to dance tonight. Some days I really like going, and others I just really don't. Tonight was kind of inbetween. I don't dance 7 days a week like some of the girls. I'm lucky to still be able to turn fairly well and at least look like I know what I'm doing! I did have some good turns tonight, it's been awhile since I've had those. I will definitely miss that studio if I do end up in Topeka. I really like that they still push me and correct me, even though I'm not ever going to be a ballerina...

Tomorrow it's back to the 6th graders and Mystery. It will be nice to see them again. Last week they were upset I wasn't going to be there today! Only 3 more weeks till I'm done student teaching, and 4 more till I graduate. It hardly seems like it should be here. This semester has really just flown by.

I really really need to start addressing graduation invitations.

Happy Easter!

Ok, so it's a day late... I had a good Easter weekend. I went out to my cousin's in Lincoln, NE, and just spent the weekend with them. It was kind of nice to get away for awhile and not be around school stuff and things that stress me out. Out there, I didn't have time or a reason to think about jobs and graduation and all of that other stuff. (Which reminds me, I need to start addressing graduation invitations). I will admit, Sunday I was a little tired since we got up to serve breakfast after Sunrise Service, but other than that... I love my family, even the very extended ones.

I'm currently trying to set up a time to go back down to Topeka. Part of me is beginning to think that I should just take the job - I'm pretty much guaranteed the ninth graders, which is ok with me. I found out I didn't get the Waukee job because they chose someone with more education and more experience - nothing I could have done differently. But then, how am I supposed to get more experience if no one hires me????? There are some things keeping me here, but the more I think about it, I would probably be ok if I went there. I don't know - I'll have to see after I go down there again.

We started our Mystery Unit today. My first block really got into the read aloud, but second block didn't really. We'll see. Maybe they'll get more excited as we go along and find out more about the mummies! I'm getting observed tomorrow. It's really amazing how I'm no longer nervous about it. I feel so comfortable in front of the classroom and in front of the students that it's just another part of my day. I suppose that's good. The weeks have just kind of flown by in the middle school - only 4 weeks left there and 5 until I graduate! I'm not sure that I'm ready.

Interview

So, I think my interview went really well today. At least I felt good after it, I don't know what the interviewers thought... It's really kind of intimidating to 1)teach a lesson in front of students you don't know with 8 other adults in the room and 2) sit at the head of a table while everyone is asking you questions and judging your answers. I know that's what interviews are, but... I can always think of better answers when I'm not sitting there in front of people. I really did like the school and the people who interviewed me (other staff members). I think it would be a really fun place to work, and I loved the atmosphere of the place. Very happy, upbeat, and positive - definitely what I'm looking for in a school. He said I should know by early next week one way or the other. Honestly, I'm hoping for, "We'd like to offer you a position here," but I guess we'll see. I still have another interview next Tuesday, and still a job offer in Topeka if all else fails...

Not too much else. We've been prepping this week for ITBS tests. The kids are getting kind of tired of it, but what can you do? I absolutely love the 6th graders. I kind of thought I wasn't going to like them as much after my 9th graders, but I think they're a blast! There's just always something going on and something to do. It's really fast paced, and today I was exhausted because I taught most of the day, but it's fun. I just like the atmosphere and the attitudes of middle school teachers - so much more positive, even when kids are being naughty. I'm teaching a poetry unit next week and then we're starting mystery! I'm really excited about that, I think it will be a lot of fun. At least I hope it is!

I should really go plan lessons or something. Or take a nap. Naps are always a good thing.

Another Interview!

I have an interview with Waukee next Tuesday! It's for half 8th and half 9th Language Arts. I'm pretty excited. At this point, I'm still going back to Topeka to visit the school again, but the middle school job I wanted is closed, and I'm not really sure I want to work in the high school. I wouldn't mind 9th grade so much, but I'm a little apprehensive about teaching any classes that are older, just because I haven't had the experience. I guess we'll see what happens. I'm waiting on my parents to call so I can talk through what I should do about this whole thing. I don't want to give up a job for a job I'm not even really sure I have... but then again, I don't really want to waste other people's time holding onto a job I'm not even sure I want. It will all work out, I'm just trying to figure out exactly how...

The weather is GORGEOUS!!!!! I cannot believe how warm it is! I'm so excited about it. I'd love to go running, but my ankle is currently not very happy with me, and I have dance tonight, so I probably shouldn't push it too much.

I'm exhausted again - that's what I get for sleeping in over Spring Break, I lost my "teacher" stamina! Oh well. C'est la vie :)

I really should go be productive...or take a nap ;)

News!!! I also have an interview with West Des Moines this coming Thursday. I will hopefully have a better idea of where I'm going to be around Easter :)

Spring Break!

It's been an interesting spring break already, and I'm only 4 days into it. Wednesday and Thursday I had parent-teacher conferences at East. For the most part, things went really well. It was a loooooong two days though. After conferences each night, the teachers went out. Thursday I actually convinced some of my friends to come out with us. It was really fun, and I'm really going to miss those teachers.

Friday I drove home. I ended up taking home my friend's sister. The drive was fine until we got to Kansas City. It never fails that when I go through KC instead of around it I hit an accident or wreck. Of course we did, and we sat in traffic for a good 30 to 45 minutes. Normally, it wouldn't have been so bad, except I was supposed to be in Topeka to see the school I'm interviewing for. So, I finally go her dropped off and then raced to Topeka. I talked to the principal for a bit and he showed me the school, and I met a teacher or two. The school was very nice, and had a lot going for it. I interview tomorrow, so we'll see what comes of that. I toured the high school though, and I'm pretty sure I'm applying for a middle school job. I'm not even sure that I'm really a good candidate, but we'll see after tomorrow. After I got home, I went to the drive-in theater (Yes, we still have one!) with my friend and her little brothers. We saw Night at the Museum and Eragon. They were ok - I'm glad I didn't pay full price to see either one of them in the theater though.

Saturday I went out to the farm and helped them burn the pastures and grassland. Everything was fine until a gust of wind took something that was burning and started someone else's pasture on fire. It was kind of scary! We ended up burning part of two more people's fields... fortunately most people out there don't care too much. It was more exciting than I was expecting. We celebrated birthdays later, after the fun with fire.

Yesterday and today weren't too eventful- pretty much just hanging out with the family. It was gorgeous yesterday - 70 and sunny, but today it's been raining, which isn't any fun. I guess I could be working on my mystery unit for my 6th graders, but I think I have some time to get that all figured out. :)

6th Grade!!!!

I started my 6th grade placement yesterday. All I have to say is that they have a lot more energy than my 9th graders. They are constantly moving. Also, I now have hall duty because the lockers are right outside my room. That's fine, it just seems like it's a whole other world. They're pretty much exhausting. I think it will be fun, but right now it's kind of daunting.

We have conferences tomorrow and Thursday. I'm going back to East to do conferences, since I pretty much gave them their entire semester grade. It will be nice to meet parents.

I guess after Spring Break we have ITBS tests, and then I'm probably going to do some stuff with a mystery unit. It's going to be interesting though, because the students will all read their own mystery, and then we just do reading strategies with them. It's interdisciplinary though, so that should be fun. Ah, it's all a learning experience. As long as they get something out of it.

It was 70 today!!!! Tomorrow is one more warm day and then it's supposed to get cooler again. However, home is warm and is supposed to stay warm!!! Maybe I'll start working on my tan - I'll need to for summer weddings coming up. We'll see, I have a lot to do over break.

2 days...

Halfway!

Yesterday was my last day of being with my 9th graders. It didn't really hit me until 5th hour was leaving and one of the students said, "Bye Miss Blasi, you're my favorite student teacher, I'm going to miss you." Then I about started crying. At lunch I about started crying, and after school as well. But, every teacher I've talked to says they feel the same way at the end of the school year... I guess this is one of my ends. They were really fun, and I actually enjoyed teaching Romeo and Juliet, despite my previous qualms about it.

I just spent the morning teaching ballet to Brownie Girl Scouts. It was a lot of fun. It was also kind of nice to have someone be impressed with my ballet skills, instead of me feeling like everyone is so much better than I am. They wanted me to do a dance for them, so I made one up on the spot, because I wasn't prepared for that!

We went to see 300 last night and we ended up sitting in the very front row because we got there late. I didn't really think it was too gory, though some heads did roll... Maybe I'm just jaded from all of the other war movies I'm forced to watch...

It's finally starting to warm up. Our giant icicle died the other day. Here is a picture of what it looked like before it died. I'm excited about it possibly being 60 on Monday and Tuesday, and even more excited that I get to go south for Spring Break where it might be even warmer!!! My mom told me yesterday I might have to help burn CRP fields when I'm home... should be a blast.

I officially have my interview for Topeka over Spring Break. I'm a little nervous about it but excited all at the same time. I hope it goes well.

We're performing at SE Polk tomorrow for Drake Dance Club. It should be pretty fun.

Portfolio is Finished!

I finished my student teaching portfolio this weekend. It's really nice to be done with it and be able to turn it in so I don't have to deal with it anymore. Sometimes I feel like school is just a bunch of useless paperwork. Yes, I know it's important to show that I know multiple strategies and know how to plan and communicate etc. etc., but couldn't they just come into my classroom and observe all of that? Why all of the paperwork and/or extra time spent trying to put it into LiveText when only a handful of administrators really care to see it? Drake says it's important, HR people (those who are actually doing the hiring) don't really care. As if they have time to look through every applicant's portfolio that comes through the office....

I was going to update you on the current state of the giant icicle that is growing outside my apartment window, but my digital camera and I currently aren't talking. Therefore, I cannot show you the massive thing that would probably kill someone if it fell on their head.

I will, however, show you some Romeo and Juliet projects my students have been presenting today. I'm sure tomorrow I'm going to get some more awesome ones, but this is what I have from today. Masks for the party and Globe Models - aren't they awesome!

The East girls are playing in the State Championship on Wednesday. So, though I will most likely need Wednesday afternoon to catch up on grading since I won't have any time tomorrow, I will most likely go and support the school. I think it will be fun. I should probably go try to meet up with my teacher for my middle school placement that starts next week. I'm not sure I'm going to have a whole lot of time to do that this week though. I suppose I'll have to find time. For some reason it's all just caught up with me!

Dance tonight - we're performing on Sunday at SE Polk. It'll be fun, I'm just definitely ready for Spring Break! Intramural indoor soccer starts tomorrow! I'm super excited for that!

Update!

I have 3 standards done in my portfolio, which is really exciting! Only 7 more to go, and I'm discovering that they're becoming easier to do, which is nice, because I'm just ready for that big project to be done.

We got a kind of snow day today - at least we got out at 1:05. That was good because the snow got worse later on. I didn't have to drive to Clive to tutor either, which was nice as well. It's so gross outside right now, but I still have this sinking feeling that we're still going to have school tomorrow. I somehow don't think that the weather is going to be that bad for another 8 hours till 6 am when they will know if they're going to call off school or not. The thing is, in Des Moines they don't have snow days built into the schedule, so if they do have a snow day, then they have to make it up at the end of the year. This just seems really weird to me. I understand not having 5 snow days built in, but it would make sense to have 1 or 2 since Iowa does get snow, regularly. I don't know - I'm not the person in charge...

One more week of the 9th graders, one week with the 6th graders and conferences, then Spring Break!!! (Not that I'm counting or anything) :)

Interview!

I'm currently in the process of setting up an interview in Topeka when I go home for Spring Break! This should be interesting... I'm kind of nervous, but excited all at the same time!

I got an email from another district I applied to, and, I didn't realize this, but there are "transfer" credits on my transcript. They're actually credits from my International Baccalaureate tests, similar to AP tests, so I hope that's not a problem, considering they don't actually have grades attached to them... I wish I would have realized that sooner to figure out what I needed to do with those. Oh well.

The weather is gross again. It's supposed to get really cold and nasty, with ice and snow this weekend. Needless to say, I'm not excited about it.

Applications!!!

I sent in one application last night and mailed two more this morning. It's kind of scary. I'm actually taking the next step to being an adult! Now I guess it's just playing the waiting game. My mock interview went well yesterday, so hopefully the real ones go just as well. I can't believe I only have another 2 and a half weeks with my 9th graders... It's been really fun. Teaching and job hunting at the same time are exhausting. I'll be glad when I have a job and don't have to worry about all of that anymore. I suppose I should be working on my portfolio.

Job Hunting!

So, the job that I really really want because I really like the principal is open. The thing is, it closes March 2, so I really need to get the application in ASAP. I'm really glad I went to order my transcript the other day, because if I hadn't, I'd be that step behind. I have filled out the majority of the application, minus some things I'm not really sure about and need to have clarified, and now I'm just waiting on people to let me know if my cover letter is ok, and to get my 3 letters of recommendation in so I can scan them and send them in with the application as well. It just seems like, as with everything, that there are a ton of hoops to jump through. I guess since I've started the application process, I should just fill out the other applications for the jobs that I would be interested in. I really need to get the Topeka one in if I want them to consider interviewing me when I'm home for Spring Break. It has all suddenly become extremely overwhelming. Fortunately, I'm pretty much done with my stuff for R&J, minus teaching it, which opens up some more time to work on other things. I have my mock interview with an assistant principal on Tuesday, which is good, considering I could be really interviewing for jobs very soon! AH! It's exciting, but kind of scary all at the same time. I guess time will tell what's going to happen.

My sister won Homecoming Queen last night! She called me around 11. I was so excited for her, ad she sounded just as excited! I'm really happy for her, esp. since I now get to live vicariously through her because I was never even in the running in high school due to some technical flaws with the system (I know, I was part of the "system"). One more thing for her to add to her list. I'm sure she's still floating!

I gave my students their big project assignments on Friday. Surprisingly enough, they didn't really complain that much. I think the majority of them would rather do a project than take a test... We'll see what they think about my writing assignment that they're getting next week. Part of me is still trying to figure out if I should give it, but the other part of me thinks it's valuable. They have all class time to work on it, so it will be fine. That, and I can show I am collaborating with other teachers (the computer teacher specifically) to create a project. It's going to be awesome! I somehow forgot my R&J book at school, so I couldn't get as much done this weekend as I would have liked, but oh well. Most of it's done. I just have to finish the study guide for Act 5 and the quiz. I'm really happy with the majority of my students right now - most of them have all their work in, which of course helps boost their grades. And, apparently I have gotten some students who don't usually turn their work in to turn some in, so I guess I'm on the right track!

I have to go tutor my student in Clive and then get some more work done. This weekend has been productive for the most part, but I still feel like I could have gotten more done - like start working in my portfolio for student teaching. I'll start on it this week, after I get applications in... :)

Snow, Romeo and Juliet, Dance, and Summer

So, we got 5 inches of snow the other day and are expecting another inch or so this weekend. I like the snow, but I’m definitely ready for it to start warming up. I guess it’s supposed to warm up next week, which is way exciting!

Student teaching is going well. I can’t believe I only have 3 more weeks until I’m done with my first placement! I’ll miss the kids, but I’m also really excited about going to work with the 6th graders. I’m also really excited about Spring Break coming up! They’re going to get their final project assignments tomorrow, so we’ll see how much of an explosion of complaints I get tomorrow. I think they’ll be fine. I’d much rather do a project than a final test, but many of them don’t see it that way. They have a lot of choices for their projects, so they have plenty of opportunities to make it their own.

We performed Friday night for the Women’s basketball halftime, and last night we performed at a convention for quarry/mining people. It’s been fun, but I’m glad things are going to be less hectic for a little bit. My body is tired! It’s kind of sad because I only have one or two performances left because I’m graduating in May… L

Two of my friends are getting married this summer, and I’m in both of the weddings. Apparently, pastel is in for bridesmaid dresses. One dress is coral, and now I have to find a sage green dress… Yay. It’s a good thing that I tan fairly easily, otherwise I would be really washed out with these dresses. The things we do for our friends! Whatever makes them happy! We’re going to Vegas for my friend’s bachelorette party! I’m so excited!

I’m thinking about applying for jobs soon. That should be fun. I need recommendation letters first, and then it’s time to apply! Kind of scary…

Dance!

We performed tonight at the Women's Basketball game. It went pretty well, considering we just learned the dance two weeks ago and have been drilling hardcore since. It was kind of a sad thing for me since it's my last performance at a basketball game at Drake :( We are performing on Valentine's Day for something or someone with a small group, which should be fun. That will officially be my last performance unless we dance for Relay for Life in April. Ah, the lasts of college. It's kind of a weird thought.

This week seemed kind of long with the students, but I think we're all starting to get used to each other finally. I get to spend my weekend grading and making up study guides and assignment sheets, and I'm getting evaluate on Wednesday again, but I think it will all be fine. I'm looking forward to sleeping this weekend though - it's been a long week.

It's starting to warm up, which is exciting. And, I love that the sun is up now when I'm driving to school. It definitely starts my day off better. :)

Brrrr!

So, I'm definitely ready for it to be warm again. I'm such a baby when it comes to the cold anyway, but even more so when it's below freezing for a really long time! We're supposed to get more snow tonight/tomorrow. I don't really mind the snow so much, it's just the being out there at 7 in the morning trying to get it off my freezing car, that won't warm up till I get to school! Ah, c'est la vie when you live in the semi-north. I don't know how those who live further north deal with it, I know I wouldn't do well.

We didn't do a whole lot for the Super Bowl last night. We just hung out at a friend's house and watched the game and the commercials. I didn't really think they were that good this year. There were some, but not a lot that really caught my eye. I did like the one with the girls in the car and all the guys come up and take their shirts off, and the one with the stray dog that looks like a dalmatian and it gets on the Budweiser wagon.

I feel like I've been really off at school lately. Friday I didn't feel well and still ended up going to school to teach, and today I just felt like I was short with the students who give me the most trouble, even though they weren't even really being problems today. I don't know. They talk about a "teacher slump," but I don't think that's supposed to happen only 3 weeks in. Hopefully the rest of this week will go better - when we're actually doing some more with the play. I just get frustrated sometimes with the students that aren't there for days at a time. I want to catch them up and make sure they're on the same page, but I don't have the time, and I don't feel it's my job to seek them out and make sure they understand. But then again, they are 9th graders and still learning how to play the school game. I just wish they could all be there all the time so we didn't have to do make-up work. I graded all weekend, and I still have papers out. They get progress reports tomorrow, so maybe that will motivate them a little bit. It's still a lot of fun, and I'm slowly starting to get to know the students a little better and make connections with them. I'm interested to see how everything progresses these next few weeks.

Dance tonight, performance at the men's basketball game on Friday. It should be fun!

Breakthrough

Yesterday, despite the fact that it was Friday and the students were kind of driving me nuts, I really felt like I had a breakthrough with them. Thursday I had them act out Scene 1, the fight scene, of Romeo and Juliet, and many of them came in yesterday asking if we were going to do that again because "it was fun." Yay!!!! Then, we're still reading the Elizabethian version aloud, not the modern version, and most of them still seem to be comprehending it! This is what makes it worth it - having them understand. At least I think they understand. We'll find out this Thursday when they have to turn everything in and they have a quiz...

What Teachers Make

I love my students. I think they are so fun, especially when they are willing to talk in class and participate. Granted, tomorrow we have to go over the Prologue for Romeo and Juliet again because, after grading their assignment today, I discovered many of them think the feud between the Montagues and Capulets started because of Romeo and Juliet. Such is the life of a teacher I guess – re-teaching until we’re sure our students actually understand. Sometimes it’s hard to tell if they do get it, because when I ask if anybody has any other questions, they just kind of sit there and stare at me. Every once in awhile I get a nod of “yes,” but other than that I just have to take silence as confirmation that they do understand it. It’s been fun so far though. My feet are slowly getting used to standing for 4 hours straight, and it’s nice when I feel myself become more confident with my lesson as the day goes on (I teach the same thing four classes in a row, I feel kind of sorry for second period). I’m beginning to look forward to these next six weeks, I think they’ll be fun.

My dad sent this to me. I love it.

What Teachers Make...

The dinner guests were sitting around the table discussing life. One man, a CEO, decided to explain the problem with education. He argued, "What's a kid going to learn from someone who decided his best option in life was to become a teacher?" He reminded the other dinner guests what they say about teachers: "Those who can, do. Those who can't, teach." To stress his point he said to another guest; "You're a teacher, Linda. Be honest. What do you make?"

Linda, who has a reputation for honesty and frankness replied, "You want to know what I make? (She paused for a second, then began...)
"Well, I make kids work harder than they ever thought they could. I make a C+ feel like the Congressional Medal of Honor. I make kids sit through 40 minutes of class time when their parents can't make them sit for 5 without an I Pod, Game Cube or movie rental...

"You want to know what I make?" She paused again and looked at each and every person at the table....
Ø I make kids wonder.
Ø I make them question.
Ø I make them criticize.
Ø I make them apologize and mean it.
Ø I make them have respect and take responsibility for their actions.
Ø I teach them to write and then I make them write.
Ø I make them read, read, read.
Ø I make them show all their work in math related consumer science.
Ø I make my students from other countries learn everything they need to know in English while preserving their unique cultural identity.
Ø I make my classroom a place where all my students feel safe.
Ø I make my students stand to say the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag, because we live in the United States of America.
Ø Finally, I make them understand that if they use the gifts they were given, work hard, and follow their hearts, they can succeed in life.

(Linda paused one last time, then continued.)
"Then, when people try to judge me by what I make, I can hold my head up high.You want to know what I make? "I MAKE A DIFFERENCE. What do you make?"