This morning I garbed myself in my best spy-wear. I had everything right down to the dark trench coat, ear piece, and dark hat. The kids were so pumped about their costumes. They were also pumped that I was a spy. They said, "wow... I knew that you would be a spy." (Because I have told them many times, if I was not a teacher, I would be a spy.)
We had the traditional Halloween Parade. The fifth grade classes led us out around the track, and the rest of the classes followed in line. After that the fifth grades looped around again to see every one's costume and then we all went inside. The entire thing took from 8:40 to 9:15. The pour little children had red cheeks and noses by the time they reached the end of their long parade. But, It was fun.
First grade was fun as well.
Fifth grade, my first class did awesome. Congratulations 5W you are my best fifth grade class as of late! 5V made up for the awesomeness of 5W right down to bodily harm and racial slurs. (sometimes children are truly evil. there is no other word to describe it.)
Third grade had the potential of being fun. They made it half way, and then slid back down the mountain of the anticipation of this evening's festivities.
It is only 12:30. I still have half of the day to go. I have a head ache to beat the band, and I have two 27 member 2nd grade classes coming up.
Our Father, Who art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name...
Wednesday, October 31, 2007
Tuesday, October 30, 2007
Hallowhat?
This is a fitting picture for the festive season by which I am being harassed.
This is an actual conversation held in the office at my school building. The names have been changed to protect the individuals involved.
Secretary - “This is going to drive me crazy.”
Teacher’s aid - “What is going to drive you crazy?”
Secretary - “This E-mail notification.”
Teacher’s Aid - “What E-mail notification?”
Secretary - “Dina’s E-mail notification.”
Teacher’s Aid - “Dina’s E-mail notification?”
Secretary – “Yes Dina has an E-mail notification.”
Teacher’s Aid – “Dina has an E-mail notification?”
Secretary - “O My G#@, I am going to have a seizure just having this conversation with you!”
Yah… That is pretty typical for the office.
This is an actual conversation held in the office at my school building. The names have been changed to protect the individuals involved.
Secretary - “This is going to drive me crazy.”
Teacher’s aid - “What is going to drive you crazy?”
Secretary - “This E-mail notification.”
Teacher’s Aid - “What E-mail notification?”
Secretary - “Dina’s E-mail notification.”
Teacher’s Aid - “Dina’s E-mail notification?”
Secretary – “Yes Dina has an E-mail notification.”
Teacher’s Aid – “Dina has an E-mail notification?”
Secretary - “O My G#@, I am going to have a seizure just having this conversation with you!”
Yah… That is pretty typical for the office.
Monday, October 29, 2007
Halloween is effecting my life
Just because it is Halloween does not mean that my students have to act like Monsters. I am going to have to bring in the reigns this afternoon, or my Munster-family-like children will send me to an early grave, and I am not talking about the kind of grave that is used for decoration this time of year.
I am not going down to third grade to read with them. Instead I am sitting in the comfort of my classroom which is silent right now, and listening to the hum of the fans that keep my room cool.
Please Lord, let this day go fast!
This weekend in review:
Friday night: Japanese food in W with the ladies
Friday Bunk: My parents guest room
Saturday Morning: Hanging with the fam
Saturday Lunch: With the fam getting ready to look at an apartment for sister and husband
Saturday Afternoon: Renting apartment
Saturday Evening: Hanging with Chris
Sunday morning/afternoon: Church, Chris, Baking pie, Cleaning out my car
Sunday night: Sophomore sit down, and pie with friends.
I am not going down to third grade to read with them. Instead I am sitting in the comfort of my classroom which is silent right now, and listening to the hum of the fans that keep my room cool.
Please Lord, let this day go fast!
This weekend in review:
Friday night: Japanese food in W with the ladies
Friday Bunk: My parents guest room
Saturday Morning: Hanging with the fam
Saturday Lunch: With the fam getting ready to look at an apartment for sister and husband
Saturday Afternoon: Renting apartment
Saturday Evening: Hanging with Chris
Sunday morning/afternoon: Church, Chris, Baking pie, Cleaning out my car
Sunday night: Sophomore sit down, and pie with friends.
Tuesday, October 23, 2007
Homecomming Part 2
Well,
Saturday dawned bright and early. I got up and got ready for the choir concert. Chris called me half an hour early to see if I was ready. The answer was, "Um, no. And don't come over either cause none of us are ready and half of us are still asleep." I got ready in plenty of time and was dazzled by the skills of the choir as well as the hand bell group and the brass ensemble. [ensemble is probably my favorite word because you can say it En-sem-bloo (oo- as in book)]
After choir I went to see the alumni soccer game, and not many people were there... correction, there was almost no one there, but I got to see Kylie and her new baby which made the entire journey well worth it.
We dedicated the Town houses at 11:15, and by this time I was starting to get hungry... grumpy hungry... honk the horn and yell I'm hungry hungry (See Previous Post). We went to the young alumni tale gate party, and we found out that it didn't start for another hour. So we wandered around, and I bought a large cookie from the snack bar, and then we went back to tale gate. Our food blew away in the gusty winds that whipped through the tent. We had chip races down the table. (Much to the dismay of the people sitting down wind from us)
The Ball game was fun. The weather was wonderful even though we lost. It was good to see people and hang out with parents on both sides of the datehood. I got asked/told about Eldon,
Guy - "I didn't know that this is your father in law."
Me - "He's not."
Guy - "He's not yet at least."
Me - "You never know."
My last statement may have concerned my supposed future father-in-law. Besides, people shouldn't assume things. Do you know why? Because it makes an ass out of u and me.
After the game we went to "Old Town" for German food. Man it was good. I maintain that their verenica are the best around.
We went to watch Honk, on very full stomachs. Stomachs that were so full they could have been cut open to end world hunger. (Now isn't that appetizing)
The show was wonderful. Elise and Kelli knocked my socks off. The entire cast was incredibly talented and the voices were wonderful. There were also some pretty funny appearances by some underclassmen men.
After the show we went over to some friends house and watched the beginning of Space Balls. I have never seen the movie, and I enjoyed the beginning more than I thought that i would. I don't know about the end, because I fell asleep, as did everyone else in the house. We woke up at 1:00ish and left to go to bed.
That is the end of Saturday. Sunday is too boring to mention so I will skip it when I write my next entry. If I would mention it it would go....
Chris had a headache... I drove home... He slept all day... I slept all night... The End!
Saturday dawned bright and early. I got up and got ready for the choir concert. Chris called me half an hour early to see if I was ready. The answer was, "Um, no. And don't come over either cause none of us are ready and half of us are still asleep." I got ready in plenty of time and was dazzled by the skills of the choir as well as the hand bell group and the brass ensemble. [ensemble is probably my favorite word because you can say it En-sem-bloo (oo- as in book)]
After choir I went to see the alumni soccer game, and not many people were there... correction, there was almost no one there, but I got to see Kylie and her new baby which made the entire journey well worth it.
We dedicated the Town houses at 11:15, and by this time I was starting to get hungry... grumpy hungry... honk the horn and yell I'm hungry hungry (See Previous Post). We went to the young alumni tale gate party, and we found out that it didn't start for another hour. So we wandered around, and I bought a large cookie from the snack bar, and then we went back to tale gate. Our food blew away in the gusty winds that whipped through the tent. We had chip races down the table. (Much to the dismay of the people sitting down wind from us)
The Ball game was fun. The weather was wonderful even though we lost. It was good to see people and hang out with parents on both sides of the datehood. I got asked/told about Eldon,
Guy - "I didn't know that this is your father in law."
Me - "He's not."
Guy - "He's not yet at least."
Me - "You never know."
My last statement may have concerned my supposed future father-in-law. Besides, people shouldn't assume things. Do you know why? Because it makes an ass out of u and me.
After the game we went to "Old Town" for German food. Man it was good. I maintain that their verenica are the best around.
We went to watch Honk, on very full stomachs. Stomachs that were so full they could have been cut open to end world hunger. (Now isn't that appetizing)
The show was wonderful. Elise and Kelli knocked my socks off. The entire cast was incredibly talented and the voices were wonderful. There were also some pretty funny appearances by some underclassmen men.
After the show we went over to some friends house and watched the beginning of Space Balls. I have never seen the movie, and I enjoyed the beginning more than I thought that i would. I don't know about the end, because I fell asleep, as did everyone else in the house. We woke up at 1:00ish and left to go to bed.
That is the end of Saturday. Sunday is too boring to mention so I will skip it when I write my next entry. If I would mention it it would go....
Chris had a headache... I drove home... He slept all day... I slept all night... The End!
Monday, October 22, 2007
Homecomming Part 1 (mostly for my own memory)
So,
Last weekend was homecoming weekend. I am so exhausted. I went to bed at 9:30 last night and slept hard till 6:00 this morning. The weekend was a wonderful whir of well wishes and Winnebago's. (alliteration is so in vogue)
On Friday, Chris and I wanted to get out of town as fast as we could. As soon as we were done with work, we took off into the wild blue yonder. About 10 minutes from home, I realized that I was famishingly hungry. I began to complain and moan my hunger, which turned into me yelling, "I'm Hungry!" and honking the horn about every five miles.... All the way to Walton.... For an hour.... Poor Chris....
We arrived at Gertie's house and her blessed mother fed me the nourishment that I had been longing for. My mood improved greatly! We hung out with friends and talked and laughed for a long time. It was good to hang out with her and hear all of her life's excitement and woes. She works for United Way, and when I say she works, I mean that the WORKS!
We all started yawning and yawning and falling asleep so we decided to head for the burro. I drove... I almost took three wrong turns between Gertie's house and the burro. (Not an easy thing to do, since there are only three turns on the way).
Once safely in the burro, I went to Myra house and hung out with girlie friends there and went to bed.
Stay tuned for the excitement of Saturday...
Last weekend was homecoming weekend. I am so exhausted. I went to bed at 9:30 last night and slept hard till 6:00 this morning. The weekend was a wonderful whir of well wishes and Winnebago's. (alliteration is so in vogue)
On Friday, Chris and I wanted to get out of town as fast as we could. As soon as we were done with work, we took off into the wild blue yonder. About 10 minutes from home, I realized that I was famishingly hungry. I began to complain and moan my hunger, which turned into me yelling, "I'm Hungry!" and honking the horn about every five miles.... All the way to Walton.... For an hour.... Poor Chris....
We arrived at Gertie's house and her blessed mother fed me the nourishment that I had been longing for. My mood improved greatly! We hung out with friends and talked and laughed for a long time. It was good to hang out with her and hear all of her life's excitement and woes. She works for United Way, and when I say she works, I mean that the WORKS!
We all started yawning and yawning and falling asleep so we decided to head for the burro. I drove... I almost took three wrong turns between Gertie's house and the burro. (Not an easy thing to do, since there are only three turns on the way).
Once safely in the burro, I went to Myra house and hung out with girlie friends there and went to bed.
Stay tuned for the excitement of Saturday...
Wednesday, October 17, 2007
Please Pray
The school that I teach at lost a student last night. She was diagnosed with a brain stem cancer less than a year ago. She passed away yesterday. Pray for her family, a mother and a brother who is in fourth grade. Pray for our school counselor that she can be supportive and strong for those who need her help. Pray for her teacher last year as well as her teacher this year that they will get through this time of sadness and be able to take care of the kids in their classrooms.
A time to weep and a time to mourn.
A time to weep and a time to mourn.
Friday, October 12, 2007
It's official
Well,
It's official, My parents finally made the trek to Indiana, land of milk and honey, or at least "land of blueberries and sweet corn." Yes, I know, it took many months to get there, but they have finally left their lovely native state to journey far back to their childhood homes.
The only bad part of it is that I wanted to go to. It is a rough thing not being able to go somewhere when you want to. Man... If I made a list of all of the places that I want to go, but can't get to I would be old before the list was done and then I wouldn't have time to visit any of them.
Maybe I will stop wishing and start scraping and saving some money to get to some of those far off lands that are calling my name. It is time... it is definitely time for more stamps in my passport.
It's official, My parents finally made the trek to Indiana, land of milk and honey, or at least "land of blueberries and sweet corn." Yes, I know, it took many months to get there, but they have finally left their lovely native state to journey far back to their childhood homes.
The only bad part of it is that I wanted to go to. It is a rough thing not being able to go somewhere when you want to. Man... If I made a list of all of the places that I want to go, but can't get to I would be old before the list was done and then I wouldn't have time to visit any of them.
Maybe I will stop wishing and start scraping and saving some money to get to some of those far off lands that are calling my name. It is time... it is definitely time for more stamps in my passport.
Wednesday, October 10, 2007
Flounder is not just a fish in the ocean
You know the saying, "D Nile is not just a river in Egypt." well, "Flounder is not just a fish in D ocean."
I feel like floundering is a common theme for me this year. At least I learn from my mistakes. For Instance:
My first class today was a mistake, the entire thing, completely.
I fixed the second class.
My third class was fine.
My fourth class was a technical error. The kids couldn't handle technical so they created errors.
My fifth class did an exceptional job. They were GREAT!
My sixth class was an interrupted mess. In the middle of class, we got an all call to go out to the playground and make a giant paw print and then take a picture. My class was one of the last to go, but we had to hear the all call for ALL of the other classes to be dismissed. Every time the voice came over the all call I prayed, "Dear Lord, Please Oh Please deliver me from these third graders and let me take them out to the paw print on the lawn." Now I am just praying, "Lord I will rejoice in suffering, but I rejoice better in ease..."
Not that school is all bad, but seriously, I have a feeling that this afternoon is not going to be the cakiest of walks.
who knows...maybe I will be wrong... but there are five xylophones sitting at the front of my classroom that say I am right.
I feel like floundering is a common theme for me this year. At least I learn from my mistakes. For Instance:
My first class today was a mistake, the entire thing, completely.
I fixed the second class.
My third class was fine.
My fourth class was a technical error. The kids couldn't handle technical so they created errors.
My fifth class did an exceptional job. They were GREAT!
My sixth class was an interrupted mess. In the middle of class, we got an all call to go out to the playground and make a giant paw print and then take a picture. My class was one of the last to go, but we had to hear the all call for ALL of the other classes to be dismissed. Every time the voice came over the all call I prayed, "Dear Lord, Please Oh Please deliver me from these third graders and let me take them out to the paw print on the lawn." Now I am just praying, "Lord I will rejoice in suffering, but I rejoice better in ease..."
Not that school is all bad, but seriously, I have a feeling that this afternoon is not going to be the cakiest of walks.
who knows...maybe I will be wrong... but there are five xylophones sitting at the front of my classroom that say I am right.
Friday, October 05, 2007
WE'RE NOT GONNA TAKE IT!!!
Warning, The grammar in this next post is atrocious, and I warn the picky reader not to continue.
I may make the aforementioned song the title for my year.
Man I about murdered some third and fifth graders this morning. Yes, the third and fifth grade classes which I have spoke so well about. Today a seasoned teacher told me that the fifth grade is only going to get worse as the year goes on.
Well I have news for the world, EITHER THEY GO OR I GO!!!
Which basically means, THAT AIN'T GONNA FLY IN MISS MUSIC'S CLASS!!!
In other news. Yesterday Chris and I went on an insanely long bike ride all over town. It would have been more pleasant if the wind hadn't been gusting at 600 miles an hour...(at least that's what it felt like.) I seriously could feel the wind resistance in my spokes. Yes, in my spokes - the thin metal wires that keep my wheels from collapsing. Those spokes. The spokes that are so thin that they have never heard the word resistance before. The spokes that laugh in the face of wind, because they are so thin that they should cut through the wind like a hot knife through soft butter. The spokes, that yesterday, almost sent me side-long into a passing car because the stupid KANSAS WIND WOULDN'T STOP GUSTING ME INTO THE UPCOMING TRAFFIC!!!
The best part of the bike ride was the fact that once we turned so that the wind was not, A. Headlong, or B. Side gusting, but C. at our backs, we coasted for probably a mile. Literally coasted with little to no peddling from Magnolia to Crawford. I have never coasted for that long...in my life...ever... and will not ever again! (because of the fight to the coasting)
I have a class coming, and I should probably get my new BOOM WHACKERS out. Yesssss!!! I got boom whackers. I will probably bemoan my love of boom whackers from now on, because that is why the fifth grade class stunk so much, so I completely scrapped my fourth grade lesson plan and re-wrote it. I hope it works!!! keep your fingers crossed.
I may make the aforementioned song the title for my year.
Man I about murdered some third and fifth graders this morning. Yes, the third and fifth grade classes which I have spoke so well about. Today a seasoned teacher told me that the fifth grade is only going to get worse as the year goes on.
Well I have news for the world, EITHER THEY GO OR I GO!!!
Which basically means, THAT AIN'T GONNA FLY IN MISS MUSIC'S CLASS!!!
In other news. Yesterday Chris and I went on an insanely long bike ride all over town. It would have been more pleasant if the wind hadn't been gusting at 600 miles an hour...(at least that's what it felt like.) I seriously could feel the wind resistance in my spokes. Yes, in my spokes - the thin metal wires that keep my wheels from collapsing. Those spokes. The spokes that are so thin that they have never heard the word resistance before. The spokes that laugh in the face of wind, because they are so thin that they should cut through the wind like a hot knife through soft butter. The spokes, that yesterday, almost sent me side-long into a passing car because the stupid KANSAS WIND WOULDN'T STOP GUSTING ME INTO THE UPCOMING TRAFFIC!!!
The best part of the bike ride was the fact that once we turned so that the wind was not, A. Headlong, or B. Side gusting, but C. at our backs, we coasted for probably a mile. Literally coasted with little to no peddling from Magnolia to Crawford. I have never coasted for that long...in my life...ever... and will not ever again! (because of the fight to the coasting)
I have a class coming, and I should probably get my new BOOM WHACKERS out. Yesssss!!! I got boom whackers. I will probably bemoan my love of boom whackers from now on, because that is why the fifth grade class stunk so much, so I completely scrapped my fourth grade lesson plan and re-wrote it. I hope it works!!! keep your fingers crossed.
Tuesday, September 25, 2007
What's the matter with kids these days
In the musical Bye Bye Birdie Kim's Father sings the song What's The Matter With Kids Today. Today I want to ask myself that question. Seriously, what is the matter with kids these days? Today especially. I have not given a good behavior report since my first three classes this morning. One fifth grader had the guts to tell me that it is because I am young and students think that they can take advantage of me. I came back with the statement:
"I didn't go to school for 23 years to get here and have you not respect me. I worked hard to be here, and you should work hard when I ask you to. I may be young, but that does not mean that I am less qualified to teach you than any other teacher in this building."
For the life of me, I could not remember how long I went to school...
17 years is not 23 years, especially since I am only 24
I didn't mean to fib. It was the first number that came to my head, and sounded logical to me when I was MAD in class. This was earth shattering for me, because I haven't gotten mad in class yet. TODAY I AM MAD
Kids!
I don't know what's wrong with these kids today!
Kids!
Who can understand anything they say!
Kids!
They a disobedient, disrespectful oafs!
Noisy, crazy, dirty, lazy, loafers!
While we're on the subject:
Kids!
You can talk and talk till your face is blue!
Kids!
But they still just do what they want to do!
Why can't they be like we were,
Perfect in every way?
What's the matter with kids today?
Kids!
I've tried to raise him the best I could
Kids! Kids!
Laughing, singing, dancing, grinning, morons!
And while we're on the subject!
Kids! They are just impossible to control!
Kids! With their awful clothes and their rock an' roll!
Why can't they dance like we did
What's wrong with Sammy Caine?
What's the matter with kids today!
I am not saying that every child I have taught today is a complete mess, and even some of the complete messes have redeeming qualities, but on the whole, as a group, they are a disaster. Maybe I see the disaster in them because I constantly see the disaster's in me. Perhaps I need to extend grace to both of my students and to myself. That's right... that's what I will do...
TOMORROW
"I didn't go to school for 23 years to get here and have you not respect me. I worked hard to be here, and you should work hard when I ask you to. I may be young, but that does not mean that I am less qualified to teach you than any other teacher in this building."
For the life of me, I could not remember how long I went to school...
17 years is not 23 years, especially since I am only 24
I didn't mean to fib. It was the first number that came to my head, and sounded logical to me when I was MAD in class. This was earth shattering for me, because I haven't gotten mad in class yet. TODAY I AM MAD
Kids!
I don't know what's wrong with these kids today!
Kids!
Who can understand anything they say!
Kids!
They a disobedient, disrespectful oafs!
Noisy, crazy, dirty, lazy, loafers!
While we're on the subject:
Kids!
You can talk and talk till your face is blue!
Kids!
But they still just do what they want to do!
Why can't they be like we were,
Perfect in every way?
What's the matter with kids today?
Kids!
I've tried to raise him the best I could
Kids! Kids!
Laughing, singing, dancing, grinning, morons!
And while we're on the subject!
Kids! They are just impossible to control!
Kids! With their awful clothes and their rock an' roll!
Why can't they dance like we did
What's wrong with Sammy Caine?
What's the matter with kids today!
I am not saying that every child I have taught today is a complete mess, and even some of the complete messes have redeeming qualities, but on the whole, as a group, they are a disaster. Maybe I see the disaster in them because I constantly see the disaster's in me. Perhaps I need to extend grace to both of my students and to myself. That's right... that's what I will do...
TOMORROW
Monday, September 24, 2007
Sing the Praises of the Lord: even when He sends you out to Canaan
Psalm 113
1 Praise the LORD. [a]
Praise, O servants of the LORD,
praise the name of the LORD.
2 Let the name of the LORD be praised,
both now and forevermore.
3 From the rising of the sun to the place where it sets,
the name of the LORD is to be praised.
4 The LORD is exalted over all the nations,
his glory above the heavens.
5 Who is like the LORD our God,
the One who sits enthroned on high,
6 who stoops down to look
on the heavens and the earth?
7 He raises the poor from the dust
and lifts the needy from the ash heap;
8 he seats them with princes,
with the princes of their people.
9 He settles the barren woman in her home
as a happy mother of children.
Praise the LORD.
I will praise the name of the Lord,
Even in the midst of the unknown,
Even in the midst of trials and tribulation,
Even in the midst of longing for the past,
Even in the midst of defeating the odds,
Even in the midst of understanding the future,
Even in the midst of admitting miscalculation,
Even in the midst of desiring answers,
Even in the midst of impatience with myself,
Even in the midst of LIFE
I have calmed and quieted my soul,
like a child with it's mother is my soul within me.
Oh Israel, Trust in the Lord, From this time forth, and FOREVERMORE
1 Praise the LORD. [a]
Praise, O servants of the LORD,
praise the name of the LORD.
2 Let the name of the LORD be praised,
both now and forevermore.
3 From the rising of the sun to the place where it sets,
the name of the LORD is to be praised.
4 The LORD is exalted over all the nations,
his glory above the heavens.
5 Who is like the LORD our God,
the One who sits enthroned on high,
6 who stoops down to look
on the heavens and the earth?
7 He raises the poor from the dust
and lifts the needy from the ash heap;
8 he seats them with princes,
with the princes of their people.
9 He settles the barren woman in her home
as a happy mother of children.
Praise the LORD.
I will praise the name of the Lord,
Even in the midst of the unknown,
Even in the midst of trials and tribulation,
Even in the midst of longing for the past,
Even in the midst of defeating the odds,
Even in the midst of understanding the future,
Even in the midst of admitting miscalculation,
Even in the midst of desiring answers,
Even in the midst of impatience with myself,
Even in the midst of LIFE
I have calmed and quieted my soul,
like a child with it's mother is my soul within me.
Oh Israel, Trust in the Lord, From this time forth, and FOREVERMORE
Tuesday, September 18, 2007
The Buss, the trip, the elesticacity
Today is Body Walk Day. All of our kids get to go over to the high school and go through a model of the human body. This is the first time that some of these kindergartners have ever ridden the buss. I could tell that it was on their minds pretty much because it was coming out of their mouths. That and the fact that some of this town lost power last night made it hard to begin class. As soon as class started I was assailed by loud clamoring of
"Miss Music, We get to go on a trip!" (I Know)
"We get to go on a field trip!!!" (Yes, I know)
"We get to ride the buss all the way to the high school!" (Wow!)
"Miss Music, Did you know that the power went out yesterday." (old news buddy)
"Miss Music...um...we hadda wear socks for the trip of the body." (Good for you)
"Miss Music, Last night my dad said... my dad said... dad... the lect..ele...ctric...elesticacity was broken." (I hope my elesticacity never gets broken.)
So after class when it was time to line up I said, "Ok kindergartners, time to quietly line up."
I was answered with, "Yah cause if we don't hurry we're gonna miss the buss!"
(This happened at 9:05 am, and the kindergartners were not supposed to load until 9:45. I am guessing that it was a long morning.)
I was also informed that one responsible kindergarten citizen offered their kind buss driver money for buss fare this morning. Oh the joys of being little.
"Miss Music, We get to go on a trip!" (I Know)
"We get to go on a field trip!!!" (Yes, I know)
"We get to ride the buss all the way to the high school!" (Wow!)
"Miss Music, Did you know that the power went out yesterday." (old news buddy)
"Miss Music...um...we hadda wear socks for the trip of the body." (Good for you)
"Miss Music, Last night my dad said... my dad said... dad... the lect..ele...ctric...elesticacity was broken." (I hope my elesticacity never gets broken.)
So after class when it was time to line up I said, "Ok kindergartners, time to quietly line up."
I was answered with, "Yah cause if we don't hurry we're gonna miss the buss!"
(This happened at 9:05 am, and the kindergartners were not supposed to load until 9:45. I am guessing that it was a long morning.)
I was also informed that one responsible kindergarten citizen offered their kind buss driver money for buss fare this morning. Oh the joys of being little.
Stick in the mudd no more
Sorry that I have been such a stick in the mud. The honest answer to why my posting has been infrequent and low quality is this: being a first year teacher is the hardest thing that I have ever done.
It stretches me to think, problem solve, teach, research, learn, inspire, guide, and all other noble things that teachers do. It also stretches me to stay calm, not stress, stay positive, and even get out of bed in the morning.
I finally feel like I am getting over my cold/sinus infection, so I am ready to post.
Yesterday was a pretty good day. I had the fifth graders present the projects that they have been working on for a week or so. It was the simple task of coming up with a rhythm accompaniment to a song that we have been learning. After they performed their presentation, I asked the groups questions like: "How did you come up with what you wanted to do? How did you come up with your group name? Were their any natural leaders in your group? Did you feel like the entire group participated?"
One bold and somewhat cheeky student answered the last question in the frankest way possible.
"Well Miss Music, Here's what happened. First K got bossy, and then I got bossy, and then we both got bossy, and then I got mad and quit, and then I got in trouble with you, and then I decided to let K be bossy, and then I just did what she said to do."
All in one breath, all in an impartial definitive vocal tone, which caused the entire class (including me) to erupt with laughter.
"Well," I said "At least he is honest."
The other great thing that happened yesterday was right at the end of the day. I was in the hallway when two of the most upstanding fourth grade boys came down the hall. They were carrying something small cupped in both of their hands. One boy had his hand as the base and the other had his hand as the lid. They were equally sharing the task of transporting this unknown object outside. As they walked by they said,
"By Miss Music, We have to take Chester outside."
"Who is Chester?" I asked.
"Well," they rebounded "We are reading a book about Chester the Cricket in our class and all of the sudden this big cricket shows up in our classroom."
"Can I see him?" I asked, and immediately they produced one of the largest crickets I have ever seen. "Wow, He is huge!" I exclaimed as the cricket realized that he was no longer the captive of his keepers.
The sly cricket began to inch his way up the boy's arm. As soon as my fourth grader realized this cricket's intent, he began to whimper. I thought that he would be ok, because he was holding the darn thing in the first place, but instead of hold his ground the whimper became a cry, the cry became a yell, the yell became a moaning, screaming, yelling, fourth grade boy. They both ran off outside to be rid of Chester the Cricket.
Ah Chester... You made my day
It stretches me to think, problem solve, teach, research, learn, inspire, guide, and all other noble things that teachers do. It also stretches me to stay calm, not stress, stay positive, and even get out of bed in the morning.
I finally feel like I am getting over my cold/sinus infection, so I am ready to post.
Yesterday was a pretty good day. I had the fifth graders present the projects that they have been working on for a week or so. It was the simple task of coming up with a rhythm accompaniment to a song that we have been learning. After they performed their presentation, I asked the groups questions like: "How did you come up with what you wanted to do? How did you come up with your group name? Were their any natural leaders in your group? Did you feel like the entire group participated?"
One bold and somewhat cheeky student answered the last question in the frankest way possible.
"Well Miss Music, Here's what happened. First K got bossy, and then I got bossy, and then we both got bossy, and then I got mad and quit, and then I got in trouble with you, and then I decided to let K be bossy, and then I just did what she said to do."
All in one breath, all in an impartial definitive vocal tone, which caused the entire class (including me) to erupt with laughter.
"Well," I said "At least he is honest."
The other great thing that happened yesterday was right at the end of the day. I was in the hallway when two of the most upstanding fourth grade boys came down the hall. They were carrying something small cupped in both of their hands. One boy had his hand as the base and the other had his hand as the lid. They were equally sharing the task of transporting this unknown object outside. As they walked by they said,
"By Miss Music, We have to take Chester outside."
"Who is Chester?" I asked.
"Well," they rebounded "We are reading a book about Chester the Cricket in our class and all of the sudden this big cricket shows up in our classroom."
"Can I see him?" I asked, and immediately they produced one of the largest crickets I have ever seen. "Wow, He is huge!" I exclaimed as the cricket realized that he was no longer the captive of his keepers.
The sly cricket began to inch his way up the boy's arm. As soon as my fourth grader realized this cricket's intent, he began to whimper. I thought that he would be ok, because he was holding the darn thing in the first place, but instead of hold his ground the whimper became a cry, the cry became a yell, the yell became a moaning, screaming, yelling, fourth grade boy. They both ran off outside to be rid of Chester the Cricket.
Ah Chester... You made my day
Wednesday, September 12, 2007
sick
being sick takes all of the fun out of posting...
maybe I will post soon...
maybe not.
Oh Yah, and Hurray for Kylie and Ryan and new little bundle of joy!!!
maybe I will post soon...
maybe not.
Oh Yah, and Hurray for Kylie and Ryan and new little bundle of joy!!!
Tuesday, September 11, 2007
more to come
I am still thinking, I am trying to perfect a kindergarten post, but I hit a creative wall. I think I need to blow some bubbles or fingerpaint. Something that is fun, without being too constructive.
I also need to get back to work.
I also need to get back to work.
Friday, September 07, 2007
Dad's birthday
So, I should have posted this yesterday, but I didn't have a chance, because I was effectively going crazy all day long. Yes, It was an all day thing, and yes it was crazy. I have my yearly end of the summer cold, and it is hitting on me like a bat on a ball.
Ode to my father:
Dear old dad
What good times we've had
You're up in your years,
But don't let that cause fears.
For age makes you wise
and gives wrinkles round the eyes.
Wrinkles made by smiles
That you and I've shared for miles and miles.
Much love,
Much joy,
Much peace,
Much patience,
Much kindness,
Much goodness,
Much self control.
Your darling daughter,
Jen
A cheesy poem is all I really need to show you how I feel.
Ode to my father:
Dear old dad
What good times we've had
You're up in your years,
But don't let that cause fears.
For age makes you wise
and gives wrinkles round the eyes.
Wrinkles made by smiles
That you and I've shared for miles and miles.
Much love,
Much joy,
Much peace,
Much patience,
Much kindness,
Much goodness,
Much self control.
Your darling daughter,
Jen
A cheesy poem is all I really need to show you how I feel.
Thursday, September 06, 2007
Stare down at the KF choral in (kinder) GARTEN town
Genera: Western
Setting: A Flourishing Boom Town on the Frontier
Characters:
Ban the Man,
The Innocent Garteners (Citizens of Garten town),
and Sheriff Music.
Imagine a bright and sunny day in (kinder)Garten town. All of the little tykes are behaving like good citizens in the booming town of Garten. The KF Choral has only been in existence for four weeks now, but all of it's (kinder)Garten citizens are walking, talking, listening and learning just like they should.
All of the sudden a shadow falls over the sun. The silhouette of a lone kindergartner dressed all in black with a black cow boy hat and a red bandanna has stepped between me, Sherif Music, and the light from the sun's radiating path of knowledge. It's Ban the Man. A slight breeze blows a tumble weed across the classroom er... Choral. A kindergartner has broken not one rule but three as the camera angel zeroes in on his slightly taller than his peers frame. His eyes slowly move from looking down angrily at the ground to meet mine as I call his name.
(Whistle the theme from every western stand off ever made, It will bring a better effect to the post) (doo Doo doo Doo doooooo, wah, Wha, wha, doo Doo doo Doo doooooo, wah, Wha, WAH!!!) (rattle snake tail...rattle...rattle...)
We stare at each other, our eyes narrow. I place my hand to my belt loop hoping for my golden lasso, but to no avail all that I find is the remote to the CD player.
"You've got two choices mister. Either you behave like a gud citizen, or I'll set you down in the pokey (time out chair) for the remainder of class"
No one made a sound. The tension in the air was so high you could have powered the whole of Garten town for a year on that one little moment. The stare down was on.
Seconds ticked by, and then Ban the Man flinched. It seems that he knew that I mean business, and he grudgingly turned toward the next activity.
Hopefully you won't have to stay tuned for more adventures of Sherif Music and Ban The Man
Setting: A Flourishing Boom Town on the Frontier
Characters:
Ban the Man,
The Innocent Garteners (Citizens of Garten town),
and Sheriff Music.
Imagine a bright and sunny day in (kinder)Garten town. All of the little tykes are behaving like good citizens in the booming town of Garten. The KF Choral has only been in existence for four weeks now, but all of it's (kinder)Garten citizens are walking, talking, listening and learning just like they should.
All of the sudden a shadow falls over the sun. The silhouette of a lone kindergartner dressed all in black with a black cow boy hat and a red bandanna has stepped between me, Sherif Music, and the light from the sun's radiating path of knowledge. It's Ban the Man. A slight breeze blows a tumble weed across the classroom er... Choral. A kindergartner has broken not one rule but three as the camera angel zeroes in on his slightly taller than his peers frame. His eyes slowly move from looking down angrily at the ground to meet mine as I call his name.
(Whistle the theme from every western stand off ever made, It will bring a better effect to the post) (doo Doo doo Doo doooooo, wah, Wha, wha, doo Doo doo Doo doooooo, wah, Wha, WAH!!!) (rattle snake tail...rattle...rattle...)
We stare at each other, our eyes narrow. I place my hand to my belt loop hoping for my golden lasso, but to no avail all that I find is the remote to the CD player.
"You've got two choices mister. Either you behave like a gud citizen, or I'll set you down in the pokey (time out chair) for the remainder of class"
No one made a sound. The tension in the air was so high you could have powered the whole of Garten town for a year on that one little moment. The stare down was on.
Seconds ticked by, and then Ban the Man flinched. It seems that he knew that I mean business, and he grudgingly turned toward the next activity.
Hopefully you won't have to stay tuned for more adventures of Sherif Music and Ban The Man
Tuesday, September 04, 2007
I'll Eat My Hat
Wasn't Labor Day weekend wonderful. I have a seriously large appreciation for the long weekend that I just had. I think that people who do not get to have labor day weekend should be paid double for their efforts, because really, EVERYONE should have a labor day.
So, as part of labor day weekend, Chris and I traveled back to the burro to help with music in church. We felt so at home back at our church, that it was almost too good for us. It reminded us of how much we miss the burro and the people who we. We even missed the goofy parts of church like the Hour long announcements, the awkward moments created by the children's story, and that one person who sings loudly off key. (come on now, Every church has one.) This Sunday the hour long announcements were welcomed by our ears, the awkward moments in the children's story were hilarious, and the one person who sings loudly off key was oddly comforting.
And now I have to eat my hat for missing the burro. The little town that rolls up the sidewalks at 5:00 on main street and 8:00 at the grocery store has gotten under my skin.
I keep having to remind myself that I will begin to feel at home here up north. I like my job, even though it is hard, and I like the people whom I have met. Change is a process, and I have to learn how to go through the process.
My one good Kid story of today. I was asking my kids what George Gershwin was, and I was pointing at the word Pianist on the bulletin board. I made the P sound and one first grade child earnestly raised her hand and said. "George Gershwin was a Poser?" "no" I said, "He was a pianist and a composer" Poor George, He couldn't even defend himself.
So, as part of labor day weekend, Chris and I traveled back to the burro to help with music in church. We felt so at home back at our church, that it was almost too good for us. It reminded us of how much we miss the burro and the people who we. We even missed the goofy parts of church like the Hour long announcements, the awkward moments created by the children's story, and that one person who sings loudly off key. (come on now, Every church has one.) This Sunday the hour long announcements were welcomed by our ears, the awkward moments in the children's story were hilarious, and the one person who sings loudly off key was oddly comforting.
And now I have to eat my hat for missing the burro. The little town that rolls up the sidewalks at 5:00 on main street and 8:00 at the grocery store has gotten under my skin.
I keep having to remind myself that I will begin to feel at home here up north. I like my job, even though it is hard, and I like the people whom I have met. Change is a process, and I have to learn how to go through the process.
My one good Kid story of today. I was asking my kids what George Gershwin was, and I was pointing at the word Pianist on the bulletin board. I made the P sound and one first grade child earnestly raised her hand and said. "George Gershwin was a Poser?" "no" I said, "He was a pianist and a composer" Poor George, He couldn't even defend himself.
Friday, August 31, 2007
The Legend of Chuck
Chuck, What a strange name to linger on as a legend. I know some pretty cool Chucks though from my past lives (AKA my childhood and high school years, so it is isn't that surprising to again be presented with a pretty cool Chuck. The problem with this is that presentation of Chuck has not been fully revealed to me.
Chuck was a teacher here at my school for many many many many years. One of the teachers here said that she taught with Chuck for more than 15 years, and Chuck was around before she was. Chuck taught fourth and fifth grade, and his legend lives on.
The teacher's lounge here at school is affectionately called Chuck's lounge, because Chuck spent so much of his "extra time" there. E-mails go out that say, "birthdays are posted on the fridge in Chuck's Lounge." I feel cheated because I have not met this glorious Chuck, and I fear I never will.
Chuck lives right close to the school, so some times they announce things to him. (Our P.A. system is heard clearly even if you are about a block away from the school.) Teachers meetings begin with, "All teacher's please come to the library for staff meeting. Chuck, you can come on over if you would like."
I have even seen this legendary Chuck in the hallway. He passed me by one day while stating that he was here to eat lunch with his 15+ year teaching partner, but I didn't have the guts to say, "Wow, you are the legendary Chuck...I expected you to be taller."
It just goes to show how one person can make an impact on so many people. Even on people like me who have never met Chuck, and even on people driving by the school at 7:30am with their windows down.
Chuck was a teacher here at my school for many many many many years. One of the teachers here said that she taught with Chuck for more than 15 years, and Chuck was around before she was. Chuck taught fourth and fifth grade, and his legend lives on.
The teacher's lounge here at school is affectionately called Chuck's lounge, because Chuck spent so much of his "extra time" there. E-mails go out that say, "birthdays are posted on the fridge in Chuck's Lounge." I feel cheated because I have not met this glorious Chuck, and I fear I never will.
Chuck lives right close to the school, so some times they announce things to him. (Our P.A. system is heard clearly even if you are about a block away from the school.) Teachers meetings begin with, "All teacher's please come to the library for staff meeting. Chuck, you can come on over if you would like."
I have even seen this legendary Chuck in the hallway. He passed me by one day while stating that he was here to eat lunch with his 15+ year teaching partner, but I didn't have the guts to say, "Wow, you are the legendary Chuck...I expected you to be taller."
It just goes to show how one person can make an impact on so many people. Even on people like me who have never met Chuck, and even on people driving by the school at 7:30am with their windows down.
Thursday, August 30, 2007
My school days roll with the weather, My Rollerblades don't roll at all
This morning I had someone ask me how my days went. I started to think about it, and my school days literally roll with the weather.
If you have ever been in the kid business, you will know that Kids are like little barometers - their moods change with the shape of the atmosphere. If a front rolls through, and doesn't matter what kind of front, the kids change their behavior in a somewhat Jekyll and Hyde way. For example yesterday was a cloudy and stormy Wednesday. The children who I teach on this morning of the week have a pretty good track record, and the students who I teach in the afternoon are known for giving me small ulcers. Well yesterday, I hung up my hat after my morning classes went poorly. (Ha, who am I kidding, they were full of threats of no behavior note, and missed recess time.) Yet, the afternoon classes all got their behavior notes. (A reward that the students get for good behavior and class participation.)
Today the weather is nice and bright. After I post I am going to check up on the front forecast to see if I will have to plan any back up lessons.
NEXT STORY
A couple of nights ago, Chris and I got inspired to go rollerblading. Both of us had loved it in our youth. Chris even used to go to a park in W and Rollerblade a lot. Well, we both got our skates and headed for the park. After we parked the car and pulled on our stellar (child of the 90's) skates, we set off. I will admit that I was a little perturbed that Chris was better than me, and seemingly more in shape. If you don't know, I have been exercising more than I ever have in my entire life as of late. I have been running, jogging, elliptical, biking, and walking a lot. I didn't get why I was the one breathing hard and trying to keep up.
I deduced, My Skates Don't Work!
I complained to Christopher...
"These skates don't work! They Stink! This is hard! SLOW DOWN! No, I do not know how to put all of my weight on one blade and push off with the other one! SHUT UP!!!"
I was not kind... I was um... a brat.
So Finally, after pushing me for a while, Chris conceded that the barrings in my wheels were shot. I finally agreed with him on something.
I decided to persevere for just a little while longer, when I looked down and saw that the front wheel on my right skate had CRACKED DOWN THE CENTER AND WAS FALLING AWAY IN CHUNKS!!!
To end a long and painful story, I ran while he bladed. Then I huffed back to his apartment where we both drank a gallon of water, and then I went home to bed.
Like I said, My school days roll with the weather, My Rollerblades will NEVER ROLL AGAIN!
If you have ever been in the kid business, you will know that Kids are like little barometers - their moods change with the shape of the atmosphere. If a front rolls through, and doesn't matter what kind of front, the kids change their behavior in a somewhat Jekyll and Hyde way. For example yesterday was a cloudy and stormy Wednesday. The children who I teach on this morning of the week have a pretty good track record, and the students who I teach in the afternoon are known for giving me small ulcers. Well yesterday, I hung up my hat after my morning classes went poorly. (Ha, who am I kidding, they were full of threats of no behavior note, and missed recess time.) Yet, the afternoon classes all got their behavior notes. (A reward that the students get for good behavior and class participation.)
Today the weather is nice and bright. After I post I am going to check up on the front forecast to see if I will have to plan any back up lessons.
NEXT STORY
A couple of nights ago, Chris and I got inspired to go rollerblading. Both of us had loved it in our youth. Chris even used to go to a park in W and Rollerblade a lot. Well, we both got our skates and headed for the park. After we parked the car and pulled on our stellar (child of the 90's) skates, we set off. I will admit that I was a little perturbed that Chris was better than me, and seemingly more in shape. If you don't know, I have been exercising more than I ever have in my entire life as of late. I have been running, jogging, elliptical, biking, and walking a lot. I didn't get why I was the one breathing hard and trying to keep up.
I deduced, My Skates Don't Work!
I complained to Christopher...
"These skates don't work! They Stink! This is hard! SLOW DOWN! No, I do not know how to put all of my weight on one blade and push off with the other one! SHUT UP!!!"
I was not kind... I was um... a brat.
So Finally, after pushing me for a while, Chris conceded that the barrings in my wheels were shot. I finally agreed with him on something.
I decided to persevere for just a little while longer, when I looked down and saw that the front wheel on my right skate had CRACKED DOWN THE CENTER AND WAS FALLING AWAY IN CHUNKS!!!
To end a long and painful story, I ran while he bladed. Then I huffed back to his apartment where we both drank a gallon of water, and then I went home to bed.
Like I said, My school days roll with the weather, My Rollerblades will NEVER ROLL AGAIN!
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