I just opened three fortune cookies and this is what they said
1. Focus on your long-term goal. Good things will soon happen.
2. Remember three months from this date. Good things are in store for you.
3. A distant friendship could begin to look more promising.
I would have to say these are pretty exciting.
Sunday, January 29, 2012
Friday, January 27, 2012
The Chronicles of Room 19
My 4th graders keep teaching me as I teach them. It's amazing to see how we can connect that way.
This week there were many small battles that needed to fought over issues in the classroom. Some big, some not to serious. And to decide which ones are important and which ones need attention over instruction time is hard. I observed one student using a word out of context, laughing, making fun of, and to him and the way he was raised its probably fine in his home to do that. But in a world that is changing, there needed to be something said. And of course I walked by just as it was being said, and when they should have been doing independent reading. I didn't think I was bothered by it, until later and that's when I realized how much words can affect people. Which brings me to the next issue I chose to fight.
We had an emotional morning, and one student got worked up over nothing. In the end everything was fine, and recess had come so she was going to be able to let those emotions be forgotten and run around. (That is the best thing about THREE recesses at this school.) After recess I was observing the table she was sitting at, and noticed some unusual behavior. Math continued on, and walking around I saw a new post it note on her desk. That note worried me. And I decided I needed to talk to her after Math. She brushed it off, and ran to lunch so I handed it to my CT. I think it was the best choice in the moment, but now there are so many things I could have done. Reminding students who they are, and of these 3 statements could have changed reactions from everyone. So remember, You are Kind. You are Smart. You are Important.
In South Africa news, we have 49 days! 7 Weeks from Saturday! It seems unbelievable. Now becomes the time when things need to get done, packing, school work, packing the apt and all the jazz. Its' going to be a busy 7 weeks, and if it was anything like this last week I doubt I'll remember much of what happened.
This week there were many small battles that needed to fought over issues in the classroom. Some big, some not to serious. And to decide which ones are important and which ones need attention over instruction time is hard. I observed one student using a word out of context, laughing, making fun of, and to him and the way he was raised its probably fine in his home to do that. But in a world that is changing, there needed to be something said. And of course I walked by just as it was being said, and when they should have been doing independent reading. I didn't think I was bothered by it, until later and that's when I realized how much words can affect people. Which brings me to the next issue I chose to fight.
We had an emotional morning, and one student got worked up over nothing. In the end everything was fine, and recess had come so she was going to be able to let those emotions be forgotten and run around. (That is the best thing about THREE recesses at this school.) After recess I was observing the table she was sitting at, and noticed some unusual behavior. Math continued on, and walking around I saw a new post it note on her desk. That note worried me. And I decided I needed to talk to her after Math. She brushed it off, and ran to lunch so I handed it to my CT. I think it was the best choice in the moment, but now there are so many things I could have done. Reminding students who they are, and of these 3 statements could have changed reactions from everyone. So remember, You are Kind. You are Smart. You are Important.
In South Africa news, we have 49 days! 7 Weeks from Saturday! It seems unbelievable. Now becomes the time when things need to get done, packing, school work, packing the apt and all the jazz. Its' going to be a busy 7 weeks, and if it was anything like this last week I doubt I'll remember much of what happened.
Tuesday, January 24, 2012
The Chronicles of Room 19
The things you have to talk about with students today about technology has changed so much. My 4th grade class is headed to Lansing in less than a month and preparing them for the day has started already. What they can bring on the 2 hour bus ride, has and is going to be the most talked about. Since we are taking school buses, we have talked about not bringing valuables which would include Ipod touches. All the students of course want to bring them, and its a touchy subject. They are valuable but parents say yes. The things that you have to discuss with students on technology now are crazy. There was never this discussion when I was in 4th grade. Oh how times have changed.
The trip to Lansing will be a lot of fun, the prep before is going to be never ending. Each week what they can bring seems like it will be never ending.
They have continued to teach me so much. I'm doing a lot of child watching, how they react and interact with my CT and each other. Bullying issues, management issues, and just plan students issues. They have been so patient and kind with me as I learn how their classroom works, and how the SMARTboard works. That in its self has been quiet a challenge.
The building that I am at is an awesome building. They are so involved with their students and each other. They care about everyone which has made my transition into their school very easy. The early good mornings and concerns about how my days have been going, are the simple things that make me smile and feel cared for in the building. I will be so sad to leave in 7 weeks.
YES! 7 weeks. Crazy! SO much to accomplish and that will be never ending until we get to the airport on March 17th. That is when all my work will be done, and I will be ready to fully accept and take part in my experience in South Africa.
Until then, take this into mind. Try to take me, my, and mine out of your daily conversations with people. Ask friends about themselves before you talk about you. Have tennis conversation that goes back and forth verses a dodgeball conversation. (Current Practice Day in work!)
The trip to Lansing will be a lot of fun, the prep before is going to be never ending. Each week what they can bring seems like it will be never ending.
They have continued to teach me so much. I'm doing a lot of child watching, how they react and interact with my CT and each other. Bullying issues, management issues, and just plan students issues. They have been so patient and kind with me as I learn how their classroom works, and how the SMARTboard works. That in its self has been quiet a challenge.
The building that I am at is an awesome building. They are so involved with their students and each other. They care about everyone which has made my transition into their school very easy. The early good mornings and concerns about how my days have been going, are the simple things that make me smile and feel cared for in the building. I will be so sad to leave in 7 weeks.
YES! 7 weeks. Crazy! SO much to accomplish and that will be never ending until we get to the airport on March 17th. That is when all my work will be done, and I will be ready to fully accept and take part in my experience in South Africa.
Until then, take this into mind. Try to take me, my, and mine out of your daily conversations with people. Ask friends about themselves before you talk about you. Have tennis conversation that goes back and forth verses a dodgeball conversation. (Current Practice Day in work!)
Saturday, January 21, 2012
Metrics are Hectic!
Why does America find it necessary to measure in a different system than most of the world. I think its to make teachers and students crazy. Just as students understand the English system to introduce the Metrics system. Oy vey.
My weekend in St. Charles with the Simpsons was a bust, stupid snow! So now I have laid out all my school work on the main level and started organizing myself since I had no time this week. My schedule is quiet interesting and when professors say this will be the busiest semester ever, I just think mine is worse trying to get all my work done before Africa. Which is only 8 weeks from today!
So as much I wish I could be the Simpson's this weekend, maybe the snow was telling me I need to get things done. But who knows if that will even happen this weekend. I am working on my interactive board for my classroom though, and that's why metrics are becoming hectic! Can't keep them straight in my head.
My weekend in St. Charles with the Simpsons was a bust, stupid snow! So now I have laid out all my school work on the main level and started organizing myself since I had no time this week. My schedule is quiet interesting and when professors say this will be the busiest semester ever, I just think mine is worse trying to get all my work done before Africa. Which is only 8 weeks from today!
So as much I wish I could be the Simpson's this weekend, maybe the snow was telling me I need to get things done. But who knows if that will even happen this weekend. I am working on my interactive board for my classroom though, and that's why metrics are becoming hectic! Can't keep them straight in my head.
Thursday, January 19, 2012
Just a thought
Even as a teacher this is so true! My class has taught me so much about little things in life that I have once forgot about.
Monday, January 16, 2012
The Chronicles of Room 19
Room 19 is always a welcoming place. Each morning I walk into the room ready to see what all 27 students have to tell me, what they have to teach ME. In the past four days they have taught me so much and I know I have so much more to learn.
Reading math problems out loud one day for practice, one student stopped me saying
"Miss Hughes, our teacher says you are not suppose to say and.."-student
While I was caught off guard, I responded
"You are right, thanks for reminding me."
See I was reading numbers like 656 as six hundred and fifty-six. When really it should be six hundred fifty-six. And denotes a comma, like in 1,245.
They have also taught me a lot about how to use a SMART board, intense.
And today, they taught me how to multiply 2-digit by 2-digit all over again. Oh man. But I got it now, its all working out for the better, hopefully they remember it too. Students think that you know the answer to everything like, 34x29 without looking at the answer key. So cute. Better get my math skills in order.
And then there is the student that is struggling and makes me want to see her so much more tomorrow to see how the rest of the lesson went. Makes me want to give her confidence that she can do it, that she is smart. I can't wait to see her in the morning.
Room 19 definitely makes me want to get up in the morning.
Reading math problems out loud one day for practice, one student stopped me saying
"Miss Hughes, our teacher says you are not suppose to say and.."-student
While I was caught off guard, I responded
"You are right, thanks for reminding me."
See I was reading numbers like 656 as six hundred and fifty-six. When really it should be six hundred fifty-six. And denotes a comma, like in 1,245.
They have also taught me a lot about how to use a SMART board, intense.
And today, they taught me how to multiply 2-digit by 2-digit all over again. Oh man. But I got it now, its all working out for the better, hopefully they remember it too. Students think that you know the answer to everything like, 34x29 without looking at the answer key. So cute. Better get my math skills in order.
And then there is the student that is struggling and makes me want to see her so much more tomorrow to see how the rest of the lesson went. Makes me want to give her confidence that she can do it, that she is smart. I can't wait to see her in the morning.
Room 19 definitely makes me want to get up in the morning.
Saturday, January 14, 2012
Week 1
Everyone keeps saying that this will be the busiest semester of my whole college career, and I have something added to that to make it even busier.
The week started off rough, but the stress of all the changes quickly went away as I kept my routine going. I'm assisting at an awesome building in Grand Haven in a 4th grade classroom. The drive is not that bad, but the weather has been really nice so we'll see what its like on Monday. My first assignment, recess duty! I think its going to be pretty fun, especially because I'm on duty on my students field. While I'ms till learning their schedule and how the classroom runs, I have found out a lot about their classroom discipline and building discipline.
Everyone at Peach Plains is so friendly, which makes my time there so much more fun. I meet a lot of people this week and now its my goal to remember who they are, including all 27 of my students. I've experienced the teachers lounge, DIBELS testing, activote, and so many other interesting features of my classroom.
They invited me to go to Lansing with them in February, which is super exciting since it is the exact same trip that I took in 4th grade.
Classes so far have been really fun also. My professors are great, but the workload prior to leaving is going to be kicked up a notch. So far so good, on staying on top of my work. I have my reading done for Thursday and all my journals done for the week but it's only week one so I need to stay on top of it even more as the weeks continue.
Africa is only 9 weeks away, from today! I'm not going to let anything stand in my way.
The week started off rough, but the stress of all the changes quickly went away as I kept my routine going. I'm assisting at an awesome building in Grand Haven in a 4th grade classroom. The drive is not that bad, but the weather has been really nice so we'll see what its like on Monday. My first assignment, recess duty! I think its going to be pretty fun, especially because I'm on duty on my students field. While I'ms till learning their schedule and how the classroom runs, I have found out a lot about their classroom discipline and building discipline.
Everyone at Peach Plains is so friendly, which makes my time there so much more fun. I meet a lot of people this week and now its my goal to remember who they are, including all 27 of my students. I've experienced the teachers lounge, DIBELS testing, activote, and so many other interesting features of my classroom.
They invited me to go to Lansing with them in February, which is super exciting since it is the exact same trip that I took in 4th grade.
Classes so far have been really fun also. My professors are great, but the workload prior to leaving is going to be kicked up a notch. So far so good, on staying on top of my work. I have my reading done for Thursday and all my journals done for the week but it's only week one so I need to stay on top of it even more as the weeks continue.
Africa is only 9 weeks away, from today! I'm not going to let anything stand in my way.
Wednesday, January 4, 2012
Is this really happening???
I think I may have just had a little freak out. Writing a letter to my Religious Ed parents about my trip, I started freaking out. THIS IS REALLY HAPPENING. It was so surreal. Laura and I talked about going to South Africa on and off for years, and now its really happening. Its 2012 we leave in 72 days. 72 DAYS! Seriously.
THIS IS REALLY HAPPENING!I think I need to keep telling myself that.
Having a super productive day, I have decided this trip has given me a sense of organization and preparation for things that I need to get done before I leave in 72 DAYS. Give or take the 10 weeks I have left with my religious ed students is all planned out. The letter is written. I need to get a bulletin announcement written and then I'm all set with church stuff for awhile.
Room is on the stage to clean. Unpacking from break is done. Organization needs to be done. And packing to move before I leave in 72 Days needs to get started. We're in the process of changing bills over and getting other things set for my departure.
72 DAYS may not seem like a long time, but that's also the longest Kim Kardashian's marriage lasted.
Okay I think my freak out may have settled, I mean when I get to look at this it does help.
THIS IS REALLY HAPPENING!I think I need to keep telling myself that.
Having a super productive day, I have decided this trip has given me a sense of organization and preparation for things that I need to get done before I leave in 72 DAYS. Give or take the 10 weeks I have left with my religious ed students is all planned out. The letter is written. I need to get a bulletin announcement written and then I'm all set with church stuff for awhile.
Room is on the stage to clean. Unpacking from break is done. Organization needs to be done. And packing to move before I leave in 72 Days needs to get started. We're in the process of changing bills over and getting other things set for my departure.
72 DAYS may not seem like a long time, but that's also the longest Kim Kardashian's marriage lasted.
Okay I think my freak out may have settled, I mean when I get to look at this it does help.
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| (Picture borrowed from Sean Lancaster) |
Tuesday, January 3, 2012
Checking off the lists
Cleaning off my bulletin board today I found many lists that the girls I have made of things to accomplish and lists of books, movies and songs that I wanted to remember. I've been checking off a lot of movies and books on my lists as well as my friends and I are working on checking off events on our list.
My Movie List
Dear John
Charlie St.Cloud
Tangled
The Social Network
The Kings Speech
The Book List #1
Keeping Faith
Have a Little Faith
Push the Desks Back
Say You're One of Them
The Book List #2-Summer 2011
One Day
Message in a Bottle
Heaven is For Real
Two Kisses for Maddy
Friday Night Lights
Sisterhood Everlasting
Something Borrowed
Something Blue
The Help
And the best list, the girls list of things accomplish this school year. Written by Laura with the help of Kelly this August ( I think some wine was involved for maybe Andre in the making of this list, I'm writing it word for word.)
2011-2012 School List
White Caps
Tailgate
Apple Orchard
T-gives din-din
Mike Posner
Battle of the Valleys
Secret Santa/Cookie Exchange/ginga bread kontezt
Kelly + Laura's B-day
Ice Skating
Prez Ball
St. Patty's
TBA PARTAY (S.A. Party?)
Campus Musical
Snow Day
Dye Easter Eggs
Easter Dinner
I would have to say we're doing pretty well. School has gotten in the way of doing somethings, but we have been busy with each other a lot. With this upcoming semester checking off some of these things are going to get even trickier! And some of us will miss out but, we made this list and must complete as much as possible before the semester ends. 16 weeks!
My Movie List
Dear John
The Kings Speech
The Book List #1
Keeping Faith
Have a Little Faith
Push the Desks Back
Say You're One of Them
The Book List #2-Summer 2011
Friday Night Lights
Something Borrowed
Something Blue
And the best list, the girls list of things accomplish this school year. Written by Laura with the help of Kelly this August ( I think some wine was involved for maybe Andre in the making of this list, I'm writing it word for word.)
2011-2012 School List
White Caps
Apple Orchard
Ice Skating
Prez Ball
St. Patty's
TBA PARTAY (S.A. Party?)
Campus Musical
Snow Day
Dye Easter Eggs
Easter Dinner
I would have to say we're doing pretty well. School has gotten in the way of doing somethings, but we have been busy with each other a lot. With this upcoming semester checking off some of these things are going to get even trickier! And some of us will miss out but, we made this list and must complete as much as possible before the semester ends. 16 weeks!
Monday, January 2, 2012
The Surprise that lasted all day!
My 22nd birthday will be one I never forget. The day started off with homemade puffy tacos for lunch with my family. I was looking forward to spending the afternoon with Michelle and Becca, they were the only ones that could make it to celebrate with me. Or so I thought.
After lunch all I knew was that I was going somewhere with Michelle and Becca, many texts later I was ready to go and they were late :( Michelle called me to be ready and I told her I would be in the garage. Then Becca called me, with some giggling in the background I had no idea what was going on. Last I knew they were driving separate but someone for sure was with Becca. Pacing in the garage, just so I could hear the click of my new boots, I looked up when I heard a car speeding down the street and there was someone with Becca. And the reason why the girls were late, Brian had driven from Kalamazoo earlier to surprise me for my birthday. Since we were running late for somewhere, I was still having a hard time processing what was going on. I was so excited all I knew now was that we were going to the movies. I didn't ask which one, I was talking a mile a minute.
The surprise afternoon event, seeing HUGO. Yes!
I was still smiling ear to ear when we got out of the theater and headed back to my house to wait for Cindy and Jillian to come over so we could go to dinner. I had guilt tripped Rachael to invited some of her friends to come with us, since none of my friends would be there. Or so I thought.
After some Just Dance 3,and a call from Rachel saying that her car wouldn't start and couldn't make it, we were on our way to Chili's- Michelle, Becca, Brian, Me, Rachael, Amy, Jillian, Ty, Haley, Leah and Cindy.
I knew that there was only one place that our group, so upon walking into the restaurant I turned to where I knew the gang would be. And to my surprise, all my friends were there.
I saw Morgan first, who was suppose to be working til 8pm and joining us later.
Kristen, who's Aunt was in town drove from Kalamazoo and was at Morgans before coming to the restaurant.
Rachel was there with camera in hand catching my response.
I next saw Megan, and scanned the whole table looking for Laura who was suppose to be in Pennsylvania. Low and behold she was there!
I had all my girls and my Buddy there, along with some of my home friends it was the best birthday I could ask for.
We ended the night with lots of games and us girls packed into my room for our "girl talk" as Buddy said.
I am still amazed at everything that my friends did for me for my birthday. It's hard to celebrate all year with my friends for their birthdays still knowing that my birthday is never during the school year and friends are all over the state. This year they pulled it off and with an amazing new camera too! They made my birthday an unforgettable one. While my 21st will be unforgettable, my 22nd birthday tops my 21st.
Here's to my friends. You all make me smile so much, I'm still smiling about everything that went down on the 27th. I bought all your excuses like Morgan buys Veras, and you guys all surprised me like no other!
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| Me and Mary (oldest friend) |
The surprise afternoon event, seeing HUGO. Yes!
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| Just Dance anyone? |
After some Just Dance 3,and a call from Rachel saying that her car wouldn't start and couldn't make it, we were on our way to Chili's- Michelle, Becca, Brian, Me, Rachael, Amy, Jillian, Ty, Haley, Leah and Cindy.
I knew that there was only one place that our group, so upon walking into the restaurant I turned to where I knew the gang would be. And to my surprise, all my friends were there.
I saw Morgan first, who was suppose to be working til 8pm and joining us later.
Kristen, who's Aunt was in town drove from Kalamazoo and was at Morgans before coming to the restaurant.
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| Val, Cindy, me, Mary, Amy and Jillian- Home friends |
I next saw Megan, and scanned the whole table looking for Laura who was suppose to be in Pennsylvania. Low and behold she was there!
I had all my girls and my Buddy there, along with some of my home friends it was the best birthday I could ask for.
We ended the night with lots of games and us girls packed into my room for our "girl talk" as Buddy said.
I am still amazed at everything that my friends did for me for my birthday. It's hard to celebrate all year with my friends for their birthdays still knowing that my birthday is never during the school year and friends are all over the state. This year they pulled it off and with an amazing new camera too! They made my birthday an unforgettable one. While my 21st will be unforgettable, my 22nd birthday tops my 21st.
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| New CAMERA! |
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| the Girls-the morning after |
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| Buddy and I |
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| Me and Kristen |
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