I've been reading the latest of Edutopia. The entire December issue follows a theme called The Collaboration Age: Teachers Jump Into the We Generation. I couldn't help but snag it from the table in the teachers lounge. These types of magazines are always laying around in the lounge and I'm pretty sure very few people thumb through them.
I can't concentrate because it Cherish by Madonna is on. The kids want Akon, but I could only find 30 second segments of his songs.
Brittney is asleep today. We are all totally wiped out this week, the first week back. I wonder if she had to work last night. She woke up briefly, looked at me, and then put her head back down and pulled her hoodie over her neck and ears. She's cold, or she hates Madonna. Kayla is writing in her journal. Kyle is doing a pretty good job of writing for just recently starting the class; Blake's just looking at his paper...he's written about a half page. Matt is writing, then pausing, then writing some more. He sits quietly and unnoticed. Robert pretends to write, or maybe he's drawing today. Cali is here for the first time since Thanksgiving. Kayla writes. She used to have a fabulous journal but she is writing in a composition notebook now. I wonder where her pretty journal went. Shelby writes. She writes all the time. She works on things in here and she never seems to run out of things to write. I think her fluency has definitely improved. Morgan is writing as well, and her and Shelby are sharing Shelby's ipod. Samm is writing tucked away in the corner. The layout of this class amuses me. They all sit as close together as possible even though we have empty tables for them to spread out. It took a while for Cheyenne to get started, but she's . Jessica is stretching. Garrett and Bobby are writing s l o w l y. They don't write much. Fetty goes in spurts. We are listening to Vogue now.I can't stop singing in my mind.
Thursday, January 8, 2009
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
Uninspired by Chris LeDoux
I'm at a loss for things to write about right now. We are listening to Chris LeDoux. For some reason country music has never been too inspiring for me. It's first block: 8:30. I've been at work for almost an hour and a half--faculty meeting this morning.
I wish I knew the potential my keyboard has. There are so many numbers and letters and function keys. I'm still using only the ones I was taught in Mrs. Luna's keyboarding class 25 years ago. I was a pretty good typist back then, and even went to contests at Missouri State for speed. I can't remember what they called it. But we never learned what F8 did, imagine what Fn + F8 could do when pushed together with the control key. FYI--it controls my touch mouse pad. :)
Janet has been having a wonderful experience with her job lately. She's felt the rush and anxiety of opening a new After School Academy, followed by the joy of watching the kids utilize all she and her staff have done to make the ASA a true educational experience where students are engaged and active in learning that is valuable to their own being. I can't remember all the details, but she's been running this program for the better part of 10 years and they have now moved into a new facility.
We're in the 3rd song. These are quite soft and soothing...even if they are country.
I wish I knew the potential my keyboard has. There are so many numbers and letters and function keys. I'm still using only the ones I was taught in Mrs. Luna's keyboarding class 25 years ago. I was a pretty good typist back then, and even went to contests at Missouri State for speed. I can't remember what they called it. But we never learned what F8 did, imagine what Fn + F8 could do when pushed together with the control key. FYI--it controls my touch mouse pad. :)
Janet has been having a wonderful experience with her job lately. She's felt the rush and anxiety of opening a new After School Academy, followed by the joy of watching the kids utilize all she and her staff have done to make the ASA a true educational experience where students are engaged and active in learning that is valuable to their own being. I can't remember all the details, but she's been running this program for the better part of 10 years and they have now moved into a new facility.
We're in the 3rd song. These are quite soft and soothing...even if they are country.
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
Come Away with Me
We are listening to Nora Jones during warm-up writing. We've never put her on, and it's very soothing...and makes me think about friends and places a million miles away in my mind.
Nora Jones got me through one summer in Brazil a few years. I never stopped listening to her on the plane, on buses, working at the children's home; my earbuds were never far from my body. I put together a photo album of pictures of Brazilian children living in stonecutter's villages. These children were happy. Their homes jutted out from the sides of hills where their front yards, back yards, side yards, and every yard was ground dust leftover from their older siblings and parents cutting through the earth to dig up marble slabs to sell. Every time I see marble tabletops, or marble kitchen counters, I think about the children who grow up learning how to cut marble from the earth for just a few cents a day. They live with no running water, no electricity. They serve alcohol to men. And cook for their mothers. Many walk around without shoes. I visited three days in a row once and never saw any change their clothes. I left them with crayons and fruit and a little piece of my heart.
Seven Years, by Nora Jones
Spinning, laughing, dancing to
her favorite song
A little girl with nothing wrong
Is all alone
Eyes wide open
Always hoping for the sun
And she'll sing her song to anyone
that comes along
Fragile as a leaf in autumn
Just fallin' to the ground
Without a sound
Crooked little smile on her face
Tells a tale of grace
That's all her own
Spinning, laughing, dancing to her favorite song
A little girl with nothing wrong
And she's all alone
This song always brings tears to my eyes for all the children throughout the world who just want someone to stop and listen to their song.
Nora Jones got me through one summer in Brazil a few years. I never stopped listening to her on the plane, on buses, working at the children's home; my earbuds were never far from my body. I put together a photo album of pictures of Brazilian children living in stonecutter's villages. These children were happy. Their homes jutted out from the sides of hills where their front yards, back yards, side yards, and every yard was ground dust leftover from their older siblings and parents cutting through the earth to dig up marble slabs to sell. Every time I see marble tabletops, or marble kitchen counters, I think about the children who grow up learning how to cut marble from the earth for just a few cents a day. They live with no running water, no electricity. They serve alcohol to men. And cook for their mothers. Many walk around without shoes. I visited three days in a row once and never saw any change their clothes. I left them with crayons and fruit and a little piece of my heart.
Seven Years, by Nora Jones
Spinning, laughing, dancing to
her favorite song
A little girl with nothing wrong
Is all alone
Eyes wide open
Always hoping for the sun
And she'll sing her song to anyone
that comes along
Fragile as a leaf in autumn
Just fallin' to the ground
Without a sound
Crooked little smile on her face
Tells a tale of grace
That's all her own
Spinning, laughing, dancing to her favorite song
A little girl with nothing wrong
And she's all alone
This song always brings tears to my eyes for all the children throughout the world who just want someone to stop and listen to their song.
Monday, January 5, 2009
Generation We
A while back I posted a video about Generation We. This video is from a website that builds on the fact that this generation is trying to renew a hope in their own humanity and in the world.
As a teacher, I hold this hope that the world will be a better place. Or maybe I should say it's different...not better. It's different than any other place I've ever been in my life. But that's okay. My story is not their story. My story is filled with summer days at the lake and a walk to the Pontaic Cove Marina for a Mtn. Dew and a Reese's Peanut Butter Cup. But their story...it's different.
Here's a microcosm of the story of this generation.
Right now I'm sitting in a room with ten 17-19 year-old students. (This is perfect because I can actually do the math on this one.) :)
10 students
8 have jobs
6 have cars
All 6 make their vehicle and insurance payments.
9 have cell phones
6 pay for cell phones
2 pay their parents a monthly stipend.
8 have daily chores.
3 live with both their mother and father.
1 doesn't live with either parent
Aside from hauling hay in the summer and working in hog and milk barns, I can't name 10 people from my high school who worked during the school year of 1989-90. I'm not sure about vehicle payments or car insurance. None of us had cell phones. One of my friends didn't live with both his mom and dad.
I get frustrated as a teacher when I hear comments about how worthless and useless Generation We is. That "they don't know what hard work is," or "they haven't had to suffer through war or depression."
I don't know what the changes mean in our society, but I still hold to the thought that this is, by far, the greatest time in the history of education to be a teacher. There have not been any greater changes than over the last two decades...and to be a part of such greatness is inspiring.
As a teacher, I hold this hope that the world will be a better place. Or maybe I should say it's different...not better. It's different than any other place I've ever been in my life. But that's okay. My story is not their story. My story is filled with summer days at the lake and a walk to the Pontaic Cove Marina for a Mtn. Dew and a Reese's Peanut Butter Cup. But their story...it's different.
Here's a microcosm of the story of this generation.
Right now I'm sitting in a room with ten 17-19 year-old students. (This is perfect because I can actually do the math on this one.) :)
10 students
8 have jobs
6 have cars
All 6 make their vehicle and insurance payments.
9 have cell phones
6 pay for cell phones
2 pay their parents a monthly stipend.
8 have daily chores.
3 live with both their mother and father.
1 doesn't live with either parent
Aside from hauling hay in the summer and working in hog and milk barns, I can't name 10 people from my high school who worked during the school year of 1989-90. I'm not sure about vehicle payments or car insurance. None of us had cell phones. One of my friends didn't live with both his mom and dad.
I get frustrated as a teacher when I hear comments about how worthless and useless Generation We is. That "they don't know what hard work is," or "they haven't had to suffer through war or depression."
I don't know what the changes mean in our society, but I still hold to the thought that this is, by far, the greatest time in the history of education to be a teacher. There have not been any greater changes than over the last two decades...and to be a part of such greatness is inspiring.
Sunday, January 4, 2009
Grandma Says....
"What you do on New Years Day, you'll be doing all year long."
I slept late.
Didn't eat breakfast.
Ate an orange.
Wrote a letter to a friend in Finland.
Wrote a letter to a friend in Japan.
Re-booted my computer.
Received a letter from a friend in Germany.
Checked e-mail.
Checked facebook.
Changed my facebook status.
Commented on a friends photo.
Called a friend on the phone.
Left a message on an answering machine.
Listened to a message on my machine.
Returned a phone call.
Sent a text message.
Sent an e-mail.
Sent a facebook message.
Sent several more of all three.
Drank two cups of coffee.
Walked Macy.
Walked Montana.
Filled a water bucket.
Fed the cats.
Snuggled with Charlie.
Wrote in my journal.
Wished it was snowing.
Visited with my boss.
Worked on Senior Projects.
Worked on a Senior Project presentation.
Thought about a new career.
Looked up directions on MapQuest.
Lit a candle.
Talked to my dad.
Talked to my grandma.
Blew out a candle.
Looked in a mirror.
Watered plants.
Covered up with a blanket.
Craved hot chocolate.
Craved for someone to bring me hot chocolate.
Went to the gym.
Forgot something.
Sweated.
Listened to my ipod.
Walked.
Ran stairs.
Drank a bottle of water.
Ran more stairs.
Drank another bottle of water.
Stretched.
Zipped up a hoodie.
Fixed the timer on the scoreboard.
Turned out the lights.
Used my signal properly.
Wore my seat belt.
Drove the speed limit.
Chewed a piece of gum.
Ate a Tic Tac.
Left the house a mess.
Toasted the New Year.
Said goodbye to family.
Kissed my Aunt Cindy.
Talked with a student.
Gave advice.
Listened.
Told stories.
Listened to stories.
Laughed.
Went to my classroom.
Packed up my car.
Stayed awake after midnight.
Went to sleep after midnight.
Forgot to watch the Rose Bowl Parade.
Watched USC celebrate.
Popped popcorn.
Watched a movie.
Wished I was in love.
Looked at old pictures.
Was glad I wasn't in love.
Hugged my sister.
Drove 65 miles.
Filled up my gas tank.
Cleaned out the dishwasher.
Warmed up leftovers.
Wore house slippers.
Slept in Vera Wang pj's.
Talked to animals.
Played ball with my dogs.
Bought a newspaper.
Put air in a tire.
Read a story about the Gaza strip.
Prayed.
Watched football.
Cheered for Nebraska.
Prayed again.
Rallied with Virginia Tech.
Waved to my neighbors.
Called Keri.
Listened to NPR.
Organized files.
Talked to my dad again.
Bathed a cat.
Turned down the heat.
Threw clothes in the laundry basket.
Used deductive reasoning.
Cracked an English walnut.
Looked through the cupboards.
Wondered if I had black-eyed peas.
Wondered if grandpa gave out new dimes.
Commented on Erin's facebook status.
Accepted a new facebook friend.
Opened the fridge.
Commented on Bobby's facebook status.
Wrote to Mike.
Looked through the cupboards again.
Sent condolences to a friend.
Thought about my mom.
Wished nobody had to die.
Thought about war.
Thought about peace.
Wondered how Heaven would actually work.
Had a dream.
Listened to music.
Thought about painting the living room. For a second.
Put water in the teapot.
Changed clothes.
Took a shower.
Washed my hair.
Looked through old jewelry.
Talked to Caron.
Thought about Kory. In a nice way.
Used Q-tips.
Threw leftovers to the birds.
Smelled and tested perfumes.
Packed an overnight bag.
Called Granny.
Looked for matching socks.
Let the dogs run loose.
Looked at a calendar.
Flossed my teeth--twice.
Read a storycorps story.
Pilfered online.
Talked to Janet.
Decided to fold and put away laundry.
Looked at the pile.
Decided it wasn't worth it.
Laid on the couch.
Brushed my teeth.
Uploaded videos.
Watched YouTube.
Checked my Twitter account.
Checked my Missouri State account.
Used a remote control.
Lotioned my hands.
Gave the dogs treats.
Gave the cats treats.
Turned on the Christmas lights.
Worked on my computer.
Propped up my feet.
Slept under a down blanket--on a pillow-top mattress.
Thought about my blessings.
I forgot to think about resolutions . . . Hmmmm.
I slept late.
Didn't eat breakfast.
Ate an orange.
Wrote a letter to a friend in Finland.
Wrote a letter to a friend in Japan.
Re-booted my computer.
Received a letter from a friend in Germany.
Checked e-mail.
Checked facebook.
Changed my facebook status.
Commented on a friends photo.
Called a friend on the phone.
Left a message on an answering machine.
Listened to a message on my machine.
Returned a phone call.
Sent a text message.
Sent an e-mail.
Sent a facebook message.
Sent several more of all three.
Drank two cups of coffee.
Walked Macy.
Walked Montana.
Filled a water bucket.
Fed the cats.
Snuggled with Charlie.
Wrote in my journal.
Wished it was snowing.
Visited with my boss.
Worked on Senior Projects.
Worked on a Senior Project presentation.
Thought about a new career.
Looked up directions on MapQuest.
Lit a candle.
Talked to my dad.
Talked to my grandma.
Blew out a candle.
Looked in a mirror.
Watered plants.
Covered up with a blanket.
Craved hot chocolate.
Craved for someone to bring me hot chocolate.
Went to the gym.
Forgot something.
Sweated.
Listened to my ipod.
Walked.
Ran stairs.
Drank a bottle of water.
Ran more stairs.
Drank another bottle of water.
Stretched.
Zipped up a hoodie.
Fixed the timer on the scoreboard.
Turned out the lights.
Used my signal properly.
Wore my seat belt.
Drove the speed limit.
Chewed a piece of gum.
Ate a Tic Tac.
Left the house a mess.
Toasted the New Year.
Said goodbye to family.
Kissed my Aunt Cindy.
Talked with a student.
Gave advice.
Listened.
Told stories.
Listened to stories.
Laughed.
Went to my classroom.
Packed up my car.
Stayed awake after midnight.
Went to sleep after midnight.
Forgot to watch the Rose Bowl Parade.
Watched USC celebrate.
Popped popcorn.
Watched a movie.
Wished I was in love.
Looked at old pictures.
Was glad I wasn't in love.
Hugged my sister.
Drove 65 miles.
Filled up my gas tank.
Cleaned out the dishwasher.
Warmed up leftovers.
Wore house slippers.
Slept in Vera Wang pj's.
Talked to animals.
Played ball with my dogs.
Bought a newspaper.
Put air in a tire.
Read a story about the Gaza strip.
Prayed.
Watched football.
Cheered for Nebraska.
Prayed again.
Rallied with Virginia Tech.
Waved to my neighbors.
Called Keri.
Listened to NPR.
Organized files.
Talked to my dad again.
Bathed a cat.
Turned down the heat.
Threw clothes in the laundry basket.
Used deductive reasoning.
Cracked an English walnut.
Looked through the cupboards.
Wondered if I had black-eyed peas.
Wondered if grandpa gave out new dimes.
Commented on Erin's facebook status.
Accepted a new facebook friend.
Opened the fridge.
Commented on Bobby's facebook status.
Wrote to Mike.
Looked through the cupboards again.
Sent condolences to a friend.
Thought about my mom.
Wished nobody had to die.
Thought about war.
Thought about peace.
Wondered how Heaven would actually work.
Had a dream.
Listened to music.
Thought about painting the living room. For a second.
Put water in the teapot.
Changed clothes.
Took a shower.
Washed my hair.
Looked through old jewelry.
Talked to Caron.
Thought about Kory. In a nice way.
Used Q-tips.
Threw leftovers to the birds.
Smelled and tested perfumes.
Packed an overnight bag.
Called Granny.
Looked for matching socks.
Let the dogs run loose.
Looked at a calendar.
Flossed my teeth--twice.
Read a storycorps story.
Pilfered online.
Talked to Janet.
Decided to fold and put away laundry.
Looked at the pile.
Decided it wasn't worth it.
Laid on the couch.
Brushed my teeth.
Uploaded videos.
Watched YouTube.
Checked my Twitter account.
Checked my Missouri State account.
Used a remote control.
Lotioned my hands.
Gave the dogs treats.
Gave the cats treats.
Turned on the Christmas lights.
Worked on my computer.
Propped up my feet.
Slept under a down blanket--on a pillow-top mattress.
Thought about my blessings.
I forgot to think about resolutions . . . Hmmmm.
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