tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-73125623682647087792024-02-19T02:37:59.181-08:00Ms. Mayer's MessageA place to reflect on learningMaria http://www.blogger.com/profile/09894833518969861742noreply@blogger.comBlogger23125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7312562368264708779.post-55099769339319323772016-02-11T16:34:00.001-08:002016-02-11T16:34:10.817-08:00My Philosophy of EducationI was nominated to be a school finalist for Teacher of the Year. So, I was asked to write my Philosophy. I thought about it, and thought about it, and thought about it. I was really torn between trying to make it sound "right," and writing from the heart. I went with my heart. I humbly thank my fellow teachers for voting me the 2016-17 Bookman Road E.S. Teacher of the Year. I work with amazing teachers and I am proud to be among them. Here is what I wrote:<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Baskerville Old Face","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">To me, one of the most amazing feelings in the
world is the thrill of discovery. I
don’t know if it is an innate sense that harkens back to early childhood when
those first connections are made. Or, if
it is something deeper and more instinctive, carried down from generations that
first witnessed the natural wonders of our planet. What I do know, is that it is the
quintessential essence of being a learner, and what better way to spend our
days, than being the guide for those on that journey? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Baskerville Old Face","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Teaching isn’t easy. As far as jobs go, it doesn’t come with glamour,
fame, or money (usually). But when I
imagine my day without, who from day one undoubtedly become, “my kids,” I know
that there is no other job with any greater reward. The job becomes an adventure and the ride is
anything but even. The ups and downs of
the teaching process is as varied as the learners in our classrooms. We must stretch ourselves into a multitude of
roles, woven into a pattern that resembles a dance on a tightrope while juggling
plates. And we must do it in a way that reflects
effortless grace. We must do that
because we are the models for these students who are so much more than a number
or a test score. They are our “kids”
because we care for them in a way that recognizes the trust that is given to us
by the parents that love them as much as we do and know that we will keep them
safe and foster those glorious moments of inquiry that lead to discovery. It isn’t easy. But I don’t think it’s supposed to be. Our product is too great. Our role is too precious. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Baskerville Old Face","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Without trust, respect, and community, the most
important messages are lost. No
classroom can function without that underlying foundation as the core for
successful learning. Caring for one
another is mandatory, personal best is purposefully given, and after those
needs are met, the real fun begins. When
students are nurtured and given a voice in the classroom, which becomes their
own small world, the bar we set could never possibly be high enough. After all, we aren’t just educating our kids
for right now, we’re educating our kids for their “right now.” My goal is to encourage them to take
ownership of their own educational journey, and set goals that define personal
success. Once they know and see, through
technology and real world connections, how their own lives can be enhanced and
how great that feeling of discovery can be, I am simply the tour guide on their
trip of self-discovery. That type of
passion is something I hope that the atmosphere of our classroom enables,
ignites, and allows the walls to come down so that they become their own
guides, their own teachers, and their own experts of information. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Baskerville Old Face","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The purpose of education is not as simple as
the fundamental essentials of pedagogy and the specific information that comes
with standardized content. We teach
manners, technology, human relations, conflict resolution, decision making, and
so much more. Our purpose is not to help
kids pass a test (although that’s part of it), our purpose is to challenge our
kids to make the world better than how they found it. Within each of them is the potential to cure
diseases, invent new technologies, design beautiful art, and so many other
passions, just waiting to be discovered.
And my job, in the end, is to tell them that every day. And mean it.
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Baskerville Old Face","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Being nominated is an honor and I am humbled by
this experience. Thank you. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
Maria http://www.blogger.com/profile/09894833518969861742noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7312562368264708779.post-56788832646346834192015-07-02T17:41:00.000-07:002015-07-02T17:41:50.385-07:00How did the majority become the minority?<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As a teacher, I would be remiss if I didn't tell you that this post is based on passion and not on research. Not yet. Consider this the opening reception on an idea that has marinated in my mind for so long that I couldn't hold it in any longer. However, the topic is relevant, the necessity for the narrative is crystal clear, and the voice that isn't being heard has never needed to be louder. I've read a lot, I follow so many amazing blogs, I listen to podcasts, I follow superior educators on Twitter, and I listen with intent. However, there is a lot of research that I plan on doing so this isn't a post full of links. There are probably others who have written about this need. There are many who have stood on this platform and spoken bravely on this topic. That's OK. I want to share that stage. So, this is where I will start. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I just returned home from my second ISTE conference, which translates to the "International Society for Technology in Education." (So, basically, "teachers," because, really, technology is no longer optional for the future of our students.) For those who are unaware of the magnitude of this event, there were over 16 thousand attendees at the one in Atlanta that I attended last year. The numbers in Philadelphia this year had to meet or trump that. On both occasions, I was blown away by the sheer number of people in attendance. What I realized quickly, however, was that the magic of ISTE wasn't the number of attendees, rather the set up and opportunity for small conversations, connections, and people with so much enthusiasm for education that you could almost see sparks flying off of them. I was honored, I was touched, I was overjoyed, and I was totally "geeking out." Becoming an educator hasn't been a process that has made me feel like I was making great decisions. Everyone seems so proud of me when I say I am a teacher but then there is an immediate sigh and that annoying undercurrent of pity. And I don't blame them. I get it. Even at a conference that celebrates educators and innovation, I heard myself saying "I'm <b>just</b> a 5th grade teacher." I went back and got a Masters to do this job. I took a paycut for my passion. I went into the classroom when others were walking out because their hands were tied by poor policies, ludicrous lawmakers, and lack of funding. I should have walked in wearing a cape, holding a boombox, and shouting to the convention center "BEHOLD, I AM HERE, I HAVE A VOICE, AND I AM A TEACHER WHO ADVOCATES, INNOVATES AND ENCOURAGES CHILDREN TO BELIEVE THAT THEY CAN CHANGE THE FUTURE OF OUR PLANET BECAUSE I HAVE TOLD THEM THEY CAN." </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">But I didn't. Like most of the other women I saw walking around in comfortable shoes, I gazed wide-mouthed at all of these people making a difference. Then, it hit me. At a conference of educators, a profession made up of an overwhelming majority of women, it wasn't women who were doing the talking. The men were the networkers, the people at the tables and in the sessions that spoke up and were willing to talk out loud and challenge the traditional notions of classroom seating and settings. I went to Twitter and looked at the chats I love, lots of women, led by men. The voice of education sounds like a man! Which is weird, because I have read countless articles that discuss how the education gap is growing because the staus quo is that the audience is growing more diverse but the people on stage are white women. To the point, ladies and gentelmen, that I have started feeling guilty. YUP. How can I possibly have a voice? I am just like everyone else in my field. How can I change the face of education when my face is the majority and it feels so broken already. However, here I am at one of the largest gatherings of people in my field and what do I see? MEN. Who are the educators that have the most followers and the most chats on Twitter? MEN. What gender is predominantly working at state and governmental levels to write laws determining school decisions that are handed down to administrative teams mostly made of men? MEN. Also, guess who owns most of the testing companies and who was there to market all the robotics and ed-toys? MEN. We may be the majority, Ladies, but we aren't the voice. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">How did this happen? Women make up this profession with an overwhelming majority, yet we have allowed the powerful key positions to be filled by the minority. And, if you're like me, you didn't even realize it was happening. If you're like me, you think of yourself as <b>just </b>a teacher and you are happy that someone is talking about it, whether they pee in the same bathroom as you or not. Despite what you may think up until this point, this is not a post to bash those men, I want to thank you. And also, join you. The innovators and educators of your bunch have done well. You've primed the platform, but it's time for us to stand up and speak out, as well. We are the majority and if we all start talking, it's going to be real hard for the world not to listen. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">WAIT. Let me stop you right now. I know that there are some amazing, outstanding, hard working, and overwhelmed female educators and advocates of education out there already paving the way. And, I thank you tremendously. I am just tired of saying "I'm too tired," and not walking proudly behind you. If you're like me, you come home so tired and with a bag full of more work to do and you put the kids first so you don't use your voice, you use your pen to make notes on tests and papers and make a difference in the lives of the kids that you promised to teach. However, let's not waste time, let's make time. Let's demand policy change about best teaching practices, where federal money is spent, and how we determine growth in our schools. It's time for us to be the voice of transformative teaching practices, it's time for us to shout with the MEN! It's time for us to speak out as the majority and demand that "WE ARE HERE, WE HAVE A VOICE, AND WE ARE TEACHERS WHO ADVOCATE, INNOVATE AND ENCOURAGE <b>TEACHERS</b> WHO WILL BELIEVE THAT THEY CAN CHANGE THE FUTURE OF OUR <b>PROFESSION</b> BECAUSE WE HAVE TOLD THEM THEY CAN." One of the majority has spoken, let's not stop now. </span></div>
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Maria http://www.blogger.com/profile/09894833518969861742noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7312562368264708779.post-85818314914972066442014-11-30T20:17:00.001-08:002014-11-30T20:17:33.870-08:00How do you feel?<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">You know what feels amazing?</span></b><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Feeling amazing.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Seriously. Forget all the pedagogy, the overwhelming stacks of "How to do that thing that you want to to better at" books, the people that have time for independent reading and small groups every day, and find what makes you feel amazing. Because here's the thing. The more that you focus on what other people are doing and you aren't doing, the less likely you are to ever get there. What a conundrum.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">But when you find a strategy that fits. A group of friends that lift you up. A person that makes you feel innovative. A student that pushes you and accepts that challenge you give. Everything seems possible. And the amazing part is, it is. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I've been thinking a lot lately about my chosen profession. How lucky I am to do what I do. Yet, it is so easy to feel defeated. I care SO MUCH that I only see the things I didn't get to. The lessons that didn't go right. The parent I didn't e-mail. I lay at night and worry. It doesn't take me anywhere. Maybe lower than I was before. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">One conversation. One conversation can be all it takes. Want to make the world you live in better? Make the classroom you teach in better. Or the office cubicle you sit in better. Or the bench at the park. Make you better. Don't live up to everyone's expectations. It's too many. Even 12 doughnuts aren't good and I love doughnuts. There is a limit. And how much better is that doughnut with someone who makes you feel amazing? </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Find those people. Be that teacher. Love that teacher. Listen like that friend. As we enter the holiday season, life gets rough. So many are reminded of what they don't have, what they didn't get done, who isn't here. I miss my family so much it physically hurts. But I have a choice. I can feel like that or I can live like this. Like I am the keeper of magic, the idea maker, the chance giver, and the doughnut sharer. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">And why not? </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>It feels amazing.</b> </span>Maria http://www.blogger.com/profile/09894833518969861742noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7312562368264708779.post-35841469780612853362014-10-12T16:45:00.000-07:002014-10-12T16:48:50.371-07:00Musings at McDonalds<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Bradley Hand ITC"; font-size: x-large; line-height: 107%;"><b>I’m saying it right now, right here. <o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Bradley Hand ITC"; font-size: x-large; line-height: 107%;"><b>I just don’t think that enough people are proud of what
they do. I mean, in general, not just in
education. <o:p></o:p></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Bradley Hand ITC"; font-size: x-large; line-height: 107%;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Bradley Hand ITC"; font-size: x-large; line-height: 107%;"><b>I was craving something just awful for me tonight. I know, I know, I should have eaten something
so organic and natural it came from my backyard but honestly… I wanted McDonald’s
fries. And, they are so far from real
food, that nothing else fulfills that craving.
<o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Bradley Hand ITC"; font-size: x-large; line-height: 107%;"><b>And guess what? They
were wonderful. Sorry, not sorry. But here is the thing. The people that worked there are doing just
that. WORKING there. I mean, I get
it. Working at McDonalds has been a joke
for years. But why? Why not just wake up and take PRIDE in what
you do, whatever it is you do? If you
don’t, or can’t, maybe it’s the motivation you need to do something else. <o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Bradley Hand ITC; font-size: x-large;"><span style="line-height: 107%;">As I pondered what the sundae I decided to get was
actually made of (stop judging me, I get it, it’s bad) I </span><span style="line-height: 25.6800003051758px;">couldn't</span><span style="line-height: 107%;"> help but
think about it further. I think every
person has high and low points at their job but who is PROUD of what they
do? <o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Bradley Hand ITC;"><span style="font-size: x-large; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Bradley Hand ITC"; font-size: x-large; line-height: 107%;"><b>The first jobs that came to mind, of course, are the jobs
where people are truly in it to HELP people.
Helping people is something that you can “hang your hat on” when it
comes to the end of the day. Helping
people, no matter what, elevates your mood, makes you feel good, and increases
the desire to do it over and over and over.
<o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Bradley Hand ITC"; font-size: x-large; line-height: 107%;"><b>Maybe I should have told those people at McDonald’s how
much I loved their product. How often do
we do that? Why not send a positive
e-mail, instead of just a complaint. Why
not tell someone how the good thing made you feel, instead of going on social
media to speak out about how awful something is? Our society is too focused on failure. Perfection is the goal. Wait, what?
Why? That seems too far from
reality and, yet, it’s the expectation.
As a teacher, am I perpetuating it?<o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Bradley Hand ITC; font-size: x-large;"><span style="line-height: 107%;">Teaching </span><span style="line-height: 25.6800003051758px;">isn't</span><span style="line-height: 107%;"> perfect.
It’s far from it. But I am so
proud of what I do. Seriously. When I feel like I am helping a student it
makes me shine. You know what </span><span style="line-height: 25.6800003051758px;">doesn't</span><span style="line-height: 107%;"> make me shine? Handing back a paper to a student who fails. What does that mean? I </span><span style="line-height: 25.6800003051758px;">didn't</span><span style="line-height: 107%;"> help them? I </span><span style="line-height: 25.6800003051758px;">didn't</span><span style="line-height: 107%;"> help them enough? I don’t plan to help them? I’m torn on being
proud of being an educator and also being the person that tells a tiny person
they failed. <o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Bradley Hand ITC;"><span style="font-size: x-large; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Bradley Hand ITC; font-size: x-large;"><span style="line-height: 107%;">This past weekend, the most amazing, thoughtful, kind,
charming, and intelligent lady I don’t *actually* know but feel like I have
known for years began a “campaign” to raise my Twitter following. (@tritonkory, stop right now and follow her please). And here is the thing… I </span><span style="line-height: 25.6800003051758px;">didn't</span><span style="line-height: 107%;"> feel like a failure because I </span><span style="line-height: 25.6800003051758px;">wasn't</span><span style="line-height: 107%;"> at 1,000 followers or because I </span><span style="line-height: 25.6800003051758px;">didn't</span><span style="line-height: 107%;"> make it to 1,000 followers. I felt
honored and excited that someone cared enough about me to help me. <o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Bradley Hand ITC;"><span style="font-size: x-large; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Bradley Hand ITC; font-size: x-large;"><span style="line-height: 107%;">I also thought about other areas of my personal life. I fail often.
I forget to turn in my library books, I forgot to pay the water bill, I
said I would do something and I just </span><span style="line-height: 25.6800003051758px;">didn't</span><span style="line-height: 107%;">.
You know what I have found? I may
have to pay a fine or apologize but I get to try again. It makes me better. It helps me remember. It </span><span style="line-height: 25.6800003051758px;">isn't</span><span style="line-height: 107%;"> one strike, you’re out. <o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Bradley Hand ITC;"><span style="font-size: x-large; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Bradley Hand ITC"; font-size: x-large; line-height: 107%;"><b>So, as I start a new week tomorrow, I want to keep that in
mind. I am proud because I help
people. Am I helping or just serving people what they expect? I hope it is never the latter
because that is not the peg I want my hat on.
<o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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Maria http://www.blogger.com/profile/09894833518969861742noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7312562368264708779.post-7438199303094689942014-09-14T20:35:00.000-07:002014-09-16T03:28:57.933-07:00Trust me<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>There has been a buzz in the air about standardized testing that seems to be getting louder and louder. </b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>This isn't a post about my feelings on that. Not really. It is a post about my feelings on what is the most important thing. </b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I am not a parent. I won't pretend that I know or understand the emotional undertaking that it involves. However, I will say this: </span><br />
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<li><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I don't really like it when other people watch my dogs. They just don't love them like I love them. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I don't really like other people to drive my car. My mirrors are just right and I don't like the radio station pre-sets to be changed. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I'm not a fan of anyone else cooking in my kitchen. I know where things are and I like it that way. </span></li>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Now, these things are important to me but they are a far cry from tiny people that I birthed from my own body or accepted the great task of looking after. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I understand how much faith parents place in me each day to keep their child safe, engaged, and encouraged. I may not be able to understand wholly but I can empathize with what it is like to allow someone else to spend as many hours as I do with their child. I imagine that your children are your "world" and I appreciate and value that it must be so hard to leave them with someone for an entire day. I get all of this so I KNOW how hard it might be for you to do what I am about to ask you to do next. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Trust me. Trust that I am going to do the best I possibly can for your child. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I'm not saying I'm perfect or anywhere close to it but know that I will do my best. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">No, we might not get to the last question on the "Problem Set," and yes, I might have to change the date of the quiz because I don't think everyone is ready for it. But that is OK with me. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">When your child makes a connection and the class values his or her opinion and the conversation distracts us from the lesson, I will weigh that situation and do what I think is best for the community. I know that we will get back to that skill and I am not so naive that I don't understand and value the importance of that standardized test that is always looming in the future. However, giving your child a voice seems pretty darn important to me too. Allowing your child to make connections to their peers and foster a safe and nurturing environment can be rewarding and life changing. Perhaps, more so than any test. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">When we are outside at recess and your child finds an egg sac on a leaf and wants to know what kind of insect it is, I might skip silent reading that day and let the kids have an authentic scientific experience. We may not get to talk about a reading comprehension skill, however, they will learn even more because they are invested in finding an answer. They are finding value in inquiry and building a foundation for lifelong learning. Trust me, that matters more than any score on a test. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">It's going to happen. Your kid is going to say "Nothing," when you ask him or her what they did at school today. It isn't unusual for me to spend 10 or more hours at school every day. My entire Sunday is usually spent researching, planning, and engaging myself in professional development with other teachers just like me. There might be times where we are all stressed and we have some silent reading time, review time, or a dance break to break the funk. But I never have, nor ever will come to school and do "nothing" with your child. I set high personal goals and standards and I do what I can to meet them. I expect the same of your child. They might come home upset with me for pushing them today but we have established trust and they know I want what is best for them. They might come home tired because I found multiple ways to engage and excite them throughout the day. They will probably come home silent because I have given them multiple opportunities to discuss their learning with their peers throughout the day and they just don't know what or how to tell you. Trust me, they didn't do nothing. Try to find another way to ask the question. Connecting with your kids about their day might take extra effort, you might have to work it out of them, it might turn into a much longer discussion than you thought. Trust me, it will be more important than any test score. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I will mess up some days. My big ideas will fall flat. I might trip and fall on my face. My SmartBoard might break or I might put the wrong answer on the board. You'll probably hear about that. Trust me, I'm OK with that. If your kid sees me dust myself off, get back on that "horse" and keep going, it will teach them to persevere and learn from their mistakes. Not just believe that one day, one moment, or one test defines them. And that is way more important than any one test score. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">So, trust me. Trust that I will do the best I can for your child every day. I will notice them, I will talk with them, I will enjoy them, I will push them, I will encourage them, I will challenge them, I will care for them, I will advocate for them. Trust me, because I see them as the unique, individual, and important part of you that they are. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Because to me, they are way more important than a test score. </span></div>
Maria http://www.blogger.com/profile/09894833518969861742noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7312562368264708779.post-1069652159474149392014-09-04T18:55:00.001-07:002014-09-14T19:56:58.010-07:00Top 100<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">In honor of #TLead Chat tonight, I made my own Teacher “Top 100” I
hope it’s a hit! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">1.<span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">You get to read cool young adult novels
FOR YOUR JOB.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">2.<span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">Kid hugs<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">3.<span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">Kid smiles<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">4.<span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">That moment when a kid says "Oh, I
get it!" <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">5.<span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">When they make up a song for you<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">6.<span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">When their parents say they came home
excited about learning today<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">7.<span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">When a parent thanks you<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">8.<span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">When an administrator tells a parent (in
front of you) that their kid is lucky to have you as their teacher. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">9.<span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">A job where you get to have recess every
day<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">10.<span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">The natural curiosity that kids have<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">11.<span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">When a kid makes a great connection<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">12.<span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">When a kid asks a question that shows they
are really listening<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">13.<span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">When a kid solves a math problem a way
that you didn’t even think about<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">14.<span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">When the copier works<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">15.<span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">When every kid follows line procedures
right as the principal walks by<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">16.<span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">When you hear your student being
respectful<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">17.<span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">When you see your student helping a friend<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">18.<span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">When you see your student struggling but
they don’t give up<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">19.<span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">When a student e-mails you at night just
to tell you that they finished the book<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">20.<span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">When a mom asks how she can help<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">21.<span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">When a dad stops by just to read with
kids, not even his sometimes<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">22.<span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">When another teacher asks if you need
anything<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">23.<span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">When a front office friend cuts out your laminating
for you<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">24.<span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">When a kid sits with you at recess to tell
you about their weekend<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">25.<span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">When a kid asks if you can sit at their
lunch table today<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">26.<span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">My coffee pot in my room<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">27.<span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">My absurd amount of gel pens that kids think
are cool and adults just don’t understand<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">28.<span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">Picture books<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">29.<span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">Town Hall<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">30.<span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">Board games<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">31.<span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">Creating a class song<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">32.<span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">Creating a class rap<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">33.<span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">Showing a kid hilarious internet videos
sometimes, just because hilarious internet videos<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">34.<span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">Spending your day with friends<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">35.<span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">Allowing yourself to sit back and watch
learning happen<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">36.<span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">Realizing that the kids have more to teach
you than you ever thought possible<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">37.<span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">Going to the school library and getting as
many books as you want<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">38.<span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">Playing freeze tag during a dance break <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">39.<span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">Skate nights<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">40.<span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">Field Trips<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">41.<span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">Secret Buddies (Bucket Buddies at my school)
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">42.<span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">Getting to draw on a Smartboard<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">43.<span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">Having a line of children waiting to greet
you every morning<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">44.<span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">That kid who sees you after school and
waves like you’re a rock star even though you just saw them an hour ago<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">45.<span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">When you have time, grading papers and
commenting to kids so they know you care<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">46.<span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">Book chats<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">47.<span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">Dressing up<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">48.<span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">Planning a lesson that gets them engaged<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">49.<span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">Knowing that your kids feel safe in your
environment<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">50.<span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">Knowing that your kids will take risks<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">51.<span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">Knowing that your kids will feel
celebrated<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">52.<span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">Knowing that your kids will know that they
matter<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">53.<span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">Jamming to 80’s love tunes during Writer’s
Workshop and that one kid sings along to Journey<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">54.<span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">Kid drawings <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">55.<span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">Kids that e-mail you years later<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">56.<span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">Kids that come with their siblings to
night events just to see you<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">57.<span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">A teacher down the hall who brings you a
cookie just because<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">58.<span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">Leftover snacks in the break room<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">59.<span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">Teachers who share great ideas<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">60.<span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">Teachers who share great documents<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">61.<span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">Teachers who value conversation<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">62.<span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">Teachers who inspire you to be great<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">63.<span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">Teachers who help you with new ideas<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">64.<span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">Teachers who are excited about new
technology<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">65.<span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">That kid that asks if they can borrow a
book<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">66.<span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">That kid that brings in an artifact to
help with our learning<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">67.<span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">When you see a kid help another kid who
doesn’t understand<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">68.<span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">When a kid doesn’t know a word and other
kids offer to help and don’t laugh<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">69.<span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">The cheers that we give for great news<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">70.<span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">The community that we have when someone
has sad news<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">71.<span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">The cheesy videos of adults acting like
dendrites<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">72.<span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">The neurons made of noodles<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">73.<span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">Construction paper<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">74.<span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">Blogging<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">75.<span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">Kid presentations and all their awkward
glory<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">76.<span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">Shy kids stepping up<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">77.<span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">Loud kids stepping back<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">78.<span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">When a kid tells you that they’re sorry
and they mean it<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">79.<span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">When a kid asks if you can come to their
baseball game<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">80.<span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">When a kid wants to know how your weekend
was<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">81.<span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">When a kid asks if they can take something
home to work on it some more<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">82.<span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">When kids get excited about math<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">83.<span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">When kids have on task chats about their
learning<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">84.<span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">When kids write you notes<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">85.<span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">When you come home tired but you know you
made a positive difference in a kids life today<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">86.<span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">When you spend all your free time thinking
about your kids because you care<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">87.<span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">When your kids watch football because they
like what you like<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">88.<span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">When your kids ask you to read your
favorite book from when you were a kid<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">89.<span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">When your significant other says they’re
proud of you<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">90.<span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">When you look in the mirror and you’re
proud of you. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">91.<span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">Dance Breaks<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">92.<span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">Dance Breaks<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">93.<span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">Dance Breaks<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">94.<span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">Dance Breaks<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">95.<span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">Dance Breaks<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">96.<span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">Dance Breaks<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">97.<span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">Dance Breaks<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">98.<span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">Dance Breaks<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">99.<span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">Dance Breaks<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">100. Dance
Breaks<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br />
<br />Maria http://www.blogger.com/profile/09894833518969861742noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7312562368264708779.post-65163860780713510662014-08-27T21:27:00.002-07:002014-08-27T21:27:49.278-07:000 to 60<b><span style="font-size: large;">Teachers are so lucky. We get the whole summer off. </span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Let me tell you how awesome it is: </span></b><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">1. Sure, I have more time but I don't have more money. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> It's not like just because I have time off I have the ability to do all the things in my house that I always said I would do if I had more time. And, here is the thing. Now, I have to spend all day in my house. Why? Well, if I leave my house I am spending money. I don't have extra money to spend. Sure, I am saving a bit in gas but I am spending that in the extra groceries I buy during my <b>very long </b>grocery store trips because I just need to GET OUT OF THE HOUSE. Also, I am a <b>social person. </b>I wanted to become a teacher because I like being creative and fun and I don't want to be quiet all day. But guess what? EVERYONE I KNOW IS WORKING. So, sure, I have some time off. But really, it's not all you might think it's cracked up to be. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">2. During my summer I spent time tutoring. It was really awesome but it still meant I had a place to be and a time to be there. I also spent a LOT of time revising lesson plans, searching for new ideas, studying the new standards, reading blogs about education, attending conferences or professional development, reading young adult books, and basically "working" to get my classroom ready, my filing cabinet organized, and trying to get ahead. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">3. I'm not saying I'm great with money but I don't go wild. Honestly, I make just enough. I can pay my bills and I am comfortable but it's rare that I have extra. So, even though I actually have a job where I have time to travel, and even though I LOVE to travel and have the desire to do so, and even though I work 12-14 hour days during the school year, many hours each weekend, and in the summer... I still don't have enough to go on vacation. It's depressing. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">And then... all of a sudden it is gone. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">If you aren't a teacher, it's hard to explain. I almost think it is detrimental for the human brain to go from the biggest stress of the day being deciding whether to choose "white" or "whole wheat" at the grocery store to the AMAZING AND INCOMPARABLE AMOUNT OF STRESS WE FACE AS TEACHERS. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">***********Now, listen up, I am not complaining about my job. I LOVE teaching.******************</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Sadly, a good portion of my day isn't just teaching. It's doing a whole bunch of other things that are time consuming and overwhelming and take me away from what I want to do most. What I do best. And what is that?</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
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<ul>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Talking to kids</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Building their confidence</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Establishing procedures so that they know they are safe and how to follow directions</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Exploring their passions and encouraging them to dream</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Reading to kids, with kids, near kids, stuff written by kids</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Hearing kids</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Comforting kids</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Modeling a positive attitude and good citizenship</span></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br />What I don't have time for is all the other "stuff." It fills up my brain, so really, by the time summer rolls around I need about 6 weeks to decompress and then it is time to go back. The kids make it worth it EVERY SINGLE DAY but it's hard. It's stressful. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">And it is <b>so, so, so important. </b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">I am proud of what I do and, to me, that is an important thing to be able to say. But right now, I've passed 60 and I'm trying to stay in control at 100. I might miss some days on my blog, I might not return your call right away, and I might have to cancel last minute. But only because my job isn't working with products, it's working with people. Little people. And they are worth it. It may seem corny and it may sound cheesy, but seriously: </span><br />
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Maria http://www.blogger.com/profile/09894833518969861742noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7312562368264708779.post-30488828884517576812014-08-25T19:59:00.000-07:002014-08-27T19:53:47.681-07:00Let's Have A Ball!<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>Let's Go Gamecocks, Let's Go!</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Around my hometown, Columbia, South Carolina, the words up above are enough to start a riot. I have been out to dinner in a fancy place - cloth napkins and all, where this was shouted and the place erupted like a Frat House in the 11th hour and then returned to linen tablecloths and champagne as if nothing had happened. In Columbia, you "bleed garnet" in honor of our SEC college football team, The Carolina Gamecocks. It might be the only place where young men aren't kicked out of a respectable establishment for having the word "Cocks" on their hat. Occasionally, someone wearing orange and purple will creep out of the woodwork in support of our biggest rival, the Clemson Tigers. I like to think I am proud of both schools for representing South Carolina so well. However, I won't be as nice on Game Day. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">For me, the return of the school year signifies a new season in many ways. A tiny bit of chill in the air is welcome after the Carolina heat, new students come into my classroom a little bigger than I remember them from the year before, and my beloved Fighting Gamecocks head to the field to commence a football season full of tailgating, victory, and some of the best teamwork I've ever seen. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Speaking of teamwork, I have been very active on Twitter recently. Not as a fan of "The Voice" (ok, maybe a little) but as an educational tool. I have discovered an amazing network of educators and they have inspired me to make stronger connections with my team in my school! It's funny that people I <b>don't know </b>have encouraged me to think about my working relationships with people <b>I do know</b>! A new Twitter friend (@JayBilly2) has even inspired me to help moderate a chat. If you don't know what that means, it is when you come up with a topic and post questions during a specific time slot and then sit back and WATCH AMAZING THINGS HAPPEN! I am so excited to work with him. The best part? He's a principal! In the real world, it's hard to find time to meet with my principal because we are both so busy and because there is always that "this is my boss, don't say something dumb" feeling. But here we are, working together, sharing ideas, and encouraging each other to try new things! </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">So... in honor of the 1st Gamecocks game and our collaboration, we invite you to join us <b>Thursday, August 28, 2014 at 10:00 pm EST for #TLeadChat </b>where we will be discussing the viewpoint from the "sideline" (The Coach/Principal) and from the "field" (The Player/Teacher). </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Strap on your helmets, put on your team colors, and join us! Game ON! Let's Go Twitter, Let's Go!!</span></div>
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Maria http://www.blogger.com/profile/09894833518969861742noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7312562368264708779.post-19172418293077990372014-08-18T18:58:00.000-07:002014-08-18T18:58:35.441-07:00You Know... "That" Kid<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><b>Here we are at the beginning of the school year again and I've already met him. </b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">You know who I'm talking about. "That" kid. "That" one. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">That one who is going to <b>change your whole world</b>. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The one that will walk in every single day with a <b>smile. </b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The one that needs you more than anyone else because he just <b>sees the world a little differently</b>.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The one that hugs you because he loves you and because he knows that that is what will make the <b>difference </b>in his life. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The one that might get picked on so he <b>has to know</b> you have his back. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The one that will try but might not <b>pass the test</b>. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The one that will drive you crazy every now and then but will <b>cry when he leaves</b> your room. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">We all have "THAT" kid. We might have more than one. And we get the <b>JOY </b> of seeing those smiling faces for a whole school year. We are so <b>lucky</b> that we get to watch "that" kid grow confidence this year, make a new friend this year, or get lost in a new book this year. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I got to hang out with my new friend today and he has already <b>taught me</b> some things. When "that" kid walks in Wednesday morning, I better be ready. We have a lot of work to do so he can remember "THAT" teacher. I hope I don't let him down. </span><br />
<br />Maria http://www.blogger.com/profile/09894833518969861742noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7312562368264708779.post-21133768784939392372014-08-13T18:54:00.000-07:002014-08-13T18:54:23.092-07:00What A Pain in My Foot<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>Bunion. </b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">If you are anything like me at all, that first word made you shudder. I can't stand that word. Ugh. Typing it was too much for me. What's even worse than typing it? Yup. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Having one. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Look, I fully expected that when I turned 89 my foot would look crooked all over like a question mark and I would resort to wearing Birkenstocks and long flowing purple dresses and drinking herbal tea. At 89, I wouldn't care about high heels, pedicures, and fun toe polish. At 89, I would use words like <b>bunion. </b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I am not 89. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">What started as a slight twinge of discomfort in my right foot had turned into a "Wow, I must have mistakenly hammered a nail into my right foot last night while I was sleeping" kind of pain. I am fairly active, despite my </span><b style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">healthy</b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"> (read:fluffy) size and I play tag with the kids, I work out more than once a year, and this summer I even HIKED. I also have a high pain tolerance. So, I knew this had to be sort of serious. However, I still didn't go to the doctor. Then, I went to the lake and had a VERY GOOD TIME and somehow I forgot how to properly use stairs and I twisted my ankle. I went, thinking he would wrap it, give me some anti-inflammatories, and send me packin'. Do you know what he said to me?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>How long have you had this bunion? What? Didn't he know how young I am, my chart is right there!</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">So, now I have a foot doctor. Again, I went in with the calm and cool collectedness of a young person in her 30's. I assured all of the assistants that I probably didn't need to be there. When the doctor came in, I explained to her that we were probably ALL just overreacting. It was just a little swelling. I'm sure it will go away. I'm not even 40. She did x-rays. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>Not *just* a bunion... a MODERATE bunion. WILL require surgery eventually. </b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Like, when I'm 89? </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Nope, proably before that. In fact, I can't even do anything now except try to alleviate and not make it get worse faster. She started using words like orthapedic inserts and nighttime "Bunion Booty" and that is when I checked out. It was too much for me. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">And then it hit me. I didn't have this 2 years ago. It was teaching. TEACHING did this to me. When I got home, I took a good look in the mirror. I have gray hair now, seriously, like a whole stripe, not just one random one. My closet is full of non-flattering clothes that cover every millimeter of cleavage. I stopped wearing shirts that were fancy because they all have Sharpie marks or highlighter or vomit or Lysol wipe bleach marks on them within an hour. And all those heels, those beautiful heels with strappy backs and pointy toes just sit there in dust. Now, I opt for comfortable shoes with a sensible wedge. That's when I saw it. My one summer purchase. A flowy purple dress. I looked down and there it was, staring back up at me. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>My bunion. </b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Pass the tea and strap on the Birkenstocks. I'm here. And, you know what? It's O.K. I may dress like and have the feet of an 89 year old but I get to play with kids every day and it keeps me young at heart. You can keep your sexy skirts and heels, I'm going outside to play Octopus Ball at recess. Keep your bathroom breaks whenever you want, I taught a kid a new word today. And what is more exciting than laying on the floor and reading with a kid who discovered a book they love? Nothing. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I love it and I am here to stay. I ordered the insert and I got a prescription for sneakers. Take that <b>bunion. </b>You didn't deFEET me this time! Now, I just need to run and get some hair dye. </span>Maria http://www.blogger.com/profile/09894833518969861742noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7312562368264708779.post-82004191705565841192014-08-11T19:29:00.001-07:002014-08-11T19:30:17.079-07:00Nerd Girl<span style="font-size: large;"><b>"I'm not really THAT into sci-fi stuff." </b></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>That is a phrase I have said so often and then followed with a story of a sci-fi movie or book that I absolutely loved. I'm starting to think that the only person I am still fooling is me.</b></span><br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Here's the story: </span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Let me share a little bit about my mom. She was absolutely amazing. She was kind of a hippie and she always encouraged me to express myself. </span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Cowboy chaps to go to the grocery store? </span><span style="font-size: large;">Great! </span><span style="font-size: large;">Lace Madonna gloves in Kindergarten? You Go Girl! Glitter make-up in 5th grade? Go for it! 1996, belly button piercing (she HAS to say NO, right?)? Sure, maybe I'll get one too! </span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">*facepalm*</span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">I remember my friends calling the house and asking to talk to my mom. She was just cool. She was crafty and funny and silly and artistic. She would take us to the movies and we actually WANTED her to hang out. </span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">But as a teenager, it was really hard to be rebellious. My 15th birthday present was a tattoo. (My dad thought it was fake well into the 2000's)</span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">There was one, and only one, way. She was a sci-fi junkie. All of it. Isaac Asimov, Star Trek, Star Wars, Dr. Who, Dark Shadows, Larry Niven, Philip Jose Farmer, C.S. Lewis, The Hobbit, Madeline L'Engle, War of the Worlds, those ape movies... she loved them all. </span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">So I wasn't gonna. </span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">That's right. I didn't watch Star Wars, I cringed at late night movies with Elvira introducing them, and I only read The Hobbit because she paid me. </span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">It was my big plan of rebellion. Finally, I could feel the pain of all the other youth of America. I couldn't be a true artist without some sort of parent sob story and this was mine. </span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">One problem... this stuff was good. Have you ever even seen Dr. Who or read The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe? IT'S AMAZING. So, like most artistic people with overly allowing parents, I became a sci-fi junkie. Sure, I could keep it quiet most of the time. Barely anyone found out. My World of Warcraft friends weren't social enough to tell anyone on me. Nobody had to know. </span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Then, one day, I woke up and my mom wasn't here any more. Just like that, she was gone. I was so grateful for the amazing woman who shaped me, who let me be me, who loved science fiction and the daughter who didn't. So, in her honor, the time has come: </span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">I'm saying it loud and proud. I'm a total nerd and I love it. I'm enjoying discovering all the things I proudly disavowed and it's making me such a cool person. </span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">I mean, just don't tell anyone. </span></b><br />
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Maria http://www.blogger.com/profile/09894833518969861742noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7312562368264708779.post-34078438873742427632014-08-10T14:33:00.002-07:002014-08-10T16:01:34.694-07:00Hot Mess <span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;"><b>My name is Maria and there is a whole lot of mess in my classroom closet, drawers, and in my brain. </b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: x-large;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">I am great at helping other people come up with organizational systems. Turns out, I stink at implementing them. I can either organize it so well that it takes me three years to set it all up, can only be deciphered by a handbook, and is color coded. Or, everything goes into one drawer and I have no idea how to find anything ever again. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">Some days, I wish I was better at this. I wish I could just put my hands on that one piece of paper. I feel like I am going to pull my hair out because I know I made three copies of something and it isn't in the "Tuesday" folder where I swear I put it. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">Other days, however, I'm glad that my brain doesn't function like this. Too much structure, for me, feels stifling. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">Classrooms can be effective in chaos. Some of the best days in my room have been when I can't see or remember the color of the carpet. I know that I need to find a balance but it doesn't make sense to me to spend more time worrying about <b>where</b> the colored pencils should be rather than creating exciting opportunities to <b>use </b> them. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">One of the challenges for me in teaching is the number of questions and requests thrown at me during the day. Early on, I implement strategies such as "Ask three before me" to limit the number of small people standing within 3 inches of me needing something. A lot of times, however, the line of kids is excited to show me something, want to read me something, or want to share a story. And these are the moments when I really get to <b>know my kids. </b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">I'm grateful during these times to have a brain that allows me to be off task. I'm not saying that structured, well organized, efficient people can't be successful teachers. I just know that it wouldn't work for me. Sometimes, allowing the kids to work in weird spots, look through my "craft box" in the closet, or asking them to decide how they want to present a topic, is exactly what we need to build community, get energized, and effectively teach and share content information. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">As I prepare to go back to school and I peruse the beautiful classrooms on Pinterest and in my own school, I know that organization is important. I want my students to feel proud of our shared space and I want it to be efficient and clutter free. Unfortunately, it doesn't come naturally to me. I can come up with creative seating, rhyming birthday cards, and catchy bulletin boards. However, I have no idea how/where to store my own materials. I just know that they need a place. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">So, I went to the 1$ store and I bought places. I got a label maker and I made labels. I researched, I got materials, and tomorrow I will engage in my own PBL design project. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">I'm almost happy that I am having this experience. It's hard for me to understand why my students don't know how to use a sheet of notebook paper, where to put their homework, or construct an argument with fact and fluency. But really, these are all different types of organization skills. I know I can help them with these! I also know that if they don't have "it" I can give them strategies to get there. </span><span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: large;"> </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">I'm going to start with a plan and I'm going to do my best to stick with it. However, if I have to choose between stopping kids to clean up or continuing to create, my new strategy will be a sign on the door that says:</span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMO4WdumLJiTnDyvDaoLi4nNtDmNFgOw2x3pyXCPqTZ9ufbhAhWusF-Y0CoVyHYT7bBN24-iQDYaI1JexES3oFcKqwjaQpMpLaOcdmfViUoe9ENOSw7X5ns-0SAq0rpdhmfnSWG7LwrXwK/s1600/memories.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMO4WdumLJiTnDyvDaoLi4nNtDmNFgOw2x3pyXCPqTZ9ufbhAhWusF-Y0CoVyHYT7bBN24-iQDYaI1JexES3oFcKqwjaQpMpLaOcdmfViUoe9ENOSw7X5ns-0SAq0rpdhmfnSWG7LwrXwK/s1600/memories.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">And I'm totally OK with that. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span>Maria http://www.blogger.com/profile/09894833518969861742noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7312562368264708779.post-73239380481704309642014-08-08T17:47:00.000-07:002014-08-08T17:47:18.354-07:00Headed to Australia <span style="font-size: x-large;">Have you ever had a terrible, horrible, no good, very bad day?</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Of course you have. Everyone has. And if you are an educator, you probably know that I am referencing a lovely book by Judith Viorst titled <i>Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day. </i>In this book, Alexander decides that he is going to Australia since his day is so awful. At my school, we are encouraged to have an "Australia" or area that a student can go to calm down, take a moment, or just sit quietly for a few minutes. I haven't had one because I felt like my room was cramped enough. Tomorrow, I'm going pillow shopping. <i> </i></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I just couldn't get it together today. It really started yesterday. I did something to upset a friend and it was completely unintentional. The weird thing is, she was so gracious. I apologized, I told her why I had done what I had done and she told me not to worry. In fact, I went to her to see what I could do to "fix it," and she said that it was all O.K. Later, she even texted me to tell me, again, that it was all a misunderstanding and that I shouldn't feel bad. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I still did. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Then, another friend had a car battery situation. It all worked out but I still worried for her. I know that feeling of having something that functions stop functioning. I also know what it's like to have an unplanned expenditure come up. I didn't want that for her. And, I realized that I was in no position to help her. It wasn't my fault AT ALL. And, she didn't need my help. Why in the world would I feel bad? </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I still did. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Understandably, I didn't feel great when I woke up this morning. I couldn't believe my alarm was going off, it felt like I had just laid down! My very old dog isn't doing well and she wouldn't eat. I can't leave food out for her because my very fat wiener dog is on a diet. I finally got out the door and down the road when the sun came out and I had left my sunglasses at home. I NEVER LEAVE MY SUNGLASSES. They are like my security blanket and I've had the LASIK and they make me look like a 1950's movie star and they hold my hair back just perfectly. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I had to be at school at 8:00 a.m. It was fine. I was on time. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">But how do you think my day went?</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">It didn't matter that after that morning, nothing went that poorly. It didn't matter that everyone was kind to me. It didn't matter that we had a successful session of professional development and team planning. It didn't matter that I finally organized that "junk tub" in my classroom (you have one too, right?). It just didn't matter. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">When I got home, my answer to "How was your day?" was "It was a terrible, horrible, no good, very bad day." The rotten that I woke up with just wouldn't go away. It just stunk up all the good that followed. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I'm a grown-up. I know how to handle my feelings and emotions. I know that there will be times when I will make poor choices, bad decisions, or act unwisely. However, through experience, I know that tomorrow will probably be better. It's all going to be fine. Eventually. I am hoping that as I get even older (perhaps, wiser) that I will be able to see that even more quickly and not dwell in it at all. But what about when you're 9 or 10? You may not realize that it's going to get better. You may think that the whole world is against you. And you may not know that it's going to be all right. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Sometimes I think all I have time to teach is content. But if someone in my room is having one of those days, are they really listening to me anyway? I would say probably not. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">So, I guess I get it. I need an "Australia." I'm not saying it will be any better because: </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgumIt6sqtbTfKCGXQNFWNiZj2UKrSYcWqY-4GlsIrzp6fo6aUQoDX9249-uxCLNh0PpsVffDYzYmK-j6bWLozNOoyR645Q65V_FFC8TrjzgqfmBZBwyPiIDVtnTDfc3l0QlwU5PB9ppi0m/s1600/australia.jpe" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgumIt6sqtbTfKCGXQNFWNiZj2UKrSYcWqY-4GlsIrzp6fo6aUQoDX9249-uxCLNh0PpsVffDYzYmK-j6bWLozNOoyR645Q65V_FFC8TrjzgqfmBZBwyPiIDVtnTDfc3l0QlwU5PB9ppi0m/s1600/australia.jpe" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">But maybe some pillows and a safe space will help. Maybe a hug. I'm going to go try it myself right now. </span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span>Maria http://www.blogger.com/profile/09894833518969861742noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7312562368264708779.post-42778645243116630202014-08-06T21:44:00.000-07:002014-08-06T21:44:23.635-07:00Let's Agree to Disagree <span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-large;"><b>Do people know how to have a conversation anymore?</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">One of the first conversations I will have with my students is how to have a conversation. By the time my students leave my classroom, it is not uncommon to hear them speaking to one another in a manner that shows greater skill than some adults I have spoken with. By mid-year, I am beaming with pride when I hear one of my students say "I respectfully disagree with what you are saying." It doesn't have quite the panache as "Yo' Mama" jokes but it does reflect a lot of hard work and modeling. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">In this age of internet conversation, I often wonder if people are losing their sense of courtesy. Obviously it is easier to be mean when you don't have to see the "whites of their eyes," but I want to take it a step further. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">If you are obviously passionate about something and a person is willing to publicly call you out, disagree, or challenge your belief, what is the goal of the conversation that is about to ensue should you reply? </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Now, as I tell my students, I think that in that type of conversation, the goal should be to inform. If each party is knowledgeable, passionate, and willing, great learning can take place. The key is that in order to have this conversation, you have to come prepared. If you didn't put in the time, act like a mime. Turn your voice off. What's great about that is... you can still listen! And, you have two ears so you are working hard! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b>However... </b> what I see happening at this point, in my classroom and on the internet, is that it suddenly goes from a conversation to a verbal lashing and disagreement of epic proportions. The goal is no longer to inform but to WIN>! And, really, that's not what it should be about. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">I wonder what the adults in their lives are modeling? I grew up in a house where there wasn't yelling. I am 100% sure that my parents disagreed on things. My mom was a hippie and my dad was military. They were basically Dharma & Greg but they looked like normal people. I was raised to feel like my opinion mattered but taught to listen to what other people thought as well. I'm not sure that many of my students have this. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">So, it falls on the teachers. Again. You know what though, that's ok. There are a lot of things that I will teach them that they won't remember. This is something that I think can influence the rest of their life. Instead of anger and emotions that run out of control, how great would it be if the kids that came through my room got up, shook hands, and said "Let's agree to disagree," and walked off. We need more of that. At least, that's what I think. </span>Maria http://www.blogger.com/profile/09894833518969861742noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7312562368264708779.post-8585205283315355622014-08-05T23:28:00.001-07:002014-08-05T23:28:45.580-07:00I got a 4 in skipping?<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">This is NOT what you think it might be. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I'm going to tease you and make you think that I'm going to talk about assessment and grading. I'm not. One day I might but it's not here yet. I am going to share a story that could go down that path. But it won't. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">1985 and I was in Kindergarten. If you know me now and you think I am kind of a "knowitallbossypants," (it's o.k. I can't see you shaking your head yes) than boy, oh, boy, you should have seen me back then. First, I was pretty blonde. Like that corn field Southern girl blonde with ringlet-ish curls. Next, my eyes were about 1/4 of my face and my eyelashes were like tiny arms. Oh, and last, my mother was amazing and a little bit insane and she would put me in tiny color coordinated things with matching accessories and shoes that squeaked. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMek4j5HNhMTdV3-IaRlxrHkJCiVtBUSW9HtMwcHgCRibudiX-c2M5pXkyx2Jl4JioXAhcuwqae0IZUOpwPvGoo-PxeCc9iLzshAZAbGJU1MECxZ0LncQR-94snfVWbybLttfSsv0svI6F/s1600/WP_20140702_14_02_00_Pro.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMek4j5HNhMTdV3-IaRlxrHkJCiVtBUSW9HtMwcHgCRibudiX-c2M5pXkyx2Jl4JioXAhcuwqae0IZUOpwPvGoo-PxeCc9iLzshAZAbGJU1MECxZ0LncQR-94snfVWbybLttfSsv0svI6F/s1600/WP_20140702_14_02_00_Pro.jpg" height="320" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is a younger picture but it's late and it was available. Just add awesome. </td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I was basically the poster child for "Adorable." And everyone told me how great I was. I was an early reader, an early talker, and my pretend food was out. of. this. world. If there had been Kinder-superlatives, I would have been Dress-Up Prom Queen. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">So, fast forward to the exam day. That's right. In the 80's in South Carolina you had to prove that you could do some things and do them well if you had any chance of advancing into the wild, wild world of 1st grade. From what I can remember, there were some physical challenges. You had to write letters (easy), you had to cut on a line (champ), you had to walk on a balance beam (please?), and you had to skip (FAIL). What? How could I have messed up skipping? I was an adorable, tiny, blonde human who skipped everywhere I went just for affect and to make my pony tail swing! Oh, my skipping was fine <b>but the established rule of the classroom was that each child must walk on cement. M</b>ovement any faster than walking had to be done on the sand. Including skipping. I looked down. Cement. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>But I was excited! The teacher was sitting on the cement! I just wanted to win Kindergarten. </b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">It didn't matter. I broke the rule. I failed skipping even though I could skip. As you can tell, I'm still not over it. Maybe in 30 more years. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Today, a co-worker and friend seemed surprised that I was so <b>"ridgid"</b> when it came to <b>"rule following." </b>It was interesting to hear her say that because I totally understood why she felt that way. I tend to waiver on the far side of wacky. I don't like things to line up, I barely match, and I think dance breaks should be mandatory for any age group. The actual Senior Superlative I received in high school was "Most Original" and I have been called a hippie and a free thinker. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">But the bottom line is... I never want to fail at skipping again when I know how to skip. I am perfectly happy making mistakes and failing because I tried my hardest and it just wasn't right. But I'm not going down because I didn't follow the rules. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">In fact, the reason I am so confident and capable when it comes to taking risks and flexing my creativity is because I feel safe in knowing the established rules. Once you know them, you know what's important and what can be pushed. Once you agree to abide by them, you don't feel defined by them and you can put your free thinking towards an area that hasn't been defined. I love being me but I'm still that kid. I want to please and I'm kind of a "showoff." </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">So, as I go back in the classroom, I want to make sure that the established rules are set in stone. However, I also want my kids to be a part of the process and allow them the autonomy to contribute to the classroom procedures. I want them to feel comfortable enough to fail, but I never want that failure to be for the wrong reason. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">If they break the rule, I will let them know and I won't let them off easy. That 4 in skipping has followed me for the rest of my life but it was a lesson that stuck. And sometimes, those kinds of lessons are hard to learn and not easy to teach. But I will, because I want want what's best for my kids. And, sometimes, that includes a serious chat and a humbling experience. No matter how big their giant eyes are. <b> </b></span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"> </span>Maria http://www.blogger.com/profile/09894833518969861742noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7312562368264708779.post-63646131683385271482014-08-04T19:30:00.000-07:002014-08-04T19:30:11.193-07:00Ewwwwwe. <div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><b>Yup, those are the brains of sheep. </b></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeofpax6nwesu5efiG2owM9vMsjQMzmQQRBFHVoAEmyQNBU0OJhzicDBH9G1YyhIWmWTnW6rUL0JVwjntOCWuJ74FQO29DyKKnfaizxOGJ-TSAzcjM7Rdy_PZTJ8eOhU6IPPb0XfisrX_b/s1600/WP_20140804_11_30_30_Pro.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeofpax6nwesu5efiG2owM9vMsjQMzmQQRBFHVoAEmyQNBU0OJhzicDBH9G1YyhIWmWTnW6rUL0JVwjntOCWuJ74FQO29DyKKnfaizxOGJ-TSAzcjM7Rdy_PZTJ8eOhU6IPPb0XfisrX_b/s1600/WP_20140804_11_30_30_Pro.jpg" height="320" width="180" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Most of the staff at my school came together today for voluntary professional development. It wasn't district mandated, it wasn't required, but it was sure to be exciting. And boy, was it. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The main focus for today was the brain body connection. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Here, try this. Go on, nobody is watching: </span><br />
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<li><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">While sitting, legs dangling, lift your right foot a few inches from the floor </span></li>
<li><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Rotate it in a clockwise direction, keep circling</span></li>
<li><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Now, use your right index finger to draw the # 6 in the air in front of your face</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>Why did your leg start circling the other way?</b></span></li>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Your brain and body are connected and not just by your neck! Did you notice the alternating color in the bullet points above? Did it make them easier for you to read? It should have! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The brain is made up of various areas, each with specific tasks that connect with other parts of your brain and your entire body. Once we started thinking about brains and then got the chance to investigate the actual sheep brain, I was hooked! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">A term that was used today was "<span style="color: purple;">amygdala highjacking.</span>" The amygdala is a tiny part of the human brain... about the size of an almond. But what is really nuts (see what I did there?) is how this tiny part of our brain can respond to fear. Even perceived fear. <b>It doesn't even have to be real! </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="color: purple;">If you aren't creating an environment for your students that allows them to feel safe, non-threatened, and important... </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">They, quite literally, might not be able to learn at that time. They might not be able to think rationally and "cool down." They might not build trust for you because their brain is in a flight function. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="color: purple;">Now, listen. I am no brain surgeon or rocket scientist. However, I do know that there are ways to ensure that all of my students have the best possible learning environment that I can give them. If I want them to use their brains, doesn't it make sense for me to learn how they work? </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>If I want to change them for the better, I better know what I am trying to change. Wouldn't ewe? </b></span></div>
Maria http://www.blogger.com/profile/09894833518969861742noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7312562368264708779.post-85798505911025382062014-08-03T10:27:00.000-07:002014-08-03T10:27:20.353-07:00Action!<br />
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>Quick question, ever heard of </b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>Morgan Freeman? </b></span></span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"> </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Of course you have. If you're like me you would like for him to read you a bedtime story every night and you've seen all of his movies, even the one about penguins. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">What about <b>Scarlett Johansson</b>? If you're a male I'm guessing you know exactly who I am talking about (she's a total hottie- I don't blame you) and if you are a lady you probably have heard of her. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I bring this up because they are the lead actors in a new movie called <i>Lucy</i> that I really want to go see and I have heard lots of people talk about and it is listed as one of the summer Blockbusters and I have seen previews for it and the premise looks amazing and those actors are great and...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">my point?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I, honestly, have no idea who directed it. I had to look it up. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">His name is Luc Besson. Turns out he directed another little film called <i>The Fifth Element</i>. Without looking, I know that Milla Jovovich and Bruce Willis were in that. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I started thinking about other movies I love. Could I name the directors?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>Dirty Dancing</i>... nope ( Emile Ardolino)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>Run Lola Run</i>... nope (Tom Tykwer)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>The Shawshank Redemption</i>... nope (Frank Darabont)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>Forrest Gump</i>... nope (Robert Zemeckis, I knew his name but didn't make the connection)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>The Silence of the Lambs</i>... nope (Jonathan Demme)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind</i>... nope (Michel Gondry)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Now don't get me wrong. There are lots of movies I love (or didn't love) that I know exactly who directed. In my undergrad as a media arts major I studied some of the "greats." Names like Scorsese, Spielberg, Tarantino, Kubrick, and the late but great John Hughes stand out in my mind as stars of their industry. However, that doesn't mean that the work of the previous directors isn't quality material.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I have read many articles and heard interviews with a lot of famous actors who give credit to the directors of films. They are the ones with the creative vision, the big picture idea, and the connection to all the various other teams that are needed to create great cinema. And what do I do? I focus on the actors. The ones on camera. And, usually, not the one behind the lens capturing those moments to be edited together into the story I love. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Much like a movie, a classroom and a school doesn't just happen. It, indeed, "takes a village." However, in my own classroom, am I trying to be the actor? Getting noticed for the great lessons I plan, the cool projects I introduce, and the awesome bungee chair I own? Or am I the director? Allowing my students to blossom and take my project to a whole other level, giving them the opportunity to shine, and stepping back so they can take the credit. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">It isn't through being the biggest voice in the room but, perhaps, the most quiet where students are allowed the opportunity for ownership, collaboration, and the feeling of personal success. </span><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Those fine educators who do this well, I think, are the ones that have become household names in this great profession. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">As I go back to school tomorrow to prepare for the return of the students in a couple of weeks, I am going to make sure that I keep this in mind. It isn't about me at all. This is just my job but it is their life. I'm going to establish some ground rules (I am still the director, after all) but then I will let them be the stars. They are the ones I want people to remember and talk about. I'm just happy to be a part of the "Action!" </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>Maria http://www.blogger.com/profile/09894833518969861742noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7312562368264708779.post-53470769006365707822014-07-31T20:22:00.000-07:002014-07-31T20:22:27.677-07:00Blowing Chunks <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Our society has become obsessed with the "chunk of information." Chunking has its place. Without chunking, I wouldn't remember my phone number, my social security number, or how to spell the word "restaurant." Chunking is a great strategy for emerging readers who are trying to make sense of how all those letters form bigger words. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">However...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I sometimes feel like a lot of people now prefer chunk over substance. I'm not being a hypocrite here. One of those people is me. Look, if you can send me a text instead of calling me, please do. "Just the facts, ma'am." What day of the week does a T.V. show that I like come on? Who knows, I watch it in chunks of three episodes at a time (or maybe a whole season without leaving my bed except to find cookies, don't judge me) because I don't want to wait until the next episode. Like Veruca Salt would say "I want it now!"</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Also, I am a magazine addict. There, I said it. I've gotten a handle on it though because I don't buy them anymore. I will gladly take them if they're donated. I get allergy shots every week and I have to sit for 30 minutes so I read theirs for free. Or, and I might be the ONLY person in America who does this, I look for the longest line at the grocery store and binge as much gossip as possible while I wait. Here is what I have noticed. In many of these publications (read: not highbrow, don't judge me) the articles are getting shorter and shorter. Often, it is a lot of pictures with a highlighted box of information. One "chunk," if you will. I find this alarming. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Look at any news channel. Scrolling along the bottom of the screen are chunks of information. I have seen people at the gym (I mean, I go a few times a year, whatever, don't judge me) who watch the news channel intently, without sound, just to read the chunks. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">We have reached an amazing time in our society when one can very easily become over saturated, overstimulated, and overwhelmed with information. I think it is natural for it to be chunked, mostly for time management. However, just because you decoded the word with chunking doesn't mean you don't keep reading. That's where I become concerned. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I had the privilege to present and work with a group of new teachers today and one part of our discussion focused on some great read alouds. Two books that I love and have read to my students are "Where the Red Fern Grows," and "Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of Nimh." Both of these books are long. Both of them are challenging reads for 5th graders and contain a lot of mature discussion points and top notch vocabulary. However, part of what my kids have loved about these novels is how invested they become in the story. The intricate details that move the action and intrigue and delight the reader/listeners is what they crave. And the accomplishment that they feel at the end is akin to an adventurer who now has a unique story to share. I want to instill that passion in them because I know that they are going into a world where the chunk has become acceptable and, perhaps, even normal. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I realized as I was talking to the newbies today that I am a passionate teacher but at the heart of my instruction is the love of reading. Reading ability carries over into math ability and content areas. And to become better readers they must practice that craft and read, read, read. Not chunks, but whole books that will challenge them, engage them, and push them on a path of self-discovery. (Granted, they read it in chunks but the chunks go together to make a whole, you follow?)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I don't think chunks of information are all bad. However, are they helping me grow as a reader or just allowing me to move on and not challenge myself, exercise my inquiry, or explore new content, ideas, or characters. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">For my kids and for every reader, I hope that you ensure that your reading has substance sometimes. Find a balance. Model it. And, occasionally, you can still get chunky. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt4yXjkI1gVFcEjSHMFvsNeHIrB2pBhvPRrDoloc0mAfQyyol8ZzTguxFH4srWnbm2Flyjsq9BVFSmrj52Av7BTiNVIsVW-dIeECP_5pwoMO6dbtvHciV-rXbmZByFs-ghKe9Y82NpkA_S/s1600/chunky.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt4yXjkI1gVFcEjSHMFvsNeHIrB2pBhvPRrDoloc0mAfQyyol8ZzTguxFH4srWnbm2Flyjsq9BVFSmrj52Av7BTiNVIsVW-dIeECP_5pwoMO6dbtvHciV-rXbmZByFs-ghKe9Y82NpkA_S/s1600/chunky.jpeg" /></a>(don't judge me)</div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"> </span>Maria http://www.blogger.com/profile/09894833518969861742noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7312562368264708779.post-85054378227196164992014-07-30T18:24:00.001-07:002014-07-30T18:24:53.467-07:00Ice, Ice, Baby <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj38O22cL9kXxdPvWQ66Lnk14caSw9ogBx1kB_YtkY_EmygG_PcJoDuOuRroMdjCv3iEM__6bT-MP_EY1UZAQTlGivtLraymm-Q9M1r1P_JAPd3cfEAojwiqGeqpG_YgFhdAYX5SQj-1CRK/s1600/images.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj38O22cL9kXxdPvWQ66Lnk14caSw9ogBx1kB_YtkY_EmygG_PcJoDuOuRroMdjCv3iEM__6bT-MP_EY1UZAQTlGivtLraymm-Q9M1r1P_JAPd3cfEAojwiqGeqpG_YgFhdAYX5SQj-1CRK/s1600/images.jpeg" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;">I am honored to have been asked to present to a group of new teachers tomorrow. I typed this up as part of my presentation but I thought it would be a great blog post too. I can't wait to share my "Year 3 wisdom" with them and I'm excited to see where these new connections will lead us!</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-size: x-large;">NEW TEACHERS, I NEED YOU TO:</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-size: x-large;">STOP, COLLABORATE, AND LISTEN!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 28.799999237060547px;">Hey New Teacher, I was in your shoes and I'm going to "keep it real" for you. Your first year is going to be tough. There will be days that you are feeling overwhelmed, unsupported, and unsure of your decision to enter this wonderful career. And that's O.K. Seriously, you're not the first new teacher to feel like this and you won't be the last. However, the first thing I need you to do is: </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 28.799999237060547px;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">STOP!</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 28.799999237060547px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Wait, wait, come back New Teacher! I didn't mean stop teaching. No, you have chosen the best profession. You are shaping our future, modeling the culture of your community, and you are VITAL. YOU, my friend, have the most wonderful task on earth with the greatest benefits. So don't stop teaching. But do:</span></span></div>
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<li style="list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 28.799999237060547px;"><b>STOP</b> thinking you are by yourself. You're not. Find a teacher buddy. If you aren't sure who, just ask. Or, go peek into classrooms and see which one you would like to be in. Go ask that teacher for some time. I bet he/she will be happy to give it to you. </span></span></li>
<li style="list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 28.799999237060547px;"><b>STOP </b>comparing yourself to the veteran teacher down the hall who has so many plaques outside their room that it looks like a second doorway. Or the male teacher with the cool socks that all the kids look up to. Or the amazing teacher in that book you just read (because I know you want to hone your craft and that is a great way to do it.) You don't expect your students to walk in on Day 1 knowing it all so give yourself a break too. Mistakes will help you grow. Asking for help is not a weakness, it's a sign that you care. </span></span></li>
<li style="list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: disc;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 28.799999237060547px;"><b>STOP</b> letting school consume your entire life. Now, I understand that you will need to stay late and take some stuff home. That's ok. As you grow you'll find routines that help you manage that stuff. However, if you don't remember to have some "You" time, "You" will burn out and be no good to your kids, your school, or yourself. Let some things wait. Go see a movie. Be the teacher that cares, but not just about the kids, about yourself as well. Everyone will benefit. </span></span></li>
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<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 28.799999237060547px;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">COLLABORATE!</span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 28.799999237060547px;">Not only do you have an AMAZING RD2 Mentor but there is a whole world out there full of teachers who are growing and experiencing some of the same things you are. Not to mention, there are teachers in your building who would love to try something new and hear the fresh perspective you can bring. You were hired because you have a unique quality that they wanted, so make sure to bring it! You don't have to do it alone though. With technology, you can even find a friend in another state or another country. Twitter has a vast network of educators that are looking for collaborative opportunities. Or, chat with your IT person or librarian. You have lots of people and resources that are there to help you succeed. PLEASE use them. You aren't alone and you don't have to be alone. Your kids will thank you for it and everyone will benefit. </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 28.799999237060547px;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>LISTEN!</b></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 28.799999237060547px;"><span style="font-size: large;">I'm going to be honest. This was a tough one for me. I walked in thinking that I was going to be the most special, amazing, awesome teacher. I was going to write all my own lessons with a fresh perspective and chock full of creative energy and learning fun. I had big expectations of myself and I just didn't listen when others tried to share their lesson plans with me. I could do it all! But I couldn't. I don't think anyone can. Listen, really listen, when other teachers share their methods. Listen when they make suggestions, and listen when they tell you what didn't work for them. That doesn't mean you aren't awesome (I am!) but it does help you to find what works best for you. That was the worst thing to hear in my first year but it's true. However, "what works best for you" is something you learn over time. It's a process. Allow the aid of your PLN (Professional Learning Network) to guide you so that you can realize the full potential of all that awesomeness. </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 28.799999237060547px;"><span style="font-size: large;">And, last, but possibly most important, <b>LISTEN </b>to your students. They are the reason you work so hard and give so much. And they totally make it all worthwhile in the end. Please listen to them because they love you so much and they will tell you everything you need to know. Listen to them, not just when you ask a question, but when they are talking to others, reading out loud, or sharing during Morning Meeting. The more you listen, the more you will hear and you will create a community that will last a lifetime. Everyone will benefit. </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 28.799999237060547px;"><span style="font-size: large;">So, New Teacher, go and enjoy your 1st year. When in doubt, just stay cool... think of Vanilla Ice, Ice, baby. You got this. </span></span></div>
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Maria http://www.blogger.com/profile/09894833518969861742noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7312562368264708779.post-15079593611096242832014-07-29T19:31:00.000-07:002014-07-29T20:09:00.000-07:00Calling all wizards, fairies, unicorns, students and other magical creatures<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Maybe my next classroom tool should be a wand. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I was having a great chat with a friend today who is a new mom. Somehow we started talking about Christmas and the Jolly Elf himself, Santa Claus. She wasn't sure if that was a tradition that she felt comfortable continuing with her daughter. Here's the thing: </span><br />
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<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I'm not a mom</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">This isn't about Christmas or how you celebrate or don't</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I'm not suggesting we have Christmas in school</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"> </span></li>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I totally saw where she was coming from. She wants her child to know that presents are something that are given by people who worked hard for them. Plus, she doesn't want to lie to her kid. Here's the thing, though. Isn't the line between imagination and lying pretty darn thin?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">It got me thinking. What's wrong with a little bit of magic? Can educators do both? Give the facts but throw in a little magic too? I would like to think so. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Later, I got on Twitter (because that is what I do now) and I read that someone was in need of a unicorn for his 4 year old daughter. It's what she requested for her birthday. Why not?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Kids SHOULD be encouraged to play, create, fantasize, dream, invent, and expect the impossible. Life is going to rain down upon them in a fury of decisions, bills, and responsibility. Let them have this. Foster the fun of being a kid. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I say bring back the magic! It isn't a lie if you hold your fingers crossed behind your back, promise. </span>Maria http://www.blogger.com/profile/09894833518969861742noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7312562368264708779.post-18610046325756546012014-07-28T18:59:00.002-07:002014-07-28T19:00:30.791-07:00Happy School New Year!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy8RIKe-advzr6PiCiApJR5yIAC7JzZZ3tfRXoid4eJiwAPDAbsYDCPHknKWenZA5_MTyJQD7spGqM-GCb5GtPtzEqz1HUBUkaubpVVg-LHg6mM2z5yvCOHYzlMrWEXBImOs_TsR0saXgc/s1600/fireworks.jpe" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy8RIKe-advzr6PiCiApJR5yIAC7JzZZ3tfRXoid4eJiwAPDAbsYDCPHknKWenZA5_MTyJQD7spGqM-GCb5GtPtzEqz1HUBUkaubpVVg-LHg6mM2z5yvCOHYzlMrWEXBImOs_TsR0saXgc/s1600/fireworks.jpe" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Happy School New Year!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I mean, really? Why isn't this celebrated? In our society, we all pay for and benefit from public education. We should be celebrating the 1st day back to school! It isn't just about new clothes, cool lunchboxes, and a Spiderman backpack (ok, maybe a little). It is a time for students, parents, and teachers to reevaluate, resume, and reset to a new year full of potential and huge growth gain. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I just commented on a fellow blogger's post (@ChEdTN) and it got me thinking that teachers need to change our image. Of course summer is awesome. However, if school is full of amazing opportunities, hands-on learning challenges, and world-wide technology connections, shouldn't kids be lining up to get back in?</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">So I'm making some goals: </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">1. Make my classroom a place that oozes excitement and allows inquiry so that kids can't wait to come back. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">2. Encourage everyone to say "Happy School New Year" and not long for the days of no alarm clock.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">3. Use my new connections to invigorate my room, my school, and my parents so that they can't wait to come in and visit. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I think I better stop there. These are pretty lofty. But I think with your help we can do this. My kids deserve it and so do I. Let's make this happen! If it works out, it might be so successful that they make "Happy New School Year" Day a National Holiday. Wait...</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">#2:30 #blogadaychallenge #blogamonth #July</span></div>
Maria http://www.blogger.com/profile/09894833518969861742noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7312562368264708779.post-3145425644047917032014-07-27T21:12:00.000-07:002014-07-27T21:38:16.118-07:00#30daychallenge<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">Oh, how I love the hash tag! It has become my new best friend. Plus, I have what I like to think of as a "flair" for sarcasm and that little # can let me be as witty as I want to be. Or at least I think so! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">On the other hand, it can motivate me. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">I recently became slightly obsessed with twitter chats. I'm going to indulge it for a couple more weeks since I can play with my schedule right now. I know once my alarm starts going off again at 5:00 a.m. my attendance will dip drastically. For now though, these have become my new hangouts:</span><br />
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<li><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">#ruraledchat (I'm not rural but they're awesome so they don't mind)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">#satchatwc (I'm not West Coast but I do like to sleep in on Saturdays)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">#sunchat</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">#NT2t (This time it does apply)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">#slowchated</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">#caedchat (Wrong coast,I lurked it)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">#nbtchat (No Box Thinking)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">#weirded (Do it, and buy the book)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">#whatisschool</span></li>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">And there are about a gazillion others. I want to get in on #SCed but I just can't stop watching True Blood (even though it is really letting me down, but that is a whole other blog post). </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">And here is the thing about all these chats... they are full of educators! Full of big ideas! Full of people who just want to live, laugh, and learn. These are my people. And, today, I got motivated by this little # to do the 30 day blog challenge. It's perfect timing because I just started it yesterday and the best way to make anything great is to make it. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">So, here we go. #Day1 #nopressure #Itsgonnabegreat #pleasefollow #andcomment </span></div>
Maria http://www.blogger.com/profile/09894833518969861742noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7312562368264708779.post-45902213282286467352014-07-26T13:13:00.000-07:002014-07-26T13:13:58.897-07:00Dear Future Me:<h2>
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"This is it. This is how it all began."</span></h2>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">That is what I am going to say one day when I look back and try to place a finger on how the most exciting journey in my life began. I didn't realize I was even planning a trip. I didn't go out and buy new clothes, check Google Maps, or even get fancy new hot pink luggage. It just happened. And isn't that when you have the most fun?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">When I started this career, this whirlwind, this profession, this calling, this mission, this most important and necessary way to spend my days, nights, and dreams called teaching I had no idea just how much I needed it. I didn't let teaching discover me until after I had already gone to college once, had other jobs, enjoyed personal success, floundered through personal failure, lost loved ones, bought my own things, house, and car. So, I thought I was ready. I could manage adults, surely, I could manage children. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Here's the thing: My first year was hard. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">There was so, so, so much to love: </span></div>
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<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Kids are hilarious</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Discounts at garage sales</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Being incredibly proud to tell people what I do for a living</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Dance breaks</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Watching a child grow with confidence</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Hearing a child say "Thank you," or "I'm sorry," and knowing that they learned it, in part, because of you</span></li>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I wrote 74,382 more bullet points, but I think you get the gist. I knew I was where I wanted to be. I loved my classroom, my co-workers, my school, my students (even the challenging ones). </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">However, I didn't realize how tired I would be. I didn't realize how much I needed to reflect at the end of the day and how much hurt I would take home for the students that needed more than I could give (legally, financially, emotionally, academically). It was hard for me to talk to other people that haven't been in the classroom because I knew they wanted to help but I just felt insulted when they made suggestions. It was as if they didn't think I was good enough. I left school every day feeling like I had failed someone, including myself. I didn't have anyone to talk to because I didn't want to seem negative. I loved it. It was killing me. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Thankfully, I made it. My first summer recharged me. I read books that got me inspired again, felt encouraged by my end of year student and parent comments and started Year Two at full charge. Things were great! I was feeling more confident. I wasn't feeling like sneaking out of the window or crying in the bathroom. I took risks. I used technology to connect and not just as a research tool. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">BUT, there's always a BUT. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I wanted more. I wanted to find a way to keep that excitement going, push myself, have professional discussions, LIVE LIKE A TEACHER, and not drive my friends and co-workers crazy. Then, it happened. I was asked to travel with a team from my school to some convention called ISTE 2014. Talk about a technology alarm clock. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">And, BAM! Here I am. In one month I have "traveled" across the globe, begun forming an amazing PLN (Professional Learning Network), and found thousands of ways to be inspired. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">There were moments in Year One that I thought I was done. I didn't think I was good enough. Year Two built my confidence but I still always had that feeling that my proverbial "skirt" was stuck in my tights. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">In one month of using Twitter as a tool, instead of just a social media button on my phone that I didn't quite understand, I have come to love my voice. I'm not just proud of myself and the best practices that I am doing and have discussed with others. I am proud of this profession and the amazing people that are working for our future generations. The power of "breaking down the walls" as I have heard many times in varied education forums isn't just for our students. We can become empowered as well. I chatted with multiple administrators this morning in the #NT2t chat in a way that I haven't felt confident doing with the ones in my own district. And, for the record, it's not them... it's me. Or it was. I'm ready now. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">So, Year Three. It's coming and it's going to be ELECTRIC! I can barely contain my excitement to spread the word. I know what to ask for. I'm returning with a bookshelf of great ideas, the power of limitless blogs, and I even got a Google Educator certificate. PD because I was passionate. Maybe that will work on kids too...</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">So. Here it is. This is my blog. I'm going to push myself to grow, learn, inspire, create, and TEACH. I'm nervous. It might get overwhelming. I might have veteran teachers get annoyed by my enthusiasm. I might even have to defend my beliefs. It's going to be ok. I've got a growing PLN in my Pocket (that's an App and I know that now). </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Like I said, it's been a month. I feel like a baby giraffe with wobbly legs and I barely know what I am doing. However, I now see where I am going. And I'm building up my toolkit so I can get there. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Dear Future Me: This is where it all began, I can't wait to see where it goes. </span></div>
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Maria http://www.blogger.com/profile/09894833518969861742noreply@blogger.com4