I certainly have plenty of bad days at work and as I've mentioned, I have been feeling pretty burned out. But there are moments when I remember why I am a teacher. Last Thursday morning, we had our annual "celebration of learning". Each grade level performs and parents are invited to come and spend part of the day at school and see the things their child has accomplished and the projects we've done. For this day, the third graders practiced four songs complete with actions. They did an amazing job. Then we did some fun things in class for parents to see.
Today, we had a huge assembly to say goodbye to our principal. She is retiring, after almost 35 years of teaching/being principal and after 10 years at our school. She actually will be going to southern Utah to be principal of a high school on the Navajo Indian Reservation... a high school with less than 50 students. Anyway, the assembly included singing and dancing by the kids as well as two slide shows. It brought tears to my eyes several times. It was a beautiful program. And not that I think teaching is all about singing and having programs, I am grateful that my school has kids learn songs and every class participates in dance classes taught by Tanner Dance Company. We have an art teacher that does an amazing job and we have student work displayed throughout the school. And even though our test scores don't always show it, we've done some amazing things. I have several students who made 1 1/2 years growth in reading during the 9 months of school. Almost every child made at least 9 months to a year's growth in reading. Their writing has improved. Their understanding of math is so much greater than it was at the beginning of the year. We've taught them about North and South America, including the Utes and Incas, as well as habitats, geography and so on. And I hope that I've helped some kids who didn't like to read that reading is exciting. One of my fears about No Child Left Behind is that it puts so much pressure on schools like mine to achieve in reading and math that many feel that they don't have time for "extras" (I must admit I often feel this way.) like music, dance, art, PE. And yet, I think they are especially necessary at schools like mine, because for many of these kids that is the only place they will have exposure to these things. My students aren't usually being taken to piano lessons or dance classes. They learn these skills and have these experiences at school or, for some, at the Sorensen Center which offers sports teams and some other experiences for a very low fee. Or else they don't have them at all.
From what I understand, the school where Michelle will attend, teaches keyboarding (as in piano) from either Kdg or 1st grade up. I think that's great. Since we don't have a piano in our home, I'm glad she will get at least some exposure and maybe eventually we can start her on piano lessons.
I get frustrated with plenty of things about my school, my district, and especially the No Child Left Behind legislation. And there are plenty of obnoxious kids that I get sick of dealing with. But sometimes, I feel pretty proud to work where I do. I think Salt Lake District is the best. We offer so many special programs so that kids/families can find a fit. There is the dual immersion program, bilingual programs, full time gifted programs, a science academy (junior high level), an open classroom (less structured than most classrooms, lots of kid exploration, parents are required to be involved), and probably others that I can't think of at the moment. I'm glad this school year is almost over, but I am also glad that I am a teacher. Every year you get to start fresh and no two years are exactly the same. It keeps you constantly on your toes. It's not a job where you can ever rest (if you want to be effective, at least) or expect that what worked today will work the same tomorrow. And that's the fun of it; and part of what makes it so hard. But it is who I am. I am a teacher.
Thursday, May 29, 2008
I can still eat sugar!
Well, as I mentioned, I took the four hour glucose test last Friday. My nurse called Tuesday and left a message saying it came back just fine. I went to the doctor today and they said that I aced the glucose test and I don't need to worry. Hooray. I think, aside from my sugar addiction, that I'm a pretty healthy eater, but I'm glad I don't have to go on a strict diet or take my blood sugar level daily or anything.
And, I'm back to feeling good. I think I must have had a virus over the weekend, because I was so nauseated and had diarrhea (sorry, probably too much info) and felt lousy. I thought maybe it was the iron, but I went 3 days without taking it and still felt lousy. And then yesterday, I suddenly felt better. (Although poor Michelle seems to have a mild case of whatever I had and she felt terrible on Wednesday. Poor kiddo. She took a nap and then just laid on the couch or in my bed from about 5 PM on, until she fell asleep for the night. She seemed to feel a lot better today).
And, I'm back to feeling good. I think I must have had a virus over the weekend, because I was so nauseated and had diarrhea (sorry, probably too much info) and felt lousy. I thought maybe it was the iron, but I went 3 days without taking it and still felt lousy. And then yesterday, I suddenly felt better. (Although poor Michelle seems to have a mild case of whatever I had and she felt terrible on Wednesday. Poor kiddo. She took a nap and then just laid on the couch or in my bed from about 5 PM on, until she fell asleep for the night. She seemed to feel a lot better today).
curlicue
Both of my sisters have very naturally curly hair. This pic is of my sister Suzy (with Michelle at about 9 months old, I think) and the curls are all natural. I'm jealous. I have naturally wavy hair but not curls. 
Both of my girls have some curl in their hair. Not as much as my sisters, but hopefully a little more than mine. On Wednesday, Ella's hair just curled into this beautiful ringlet all by itself after her bath and I just had to snap a couple of pictures.
We'll see how much curl their hair has as they get older. When Michelle had long hair, she had a lot of curl, but when it was cut short, it seems to have almost no curl. I don't know if the curl would return if she grew it long again or not. But I do like the short hair better, even without her curls.
Both of my girls have some curl in their hair. Not as much as my sisters, but hopefully a little more than mine. On Wednesday, Ella's hair just curled into this beautiful ringlet all by itself after her bath and I just had to snap a couple of pictures.
We'll see how much curl their hair has as they get older. When Michelle had long hair, she had a lot of curl, but when it was cut short, it seems to have almost no curl. I don't know if the curl would return if she grew it long again or not. But I do like the short hair better, even without her curls.treehouse museum pics
The treehouse museum is located in Ogden. Monday was our first time visiting. The girls had a great time. We spent about 3 1/2 to 4 hours there. The building has this giant "tree" structure in the center that you climb to get to the second floor. They have a little one room schoolhouse that Michelle loved. She was the teacher and had not just me but another little girl totally following her directions. She would write things on the board and we had to copy them onto our slates. She taught us a song. Ella was "reading" a Dick and Jane book and mostly ignored Michelle. There's a store and doctor's office/hospital. There's a block area and a music area and lots of books in every area. There's an area that is designed to look like the Oval Office in the White House and it has photographs of all the US Presidents. There's an area about dinosaurs. They have storytime and activities and an art area with projects. It's $5 for kids and $3 for adults, which I thought was quite reasonable. It seems geered more for young children, and my girls had a fabulous time. There's lots of clothes and costumes they can dress up in. Lots of fun things to do. 
Michelle and Ella both liked the fire truck, and Michelle enjoyed trying on the fire chief's hat (and later) suit.
one example of the clothes they had to dress up. Michelle liked the silly hat. This area had little rooms that were representative of different countries and had things that went with a story from that country.
The music area had marimbas (similar to xylophones... that's what Ella is playing), maracas, drums, and other percussion instruments.
more dress up... sailing the high seas in a sailboat
the kitchen in the house.... Ella cooked me pizza and then we played store.
Michelle and Ella both liked the fire truck, and Michelle enjoyed trying on the fire chief's hat (and later) suit.
one example of the clothes they had to dress up. Michelle liked the silly hat. This area had little rooms that were representative of different countries and had things that went with a story from that country. 
The music area had marimbas (similar to xylophones... that's what Ella is playing), maracas, drums, and other percussion instruments.
more dress up... sailing the high seas in a sailboat
the kitchen in the house.... Ella cooked me pizza and then we played store.I don't love to drive so I don't imagine we'll go there a lot, but it was definitely worth a visit, and I'm sure we'll make a few return trips.
Monday, May 26, 2008
treehouse museum
Today the girls and I spent the day at the treehouse museum in Ogden. We'd never been before. The girls had a fabulous time. I'll post some pics and tell a little more about it tomorrow. It's time for me to retire for the night, despite having taken a short nap this afternoon. I have to work tomorrow. (But there are only 9 more days of work for me, and since I'm taking a personal day on Weds., there are only actually 8 more days.... Hurray!! I'll have to go to work several times over the summer to get things ready for my sub during my maternity leave, but I am so excited to have this year done.)
story time
A couple of months ago, we started a bedtime tradition that we do at least a couple times a week. It began one night when I was too tired to read stories to the girls. So I suggested that we turn the lights off, lay down and I'd tell them a story. (I think I just took a fairy tale and retold it with their names.) Well, they liked that a lot. After a few times, they started making requests about the characters/animals/creatures in the story. They also wanted to have a turn to be the storyteller. Michelle, for a couple of weeks, wanted to hear stories about bad witches and good witches. So now, Ella tells basically the same story every time it's her turn. It goes about like this:
"Once upon a time there were bad witches and good witches. There were bad kids and good kids. The bad kids and good kids went to the bad witches house and got bad candy. Then the good witches gave them good candy and helped the good kids get away from the bad kids. Dee end." (side note: Michelle keeps trying to tell Ella that it is "the end" or "Thee end" but she always says, "Dee End")
Michelle on the other hand changes her story regularly and can make up a story with whatever character you want her to have. Tonight she told a story about a fish that was lost and couldn't find it's mother. It needed help. I honestly don't remember the rest of the story, but it was pretty detailed with a beginning, middle and end, characters, problem and solution. :)
"Once upon a time there were bad witches and good witches. There were bad kids and good kids. The bad kids and good kids went to the bad witches house and got bad candy. Then the good witches gave them good candy and helped the good kids get away from the bad kids. Dee end." (side note: Michelle keeps trying to tell Ella that it is "the end" or "Thee end" but she always says, "Dee End")
Michelle on the other hand changes her story regularly and can make up a story with whatever character you want her to have. Tonight she told a story about a fish that was lost and couldn't find it's mother. It needed help. I honestly don't remember the rest of the story, but it was pretty detailed with a beginning, middle and end, characters, problem and solution. :)
Tagged... again
Shannon tagged me, so I've been trying to come up with 7 different things to say about myself. I've got 5 in my head so hopefully as I start writing, 2 more will come to me.
1. I am scared of spiders and heights.
2. I get motion sickness. I remember as a kid that my sisters and I all got carsick. My parents would always say we would grow out of it. Both of my sisters did, but I'm still waiting for that to happen! So I don't love long drives or flights or riding roller coasters. (I like to travel to new places and see new things, but I don't enjoy the process of getting there.)
3. I have wanted to be a teacher since I was in first grade. As a young kid, I also wanted to be a ballerina and an astronaut. Then in junior high, I thought seriously about becoming a counselor. But pretty much from 1st grade on, I knew I would be a teacher some day. My mom taught high school math for a few years and hated it, so my family wasn't sure I really should be a teacher. But it is what I was meant to do.
4. Going along with number three, I am pretty passionate about education. I have strong opinions and up until a couple of years ago, I regularly read books about literacy and education for fun. (the last 2 years, I haven't as much. Is it because I'm busier or burned out? I'm not sure.) I know that sometimes I get a little preachy on this subject, so forgive me when I get going. (I probably get a little preachy on other subjects too, but this one is one that I KNOW gets me going.)
5. I was prom queen in high school. That embarrasses me to admit for some reason. Prom queen was different at my high school. It was selected by the teachers and administration (unlike homecoming queen and other events which were voted on by students). I would say that during high school I was well-liked but not popular. I would never have been prom queen if selected by my peers. (Although I think both of my sisters were homecoming queens?)
6. I've always thought I was kind of a chicken. I am totally not into dangerous things and get nervous about trying new things. Yet somehow having Mirielle at home has changed my perception of myself. It's made me view myself as a stronger, braver person. Sometimes I'll think, "If I can have a baby without any medication, then I can do _________." For example, a year ago, I had to have 2 wisdom teeth pulled. They asked if I needed laughing gas or anything and I said no. I figured if I could go through labor, then I could have 2 wisdom teeth pulled. So they just numbed the area and pulled the teeth. Not that big of a deal. My perception of my ability to deal with pain and difficulty has increased. But I'm still not a thrill seeker. I won't be doing any skydiving or bungee cord jumping (besides, I'm still afraid of heights!)
7. One trip I've wanted to take for years is a safari in Africa. But alas, Alfredo says no way will he ever go. He has no desire to go to Africa at all. So it's somewhere I'll probably never make it to. (Not that we do a whole lot of traveling to begin with. Both of us like to travel and did when we were single, but we do a lot less now.)
Well, I made it. There are 7 more things about me. I think everyone has been tagged except maybe Rachel. Carin, if you want to do it again, go for it. If there is anyone else who hasn't been tagged, then it's your turn.
1. I am scared of spiders and heights.
2. I get motion sickness. I remember as a kid that my sisters and I all got carsick. My parents would always say we would grow out of it. Both of my sisters did, but I'm still waiting for that to happen! So I don't love long drives or flights or riding roller coasters. (I like to travel to new places and see new things, but I don't enjoy the process of getting there.)
3. I have wanted to be a teacher since I was in first grade. As a young kid, I also wanted to be a ballerina and an astronaut. Then in junior high, I thought seriously about becoming a counselor. But pretty much from 1st grade on, I knew I would be a teacher some day. My mom taught high school math for a few years and hated it, so my family wasn't sure I really should be a teacher. But it is what I was meant to do.
4. Going along with number three, I am pretty passionate about education. I have strong opinions and up until a couple of years ago, I regularly read books about literacy and education for fun. (the last 2 years, I haven't as much. Is it because I'm busier or burned out? I'm not sure.) I know that sometimes I get a little preachy on this subject, so forgive me when I get going. (I probably get a little preachy on other subjects too, but this one is one that I KNOW gets me going.)
5. I was prom queen in high school. That embarrasses me to admit for some reason. Prom queen was different at my high school. It was selected by the teachers and administration (unlike homecoming queen and other events which were voted on by students). I would say that during high school I was well-liked but not popular. I would never have been prom queen if selected by my peers. (Although I think both of my sisters were homecoming queens?)
6. I've always thought I was kind of a chicken. I am totally not into dangerous things and get nervous about trying new things. Yet somehow having Mirielle at home has changed my perception of myself. It's made me view myself as a stronger, braver person. Sometimes I'll think, "If I can have a baby without any medication, then I can do _________." For example, a year ago, I had to have 2 wisdom teeth pulled. They asked if I needed laughing gas or anything and I said no. I figured if I could go through labor, then I could have 2 wisdom teeth pulled. So they just numbed the area and pulled the teeth. Not that big of a deal. My perception of my ability to deal with pain and difficulty has increased. But I'm still not a thrill seeker. I won't be doing any skydiving or bungee cord jumping (besides, I'm still afraid of heights!)
7. One trip I've wanted to take for years is a safari in Africa. But alas, Alfredo says no way will he ever go. He has no desire to go to Africa at all. So it's somewhere I'll probably never make it to. (Not that we do a whole lot of traveling to begin with. Both of us like to travel and did when we were single, but we do a lot less now.)
Well, I made it. There are 7 more things about me. I think everyone has been tagged except maybe Rachel. Carin, if you want to do it again, go for it. If there is anyone else who hasn't been tagged, then it's your turn.
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