Category Archives: Teaching

Ready, Set, Go (to School)

by in Teaching and tagged , , , | 2 Comments

Yesterday was our school’s first teacher work day.  Most of us are almost ready for things to get rolling again.  I am trying to get in the right frame of mind, but it has been a struggle.  The day went pretty fast due to the meetings we had.

Today’s schedule gave us more time to work in our rooms, which was exactly what I needed!  I tried to eliminate some clutter from my desks—yes, plural.  I have a teacher desk and two tables where I pile my books and papers.  It’s a process for sure!

This is the view from my desk. I am still loving my patio table.

This is the view from my desk. I am still loving my patio table.

This is the view from the door.

This is the view from the door.

Students are coming tomorrow—ready or not!

Hard at Work

by in Teaching and tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

I’m still in my jammies even though it’s a bit after lunch.  That may not be your idea of hard at work, but I had a full day of webinars on my schedule.  They started at eight this morning and run almost all day.  Webinars are a wonderful idea for busy people.  Especially antisocial, busy people like me.

Today’s focus is how to maximize Google for teaching.  I do a lot with Google already, but there’s always more to learn.  The best thing about these classes—they are free!  If I want to purchase a membership, I can even print a certificate for each webinar I attend.  So far, I’ve just signed up with the free option, but it might be worth upgrading later.

GEDSC DIGITAL CAMERA

 

A Productive Day

by in Teaching and tagged , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

I got up earlier than planned this morning, so after my first cup of coffee, I threw on enough clothes to avoid arrest and went to feed a pal’s cats and make sure Bela’s horse, Oreo, had plenty of fresh water for the day.  Oreo was happy that I showed up with a bit of grain for her (not that she needs it).  I even managed to check the mail and take out the trash.  (In all fairness, Bela helped with the trash.)

The part of my day that made me feel super, über productive was attending a few webinars for teachers.  I signed up for five, but I think I might skip the one about math apps.  I can always watch it later if I need it, but math is not my area of expertise.  I teach 7th grade world history and Spanish (in case you didn’t already know that).

Anyway, I have already started typing my notes to share with a fellow educator using my Google Drive.  My friend, Wilmer (in Mexico) was “stuck” in meetings today, so I promised that I’d share my notes.  Wilmer and I are a lot alike.  We are language teachers who always keep learning, and we enjoy collaborating.

My friends know I collect certificates, and I’m always seeking online (and free) classes.  I need to stay busy.  (I just started a Chinese for Beginners class on Coursera!)  Staying busy keeps me out of trouble (always a good thing), and the classes can be done in my living room.  In my jammies.  You can’t beat that kind of convenience.

This morning I attended Lauren Boucher’s “15 Free Mobile Apps to Promote Creativity through Creation,” Shelly Terrell’s “15 Free Mobile Digital Storytelling Apps,” and Dr. Jayme Linton’s “15 Free Mobile Apps to Engage and Motivate Learners.”  I knew about some of the apps, but there were many more I hadn’t heard of.  I am so glad I took the time to attend!

If you are a teacher who loves technology, please head on over to Simplek12 and sign up for some really interesting and helpful webinars.  You won’t be disappointed.

Landing

 

Keep Working!

by in Teaching and tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Even though school ended over a month ago, I feel like I have not yet had any summer vacation.  Since my daughter is now homeschooled, I have been trying to keep her working so we (she, actually) can get a few things wrapped up for the year.  There are a few chapters left to finish and a few projects I’d like to help her complete.  I think I get more excited about projects than she does!  She needs to keep working.

At any rate, I’ve been technically working only on the weekends, but I feel like I have not really rested yet.  I think it’s because I spend so much time thinking about things I should do or things I want to do in the near future.  I would be willing to bet that I’m no busier than everyone else around me, but it sure feels that way.  Maybe I’m bogged down thinking and worrying about things I have no control over like all the sickness in our small community.

As I reflect on the “stuff in my head,” I have to remind myself that I should be thankful for the many blessings I have.  I’m reasonably healthy and able to work.  My career is heading in the right direction.  My family is doing well.  Maybe those blessings will be enough to help me relax a bit before I have to start classes again.

 

 

 

Southern Hospitality

by in Teaching and tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

If you’ve been keeping up, you already know I spent the weekend in the Annandale (VA) area.  My student and I were there on school business, but Martha (founder of American History Film Project) informed us that Saturday morning was for sight seeing in the D. C. area!

Kim and Stephen picked us up around nine in a convertible!  We felt like royalty!  Stephen even gave us some spending money!  I jokingly asked him if he had nothing better to do on a Saturday morning, and he said that God told him to drive us around.  I appreciate that.  🙂

Lexi and I loved the car!

Lexi and I loved the car!

Loving it!

Loving it!

Stephen and Kim took us to so many places that there is no way I can remember them all (in order!).  I have to say that the war memorials were quite moving.  The combat patrol was especially intriguing for me for some reason.  Kim really knows her stuff, and she was chock full of information.  Our brains were full in no time!

The combat patrol is behind Lexi and Kim.

The combat patrol is behind Lexi and Kim.

This fine officer attended a Nebraska university! Small world, eh?

This fine officer attended a Nebraska university! Small world, eh?

Lexi and I both spent some money here. The white shirts were $4!

Lexi and I both spent some money here. The white shirts were $4!

I will post more pictures in the next day or two, so come back soon!  There’s more to tell!

 

 

 

American History Film Project!

by in Teaching and tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment
The audience was wonderful. They had some great questions for the presenters.

The audience was wonderful. They had some great questions for the presenters.

L-R Martha, Kim, John and Bonnie

L-R Martha, Kim, John and Bonnie

A student and I made a whirlwind trip from Nebraska to the Annandale (Virginia) area this weekend.  The purpose of our trip was to introduce student-made documentary-type films about our local community.  My student presented her film along with several other students from other states.  Our involvement started last year by a simple Google search!  I manage to “fall into” the most amazing experiences sometimes.  This was one of those experiences.

A year and a half ago, I was informed that I would not only be teaching my normal Spanish classes, but also 7th grade world history.  I take my job seriously, and it sounded like fun, so I spent a lot of time looking for resources.  I found the most amazing idea for a history project when I found Martha Barnes’ brainchild, American History Film Project.  I was intrigued, and we spent the school year emailing about projects.  Three of “my” kids participated making two short films.

Martha (I can call her that because she is now a friend!) has a true passion for history, and she encourages students (and adults) to be proud of their communities.  It’s a grassroots movement to give students a voice.  It’s quite empowering for them to see that others are interested in their communities when they share their films.

Martha’s brochure sums it up best: “Everyone needs to feel important as an individual, yet connected to something larger.  As students learn about and take pride in their local history, the American History Film Project helps them realize their importance as members of a community, while being connected to our nation.  When children across the country create a short film about the local history and share their films with children in other states, they become the teachers.  There is so much to learn from one another!”

Head on over to Facebook (link below) and give Martha’s page a “like.”  Share the link with your friends and family, and make plans to participate!  The American History Film Project is also searching for sponsors, so if you or someone you know can help, please get in touch with Martha!

https://www.facebook.com/pages/American-History-Film-Project-Exhibition/132398160299263?fref=ts

 

Interesting Twist

by in Teaching and tagged , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

GEDSC DIGITAL CAMERA

A nameless acquaintance told me he got his minister’s license, and it surprised me.  I was surprised for a couple of reasons—he didn’t seem the “type” to be interested in the ministry, and the process was super easy.  As far as ministers are concerned, I have a mental image of Jesus.  In all honesty, not many preachers resemble my idea of Jesus (physically), but rational thought tells me that ministers come in all shapes and sizes.  They have different personalities and characteristics that lend themselves to minister to all types of people in any congregation.

As far as the ease with which the license can be acquired, it shocked me because I thought most preachers went to school to learn the Bible and everything that goes along with it and its interpretation.  I pictured divinity, theology, seminary and Hebrew as classes that would be required.  Not true.

I can’t help but wonder how many churches got started by ministers with no formal training.  How many preachers are self taught?  Is that a bad thing?  I also wonder if an easily obtained license offends preachers who spent years going to school to understand the Bible.

I am now an ordained minister.  I can perform marriage ceremonies and funerals.  One benefit of having my license is that now I really want to spend more time studying the Bible.  I want to learn more about Hebrew, the Torah and how it relates to modern belief systems as well as other religions and how they compare to Christianity.  Can that really be a bad thing?

GEDSC DIGITAL CAMERA

TAMALES!

by in Teaching and tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

Our Spanish class was in for a treat tonight!  I had made arrangements to fix some Mexican hot chocolate called Abuelita.  It’s a mix of chocolate and cinnamon.  I adore it, and I can’t have it often enough.  I brought a tablet of it to share.  Marlis was in charge of bringing a hot plate and a can of condensed milk.  Carolyn was supposed to bring regular milk to add, but she went above and beyond to surprise us all with tamales—chicken and beef—from Milo and Max’s.  Chips and salsa made the fiesta complete.  WOW!

We all left class tonight with bellies full of great food and drink, but what’s more important, we all had a great learning experience.  The class ended tonight, and I’ll surely miss those awesome people.

Summer is Coming!

by in Teaching and tagged , , , | Leave a comment

The end of school

Is drawing near

Teachers and students

All want to cheer!

But at the end

Of this school year,

You notice your grade

And begin to fear.

I have a few things to say

That you need to hear.

Work not turned in

Can never be graded.

Pardon me, please,

If I sound a bit jaded.

The numbers aren’t crunched

By a magical elf,

If you want to succeed,

Take your book off the shelf!

Even though your grade

Is looking quite grim,

Don’t blame the teacher;

It’s not her or him!

I’ve asked for assignments

Almost every day,

You didn’t hand them in,

So the price you must pay!

You whine and cry

And even pout.

As smart as you are,

Just figure it out!

Mind your manners,

And do your work.

When I speak to you,

Don’t sass like a jerk!

Don’t threaten me with a call

From mommy or dad.

All that will do

Is make me mad!

It’s not our fault

That your work is not done.

It’s not my fault

That it’s not always fun.

Summer is coming,

But not soon enough.

Just turn in your work.

Don’t get in a huff!

Adult Students

by in Teaching and tagged , , , | 2 Comments

My high school students do not understand why I drive 75 miles to another town on Monday nights for six weeks to teach a Spanish class for adults.  Until they are adults, they may not get it.

I usually teach high school kids who are in the class because they need it to graduate.  Learning is not their main purpose for being there.  Some students really want to learn, but they are few and far between.  Most want to do the minimum work and receive a maximum number grade.

The adults who sign up for class want to be there.  They are intrinsically motivated, so they will pay for the class and show up for it.  These adults come ready to learn.  Some are a bit intimidated by the material, but they are willing to try.  That’s what matters.  We manage to have a lot of fun in class, believe it or not.  I usually bring some candy—Smarties or Hershey’s kisses—and we play games to help learn vocabulary.

Last night, one lady had some sugared fruit for a snack, and our gentleman brought some doughnuts for us.  There’s always coffee and the company is great.  I will be so sad to teach next Monday because it is our last night for the semester.