School is officially out for the summer, which means as someone who has my summers "off" I can finally do all the projects I haven't had time to even think about in my room. I've spent the day and a half since the last child got picked up to start their summer adventures looking over my pinterest boards, reading organization articles and prioritizing my to do list for this summer in the classroom.
1. Read more books in my classroom library. This one will be a real hardship for me- reading as many books as I possibly can. When I finished my masters degree, my final project was developing a better library in the classroom, and with well over 500 books, I think I am on my way to succeeding. My goal is to read at least 50 of these books that I haven't had time to yet, starting with award winners so that I can recommend books to students with more ease.
2.Clean out the closet in my classroom. Teachers who are reading this are being overcome with envy. I have a closet in the back corner of my classroom. I can store textbooks, art supplies, class novels etc. here, but it still has remnants of the last five teachers who had the room in it. This year that will change and a new era of not saving bizarre things like pinecones and handsoap will begin.
3. Write my proteach portfolio. As a teacher in Washington State, my portfolio for my professional teacher's license is due in January. I have been hoarding student work all year, and this summer I am going to organize it, then buckle down and take the time to write the entire portfolio. This will give me the beginning of the school year to edit and have people help me proofread it.
4. Search out deals for my classroom. I stole this idea from Scholastic. Their blog had the idea of writing the supplies you always run short on and then stocking up during the beginning of the year crazy school supply sales. For me printer paper is always the biggest issue, so I will start looking at ads about halfway through the summer.
5. Common Core- insert sinister theme music here. I know there has been a lot of debate about common core, but regardless of the people who think it is Satan overtaking education and the people who think that it will single-handedly save American education, I think it is a new set of verbiage that I have to learn. So I am attending my third conference for ELA teachers to help me do just that.
My hope is that come August I am prepared for my best year of teaching yet! (And yes, complete these five goals will take most of my "off" time this summer.
Sunday, June 8, 2014
Saturday, May 17, 2014
A bit of a rant
I had a really rough day yesterday, and without getting into specifics, here are the things I wish I could have said if I had time to think. Sorry if this feels like a bit of a rant.
I have been teaching for six years. Not super long, I know, but long enough to have figured several things about myself as a teacher, my students as learners and their parents as their advocates. I am a good teacher. I know my subjects, and I know how to explain them to others. I differentiate instruction, use data to inform my best practices and blah blah blah. A student leaves my class knowing more than when they entered. I am strict because I know that my students can be excellent, and this is what I want for them.
In addition to knowing my subjects, I know my students. I know their families, their older and younger siblings, their interests, their friends. I use my time after and outside of school to support them-I go to their sports games, their concerts, their church celebrations. I even volunteer extra time to teach them dance free of charge. I can tell when one is having a bad day, or when another is frustrated about prepositional phrases.
I know that you, their parents want what's best for your child- but here's something you may not have realized about me: I want that too. More than anything else, my job is to help your child be successful where it really matters- in personal responsibility, kindness, and always giving challenges their strongest effort.
Here's another thing you may not know about me: I love my students. Yes, that includes your child. I cry when their grandparents pass away. I feel empathy when they break their arms and legs and fingers and can't do all the things they want to do. I see all of these things, and I don't judge your child only by their words on a paper or their scores on a test.
Please don't judge me by the one time I ask them to redo an assignment because I know they can write a more thorough answer. Please don't judge me by the one time I ask them to please stay in dress code because that is an important part of our school identity. Please don't judge me when I remove a distraction from your child during a test- as long as it isn't gross, I WILL give it back after class. You don't hear about the cards we write when someone is having a hard time, or the cookie prizes for a job well done or the books I find for the classroom for just your daughter or your son.
I do these things because your child is excellent and can be even more excellent- and I think that's what we should all be working for together.
I have been teaching for six years. Not super long, I know, but long enough to have figured several things about myself as a teacher, my students as learners and their parents as their advocates. I am a good teacher. I know my subjects, and I know how to explain them to others. I differentiate instruction, use data to inform my best practices and blah blah blah. A student leaves my class knowing more than when they entered. I am strict because I know that my students can be excellent, and this is what I want for them.
In addition to knowing my subjects, I know my students. I know their families, their older and younger siblings, their interests, their friends. I use my time after and outside of school to support them-I go to their sports games, their concerts, their church celebrations. I even volunteer extra time to teach them dance free of charge. I can tell when one is having a bad day, or when another is frustrated about prepositional phrases.
I know that you, their parents want what's best for your child- but here's something you may not have realized about me: I want that too. More than anything else, my job is to help your child be successful where it really matters- in personal responsibility, kindness, and always giving challenges their strongest effort.
Here's another thing you may not know about me: I love my students. Yes, that includes your child. I cry when their grandparents pass away. I feel empathy when they break their arms and legs and fingers and can't do all the things they want to do. I see all of these things, and I don't judge your child only by their words on a paper or their scores on a test.
Please don't judge me by the one time I ask them to redo an assignment because I know they can write a more thorough answer. Please don't judge me by the one time I ask them to please stay in dress code because that is an important part of our school identity. Please don't judge me when I remove a distraction from your child during a test- as long as it isn't gross, I WILL give it back after class. You don't hear about the cards we write when someone is having a hard time, or the cookie prizes for a job well done or the books I find for the classroom for just your daughter or your son.
I do these things because your child is excellent and can be even more excellent- and I think that's what we should all be working for together.
Thursday, June 27, 2013
Currently reading....
So one of my favorite things about being a teacher is the time I have to read in the summer. While it is still one of my pet peeves to hear "Oh that must be so nice to have the summers off" (honestly, anyone who grew up with a teacher as a parent realizes you never have time OFF, just time without students) it is a glorious thing to be able to read like I did as a child.
I remember the summer after eighth grade, when the teen librarian at the Warren Township library had to ask me to stop filling out the book forms for the summer reading program because my younger sisters and I were messing up the lottery system for prizes. She said they had tried six times to pull a ticket before getting a non-Appert name. Instead, I could just come once a week and pick out a free book (these were the prizes). Books were something my sisters and I devoured- if you left yours lying around, someone else would jack it and finish it first- sometimes this was even my dad.
Today I gave myself permission to just read- no errands to run, no deadlines to meet, no plans to fulfill. I decided to tackle some books I am using for a Literature Circle unit next year, so at the time of this post, I have just finished reading Walk Two Moons by Sharon Creech, and before yoga this morning I read To Kill A Mockingbird by Harper Lee. Both will be options in a lit circle unit focusing on social issues and strong female characters. While I was certainly reading with my students in mind- is the subject matter of TKAM too mature for middle school? is the multi-layered plot of WTM too confusing for my struggling readers? I also was blown away by the power of a beautiful book. I cried when Salamanca finally made it to Lewiston, Idaho (a place not too far from where I live) and learned what had really happened to her family. (I am being careful about spoilers...you really should read both books.) I was angry at the choices people made in TKAM that resulted in innocent and guilty alike suffering at the end.
And this is why I give my students these texts. To be able to empathize with anyone is a gift, and sometimes literature is one of the only ways that is possible for a middle-schooler. I have three more books to go- Julie of the Wolves, Roll of Thunder Hear My Cry, and Dicey's Song. I'll see how many more I can finish today.
I remember the summer after eighth grade, when the teen librarian at the Warren Township library had to ask me to stop filling out the book forms for the summer reading program because my younger sisters and I were messing up the lottery system for prizes. She said they had tried six times to pull a ticket before getting a non-Appert name. Instead, I could just come once a week and pick out a free book (these were the prizes). Books were something my sisters and I devoured- if you left yours lying around, someone else would jack it and finish it first- sometimes this was even my dad.
Today I gave myself permission to just read- no errands to run, no deadlines to meet, no plans to fulfill. I decided to tackle some books I am using for a Literature Circle unit next year, so at the time of this post, I have just finished reading Walk Two Moons by Sharon Creech, and before yoga this morning I read To Kill A Mockingbird by Harper Lee. Both will be options in a lit circle unit focusing on social issues and strong female characters. While I was certainly reading with my students in mind- is the subject matter of TKAM too mature for middle school? is the multi-layered plot of WTM too confusing for my struggling readers? I also was blown away by the power of a beautiful book. I cried when Salamanca finally made it to Lewiston, Idaho (a place not too far from where I live) and learned what had really happened to her family. (I am being careful about spoilers...you really should read both books.) I was angry at the choices people made in TKAM that resulted in innocent and guilty alike suffering at the end.
And this is why I give my students these texts. To be able to empathize with anyone is a gift, and sometimes literature is one of the only ways that is possible for a middle-schooler. I have three more books to go- Julie of the Wolves, Roll of Thunder Hear My Cry, and Dicey's Song. I'll see how many more I can finish today.
Wednesday, June 26, 2013
She's back....
So I was talking to my good friend Sara Nolan probably a month ago, (and those of you who know Sara know that she is a blogger extraordinaire) and she encouraged me to start this blog up again. Recently I have been trying to be more creative, and Willie suggested that I start writing again. So here is my first attempt at the new and improved She Laughs at the Days to Come.
Since my last post, I have made some significant changes in my diet, and have been successfully gluten free for two years. I have seen some really positive results, such as no more migraines and putting on some much needed weight. Most of the time I don't miss the gluten, but there are some sad times when it comes to desert. So for my first post back, here is a delicious gluten free recipe for Earl Grey Lemon bars, which I adapted from a Cooking Light Recipe.
Crust:
Cooking spray
1 1/4 cups gluten free flour mix (I use the Land o' Lakes recipe)
1/3 cup powdered sugar
2 Earl Grey tea bags
1/8 tsp salt
8 tablespoons cold butter
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
2. Combine ingredients for crust, using 1 tsp of Earl Grey tea from one bag. Discard the rest of the bag. Cut in the butter until the mixture resembles a coarse meal. Press into the bottom of a pan that has been sprayed with cooking spray. Bake for about 19 minutes or until golden.
Filling:
1/4 cup lemon juice
1 cup granulated sugar
2 tablespoons gluten free flour mix
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
2 teaspoons grated lemon rind
3 large eggs
1 tablespoon powdered sugar.
1. Microwave lemon juice on high for 30 seconds. Add the second tea bag to the lemon juice and steep for ten minutes.
2. Combine granulated sugar, flour and baking powder in a large bowl.
3. Add eggs and rind to lemon juice and whisk together.
4. Combine wet and dry ingredients, pour onto hot crust.
5. Bake for 23 minutes or until set, then cool on a wire rack for at least 30 minutes
6. Sprinkle the top with powdered sugar.
Enjoy!
Since my last post, I have made some significant changes in my diet, and have been successfully gluten free for two years. I have seen some really positive results, such as no more migraines and putting on some much needed weight. Most of the time I don't miss the gluten, but there are some sad times when it comes to desert. So for my first post back, here is a delicious gluten free recipe for Earl Grey Lemon bars, which I adapted from a Cooking Light Recipe.
Crust:
Cooking spray
1 1/4 cups gluten free flour mix (I use the Land o' Lakes recipe)
1/3 cup powdered sugar
2 Earl Grey tea bags
1/8 tsp salt
8 tablespoons cold butter
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
2. Combine ingredients for crust, using 1 tsp of Earl Grey tea from one bag. Discard the rest of the bag. Cut in the butter until the mixture resembles a coarse meal. Press into the bottom of a pan that has been sprayed with cooking spray. Bake for about 19 minutes or until golden.
Filling:
1/4 cup lemon juice
1 cup granulated sugar
2 tablespoons gluten free flour mix
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
2 teaspoons grated lemon rind
3 large eggs
1 tablespoon powdered sugar.
1. Microwave lemon juice on high for 30 seconds. Add the second tea bag to the lemon juice and steep for ten minutes.
2. Combine granulated sugar, flour and baking powder in a large bowl.
3. Add eggs and rind to lemon juice and whisk together.
4. Combine wet and dry ingredients, pour onto hot crust.
5. Bake for 23 minutes or until set, then cool on a wire rack for at least 30 minutes
6. Sprinkle the top with powdered sugar.
Enjoy!
Tuesday, July 19, 2011
I love Portland!
So this week I decided to escape to Portland and fell in love with the city all over again. I have been here less than 24 hours, and already I am hooked. I am staying with Ruthann in a lovely house in Northeast Portland, which is painted in the most cheerful bright colors, with cool windows and hardwood floors. I am more than a little jealous when I think of my own tiny cinder block dormesque apartment back in Yakima.
Yesterday we had breakfast at the Tin Shed, which is one of my favorite Portland breakfast places. Another amazing thing about this city is that it is incredibly easy to eat gluten-free here. Every menu has tons of options and clearly states their ingredients. I am currently sitting in a little coffee shop waiting to meet my friend Elizabeth for lunch. I miss being able to meet up with people in the middle of the day to chat and catch up and find weird and delicious foods.
I went to Powells this morning and stayed within my 30 dollar budget, which I was more than a little proud of.
2011-2012 is going to be the year of adventures, I can just feel it. I've already been to San Francisco, Seattle, Portland, New Orleans...I am getting a traveling itch just in time to head back to the East Coast and visit family and friends. I'll try to post a few more of my travels as I make them.
Yesterday we had breakfast at the Tin Shed, which is one of my favorite Portland breakfast places. Another amazing thing about this city is that it is incredibly easy to eat gluten-free here. Every menu has tons of options and clearly states their ingredients. I am currently sitting in a little coffee shop waiting to meet my friend Elizabeth for lunch. I miss being able to meet up with people in the middle of the day to chat and catch up and find weird and delicious foods.
I went to Powells this morning and stayed within my 30 dollar budget, which I was more than a little proud of.
2011-2012 is going to be the year of adventures, I can just feel it. I've already been to San Francisco, Seattle, Portland, New Orleans...I am getting a traveling itch just in time to head back to the East Coast and visit family and friends. I'll try to post a few more of my travels as I make them.
Monday, May 30, 2011
Springtime
I feel like spring is the time when dreams come true. A week ago I got a part in the chorus of The Music Man. I am so excited! The shows are in July, so for the next six to eight weeks I am in rehearsals four nights a week. This is literally one of the dreams of my life! I am so excited! I have always wanted to be in a musical, and The Music Man is by far one of my favorites. I cannot believe how lucky I am. Another great thing about the whole situation is that I am meeting new people, which I am sure will make next year a lot more pleasant here in the Palm Springs of Washington.
Last night I made my first foray into the world of cooking fish. For Willie's birthday I made ahi tuna steaks with spinach and edamame salad and wasabi mashed potatoes. Not only was it completely delicious, but it looked pretty and I realized that I want to experiment with more ingredients that I don't usually use. It can actually be affordable when you are only cooking for one person.
We have only two more weeks of school to go! I am so excited to be done for the summer. This will be the first time in five years that I haven't been in school for the summer. I may look for some tutoring jobs to make a little extra cash, but for the most part I am looking forward to reading lots of books and writing and singing. I am hoping to go home to New Jersey for a while in August...so NJ friends, let me know what you are up to then!
Last night I made my first foray into the world of cooking fish. For Willie's birthday I made ahi tuna steaks with spinach and edamame salad and wasabi mashed potatoes. Not only was it completely delicious, but it looked pretty and I realized that I want to experiment with more ingredients that I don't usually use. It can actually be affordable when you are only cooking for one person.
We have only two more weeks of school to go! I am so excited to be done for the summer. This will be the first time in five years that I haven't been in school for the summer. I may look for some tutoring jobs to make a little extra cash, but for the most part I am looking forward to reading lots of books and writing and singing. I am hoping to go home to New Jersey for a while in August...so NJ friends, let me know what you are up to then!
Tuesday, May 3, 2011
Religious musings
Last week I had the honor of hearing Sr. Helen Prejean speak at an NCEA conference. If you ever get to hear her speak...DO IT. She wrote Dead Man Walking, which was later adapted into a movie starring Sean Penn and Susan Saradon. It is her mission to end the Death Penalty in the United States. Now, I have always considered myself staunchly prolife, and it has always seemed to me that we can't have it both ways. Why spend so much time protecting innocent life if we don't also protect guilty life? After hearing her speak, I came back to my religion class prep full of new zeal to include even more information about the death penalty in my classroom.
And that's when I got really upset. After checking numerous Catholic websites and finding tons of information on abortion, including resources for kids and lesson plans, I found maybe 2 paragraphs about the death penalty. Most sites didn't mention it at all. On one website I took the time to write out a lengthy question about where to find such resources and posted it in the life issues forum. Yesterday I got an email back saying that it didn't fit in the life issues forum and to post it somewhere else. How is the death penalty not a life issue? This was a MAJOR Catholic media site for the USA.
In the midst of all this, Pope John Paul II was beatified. I had been following the story with interest and even drove out to the farm to watch some of the news coverage with Willie. In religion class, I tried to engage my students in the discussion, but all they could talk about was the death of Osama Bin Laden. I wondered what the Pope would have said if he had been alive to see this day. For some reason, the rejoicing in Bin Laden's death made me very uncomfortable. I think that the spokesman for the Vatican said it best:
And that's when I got really upset. After checking numerous Catholic websites and finding tons of information on abortion, including resources for kids and lesson plans, I found maybe 2 paragraphs about the death penalty. Most sites didn't mention it at all. On one website I took the time to write out a lengthy question about where to find such resources and posted it in the life issues forum. Yesterday I got an email back saying that it didn't fit in the life issues forum and to post it somewhere else. How is the death penalty not a life issue? This was a MAJOR Catholic media site for the USA.
In the midst of all this, Pope John Paul II was beatified. I had been following the story with interest and even drove out to the farm to watch some of the news coverage with Willie. In religion class, I tried to engage my students in the discussion, but all they could talk about was the death of Osama Bin Laden. I wondered what the Pope would have said if he had been alive to see this day. For some reason, the rejoicing in Bin Laden's death made me very uncomfortable. I think that the spokesman for the Vatican said it best:
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