Learning how to ask for things, part 2

I am up, at what my brother-in-law calls butt-crack hours of the morning, because I can’t sleep. I am thinking about my post from last week about learning how to ask for what I want. Well, there’s a second part to that.
Since I am on vacation and consequently have so much time on my hands, [...]

This year…

This year has been a very cathartic one for me. It has been a very humbling experience of letting go of old and outdated concepts and friendships.
This year, I learned that I can finish things. Obtaining my once, oh so elusive B.A. was something that I have wanted for at least 10 years. It was [...]

On being multi-talented…

Earlier in the week I was speaking to a friend of mine about having a job that you like. She, of course, doesn’t like her job. She is very unhappy and wants another job. She was contemplating quitting her job and was asking God for a sign. As an answer to that request, someone gave [...]

Learning how to ask for things!

I have a bad habit of not asking for what I want. I didn’t even realize that I didn’t ask for what I wanted until I was talking to my husband and he told me that he couldn’t read my mind. I was shocked that he would say that. I thought that I was pretty [...]

He’s not heavy. He’s my brother!

I spoke with a family member recently about building trust, relationships and self-esteem. I was telling her about how much work I put into my class- both emotionally and physically.
She was very supportive and offered me some advice that I am taking to heart. It was so simple that I don’t think that I would [...]

A new year, a new note! part 2

What I was alluding to earlier and did not get to was that I am at an impasse. I’m at that proverbial fork in the road again. No that’s not right. I’m not at a fork in the road. I know where I want to go. The problem is that I think that I may [...]

A new year, a new note!

I have a lot on my mind. Although I love teaching, I don’t love the bulls***. It is not the children. Even though they act up, they are not the problem. The problem is the administration. I can’t see this being specific to the school that I’m at. I know that this problem is bigger [...]

Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas everyone! Have a good one!

Back in the day

I was just sitting here thinking about how insecure and not confident I used to be. I was watching the movie “The Wood” and it took me back to that time. Junior High School. Back when schools were called Junior High School instead of Middle School. I was a wreck. Somehow, I got it in [...]

Finally feeling better!

Well, I’m finally feeling better. I am not at 100%, but it’s so much better than how I was feeling less than a week ago when I was laid up on my oh so comfortable sectional sofa feeling as sick as a dog. As I mentioned earlier in the week, I have an ear infection. [...]

What’s up with that?

I’ve finally recovered from my sickness from last week, only to discover that I now have an ear infection. What’s up with that? This is the sickest I’ve been in years. I’ll be better by Christmas. Just in time to eat that great Christmas dinner and have fun with my family.

Shape Capers by Cathryn Falwell

Shape Capers (2007), written and illustrated by Cathryn Falwell, is a good book for ages 2-5. I received this from the book club a little while ago.

It came with the matching shapes. Phillise likes it, but I think that the language is such that a chld isn’t going to be reading this solo anytime soon. [...]

How Many Seeds in a Pumpkin? by Margaret McNamara

I haven’t reviewed any books for awhile. I figure it’s about time I did. This book is my latest acquisition. I received it, along with four others from Edge of the Forest. I am going to be reviewing books for them.
Of all the ones that I received, I liked this one the most. This book [...]

Before I became a teacher!

Before I became a teacher I thought that:

Getting off at 2:30 was great hours. That would be great if it actually happened. Just because the bell rings at 2:30, it doesn’t mean that my day is through. In fact, that couldn’t be farther from the truth. It just means that the children are leaving for [...]

Vegging out on the couch!

I am so enjoying the beginning of my Christmas break. Even though I’m recovering from a nasty cold, I am so relaxed because I know that I have time to be sick. I can just lay on the couch and relax while vegging out on television. Isn’t vacation grand?

Sick me!

It has been bitterly cold in L.A. At least for me anyway. I am born and raised in L.A., so anything below 50° is cold. Once the temperature dips below 60° , I take out my gloves, my scarf and my winter coat. I tried to keep myself from getting sick, but, needless to say, [...]

Mountain thinking! (or making molehills out of mountains)

For my last session of class Thursday night, I, along with a couple of my classmates, was treated to a counseling session with one of the priests on campus. We were given a chance to reflect on adjusting to our first semester of teaching and going to school.
I, for one, let it be known that [...]

My first semester under my belt!

Today was my last day of my first semester of my Special Ed teaching credential/Master’s program. I still have two assignments that I need to complete by the end of tomorrow, but I am so happy that I don’t have school for an entire month. School doesn’t begin for me until January 14th. I didn’t [...]

Another seemingly long-toothed lion defanged!

Yesterday was one of those days. I felt like just getting up and walking out. Lito was absent, so he wasn’t there to disrupt. I have a feeling I know why he was absent though. I felt so bad for him yesterday. He mainstreams to another class in the morning for OCR. He has received [...]

I got a new student!

On Thursday I got a new student who didn’t want to come into my class. She cried at the end of the day. I asked her what was wrong and she said that she didn’t want to be in my class.
“Why?” I asked her. I want to go back to my old class. I didn’t [...]

Educationworld.com

I found this great website as I was searching for some stuff to do with my class. If you would like to go there, here is the website: www.educationworld.com

Politically correct me!

I feel like a politically correct nimcompoop. Why do I feel like this you ask? I feel like this because I haven’t really written down everything that has been happening. Firstly, I didn’t want someone from the district to discover this and I suffer harassment worse than I’m experiencing now. Secondly, some of this stuff [...]

What’s working for me, part 2

Even though I observed in my class for a couple of days before I took the job, it was not enough interaction to determine their level. I have constantly overestimated their level. I tried to introduce them to the dictionary. Well, little did I know that they barely knew word sounds (phonemic awareness), so I [...]

Lakeshore deals for teachers!

On a recent shopping trip to Lakeshore to purchase some items for my classroom, I decided to take advantage of the 20% discount Teacher’s club. When I joined I received an apple shaped 2008 calendar. Now, I was just sent this by e-mail. If you are a teacher you should take advantage of this offer. [...]

I’m a mean teacher!

**I got this poem from another website.
A couple of my students have told me that I am a mean teacher.After reading this, I can feel very good about being called a mean teacher.
A MEAN teacher insists that each student do the best s/he is capable of doing.
A MEAN teacher insists that students hand in their [...]

Today was a little hectic!

Since it rained today, it was a pretty hectic day. I say that because the children don’t get a chance to play outside since the playground is wet. Since they don’t get a chance to get that energy out, they expend it in the classroom.
Two students were sent home for fighting. I didn’t want to [...]

My first I.E.P.

Today I had my first I.E.P.-an amendment. It went pretty good as I had nothing but positive comments to make about this child, Robin, who was a holy terror at first. I am so happy with the progress that has been made with him. He is definitely a long-toothed lion defanged. Here’s to more I.E.P.’s [...]

Leila, the miracle worker!

Leila, the miracle worker! That is what my administration thinks that I am. I, and my assistants have worked wonders with my class. However, it was only through consistent, hard work, not miracles.
**I’m sharing this because I’m not sure if I shared this or not. If I did, please forgive me.
Well, here’s the story: [...]

You can not come into my class!

I found out from someone @ U.T.L.A. that I could refuse to admit problem students to my class. In essence, I can suspend them from class. I really hate to resort to this measure because I want to help them, but nothing seems to be working with one student in particular. I have tried everything, [...]

Ready made math worksheets!

On the hunt for ready made math worksheets, I found this site:
http://www.lessonplanspage.com/worksheets.htm
Go here if you need ready made worksheets in a pinch for elementary.
Check it out!

Making lemonade!

I have been given a batch of lemons and I am going to make some of the best lemonade you’ve ever tasted.
On my first day of work it seemed to me that everyone was looking at me like, “Poor thing”. She’s not even going to make it through the day.
I know that is was true [...]

I threw away a check for $3,999, Part 2

I have gotten many hits on this post. Someone even asked how would they know if it were real or not. Well, for starters, you can check and see if the bank that it’s drawn on is even a real bank. Google it or call 1-800-555-1212. If it has an 800 number, then it should [...]

Welcome to December!

This is the best time of the year- the big holiday season. First, we start with Halloween when people give you stuff for free. Next is Thanksgiving when you get to be around family, and can make a pig of yourself and no one will look at you funny. Then comes Christmas, the best and [...]