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, I have been doing a lot of thinking. This is piggybacking off the first part of this post from a couple of days ago when I talked about how I need to learn how to ask for things. I was trying to pinpoint the source of all this. Of course I had to go back to my childhood. Since I have so many brothers and sisters (11), there was almost never enough money. So I learned not to ask for things. I also realized that, in addition to that, I learned not to want things either.I realized that I am afraid to want anything because I don’t want to deal with the disappointment of not getting it.

I thought that when I got older that things would be different. They are in a way, but not too much. I go through great ups and downs- both financially and emotionally.

Money passes through my hands in great amounts. Whenever I need money badly enough, I will get what I need plus some. However, it comes in spurts so I’ll probably be behind by the time I get it. So, needless to say, it’s gone almost before I get it. That is my dilemna now. I need to get off of this financial and emotional rollercoaster. It is having such a negative impact on me.

I know that life shouldn’t and doesn’t have to be like this. I want and need better than this. I am so extremely frustrated. I need some help with getting my financial house in order. I know that I can do better than this. I have to. I want to want things and know that because I go to work and work hard for money that I can get it.

I have never understood people who went to work everyday and didn’t have anything. Sadly, now, I have become that person and it is not fun. I don’t like it. I am making this vow to myself, right here and now, that this will be the last year that I will suffer through financial instability. I will do what I need to do this year so that I and my family won’t suffer like this anymore.

I don’t believe in making New Year’s resolutions. Making resolutions at the beginning of the year and not following through is not what I believe in. I believe in evaluating needs as they present themselves. Right now, I see that my financial situation needs tending to in a major way.

I’ll be reporting on my successes as well as my failures this year. I hope to learn from my failures and profit from my successes.

Join me on my journey, won’t you!

Until next time!

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 the culmination of 18 years of going to school off and on while having and raising four children.

This year, I learned so much about myself. I CAN do what I want.

This year, I, along with millions of others, discovered “The Secret”.

This year, I finally realized my dream of becoming a teacher. Even though it hasn’t been all that I’d thought, I am still so very happy that I have begun the first leg of my journey to help change the world one child at a time.

This year, I learned just how much my husband supports and takes care of me. After 19 years, I admit that sometimes I can take him for granted. However, sometimes you have to stop and realize what’s in front of you.

This year, I started grad school.

This year, my oldest son graduated from high school. One down, three to go.
This year, my middle son started eleventh grade.

This year, my youngest son started fifth grade.

This year, my daughter started kindergarten.

This year, my children are 5, 10, 16, and 18.

This year, I learned the true meaning of hard work. In addition to working and raising four children, I had to do a lot of juggling. Here’s the story: I was deficient a few units. So, in order to finish my degree in time to graduate with my cohort, I was attending four schools: Azusa Pacific on Wednesday, Friday and some Saturdays, R.O.P. in West Covina on some Saturdays, Los Angeles Southwest College on Monday, and finally, Los Angeles Mission College on Sunday. Phew, was I glad when I finished.

This year, I faced some of my greatest fears. I don’t know if I’ll ever fully get over the feeling that I’m not good enough, but I faced it. Going way to Azusa, I felt so out of place. Not to mention how drained I was. Initially I didn’t feel like I fit it. I was one of the only blacks in the program. I felt out of place, but told myself that people are peopole no matter what color they are. Ya’ know what. I ended up making some very good friends once I got over myself and my fears.

This year is almost at an end. So, until next time people!

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 her a tape by T.D. Jakes. In it he talks about working in a hostile environment. He also talked about how crazy it is to have only one source of income.

Once you think about it, it is not financially sound to have only one source of income. What would happen should you lose that job? You would then be up the proverbial creek without a paddle. I concurred wholeheartedly with him.

In fact I am on my way out the door to go over her house. I was supposed to be going over her house but just could not get out the house. I was napping and did not know that David was still here. Usually Phillip takes him to the park with him on Saturday mornings. It was only supposed to be me and Phillise. Once I found out that David was here, it threw my plans off. It took all day to get him dressed. Phillise didn’t want to put her stockings on. My brother called on the way out the door. I couldn’t find my cell phone. Blah, blah, blah…

I am so frustrated right now. I don’t like when my plans get derailed. Sometimes I am flexible, but more often than not, I’m not. I am trying to calm down, but am just so frustrated.

Anyway, back to the lecture at hand, I really like our relationship because when she needs strength or a shoulder to cry on I am there for her and vice versa. We are on a mission to do things differently in 2008.

We are both multi-talented. I can write. I can cook like nobody’s business. I can also organize a party like nobody’s business. I am multi-talented and proud of it. I say that with all sincerity and no conceit. I have embraced my abilities and am proud of ’em. Now it is time to profit from them.

Since I couldn’t make it over her house today, we are going to talk on the phone to get together the first part of our plan. She’s going to give me a copy of the T.D. Jakes tape tomorrow.

Here’s looking to the future. A better one where I’m financially stable.

Until next time people!

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 clear about telling him what I wanted, but obviously not or he wouldn’t have said that to me.I’m glad that he told me that or else I wouldn’t have reflected back on my bad habit of not asking for what I want. Once I thought about it, I realized it was true. My thoughts immediately took me to a time when I was in junior high school and I didn’t ask to go on the camping trip.

Growing up with so many sisters and brothers with not a lot of money, I learned not to ask for too much. In fact, I stopped asking for stuff altogether. I remember in junior high school, my junior high school, Bret Harte Junior High School, was going on a camping trip. It was only $10, but I didn’t ask my mother because I didn’t want to be told no because I knew that she didn’t have the money. Although $10 wasn’t a lot of money, back in 1984, it seemed insurmountable to me because there were so many of us and so little money.

My brother who was also in band asked my mother. Of course she told him no because there was no money. She asked me why I didn’t ask her to go also. I told her the truth, that I didn’t ask because I didn’t think that there was enough money. Although I’m sure she didn’t have the money, she told me that I should have asked anyway.

I guess I never learned my lesson because to this day I rarely ask for anything.

This is hampering me in my relationships both private and professional. This situation also came up with my principal at work. She said that I wasn’t asking for what I needed. This is not true. I actually made a list of all the necessary programs and equipment that I felt I needed to successfully do my job. The problem is that I gave it to the APEIS who ceremoniously forgot about it. So, in this case it was unfounded.

Once the APEIS realized that she was the one that wasn’t taking care of business she felt silly because she realized that I was trying to communicate my needs to her but she was the one who dropped the ball. Not me. In this case, it was a matter of not getting the list to the right person. The principal advised me to come to her if the APEIS isn’t doing her job. I, however, find it hard to believe that she would be of any help to me since I have asked for help with the management of my students. To which she replied (and I quote), ” I don’t know where you think this magical help is supposed to come from”.

At any rate, I will make it a habit of asking for what I want. That, and communication, are what I will be working on this year.

Join me in my journey won’t you!

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 have thought of it.Well, she’s a counselor at a camp for underprivileged chldren. We discussed that exercise where someone has to trust you enough to fall back into your arms. She told me that this is a great trust building exercise. They don’t need to fall far; just far enough where they fall into your chest. Just enough for you to earn their trust.

I slapped my forehead.

“Why didn’t I think of that?” I thought to myself.

My job is a lot of responsibility. It is not one to be taken lightly. Even though I may go through a lot, I can take care of myself. These children can’t. I am having a hard time but I am committed to helping these children.

Their lot in life is much harder than mine. My job is to help them. Isn’t that what life is all about? Aren’t we supposed to help the downtrodden and less fortunate? Holding up our unfortunate brothers and sisters are what those who are more fortunate are supposed to do. That is why holding up someone shouldn’t make your arms tired. My arms cannot get tired holding someone up. After all, he’s not heavy. He’s my brother!

I am thinking of more things that I can do to build a community among my students. If anyone out there knows of anything else, please feel free to leave comments.

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 have a long road ahead of me before I get to where I want to get to. But I guess that everyone needs to pay dues of one type or another.

The point that I was getting at earlier was that I feel like a fool. I’ve felt like that since my second week when I realized that I was probably only hired because I didn’t have any experience teaching and therefore didn’t know what I was getting myself into.

I was so enthusiastic only 6 weeks ago when I first started. Even though I only wanted to be a self-contained teacher of a Special Day Class (SDC) for as long as it took to get the experience that I need to move on to a different job as a Resource teacher (RSP), I still wanted to do the best job that I could. But this school, and I’m sure many others, are so full of sh**.  Now, I’m beginning to think that being an RSP teacher will be fraught with bulls*** also. This is the reason that I stayed a housewife for so long. I didn’t want to work until I knew what I wanted to do and felt like it would be what was the best thing for me. I guess you can’t control life. It has its own plan.
Although I know what I want to do, I have been vacillating back and forth as to whether or not I want to move to a new school district. I have to ask myself questions though. Will it make a difference if I do? Is it only L.A.U.S.D. that is like this or is it all districts? Will it always be like this? Will I always have such an unsupportive administration? Will it matter, after awhile, that they are unsupportive? Why do administrators try to bully new staff members?

I started off on a horribly, bad note, so I can only conclude that it will end on a better one because I can only go up from here. I am thoroughly optimistic that God will bring me through this. I’m just going through the ringer now, but every beginning isn’t always the best. Here’s to the future and a better note. Let’s see what it holds.

Until next time!

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 than the school that I’m at.

I am living my worst fear. Even though I am doing a remarkable job, this job is not what I had in mind. My perfect job was as a K-2 Resource Specialist (RSP). However, all of my paperwork took so long that there were no RSP jobs available at the time that I applied.

I kinda’ knew that that was what was going to happen because I had started having dreams about myself being in a self-contained classroom. So when there were no RSP jobs available, I wasn’t really taken by surprise. I was forewarned.

Okay, on to the point. I have had a change of plans. Before I started my husband asked me what my ultimate goal was. At the time, I told him that it was to teach. Not to become an Assistant Principal or anything else. I just wanted to teach, I told him.

My plans have changed considerably. I have had such a negative experience in such a short time that I have decided that yes, I do want to still teach, but in some other capacity. I would love to work for a private organization as a studio teacher or an itinerant teacher where I don’t have anyone hovering over my shoulder.

My overall goal has not changed. I still very much want to teach and make a difference in children’s lives; especially those with learning disabilities. However, because of my low tolerance for bulls*** I’m just not sure that I will last long in the school district system.

I almost feel like a quitter, but I don’t because I’m being true to myself. I would feel more like a quitter if I gave up on my dreams of having a job that I love to go to despite what’s going on. I just wonder how differently I would look at things if I would have had great administrators and my situation would have been ideal. However, I know that life doesn’t work like that. So, I’ll just have to deal with things until they are not the way they are.

Until next time people!

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 my head that I wasn’t good enough. That no matter how hard I tried or how much I did that it wasn’t good enough.

I didn’t like myself much at all. Then I started thinking about now. Now, I am so confident and secure. I am wondering how did I get from that point, of being a self-conscious, insecure wreck to the confident, secure woman that I am now.

It had to do with getting to know myself. What I would and would not accept from myself and others.

I observed those who I thought seemed to exude the confidence that I so badly wanted to have. I surrounded myself with people who had qualities that I felt that I needed to make what I considered a complete person. At the time however, I didn’t know that that was what I was doing. I only knew that I was attracted to what these people had.

Even though I was flying blind, you don’t have to. Learn from other people’s mistakes and experiences. I didn’t know how to do that. I didn’t even know what questions to begin to ask. Luckily, I’m here for you so you don’t have to.

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. I told one of my sisters who works in a doctor’s office and she said that she jokingly tells all of her patients who come in with an ear infection who are older than 12, that they have to be shorter than her shoulder to have an ear infection. She had to stop mid-sentence because I am shorter than her shoulder.

“Well, since you’re so short, I guess you’re okay”, she said.

Ha ha. Very funny Saudia!

Now. If only I could get rid of this ear infection, I could enjoy my vacation so much more than I have been up to this point.

Well, ’til next time!

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. It is designed for a teacher, mom, grandparent aunt or uncle to read to the child which is good. This is a good book for parent-child interaction. This is an example of some of the dialogue going on in the book:

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 gave me a good idea about what to do with my science experiments for my students. First, I’ll tell you about the book, then you’ll understand where the idea came from.

This book, How Many Seeds in a Pumpkin (2007), written by Margaret McNamara and illustrated by G. Brian Karas, is a real treat. I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Let’s get down to the part that I loved so much about this book. I loved it so much because I was able to incorporate this book into my science and math lessons. In fact, this book was the basis for my whole science experiment.

The Math Coach was so impressed that I was able to use this book for math and science. He also liked the fact that this book showed the children real life connections. Now…on to the story.

“How many seeds in a pumpkin?” Mr. Tiffin asks his class.

That’s what this book is about-Mr. Tiffin’s third grade class who have three pumpkins to choose from to see which one has the most pumpkin seeds- small, medium, and large.

They get three guesses.

The cast of characters are: Robert, the tallest kid in the class, who bets that the biggest pumpkins has the most seeds. He guesses a million. Elinor, who always sounds like she knows what she’s talking about, is sure the medium pumpkin has 500 seeds. And lastly Charlie, the smallest kid, doesn’t have a guess.

Mr. Tiffin has a secret that he’s not telling his students. They find out after they make their guesses what his secret is.

What’s his secret? I guess you’re just going to have to read it and find out for yourself.

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 the day. If I leave the door open, they even come back to the classroom. This differs vastly from when I was an assistant and left as soon as the bell rang. I kinda’ knew it was going to be this rough, but it’s always a shock with such a big change.
• Before I became a teacher, I thought that I could not possibly manage a whole class, plan the lessons and teach it. (In other words, bring home the bacon AND fry it up in a pan!) I have since learned that it can be done. I discovered that I could also go to school while finishing my teaching credential/Master’s degree program, and still spend some quality time with my husband and children.
• Before I became a teacher, everything was someone else’s problem. That someone has become me. I am the disciplinarian, second mom, custodian, Kinko copier person, lesson planner, writer, etc… (The list goes on).
• Before I became a teacher, I had no idea the amount of time that was actually spent planning. Now I do.
• Before I became a teacher, I didn’t know that I would sometimes feel like a comedian on stage @ the Apollo theater who’s being pulled offstage with that long cane. That’s what I felt like when I planned this math lesson that went horribly wrong. Almost as soon as I started the lesson, I could see that it was not working. So, being the flexible person that I am, I abandoned it and did something else. Boy, was that a long 6-7 minutes before I finally abandoned it.
• Before I became a teacher, I didn’t know how accomplished I would feel for helping one of my students get 1/10 problems correct.
• Before I became a teacher, I don’t know if I fully appreciated tissue paper, pipe cleaners, paper plates and all of the other small everyday items that teachers use to make crafts.

** Note** This list will be added to as I learn more.

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, I’ve finally caught the bug. I tried to keep myself warm, but I forgot my jacket one day. My husband brought it to work. I was only at work for an hour without it, but that was enough to get sick as my immune system is already weak since I am pushed to my limit. I have the sniffles, chills and a sore throat. I am so happy that today is the last day of school before Christmas vacation.

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 I am absolutely overwhelmed. What made me think that I could do this? I don’t know. I have four children, a full-time teaching job, and school full-time.

But for the grace of God, I am handling it. Even though I feel like I am about to crack, I haven’t. Even though I sometimes feel like I can’t get up in the morning, I do. Even though I feel like I simply can’t do this another day, I do.

It is simply amazing what you can do when you put your mind to it and try. I cannot believe how much is on my plate and how much I have been able to accomplish. As I said earlier, even though I thought that I was not going to make it, I did. I am just doing it a little at a time.

All of this brings me to my point about mountain thinking. What is mountain thinking? Well, I got this term from Emily, one of my classmates. While we were in the counseling session, we were talking about how we have been avoiding certain necessary tasks. You know, little silly stuff like eating and doing laundry and homework assignments that are due. We were wondering aloud what our problem was. Why were we sabotaging ourselves?

I though that I was the only one. One thing that I have learned, and should realize by this point in my life is that no one is ever alone. If you are going through something, then someone is invariably going through the same thing. I felt much better knowing that I was not alone.

Even though it seems like I am rambling, I am not. So, let me get back to the lecture at hand about mountain thinking. Our counselor broke it down for us. He told us his personal story about hating to do laundry. He said that basically he was disgusted just looking at the laundry, so he wasn’t doing too much about it; just looking at it. So he decided to do one small thing so that it wouldn’t be so overwhelming to him. He sorted it out and left. When he came back later, he put one load in. Then he put the next load in, and the next. This way he did the laundry and he wasn’t overwhelmed. He broke it up into manageable parts.

He also said that he congratulated himself on small victories. He told us that we were being too hard on ourselves. Instead of thinking about the 40% that hasn’t been done, we should congratulate ourselves on the 60% that we did do.

Another classmate, Sheronda said that she was still so hard on herself. This is the point where Emily chimed in and said that she was doing mountain thinking. She said climb the mountain a little at a time. Can you imagine trying to climb Mt. Everest in one day? That would be impossible. However, if you have a plan, and break it up into manageable parts, then that mountain becomes a mole hill. Instead of making mountains out of molehills, make molehills out of mountains.

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 think that I would make it through, but I did. I have been so overwhelmed that I have felt like quitting more than once. I never thought that teaching was so much work. I am exhausted-physically and psychologically. I have a three week break so I can plan, but I’m mostly going to catch up on some sleep. I need a break. It will be well deserved.

One down, three to go!

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 glowing reports from the other teacher, so imagine my shock when he came back to my class and started throwing stuff as soon as he walked in the room. When everyone else went down to lunch, I had him stay in the classroom with me, so that I could get an understanding of why he was acting this way.

I asked him what the problem was. He said that he had a bad day in the other class. He told me that the kids told him that he did not belong in their class; that he was special ed. and he needed to go back to his own class. (Captain Obvious says: Kids can be mean!)

I, ever so gently of course, reminded him about how he used to treat me when I first came to the classroom. I told him that he said the same things to me (except the special ed. part), but I told him and the rest of the class that I was going to keep coming back no matter what they said or did.

This marked the real moment that I saw him for the troubled child that he is. The one who doesn’t fit in. The one who nobody expects anything from. The one who has been told by many that he will not amount to much. I felt so bad for him.

Later on, the next day, I felt sorry for me when Robin and Toolie took advantage of Lito’s absence to grab all the negative attention for themselves. I really hated my job today. I feel like I’m just spinning my wheels. It’s like one step forward and fifteen steps back. When I make stuff for them they tear it up. When I try to be nice to them, they don’t seem to understand what I am saying. I am so disappointed. I have broken most of my rules. I am doing stuff that I said I wouldn’t do- like raising my voice. There are times when I have to raise my voice because there is so much noise in the room, however, there are those times when I feel that is the only way to be heard.

Even though I know that many of my problems are because of the immediate environment, I am still saddened at how ??? these children are. If I had one wish, I would wish that there were something else that I was good at that I could do instead of this and get paid way better.

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 want to leave my friends. I liked my teacher.

Okay, get up. Go splash some water on your face and calm down. If you want to cry, you can cry. Do you want to cry?

“No,” she replied. Okay, well do you want to go in the back of the classroom and have 10 minutes’ cool-off time in the library.

She weakly replied yes.

“You’ll like it here,” I told her. You have ten minutes to calm down. After that I expect you to join the group ready to work.

“Do you understand?”

“Yes,” she nodded.

After ten minutes she was fine. Before she returned to the group, I showed her around the classroom. I let her see all the centers (listening, writing, computer, library, and crafts) that were available to her. She loved the crafts center with the miniature die-cutting machine and die cuts, the Sidekick with the little embossing folders the most.

Today was the day that she was supposed to mainstream back into her old class for math.

“I don’t want to go,” she said. I wanna stay. It’s boring there. I like it here.

Wow, after only two days she likes my class. I was so flattered.

Here’s to more moments like this!

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: http://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 isn’t about me. It’s about my students and their situations. I have to protect their privacy. Even though I know this, I still feel so politically correct. To me, politically correct feels false. I’m just going to have to tell myself that I need to bite my tongue a little. At least until I move on.

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 scrapped the idea of introducing them to the dictionary and made them an ABC picture book. I took two pieces of cardstock, 26 pieces of paper with the words:

___ is for

(There’s a box right here for the picture)

______________________________________________________________________________________

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Of course, we started with the letter “A”. I asked them what the letter was and what sound it made. I then asked them to tell me words that start with the letter “A”. I write those words that they give me on the board and have them draw me a picture of a word they choose. The next step is to look around the class and find words that start with that letter.

In the beginning they gave me words that just had the letter “A” in it. When that happened, I would put my hand to my ear and ask them what was the first sound they heard. By the time we got to the letter “D” they understood.

They were always surprised that a word that they used all the time started with the letter that they were looking for. Looking around the classroom served two purposes: My students cannot sit still for long periods of time so this allows them to have that multiple intelligences thing going on- they’re learning in different ways. Secondly, it lets them move around to their heart’s content (in a structured, controlled way). It’s a win-win situation.
After we are finished with this I am going to reintroduce the dictionary by having them make their own. After that, we are going to start working on word families.

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. Go here for a listing of Lakeshore stores: www.lakeshorelearning.com

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 assignments on time and takes off points for late assignments.

A MEAN teacher does not accept incomplete assignments.

A MEAN teacher requires each student to think carefully and to make her/his own decisions.

A MEAN teacher holds each student responsible for her/his own behavior.

A MEAN teacher makes students keep the classroom, themselves, and their belongings neat and clean.

A MEAN teacher does not allow free time in class until all class-work is done.

A MEAN teacher gives homework regularly, sometimes even on weekends.

A MEAN teacher calls on students who don’t raise their hands to answer questions.

A MEAN teacher requires all students to treat each other with respect.

A MEAN teacher makes life miserable for students by insisting that they always tell the truth.

A MEAN teacher produces students who are respectful, responsible, and successful.

THE WORLD NEEDS MORE MEAN* TEACHERS!

*(MEAN = Making Excellence A Necessity)

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 send them home but when they start off the day like that it only gets worse.

As a result of them being out of the classroom, I was totally on schedule today. Also, the class was quieter than usual, so I got to everything that I had planned. It was kinda’ odd because @ 9:15, when we’re usually finishing up the second activity of the morning, we were all finished with all four activities. Thank goodness I have extra work in the back of the classroom.

Thank God it’s Friday!

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 as good as this one.

Until next time!

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: In teacher training I found out, from a U.T.L.A. union rep, that if I have not had proper training that I cannot break up fights. I informed my administration of this and they said that that was not the truth. They told me the  person who told me this may have mistakenly thought that I was a general education teacher.

“No,” I said, when I was given this information the union rep knew that I was a special ed. teacher.

“No,” said uninformed administrators, that is not the truth. It is your duty as a teacher to break those students up.

Well, some of those children are as big as I am, (I am 5 ft. tall) and I am not trying to get hurt or sued.

“Well,” retorted uninformed administrators, I would think that you, being a parent, would not want your own child to be hurt.

“Well, if the teacher was as small as I am, I would understand,” I said.

At any rate, the meeting went on with the uninformed administrators trying to intimidate me. They also told me not to talk to my union rep, lest this become an adversarial relationship.

Yeah! This situation actually happened! I called my union rep to apprise him of the situation but he was not in. I will call him back on Thursday or Friday.

I can’t believe that in this day and age that people are being bullied by administrators and told not to talk to their union. What are unions for if not to help the helpless or inform the uninformed?

Has anyone out there had the same experience? Let me know if you have.

Well, until next time people. Hasta la bye-bye.

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, but he refuses to do any work and is very disruptive. No matter what I do, it just doesn’t seem to be enough. This is what I have tried: Making a deal with him to give him extra stickers (so they can reach a reward) for every 15 minutes of good behavior; Giving sincere compliments; Being firm; Calling his guardian; Sending him to the office (last resort when I can’t reach his guardian).

On the day after he went home @ 8:35, he came back the next day and told me that he wanted to do it again because he had so much fun because he got to play all day long.

I am at my wits end because I can’t get too much teaching done because I have to stop and calm him down. Tomorrow I am going to talk to the school psychologist about him because I am out of ideas.

I know that this is where God wants me to be and that I was meant to help him but I just don’t know about this kid!

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 is true because another teacher told me that he didn’t think that I would make it through the week. Boy were they surprised that not only did I make it through the first week, I made it through the second, and the third, etc.

Not only did I make it through but I, along with my assistants, have managed to whip my class into shape. My one student, Toolie, who would not stay in class all day for the first 1 1/2 weeks, now sits in his seat and does work. He still disrupts every now and again. The key point is every now and again, not every 10-15 minutes.

My other student, Robin, who used to run into the classroom and throw stuff, now sits down and asks for more work. Not only that, but he’s my classroom helper. I made him the paper monitor. Not only does it make him feel useful, but it also gives him a chance to move around so that he doesn’t have to sit still for long periods of time.The only real problem that I still have is Lito who is very disrespectful and disruptive. He’s not as disruptive as Toolie used to be but he’s still a disruption.

Since there are only two reasons that children act up/out (attention seeking and/or avoidance), it is my belief that he’s doing it for attention because he can do the work but he doesn’t choose to. I am trying to give him as much attention as I can, but realistically, I cannot give him all the attention that he needs. Even though I only have 10 students, I still cannot stop class, and/or let him do what he wants. Ultimately he needs to conform to class standards no matter what his problems are.

I am happy about the current classroom situation. Do you hear what I’m saying? Only one student really gives me problems. This is like a minor miracle. This is all thanks to being firm and consistent. A while ago I wrote a post about leadership and the leader taking the class and/or business in the direction that they want it to go. I know what direction I want my classroom to go in. I want and need a peaceful, organized, and structured environment, so that is what I have been and am working for.

I, with God’s help, have managed to do what a lot of people did not think that I could do. I am so happy that I trusted the Lord; that he would bring me through. I know that everything is not said and done, and that I may very well have to do some heavy review after Christmas break, but I know that if God brought me this far, that he’s going to take me even further.

I have effectively taken lemons and made some very good lemonade. I am looking forward to my wrap-up report at the end of the year.

Until next time!

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 be listed there.

Secondly, if it sounds too good to be true, then it probably is. Doing those simple things should, hopefully, keep you from losing your hard earned money to sleazy scam artists.

Until next time!

Welcome 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 most wonderful holiday of all. It’s a combination of Halloween and Thanksgiving where people give you stuff for free and you can make a pig of yourself and no one will look at you funny. Welcome to December, my favorite month of the year.