Thank You, Ms. H

Ms. H of Molding Young Minds created the banner/logo for my blog as a gift.   I was really surprised and absolutely stoked.  When I asked her about creating it, she acted like it was nothing and it was very EASY. . .mmmphhh, if it were easy. . .  not everybody has her gift, her tech savvy gift!!!  She will never admit to the work that went it to it-and I know it took some time!

Kudos, Bravo and You Rock, Ms. H.  Thanks for giving my blog that “sophisticated” look by creating this spiffy new header!

I love the new look of my blog.  It looks. . . . “professional.”  Ms. H inspired this streamlined and uncluttered look!!! Oh, sooo excited!!!   Ya’ll give a shout out to Ms. H when you get a chance!  *sigh*  I just love it.

Bloggin’ Personal

So, I started a new blog to talk about my personal thoughts/issues/weight. But it wasn’t really working for me, especially since it was in wordpress and it required logging in & out.  I wanted this blog (confessions from the couch) to deal with solely school stuff . . .but it’s still not working for me!  Let’s just say this I don’t know who I am in the blogging world.  And I can’t separate my identities–so I’m back to square one.  But as I think about it, the title of this blog is Confessions from the Couch. . .so maybe, just maybe, I can say what I want, when I want . . . mmmmhhhh, a novel thought.   Here is how I’m thinking of handling it:

• Password protect those entries separately
• Set up a separate page for those entries on this blog
• Continue with the other blog and log in/log out

*sigh* What to do ?

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Here is a social studies link for quickie lesson ideas that I found this morning while browsing the web:

Quickie Social Studies Lessons

Definitely some ideas I will use

Videos . . . and reflections

I have reached an ALL TIME frustration with the net and videos.   Okay, so I made this video that my students watched in class.  I came home and spent another hour editing it to shorten it for my classroom website.  The problems is I can’t figure out how to embed videos on my website AND I can’t use YouTube, Vimeo or Google Videos–anything normal.  It’s ALL blocked by the school district.  *sigh*  So I need help techies!!!!  I need to put this video on my class blog, a wordpress blog.  Please recommend a host OR a plugin that will solve my problems.

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So here is the list of favorite topics mentioned by my students on there year end reflections:

• Holocaust-”b/c we watched a movie & read some interesting things.” “Informative & Sensitive topic” “ST was so innovative & interesting. . .” “b/c I learned about things that we never discussed before. . .now, I know the whole story.” “. . . the first time I actually enjoyed history.” “exciting & taught well.” “it kept me entertained & I didn’t go to sleep.” (I emailed these to ST offering to copy them for him for his records . . .his sentiments were the same about the students)
• Ancient Greece
• WWI & WWII
• Civil Rights-”b/c I learned a lot about Black History.”
• Black History-”these things that relate a lot to me.” “b/c we didn’t have to bring our books.” “the movies helped us learn more” “I enjoyed everyone’s presentations.”
• Ancient Egyptians
• Africa-”new insight on slavery”
• Rwanda-”I like things that are real & not so peachy, that show real life & the ugly parts of it.” “I like how we got into some in depth discussions about it. We really understood how bad it was, like you don’t have to sugar coat anything.”
• World Religions-”b/c interesting topics I didn’t know a lot about.” “enjoyed learning about different cultures.” “Miss Teacha did a really great job teaching Islam.”
• Middle Ages-”it was very graphic and intense.”

My reflection:

Only 1 paper mentioned the Renaissance.  No one mention the Ancient Romans or Early Civilizations. . . .I know I taught them.  Apparently, these subjects were boring and possibly made no lasting impact on my students.   I must work to find ways to brighten/liven these lessons.

The things that elicited the most comments were the Holocaust & Black History.  I know that my Black History unit was very good, but that was my area of expertise!  When it was over, students asked for more.  I wish I knew of way to integrate it year-round and accomplish the essentials of my curriculum. *sigh*  They’ve just got to take me again for AAH.

This year, as well as in years past, I’ve been especially weak in presenting Asian History. Maybe, teaching AP World will solve this.  It’s not something I can just gloss over anymore. . .So, this summer I’ll be studying, studying & studying.

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I’ve made travel arrangements to complete my AP Institute at Rice University in Houston.  I know that I’ll spend most of my days in sessions.  However, are the any MUST do’s for my stay there?  I know the sessions will exhaust me, but I’ve never been to Houston before . . . .July 5-10 .

The internet is my friend . . .

I love the internet.  Just a few moments ago, after waking up from a nap, I was unable to find my phone.  Like most folks, there is no need for a home phone anymore.  I don’t get enough calls to warrant it.  I post a message to my twitter, which goes straight to my Facebook and blog, here and BAM in moments. . . I get a couple calls.  I love it.  I love technology.  I love how I can communicate with my friends so quickly–even about silly things.  THANKS MARGARET & MISS CF, the best friends anyone could have-always lookin’ out!!!

Over the past few weeks, I’ve been thinking . .. do I live too much of my life online?  I have this unlimited plan on my phone, but I rarely accrue over 800 minutes a month.  I don’t socialize with my friends anymore–you know, the chit chat version.  They can get it all from my facebook, texts,  or chat with me on yahoo, google talk, skype, aim. . . . the list just goes on and on.  I feel as though I’m not nurturing my friendships . . . which explains the lonliness I feel from time to time.  I work a job  thats extremely isolating and then I come home and communicate with all of my friends through  a computer screen.

I made it a point to get out this weekend and go to parties and have brunch with a friend.  It made all the difference in my disposition.  My friends deserve more.  Or is this (internet communication) just becoming the norm?

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Here are student reflections on the best activities of the school year:

• Debate-”it was a chance to see what others felt”
• Group Activities-”having others helps to reassure you”   “we got to work and meet our classmates. So we got good grades and made friends.” “provided us with hands on activities”
• Survival Simulation
• Station Rotation-”simple, but we learned a lot.”
• Making songs & poems-”b/c we got to do our own style of music”
• Games: Jeopardy, football aka EduBall, Flyswat, Who Wants To Be A Millionaire, Bingo -”they were fun and different, we got to be loud”  “Fun & easy. Good for competitive students.”
• Being in Ms. Teacha’s presence (suck up!)
• Freedom Writers journal-”b/c it allowed me to express my creative side”
• Watching Movies-”b/c they were fun & easy to do”
• In Plain English videos
• Warfare activity (a dramatization of WWI technology done with ST that I designed, he canceled it half way through the day b/c he didn’t like how it went. I will do this one myself in the coming year. It was a really good performance based lesson)
• Black History Month Project-”learned more about what AAs have done & that it still impacts my life today”
• Graffiti-”b/c we got to get up and move around” “we got to see others opinions.”
• Discussions on holocaust (w/ST)
• Activities on the Holocaust (done with ST)
• “When we did the work with Mr. ST. He didn’t give us busywork all the time and I actually learned a lot” (yep, that became apparent when it was time for exams & to do review exercises)

My thoughts:   I really was able to get my students actively involved in the learning process this year.  I diversified well.  I just wish I’d taught ST to do it better. . . but he didn’t like it.  I’ve been thinking that maybe I was too hard on him about diversifying instruction & maybe I did not model it well.    But next time, I KNOW what to do differently.  I’d like to do it again, just to prove that I could successfully mentor someone–maybe not!

Things I think need to do more of next year:  group learning and dramatizations.

“I had enjoyed some activities, but the other students need to be quiet.”  This was said by a student in my 7th period.  This class was EXTREMELY limited by their behavior.  It was frustrating to the studnets who wanted to learn.  The way that has been fixed:  SUMMER BREAK and I never have to see those children again.

How I created my podcast

I responded with a podcast, but if you don’t want listen, I’ve included links that helped me

How did I do my podcast?

Inspiration: Leading from the Heart  byTracy and phone call from Miss CF’s school.

How did I learn?   YouTube videos on podcasting.

What tools did I use: Audacity and  Blubrry Plugin for Wordpress

Tutorial for Audacity:  Lisa Hartwell

Ok, so now I’m a fan. . .

I love my new IPOD. I was originally opposed to it. I honestly didn’t see the value. . . but um, I’m in love! LOVE,’”"” I tell you! And now that I’ve figured out how to work I tunes, ooooohhh, I’m so in LOVE. I’m not much of a music lover and I after going to a party tonight where there was Karaoke, I realized how out of touch I am musically. But I went to the library and got some books on tape. (I promise I’ll be deleting after I listen to them and I won’t be sharing—so don’t turn me in to the po-po) And it made me love my IPOD even more! Do you know I’ll be able to pack away my laptop when I travel in a few weeks? Just this itty-bitty little thing and I’m entertained for over 60 hours.

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The first batch of songs were awesome. The kids really got into them. They aren’t fancy, but shows they understood the objectives. When I met Miss CF for lunch yesterday, I show them to her. She suggested I talk to Principal, get media releases and post them to the school website because they were so cute or at least to my school blog. If I get permission, I’ll post the link here for people to view.

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My mother told me today that people from the South are storytellers. She said, “you are definitely a storyteller.”

“How so? ” I asked

“Because every time you tell me about something, you tell me the long version. When all I really want to know is the point.” So here is a story that I loved telling this weekend.

On Friday, I passed out progress reports. Yeah, they got midterm reports—but you know things change. The point was to let students know where they stood and to spend the weekend making up their work. So, this student, lets call him “Cutter” had not been my class in a few weeks. I give his progress report.

Cutter: Miss A, this progress report is wrong.

Me: What do you mean? You haven’t been here, so I have no work to report. That’s your grade.

Cutter: The grade is wrong, you can’t give me less than a 59.

Me, smiling: Where did you get that information?

Cutter, with “swag”: I know everything that goes on around this school. And I know you teachers can’t give us less than a 59. I probably knew it before you did. So this grade is wrong.

Me: We’ll this is your grade before the 59 that you’ll see on your report. This is grade your  earned.

Cutter: I want my 59.

I crack up laughing. He knows what grade he should get. It doesn’t matter the grade he earned. He doesn’t want to see that at all. Because the reality is he gets a 59. And he wants his 59 and he will get it.

When I told this story to my mother, she thought it was funny. I laughed all day thinking about it. He probably did know it before I did. This kid is so bright and I love how his mind works.

In the words of Mrs. D:

“Squirrels

Gotta love ‘em”

Need Help

My blog won’t work in Internet Explorer.  People who read it there can’t scroll down past the first entry.  I’ve tried and it won’t do it for me either.  This is a wordpress blog and I have no idea what could be wrong.  I’ve done an internet search but it won’t work.  Please help if you are a techie.

Misunderstanding. . .another rant . . .

The furious typing continues . .. . So in my previous posts, Joel commented about me and Margaret misunderstanding.  I wanted everyone to know, I am not misunderstanding a thing!

Nancy said:

“I feel like screaming—there are a lot of people who teach that don’t like kids. Finished harping, N.”

She has a lot of nerve and it makes me angry.  You know, she has read my site in the past and for her to say something like that makes me VERY angry.  You know I’ve always valued her comments, suggestions and criticisms, but honestly I just think differently now.  Actually, I’m down right bloggin mad! 

And Margaret understood what I understood.  I don’t teach a  bunch of “elite” angels.   Again, I love the kids I teach. What I don’t likE:   the politics that exist within my school district.  It is the politics that affect the educating of my children.

And these are my children b/c I grew up just like them. Yes, I grew up at an inner city school AND poor.  Not in some middle class surburban town.  That;s one of the reason I want to teach these kids.    It is because of teachers like Mrs. Hess and  Mrs. Hollenbeck and Mrs. ChoirTeacher that I am the person that I am today.  My goal has always been to do what they did for me.  They gave me a future, an education.

Yes, I get angry and fustrated with my students.  Why?  They don’t study.  They don’t realize the value of what I try to give them everday.   But thats because of their parents–in my personal opinion.  But this doesn’t mean I don’t like them.  This means I actually care about them!

Yes, I vent here.  No one should take it as anything more than that.  And Nancy, Joel and anybody else who reads and writes blogs, if you don’t vent occasionally about what is bothering you, you’re not normal!  Okay, this is the last time I dedicate an entire post to something someone blogged about what I’ve said on my blog.

Not so funny story

So, all summer long I’ve wanted a new computer. It has been two years since I’ve gotten a new computer. In computer time thats like decades, right? Early into the summer, after visiting the MAC store, I decided that maybe it was time to make the the transition to a Mac. I had done my internet research and everyone I know that has one ABSOLUTELY loves theirs. What really fascinated me was that I could separate the drive and run windows if I need to.

I decided that it would be best to buy my Mac closer to school starting because we have a tax free holiday and I would not have to pay tax on it. This afternoon, I was driving around, bored. I decided that maybe it was time to by my Mac. I rationalized that if I bought it the weekend before school that I wouldn’t have time to REALLY play with my machine! I made the call to transfer the funds from my savings and got excited.

I drive into the lot–my mouth was watering with excitement. I thought, “mmmhh, is that line coming out of the Mac store? The store has never been that busy before.” I drive around looking for a parking space. I get out and tentatively get in line. I start talking to the guy in front of me. ALL OF THE PEOPLE WERE STANDING IN LINE FOR AN IPHONE. An IPHONE . . . that thing is more than $200. Everyone is standing in line for a phone. I really don’t understand the hype. So, now I have a dilemma. Do I stand in line (in 90 degree weather) and get the computer of my dreams? Or do come back tomorrow?

Well, needless to say, I chose the later. But, maybe it was a blessing in disguise. Maybe, I’m supposed to wait for the tax free weekend to save money. I am a teacher and we are in a recession? Or maybe, I should just get another Sony. I dooooo LOVE my Sony. It’s been good to me.

Decisions, decisions? Ah, what to do?

Protected: Coming Clean

Is email really the best way to communicate?

This weekend I got two emails from students in my class.  Both will give you a laugh, but they both are creepy.

Okay, this one is really mad at me; I wrote her up for constant tardies to my class.  She’s had over 10 this semester.  It was time to fix the problem.

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In other news,  Repairman, I am seriously considering moving up North now.  My mom lives in Washington state and has encouraged me to join her.  I just might do it.  I looked into salaries and costs of living and it is looking like a possibility. 

I am getting observed this week and I am not ready.  I spent most of today preparing lessons and trying to get myself together.  No such luck–I’m still not ready.  I wish I could do my job the way I normally do; instead of having to plan elaborately and go through pre-observation conferences, pre observation reflections;  post observation reflections and consultations.  It is too much to prepare and then they try to say they want you to do everything normally.

Also, I wanted someone to celebrate with me.  I finally set up my home network today and it works.  I can print from the living room to the home office.  It took weeks of playing with it, but I’ve got printer action. . . break out the champagne bottles.  Life is sweet! 

Intervention Strategies

Today’s blog post will be using as my reflection/brainstorm in response to a new district mandate and requirement for all teachers. So if it gets confusing, this may be the day you want to skip reading . . . .

Background:

• The district has passed a new rule/mandate that high school teachers must complete reports or Intervention Plan for each student making below 72% in your class at anytime. These reports will detail the skills not master by the students, the teachers interventions and all parent conferences regarding such interventions.

Rationale:

• Early intervention will increase retention rates.
• Lower failure rates
• Students will actually be given additional opportunities to master concepts, hopefully this will increase the students score
• The district shows it concern for the learning of it’s students

My feelings/perceptions:

• Do my opinions really matter regarding this because I’m going to have to do it anyway?
• Another piece of paperwork that has to be completed.
• Basically, the district is telling us that we can’t fail students. Many teachers left the meeting with the attitude of I can’t fail students anymore. They have additional paperwork with no additional help in getting in completed. They have simply resolved that they will give no a kid a grade below 73.
• I left the meeting feeling like what am I doing wrong that I have a 30% failure rate. The students simply will not do my work. . . very few things are returned when I have asked them to complete it at home. Some students sit and stare in class. I can walk around and stay on them asking them to complete it, but they rarely do.
• Depressed b/c this means I will now have less “me” time b/c I have more paperwork to complete. I’m already feeling stressed to the max and I don’t know how I can manage another thing on my plate.
• I spoke with the Curriculum/Instruction AP and she reminded me that these kids are not like when we grew up. She says that we often teach like we were taught. I’ve got to start thinking outside the box while teaching. In this meeting, she agreed to send me to a conference being hosted by Marcia Tate, author of Worksheet Don’t Grow Dendrites.

My **Tentative** Intervention Strategies to Promote Student Achievement

1. I will offer after school tutoring for 30 minutes. History is such a difficult course to design a tutoring session for. . . should I prepare mini-lessons?

• A tutoring session will allow a student to complete any makeup work; have additional time to complete classwork assignments, students can retake tests if need and have individualized instruction from me if they need it.
• Each tutoring session will be worth 25 points.
• I have not figured out what a student can do if they don’t have any of the above to complete. I don’t know what additional practice I can offer at these after school teaching assignments.

2. I will offer, Lord help me with this one because you know how I feel about it.. . .. Extra Credit.

• They will be structured assignments. At the beginning of each 6 weeks, I will find at least 10 upcoming documentaries on historical events. Students will watch the documentary on their own time. Students will be required to take notes during each film. They must turn in the notes within 24 hours of the film airing. They must write 10 sentences of their reflections / opinions of said documentary. Notes and reflection must be handwritten.
• From time to time I will offer a trivia question during the bellwork time in class for 10 points

3. I will change the homework policy: Homework is now optional. It will be termed additional work & practice opportunitiesRationale: Students are not completing the homework assignments that were given anyway. It is meant to be additional practice.

• Instead of demanding that students complete the homework and making it apart of their grade, I will now offer extra credit points for each homework assignment completed.
• They may turn in homework up to 1 week past its assigned date.
• The only mandatory homework assignments are: Projects, current event assignments or work not completed in class.
• I will go back and change all first term homework assignments to extra credit to change the number of failing students.

4. I will allow students to retake any quiz or exam they have failed for a better grade.

• This retake of the exam will be open book.
• They will not retake the original version of the exam/test/quiz. Instead, they must retake the textbook version of the exam.
• They must complete the exam during the tutoring session, it may NOT be taken home to complete.
• Students may complete the online quizzes and activities offered by the textbook and submit them via email to me—for the unit we are covering.

5. Because the first term is drawing to a close, I will allow students who have failed to come back and make up any assignment that they are missing from this first term ONLY.

• The maximum grade these assignments can receive are a 70.
• This process will start after they have received their first report card grade.

In the midst of all of this I am NOT changing my late/makeup work policy. You have 5 days to get the assignment turned in. Students will not have until the end of the term to complete late and makeup work.

I really don’t like my intervention plan/opportunities. I feel like I am giving tooo much extra credit. I don’t understand how plans like this prepare students for life. However, this plan reveals that I have gone over and beyond for my students.

Now, I guess tomorrow, I’ll try to come up with activities and strategies that will engage the students.

Blogging Tips Meme

It’s very simple. When this is passed on to you, copy the whole thing, skim the list and put a * star beside those that you like. (Check out especially the * starred ones.)Add the next number (1. 2. 3. 4. 5., etc.) and write your own blogging tip for other bloggers. Try to make your tip general.After that, tag 10 other people. Link love some friends! Just think- if 10 people start this, the 10 people pass it onto another 10 people, you have 100 links already!

1. Look, read, and learn. http://www.neonscent.com/

2. Be, EXCELLENT to each other.  http://www.bushmackel.com/

3. Don’t let money change ya! http://www.therandomforest.info/

4. Always reply to your comments. * http://chattiekat.com/

5. Link liberally — it keeps you and your friends afloat in the Sea of Technorati.  http://chipsquips.com/ 

6. Don’t give up – persistence is fertile.  http://www.velcro-city.co.uk/

7. Give link credit where credit is due. http://www.sfsignal.com/

8. Pictures say a thousand words and can usually add to any post. *http://scifichick.com/ 

9. Visit all the bloggers that leave comments for you – it’s nice to know who is reading! * http://stephaniesbooks.blogspot.com/

10. When commenting on others’ blogs, a few kind words go a long way. * http://shelflifeblog.blogspot.com/

11. Don’t limit yourself to reading only where you think your interests are; blogging can add infinitely to one’s knowledge base. *http://dolcebellezza.blogspot.com/

12.  Don’t write a book and consider writing text that equals 2 minutes of reading .  Some of us have short attention spans and can’t handle reading a 10 page paper in a web browser.  Pictures sometimes say it better than words. ( I know someone else aready said it, but it was a good hint)  http://www.missteacha.com (I have no idea who’s been tagged at this point; if you feel inclined, please add to it.)

Online Collaboration: Photos

I need computer/internet help. I am uploading pictures from camp for parents using slide.com. Some parents say they are not able to use slide.com b/c their computer is too old or they are on dial up. I would like to know a place where I can upload the photos where they they can just browse through them without some kind of client interfering. They need to just be able to scroll and to look throught the pictures. What do ya’ll suggest?

Screaming will not do any good

 I had planned to sleep in this morning . .. until 930.  Yes, 9:30 is sleeping in.   But, I had a parent call me and wake me up.  Urrrggghhh.   How would they feel if this happened to them?  First she called my cellphone, she didn’t leave a msg there.  Then she turned right around and called my house phone.  In the phone msg she said that she’d send an email to further explain what she was talking about.  If she was planning on sending an email, why call?  Like I do not know that I need to check my email?   These people can not follow instructions.  Was the call urgent?  No, she was just calling about a uniform that was too small.

So at the next mass practice, I will be setting things straight.  Now, I must get an attitude about people calling or swap cellphone cards to get some privacy.  I will remind them again I don’t get paid for summer work and ruining my summer sleep is NOT a good idea.

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Another thing that is frustrating me is that I’m getting a lot of spam comments on wordpress.  I have no idea how to prevent getting them in the first place.  I need suggestions.  Otherwise, everyone who comments will have to get a wordpress account.

In my opinion this is not the best way to start off a hump day. “Nerve” pill?