Ready for a Normal Week

It felt good, this morning, knowing I don't have any crazy clothes to put on...or make-up...or crazy hair styles to mess with.  As much as I love Spirit Week, it's always nice to get back to a normal routine.

Although, technically, I haven't had a "normal" routine since school started.  But, you know what I mean.

Yesterday was a long day.  

I finished up my writing, and then the whole family got ready to head to my parent's house to see my sister for her birthday.  Despite her being eighteen years old, my mom still provided the regular cake, blow out your candles, kinda thing.  Mom wouldn't have it any other way.  Her youngest daughter may have become an adult yesterday, but she did it the same way she's done it for the past 17 years... blowing out the candles on her birthday cake, surrounded by her family.

                                

It was a nice couple of hours with my parents.  A nice break.  I knew I had piles of work waiting for me at home, but it's always nice to step away once in a while...just to see my parents.  

When it was time to leave, it was a quick run to Walmart on the way home to pick up the week's groceries, and then home.  One good thing about not being home very much during the week is the fact that our grocery bill is a lot smaller than it usually is.  Hubby has given up trying to plan meals for us during the week, so we resorted to picking up quick fix stuff that we can throw in the microwave when we finally make it home each night.  

Being that Wednesday is, once again, the only night that we'll be home at a reasonable time, it totally makes sense not to prepare meals each night and just stick to quick and easy stuff.  It's just one more week of this, and we can hopefully go back to being home a little more often.  One can only hope.

When I did finally make it home, I had a ton of work to wade through.  A mountain of papers to grade, and a mountain of grades to enter in to the grading system.  I never usually have so much grading, because I usually have the kids grade most of their own papers, but with all the changes I've made in the classroom this week - there wasn't really much time for the kids to grade their own papers.  I'm hoping to adjust that this week, so that there isn't so much work for me to do come next weekend.

To make matters worse, I was really stressed out last night.  

Without going in to too much detail, I will say that I found out something yesterday that really upset me.  It has played on my mind ever since, and I hope to get to the bottom of it today.

What I can say is that one thing I will NEVER condone is a child being dishonest with their parents.  Especially when there's absolutely no reason to be.  I tell my students in my class each and every day that my number one rule is honesty.  Just be honest.  Life is much simpler when you just fess up to doing something, or ask permission to do something.  Consequences will be less severe, and the worst you'll hear if you ask for something is No.  To lie or manipulate a situation just so that they can get their way never works out.  It will always backfire.  Maybe not right away, but eventually.  It's just not worth it.  

I've even made a couple of my students write letters to their parents when they have been downright dishonest with them.  I usually find out through my sending a note home, and the parent responding with what the child has told them.  When I speak to the students, they are honest with me about not being truthful with their parents, and I make them write a letter explaining their dishonesty and their reasons for doing it.  

Last year, I received a very nice letter from a parent thanking me for making her child stand up and admit what they had done.  It meant a lot to parents when I met with them at conferences and explained my procedures and protocols when it came to honesty.  Learning to be honest as a child is sometimes a tough nut to crack, but if my students leave my classroom having honesty instilled in to them... I did something right.

This year, I can definitely say that I have a bunch of honest students in my class.  I'm not sure if they came to me that way, but regardless if they did or didn't...they are now.  No matter what the situation, I just have to look a student in the eye and say "Remember my number one rule" and they will fess up to whatever it is they did.  And when they do, I make sure to hold up my end of the bargain by being less severe with their consequences.

A five minute time out at recess is far better than a trip to the principal's office.  Redoing an assignment is far better than a note being sent home to a parent with a zero paper stapled to it.  Being told no is far better than doing what you want and then facing someone that you lied and manipulated to in order to get your way.  

Honesty is just the best way to go.  Period.

I've often had students ask me if I've ever lied.  And I'm honest with them.  Yes... I have.  I've lied to someone because I didn't want to hurt their feelings or because I know that my lie is what they want to hear.  They are about the only reasons I've ever lied to someone...and I don't really do that near as often as I probably should.  Honesty is probably one of my best and worst assets.  People who really know me know that they are going to get the truth when they ask me something.  If they don't want an honest opinion from me, they probably shouldn't ask me.  If I do something wrong, I'll be the first to admit it.  I was raised with the understanding that honesty is the best policy, regardless of the situation.

So, I'm sure it's not hard to figure out that my stress from last night was caused by some lying that's been going on.  Not from me, but possibly about me.  

My way of dealing with such things is to face it head on... which I tried to do.  I tried to find out more information, contact the person involved, let them know that I had heard partial pieces of stuff and wanted to talk about it... but nothing.  I knew the person saw my messages that I had sent, but I didn't get a response.  Which made matters worse.  If I am being accused of doing something wrong, or being a part of something I didn't know I was a part of - I want to discuss it, find out, straighten out any dishonesty or problem that there may be.  But, I got nothing.  

So, today, I have that all weighing on my mind as I try to get another week kicked off.  I hope that whatever it is that's the problem - because I honestly don't know what the problem actually is - will come to light today.  I guess I'll just have to wait and see.

Right now, though, it's time for me to get ready for work.

Have a good Monday!!

It's Beginning to Feel a Lot Like Autumn

I don't care what anyone says, I'm not moving from this spot until I've completely finished writing this blog AND my other blog.  I'm not going to rush.  I'm not going to make it short.  I'm just going to write until I've written everything I have to say.

Because it's the first and last day this week that I have to make this time a priority.  Every other day this week has been filled to the brim with crazy, excitement, and plans meaning I haven't had one single day that I can just sit and write for as long as I want to.  

And it's not even like this day isn't filled to the brim.  Cleaning, grocery shopping, grading, lesson plans.. it's all got to be done, but I'm not going to stress about it.  I need some time to myself without having to worry about how much time it takes.

Yesterday morning, I woke up and stepped outside to drink my coffee only to be met with a blast of cold air.  And when I say cold, I mean you can see your breath when you breath cold.  A quick look at my thermometer told me that it was 48 degrees.  

LOVELY!  And there is no sarcasm intended with that.  I was really happy.  Remember, I LOVE cold weather.

Only problem was, I had made plans to go and watch my 4th grade boys play football.  And it was raining.  And cold.  

Not that being cold and rainy would stop me.  I put on some sweats, grabbed a sweater, and made plans to stop on my way to pick up some ponchos and an umbrella.  Butter decided he wanted to come with me, because he wanted to watch the younger kids play.  Peanut had planned on going, too, but with the weather situation she decided she'd much rather stay home in the warmth of her bed.

We took the drive, and on the way, I stopped to pick up two of the jr. high boys that had come to the homecoming game with me the night before.  They also wanted to watch the younger boys play football.  Both boys enjoy playing football, but didn't play this year for various personal reasons.  They enjoy the game, though, and it also gave them something to do.  Of course, they weren't expecting the rain and the cold.  Neither one of them were really dressed for sitting outside in that kind of weather, so it was a good thing I had a few blankets in my car for such occasions.  

As we walked up to the bleachers, I noticed a few weird glances from people I knew that were probably wondering what on earth I was doing with there with a couple of kids from school.  And yes, it probably did seem weird.  Why was a teacher who taught 4th grade driving around jr. high kids and taking them places on a Saturday afternoon?

The fact that those types of thoughts come in to my head makes me sad.  OK, kids don't usually "hang out" with their teachers.  But, in my mind, if I'm already going somewhere and I have a couple of students that want to tag along - just so they have something to do on a Saturday afternoon - then why wouldn't I take them with me?  The way I look at it, is that there are far worse activities that could be doing to keep themselves occupied.  I'd much rather my child hang out with a teacher on a Saturday afternoon than to be walking around town by themselves or doing who knows what on their own.  

These kids are friends with my oldest daughter, but I also learned a lot about them during summer school.  We built bonds.  They confide in me.  They come to me with concerns and worries.  Almost like a mom away from mom.  When I make the statement that I care for my students like I care for my own children, that's not just a surface statement.  I truly care for each and every one of them as I care for my own children.  And those feelings aren't just confined to my classroom.  And they don't just apply to the kids that come in and out of my classroom every day.  

Doing this type of stuff also helps me get to know some parents.  Last year, I made pretty good friends with a set of parents of a child in my class.  They had a son in my class, and a son in the jr. high that was very close friends with Peanut.  It became nothing for me to pick up their boys to go to games or school activities or for me to take them home after such events.  Both parents are hard working people, and it helped them out just a little to know that a responsible person was able to help out with some of the traveling that kids have to do in order to be involved with extra curricular activities.  

It's the same way this year.  I communicate with the parents, let them know that I'm willing to help out a little if they are OK with it.  The parents that I've spoken to the last couple of days have been appreciative, somewhat relieved that their kids are telling them the truth:  Yes, they really are going to a football game with a teacher.  

I remember being one of those parents, not so long ago, that wanted my children to be able to go out and do stuff on the weekend... but didn't have the means to take them.  I had to work, or didn't have reliable transportation, or had other kids to worry about, or the gas money to drive here there and everywhere.  I would have loved to have someone that would be willing to help me out so that my kids were still able to do some of the activities they wanted to do.  So, if I'm able to do something like that for others now - without them feeling weird about it - then, that's what I'm going to do.

I hadn't really planned on getting off on a tangent like this.  But, I guess it's on my mind.  

We may live in a society that can no longer trust all teachers or schools.  We (parents) may worry each and every day about whether our children are safe in school, or with the adults that are supposed to be caring for our kids rather than corrupting them.  And whose to blame them with constant reports of school shootings and teachers that have acted inappropriately with students.  Those reports make me sick to my stomach and worry as well.

But, I refuse to let those sick people tarnish the names of good teachers.  Those that really do care.  Those that want nothing more than to help kids stay on the straight and narrow, enjoy their childhood in a safe way, and provide some assistance to the parents that are trying their absolute best to do what they can for their kids.  Like me.  I am one of those people that will absolutely do what I can to help, care, and support ALL and ANY children that need it.  It's just who I am.  I've been there.  I've been a struggling parent, and one of the promises I made to myself is that when I finally got to the point where I could give back a little, I would do it.  No questions asked.  So, that's what I'm doing.

OK, rant over.

After the very wet and cold football game, I came home, ate dinner, and watched a movie with the family.  Some normalcy to a Saturday night.  It felt nice...and once that was over, I went to bed and got some much needed rest.

This morning, I woke up to another chilly morning.  I wished this chilly weather was going to be sticking around, but according to the weather reports we'll be back in to the 80s this week.  Blah!!

Today, I have a lot of stuff to get done.  But, it's also my baby sister's birthday.  I can't believe my baby sister is turning 18 years old today.  EIGHTEEN! An adult.  No longer my "kid" sister.  It really blows my mind.

She has turned in to such a beautiful young lady.  Full of spirit and get-go.  I remember not so many years ago that she was such a shy thing.  Never really spoke to anyone.  Would turn beet red at the mere suggestion of a boy's name.  What a different gal she is today.  An amazing basketball player, a social butterfly, and in her last year of high school.  

It just doesn't seem like 18 years have gone by since I was changing her diapers, feeding her, and carrying her around showing her off to my friends.  Now, she towers over me..being almost 6' tall.  It doesn't seem right that she was just five years old when I gave birth to my first child...and as Peanut started walking and talking, they would play dolls and tea parties together.  

Man, time sure does fly by.

OK, even though I said I wasn't going to do this... I really need to think about calling it quits if I plan on getting everything on my To Do list done today AND making it over to see my sister for her birthday.

Have an amazing Sunday!!

We've Got Spirit, Yes We Do!

                                    

What an awesome, wonderful, long, tiring day yesterday was.

There must be something to being pumped with school spirit, because it coursed through my veins and the veins of my students pretty much all day yesterday.

Peanut and I made sure to do our part to be dressed up for the day.  Even though you can't see it in the picture, the back of my hair was all sprayed and bright red.  So was Peanut's bun.  She opted for a red bandana that we bought the night before, and I went with basic red and black ribbons in my hair.  My fingernails are also painted black and red, and the tips of Peanut's are painted black and red.

My day got underway, and students in my class know that regardless of what special activity is going on - Friday is test day.

Almost every Friday, the kids have their spelling test, their grammar test, and their reading test.  It also worked out for them that they'd be taking a science test yesterday afternoon - but those don't usually fall on a Friday, just whenever we're done with a unit of study.  And yesterday was that day.

So, the poor things had four tests to battle through...on top of being all pumped and excited about it being homecoming day.

In eight weeks of school, there has been four reading tests and two science tests.  Not a SINGLE time has the whole class passed either test.  Even though we discuss all the material on the test, and they are able to use their books to take the tests.  It's a frustrating scenario each and every week as I grade.  In fact, it's been a pretty even split of kids that pass versus kids that fail the tests.  

I ALWAYS point out before each and every test that they should look up their answers, even if they think they already know the answer.  But, up until yesterday, that never happened.  Several kids would work through the multiple choice questions randomly picking a letter that looked good to them...and some of the essay type questions wouldn't even really go with what the question asked.  

This week has been a frustrating week all around.  Lots of changes has been taking place in the classroom - like the introduction of station teaching - and it's been hard on the kids and me.  I have a co-teacher for 30 minutes of reading, but when my reading block is 90 minutes long... I have to juggle the stations on my own after she leaves.  And I also have to accommodate the kids that have special needs or have trouble reading questions, etc.

Something happened inside of me yesterday that filled me with positivity.  I gave my kids a big pep talk before the reading test - similar to what a coach might give his team before heading out on to the football field, I suppose.  I told them to do their best.  Give me all they've got.  There were no prizes for being the first one finished... I was looking for kids that could stay the course, and verify and check all of their answers.  Use their time wisely.  Ask for help if they needed it.  And so on.

The kids finished, it was time for lunch, and they all felt really good about how they did.

When the kids went off to specials, I took the opportunity to grade their reading tests.  I started grading, and noticed I wasn't checking off as many wrong answers as I usually did.  I got through a few more, and noticed several kids had only missed one or two...and then there was the first 100% that had ever happened...then another.  I had written several A's, a few B's, a couple of C's....but I hadn't come to a single F from the kids in my class.  On I went with my grading, and when I was finished... I had not given anyone in my class a single F.  WHAT THE WHAT?  

I checked through the stack again.  Lots of A's.  A few B's. A couple of C's.  And two D's.  Out of twenty kids.  I was shocked.  And ecstatic.

I immediately took myself down to Mrs. P's office and told her my exciting news.  Now, I know that some of you are probably thinking "big whoop, all her kids passed a test".  But, this is HUGE.  I have several kids in my class that struggle with reading.  It's extremely difficult for them.  Either because of language barriers, reading several grade levels behind, or special needs.  To have every single kid in my class pass that test was a major victory for us.

I asked Mrs. P if I could reward my class with some extra recess time, and she agreed - and handed me a package of Smarties for each kid to give them from her.  

I think this is a great time to point out that all of my kids have also been rockstars in all of their specials classes this week.  Another BIG WIN for my class, after the problems I was having.  I fixed the issues this week by handing out two homework passes to the two students that the specials teacher believed to be the most behaved or helpful or respectful from the whole class.  It worked, apparently.  

The kids came back from specials, I gave them their Smarties, and told them that once the science test was over, we'd have some extra recess time.  But, then I threw them a curveball.  In order to prevent them from flying through the science test in order to have their extra recess time, I told them the recess time came with a stipulation.  Everyone in the class had to make a C or higher on the test.  The science test is always pretty simple - finding definitions to the vocabulary, answer a couple of multiple choice questions, read some information off of a chart, and answer one essay question.  Again, the students have their books to use.  But, like I said before, not a single time has the entire class passed a science test - let alone all of them make higher than a C.  In fact, I shared with them that on the last science test there was only one A in the entire class, a few B's, and the rest were D's and F's.  Over half the class had failed the last science test.

The students took the test, everyone finished, and we took the time to grade.  As I read each answer, I was met with several cheers...they were getting them right.  The end results?  FOURTEEN A's, FIVE B's, and one C.  They did it!!!

It goes to show what they can do when there's a very coveted reward dangling over their head.  Right?

Our extra recess was a great way to end the day.  They were so happy and proud with themselves.  We ended our very frustrating and long week on an extremely high positive note.  And I couldn't have been any more proud or happy with them.

After school, Hubby came to pick up Jelly.  I spent a little time working in my classroom, and then it was time to get ready to go pick up Peanut and Butter from practice, so we could go to the game.

Do you remember those Jr. High kids that I spoke so much about during summer school?  Well, since school has been back in, there have been a couple of them that I have stayed very close with.  They come and see me in my room pretty much every single day, and we've created a very strong bond.  In fact, one of the boys has now become one of Peanut's best friends.  Which is funny, being that they didn't even talk to each other last year.  

They don't get out to do much, so I volunteered to take a couple of them with me to the homecoming game.  It was quite a sight leaving the school yesterday with four kids that didn't belong to me.  But, it felt really great knowing that I was going to give them a night out...with proper supervision... knowing they'd be safe, and having fun.  

When I got to Butter's practice, he asked if he could go off with a friend until the game started, and Peanut and her other best friend joined the four kids I already had.  That meant I had six giant jr. high kids in my car.  Talk about crowded!  Luckily, we only had to drive a block up the road to our dinner destination.

I opted on buying the bunch two jumbo pizzas, and we all sat together, ate dinner, and had a few laughs while waiting for the game.  You have no idea how much it means to me that these kids - now Peanut's good friends - actually WANT me to be there, apart of their fun.  I could have sat at another table, which was my intent.. but they saved me a spot right in the middle of all of them.  They weren't embarrassed by an "old lady" - a teacher at that - sitting right there with them.  Makes my heart all warm and proud.

Even at the game, I told them all where to meet me when the game was over, fully expecting them to go off with their friends and enjoy the game in their own way.  But, the boys from summer school met up with a few more kids that were in my summer school classes from another school...and they all chose to sit right by me through the entire game.  Even after Peanut decided to go off with her friends. It felt just like summer school all over again.  We watched the game, reminiscing our Frisbee Football games, laughing, and having one of the best times I've had in ages.

We didn't make it home until after 11PM last night, and I was exhausted.  I had to take a shower and wash the red spray paint from my hair, but then I was straight to bed...and passed out before my head touched the pillow.

Today, I'm off to go see some of my 4th grade boys play some football.  I think it's a big deal when a teacher goes out to support her kiddos in their extra curricular activities.  They are my kids, right?

OK... definitely time for me to run, or I'll be late to their game.

Have an amazing Saturday...and thanks if you managed to make it through this very long post.

I Could Have Been a Child of the 70s

                               

Look!!  I didn't forget this time!  I actually made sure I got a photo BEFORE I even left for work, so that way it was done and over with.  I know it's kinda blurry...but Butter did the best he could with taking the photo.  The point is to see my dress...you can see the dress.  So, he did what he needed to do.

I didn't just get a picture of my outfit, I even got a close up of my 70-ish hair and make-up...

                               

Even though I really don't LOVE this photo, I have to say that I think I looked pretty good yesterday.  If the hint of raccoon eyes - from this summer's time out in the sun - wasn't still so apparent, my make-up would have looked a lot better.  It's hard to see in the photo, but I have on some sparkly yellow eyeshadow that really made my eyes pop.

I felt good with the way I was dressed and with my make-up.  Almost like I was dressing up for a night on the town.  Which, by the way, seemed to be the consensus of the the kiddos in my class.  Several of them made the comment that I looked like I was going to a party...and that I looked very "pretty" in my get-up.  I also received a lot of nice compliments from my co-workers about my hair and make-up.

A lot of that has to do with the fact that I normally don't wear make-up.  Apart from a little bit of eyeshadow and mascara each day, I don't wear anything else on my face.  I also don't really fix my hair.  I'm a wash it, brush it, and go kinda gal.  And getting it to look the way it does in the photo wasn't really that hard, and it did look pretty good.  It just required a lot of hairspray and scrunching.

The best part was that all of the make-up actually stayed on all day.  When I glanced at myself in the mirror at 3PM, my lipstick was still on, and nothing had sweated off or started to look like I'd spent several hours partying it up...which is usually what happens when I wear make-up.  I guess Long Lasting Lip Color is a real thing, and not just a gimmick to get you to buy it.  In fact, my lips were still purdy and pink when I got home around 9PM last night. 

After work, I had to attend a second year teacher meeting.  It's almost like a support group for new teachers that's a requirement in Missouri.  For the first two years, new teachers are assigned mentors and attend meetings a few times a year to check in and make sure we're doing what we're supposed to be doing...and getting the help and support we need.  It doesn't even matter if someone's been teaching for 15 years in another state - the minute they start teaching in Missouri, they are a new teacher and are required to go through the mentor program.

I attended that meeting in my 70s garb, and received quite a few questionable looks.  HA!

It's great that the 2nd year teacher program is run by one of my team members.  I feel a lot more comfortable being that she's in charge at our meetings.  She's also the perfect person to run this type of program, because she is the poster model for what a perfect teacher is.  She's kind, caring, compassionate, and truly loves her students.  And, you never hear her utter a negative word about her kids or the experiences she has in her classroom.  

Which just so happened to be our topic of discussion, last night.  Positivity.  Being positive...even if we're not feeling it.   

It was a great time to bring that topic up.  I definitely haven't been feeling very positive, lately, and it's also not been something I've locked up and kept to myself.  I've vented my frustrations.  I've made it known that I wasn't happy with certain situations that were developing in my room.  I was lucky enough to get those frustrations heard by people that could fix it... but it was also good for me to hear how I should really deal with my negativity.  

It was also brought up that good teachers NEVER yell, use sarcasm, or publicly get on to children (in front of others).  Watching and listening to the group deliver this message made me think that maybe it's time to turn in my resignation.  If those are the three things "good" teachers NEVER do, then I'm in trouble.

Thankfully, the person in charge (my dear team member) brought up a few good points about using the word "never".

She decided to use me as an example, which meant she'd seen the look of concern on my face or just wanted to point something out.  She explained to the entire group that in my classroom, I've taught my kids that my sarcasm is my language of love.  Which may sound weird, but it really is.  My sarcasm is never used to berate or degrade anyone.  It's my way of joking around, making kids laugh, and helping them realize their own mistakes.  In fact, in only eight weeks, my kiddos have already grasped that if I'm not being sarcastic - something's wrong...I'm mad about something.

She also pointed out that if she were to start using sarcasm with her own students, they would feel weird...maybe a little degraded...because she never uses sarcasm, so they don't understand it.  It works for some and not others - and to say that good teachers NEVER use it isn't a fair representation.

I also yell.  Not near as often as I did last year, but every once in a while.  Not a fit throwing, scare the pants off everyone kind of yell.  But, enough to get my point across that I'm not happy.  Something, once again, that my kids are almost used to.  Once again, if she started yelling at her kids - there'd be tears and parents visiting... because she NEVER yells at her kids, and they wouldn't know what to do if she did it.  I've learned, this year, that I'm slowly doing away with the yelling and moving more in to putting on a disappointed voice...that's a lot more effective.  And it's also the tactic used by my team member.  My kids aren't used to it AT ALL and it totally throws them off.  But, in a good way.

As far as publicly berating my kids, I don't do that.  I may tell a child that they're being too loud or to stop calling out when I'm talking.. but that's about it.  They get the point without feeling picked on or overly embarrassed.  If it's an issue that's more serious, then they are dealt with in private.

What I took away from my meeting, last night, is that not all teachers are created equal.  And there can't be the same set of rules for each teacher.  Some things work better for some than others...and it's not a sign of "good" or "bad" if it works for one but not someone else.

After the meeting, I went and watched Peanut play a volleyball game.  They, unfortunately, lost again.. but by the skin of their teeth.  The improvements that the team has made this season has been night and day.  They started off so nervous and unsure of themselves, but they've become warriors on that court.  They just need to work a little more on performing under pressure, and I truly believe that when that happens they'll be unstoppable.

Once the game was over, we rushed off to the Homecoming Parade, loaded our school's float, and rode in the parade.  It was so great to see so many people come out to support their local football team.  Tons of people lined Main Street to catch a glimpse of the spirit that's instilled in to our county.  Very humbling.

Today is the big day:  Homecoming.  

Our theme is to dress up to show our school spirit.  Decked out in our school colors...however that may be.  So, red and black hairspray and nail polish may or may not be a part of my showing my school spirit today.  

I'll snap some pictures and try to remember to snap some of the actual homecoming.

Peanut, Butter, and I will be going to the game.  It's the first homecoming we'll be attending together, and I think it will be a great, fun night out for all of us.  Jelly is going to hang out with Hubby while we're gone... it's just a little too much for her to handle.  Too many people, and getting over too late for her to try and deal with it.  So, I arranged for Hubby to pick her up from school.  The poor baby needs to rest, it's been quite the week.

OK, time for me to run.

Have an AMAZING, spirited Friday!!

What a Wacky Wednesday

      

Yes, I know it's not the best picture in the world.  And yes, I know that you can only really see my face. But, unfortunately, it's the best that I've got.  Because someone, once again, forgot to get a picture of myself all dressed up in my Wacky Wednesday attire.

Let me set the tone for you, so you can visualize it in your head.

I had on black and gold striped capris, with a blue t-shirt.  On top of that was a bronze, strapless summer dress.  On my left foot, I wore an ankle length white sock and gray Tom.  On the right foot, I wore a black knee high with a gray swirly pattern and a sparkly pink Tom.

My hair I broke in to six ponytails, sticking out in various directions.  I also wore a blue headband that has a big blue flower on it.  On my left eyelid was bright blue eyeshadow (all the way up to the eyebrow), and on the right eyelid was bright pink eyeshadow (all the way up to the eyebrow).  I also had bright purple blush in the middle of my cheeks, and some bright red lipliner on my lips.

Oh yeah.  When I say I'm gonna go ALL OUT.  I mean, ALL OUT.  Crazy.  Wacky.  Whatever you want to call it, I pulled it off.

The one picture I wished I had gotten, but didn't because I had morning car duty and had totally forgotten by the time I got back in to the school, was Peanut.  She looked AWESOME yesterday.  As awesome as you can look wearing a green tutu, pink fuzzy pajama pants, and her hair matted and sprayed to stick practically straight up.  And rather than wear eyeshadow on her eyelids, she wore the eyeshadow all around her eyes.  She looked like a very stylish zombie.  Which may or may not have resulted in a great idea for Halloween and her costume.

I don't know what it is with me and taking pictures.  Believe it or not, but a few years ago, I was a photographer!!  I took pictures for a side job, and didn't do a half bad job at it.  Now, I let amazing moments like getting all CRAZY dressed up slip through my fingers...and I don't capture them to remember forever.

What a disservice I'm doing to my children.  What am I going to show their future husbands and wife if I don't have any embarrassing kid photos?

Baby pictures are great and all, but I want those teenager, dress all crazy for school, pictures so we can sit down years from now and say "you remember when..?"  I. Must. Do. Better!

Today is Throwback Thursday, and the theme is to dress up like someone from the 50s, 60s, 70s, or 80s.  

It was so funny, yesterday, when one of my kiddos came to me about the theme for today.  She was dressed in a neon pink shirt, had a side pony tail, and pink skinny jeans on.  She was also wearing hightop sneakers that were pink and sparkly.  

I tell you this only because she asked me what people wore in "the olden days like the 80s".  HA!  The look on her face when I said.. "urm, basically what you're wearing right now".  There was a little shock thrown in with some horror.  She was wearing clothes that people wore in the "olden days".  

I then explained to her that fashion tends to repeat every twenty years or so.  So, back in the 80s and early 90s, it was cool to wear neon colored clothes, high top sneakers, and side pony tails.  Now, twenty years later, kids are wearing the same kind of stuff.  I also told her that later in to the 90s, I wore bell bottom jeans and platformed shoes - which is stuff they wore in the 70s - because the twenty year fad had cycled back around.

The look of relief didn't really come to her face like I expected it to.  

Last year, I dressed up for 80s day.  And, I'll openly admit that I have worn the attire I bought for that day several times since then.  Only because I'm cool like that, and totally stay on top of current fads.  If all the kids can get away with wearing 80s style clothes, why can't I?

Because of that, I've decided to go with a different decade today:  The 70s.  

I have a dress that I bought a while ago in a vintage boutique that is completely tye-died.  It's knee length and flared at the bottom, tighter on top.  I figure, paired with my knee high boots, I could pull off a 70s go-go dancer thing.  I'm going to put a scarf in my hair, and try to get my hair to be high (beehive high).  It will take a lot of teasing and hairspray, but I'm up for the challenge.

I have to also remember to take clothes to change in to after school, because Peanut has a volleyball game...and then we're going to the Homecoming parade and bonfire.  Even though I'm participating in a county wide spirit day, I'm not sure I want to stay all 70s like all evening long as well.  I'd much rather go to a game and parade dressed in something a little more comfy - like shorts and a t-shirt.

I also have a meeting after work, but I'm not sure if that is something that would be quite humorous staying dressed up for.  I'd kinda like our superintendent's office staff to see how much school spirit the teachers at our school are capable of.  

Switching gears a little here, I want to mention that yesterday was a MUCH better day at school.  I started to put some of the new ideas Mrs. P and I came up with the night before in to effect yesterday, and my kids did well with the changes.  It will take some practice to really get it down, but I think it may just work.  I will also have to make some changes as each day goes on...but if it helps them learn better, I'll do what I have to do.

Our school district is really pushing station teaching when a co-teacher is in the room.  I have the special education teacher with me for my entire math block, and thirty minutes of my reading block.  During that time, I'm supposed to be using stations in my room.

Now, I'm not opposed to station teaching.  Except I'm also a big proponent for whole group instruction for new material, and stations for reinforcing skills.  I'll openly admit that I don't think it's a great idea to teach in stations EVERY single day.  

I've already implemented stations in to my reading block.  Twice a week.  Monday is my introduction day (for the new skills, new story, new vocabulary, etc.).  Tuesday and Wednesday are station days where the students work in small groups using and practicing the new skills.  They visit two stations a day, each day, for a total of four stations.  There's a reading station, a vocabulary station, a grammar station, and a spelling station.  I teach at the reading station, reinforcing the reading skill of the week.  My co-teacher gets the kids stated on the vocabulary station before she has to leave.  And the kids work independently at the grammar and spelling stations.  On Thursday, we have small reading groups followed by a partnered reading activity and independent grammar activity.  On Friday, we post assess the skills from the week.

My kids have taken to that extremely well.  So well, in fact, that I'm now able to add Writer's Workshop in to the reading block.  I spend 45 minutes on stations/reading groups, and 45 minutes for Writer's Workshop (three days a week).

Math, however, is a little different, because we introduce or add on a new skill every day or so.  Right now, we're in the addition and subtraction unit.  Monday, we estimated and rounded.  Tuesday, we added whole numbers.  Yesterday, we reviewed and practiced...which was great for the first day of stations.  But, I'm not yet sure how it's going to go introducing new stuff each day AND trying to keep stations going.  I'll do it.  It'll just be a little harder to do than it is in reading, because the reading is the same skills all week long.

Yesterday, I set up four stations, but two stations were identical to the other two.  I had a group.  My co-teacher had a group.  The other two groups played a game with dice and cards to add and round numbers.  Trying to teach a skill and practice that skill in 20 minutes was just about impossible.  So, I've already nixed that idea.  

Today, I will be teaching whole group for the first 10-15 minutes.  Then, we'll break up in to the same stations.. but instead of trying to teach the skill, I'll just have to reinforce the skill with the practice problems.  That should mean less talking from me and my co-teacher, and more helping the students work through the problems and assisting them where they need it.  A lot easier to do when working with 5 kids than trying to do it for 20 at the same time.

OK, I think I've gone on enough for one day.  I should probably think about jumping in to my time machine and heading back to the 70s to get ready.

I WILL GET PICTURES.  I WILL GET PICTURES.  I WILL GET PICTURES.

Maybe I won't forget if I keep telling myself.

Have an awesome Thursday!!

This Tourist is Ready for a Vacation!!

Yesterday was Day 2 of Homecoming Spirit Week, and the theme was Tourist Tuesday.

And guess what I didn't do?  

Yep.  Get a picture of myself.  Totally forgot until I was driving home last night.

Don't be too disappointed.  My dress-up consisted of jean capris, a t-shirt, a hat, sunglasses, and flip flops.  That's it.  Nothing that special at all, really.

Because when I think about going on vacation, that's basically all I wear.  

Ah, vacation.  Wouldn't that be nice?  And yesterday was a day I could have really used one.  

I spent most of my day, yesterday, wearing my heart on my sleeve...and almost breaking in to tears more times than I care to mention.  Which is totally NOT me.  I'm not a very emotional person, so when I'm on the verge of tears...there has to be something major causing it.

The major was lack of sleep, served with a pairing of monthly hormones, with a side of stress.

Fun.  Not.

I've been going pretty much non-stop these past few weeks, with very little down time.  This past weekend was a major strain on my relax time being that Saturday I was up and out by 6:30AM, and then the past two days I haven't been home before 9PM.  

Couple that with those pesky monthly hormones that are visiting me right now.

And then throw in the fact that I'm super stressed with some demands that have been put on me this year in my classroom, that I'm trying everything in my power to stay on top of...but feel like I'm failing.  Miserably.

It all got to be so much that I finally broke down.  Got to that place where I'd just had enough... and when that happens, my mouth starts a flappin' and I'm going to pop off stuff I don't mean or throw my frustrations in the wrong direction.

Thankfully, though, I work with a bunch of people that have come to know me well enough to realize that when my mouth starts going, and tears start springing to my eyes... it's time for an intervention.  Cause I don't just do that kinda stuff willy nilly.  It has to be pretty major or pretty pent up for it to get to that level.

And I wasn't shocked when I saw the email in my inbox yesterday afternoon from Mrs. P asking for me to go and see her.

I don't know why, but anytime I receive an email like that from my principal, I get that "oh no, I'm in trouble" feeling.  Which is very stupid...because I've never received an email like that and actually been in trouble.  If anything, I should be to the point of understanding that when I do receive an email of that nature that it's just a "time for an intervention" email, or "I just have a quick question for you" email.  Because that's what they usually are.

Yesterday's email was of the intervention kind.

After school, I went to see Mrs. P.  And it took a lot to hold back the tears that I'd wanted to let out all day...and actually did let out a couple of times away from co-workers.  And she did what she always does - made me feel better.  

I walked in ready to rip my hair out.  I left thinking "I can do this, I've got this.  I'm a person that loves a challenge...and I am ready to stand up to it".  It always helps when Mrs. P throws in a few compliments and words of encouragement.

In a way, she's my coach.  Waiting on the sidelines, watching me make my plays.  She's ready to correct me when I need correcting, provide ideas when I need ideas, and just give me a friendly pat on the backside when I just need to hear some kudos.  And regardless which one she's doing, she never fails at reminding me that I'm a strong player on the team.  A player that's needed, plays a hard game, and NEVER quits.

All day, yesterday, I made an agreement with myself that once school was out I would lock my classroom door and just let it all out.  Cry.  Sob.  Release the pent up frustration.  

But, after leaving her office, I didn't have to do that.  Instead, it was back to my class and to my mentor teacher (my other coach) for play strategies and a game plan.

Wow, can you tell I've got football on the brain this week?  HA!

Today, I feel much better...and I'm ready to put some new ideas in to effect.  I'm ready to start taking a different look at the challenges I've been dealing with and face them head on.  No more crying.  No more getting all stressed out.  I was reminded yesterday that I was the one to ask for these challenges in the first place...and sometimes you just have to be careful what you wish for.

But, they're right.  I kinda sorta did ask for these challenges, so it's only right that I stand up and do what I totally intend on doing.  I truly believe I can work miracles and change the lives of 25 kids.  Nobody gets left behind.  Nobody gets to slip through the cracks.  Nobody gets to slack off in my room and feed me excuses that they "can't".  "Can't" is a word I've banned in my room... so I darned well better apply that to myself!

It's fitting that with my newfound confidence comes Wacky Wednesday.  Dress up as Wacky as possible.

I'm less than 5 minutes away from starting that process...and I have no idea what that process is going to end up like.  But, I PROMISE to get pictures today.  I'm sure they're going to be awesome.  HA!

Alright, time to go...

Have an AWESOME Wednesday...and may it be just a little Wacky, or a lot Wacky if you're lucky enough to work where I do.  

Bringing Some Magic to School...Disney Magic, That Is

                               

All Hail The Red Queen!!! 

What do you think?  Pretty awesome little costume, right? 

The things I do for spirit days is beyond me.  But, you gotta admit, I look pretty awesome.

I know the picture is a little blurry... how about a close up?

                     

Why yes, that is lipstick drawn in to the shape of a heart on my lips.  

Yesterday was the first day of Homecoming Spirit Week for our district.  And things got underway with Magical Monday - The Magic of Disney.  We were challenged to dress up as our favorite Disney characters.

Anyone that knows me in real life will know that I don't exactly put off any form of "Disney Princess" vibes.  There's not really a Princess like bone in my body.  It has nothing to do with looks, it has everything to do with personality.  There's just no way I could be lady-like enough to dress up like a Princess.

But, if there was a Disney character that showed off my true personality...then you know it would be The Queen of Hearts.

For one day, yelling "OFF with their Heads!" was something I could say out loud, and actually get away with.  HA!! Just kidding.  Or am I?

This little number came to me while Peanut and I were driving home from her volleyball tournament on Saturday.  We were brainstorming ideas, and both Peanut and I knew I needed some kind of villain costume.  It's always fun to get my kiddos nice and comfortable...thinking I'm not a mean teacher at all...and then BLAM!! Throw 'em off by dressing up as an evil queen.

I bounced around the various evil characters from all of the princess movies...but I didn't feel like dressing up as any of those.  And then, it hit me.  The Queen of Hearts.  Such an easy costume to put together...even if it doesn't really look like the Queen from the Disney movie.  People would get my intent, at least.  

I went to Walmart on Sunday and picked up a white apron, some red card stock, a red foam crown, and a pack of cheap playing cards.  

With the card stock, I cut out one big heart, three medium hearts, and two small hearts.  I then pinned the big heart to the top of the apron, the medium hearts down the front, and stapled the small hearts to a pair of black canvas shoes.  

I paired my creations with a black summer dress underneath, with a red t-shirt underneath that.  The red robe I already owned, and it actually belongs to a very nice nightgown set I own but never wear.  I created the necklace by threading red ribbon through two holes in each Heart playing card, except for the Queen.  I saved that to staple to the front of the crown.  I finished up with some red lipstick in the shape of a heart on my lips.  And voila!  Queen of Hearts.  

Martha Stewart or the Family Circle magazine will undoubtably be calling me anytime to ask permission to share my awesome ideas.

I honestly thought that a day like Magical Monday would be quite the challenge for both staff and students.  It's harder than you think putting together a Disney like costume.  Thankfully, Halloween is right around the corner, so people were able to pick up stuff they needed a lot easier...and we actually had a great turnout of Disney characters at school yesterday.

Here's a group shot of almost everyone that dressed up...

    

We had Princesses, fairies, Mickie and Minnie Mouse, Pooh Bear, Snow White and Dwarfs, A Pirate of the Caribbean, a dalmatian, Boo from Monsters Inc., Pinocchio, and the Fairy Godmother.  

Milificant, the evil queen from Sleeping Beauty was also present..but didn't make it for the picture.  Thankfully, we got a shot together before school started...

                                

Also in attendance, but not photoed, was the hunter that killed Bambi's mom.  Morbid, yes... but freakin' hilarious!  Nobody said anything about characters that weren't actually shown in the movies.  That costume should definitely receive an A+ for comedic value and creativity.  And the costume suited the person perfectly.  HA!

Such a fun day!!

And, I actually won a free jeans pass along with three other teachers for the Best Disney Costumes.  Awesome, right?

I forgot to mention that my day also got to start out with me doing car duty yesterday morning.  You can just imagine the looks and laughs I got from kids and parents as they dropped their kids off at school.  I had one mother tell me she was mad at herself for leaving her cell phone at home, because she would have really liked to have gotten a photo of me with her child.  That would have really put the whole  "I could work at Disney World" mood in to affect.

I managed to keep the whole garb on up until 1:30PM.  By then, I was hot and ready to just call it a day.  I knew I didn't have any more traveling around the hallways to do after that point, so I could just get down to the dress I was wearing underneath and cool off.

Today, it's Tourist Tuesday.  

We get to dress up as tourists from our favorite vacation destination.

And honestly?  This one is harder than Disney Day.  Simply because it's hard to really go all out and crazy...which is my style.

When I go anywhere on vacation, I have a very simple attire.  Capris or shorts, a t-shirt, a hat, and sunglasses.  That's it.  My ideal vacation spot is the beach or the lake.  There's no way I'm sporting a bathing suit to work, so the clothes I would wear to go fishing or shopping are my only choices.    

But, having a simple dress up day won't be too bad, I suppose.  It just means I can save up the crazy for the other spirit days.

Wednesday is Wacky Wednesday.  Dress as wacky as possible.  There we go.  That's what I'm talking about.  

Thursday is Throw Back Thursday.  Dress from a past decade.  I'm thinking there's some 70's attire in my future.

Friday is Spirit Day.  Dress as spirited as possible for our football team.  I may or may not have purchased some red and black hair color (our school colors).  

Each day this week, I'll share pictures and the shenanigans from my day.  It's going to be a blast, I know it.  

Thursday night, Peanut has a volleyball game and then we'll be attending the Homecoming Bonfire.  It will be my first EVER bonfire.  Even though it's a school night, I plan on having a good time with the kids.  And then on Friday night, Peanut, Butter and I are going to go to the Homecoming game.  It should be a blast.

Alright...now it's time for me to go get my Tourist garb together.

Have a great day!