....http://www.examiner.com/gifted-education-in-fort-worth/looking-out-for-our-gifted-and-talented-students
We'll see how this goes.
Saturday, January 29, 2011
Saturday, January 22, 2011
A New Venture
I recently had the opportunity to start writing for an online source about gifted education. I decided to take it. I'll post about it at some point, I'm sure. Right now I'm just figuring things out, but I posted my first article today entitled, "Looking Out for our Gifted Students." We'll see how it goes...
Wish me luck!
Wish me luck!
Sunday, January 09, 2011
Blogging Meets Classroom
Awhile back I took part with in some photography challenges with some of my blogging friends I met online. Carmi, Anna and Mike (all amazing photographers!) would submit these amazing photos, and I learned so much from their perspectives. The challenges each week were things like Project Blue, Project Black and White, and Project Look Through. The way that these photographers interpreted these challenges was just fun and brought out so much creativity in the rest of us. We learned a lot through them.
So I decided to take what I learned from them and bring it to the classroom. Last week, just for fun with no grade attached, the kids can participate in our own little project for the week. The theme this week is Project Green. Already I've received a picture of a cat's eye (the most beautiful green you've ever seen!), grass, a recycling bin, okra....they are just eating it up. Now I'm thinking about what to do with the pictures! A collage is an easy fallback, but I want to display them well. We will spend about 30 minutes in the computer lab and I'll show them how to use some editing software so that we can really bring out the greens in the picture, and maybe do some cropping. We'll see. We're all learning as we go!
So I decided to take what I learned from them and bring it to the classroom. Last week, just for fun with no grade attached, the kids can participate in our own little project for the week. The theme this week is Project Green. Already I've received a picture of a cat's eye (the most beautiful green you've ever seen!), grass, a recycling bin, okra....they are just eating it up. Now I'm thinking about what to do with the pictures! A collage is an easy fallback, but I want to display them well. We will spend about 30 minutes in the computer lab and I'll show them how to use some editing software so that we can really bring out the greens in the picture, and maybe do some cropping. We'll see. We're all learning as we go!
Friday, December 24, 2010
The Christmas Story
My husband reads this to our family every Christmas morning, before we do anything else. As did his father before him. It's why we celebrate the day. Blessings to you all, and remember, Jesus came and dwelt among us, and stood in our place as the sins of the world were placed on his shoulders. He did come to redeem us all.
Merry Christmas
Luke 2:1 And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed. 2:2 (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.) 2:3 And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city. 2:4 And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:) 2:5 To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with Child. 2:6 And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.
2:7 And she brought forth her firstborn Son,
and wrapped Him in swaddling clothes, and laid Him in a manger;
because there was no room for them in the inn.
2:8 And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. 2:9 And, lo, the angel of the LORD came upon them, and the glory of the LORD shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. 2:10 And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. 2:11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the LORD. 2:12 And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the Babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. 2:13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, 2:14 Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men. 2:15 And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into Heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the LORD hath made known unto us. 2:16 And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the Babe lying in a manger. 2:17 And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this Child. 2:18 And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds. 2:19 But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart. 2:20 And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them. 2:21 And when eight days were accomplished for the circumcising of the Child, His Name was called JESUS, which was so named of the angel before He was conceived in the womb.
Merry Christmas
Luke 2:1 And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed. 2:2 (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.) 2:3 And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city. 2:4 And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:) 2:5 To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with Child. 2:6 And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.
2:7 And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling clothes, and laid Him in a manger;
because there was no room for them in the inn.
2:8 And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. 2:9 And, lo, the angel of the LORD came upon them, and the glory of the LORD shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. 2:10 And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. 2:11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the LORD. 2:12 And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the Babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. 2:13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, 2:14 Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men. 2:15 And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into Heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the LORD hath made known unto us. 2:16 And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the Babe lying in a manger. 2:17 And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this Child. 2:18 And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds. 2:19 But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart. 2:20 And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them. 2:21 And when eight days were accomplished for the circumcising of the Child, His Name was called JESUS, which was so named of the angel before He was conceived in the womb.
Friday, December 17, 2010
"Helper's High"
I wrote an article for our school newspaper recently that talked about the physical benefits altruism, or the unselfish concern for the welfare of others. It seems that acting altruistically releases endorphins and aids the person helping by dulling their sense of pain, relieving stress and tension, and giving them a euphoric feeling, much like a runner's high. It's what makes people want to give to others. Can you imagine if we didn't get a good feeling from giving? Or if it were painful? God knew exactly what he was doing when he linked our mind, body, soul and spirit in such a manner. His wisdom constantly amazes me!
We put altruism into practice today by doing something to uplift the fearless leader at our school. The principal of our school is completely selfless, self sacrificing, and will fight tooth and nail for students and teachers alike. I know I've received responses to emails time stamped 4 a.m. from her, and her door is always open. I also have never had a supervisor write a hand-written thank you note thanking me for allowing her to visit my class. Who does that? She does.
So today was time for our staff to return the favor. We practiced a couple of times in my class, they practiced on their off time, and during Christmas assembly today we performed a little "flashmob" dance for her to the tune of Mariah Carey's "All I Want for Christmas is You." The entire staff of 75 people participated, and she stood in the back and cried, which is not unusual for her. We had a blast, and the feeling of that moment lasted until the moment we packed up our cars and left for our Christmas break. It was a great start to this holiday.
It was important for us all to let her know how much we appreciated her sacrifice. She is a fearless leader, and we love her dearly, as she does us. I think this high will sustain me for a bit longer than today. I need to be careful, though. I think it's addicting.
We put altruism into practice today by doing something to uplift the fearless leader at our school. The principal of our school is completely selfless, self sacrificing, and will fight tooth and nail for students and teachers alike. I know I've received responses to emails time stamped 4 a.m. from her, and her door is always open. I also have never had a supervisor write a hand-written thank you note thanking me for allowing her to visit my class. Who does that? She does.
So today was time for our staff to return the favor. We practiced a couple of times in my class, they practiced on their off time, and during Christmas assembly today we performed a little "flashmob" dance for her to the tune of Mariah Carey's "All I Want for Christmas is You." The entire staff of 75 people participated, and she stood in the back and cried, which is not unusual for her. We had a blast, and the feeling of that moment lasted until the moment we packed up our cars and left for our Christmas break. It was a great start to this holiday.
It was important for us all to let her know how much we appreciated her sacrifice. She is a fearless leader, and we love her dearly, as she does us. I think this high will sustain me for a bit longer than today. I need to be careful, though. I think it's addicting.
Sunday, December 12, 2010
2010 Reflection
I took some time yesterday to look back on my blog entries for the year. It's one of the reasons I like to blog because it's a good reminder of the year and the events that took place, my thoughts on matters, etc. This year, I think, has been the most amazing for me personally since we've been able to build roots as a family. Having a good solid group of friends who challenge me yet hold me accountable yet laugh and joke and get nutty is such a blessing. I also am enjoying building my professional reputation. Pushing myself out of my comfort zone to train fellow teachers is very exciting for me. I've had some personal victories as well.
I've set some pretty strong boundaries recently in a relationship with which I've struggled for quite some time, and I've also released them from the past as well. Forgiveness does that. I know that God knows all of our hearts and motives, and that gives me much more comfort than even forgiveness does. But releasing someone from the wrongs they've committed is very freeing. The neat thing, though, is that as soon as that happened, a completely similar situation at work presented itself and I was able to pass on what I learned. It was just a little reminder that it's not just about me.
My kids have continued to impress me. I continually tell them I have no idea how they turned out so good. They are good kids, not just in front of T and me, but away from us as well. Others inform us on a regular basis about how they act around them and their kids, and they are consistent. It's something I've prayed specifically for in their growth: that they would be genuine and not grow up living one way in front of adults and another in front of their peers. It looks like God is answering that prayer. I also love that they choose good friends.
I am happy about being close to family and being able to see my side of the family more often, but it is at the expense of seeing the Florida side. We got some visitors this year: my nephew and my father-in-law. It was so fun having them here, showing them around town, hanging out, working like a dog...lol! I thoroughly enjoyed having them visit, and I hope more come later. I miss Florida and my friends there, but it's fun sharing this part of our lives with them as well.
This year has represented a lot of stretching and growing. Even though I've gone through a lot this year, I also find myself in a comfortable and content place. It makes giving to others that much easier. I'm thankful for my friends, for the way God has provided for our family, for the way He has worked in my life and has guided me this year and I'm anxious to see what next year has to bring. I know I'll be blogging about it.
I've set some pretty strong boundaries recently in a relationship with which I've struggled for quite some time, and I've also released them from the past as well. Forgiveness does that. I know that God knows all of our hearts and motives, and that gives me much more comfort than even forgiveness does. But releasing someone from the wrongs they've committed is very freeing. The neat thing, though, is that as soon as that happened, a completely similar situation at work presented itself and I was able to pass on what I learned. It was just a little reminder that it's not just about me.
My kids have continued to impress me. I continually tell them I have no idea how they turned out so good. They are good kids, not just in front of T and me, but away from us as well. Others inform us on a regular basis about how they act around them and their kids, and they are consistent. It's something I've prayed specifically for in their growth: that they would be genuine and not grow up living one way in front of adults and another in front of their peers. It looks like God is answering that prayer. I also love that they choose good friends.
I am happy about being close to family and being able to see my side of the family more often, but it is at the expense of seeing the Florida side. We got some visitors this year: my nephew and my father-in-law. It was so fun having them here, showing them around town, hanging out, working like a dog...lol! I thoroughly enjoyed having them visit, and I hope more come later. I miss Florida and my friends there, but it's fun sharing this part of our lives with them as well.
This year has represented a lot of stretching and growing. Even though I've gone through a lot this year, I also find myself in a comfortable and content place. It makes giving to others that much easier. I'm thankful for my friends, for the way God has provided for our family, for the way He has worked in my life and has guided me this year and I'm anxious to see what next year has to bring. I know I'll be blogging about it.
Thursday, December 09, 2010
Dream Job
Ok, I know I've said it a few times, but I just need to say it again. I can't tell you how wonderful it is to work with the people I do. I have never had an experience like this. Ever.
The people I work with are strong, independent leaders in the educational community. They speak and instruct at state conferences, they push forward and move ahead. But here's the thing: they all have the same goal, and that is to do "whatever it takes" to see a child succeed. The problem solving and outside of the box thinking that goes on in our Intervention Leadership Team meetings is in the very least inspirational. At it's best it is effective. And I still to this day can't believe I get to be a part of it.
These people change lives. They are in the business of meeting children at their weakest point and lifting them up. And it's a team effort. Everyone is on board, so problem solving is energizing and enjoyable. Even at 6:30 in the evening, when everyone else has gone home and the heating system has been off for an hour and a half.
I can't promise this will be the last time I brag on my co-workers, but I'll try to keep it down a bit.
The people I work with are strong, independent leaders in the educational community. They speak and instruct at state conferences, they push forward and move ahead. But here's the thing: they all have the same goal, and that is to do "whatever it takes" to see a child succeed. The problem solving and outside of the box thinking that goes on in our Intervention Leadership Team meetings is in the very least inspirational. At it's best it is effective. And I still to this day can't believe I get to be a part of it.
These people change lives. They are in the business of meeting children at their weakest point and lifting them up. And it's a team effort. Everyone is on board, so problem solving is energizing and enjoyable. Even at 6:30 in the evening, when everyone else has gone home and the heating system has been off for an hour and a half.
I can't promise this will be the last time I brag on my co-workers, but I'll try to keep it down a bit.
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