December. That magical month. It is one of the three months student teaching doesn't adequately prepare you for (the others being April and May). The end of the semester and almost two whole weeks away from school is in plain view for our kiddos. Between the candy, the music, the lights, and the gifts, their focus is definitely not on school. I often get asked what it is like at school in December. I feel this image best explains it:
There is an excitement for both students and teachers that is hard to contain. There is an anxiety for both students and teachers that is hard to contain. What it the most magical time of the year often becomes one of the most stressful times of the year. It is ok to feel these things. We all do.
But remember there is a lot we can do for our kiddos these last four days. Approach each day with a good attitude and a positive outlook. https://www.weareteachers.com/winter-break-memes-teachers/ Have a great last week of the school year. Because in four days, we will all be doing the Carlton...
In my last post, I talked about the new "Justice League" movie. I hinted to the fact that Superman is missing from the movie and that the answer could be found in "Batman vs. Superman: Dawn of Justice". Spoiler alert: Sometimes super heroes die. And it sucks. Big time. This past week...past few months...we have watched the super hero of my husband's family slowly loose his super powers. We tried many things to help him regain his powers, but after 89 years, the farmer's super strength, super will, and super heart gave out. This whole year I have been giving you examples of super heroes on the big screen and what we can do to be more like them. Why wasn't I looking in my own family to share with you about the super hero I am related to? Many of you didn't know my father-in-law John; and while it may be selfish on my part, I am going to take the time to share with you some of his super powers in hope of inspiring you to look for these powers within yourself and within others. Big John was strong, both physically and in his character. People told us stories of exactly how strong he was when he was younger. Nephews relayed stories of him having Popeye arms in his younger days. When I started dating John, Big John was in his 60's. His physical strength at that time was different than those younger days but his strength of character was as strong as ever. If he said he was going to do something...he did it. He followed through with tasks, sometimes even putting the task you had asked for yourself before the tasks he needed to complete for himself. His character was strong until the end. Big John was selfless in his giving. Like those super heroes on the screen, he never questioned the intentions of someone who was crying for help. He dove in and helped. Whether it was time, money, a job, machinery, help in the fields, or even the shirt off his back, he gave when he saw others in need. Big John was caring to all...human or animal. He loved animals. They say you can tell a lot about a person by the way they treat animals. He let strays in (both human and animal). He was able to convince a new momma that he wasn't going to harm her new calf. He was able to tame the wildest horse by continuing to jump on when he was bucked off. He didn't give up on the people or animals around him. He was always looking for the good in every animal and every person. Big John was a man of actions and not words. He said very little. He let the way he treated people and followed through on tasks speak more about him than the words he said. When he did speak, his words were short and to the point. He didn't sugar coat things. If it was bad news...he said it. If it was good news, there often weren't any words, but rather a gentle smile. My father-in-law need not get bitten by a radio active spider, come from another planet, be frozen and genetically altered, or even have a million dollars to buy the coolest gadgets to have some of the best super powers out there. Where did these super powers come from? I imagine from his parents. He must of had a great upbringing: One that taught him to work hard, be honest, have faith, and love fiercely (I say this because I see the same super powers in his sisters). I also imagine it was from how he saw the world and how the littlest things we do are often big things for others. Lastly, I imagine it was from having a conscience and he just knew that treating people with kindness was the right thing to do. Every one of these super powers costed him nothing to gain. There was no science experiment involved or journey to another planet. Each one of these are things we all can gain...these super powers lay within all of us. It is just a matter of awaking them to do good. On Saturday, Jon Gordon tweeted the following phrase, "One's legacy is carried on by lives impacted and stories told. Give people great stories to tell about you." Think about the legacy of the super heroes we have talked about this year. There have been great stories written about them. Stories that people still share. Wouldn't it be great if we all could have stories that great told about us? Within all of us lies the power to be good. To show good. To give good. Awaken these super powers. You too, like the great farmer in my life, could then have great stories told about you.
Has anyone seen "The Justice League"? Yes...another superhero movie. But not just any superhero movie. This one has Batman, Wonder Woman, The Flash, Aquaman, and Cyborg. Some of the best of the best coming together to save the world.
Where is Superman you ask? Did you see "Batman vs. Superman: Dawn of Justice"? The answer lies there...
As you watch those two trailers, there are so many lines spoken about superheros or by superheroes which relate to teachers. We talked about some of the things at the beginning of the year...coming together...working together for a better cause...finding hope. All of these are things you each do every day. Keep it up.
With superhero movies is there is always something in the current release that builds up to the next movie. In "Batman vs. Superman" we were introduced to Wonder Woman and her stand alone movie. There are teasers embedded in these films to introduce us to characters or future movies. The big thing for all us superhero geeks is the ending credit scene. Directors as put these teasers midway through the credits and more traditionally after all the credits have shown. These teasers give us an indication of who the next movie is going to be about...who will be the next superhero or supervillain we will meet. I can tell you that no matter how bad I have to use the restroom after a movie, I stick around until the end of the credits. I do not want to miss the first glance of the next superhero and their movie. It gives me something to be excited about and to ponder how they will tie all the stories together. Granted you can go and find these teasers on the Internet down the road, but there is something about staying in that dark theater with the faithful to see what lies ahead.
Boy...don't you wish teaching was like that? That we got this little teaser of what the next day would bring? Or how what just happened today would relate to what will happen tomorrow? How does it all tie together? Are my intuitions right? While our gut will sometimes be that little teaser for us,, we are not fortunate enough to get a movie reel to play it out for us. We have to live the day and adjust. We have to pick ourselves up when the end credit scene doesn't go as planned. We have to remember that tomorrow is another chance for us to try. We have to stick it out with the faithful to see how it will play out. And like these movies, we sometimes have to wait two or three years to see what happens (Can you say maturity?).
Perhaps the best end credit scene came after "Spiderman: Homecoming" which was release this summer. Spiderman is part of the Avengers (Ironman, The Hulk, Captain America, Hawkeye, Thor). Throughout the movie, we are shown public service announcements by Captain America which are played in Peter Parker's classes. Like always, I waited and waited for that end credit scene. It was after Iron Man that we saw them find Captain America's shield. It was after Captain America when they found Thor's hammer. What would this teaser bring? I was sure it was going to be good! It brought me a good laugh...and good advice.
It was my daughter's sixth birthday on Saturday...which meant we had about four days of partying to celebrate. We had cupcakes at school on Friday and celebrated the last sleep as a five year old. We had a cake, a SDSU football game (you know...SDSU played that game for her since it was her birthday), tailgating, a combine ride with McDonalds, and presents on Saturday. Sunday brought another cake and another round of presents. This morning she celebrated because it was her first day of school being six. There was a pile of toys at our house last night. I was hoping she wasn't going to want to open any of them right away. Part of the reason is I like to save a few things for when she gets bored of what she has and part of it is selfish on my part. You basically have to have a chainsaw, blow torch, and the strength of Superman to get anything out of a box. Once you get the box open, you then have about a hundred rubber bands and plastic screws you have to try to loosen holding things into place. And don't get me started on what they do to doll hair to keep it looking nice in the box. There were a lot of boxes with the word "Barbie" on them. I have a soft spot for Barbie. I had TONS of Barbies growing up. I never took their hair out to brush...I left them the same as they were in the box. I kept track of every shoe, necklace, and other accessory. I loved Barbie. Back then, Barbie seemed more about fashion than anything else. Barbie these days is a girl on the go! She can do anything! Think of a job and they have Barbie doing it. Any job. Barbie has taken on the role of empowering little ones to imagine they can be anything!
My daughter received Farmer Barbie as a gift yesterday. Farmer Barbie is dressed in a plaid shirt, blue jeans, brown boots and is holding a chicken. Seems like just a basic Barbie, but for those kids who do not live on a farm, this Barbie allows them to imagine a world that is different than their own. She also received Teacher Barbie. I must admit...Mattel needs some help with this one. It is a little unrealistic. First off, Barbie only came with one student. Not sure what you have to do to get the other 24 that should be in her classroom. Teacher Barbie also had high heels on. Um...yeah...no. The longer I have been in education the more I have realized the smartest investment in your wardrobe is comfortable shoes. I would like to meet the teacher who could do recess duty, run down the hall after a kid, and just function all day in heels. That being said, there were some realistic things. Teacher Barbie only came with one piece of chalk, one pair of scissors, and one bottle of glue. She also looks very kind...which is exactly the kind of teacher I would want! As I watched my daughter play with her last night using language I know she has heard her teachers her recite, I thought about the "what if". What if she wants to be a teacher? Would I encourage her? Would I discourage her? What would I do? Would I let my experiences both negative and positive influence her? Would I tell her to NOT choose a profession that causes you to drag home so much emotional baggage? Would I tell her it sucks to have people question the decisions you make? Would I tell her I often think about other kids before I think about her...and I don't want that for her kids? What will I tell her? Will I tell her about the look on the first grader's face when they could FINALLY read that book all by themselves? Will I tell her about the days when kids come up and say thank you? Will I tell her about the sense of pride you feel for your students and staff when the accomplish something great? Will I tell her about the great people you work with that become your second family? (Writing this has caused me to tear up. I think it is because I need to remind myself of the great things about education...especially in this week that is all about education.) I think for now I will let her play. I will let her imitate those people she looks up to and admires. I will let her model the things she see the great people in this building doing and saying every day. I will let her think of her teachers as some of the greatest people on the planet. I will let her play. Thank you for all you do. You make a difference.
I am officially starting to feel old. Maybe it was on Halloween when kiddos under the age of eight asked me who I was dressed up as. I responded with Princess Leia from Star Wars, many kiddos asked, "Who? You mean Rey?". Sigh. Then today while covering for 9th grade computers, I asked if the students would like to listen to some music. They let me pick and I chose 80's pop. Prince came on. A student stated, "Is this that guy from Minnesota that died that was one of the ones they called the Prince?" Ugh. Stake right to the heart! That guy from Minnesota? That guy who was one of the ones called Prince? No...he was THE ONE.
This got me thinking about living in the past. Am I stuck in my childhood? Did I binge watch the second season of "Stranger Things" last weekend because I wanted to know what was going on with the Hawkins lab and the Upside Down or was it because of the giddy feeling I got when watching a show with all that 80's music, high-waisted jeans, flipped up collars, and awesome hair? (If you have not watched "Stranger Things" on Netflix...do it. Then stay up and watch "Stranger Things 2". Each season is only 8 episodes...8 hours. YOU CAN DO IT IN A WEEKEND NO PROBLEM!)
Am I living in the past or is it nostalgia? I am going to go with nostalgia. I am not still feathering my hair, wearing jelly shoes, or dousing myself in Love's Baby Soft. That would be living in the past. But I do get a great feeling that you get when I hear a certain song...see a certain toy I had...see a certain movie from my childhood. There is somewhat of longing to return to that time. Let's face it. Life seemed way simpler then.
While we can long for that feeling of simplicity, we cannot live in the past. Not in our lives and especially not in the classroom. Here it is...again...you cannot teach the same year over and over again. You cannot teach in the past. You have to adapt to the times. You have be willing to embrace technology. It is here. Get used to it. Use it. Saying "I am just not good with computers" is no longer an acceptable response in 2017. You have to be willing to offer the "floor" to your students. You have to let them talk...share...research...become experts. You have to read recent research and use that information to think about your teaching and your kiddos. You have think outside the box on how to assess your students to play to the world around us. You have to prepare our students for jobs that haven't been created yet. Teaching in the past will not allow you to do that.
Teach our kids about the past for it is on the backs of those in our past that our future is built. Just don't teach like it is 1999. We are closer to 2020 than we are to 2010. What have you done to prepare your classroom and yourself as a professional for the future?
Last week, I attended the Systems Change Conference in Rapid City. A great conference...and I was able to watch something great happen. Our very own Rachel Schaefer was honored as South Dakota's 2018 Teacher of the Year. We couldn't ask for a better voice for the students and teachers of South Dakota! While seeing that made the trip worthwhile, I wasn't too excited about the drive out to Rapid City...by myself...in the school van...and at night. It is always different when you drive someone else's vehicle. It feels...funny...the brakes are a little bit more touchy....you don't know if the headlights are automatic or if that is just the daytime driving lights (and you look as cars pass you and it seems like your lights are on...but after about 10 miles of driving, you realize...NOPE! The switch in that position does not mean your full headlights are on). There is no XM/Sirius radio in the school van which means after Chamberlain, you enter the world of radio static. I wasn't sure where my hotel was, how to get there, and how to get from there to the conference center the next morning. The only person I had directing me was my Maps app on my phone...and we know that even sometimes she doesn't get it right. These are the things that make me nervous. So I was sure to have the address of both hotels already programmed into my app on my phone before I left. I got myself comfortable with the school van and gave myself a pep talk or two. When it came to the music, I went old school. I brought a pile of CDs with and got ready to jam. I listened to the "Footloose" sound track, which happened to have a sticker on the cover that stated it was the 15th anniversary of the soundtrack. Ugh. And that CD was old...which mean this movie is old...which means I am old...
After six hours, I was finally there...and I realized why I was so tired.
Thursday brought forth a day of REALLY good keynote speakers and breakout sessions. Thursday night was a super exciting night and Friday morning found me tired and inspired by our keynote speaker. And then it was off again to the East side of the state.
There were many thing I took away from the conference. Things I look forward to sharing with you, but in writing this blog, my mind went back to my my experience in the school van.
The experience was uncomfortable for me to begin with. It was scary. It placed me in a situation were I wasn't really sure of what I was doing or how to do it. I had to try things out and get comfortable with my new surroundings. I failed a few times (again...drove like 10 miles thinking my headlights were on), but I didn't quit. I kept trying until I found out what work (and you really can tell the difference when the lights are on!) and I remembered that for next time. When the situation didn't have everything I needed (radio), I added my own flair to make it engaging and exciting. While I knew there were limits...I mean I was driving the school van and my worse fear is getting a speeding ticket in a school vehicle...I looked at those limits and adjusted to make the situation work...which meant going 82 instead of 85. Does Mr. Jandahl read this blog? I hope not...
My point is this: this is what you SHOULD be doing in your classroom each day. You should be putting yourself in uncomfortable situations for the good of your kids. You should sometimes fail, but keep trying in order to find out what works. You shouldn't be limited by a textbook. You should add your own flair...you should make lessons your own. You should adapt your lessons and your pace based on the students in your room. Not everything should be high stakes...do those formative assessments to see where your kids are at and adjust.
One of the speakers, Tony Frontier, stated that teaching is an art of observation and the conditions we see do not determine the outcomes; rather they determine the strategies we must use to make our classroom a place were students smile.
Be aware of your surroundings. Plan ahead. Adjust. Adapt. That uncomfortable situation may allow you to be part of something really cool.
Where did September go? Time flies when you are having fun! All of sudden, October is here with her promises of pumpkin spice and everything nice.
It seems like the older we get, the faster time goes. Is it because we are pulled in so many directions? Is it because we are such a mobile society that we are always going, going, going? Is it because there is so much more to do and see? It not as if they have shorten a day any...I mean there are still 24 hours in one. So why does it seem like there is never enough time?
Whether in our classrooms or in our homes, we are always talking about that nasty little thief called time. It seems to DRAG when we are dong something that doesn't interest us, but seems to fly when we are having a good time. In classrooms, you are on a roll and BAM! The bell rings and you run out of time. That lesson you planned to take 50 minute took only 25...what to do? You want to do this three week inquiry project but when will you find the time to not only plan it, but actually do it?
It would be nice if time slowed down, but we know it that is not possible. I have spent the past few weekends wondering how I got it all done on weekends last year while taking those ELL classes. I feel like I took every little free minute I had to read another chapter on linguistics. There never seemed to be enough time then...and I still think that same thing today. Shouldn't I have more time? Nope. Time has instead stolen moments away from other things. The thing I have tried to focus on is not letting time steal from BIG moments. Time with my family, time with just me, time just being surrounded by quiet.
Don't let time be a thief for you. Don't limit what you are going to do at school or with your family for fear of "not having time". Try to break your "to do list" into chunks. Prioritize. Accomplish a little at a time. Don't be afraid to say NO sometimes. Don't be afraid to say YES sometimes. Sometimes that YES will lead you to a great memory with your students or with your family.
Don't let time be a thief of joy, fun, or accomplishment for you. I think we often just "make do" with the time we have. Our time is limited...don't waste it...do GREAT things with it!
It was pretty clear that I thought the new Wonder Woman movie was great. The message...the effects...and just how awesome it was to see a woman show us how it is done. Just overall a great movie! Wonder Woman has now been released on DVD and Blu-Ray. Take a look...everyone thinks it is awesome! (FYI: Henry Cavill is the "new" Superman...great to see super heroes supporting each other...just like we should support each other in this building). https://batman-news.com/2017/09/21/henry-cavill-wonder-woman-blu-ray-gal-gadot/ Wonder Woman has evolved from the 1970's TV show starring Linda Carter (Which was great! She would just spin and spin and BAM! Outfit changed!). When we look at it now, it seems cheesy, but this is what "worked" and "enticed" audiences at the time. Would Linda Carter's Wonder Woman be a hit today with our students? Probably not. Like everything else, Wonder Woman has had to adapt and change with the times. Her armor had to get a little edgier. Her weapons a little more advance. She had to "play" to her audience. Teaching is like that. And here it goes...I am not sure HOW many times I have said this..."You can teach 20 years...you just can't teach the same year 20 times." You have to adapt. You have to change. You have to change your lessons. You have to remember you are teaching kids who are NOT the same kids we had 20 years ago...10 years ago...even last year. YOU have to do something different to reach them. Don't expect them to always adjust. At times, we have to step outside our comfort zone and try to do something super to help them find success. Below is a link to a blog about how teachers are like Wonder Woman. I have been saving this one in my folder for the right time. I think now that everyone can check out the movie is the right time. https://www.weareteachers.com/teachers-are-superheroes/#.WVPEyYQrKUk
Can we still call it back to school time? I think we are past the "back" part and moving into the "settled" part. The first few weeks are exciting...seeing everyone again...wearing your new clothes...using those new supplies. But as we know...the newness wears off. Pencils have become lost...crayons have lost that sharp tip...and you have a stain on your new white shirt from eating tacos this week. There is plenty for us to still be excited about! If you need some ideas, here is a list of things I am excited about: -Bulletin boards...I love my new bulletin boards outside my office. I have one where I change the quote each week. I bought a light box and have changed the saying on there to match the quote of the week or what is happening in school. Not everyone may seeing or read them, but if that motivation helps one student or staff member, it is worth the time. I have observed teacher using their boards for exciting things...goals for the day, learning targets, student work display, etc. Get out of your room and check out things in another room! -This PBL project with LA and Science. To see our kids working with each other...to see two teachers working so well together...and to see those who want to make teaching their passion enter this classroom to experience our school and students is exciting! Next week Jeff and Kelsey will present at in-service to answer your question about the program, as well giving you an update on how it is going. -Our school improvement committees. I saw people excited about what they talked about and begin to problem solve how to go about change. Not everything will work...not everyone will be happy...but giving it a try is what it is all about. -The rose and thorn discussion from in-service. I saw this as an opportunity to connect with each other. Celebrate what is going on in your room. Ask for help on the things you are struggling with. We don't often get to see what is occurring in each other's rooms (which gives me a great idea for future in-service). These groups give us that. Sitting with your peers and being open allows us to use the experts in our building. -The lounge! I am still excited about this! I am super excited for after 3 months, the bottom to the last chair FINALLY arrived! I also like the Lounge Board. It allows us to peer into the other side of each of us a little more. I have had fun trying to guess who wrote what. I hope you can look past the dull pencils and wrinkled up notebooks to find what is exciting thus far for you. Can't find something? MAKE SOMETHING...DO SOMETHING...CREATE YOUR OWN EXCITEMENT IN YOUR CLASSROOM!
The first week is full of such anticipation and questioning that we mentally wear ourselves out. Will the year go well? Did I get all my copies made? How will I ever figure out this new on-line curriculum? I don't think I can fit any more kiddos in my room. What time is lunch again? Will I ever get use to the location of my new classroom? As the week has come to an end, we slowly feel our super strength and super powers disappear.
While I asked you all to be a superhero this year for our kids, I forgot to mention one thing...even superheros have their limits. They all have a nemesis or some thing which causes them to experience weakness. The recognize those and often work on the things in which they can control to better themselves. So Batman has no "real" powers...so he creates a tool belt to allow him to "fly". The Hulk and the Avengers have learned the things that set him off and work together to avoid those things. Know your limits. Know where your weakness are so the powers you do have shine through.
I say it often...I am blessed to work with everyone of you. You take them time each day to share your "powers" with me, our students, and our school. Each day you face challenges and dig deep to power through. You make me a better member of our superhero team.
I hope your first week has been great. Here is a little more superhero inspiration:
August is here. School starts in two short weeks. The joy and relief we felt in May when the year was completed has now been replaced with the panic of a new year. Am I ready to go? How will it go? Will it be a success? How will I get my bladder back on the school schedule? While it is hard to switch off from "vacation mode", having a routine back is a comfort. Not just for us, but also for our parents and kiddos. There MAY be some parents who are really excited about the start of the school year. This back to school commercial from Staples is one of my all time favorites. It is probably how many parents feel this time of year. (Check out those 1996 prices for supplies!)
It is now time to determine how you want this year to go. Here is a little secret: How the year will pan out is dependent upon one person: you. Consider the following questions:
-Am I going to be an active participant in in-service?
-Am I going to try something new in my room? (Going back to the saying "It is one thing to teach for 20 years...it is another things to teach the same year 20 times...)
-Am I going to push my self to the edge or over where my comfort zone rests?
-Am I going to engage with my fellow staff members?
-Am I going to follow through on responsibilities (grades, newsletters, meetings, etc.)?
-Am I going to give my all for my students?
-Am I going to build relationships with students, parents, and fellow staff members?
-Am I going to be willing to fail?
-Am I going to engage and excite learning in my students?
All of those things are dependent upon you and what you are willing to do. It is not dependent on me. It is not dependent on your neighbor (while it does help if they want to work with you). It is dependent on what you are willing to do...the effort you are willing to give for our kids. Think about what you ask your students to do. Why should we except any less of ourselves in the classroom?
I thought I was done with blogs for the year. But this morning I heard there is a staff member, who I won't mention, who HATES this day. Today is May 4th. As in..."May the fourth be with you." (All you Catholics just responded with "And also with you...") A few years ago, it has become a major thing to celebrate all things Star Wars today. If you on are Twitter, the hashtags #maythefourthbewithyou and #starwarsday are trending. A few years ago, I wrote a blog about Star Wars. Check it out here: http://theblackboardofeps.blogspot.com/2015/12/may-force-be-with-you.html. I talked about teaching, the force, the dark side, and being Jedi masters. Hopefully it inspired some of you to make it through the day. For those of you that hadn't seen the movies (and again...please don't tell me that!), perhaps it inspired you to watch and see what the hype is all about. I am disappointed I didn't put my daughter in one of her three Star Wars shirts today. I am not obsessed. I just know that Star Wars for many people stands with memories of simpler times and our childhood. During this time of year, it is those memories that may bring us a much needed smile after a day of kids who are ready to be done. So...just for you unnamed staff member, here is a blog about 21 times Star Wars summed up teaching life. https://www.weareteachers.com/teachers-may-the-fourth-be-with-you/ Have a great day...
I don't think there are words to describe the feeling the last two weeks of school brings. It is essentially a game of Survivor.
We are making deals with all sorts of people just to make it to that last day. If we are given to opportunity, we will eat anything and we are not afraid to take someone out if it means we get the last doughnut in the lounge. We are trying to get by with limited supplies and often resort to recycling materials in order to make things for lessons new and exciting. Sorting through student problems is like a tribal council...people stabbing each other in back, breaking friendships. There are those students who know they are on the chopping block so they are running around camp like crazy looking for a hidden idol (extra credit). Each day feels like one of those crazy challenges where you have to balance a tower of tea cups on a stick. We are constantly having to outwit, outplay, and outlast our students during each lesson we teach these last two weeks. What a crazy thing education is! But what an amazing thing it is too...think about everything you have done this year. We have made gains with our students. We have made gains ourselves as a professional by trying new things, exploring new materials, and giving a little more. We have (hopefully) inspired our children to keep plugging away at the goals they have set for themselves. Some of us have survived (almost) a whole year taking 12 graduate credits and reading seven different professional resources. We have left a mark in minds and hearts of the students and the adults in this building. While it doesn't feel like sometimes...WE HAVE MADE A DIFFERENCE! We have survived. We made it to the merge...some people never make it that far! If Jeff Probst was here, I am sure he would acknowledge that 175 days in this desert is hard (ok...it is grueling some times), but we have done it and we have made an impact while here. Be proud of this year! Finish the game strong. Outwit, outplay, and outlast in everything that you do in your life. I wish you the best this summer! Thank you for a great year!
