My Worst Trait

In The Worst of Me from Classroom as Microcosm, Siobhan Curious asks,

“Which of your character traits is your worst enemy, in your life but especially in your job?”

Now I have many but I wanted to focus on my main one. I have a hard time saying no.

There are many reasons that I have a hard time saying no.

I don’t want to disappoint people. When people ask me to do something, I don’t want to let them down so I agree to do what they ask. Sometimes I really don’t want to do it or I’m afraid that I really don’t understand what I agreed to do. Then I get all stressed out about doing it. Since I am a person who keeps my word, I do it but I’m not happy about doing it.

I like to be needed. I feel flattered when people ask me to do something. I feel that it says they have faith in me and what I can do. It is hard to say no to something like that. But by doing this, I tend to put my needs aside and again, I get all stressed out.

I realize that sometimes I am spreading myself too thin. This keeps me from having time to do the things that I need to do in my own life. When this happens, the things I do may not be done the best that I could do if I had more time. Instead, it gets done adequately and I feel bad about that. That is not the way I like to do things.

I also find myself not having the time to do the things I enjoy. When I feel this way, I also feel like I’m being selfish. When I finally do the things for myself, I feel a little guilty because I could be doing other things for people.

I realize that I need to find a balance. I need to find a way to do things for others but allow myself to do things for me too. I have come up with ways to help myself find this balance. Here is my plan.

1. Before I say yes to anything, I come home and discuss it with my husband. This helps me from impulsively saying yes to everything. He helps me find the balance in my life. Talking it over with someone helps me put things in perspective and I can decide if I really want to do it and if I really have the time and skills to do it to the best of my ability.

2. I have decided to volunteer for no more than 3 things at one time. When I complete one thing, I can add another but no more than 3 at the same time. Keeping to this rule allows me to say no more easily. I can tell people that I would love to help them but I do not want to over commit myself and not do something wholeheartedly because I don’t have the time or energy. I explain that when I finish some of my commitments, I might be able to help in the future and will let them know.

3. For every one thing that I do for someone else, I allow myself to do one thing for myself without feeling guilty about it. I do charity knitting for my church and when I finish one charity knitting, I knit something that isn’t for charity.

What is your worst trait and how do you handle it? Please share!

Image: 'Learn to Say NO on 31 July 2010 - day 212'
http://www.flickr.com/photos/67953162@N00/4846160084
Found on flickrcc.net

State Park Volunteer Training

We had the training of volunteers for the spring session of the school program at Paris Mountain State Park last week. I was thrilled that there was such a big turn out! It was even exciting to see the region this training is offered twice a year and I have been to 3 of these sessions. I’m always thrilled that I learn something new at every session I attend. Click HERE to look at the pictures that I took. I find this such a rewarding program and really believe in what is being done here. It encourages students to be outdoors and to learn about their environment. I believe it teaches them an appreciation of their state parks and their surroundings. If you haven’t done so, I would suggest that you check with the state park system where you live to see if there is a program available for your students.

Original photo by Pat Hensley

I Want to Be That Kind of Teacher

In That KIND of teacher from Cool Cat Teacher Blog, Victoria A Davis, Cool Cat Teacher asks,

"What kind of teacher are you?" 

I want to be this kind of teacher:

Others know they can count on me when they need help. I know the people that I can always count on when I need help.

1. I keep my word. I don’t make promises I can’t keep. I try to stay away from people who make idle promises because I know that I can’t count on them.

2. If I see something needs to be done and it is something I can do, I don’t wait for someone to ask me to do it. This saves a lot of time and energy for all involved.

3. I return things I borrow in the same or better condition than when I got it. I was brought up this way by my parents.

4. I don’t talk about others behind their back. If I have nothing nice to say, then I say nothing at all.

5. If I disagree with someone, I will talk to them about it before going over their heads.

6. I will communicate with parents regularly and keep the line of communication open so they can contact me when they need to.

7. I will be a resource for other teachers who come to me for advice on handling their special ed concerns. If I don’t know something, I look for the answer or tell others where they might find the answer.

8. I will give emotional support to others when they need it because some day I might be the one in need.

9. I want my students to like me, that is great but if they don’t, that is okay too. My main goal is that they learn what they need from my class. They have enough friends so my role is a teacher is more important.

10. I want to be a positive role model. I want to smile a lot and say positive things. Students will see this and hopefully try to do the same thing. No one likes to spend a lot of time with a negative adult who whines and complains a lot.

So, it is my turn to ask. what kind of teacher are you? Please share.

Image: 'teaching with emotion: a halloween story'
http://www.flickr.com/photos/73645804@N00/2970929574
Found on flickrcc.net

Orangutan and Sea Otter - Book Reviews

I recently was sent two books by Suzi Esterhas: Eye on the Wild: Orangutan and Eye on the Wild: Sea Otter. This is the review that I gave the books (and I am not being paid to give this review):

I thought both of these books were great for young children! Both books had excellent photos of the animals which would be very meaningful to children. While I like illustrations, I think real photos of animals help children associate them to real life easier. The author is a wonderful wildlife photographer! Both books talked about the babies and how they grow into adults along with their relationship with their mothers. There were lots of opportunities for vocabulary growth in both books also. I think young children would enjoy having the books read to them while they looked at the pictures.

I would recommend both of these books for young children whether in the home or early childhood classroom.

Useful Information In and Out of the Classroom 2/22/13

Here are some interesting sites that I’ve found this week, thanks to my PLN. As a teacher, I feel we have to keep up to date concerning research in our field and current issues in the education system. I hope some of these inspire you, inform you, and even have you asking questions. Thank you for coming by and visiting!

Note: Each resource is labeled with a level and subject area to make it easier to use.

Levels: E: Elementary; M: Middle; H: High; G: General, all levels; SN: Special Needs; T: Teachers

Subject Areas: LA: Language Arts, English, Reading, Writing; M: Math; S: Science; Health; SS: Social Studies, Current Events; FA: Fine Arts; Music, Art, Drama; FL: Foreign Language; PE: Physical Ed; C: Career; A: All

Microsoft Partners In Learning - “meet other innovative teachers for collaboration opportunities, get access to free teacher resources, and learn about great ways to improve your personal teaching practice using technology.” (L: T; SA:A )

Spacecraft 3D - An app; “NASA's Spacecraft 3D is an augmented reality (AR) application that lets you learn about and interact with a variety of spacecraft that are used to explore our solar system, study Earth, and observe the universe. Using a printed AR Target and the camera on your mobile device, you can get up close with these robotic explorers, see how they move.” (L: H; SA:S )

The J. Paul Getty Museum - “The J. Paul Getty Museum seeks to inspire curiosity about, and enjoyment and understanding of, the visual arts by collecting, conserving, exhibiting and interpreting works of art of outstanding quality and historical importance.” (L:G; SA:FA )

ZooBurst - “a digital storytelling tool that lets anyone easily create his or her own 3D pop-up books” (L:G; SA:LA )

Class Badges - “a free, online tool where teachers can award badges for student accomplishments. Through your teacher account, you can award badges customized for your classroom or school.” (L: T; SA:A )

Original Image: Tools by Pat Hensley

Synergize for Student Success

Another great session that I attended was “Synergize for Student Success” Presented by Jill Chapman.
The program described it as,

“When classrooms are staffed with teachers and instructional assistants, students can benefit from the additional attention. Careful planning of the adults’ roles and responsibilities can maximize production and minimize confusion. In this session you will learn how a common goal can make sure all the adults in the classroom seamlessly support student achievement.”

Synergize for student success from Successful Teaching

iPads - More than Angry Birds!

Another session that I attended shared info about Ipads and some apps. The official write up in the program states,

“Come learn how to integrate iPads into your instruction. Learn ways to use iPads to increase fluency in reading, writing, and math, build comprehension and create project-based learning. Make your life eeasier by using iPads to collect data, conduct IEP meetings, teach and reinforce lessons, and accommodate student’s individual academic needs.”

Here is the handout that she shared with us:

Blackburn’s Favorite Apps List

	Showme Free Recordable whiteboard – you can record while writing. Great for prerecording review lessons.		Explain Everything $2.99 Similar to “Show Me” but allows you to import photos and documents.
	Puffin $2.99 Web Browser that allows Adobe Flash		Puppet Pal Free/$2.99 Full Version Create your own puppet show. Very student friendly and great for story retelling and summarizing practice.
	Doc As Free/$2.99 The best way to organize annotated documents. I use this app for student data collection		SayHi $2.99 Translation App
	Socrative Free Student response system for assessments		DropBox Free Document storage, allows you to access files from anywhere.
	Talking John Free Repeats what you say! Great for Spelling Practice		Talking Roby Free Repeats what you say! Great for Spelling Practice
	Place Value Free Visual Representation of Place Value		Counting to 10 Free Basic 10 Frame
	Splash Math Free/$9.99 Full Version Math Practice that correlates to Common Core and emails students’ Progress Reports		Virtual Manipulative Free Visual for fractions, decimals, and percentages. Can even prerecord lessons in advance.
	Toontastic Free/$9.99 Full Version Guides students through creating their own cartoon		Videolicious Free Easy student friendly app for creating movies on iPad.
	Chalk Board Free Simply a Chalk Board, but a student favorite		Jumbled Sentence Free Students arrange words to form correct sentences. Even reads the word to students.
	iTalk Free Basic Recorder – Great for students to practice reading fluency and conduct self-assessments.		Dragon Dictate Free Speech to Text App I use this app with struggling writers to help them get their ideas down on paper.
	GeoBoard Free Basic GeoBoard practice without rubber bands!!		Learning A-Z Free (but must have Reading A-Z and Raz Kids) Allows a student to access Raz-Kids On Your Own Books and Quizzes on iPads.
	Book Retriever $0.99 Classroom library manager - Allows you to track books checked in and out of classroom library.		Class Dojo Free Classroom Management Tool
	Sentence Builder Free Students practice building sentences out of mixed words		AppTutor Free - $4.99 Math apps that reviews concepts and has guided practice for students
	Dictionary Free Can be used as traditional dictionary, however, students can also say the word into speaker to find it.		First Grade $2.99 General practice of basic math and reading skills. Also Kindergarten version available.
	Doceri Free Desktop control app		I Like Books Free Several difference apps, but all are basic books with real pictures.
	Going Places Free Video Social Stories about going different places in the community. Great for students with Autism!		Tap To Talk Free Communication board with pictures and sound. Several albums preloaded but can design more on website.

Tips for Professional Development Conferences

In John: The Benefits of Professional Development

from Reality 101: CEC's blog for new teachers, John asks,

“Do any of you have tips for getting the most out of professional development conferences from your experiences?”

After attending many professional conferences over the years, I have a few tips that help me get the most from attending conferences. Here they are:

1.      I wear comfortable shoes. Sometimes the sessions are far apart from each other or sometimes it is standing room only. Either way, it helps if your feet aren’t hurting.

2.      I dress in layers. Sometimes the rooms can either be too cold or too hot and dressing in layers help you be prepared for either situation.

3.      If I really like the presentation, I ask the presenter to send me their presentation. Sometimes it helps to review it again when I get home.

4.      I record the presentation (with the presenter's permission - Thanks Laura for reminding me to add that!). Sometimes it helps to hear it again when I get home.

5.      I make connections. I meet new people who are there and exchange business cards. Sometimes I learn as much outside the sessions as I do in a session.

6.      I read the description of the sessions carefully. I choose a session I want to go to but also choose an alternate because m first choice might be full or cancelled.

7.      I take notes. I try to jot down at least 3 “take aways” that I get from each session and sometimes I come away with more. This helps me focus on the topic and look deeper into what is being shared. Sometimes I even jot down ideas that I want to look into with more depth when I get home.

8.      I look at techniques and strategies that other presenters use. I look for new ways of presenting or how things are presented. I also watch the audience’s reactions. This will help me prepare for future presentations.

9.      I don’t complain. It is annoying to hear others complain on and on about something. If you don’t like something, write it up in the convention evaluation but no one wants to constantly hear how you are not happy. I don’t want to hear that you don’t want to be there, or you don’t like any of the sessions or that you think everything is boring. I’m there to learn some new ideas and get motivated. I will stay away from negative people and I want to work hard at not being a negative person.

10.  I review and reflect about my experience when I get home. I think this is an important in order to process all that I’ve learned. If I just put everything away when I get home, then I lose a lot of what I learned. I have made a list of new ideas and strategies and plan to focus on each one for a week. Hopefully that will allow me to spend more time with each item instead of storing it away to be forgotten.

What tips would you add to the list? Please share!

Original photo by Pat Hensley

Episode 21 February Ideas

1. Contact info:
a. loonyhiker on Plurk: http://www.plurk.com
b. Loonyhiker on Twitter: http://twitter.com
c. Blog – http://successfulteaching.net
d. Email me at successfulteaching@gmail.com
2. Music Notes
a. Every Child’s A Star by Danny O’Flaherty from his Heroes CD. : http://www.dannyoflaherty.com/.
b. You can watch a video and hear the whole song on Youtube here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m_j3aQg4iKA
c. Every Child’s A Star CD Campaign: http://www.indiegogo.com/projects/every-child-s-a-star-new-cd
3. Language Arts Notes
a. Review of Escape from Mr. Lemoncello’s Library
b. Use of candy hearts
4. Math Notes
a. Comparing prices
5. Science Notes
a. Planning for Mother’s Day. What is needed to grow plants? What supplies do you need? (toilet paper rolls, soil, containers, seeds, water, sunlight)
6. Social Studies Notes
a. Special days of February:
b. 17 Random Acts of Kindness Day;
c. 18 President's Day - third Monday of month;
d. 20 Hoodie Hoo Day (On this winter day, people go out at noon, wave their hands over their heads and chant "Hoodie-Hoo".It is a day to chase away winter and bring in spring. After all, everyone in the northern hemisphere are sick and tired of winter at this point and a little crazy being cooped up inside all winter and not seeing the sun. Hoodie Hoo Day is a copyrighted holiday. It was created and is provided, courtesy of the great folks at  Wellcat.com
e. 22 George Washington's Birthday;
f. 22 International World Thinking Day (International World Thinking Day is celebrated by Girl Scouts, Girl Guides and other girl groups. The original objective of this day was to set aside a day for girls all over the world  to think of each other, and to give thanks and appreciation to "sister" Girl Scouts and Girl Guides. Over the years, it has been expanded to include the opportunity for girls (young and less young) to learn about health issues that affect girls and young women.)

Useful Information In and Out of the Classroom 2/15/13

Here are some interesting sites that I’ve found this week, thanks to my PLN. As a teacher, I feel we have to keep up to date concerning research in our field and current issues in the education system. I hope some of these inspire you, inform you, and even have you asking questions. Thank you for coming by and visiting!

Note: Each resource is labeled with a level and subject area to make it easier to use.

Levels: E: Elementary; M: Middle; H: High; G: General, all levels; SN: Special Needs; T: Teachers

Subject Areas: LA: Language Arts, English, Reading, Writing; M: Math; S: Science; Health; SS: Social Studies, Current Events; FA: Fine Arts; Music, Art, Drama; FL: Foreign Language; PE: Physical Ed; C: Career; A: All

Simple Machines - Interactive game; complete four tasks using simple machines (L:G; SA:M, S)

Basic Facts Posters - “These posters have been developed mainly on the basis of existing data from the Environmental Data Explorer. It's more the result of a pilot study than a real project.” (L:T; SA:A)

Dipity - “Dipity is a free digital timeline website. Our mission is to organize the web's content by date and time. Users can create, share, embed and collaborate on interactive, visually engaging timelines that integrate video, audio, images, text, links, social media, location and timestamps.” (L:G; SA:A)

Revolutionary War Animated - “If a picture is worth a thousand words, a good animation is worth ten thousand. After reading book after book about the Revolutionary War and finding only complicated maps with dotted lines and dashed lines crisscrossing the pages, we decided to depict the key naval and land battles using animation technology.” (L:E; SA:SS)

The History Engine - “ is an educational tool that gives students the opportunity to learn history by doing the work—researching, writing, and publishing—of a historian. The result is an ever-growing collection of historical articles or "episodes" that paints a wide-ranging portrait of life in the United States throughout its history and that is available to scholars, teachers, and the general public in our online database.” (L:H; SA:SS)

Original Image: Tools by Pat Hensley

Organize Yourself!

Here is a great session that I attended on getting organized. I am sharing this presentation with the permission of the presenter: Amanda Walkup.

“Get tips on effectively using Excel to keep your caseload and classroom organized. Be able to quickly and easily find that information your administrator wants yesterday. Several free templates will be provided.”

Organize yourself! from Successful Teaching

VIP Award

I attended the SCCEC 2013 Conference at Myrtle Beach, SC this year.

At the awards breakfast, I was given the VIP award for chapter presidents.

This award is given to Chapter and Subdivision Presidents who meet the following criteria:

· Assist in the development of the Chapter/Subdivision planning document for the year.

· Call a minimum of four executive meetings a year; agendas and minutes are submitted.

· Arrange for the Chapter/Subdivision to be represented at all SCCEC Executive Board meetings.

· Submit at least 2 articles to the Palmetto.

· Turn in representative assembly registrations.

· Sumit an completed annual report.

· Submit at least one nominee for SCCEC Award.

The photo shows Amanda Walkup (Secretary/Treasurer of Chapter 877) and me with my plaque.

Can Special Become Common?

At the SCCEC Conference in Myrtle Beach this past weekend, I attended many meaningful sessions. I will be sharing the information (and presentations if given permission by the presenters).
Can Special Become Common? Offering Math Support in the Common Core Classroom
Presenter: Dr. Julie Jones, USC Upstate



I really enjoyed the information given in this presentation. I believe that using Task Analysis is vital to many of my student’s success and the mnemonics were also helpful. I really enjoyed learning more about using journaling activities with math.

I especially found this link useful to find sample questions for assessment on the test that will be used in our state. http://www.smarterbalanced.org/smarter-balanced-assessments/ You will need to scroll down under item/task specifications to find the zip file for the questions.

(Original Presentation by Dr. Julie Jones was  uploaded to slideshare.net for the purpose of embedding it on to this blog.)

Escape From Mr. Lemoncello’s Library - A Book Review

I was asked to review the book ESCAPE FROM MR. LEMONCELLO’S LIBRARY by Chris Grabenstein. This is the review that I gave the book (and I am not being paid to give this review):

Let me start off this review by saying that I thoroughly enjoyed it and it was awesome!

I started off the book and was unsure of what to expect and once I started reading it, it was hard to put it down. It grabbed me from the beginning and kept me entertained and interested all of the way until the end. It made me think of this book as a cross between Willie Wonka and the Chocolate Factory and National Treasure. I hope that someday I will be able to see this in a movie! This was an adventure that takes place in a library. The characters were well developed as well as the plot. I didn’t know how it would end which made me want to keep reading.

This book involves twelve 12 year olds on an adventure in a library. They need to solve a puzzle to win a contest. Now what kid isn’t intrigued by a puzzle and a contest? I think this book would be appropriate for older elementary and middle school students. If you go to the link I gave with the title of the book, there is information on how to get the author to Skype into your library!

In today’s society, I’m not sure many students use the library as much as they should and this novel made me realize that a library is not as obsolete as many people think it is. I think by reading this novel, it would make students interested in checking out their public library. Some of the novels mentioned were some of my favorites and had me wanting to read them again. I could see a student keeping a list of the ones mentioned and wanting to check into them. I also could see a teacher making a list and having students choose some of them to read as an assignment.

There were so many themes throughout the story that this would definitely be a novel to use in the classroom setting as well as for personal reading. Themes such as friendship, responsibility, teamwork, library skills, knowledge, trivia, history, kindness are used throughout the story. In fact, I’m sure many others could be found when reading this novel.

I would highly recommend this book! As soon as it is released in June 2013, I suggest you scoop it up! I believe it will be a hit at home and in schools.

Useful Information In and Out of the Classroom 2/8/13

Here are some interesting sites that I’ve found this week, thanks to my PLN. As a teacher, I feel we have to keep up to date concerning research in our field and current issues in the education system. I hope some of these inspire you, inform you, and even have you asking questions. Thank you for coming by and visiting!

Note: Each resource is labeled with a level and subject area to make it easier to use.

Levels: E: Elementary; M: Middle; H: High; G: General, all levels; SN: Special Needs; T: Teachers

Subject Areas: LA: Language Arts, English, Reading, Writing; M: Math; S: Science; Health; SS: Social Studies, Current Events; FA: Fine Arts; Music, Art, Drama; FL: Foreign Language; PE: Physical Ed; C: Career; A: All

How Do You Play - “Instructions to family-friendly games and activities.” (L:G; SA:A )

XtraMath - “help kids master basic math facts.” (L:E; SA:M )

Countdown - “Create a Planning Calendar Utilizing the New Common Core Standards.” (L:T; SA:A )

The Underground Railroad - interactive site about the underground railroad by Scholastic. (L:M,H; SA:SS )

Body Explorer - interactive site for learning how the body reacts when it is in danger (L:M,H; SA:S )

Original Image: Tools by Pat Hensley

Tech Tools that Are Free are Just Perfect for Me!

Tech Tools That are Free are Perfect for Me! from Successful Teaching

Email me for a list of the links in a word document: sucessfulteaching@gmail.com

Keeping My Enthusiasm

In Please don't trample my enthusiasm! from Teaching Challenges by Penny Ryder, shares,

“And I fear that if I don't start making sense of it all and get some plans into place, the momentum of the school year will soon trample my enthusiasm.”

I am preparing to go to the SCCEC Conference and I’m hoping that I will learn lots of new stuff, get lots of goodies and get great ideas.

But what worries me is keeping my enthusiasm. I am so excited while I’m there and learning everything first hand. And then I return home.

Too many times I come home and all of the handouts get put on the side to be forgotten for everyday life and obligations. Links to great tools fall by the wayside. Other ideas come and take the place of the ones I thought about. Life goes on.

I’ve decided to come up with a plan to hopefully help me keep up my enthusiasm.

I am going to keep a list of the new ideas, strategies, tools, etc. I will email the list to myself and each week I will go through the list one at a time. Each Monday I will go to the first item on the list and then spend the whole week exploring or learning anything that is connected with the first thing on my list. Sure, this might take a long time but in doing so, I have a better chance of keeping up my enthusiasm for these new things then pushing them aside and forgetting about them.

How do you keep up with the new things you learn at conferences? How do you go about keeping up your enthusiasm? Please share.

Image: 'Huzzah'
http://www.flickr.com/photos/15923063@N00/6123612647
Found on flickrcc.net

An Angry Role Model

In When you're angry from Cool Cat Teacher Blog by coolcatteacher@gmail.com, Victoria A Davis, Cool Cat Teacher asks,

“What are your tips for when you get really really angry so that you can be a professional, an adult, and do the right thing?”

I have to admit that in 30 years of teaching, I think I have only been furious twice and super angry once. When I get furious, I cry and when I cry, watch out! I remember even going into my assistant principal’s office, shutting the door and warning him that I was going to cry because I was so furious. He looked kind of worried but I let him know my feelings. Another time I remember yelling at my students at the zoo but because I had “lost” them and I was so worried about them. Later I even apologized for my behavior but it was one that they never forgot and even passed the word on to students in years after.

I don’t feel like losing my cool is a good way to be a role model for my students. I am supposed to show them that there is an appropriate way to handle their emotions. By losing my cool, I am showing them how not to behave. Yet, I think I also showed them that I was human too. I wasn’t proud of myself during these time but it is in the past and there is nothing I can do about it.

During one of those furious times, I remember needing to move around physically to defuse my emotions. My classroom was in a portable behind the school (where they usually delegated special education self contained classes). After lunch, my class resumed and I had a horrible encounter with a fellow colleague. I had to tell my class to begin their classwork while I walked laps around the building. They all were quite concerned about me but before long, I was able to return and apologize for needing some space.

Even though I think I didn’t set a good example for a role model, I did show them one way to deal with my anger which didn’t involve violent behavior or words to another person.

I think it would be a good idea to help students plan for this type of situation. Ask them to think about a time when they were so furious. Talk about inappropriate behavior they might show as a reaction to this anger. Then discuss appropriate ways to handle anger. Even role play how to act this way. I think the more practice they have with the behavior; the easier it will be to actually act this way if the situation ever occurs. We hope the same thing happens when we do fire or tornado drills.

How do you handle your anger? How do you explain it to your students? What behavior do you show in order to be a positive role model for your students? Please share.

Image: 'scream and shout'
http://www.flickr.com/photos/91883096@N00/3766009204
Found on flickrcc.net

Monthly Review of Goals from January

Now that January is done, I want to see how I’m doing with my goals to this point. All of my goals can be found here.

For the year: (I only listed the ones that I have been able to do so far.)

1. I want to spin the alpaca fiber that I processed with some wool. - I have weighed the alpaca and started to spin the singles.

2. I won’t commit to more to more than I can handle. - I have said “no” to 2 requests for my time.

3. I will find something good in each day.- I have started to find people’s birthdays on Ravelry, and randomly wishing bunches of people a happy birthday.

4. I will learn archery. - I have been looking at the equipment at stores and a clerk told me to check out archerytalk.com to learn the lingo and “listen” to the conversations.

5. I will nurture old friendships. - I made a list of people that I want to have lunch with.

6. I will lose at least 20 lbs. this year. - I am trying to eat healthier and exercise more. So far I’ve lost 4 lbs.

Daily: (I listed each goal and what I’ve done with it.)

1. I will eat healthy. - I am doing this when I am home but much harder when we are traveling.

2. I will exercise. - Again, I walk on my treadmill when I’m home. Of course we walked about 7 miles each day (according to the pedometer) while at Disney World.

3. I will stretch. - I haven’t been doing this.

4. I will read my bible. - I do this sometimes and need to do this better.

5. I will do something that I have been avoiding. - I do a household chore every day and I hate cleaning house!

6. I will contact a friend and let them know I am thinking of them. - I really haven’t done this.

7. I will be happy. - I begin by thanking God each day for the night and allowing me to wake up and be alive. This one is easy for me!

 

Image: 'Eye Portrait'
http://www.flickr.com/photos/30875972@N03/4200432511
Found on flickrcc.net

Useful Information In and Out of the Classroom 2/1/13

Here are some interesting sites that I’ve found this week, thanks to my PLN. As a teacher, I feel we have to keep up to date concerning research in our field and current issues in the education system. I hope some of these inspire you, inform you, and even have you asking questions. Thank you for coming by and visiting!

Note: Each resource is labeled with a level and subject area to make it easier to use.

Levels: E: Elementary; M: Middle; H: High; G: General, all levels; SN: Special Needs; T: Teachers

Subject Areas: LA: Language Arts, English, Reading, Writing; M: Math; S: Science; Health; SS: Social Studies, Current Events; FA: Fine Arts; Music, Art, Drama; FL: Foreign Language; PE: Physical Ed; C: Career; A: All

13 Essential Vitamins - an infographic about vitamins and the food they are in (L:G; SA:A)

Marvel Kids - Create your own comic (L:G; SA:A)

Perfect Pitch - Learn about the orchestra and musical instruments thought a baseball platform (L:FA; SA:A)

My Classroom Ideas - “where teachers can share photos of their unique classroom ideas. Just upload your photo by clicking on the 'Submit Your Idea' tab above!” (L:T; SA:A)

Phrase It! - “Add cartoon style speech bubbles to photos within seconds” (L:G; SA:A)

Original Image: Tools by Pat Hensley