first blog in cali

here I am sitting on my couch...it almost seems like one of those movies where everybody and everything is wizzing past me and I am left untouched... I feel all this pent-up antziness and I don't know what it's from or how to make it go away.. I wish I could scream! or cry, or blink it away....on to better things. (cuz it's not like me to be all depressed like) The beautiful california sun has been good to me...warm but definitely not hot! I've tanned in Mexico and even while driving...My top legs are starting to look like they belong to a Mexican instead of a gring :) and toMORROW I have planned on laying in my backyard to get even MORE color...anyways... im off

not coping well with change

ive come to realize that life has these little changes as you get older...
you leave your favorite school...
your friends go to different states...
or even someone closer...
you leave home...
graduating school...
...and things are never the same. It not even like there's some kind of warning about them either! There's no way of going back, you just gotta keep moving forward...why? why do things have to change? why can't we just live in our blissful happiness forever? Do good things even come out of these changes? I see a lot of heartache and adjusting and discomfort but good? I must be blinded that I see nothing...

i feel like im gonna explode...

work sucks...it irritates me to no end to see people not work and just sitting there and waiting for the rest of us to do work BLAH!!! i wish i could like tattle or something but instead I have to keep it all in...
i hate life

LAST DAY!!!!

Today was my last day of student teaching and it was a bit better than yesterday, but not much. The kids are being rude and disrespectful and I still can't find an explanation for it. The good thing is that because they are so young they were so sad that it was my last day that they were semi-obedient.

I really did enjoy my student teaching even though it took me a while to get used to it. The age is so different that the work load and the way you deal with them is so different. I've worked with this age group before but never in a school setting like this. It was a struggle, but I would definitely do it again! It has opened my eyes to new possibilities and shown me another aspect to children and teaching that I hadn't really considered before. Overall, it was a growing and learning experience for me.

it's is ALMOST finished...

The kids have been so wild today that I don't understand what is going on! They will not listen and will not follow directions. Worst of all is that what we usually do to get them quiet is not working. They are blatantly misbehaving! What is a teacher to do when children are like this? We wanted to send them outside and get their wiggles out but because of the rain that wasn't even possible. We let them play in centers and they are being so rowdy and fighting with each other that we had to sit them in a timeout. Is it because of the weather? Is it because the end of the school year is right around the corner for them? What is a teacher supposed to do when kids get this out of control?

Fort Worth Zoo

Today we went out on a field trip with the third grade to the Fort Worth Zoo. The kids were so excited it was hard to keep them focused on anything! I learned a few valuable lessons from this experience that I would like to share:

1. The more parents the better, but there is such a thing as too many. If your main goal is to get the kids to interact and you have parents going that are too attached to their kids, your goal will not be reached.

2. When dealing with young ones in Pre-K you should have no more than four in a group. The kids were so excited and wanted to see all the different animals that they would start going and not necessarily wait for the adults in the group. To make matters worse there were a lot of other schools there too, so you couldn't always tell which ones were in your group and which ones were from other groups.

3. It is very important to wear a shirt that stands out (you as the adult as well as the kids in the school). The kids were to wear their uniforms but white shirts and blue pants don't do too good of a job in standing out when they are standing next to children from other schools.

4. Make sure that your cell phone is on the paper with all the directions for the day that you give to the parents. Also, before you send each group off make sure that you reiterate the number. (Some parents might not even look at the paper and not realize they have your number accessible.

5. When planning the exit time, have it be earlier than what you want to leave. We had a couple groups show up really late and in finding trying to locate them and loading we ended up leaving about 30 minutes later than what we were planning.

we rocked at chapel!!

Today our group was in charge of chapel. I was so nervous, mainly because we didn't practice that much. The kids were so excited and ready to do anything that needed to be done.

Again I was reminded how efficient children can be when you give them a little responsibility over something, but most importantly how innocent kids are. We had two kids do prayer, one opening and the other closing. And their prayers were so simple and meant just for God that it just touched my heart. The chapel turned out great! The best part was the kids saying their books of the bible by memory. I will admit they weren't as loud as they usually are, I think it was because they were nervous. If it had been totally up to me we would have practiced at least once all the way through, but things don't always work out how you want. And even so, the program must go on and you must do your best. And with that thought we went out and rocked!

oh no! not the worksheet teacher?! AHHHH!

The more I look at my teaching the more I realize I've become one of those teachers I always despised growing up. The type that just give worksheets, and worksheets, and more worksheets! I've been so lost with this group that I've done the safe thing, and just done coloring sheets and circle the right answers instead of games and interactive lessons.

I kinda think this strengthens my journal entry last week about not having time. If I end up teaching this age group at some point in my career I will need to plan ahead. I want to incorporate more unit studies where we could be covering a variety of subjects through a project or an experiment. In that way it wouldn't necessarily be so many worksheets and needless work.

considering the future...

Today 2 girls from the university came to teach a lesson on the senses. I was so impressed and it gave me a different outlook on teaching. It was so fun and interactive and the kids did so well with it. They divided the group into 3 and had them rotate through centers. Each group had hands on activities, not one did a worksheet or a coloring page. They ended each group with a talking session to see what the children had learned.

This semester I've been so busy with classes, homework, work, and still hanging out some with friends to keep me sane; that my teaching has suffered. I've kept telling myself that when I get out in the real world it will be different because I will only be teaching. But today it struck me that this is not entirely true. Even in the real world there are a million things to do! You have to keep up a house, kids, a husband, and your own personal upkeep as well. Not to mention all the work associated with masters classes on top of your classroom grading and what not. If I can't manage all this now, what makes me think I'll be able to do it then?

i need help...please?

I was evaluated today and I couldn't help but notice that one of my critiques was on how we find the page. My professor asked if there is a more time efficient way to do it. It is quite time consuming; first we say the page and have the kids go through trying to find the page. This is all happening while the teachers are walking around and turning the book to the right page. When I first started observing I asked myself the same question, and I can't seem to find one. We have bookmarks and all the kids have to put their bookmark in the page we are doing. As we move through the book we have them move the bookmark to the page we are on. In theory this works great but somehow in reality it doesn't. Bookmarks don't seem to stay where you put them, the kids don't seem to understand the concept of leaving them on the page you are on, and somehow many bookmarks get lost.

I don't have an answer to this problem...if you do, by all means come and enlighten me!

OMG! what am I gonna do with myself

The kids have been really rowdy and the management plan the teacher has had set in doesn't seem to be working much anymore. I constantly have to put kids in timeout and walk laps, but it doesn't seem to faze them. Instead of having a negative system I wanted to try a positive system of reinforcement. I am trying to give stars to groups who are actively listening and following directions. Following the system, if they are continuously talking they will get one of their stars erased. At the end of the day which ever group has the most stars gets a sticker on their hand.
It seems to be working well! This is the second day I've had it in place. The kids are trying to keep themselves quiet and listening in order to get the star. I would say the only problem seems to be remembering to give the stickers at the end of the day. It gets so busy towards the end that I don't remember and the kids don't either. I know it is important to go through with what you say, obviously, there is room for improvement on my side.

letting the kids lead

Lately during worship the kids haven't really wanted to sing or follow along with us. I've changed from just me picking the songs to having them pick the songs as well as teaching them new songs that they might enjoy and giving other songs a break. Even so they still haven't really picked up on the singing. Don't get me wrong it helped for a while, but the kids still seem to be very talkative and not wanting to sing very much.

Yesterday the teacher had 2 students lead out in song service for the class while students came trickling in. I was surprised to see how the students were responsive and so excited to lead out. And even today they were so pleased with themselves and even cooperating to sing during worship. But what shocked me even more is that they are singing loud and proud and even smiling while singing instead of dragging through songs.

I imagine this is because they are taking ownership of it. It is no longer an adult telling them what to do but a 'student-led' activity. It reminds me of how we've learned that when you want the kids to take well to the classroom rules you need to give them a chance to have a say in them and feel ownership in it. I guess it's true in activities you do in the classroom even for kids as young as Pre-K!

just evaluating...

Today I've been thinking about higher order questions. I was going through past evaluations and came across one from my first round of student teaching where it said I had to use more in my lessons. I know that we usually don't think in higher order so it takes some serious pre-planning to get the questions for the lesson. My problem is that I like to ask questions I know the kids can answer, I don't like to ask questions and just sit in silence while they dilly dally to tell me something that most likely is no where near the answer. Then usually I break it down into pieces until it's something they CAN answer. As I write this I think my answer lies in practice. If I continue using these types of questions with my students there will come a time where I don't have to break them down. I can, in a sense, wean them off of the extra help to the point where they are beginning to think at that level by themselves.

I don't know what would be considered higher level for Pre-K; I can't even begin to guess. What I've seen works best is just asking comprehension questions, which is another very crucial skill that is needed throughout the grades. If I could integrate both of these things and still keep the student's attention, they would have the hope of being a well-rounded student. Now I have something to think about, investigate, and work on.

Man this teaching thing is a learning experience...

One thing that I've learned from teaching in Palau and I'm sure has been stressed in my classes, I just don't remember, is to always plan ahead and be prepared. Yesterday afternoon the copier broke down right before I went to make copies for today. Since it was down, I decided to come early today so I could make copies. However, when I came this morning it was still down. On Thursday of last week I had made copies of the main assignment for this week. Instead of panicking that I didn't have the worksheets for today's morning work, I made small changes to my lesson plan. I did our book work for our morning work and I did our daily assignment for our group work.

You never know what will go wrong, you could be totally on schedule but you never know what could happen in your surroundings to throw your schedule out of whack. By making some copies ahead of time or even by planning extra book work, you leave yourself some cushion for error or unexpected circumstances.

and....THEY READ!!!

This week is our Phonics week and we are going over beginning sounds so the students can begin reading. It's funny because most of them say, "I can't read, I can't read" whenever you ask them, "what does this say?" Today was no exception. We began by going through each sound that was in the word and before you know it they were reading them. At the end of the lesson I told them, "You wanna know a secret? You just read! And not just one word but 12 words! How do you feel?" We even wrote sentences on the board and they read those. When the lesson finished they were so excited; it was so cute, they all had grins on their faces and they were telling each other that they had read and rereading the sentence out loud.
It made me think two things, one, kids are so easily impacted by things we say. This can be in the negative and in the positive. It is so important to always keep that in mind, you are working with a easily wet sponge and everything you say can affect them. I know a lot of days I can come in sleepy, tired, and worn out and I am just waiting for the week to end. If I am not careful, pretty soon all my kids will start giving off the same vibe. Just the way you act they will act also. Two, how far a word of praise can go. Who knows, maybe one of them is just thinking that he will never read, and with today's lesson it gave them a glimmer of hope that, yes, they CAN! It even gave one of them a fresh breath that soon they will be reading on their own! Maybe I'm giving them too much credit, but I am an optimist and I like to think that these thoughts are the ones that cross their little brains, even if it's really, REALLY deep.

finally accepted...

Since the beginning I haven't been thrilled about being in Pre-K. I just felt like all my learning and classroom knowledge really wasn't being used. It really wasn't until this week, or even today, that I can truly say that I am content here. The kids are just so loving and truly look up to you, the teacher, without really even deserving it. I think I would still prefer a little older because you are quite limited in what you can do with Pre-K kids, but I have definitely opened my eyes to new possibilities and can definitely do this again! This of course is a good thing because half of my plan is to someday open up a day-care/pre-K in my home while my children are young. If I can't handle or cope with this age a group that could be a bad business move! I hope to continue growing and having a positive experience here in Pre-K.

April FOOOLS!!

Today was April Fool's and the kids, like the rest of this week, have been silly and rowdy. They had to go down for another nap because they just will not listen or follow directions. The teacher thinks it's the time change but I personally have NO IDEA what is going on. Could it be possible, that even weeks later they are now barely showing signs of exhaustion? The time change is barely hitting them? Could it be that even one hour of difference can affect them this drastically?

New approach to teaching.. (that's what good teachers doo!) :)

Today my lesson was on ordinal numbers and we have begun by now having the kids in 2 groups. The first goes to P.E. while I do an activity/lesson with the second group. Then that group goes out for free play while I teach the first group the same lesson/activity. By doing this I have the chance to be more one on one with each student and help the ones that are struggling more closely. I also have the chance to revise my lesson a bit for the next group and possibly for the next day as well. What I mean by this is, for example, todayís assignment required them to color one drawing, circle the next, and cross out the last. I had a hard time with the first group because I didn't clearly explain that there were three things to do in each line. Then I had some not even following because they didn't know which line we were on or because they took too long finding a crayon. For the next group I knew that now I had to pick a unified color, say the picture name, and reiterate on each line that there were three directions to follow. And most importantly, have them follow along with their finger when we counted ordinal numbers. If not, they are asking me, "Which one? Which one?" It has also helped me for tomorrow's lesson as well as future planning. I am learning that I can plan a lot but we will most likely only get through 2 worksheets a day. It takes a lot of time to explain, and I have to go through the whole thing with them in order to get it done semi-right.

oh my word today was tough..

The theory or idea I want to discuss today is one I saw in the classroom, changing the lesson according to the children's learning. This is something that is crucial yet I know of many teachers who don't do it. Some reasons could be because it takes too much time, or they don't know how to change or mold the lesson, or even the thinking that they've already taught the information and if the students didn't grasp it then it's the students fault and they have to reap the consequences. All of these ways of thinking are not good. In my mind the only one that comes out suffering is the teacher because they are the ones frustrated that no one is listening or paying attention. Once the teacher has lost the student's attention, the student could care less! They just go about doing their own thing.

It's hard to say I saw this in the classroom because there really aren't subjects taught. However, today the kids were really rowdy and not really paying attention. I was trying to think what could be the reason for this or what a solution was. After lunch, I was sure the teacher was going to let them out for recess like usual in hopes of getting some of their energy out. But instead she came in and began pulling mats out and telling them that they were going down for a nap because they were disobeying. There were a lot of groans and moans but once the music came on all but one child was fast asleep! After nap she sent them out for recess, to wake them up a bit before they went home. During that time she told me that they were just being too rowdy and not minding. This was not usual and it must be because they were tired. She also told me that usually there are about 7 or 8 that will not sleep at all, they just toss and turn the entire time.

It made me think that as a teacher you know what your students need. There was still some assignments to do, but instead of getting frustrated by trying to keep their attention through a subject a nap turned out to be the better option. The pre-k students really haven't had naps since before Christmas break, but by seeing how they were behaving throughout the day the teacher knew that this is exactly what they needed so she changed the plan according to what was needed.

Positive Reinforcement

One thing that I've noticed Mrs. Romero does a lot with this class is praising the students. I know that I've heard a lot about this in all my classes! Positive reinforcement in my eyes is a crucial element in the classroom. I know that I talked to Dr. Gilliam last semester on how I had a hard time using positive reinforcement in the second grade class, and I think the main thing was that the teacher didn't use it so the students weren't used to it.

In this classroom positive reinforcement is a main element. When students are sitting quietly at the carpet you point it out so the rest will follow suit, when a student has his head down at their desk while waiting for the next set of directions you begin calling them out. As I write this the idea that maybe it could be overused comes to mind. Iím not so sure, but I do know that the students are so eager to please teacher and do just was she says that they will do whatever is necessary for that attention, for the most part.

About the BEST day eVer!!

My day started pretty scratchy since i had to do laundry that morning...but from there on out it's been awesome! My kids sang to me..we ate ice cream...I got flowers :) AND a nice LONG play time! It was so funny all day long the kids would come to me and say happy birthday and tell me how they loved me and how they were going to make me a card...lol, they are so adorable... Anyways, I got mnm's in my afternoon class, dinner with amanda (quisno's...FIRST time EVER! not too bad) and I got a cake at SIFE...and then to top off an excellent workday birthday I had a surprise visit from my friend Mike with an AMAZING birthday cake...omg...it was heaven! I would say I'd let you try it but, sorry...I like to be greedy when it comes to my birthday! Needless to say, it's been a good day...one of the best...although most of my birthday rank pretty high.. cuz what could be better than a day that's all about me :)

and my bliss continues...

The weather today was a marvelous 85° and I have really settled into (semi) my pre-k class. I have to constantly keep my positive attitude on my shoulder. As long as I keep it handy they are so adorable and cute! I dunno, prolly cuz I've been reading my matinal but I can't help but remember how God says you must be like a child to go into the kingdom of heaven...and seeing these kids just makes me see why. Even though they get angry fast and are ready to see even their closest friends get in trouble (probably cuz they love fair) they don't hold grudges, and remember even less of past transgressions (wow big word!) lol anyways, all is good...but keep me in your prayers...love you and miss you :)

and...I'm BACK!

So spring break was amazing! Girls weekend...dragged out throughout a week! Lacking in the sleep area a bit, but it's ok cuz it was SO worth it! So today the sun has come out and it is an amazing 77º. With it comes an obviously amazing day!

My health is finally all back and I am feeling great! I have finally gotten a new outloook and perspective on my student teaching which has helped me enjoy today a bit more and actually be excited about the rest of the semester. I can finally say that these kids are the cutest! They are so innocent and easy going. There was one kid that looked at the pencil he was using and realized it had someone else's name on it. (He had already used up the eraser the majority of the pencil and had been biting it all day.) But he goes to the other kid [Blake] and is like you have my pencil! This is yours! Give me mine! So Blake (which the pencil he is using is super sharp, new eraser, and an added eraser on top) says, "Let me see (looks at the name) oh yea! This is my name, here you go!" And they proceed to trade pencils. Oh my gosh! I don't think I've ever seen anything like that. I have a lot of little stories like that, but I kinda don't remember them :/

so anyways, the break has been good. It has given me a chance to reevaluate and take a fresh breath and my future is once again looking bright!

p.s. 5 days until tWIlight!!!! ahhhhhhh... can't wait :)

yeah!!! spring break!

so this is the last one until after spring break

Last night I semi started my spring break by watching a movie with the girls (i fell asleep in the middle of it :/ i was tired!) So student teaching is going a bit better. I'm mainly teaching little groups in center types. My teacher is really nice and it made it nicer because today was a half day because of spring break! So we got out at noon and I went home to clean and bum around for a while. THEN! me and rebecca and amanda went to get all spiffed up and got our nails done! It's been years!!! They feel so wierd! But if I'm not going anywhere for spring break we gotta have fun SOMEhow! So here's to an amazing spring break...full of movies, late nights, girl talks, munchies, and getting all dolled up!

BRING IT ON!! :)

spring break for you...but not me?

SO spring break has officially started for everybody!...except me :( I still have student teaching tomorrow. So while everybody is going crazy and sleeping in...I'll be...working. I dunno I'm not really looking forward to this spring break. I didn't plan on going anywhere, and now I've signed up to work in the library through all of spring break. You think I'd be happy, it's extra money! But I don't feel fulfilled in the least bit. Amanda is going to my aunts, my friends are all going on mission trips or...home, Rebecca is staying and maybe ditching me on the weekend! You'd think I'd be happy, bonding with Rebecca! But I can't seem to snap into happiness...boo.
Spring break sucks...I wish it were school...but no school? make my sad days go away...and while you're at it make me better too! please?

I rock SIFE's socks!

ok instead of dwelling on my student teaching (which is still not up there...today I had so much mocos it was NASTY! Every two minutes I had another full formed loogy!!) Anyways I had my SIFE presentation today...two of them actually. I wasn't thrilled about the first one, just because it had so much potential and I really didn't take that project anywhere near praise worthy. Yes, we finished it and yes it was successful but we didn't expand it. My pride and joy is my second project that I developed with my friend Zuri and that I carried out in the second grade classrooms during student teaching. The kids loved it and I loved making the presentation for it! The only thing is, when I do projects like this I like to have someone to throw ideas around with and make it perfect...well I really didn't have that, so in my eyes it was lacking. While presenting I got nervous and started talking fast...another minus of course. Don't get me wrong it went well! The kids got an average of 90 percent improvement and we got rave reviews from teachers and students! Did I mention it was 72 students? And my presentation was well done, I just don't know if well enough to win the 100 bucks...well we'll see...hopefully I can hold my anticipation till after spring break when we get our results. To add to my emotional-war filled thoughts, my friend Mike is leaving in the morning..BOO! I mean I'm happy for him (fun stuff..traveling to another country!) but talk about roughin it through spring break! Man oh man...this will be an interesting week..that's for sure!

eh...

so today was my first day of student teaching (again) but this time at the SDA school and with Pre-K. I wasn't sure what to expect other than small children you know? And I guess that's exactly what I got...still not sure how I feel about it all. I'm still feeling poopy and I sound horrible, but the good thing is that I have energy! I'm sure all this poopiness is part of the reason I'm not really digging the whole new classroom thing. Well of course besides the fact that I really liked my second graders and I miss them :(
Well, true to myself I'm sure I'll make the best of it and figure a way to make this awesome! Ask me tomorrow how I like it...maybe then it'll be better...

my last day...

today was so much fun! first of all I'm feeling millions better! still have the stuffy nose and the SOUND of sick but I feel good which is important. It's crummy when you just don't have the energy to do anything... Anyways, Today was the selling day of the My First Business project and they absolutely LOVED it! They had so much fun! I took tons of video and they look SO cute! Then of course it was also my last day there too...It was fun but so sad...

Fun because it was Dr. Seuss' birthday today( it's also Texas' independance day today!), so the teachers dress up like characters and they do Seuss stuff throughout the day. Some of the kids got cat whiskers, pencils, and other fun stuff, all of them got different kinds of hats like cat in the hat. And they read Seuss books all day long. All kinds! and did Seuss activities to go along with them. Then of course it was sad because it was my last day. They gave me a picture I took with the class on Thursday (I look SOO sick in it...not cool) and they all made me the cutest goodbye cards! I teared up...and the teacher gave me this OOBER cool bag with my favorite colors on it and sportin my Last name (that I've come to love :) ) plus other goodies inside. Needless to say, I loved my time there and will miss it greatly! I'm still not sure if I'm excited about PreK...yea there cute but there not my 2nd grade kids :)
anyways...I'll let you know tomorrow how I feel about it :/

blah...

I'm sick...but I don't have time to get sick...pray for me that it all goes away please...

T.G.I.F.

I know..what a title...But this week I'm just exhausted...I'm just so tired I can barely even keep my eyes open. Our SIFE project was a hit! The kids are so excited..I don't think I told you what the project is..well, they have to start their own business. SIFE is providing the supplies and they have to make a craft to sell to their classmates. We are going to be teaching them about profit, and product, and advertising...fun stuff! So today they got to see all the stuff that I actually bought for the "Store" and they were so exstatic! They just wanted to start buying and creating already! Unfortunately we ran out of time so we couldn't start that yet...We'll have to start NO MATTER WHAT on Monday...The rest of the day was nice, they were so quiet..OH! so on Tuesday I started this new thing, everytime the are quiet or following directions or walking down the hall quietly like they're supposed to I give them a letter. If they are able to spell "TEETH" by the end of the day, we are able to play Around the World. So up until now, they haven't made it...UNTIL TODAY! I would leave the room and when I came back they were still QUIET! it was amazing...I was so shocked that I was staring at them for a bit like...what happened? why are you being quiet? what did you do? Anyways, we played the game and now they seemed to be more motivated for earning those letters. Which, of course, is a bonus for me!
Well, wish me a good weekend! I got alota fun stuff planned!

SIFE ROCKS!

So today was the first day of a 5 day project that I'm doing for SIFE in my classroom...ok, so NOT only in MY classroom but in all 4 2nd grade classrooms...which is about 80 kids. Since it was the first day we actually put them all together...talk about mayham! The kids seem super excited about it which is a relief! And yesterday after work I went shopping for all the stuff for the project (which made ME excited...tell me, who doesn't like to go shopping for everything your heart desires with someone else's wallet...amazing I tell you, sheer bliss) So tomorrow will be our first actual lesson, which then we'll see how it goes...

This week is whizzing by!

I can't believe it's already Wednesday! I feel the week just started, and I'm already getting ready to end it... Well today we got a new student...shes a cutie...can't say much else..cuz..well, she's new! Umm OH! So today my professor came in at 11:30...it was so funny because he was hoping to "catch" me teaching on a time I hadn't given him. The only thing is that at that precise moment I had just left the room taking the kids to lunch. So I come in and see him (boy was I shocked!) and of course, try to hide my startled expression and just say, "Oh...hi :)" The teacher told him how awful our schedule is and how she's sorry but we just went to lunch! So he asked what do we do when we come back..."well go to the restroom, and then line up for recess..." so he had to just go... what a sneaker! well, no worries...We had a good laugh about it and the day went on. We were so busy today!
anyways...I'm pooped and still very depressed about my phone...boo... I keep opening it and closing it hoping that it will just go away and get better...but no luck. well until tomorrow... (and tomorrow should be real fun!)

You will never guess what happened!

I wish I could write about everything that happened but I cant...It's been trumped by some insane events...some LIFE changing events...so here goes

at 8:46 pm central time my phone decided to poop out its insides for the LAST time...if you hadn't heard, it's been dying one button at a time...first the side down button, then the top one, then the one that turns on the light, then the right button... and most recently my earpiece, where you listen to the caller from. But now...yes, NOW it has decided to black out BOTH of my screens...not just the inside one...but the outside one too! I can't even see the time now! As you can see this was definitely a life changing event...what will I do now to comunicate with family, friends.. and most importantly YOU! I have no numbers because I wasn't smart enough to memorize all 200 (maybe) contacts... ps. obviously this means I can't text...which is the mother curse of ALL curses for me...

at 9:40 pm central time (as well) I have been informed that my hair long is NOT a good thing...I guess I have been in denial about it. All along I thought that it looked good and amzingly beautiful...but after some probing questions and comments I went back and tried looking at it from an outsiders view. I have now seen that, well, it wasn't THAT nice. Yes, there is the occasional good hair day...but definitely not what I thought it was in retrospect. Which has brought me to the harsh reality that at 9:40 I have finally decided to face my denial and realize that long hair is NOT for me...I guess I am doomed to short hair... I know it sounds like it's a curse, which it's not because I love my short hair. But it seems like a curse when all you really wanted was long hair because you loved it and thought it was amazing....

point being...today has been an eye-opener in many ways...but these two in particular are the ones that stick out in my head...

Science benchmark

Today we had a science benchmark (which is a test to get us used to...or practice for the real standardized test in April) Anyways, our whole day is thrown off and the whole school is on "no-talk" which means...no talking. And of course my kids have a hard time with that on a regular day, so today was even tougher. boo.. well, we finally got through it and yea..nothing exciting really happened today...other than the kid that got in-school suspension brought a toy gun today...which means another day...poor kid.

Well, like I said, nothing exciting happened today. And if it did it got trumped, once again, by my hilarious adventures from yesterday! (if you have no idea what I'm talking about READ YESTERDAYS! you won't regret it :)) well..I'm off to do homework...the story of my life....

I have the funniest story...

So a lot happened today...but it all got trumped by my hilariously funny story! So here goes...
So today I was giving a Spelling Test and we were on number 16 or so. And you know how it gets all quiet when the teacher is dictating and the kids are writing... Well right before I said the next word a kid let out the biggest fart in the world! (I can barely write I am laughing so hard just remembering!) It was in PURE silence and his face was hiding behind his folder, so no one was totally sure who it was. The whole class just burst out in laughter, and the teacher was all serious and just went on telling the class to keep quiet. I thought that maybe she missed it for a second, so I tried to keep my composure and keep on (it was SOOOOO hard!) I had the laugh at the tip of my lips! The worst part was that while I was walking the classroom and making sure everybody is keeping up I came near the AREA of where the fart took place...and OH MY GOODNESS! it was a stinker! I'm not talking about one of those midway stinkers...I'm talking about the ones that make you pass out. This sucker was spreading! and fast, might I add! The other kids were plugging their noses and fanning the air, and nothing! We finally had to take them on a bathroom break so the teacher could spray the room! (Which then made me realize that she had noticed). When we got back, needless to say, the kids were relieved that the foul odor was gone...
ahhh what a day...what a DAY!

Show and Tell...

I can't remember all that happened today...sorry...I got really tired by the end and held off blogging...and forgot everything :( But I DO remember that one little boy came in today with a knife...he told a bunch of kids and during the day ONE came and told the teacher, which then when we asked him he pulled it out nonchalantly...He had brought it to school because he was taking it to show his friends at daycare after school. Poor kid, well he got three days of in school suspention. Which means he sits at a desk in the office with a PILE of work in front of him to keep him busy. He gets so excited when he sees somebody he knows. Like after lunch I was going to pick the class up from the cafeteria and he stuck his head all way out of the door way so he could see who was passing, then when we passed him again on our way to the bathrooms, he looked and waved at me...my heart just broke for him.

ohh... I sure hope he learned his lesson...

Fantabulous Friday!

So today was just amazing! I truly felt like an actual teacher, like I belonged. As soon as I walked into school everybody is just smiling and saying goodmorning and wishing me a good day! I get into my class and my teacher lady is all talkative and all...All is good. Right before lunch (during conference time) another one of the teachers comes and asks if I could possibly run out and get us all lunch...or take over her class while she runs out and gets us lunch. So I say, "Oh I'll go..it's ok" They all start laughing and saying, "she might be new but BOY does she learn fast!" So I went out and took a new way to town and actually found a SHORTCUT!! During lunch today or yesterday they (the teachers) were talking about how long I've already been there, and they can't believe it's almost over! They start talking about who's leaving so I can possibly stay :) Talk about making me feel special... I am absolutely loving my student teaching and don't really want it to end...I know that I'm still continuing on in it and still have 7 weeks with another teacher, but I'm really loving my time here with this teacher, and these students, and this school! I don't want to leave, they have such excitement for their school, I guess you call it school spirit...It's awesome! When I was going for lunch all the students started asking, "Are you leaving? Why?" I had to tell them that I would be right back. Then when lunch was over the teacher went to go pick them up from the caf while I was putting some stuff away in the room, and they were asking her "Where's Miss Valencia? Did she leave? Where is she?" It just made me think how attached they've gotten to me...and me to them. I dunno what I'm gonna do when it's time to leave...

OMG!! another EVALUATION!

So I had my evaluation for this week today! It was funny because we were finishing up our states and then all of a sudden another teacher walks in and is pointing all frantically and mouthing something to my teacher...then my teacher's eyes get all big and through a smile she tells me "I think it's about time to start our Math lesson" I looked a bit confused until it set in that "OH! My profesor must be here..." (inside thinking don't panic don't panic don't panic!!) Anyways... I had forgotten my lesson plans at home ON ACCIDENT and now had to teach this lesson with nothing...not cool...Well the lesson part came out ok, the kids were super hyper so they kept playing which made it seem that I had no control over the class...not too bad though...my scores were good, out of 4 I got mostly 3's and quite a bit of 4's. I think only 2 2's. It wasn't bad like I said, but for being a perfectionist and wanting to be amazing it wasn't my finest hour. I'm sure I'll do better on other days, and hey in the real world you have up days and down so today was just another day I guess.
Other than that nothing else really happened, I'm just tired...and poopy...I wanna go to bed...maybe tonight :)

Happy 100th day of school!!

So today was super fun! I started my day first by finishing blowing balloons, and let me tell you TODAY I got a little woozy...I think it was from all the balloons, I finally lost my breath and started getting light headed...lol kinda cool but scary cuz I felt like I might fall. All our activities had to do with the 100th day of school. We made charts and necklaces, read books, and took pictures and got pencils; lol I feel like I was one of the kids. Anyways, the only work thing we did (everything was work but the only thing from the lesson plans) was a bunch of time reading in Math for a quiz we had to take over it, and a science quiz. Tomorrow I guess will be a designated day to sort of "catch up" in a good portion of our subjects.
Busy busy busy is all I can say. And tonight I'm working hard trying to prepare quick and fun lessons to teach time, adjectives, and comparing and contrasting characters...OH and the moon phases! Man...my work is cut out for me...

Tumultuous Tuesday

hahaha! I love my title! Well today was exciting!! or maybe it's just because I still feel energetic and full of energy that I say that... Today was our test day over basically everything. Reading, Spelling, Vocabulary, Math...is there anything left to test? Now that I think of it, maybe that's the reason they were so loud...had to stay quiet for so long! Point being they were crazy...I had to sit one kid out during recess because as soon as I said no talking he thought it would be funny to make farting noises with his armpit! Kids...they're always seeing how far they can go. ALSO! OMG! yesterday...I had one kid repeating lines from a funny comedian guy! Except it's not funny when it's adult jokes being said out of a kids mouth. I'm just shocked at how kids just seem to watch everything on T.V. with no control. Parent's don't screen what is watched or what?
Well the rest of my day was good! My lungs hurt a bit...it's because I spent a good portion of the morning blowing up balloons. Tomorrow is the 100th day of school and my teacher is so crafty and creative that she's decorating the whole classroom for it...So we've put up a 100 balloon's all around the room and are planning a bunch of fun stuff for tomorrow too! super exciting!!
Well I'm off to Sally's and the bank to do my errands for the week...

oh BTW!! When I got home last night turns out that Keiko ended up having 8 puppies in all!! 4 boys and 4 girls. How perfect huh?

i made an oopsy..

todays isn't long..I'm too tired... Well I was in class grading papers next to a student and I had just finished helping another when a third student sneezed...and out of habit I said "God Bless You." As soon as I said it, I realized this was probably no bueno. And sure enough, the little boy started with "oooo, she said God...." alls I could do was blow it off... Then others started asking what happened and what did I say...so I said the most logical thing! "I said hurry and do your work! Get busy!" my my...how could I forget so soon?!...
One of the sweetest girls, Taila, moved schools today so now our class is down to 15.. Very sad day in our second grade classroom... Then we had one missing one leave early due to sickness then another disappear! and turns out he left early too! crazy day...
and to add to THAT crazy day Keiko had her puppies...just heard right now a total of 7! I ran to the house around 3:40 to grab something right before my class and I was telling Rebecca that something was funky with Keiko..that's when we noticed a big ol' sac hanging out of her butt...that's when it all went down...and actually didn't finish until after 8...poor keiko...LONG labor and LOTS of puppies...lol fun times for us these next few months...

AHHH!!! my 1st evaluation!!!

SO today was my first evaluation...AH!!!! super scary and super nerve wracking!! But not to worry I did wonderful!! My teacher was super nervous for me and telling everyone how I didn't seem to care! hahaha, well the teacher came in just on time and we transitioned over perfectly! I did my lesson on "repeated adding" which is the basics to multiplication. We used the unifex cubes (the connecting cubes) and I read a story about adding. Then we worked out the first few problems and they went out on their own. When they were done I gave them a pre-made word problem that they had made yesterday and (the coolest part) I gave them markers to draw out the word problems on their desks to help them figure it out!! lol, I probably seemed like the coolest teacher EVER!! I know that when I announced it, my professor's eyes got huge and he looked up at me all fast! hahahaha, it was the best feeling in the world! Anyways, at the end of the lesson he gave me my evaluation and...get this...ahahahhaha it was awesome!!
He started by saying that he had high expectations of my teaching...and I surpassed them! That I did very well!! Then he went on saying how I did well and all...I only had one bad part and it was how I told them kids they could "play" with the cubes while I read the story instead of saying "work" with the cubes. THAT'S IT!!! can you believe it!! I was so relieved and flabbergasted! Needless to say my teacher was relieved and at the end of the day told me I did awesome and that I HAD to go out and celebrate!!
It was wierd because as soon as my evaluation was done my food poisoning came back with a vengence. I could barely stand straight and I was getting all dizzy and stuff...I went home and practically went straight to bed...way to start my celebratory weekend...thankfully my tia gave me some magic potion stuff and within the HOUR I was healed! It was a miracle!!!

Well love you and can't wait to show you my evaluation paper so you can see what an awesome daughter you have!! yea! that's right!!!!!!

poopy...that's how I feel

So the weather turned out to be much more than just a chill...getting out of work yesterday night turned out to be an adventure! I was slippin' and sliddin' just trying to get to my car. Then once I actually got in I was greeted by the pleasant surprise that My windows, mirrors, doors, and wipers were all sealed shut but the thickest piece of ice I've ever seen! What to do, what to do...Not to worry! My friend came to my rescue with a magic wand and made all my problems go away! lol, I was finally able to get home safe and sound...OH! did I mention that I ate a taco from the Rusty Bucket for dinner and those stinkers poisoned my food?! So last night was not pleasant at all... My only relief was that my school would be starting late at 10 am, so I could sleep in a bit. After barfing all my insides out and more this morning I was awakened by my phone with the pleasant surprise that school had now been totally canceled for Cleburne ISD. Boy was I happy! So today I've been trying to recoop and deal with a massive headache and dizziness from my poisoning. I sure hope that I'm feeling better tomorrow...I can't even think of going to school all weak and nasty how I'm feeling right now. The worst thing of all is that my poor poor rebecca was poisoned too!...we should sue..it's the only right thing to do! you know..for all the other student's safety.
I wish I could just lay in bed and be nursed back to health. With no where to go and nothing to do except close my eyes and dream of better days...mmm... a girl can dream...

it's raining, it's pouring!

So today has just been WONDerful! I woke up on time with no dreary feeling inside...I made an amazing meal last night so I obviously had an amazing lunch today. I got ready in RECORD time with a good hair day AND ironed clothes(that my pour fingers are paying for...with a huge burn from my Sunday ironing session)!! AND was even able to meet with a friend to fix my computer BEFORE school and write a letter to Mem...THEN still make it to school early and on time. If that wasn't enough to make it a good day then maybe the fact that the students were really well behaved is a good day?!
Well to add the cherry on top of the stellar day that has developed we got an early release day! Since the weather is super crummy today (under 30) they released at 1:30 pm. They even let those that are outside of city limits go home by 12:50 or so. (Which it includes me since I live in booney town Keene). I didn't take off...I figured I have no where to be till 4 so I stayed and actually got put in another class while some other teachers went outside for car duty. Well turns out that the reason they dismissed the teachers early was because the bridges (to leave town) were icing over! So on my way home I'm super scared and being all careful cuz I'm scared of crashing and going over the bridge...Well obviously not careful enough because on the first bridge I went sliding all over the road and side swiped the railing and practically almost fell off! ok ok...I'm exaggerating... a lot. Nothing happened and I got home safe and super happy still that I have 2 whole extra hours to my day! I don't know WHAT to do with myself!
The only thing that would make this day perfect is if a certain someone would not bother me tonight and another certain someone would...but chances of that are slim to none... so much for wishing!

OH! also...because of the early release day my observing thing didn't happen (YESS!) and tomorrow there's talk of early start or no school, so it's out for tomorrow too! So I'm left with Friday (perfect!) Seriously...can anything else happen to make this day even better?

all alone...

So today was my first day that I was all alone...all that means is that today the teacher had to go take her dad to the doctor so there was a sub..But she basically told the sub that "her student teacher would take care of everything...just help her if she needs anything" So I sent her to do my ironing, and fetch me a cup of water...nah, jk jk :) She was super nice and actually thinking about studying to be a teacher...which is kind of wierd, that she was my superior yet I was farther ahead of her in terms of teaching? I wish I could say that everything was a cup of roses...but it wasn't. I don't know what got into them today, they were so loud and SUPER energetic! When I was teaching, it was fine. It was when I set them loose to do their work. They would not sit and do it! They were running around, throwing stuff, and hitting each other! (Not to worry, turns out all classes were like that today! I dunno what it was...maybe because it was a Monday?) I began reading to them and wow, did they settle down! They were quiet and listening! If only I could keep them like that at all times. If only for the times that my Professor comes in to observe me teach...that's happening this week too... SUPER nervous...

Overall I think the day did go pretty well. We were able to accomplish everything and I even read to them for a bit. One thing for sure is that today my feet hurt much more than usual and I am exHAUSTed...Usually I have my music loud and singing/screaming on the way home...today I had to keep my eyes open with my fingers...and I could barely hold my head up in class...I have to see if I can find anything for them to do tomorrow for my Math lesson when my Professor comes and watches us...

weekend! oh yea! uh huh!

Just thinking that I have a long weekend ahead of me is super nice! [MLK on Monday]. Although I'm gonna be alone...My tia and tio went to Mexico last night, so did my mom and dad...Amanda is going to my Tia Lety's for the weekend, and Rebecca de vaga...boo... I wish I had friends in the area...maybe I wouldn't be such a loser then.
I have Delilah...she's my friend...and it's not like I have nothing to do! I have to make sure that the dogs are fed, make sure the house is up to par, and clean my stinking room! OH, and if I'm lucky I might even cooK!! ...and iron...i hate ironing...

Anyways, lots to do...I'm sure I'll keep busy...

Thursday...one day closer to the weekend

Today I am surprised I'm walking! I just am out of energy. I could barely concentrate and pay attention in my Texas Review class. The kids don't seem to show any respect! You tell them to be quiet and they either do it for a second or don't do it at all! I am beyond myself. I always though my kids in Palau we're wildly out of control...but these make mine look like angels. :) I'm starting to see things that I don't understand...but then again, I am the student and need to observe and see what it's like in the "real world." I just don't see how I could do a lifetime like this...
Well our science lesson went really well! We went to the Science LAB and played with play-dough and fossils. They looked at some and then even kind of made their own with the play-dough. And to make it even more educational we read charts! They were actually pretty good at it. It took them just a bit to get the hang of it, but soon they were speeding to find it first. [They are super competitive!] They were involved and quiet...which was really nice!

I'm super excited it's almost Friday, it gives me a weekend to rest up! And believe me...I need it.

exhaustion has kicked in...

It's the third day, and I'm exhausted, but on top of the world! Today, I took care of basically everything. I only had time to grade one assignment! I ended up teaching social studies, Math, reading, and English. And tutored two girls. Today she let me take over as much as possible in order to be ready by the 26th, which is when she'll be out with her dad. I still need to work on management. The kids by the end of the day are loud and roudy. Although, they're like that with her to, so maybe it's normal?
So today's highlight...
We've been studying about Martin Luther King Jr. because of the holiday coming up...so we read this paper about how his birthday is tomorrow. So one of the kids asks, "Why don't we get tomorrow off instead of Monday since tomorrow is his birthday?" Before I could answer with anything another student pipes up and says, "Because that's when his birthday party is!" Oh my goodness, that made me laugh, and everyone nodded in agreement! Like that made perfect sense! [Even though we also studied that he was shot in April and all.] So next time YOU think about Martin and our Monday day off...you remember his party ok?

I am so tired...I need sleep.

The environment

My teacher is so nice! I feel right at home! She's already given me the chance to teach! I gave out the Spelling Test, Reading Test, and the Vocabulary Test! I know it's just "tests" but Tuesdays are test days. I feel so included in everything, from the class to even lunches! I am loving the environment!

The students are really warming up to me. If the teacher is gone they are still realizing that they have to listen to me, I am the one in charge. Shes' let me take books home (Math) to review and prep. for tomorrow. NOT sure exactly what I'm teaching but I am getting the impression I will be teaching something.

I am lovin' student teaching, just need to get more rest...I'm struggling with the yawns.

First DAY

Today was my first day of student teaching...I was so nervous and scared and now I don't even know why... It's a class of 16 with 9 boys and 7 girls. They are rowdy and energetic! ...just like my second graders [in Palau!]. But over-all they are so cute and adorable.

A friend told me to tell him something that had happened during the day. Here's a good one! One of the boys got a 100 on a speling pretest, but got the bonus wrong. (If they get a 100 they don't have to take the Test tomorrow). He fixed it and came and told me that I had graded it wrong. I was so dumbfound how it had happened, but I went to go fix my error with the teacher. That's when the teacher asked him, "Did you cheat? Did you erase it and cheat?" I was shocked! I had not even thought of that possibility and couldn't even see how it was possible. But sure enough he admitted to it.

I know I've been saying a lot that I just don't know how I feel about teaching, that I'm not looking forward to this semester, but...I'm finally excited about teaching and looking forward to tomorrow!
My interview with the library went awesomely! I am proud to say that I got the job within the hour!! I'm so excited and thankful! Everything seems to be working itself out just perfect. I just pray that I have the strength to get through this semester...