I’m, again, thankful for our assignment that required two book postings. With time constraints that do not easily allow ‘free’ reading, this requirement allowed me the opportunity to read a very important book, or at least an important book to me, personally. This statement is based on the fact that my best friend, Dr. Sherri Cone, is the author. She and I met when we were eleven years old, in Altus, Oklahoma. My father was stationed at the Air Force Base. Although I moved off two years later, when my father transferred to yet another base, we remained best friends, going on 40 years since that day in sixth grade.
Although, I love exploring ‘self-help’ materials, this particular book does not apply to me regarding the addictions, but it still holds the timeless concept that faith can get us further than we may believe. My main interest in this book was based on the fact that I wanted to share in my friend’s accomplishment and success. Even now, she works daily to be a source of encouragement and hope for those that have faltered in the legal system. I must admit that because I am so close to the author that I am privy to the ‘words in between’ of the related stories in her book. I have shared many of the personal experiences of Dr. Cone, as she endured them; including her fight with breast cancer, and the outrageous ordeal that her husband put her through; of which these are a couple of events that she mentions in her book.
Overall, the book is written as a guidepost for those individuals that have stumbled on the paths of their lives; and struggle with any number of addictions. Dr. Cone’s book is versed in layman’s terms. It is written from the heart, but backed by her years of experience as a social worker and drug and alcohol counselor. She uses real life scenarios for each addiction and reflects on each. She is a Christian woman that lives the Word of Christ. She uses the Word as an encouragement and does her best to model what she verbally conveys in her messages.
It is a good resource if looking for reading material to refer someone that exhibits silent, or expresses open conflicts in their lives, resulting from addictions; such as alcohol, drugs, sex, or gambling. The book is easy reading, and not a huge volume that would be difficult for someone to get through.
Sunday, November 30, 2008
Thursday, November 27, 2008
Office Assistant
This is a post to recognize Stacey, my office assistant during first period. She has been a great help to me in the classroom by assembling worksheets, passing out papers, making copies, and other general classroom maintenance. She began the year as a student enrolled in my first period Child Development class, but was taken out because she already had credit for the class. The counselors gave her the office assistant position, and she volunteered to stay with me as my assistant. I will miss her next semester!Housing and Design Unit
In this picture: We were studying Housing and Design-Unit 3 in Family and Conumer Science I.
This lesson was a segment on the five elements of design; of which LINE is one of the elements. The students' activity for this day was to create a finished product like the one held by the student at the board. It consisted of a large sheet of construction paper folded eleven times. In each of the eleven sections, the students had to follow the directions on a worksheet that guided them, as they expressed their individual creativity to practice making lines in a variety and combination of arrangement. It was a hands on and fun activity for the students and they loved it! We did a different activity for each of the elements. Another great one they enjoyed was going to the media center and designing a room and arranging furniture for SPACE.
Recommended Reading: 'The Last Lecture' by Randy Pausch
I can’t recall how I learned about the existence of this book, but after reading it, I was definitely grateful for being exposed to the profound messages it contained.
The book, ‘The Last Lecture’, was written by Randy Pausch, a computer science professor at Carnegie Mellon University. Its introduction into the literary arena, earned a position on the National Bestseller list. The story that Dr. Pausch shares with his literary comrades, is an extension of an actual lecture that Dr. Pausch gave during an infamous ‘last lecture’ at his university.
The book is actually very short reading; not much over 200 pages, but some words DO create volumes when presented in a certain way. Dr. Pausch wrote this book as a form of legacy to his children, as well as, a medium for conveying what is important in life-living each day to the fullest! The importance of his message was designed to reach his children in the future, at a time when they would be old enough to understand. Dr. Pausch had been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and was given only months to live, at the time he wrote this book. His children ranged in ages one to five.
I believe that reading this book would impact anyone’s view of where they stood in life, at any moment. Although Dr. Pausch is a dying man, he speaks to the reader with the dynamics of life and living. He stirs up questions that we normally do not take time to address, much less think of. I found myself assessing my life as I read the book! I loved his zeal for life, even before he knew he had cancer. He spoke of childhood dreams and how they can come true and shape your life.
The acceptance of Dr. Pausch to give ‘the last lecture’ at his university pivoted on his desire to establish his unique ‘ness’ In his adventure to accomplish this feat, he promotes a state of being that encourages the reader to pursue a similar quest. One of his special quotes from the book that defines this need for action is, “We cannot change the cards we are dealt, just how we play the hand.”—Randy Pausch. His story entails a rich embodiment of what worked for him. He demonstrates a common blueprint that anyone could customize for their own framework of living life with more meaning that is applicable in all aspects of one’s life.
I would recommend this reading to everyone. It is inspirational to the average person, but especially to teachers. It makes you think about seizing your own time, as well as, being an important part in someone else’s life……and that includes our students (because “time is all you have….and you may find one day that you have less than you think”-excerpt from the book). Not only do we have the opportunity to create, and strive for our dreams; but Dr. Pausch speaks about our opportunities to enable others with their dreams, as well!
The book, ‘The Last Lecture’, was written by Randy Pausch, a computer science professor at Carnegie Mellon University. Its introduction into the literary arena, earned a position on the National Bestseller list. The story that Dr. Pausch shares with his literary comrades, is an extension of an actual lecture that Dr. Pausch gave during an infamous ‘last lecture’ at his university.
The book is actually very short reading; not much over 200 pages, but some words DO create volumes when presented in a certain way. Dr. Pausch wrote this book as a form of legacy to his children, as well as, a medium for conveying what is important in life-living each day to the fullest! The importance of his message was designed to reach his children in the future, at a time when they would be old enough to understand. Dr. Pausch had been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and was given only months to live, at the time he wrote this book. His children ranged in ages one to five.
I believe that reading this book would impact anyone’s view of where they stood in life, at any moment. Although Dr. Pausch is a dying man, he speaks to the reader with the dynamics of life and living. He stirs up questions that we normally do not take time to address, much less think of. I found myself assessing my life as I read the book! I loved his zeal for life, even before he knew he had cancer. He spoke of childhood dreams and how they can come true and shape your life.
The acceptance of Dr. Pausch to give ‘the last lecture’ at his university pivoted on his desire to establish his unique ‘ness’ In his adventure to accomplish this feat, he promotes a state of being that encourages the reader to pursue a similar quest. One of his special quotes from the book that defines this need for action is, “We cannot change the cards we are dealt, just how we play the hand.”—Randy Pausch. His story entails a rich embodiment of what worked for him. He demonstrates a common blueprint that anyone could customize for their own framework of living life with more meaning that is applicable in all aspects of one’s life.
I would recommend this reading to everyone. It is inspirational to the average person, but especially to teachers. It makes you think about seizing your own time, as well as, being an important part in someone else’s life……and that includes our students (because “time is all you have….and you may find one day that you have less than you think”-excerpt from the book). Not only do we have the opportunity to create, and strive for our dreams; but Dr. Pausch speaks about our opportunities to enable others with their dreams, as well!
Saturday, November 22, 2008
Child Development
Child Development curriculum encompasses all aspects of learning about children, including;
"where do they come from?"
These students are in my first period Child Development class. One of them is experiencing the 'empathy belly'.
It is a teaching manipulative that simulates carrying a baby between 8 and 9 months of pregnancy. The 'belly' is fashioned like a full body vest that comes complete with a rubber bladder, which can be filled with warm water. This adds to the weight and warmth. Additionally, there are two pockets located inside the vest, that hold two round, solid metal, weights that give a simulated effect of a baby's limbs pushing against the 'mom'. A separate instrument is designed to freely hang inside the vest, to give the feeling of a baby's movement. The entire vest is attached by velcro at the back of the student to simulate tightness in the chest area. The navy blue apron is merely a covering that represents a maternity smock, and gives the overall appearance more credibility.
Because of the added weight and constriction, all students were under voluntary status, but they had to bring a signed permission slip from parents, to participate. I actually had more guys volunteer than I would have guessed.
The activity consisted of each volunteer wearing the empathy belly and demonstrate a few actions. They had to sit down and get up unaided from a chair, pick up toys and magazines from the floor (that their two year old and spouse had left laying around the house!), and try to tie their shoes.
At the conclusion of the activity, I had a variety of responses. Several girls said that they did not want to get pregnant if that is what it feels like. I also had another student put the 'belly' on, but wanted it off before she even started any demonstrations!
Over all, the activity gave the students something to talk and think about!
Monday, October 6, 2008
Diversity in the "Background"
I decided to add this little classroom segment for 'diversity'. It started with a simple discussion from our Housing Unit on a framework objective: Listing daily, weekly and seasonal cleaning routines for the average household. Students went to the board to write what they did as their individual 'chores' at home. I expected the usual; taking out the trash, cleaning their room, and maybe washing some dishes. But then I have this student start listing everything; from cleaning the bathroom ...to vacuuming... to cleaning out gutters.....and it was a girl! Needless to say, we found out that her entire household has to do these things because of the amount of family members and the demand on work schedules. And to top it all off, she did not explain the situation with an attitude. It was just a 'fact of life' and they all had to 'pitch in' to help!
In fact, I was dreading this lesson because I just felt it was going to be a super boring topic for the students. But this incident generated a response from the students and the majority of the class had something to add! Teachers definitely learn something from the students, as well! On this day, I learned more about the background of one of my students, AND how students, in turn, can relate to each other.....even on what we would think of as a 'mundane' topic.
Word Wall
The back of the classroom is decorated (in a whimsical way) as the 'inside' and 'outside' of a home.....where we learn about the FACS of home life!
Thursday, September 4, 2008
Philosophy of Teaching
The gift of teaching is one of the greatest accomplishments that I could ever attain. I love the fact that my position within the educational arena allows me to join forces with the vast majority of present day teachers, and also, with educators that have come before me. Today’s teacher wears many hats: social worker, nurse, cheerleader and everything in between, because youths today are faced with an abundance of social issues that affect their performance in the classroom. I may have been given the title of ‘Teacher’, but teaching itself, rates as an artistic flair with a unique fortitude. It is my responsibility to provide a well-managed classroom for my students and set high expectations for them. In order to remain effective in the classroom, I must also engage in ongoing professional development to keep my skills well honed.
Teachers should love what they teach and whom they teach. I feel that communities, my peers and student’s parents hold me in high regard, as I work to intellectually stimulate the growth and development of our future leaders. A teacher must be compassionate toward all students and provide them with a feeling security. It is more than a contractual duty. I believe that a career in teaching entails the dedication and commitment to a lifelong path of learning (the student’s and my own). Students are much more susceptible to learning when they feel comfortable and accepted for themselves. Students learn more effectively when they know that the teacher truly cares for them.
I encourage tolerance of individual differences and model socially acceptable behavior. I believe it is my duty to provide a well-managed classroom for my students. Management skills are crucial for success in the classroom. Students need to know what is expected from them and how to succeed in school and life. As an effective teacher, I expect my students to work on task and behave properly. I practice successful teaching methods based on learning intelligences as explained and proven by experts in the field.
This approach will produce positive self esteem, high expectations, and the learners will strive for academic excellence because they will be aware of what is expected of them.
As an educator, I believe I should extol the virtues of lifelong learning. The more knowledge a person possesses, the more the person is able to accomplish. If I expect my students to learn and grow, I should continually strive to improve my own performance. I am making an investment in my life as well as my students’ lives.
I am proud to be a teacher. Providing a quality education to all my students is very important to me. I believe I can accomplish this by accepting and loving my students, by providing a well-run, structured classroom for them, and by continually enhancing my career as an educator. I want my students to see the value in learning and achieving life goals.
The gift of teaching is one of the greatest accomplishments that I could ever attain. I love the fact that my position within the educational arena allows me to join forces with the vast majority of present day teachers, and also, with educators that have come before me. Today’s teacher wears many hats: social worker, nurse, cheerleader and everything in between, because youths today are faced with an abundance of social issues that affect their performance in the classroom. I may have been given the title of ‘Teacher’, but teaching itself, rates as an artistic flair with a unique fortitude. It is my responsibility to provide a well-managed classroom for my students and set high expectations for them. In order to remain effective in the classroom, I must also engage in ongoing professional development to keep my skills well honed.
Teachers should love what they teach and whom they teach. I feel that communities, my peers and student’s parents hold me in high regard, as I work to intellectually stimulate the growth and development of our future leaders. A teacher must be compassionate toward all students and provide them with a feeling security. It is more than a contractual duty. I believe that a career in teaching entails the dedication and commitment to a lifelong path of learning (the student’s and my own). Students are much more susceptible to learning when they feel comfortable and accepted for themselves. Students learn more effectively when they know that the teacher truly cares for them.
I encourage tolerance of individual differences and model socially acceptable behavior. I believe it is my duty to provide a well-managed classroom for my students. Management skills are crucial for success in the classroom. Students need to know what is expected from them and how to succeed in school and life. As an effective teacher, I expect my students to work on task and behave properly. I practice successful teaching methods based on learning intelligences as explained and proven by experts in the field.
This approach will produce positive self esteem, high expectations, and the learners will strive for academic excellence because they will be aware of what is expected of them.
As an educator, I believe I should extol the virtues of lifelong learning. The more knowledge a person possesses, the more the person is able to accomplish. If I expect my students to learn and grow, I should continually strive to improve my own performance. I am making an investment in my life as well as my students’ lives.
I am proud to be a teacher. Providing a quality education to all my students is very important to me. I believe I can accomplish this by accepting and loving my students, by providing a well-run, structured classroom for them, and by continually enhancing my career as an educator. I want my students to see the value in learning and achieving life goals.
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