Remember the days of using your imagination? I mean really using your imagination. Not just daydreaming. (not to say daydreaming is bad because I love to do it quite frequently) Back when almost every sentence you spoke to your friends started with "Pretend like..."
I was reminiscing about this today at work. The weather was unusually warm today, so it gave us a rare moment to take our students outside for recess this afternoon. It was so awesome to watch a group of kids create a volcanic adventure out of a pile of mulch. Everything was, "Pretend like we have shoes that won't melt" or "Pretend like we need to crawl through rocks". It was awesome. I know that our students usually play like this, so I don't know why it struck me this much today. Probably because I'm getting old.
Here is another fantastic story from today at work. I didn't witness it, but I was told that one of our students put a worm in her mouth to prove her honor. Amazing. Just another day at the office!
Monday, December 29, 2008
Friday, December 19, 2008
2-17-09 We are ready! (we think)
So Robbie and I cashed in one of our "DTV coupons" this week...
...and the critique is mixed. We've never had cable in our house because we are too poor. (and well, it gives us a good excuse to visit our parents. Right Dad?) So we've always been at the mercy of our aluminum foil covered antenna for a peek into the outside world. On a good day we can get about 3 channels with some fuzz, but most of the time it is just 1 channel that tolerable enough to watch without getting a headache.
We were so excited to get our converter box. All the commercials rave about the quality of digital signals, blah, blah, blah. But what they DON'T tell you is that your signal is only as strong as your antenna. Hey, I'm no techie so it's perfectly okay that I believed all our problems would be solved with the little box prophesied to save the end of the world (2-17-09, that is). We were pretty deflated when we plugged in our fancy-shmancy box and had to strategically place our antenna to get signal. I don't know, maybe our expectations were unrealistic. But you have to admit that the commercials make it sound like the little box is some mystical wonder.
All of this is taken with a grain of salt though. After some adjusting of the antenna, we do get 7 channels now! And it is nice not to have to squint through the fuzz to watch Scrubs!
Our other biggest complaint about the box is that it takes foreeeeever to change channels. That is because it has to find the analog signal, and then convert it. I hope this goes away after the apocalypse. (2-17-09, that is)
We are waiting to cash in our other coupon to see if we like this brand of converter box. Brand-name probably doesn't matter much in this matter though. Besides that, we only have 1 antenna for our 2 TVs. We (did) move the antenna to whichever room we wanted to watch TV in.
...and the critique is mixed. We've never had cable in our house because we are too poor. (and well, it gives us a good excuse to visit our parents. Right Dad?) So we've always been at the mercy of our aluminum foil covered antenna for a peek into the outside world. On a good day we can get about 3 channels with some fuzz, but most of the time it is just 1 channel that tolerable enough to watch without getting a headache.
We were so excited to get our converter box. All the commercials rave about the quality of digital signals, blah, blah, blah. But what they DON'T tell you is that your signal is only as strong as your antenna. Hey, I'm no techie so it's perfectly okay that I believed all our problems would be solved with the little box prophesied to save the end of the world (2-17-09, that is). We were pretty deflated when we plugged in our fancy-shmancy box and had to strategically place our antenna to get signal. I don't know, maybe our expectations were unrealistic. But you have to admit that the commercials make it sound like the little box is some mystical wonder.
All of this is taken with a grain of salt though. After some adjusting of the antenna, we do get 7 channels now! And it is nice not to have to squint through the fuzz to watch Scrubs!
Our other biggest complaint about the box is that it takes foreeeeever to change channels. That is because it has to find the analog signal, and then convert it. I hope this goes away after the apocalypse. (2-17-09, that is)
We are waiting to cash in our other coupon to see if we like this brand of converter box. Brand-name probably doesn't matter much in this matter though. Besides that, we only have 1 antenna for our 2 TVs. We (did) move the antenna to whichever room we wanted to watch TV in.
Sunday, December 14, 2008
Christmas Graveyard
As I type, we are waiting for the brunt of some winter weather to slam in less than 12 hours. Right now it is a balmy 57 degrees, and the low tonight is supposed to be around 18 with rain switching to ice and snow. Just in time for the morning commute! Fun! (Not!!) I need to go to the store, but I'm afraid that it will be kinda crazy. Even though we are all used to this type of weather around here, I don't know anyone who likes to travel in it.
Anywho, thanks to all of those who gave me advice concerning conflict resolution on the blog or in person. I got some really good ideas that I am going to try!!
I thought you all would like to enjoy the scene below. I see it almost everyday, and I still can't decide whether I love it or hate it. I encourage you to click on it so see the picture more close up. There are A LOT of decorations you can't see as a small picture.
Unfortunately this picture doesn't do the decorating justice. The lights on the house and inside the lawn characters change to music, so a lot of lights aren't lit in this shot. The picture also isn't very good because I was trying to be inconspicuous while taking it. Although--I think you surrender some rights when you decorate your house like this. Robbie calls it "Christmas graveyard" because he thinks that is where all Christmas decorations go to die.
Anywho, thanks to all of those who gave me advice concerning conflict resolution on the blog or in person. I got some really good ideas that I am going to try!!
I thought you all would like to enjoy the scene below. I see it almost everyday, and I still can't decide whether I love it or hate it. I encourage you to click on it so see the picture more close up. There are A LOT of decorations you can't see as a small picture.
Unfortunately this picture doesn't do the decorating justice. The lights on the house and inside the lawn characters change to music, so a lot of lights aren't lit in this shot. The picture also isn't very good because I was trying to be inconspicuous while taking it. Although--I think you surrender some rights when you decorate your house like this. Robbie calls it "Christmas graveyard" because he thinks that is where all Christmas decorations go to die.
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
Your Advice Wanted
Okay, so I've come to a huge road block on my path to a fun learning environment. I have asked friends in the education world, relied upon my own experience, and have endlessly searched books and the web for ideas on how to resolve conflict among 4th and 5th grade boys. Granted, the situation was already-a-brewin' before I was involved, but none-the-less I want to do whatever I can to be a positive influence. A fun learning environment is not possible even if just a couple kids are going at it without respect to themselves, their peers, or the teachers. My students deserve the best.
Nothing has been working. And I am sooooo tired about reading conflict resolution ideas that involve role-playing, filling out "how I feel" cards, and making posters. Those ideas work as preventatives (especially for young elementary students), but I need something to help in the heat of the moment when pre-adolescent rage is occurring. We are talking abrasive name-calling, throwing whatever they can get their hands on, and physical contact.
And it needs to be positive. Screaming and threatening only makes the student(s) and the situation more tense. I am working daily on building trust and creating positive relationships. How do I get them to make a better choice before or during the conflict?
Your advice is wanted.
Nothing has been working. And I am sooooo tired about reading conflict resolution ideas that involve role-playing, filling out "how I feel" cards, and making posters. Those ideas work as preventatives (especially for young elementary students), but I need something to help in the heat of the moment when pre-adolescent rage is occurring. We are talking abrasive name-calling, throwing whatever they can get their hands on, and physical contact.
And it needs to be positive. Screaming and threatening only makes the student(s) and the situation more tense. I am working daily on building trust and creating positive relationships. How do I get them to make a better choice before or during the conflict?
Your advice is wanted.
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
Interesting Christmas Facts
Sorry for falling off the blog wagon, life has been busy. And when you don't have internet at home it takes scheduling to enjoy the world wide web. :)
Anywho, so my job at the before and after school program is one of the things taking up most of my time. I love, love, love working there. I have been busying planning out the next couple weeks, and our theme is "Christmas Around the World". First of all, I was quite shocked to learn that it is perfectly o.k. to say "Christmas" in a public school due to past political-correctness. In fact the tides have turned again as far as that goes. Remember when we were little and vacation time around Christmas was called "Christmas Break"? Then it turned into "Holiday Break". Now it is acceptable to say "Christmas Break" again. I am nobody important, but my opinion is that it is okay to say it either way. I am a Christian who tries to reflect on Christ's birth and death throughout the year, and also on December 25th. The fact is that there is more than one holiday celebrated this time of year (Christian or not), and I think it's okay to say "Happy Holidays".
Okay, so back to the original theme. Here are some interesting facts about the Christmas holiday that I've learned while reading up on how other cultures celebrate Christmas. If you are interested in this type of stuff, there is a whole lot of info out there on the origins of some of our Christmas traditions. Beware, you might not like what you read. :)
Fact #1: Poinsettias are native to Mexico. Who'd a thunk? It is believed that a young boy walking to the church to see the nativity scene showing the birth of Jesus had realized on the way that he had no gift to offer the Christ child so he gathered up some plain green branches as he walked in he was laughed at but upon placing the branches near the manger they started to bloom a bright red poinsettia flower on each branch.
Fact #2: The Christmas tree used to be oak, not fir. There are various legends regarding the origin of the Christmas tree, often relating to Saint Boniface. Thus, in one version, Boniface disrupted a pagan child sacrifice at an oak tree, flattening the oak with a blow of his fist. A small fir sprang up in place of the oak, which Boniface told the pagans represented Christ. In some accounts, Martin Luther is credited with coming up with the idea after seeing the night stars through the branches of a pine tree on a walk home, and decorated a tree with his family with candles and silver and gold tinsel.
Fact #3: Hoteiosho. In Japan most do not recognize Christmas as a religious holiday. It is very commericalized. (Hmmm...how is it any different here?) Their version of Santa is a Buddhist monk called "Hoteiosho". He has eye balls on the back of his head so he can always watch the children to see if they are behaving.
Fact# 4: The Advent Calendar came from Germany, and originally started out as lines of chalk on the door. Then children began hanging 24 pieces of paper in the home, each would open to reveal a drawing or phrase. Now the calendar comes in many forms to reveal artwork or candy.
These are just a few fun facts. A lot of these I already knew, but thought you might like to know them too! I looooove learning the origins of words and ideas. Did you know that sub sandwiches used to be called grinders? This is because the mechanics who worked on submarines made this type of sandwich popular.
As a Christian it is important for me to remember that Christmas should be an all-year event. Do I think it's wrong to decorate or throw parties this time of year? No. Because it's all about where your heart is. It is wonderful that we gather with friends and family to reflect on Christ's birth, and show love for one another. Just try to make it more than once a year.
Anywho, so my job at the before and after school program is one of the things taking up most of my time. I love, love, love working there. I have been busying planning out the next couple weeks, and our theme is "Christmas Around the World". First of all, I was quite shocked to learn that it is perfectly o.k. to say "Christmas" in a public school due to past political-correctness. In fact the tides have turned again as far as that goes. Remember when we were little and vacation time around Christmas was called "Christmas Break"? Then it turned into "Holiday Break". Now it is acceptable to say "Christmas Break" again. I am nobody important, but my opinion is that it is okay to say it either way. I am a Christian who tries to reflect on Christ's birth and death throughout the year, and also on December 25th. The fact is that there is more than one holiday celebrated this time of year (Christian or not), and I think it's okay to say "Happy Holidays".
Okay, so back to the original theme. Here are some interesting facts about the Christmas holiday that I've learned while reading up on how other cultures celebrate Christmas. If you are interested in this type of stuff, there is a whole lot of info out there on the origins of some of our Christmas traditions. Beware, you might not like what you read. :)
Fact #1: Poinsettias are native to Mexico. Who'd a thunk? It is believed that a young boy walking to the church to see the nativity scene showing the birth of Jesus had realized on the way that he had no gift to offer the Christ child so he gathered up some plain green branches as he walked in he was laughed at but upon placing the branches near the manger they started to bloom a bright red poinsettia flower on each branch.
Fact #2: The Christmas tree used to be oak, not fir. There are various legends regarding the origin of the Christmas tree, often relating to Saint Boniface. Thus, in one version, Boniface disrupted a pagan child sacrifice at an oak tree, flattening the oak with a blow of his fist. A small fir sprang up in place of the oak, which Boniface told the pagans represented Christ. In some accounts, Martin Luther is credited with coming up with the idea after seeing the night stars through the branches of a pine tree on a walk home, and decorated a tree with his family with candles and silver and gold tinsel.
Fact #3: Hoteiosho. In Japan most do not recognize Christmas as a religious holiday. It is very commericalized. (Hmmm...how is it any different here?) Their version of Santa is a Buddhist monk called "Hoteiosho". He has eye balls on the back of his head so he can always watch the children to see if they are behaving.
Fact# 4: The Advent Calendar came from Germany, and originally started out as lines of chalk on the door. Then children began hanging 24 pieces of paper in the home, each would open to reveal a drawing or phrase. Now the calendar comes in many forms to reveal artwork or candy.
These are just a few fun facts. A lot of these I already knew, but thought you might like to know them too! I looooove learning the origins of words and ideas. Did you know that sub sandwiches used to be called grinders? This is because the mechanics who worked on submarines made this type of sandwich popular.
As a Christian it is important for me to remember that Christmas should be an all-year event. Do I think it's wrong to decorate or throw parties this time of year? No. Because it's all about where your heart is. It is wonderful that we gather with friends and family to reflect on Christ's birth, and show love for one another. Just try to make it more than once a year.
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