Everyone's day at Carrington starts with START. START stands for Students and Teachers Are Reading Together. The day begins with 15-20 minutes of silent sustained reading with a written reflection and then the last half of the period is either used for a literacy lesson or a read aloud. And, when I'm really lazy, we just read the whole 40 minutes. It is great! Most of the students and all of the teachers love it! Everyone gets to pick their own book and begin the day reading for fun. I have a great START class and there is rarely a battle to get them to read and participate.
Well, one day this week, we had finished our reading and reflecting and were going through our literacy lesson for the day. Our academic coach plans these lessons for us so there is no preparation on the teacher's part, which makes this class that much more enjoyable. So, our topic this past week was on graphic organizers, specifically flow charts and timelines.
We looked at a few examples of each and then we were having a conversation about different situations we could use these graphic organizers. We went over the usual: life cycles, war time lines, etc. When I asked for another example of where we could use a flow chart, a young man in my class raised his hand. When I called on him, he proudly answered, "Menstrual cycles!" This caught me completely off guard; it was the last thing I was expecting to hear, especially from a boy. My fiance who is 22 is still freaked out by any discussion about a menstrual cycle so I just assumed all 7th grade boys would be too and would avoid this topic. My surprised response, with a quick double take was, "WHAT?" He began to respond, "You know..." Before he could go any farther I said, "Yes, I know. Thank you." And, we moved on. Talk about an interesting start to the day...
Every Friday we have a quiz in my class on topics we've learned earlier in the week. Seventh grade is the year of major change for middle school students. Some are well into puberty, some are right in the middle of it, and others still look like they are in third grade. This makes for an interesting mix of students with hormones and emotions going crazy! Any man who teaches 7th grade should be well prepared to deal with a pregnant lady. This past Friday, one of my "third" grade boys, in the middle of his quiz, exclaims partially excited and partially confused, "Ms. Hemric, I have hair growing on my fingers!" One boy behind him advised him to shave it off before it got out of control. Then my "third" grader looks at me with concern in his eyes and says, "I don't want to become as hairy as a gorilla." I assured him he wouldn't and that hair on his fingers was normal. However, he had completely lost his train of thought and spent the rest of his quiz examining his fingers and playing with the peach fuzz that was beginning to grow there. Now, if only his voice would change so that when he yells across the room for me, it wouldn't pierce my ears as high as it currently is.
I am thankful that this is the extent of the sex education that takes place in my seventh grade math classroom!
Sunday, January 30, 2011
Friday, January 21, 2011
Be Thankful
Lesson of the Week
As my legs were on fire from all the squats my aerobics instructor was making me do, she says, "Be thankful that you can do this. I'm sure you know someone who wishes they could go to the gym and take an aerobics class." Suddenly I had no more reason to complain. God has blessed me with a healthy body that can endure massive amounts of squats with a little pain. It is mine to care for for His glory. Through the sweat and pain, I will be thankful. And, on days I really don't want to go to the gym, I will motivate myself with the thought that not everyone has the option to go to the gym and that I only have one chance to care for this body. I do not want to be unable to be active; so, for myself and those unable, I will go. (This was probably only effective in motivating a room full of women)
We have Saturday school this week. I thought I would be okay with this, but the closer it gets, the less excited I get about it. Granted, it is only a half day and it saved us from giving up a spring break day. I still haven't gotten back into the swing of things since Christmas break and this week has worn me out. Tomorrow is going to be a chill day and then I am soaking in the weekend that I do get. Luckily, no school on Monday either. Really, I have nothing to complain about, but I really want to sleep in tomorrow so I am.
When sharing good things:
Student: "I get my phone back on Sunday."
Me: "Is that why you're being so good today?"
Student: "Yep!"
If only I had the power of taking their phone when they don't behave and keeping it until they get their act together, my authority would be much more respected!
Me: "Sit down."
Student: "I can't."
Me: "Why?"
Student: (With goofy smirk on his face) "My butt hurts."
Me: "Why?"
Student: (With embarrassed look on his face now) "I fell."
[Side note: I love to see people fall. So, hearing about someone falling makes it hard not to laugh...especially when there's a room full of students laughing]
Me: "Just now in the hall?"
Student: "No, last night at basketball. I got tripped up."
Me: "Did you trip over yourself?"
Student: "...yea..."
I could not continue this conversation without laughing in his face so I dropped it and let him stand.
As my legs were on fire from all the squats my aerobics instructor was making me do, she says, "Be thankful that you can do this. I'm sure you know someone who wishes they could go to the gym and take an aerobics class." Suddenly I had no more reason to complain. God has blessed me with a healthy body that can endure massive amounts of squats with a little pain. It is mine to care for for His glory. Through the sweat and pain, I will be thankful. And, on days I really don't want to go to the gym, I will motivate myself with the thought that not everyone has the option to go to the gym and that I only have one chance to care for this body. I do not want to be unable to be active; so, for myself and those unable, I will go. (This was probably only effective in motivating a room full of women)
We have Saturday school this week. I thought I would be okay with this, but the closer it gets, the less excited I get about it. Granted, it is only a half day and it saved us from giving up a spring break day. I still haven't gotten back into the swing of things since Christmas break and this week has worn me out. Tomorrow is going to be a chill day and then I am soaking in the weekend that I do get. Luckily, no school on Monday either. Really, I have nothing to complain about, but I really want to sleep in tomorrow so I am.
When sharing good things:
Student: "I get my phone back on Sunday."
Me: "Is that why you're being so good today?"
Student: "Yep!"
If only I had the power of taking their phone when they don't behave and keeping it until they get their act together, my authority would be much more respected!
Me: "Sit down."
Student: "I can't."
Me: "Why?"
Student: (With goofy smirk on his face) "My butt hurts."
Me: "Why?"
Student: (With embarrassed look on his face now) "I fell."
[Side note: I love to see people fall. So, hearing about someone falling makes it hard not to laugh...especially when there's a room full of students laughing]
Me: "Just now in the hall?"
Student: "No, last night at basketball. I got tripped up."
Me: "Did you trip over yourself?"
Student: "...yea..."
I could not continue this conversation without laughing in his face so I dropped it and let him stand.
Monday, January 17, 2011
Twins?
People often comment that Stephen and I look a lot alike. Often when meeting someone for the first time, people will say, "I thought you were brother and sister not girlfriend or boyfriend or engaged!" They say that the longer people are together, the more they look alike. Well, Stephen better watch out because he is becoming A LOT like me...
After four and a half years, he too has a whole drawer full of underwear!
(I love underwear. His "love" for underwear might just be an extension of my obsession, but nonetheless, he has it!)
He organized his shirts by color. And this was unprompted by me I might add!
Watch out! Who knows what else he might start doing like me at the end of July and in the months after!
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Normal?
Normal at the beginning of the school year meant a week that consisted of going to school Monday-Friday, arriving around 7am, leaving around 3:30 or 4pm, planning/grading at night, bed at 9pm. I've come to the conclusion that normal will no longer be an adjective that describes my week until next August.
Last week was a nice change from being a lazy bum to being an active human being again. Although exhausting, it was nice to get back in the routine of things. Granted, there were some grumpy days on both mine and the students' parts; but, we made it through to this week, which has thrown things all off again. Monday we were let out three hours early. This announcement was made Sunday night. No snow or ice began to fall until late in the evening. We could have gone all day, but I'm not complaining about a half day that counted as a school day. I got to leave at 12 and we don't have to make the day up. Yesterday and today were both snow days. Tuesday was understandable and expected; today could have been fine with a 2 hr delay. These days will have to be made up. Part of me wants them to be made up on a Saturday so I don't loose my spring break. When spring break finally gets here, we will all be needing a break from one another. Shortening that break with snow make-up days does not appeal to me. However, I'm not the one making the decisions.
When I woke up yesterday, I wasn't sure if we would still be held accountable for our time. You see, snow days are usually just for students; teachers are expected to serve a work day. So, I got up and got quite a bit of planning done just in case I needed to document my time. It ended up being a snow day for everyone. However, it is still so refreshing to be planned so far ahead. With this unexpected snow day today, I have another day planned for next week; each snow days bumps my plans back a day.
So, now I will go curl up on the couch with my blanket and a good book!
Quotes from this past week:
Everyone was tired Monday morning after being off for two weeks. My first class was extra quiet. So quiet that the students commented on the silence several times. Observing the silence was about all the energy they had for extra conversation and things would fall silent again after each comment. Then, one boy piped up and said, "It's too quiet in here. Ms. Hemric, you need to get some birds in here to sing for us." Everyone else, myself included, decided this was not a good idea and continued to enjoy the silence.
"My mom got me some glow in the dark boxers for Christmas!" (Why? Why do I need to know that??)
I caught two kids in the back of the room loudly "whispering" to each other about texting. I told them to put the phones away that I was a pro at reading lips. One girl at the front of the room was amazed by this fact. So, I decided to inform her that in order for me to get a teaching degree, I had to take a lip reading class, especially to teach middle schoolers. She was impressed. I made sure to let them know I got an A in that course. They believed me. Sometimes you have to have fun with their gullible little selves.
I also received this note after I switched a girl's seat:
Last week was a nice change from being a lazy bum to being an active human being again. Although exhausting, it was nice to get back in the routine of things. Granted, there were some grumpy days on both mine and the students' parts; but, we made it through to this week, which has thrown things all off again. Monday we were let out three hours early. This announcement was made Sunday night. No snow or ice began to fall until late in the evening. We could have gone all day, but I'm not complaining about a half day that counted as a school day. I got to leave at 12 and we don't have to make the day up. Yesterday and today were both snow days. Tuesday was understandable and expected; today could have been fine with a 2 hr delay. These days will have to be made up. Part of me wants them to be made up on a Saturday so I don't loose my spring break. When spring break finally gets here, we will all be needing a break from one another. Shortening that break with snow make-up days does not appeal to me. However, I'm not the one making the decisions.
When I woke up yesterday, I wasn't sure if we would still be held accountable for our time. You see, snow days are usually just for students; teachers are expected to serve a work day. So, I got up and got quite a bit of planning done just in case I needed to document my time. It ended up being a snow day for everyone. However, it is still so refreshing to be planned so far ahead. With this unexpected snow day today, I have another day planned for next week; each snow days bumps my plans back a day.
So, now I will go curl up on the couch with my blanket and a good book!
Quotes from this past week:
Everyone was tired Monday morning after being off for two weeks. My first class was extra quiet. So quiet that the students commented on the silence several times. Observing the silence was about all the energy they had for extra conversation and things would fall silent again after each comment. Then, one boy piped up and said, "It's too quiet in here. Ms. Hemric, you need to get some birds in here to sing for us." Everyone else, myself included, decided this was not a good idea and continued to enjoy the silence.
"My mom got me some glow in the dark boxers for Christmas!" (Why? Why do I need to know that??)
I caught two kids in the back of the room loudly "whispering" to each other about texting. I told them to put the phones away that I was a pro at reading lips. One girl at the front of the room was amazed by this fact. So, I decided to inform her that in order for me to get a teaching degree, I had to take a lip reading class, especially to teach middle schoolers. She was impressed. I made sure to let them know I got an A in that course. They believed me. Sometimes you have to have fun with their gullible little selves.
I also received this note after I switched a girl's seat:
Please notice the dead flower.
She has 6 teachers so I still have one spot to fall!
Sunday, January 9, 2011
Top 10 of 2010
1. Overall, 2010 was a healthy year for me and my family.
2. I read the Bible all the way through in a year. I did this several years ago, but had been putting it off since then. However, I set my mind to it at the end of 2009 and did it again in 2010!
3. SNOW. This past winter in Boone was like living in a winter wonderland. Although I only went out in it to play one night, I still enjoyed the white blanket that covered Boone for several months. And, then I enjoyed the beautiful spring that followed just as much!
4. 2010 was my last year living with Steph. No, that is not one of my top ten. It was my last year in college and last chance to do pretty much whatever I wanted whenever I wanted. So, when Steph asked if I wanted to road trip with her to Charleston to watch Savva wrestle, I initially said no. Then, I realized just picking up in the middle of the week and going wherever I wanted with my best friend was not a luxury I would have much longer. So, off to Charleston we went...and what an adventure it was!
5. I completed my Master's degree in 2010. And, if I might brag on myself for a moment, I finished with a 4.0!
6. I got a job. And, I didn't just get a job. I got the job I wanted, at the school I wanted, teaching the subject I wanted to teach, with amazing colleagues. It doesn't get much better than that! The Lord definitely provided for me in that situation.
7. I got engaged! I think that speaks for itself!
8. I made my first "big-girl" purchase and bought myself a car.
9. I got two weeks off for Christmas break, which were amazing! I relaxed a lot. I slept a lot. I ate a lot. I spent a lot of time with family. I skipped a lot of showers. Pretty much, I did a lot of nothing and enjoyed every minute of it.
10. And, last, but certainly not least, Stephen moved home!! No more long distance relationship for us ever again! yay!
Things I'm Looking Forward to in 2011
Taking more time for myself...trying to not be such a workaholic
Taking care of myself--Getting plenty of sleep, working out, eating right
Marrying my best friend
Throwing an awesome wedding
Reading
Moving in with Stephen
Having the summer off
Spending Christmas with Stephen
Finishing my first year of teaching--Reflecting on all I've learned this year
Visiting Boone--Watching Steph build her own house
Saving more and spending less
Here's to a great year!
2. I read the Bible all the way through in a year. I did this several years ago, but had been putting it off since then. However, I set my mind to it at the end of 2009 and did it again in 2010!
3. SNOW. This past winter in Boone was like living in a winter wonderland. Although I only went out in it to play one night, I still enjoyed the white blanket that covered Boone for several months. And, then I enjoyed the beautiful spring that followed just as much!
4. 2010 was my last year living with Steph. No, that is not one of my top ten. It was my last year in college and last chance to do pretty much whatever I wanted whenever I wanted. So, when Steph asked if I wanted to road trip with her to Charleston to watch Savva wrestle, I initially said no. Then, I realized just picking up in the middle of the week and going wherever I wanted with my best friend was not a luxury I would have much longer. So, off to Charleston we went...and what an adventure it was!
5. I completed my Master's degree in 2010. And, if I might brag on myself for a moment, I finished with a 4.0!
6. I got a job. And, I didn't just get a job. I got the job I wanted, at the school I wanted, teaching the subject I wanted to teach, with amazing colleagues. It doesn't get much better than that! The Lord definitely provided for me in that situation.
7. I got engaged! I think that speaks for itself!
8. I made my first "big-girl" purchase and bought myself a car.
9. I got two weeks off for Christmas break, which were amazing! I relaxed a lot. I slept a lot. I ate a lot. I spent a lot of time with family. I skipped a lot of showers. Pretty much, I did a lot of nothing and enjoyed every minute of it.
10. And, last, but certainly not least, Stephen moved home!! No more long distance relationship for us ever again! yay!
Things I'm Looking Forward to in 2011
Taking more time for myself...trying to not be such a workaholic
Taking care of myself--Getting plenty of sleep, working out, eating right
Marrying my best friend
Throwing an awesome wedding
Reading
Moving in with Stephen
Having the summer off
Spending Christmas with Stephen
Finishing my first year of teaching--Reflecting on all I've learned this year
Visiting Boone--Watching Steph build her own house
Saving more and spending less
Here's to a great year!
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
Is 8:30 Too Early for Bed??
Nope!
I just got done watching an episode of Criminal Minds. From past experience, I've learned I can not watch this show before going to bed because it gives me bad dreams. So, when I sat down at 7:30 and popped an episode in, I figured I'd have time to check email/facebook/blogs and write a blog myself before going to bed in an attempt to forget about the creepy serial killer I just watched the BAU catch.
I need to change the Christmas background on my blog, reflect on 2010, and post about the new year. This was all going to happen before I went back to school this week, but I was lazy. Now, I'm exhausted. After sleeping in everyday for two weeks and I literally mean everyday, getting up at 5:30am again has taken its toll on me. Today I hit that wall.
So, instead of spending time finding the perfect blog background and writing an exhilirating 2010 reflection blog, I am going to bed. This will be better for everyone who has to come into contact with me tomorrow.
No worries...new posts coming soon...as soon as I get over this sleepy crankiness...
Good night.
PS: Karen, I would expect to see profanity on the white board in the morning if we were still in M202.
I just got done watching an episode of Criminal Minds. From past experience, I've learned I can not watch this show before going to bed because it gives me bad dreams. So, when I sat down at 7:30 and popped an episode in, I figured I'd have time to check email/facebook/blogs and write a blog myself before going to bed in an attempt to forget about the creepy serial killer I just watched the BAU catch.
I need to change the Christmas background on my blog, reflect on 2010, and post about the new year. This was all going to happen before I went back to school this week, but I was lazy. Now, I'm exhausted. After sleeping in everyday for two weeks and I literally mean everyday, getting up at 5:30am again has taken its toll on me. Today I hit that wall.
So, instead of spending time finding the perfect blog background and writing an exhilirating 2010 reflection blog, I am going to bed. This will be better for everyone who has to come into contact with me tomorrow.
No worries...new posts coming soon...as soon as I get over this sleepy crankiness...
Good night.
PS: Karen, I would expect to see profanity on the white board in the morning if we were still in M202.
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