Through a conversation about length of school day with someone about education in another state, I began reflecting on the school where I teach. Kids at my school attend from 8-2:15 (6.25 hours). During that time kids have a 45 minute lunch/recess, 15 minute class recess and a 30 minute special (library, computer or PE). That's an hour and a half of 'other stuff' That leaves me with about 4.5 hours a day to teach...meaning that for almost 20 hours a day the students are not getting instruction unless they have fabulous parents who provide enrichment activities. WOW! No wonder it never feels like I have enough time to get through all the standards let along any enrichment or extension activities...YIKES!
Thoughts from other educators, parents, students, etc....??? I'd love to hear your perspective!
Tuesday, January 31, 2012
Tuesday, January 24, 2012
Success
31 is an awkward age (although, as I type this, I think I could simply say, Life is awkward)... I have friends at so many different stages in their lives (some are dating, married, in college, pregnant, already have kids, buying a house, starting a career, changing careers, traveling, going on missions, fighting for our country and some are in the middle of many of these all at once). As I find out about other's good news, I find myself mixed with emotions. I want to be excited and happy for them, but I then immediatly compare that with my life.
Galatians 6:4: “Each one should judge his own conduct. If it's good, then he can be proud of what he himself has down without having to compare it with what someone else has done.”
My life is GREAT! I work with fabulous people, I love my job, I laugh a lot, I have a great family and I need nothing (although, to be honest, my want list can get long at times). =)
“Let's just go ahead and be what we were made to be; use our different gifts in accordance with the grace that God has given us; without comparing ourselves with each other, or trying to be something we aren't.” (Romans 12:6)
I stumbled upon this poem tonight and it hit me; if God can work through me to do even just a few of these things, then I know my life is a success!
To laugh often and much;
To win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children;
To earn the appreciation of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends;
To appreciate beauty,
To find the best in others,
To leave the world a bit better, whether by a healthy child,
A garden patch or a redeemed social condition;
To know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived.
This is to have succeeded.
Prayer: Lord, forgive me for the times I've compared myself with others. Make me strong and secure in You, so that I'll focus only on what You've called me to be and do. Thank You for equipping me to live a life of victory and purpose!
Galatians 6:4: “Each one should judge his own conduct. If it's good, then he can be proud of what he himself has down without having to compare it with what someone else has done.”
My life is GREAT! I work with fabulous people, I love my job, I laugh a lot, I have a great family and I need nothing (although, to be honest, my want list can get long at times). =)
“Let's just go ahead and be what we were made to be; use our different gifts in accordance with the grace that God has given us; without comparing ourselves with each other, or trying to be something we aren't.” (Romans 12:6)
I stumbled upon this poem tonight and it hit me; if God can work through me to do even just a few of these things, then I know my life is a success!
Success
by: Ralph Waldo EmersonTo laugh often and much;
To win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children;
To earn the appreciation of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends;
To appreciate beauty,
To find the best in others,
To leave the world a bit better, whether by a healthy child,
A garden patch or a redeemed social condition;
To know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived.
This is to have succeeded.
Prayer: Lord, forgive me for the times I've compared myself with others. Make me strong and secure in You, so that I'll focus only on what You've called me to be and do. Thank You for equipping me to live a life of victory and purpose!
Sunday, January 15, 2012
Lunch Money
One of my favorite times during the school is read aloud and one of my favorite Read Alouds each year is Lunch Money by Andrew Clements. There are lots of math, literacy, and life connections. Here is one of my favorite quotes:
Happy Reading!
"When you have a problem, find someone with a bigger problem and help them and you're problem will disappear."
Happy Reading!
Thursday, January 5, 2012
Time
Time is a funny thing; sometimes it moves very fast and other times it can move so slow.
Today, January 5th, marks 2 years since Grandpa K passed away. It is weird to think about how life just moves on, as if nothing happened, nothing changed. However, I think, sometimes knowing that I won't see him again on Earth makes me think of him more. I find so many things that make me think of him throughout a week and it allows me to smile.
Today, January 5th, also marks Spikes 1 month anniversary of being our pet. I know it sounds silly, but I can't really remember what life was like without him. I get to hear him run on his wheel at night if I am having trouble sleeping. He sleeps on my lap when I just need to veg out and he gives me great laughs as he runs around on his ball.
These two, seemingly unrelated events, teach us how to value every minute we have.
Today, January 5th, marks 2 years since Grandpa K passed away. It is weird to think about how life just moves on, as if nothing happened, nothing changed. However, I think, sometimes knowing that I won't see him again on Earth makes me think of him more. I find so many things that make me think of him throughout a week and it allows me to smile.
Today, January 5th, also marks Spikes 1 month anniversary of being our pet. I know it sounds silly, but I can't really remember what life was like without him. I get to hear him run on his wheel at night if I am having trouble sleeping. He sleeps on my lap when I just need to veg out and he gives me great laughs as he runs around on his ball.
These two, seemingly unrelated events, teach us how to value every minute we have.
Sunday, January 1, 2012
Year in Review
Reflection: careful or long consideration or thought.
This is the time of year when everyone reflects on things they did last year and what's to come in the new year!
2011: Year in Review
- Lost about 20 pounds
- Attended the Nike Clash
- Painted apartment and helped lay laminate in for our kitchen floor
- Started Blogging
- Camping at Champoeg
- Camping at Detroit Lake
- Fun Tigard Tennis Season
- Played lots of tennis
- Blazer Games
- Trip to Seattle-Go Atlanta Braves
- Vince Gill Concert
- Adopted Spike
- Created many great memories with Friends and Family
- More Camping Trips
- Great Grandma's 100th Birthday in Indiana
- Another strong season with Tigard Girls Tennis
- Play a lot of tennis
- More time with Blog; less time with Facebook
- Lose another 20 pounds or so
- Play time with Spike
- Spending time with Family and Friends
Another year to live!
To banish worry, doubt and fear,
To love and laugh and give!
This bright new year is given me
To live each day with zest....
To daily grow and try to be
My highest and my best!
I have the opportunity
Once more to right some wrongs,
To pray for peace, to plant a tree,
And sing more joyful songs!”
--William Arther Ward
May 2012 be filled with everything you are hoping for and more!
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