What's in a classroom?

A common question I get asked is, "how many students do you have this year?" It's always a loaded question. Here's the answer I wish I could give:

I have 28 bodies in the classroom. However, 4 of them are classified as resource, which means that they are equivalent to 8 students because of the extra time they require. Half of my students are below 5th grade reading level, which means that although my textbooks are written at grade level, half of my students can't read and understand them. Add a few more to the count. I have 5 students in counseling for behavior/gang prevention. Add at least 8 more to the class. Then, add on the students that are still trying to figure out how to raise their hand, show kindness to others and work hard. So, although my class has 28 bodies, some days it feels like 40-45 kids.

Recently, the "esteemed" Jeb Bush, (former?) governor of Florida came and spoke to Utah legislatures/anyone who would listen to him. I don't know really why he came, but in the process of sharing his thoughts he told those listening that we should be cramming in as many kids into a classroom as possible (there are some 6th grade classes in our district with 36 students!). This is all because if you have a quality educator instructing the class, it doesn't matter how many are in the room. (I'm paraphrasing, of course). Glad he's so revered.

However, after all is said and done, they are some great kids. They are trying so hard to learn what to do and they are working hard (for the most part!).

An update to life

Ella is bigger, been shot up and become an "it". She has "big girl" teeth which matches her "big girl" bed and she tests them out on any object she can find.



Yes, I cut and colored my hair again. Are you really surprised? (I just got back from the gym, hence the hiding behind a dog)

Puppy Love

I Love...

-Summer fruits. Strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, grapes, melons, etc.

-Pudding, yogurt and summer fruits mixed together. (Thanks mom and dad for hooking me onto this one!)

-Going to a temple recommend interview and declaring that I'm still worthy to enter the temple.

-Sitting outside feeling the cool summer breeze while reading a book.

-Teaching 4 year olds every week knowing that after two hours of entertaining the troops, they are no longer my responsibility.

-Trying out new recipes that I didn't have to buy anything special for. That way if it bombs, it's not a huge loss.

-That Target now sells E.L.F. make-up. Can't beat makeup for a buck.

-Those little reminders that Heavenly Father is still watching out for us.

It's habit forming

Since everyone else is posting, I didn't want to be left out. Nunsense is closing Saturday. Although it has been a very stressful rehearsal process, I thoroughly enjoy playing the part of Amnesia. Here is a clip from the show. Amnesia is a nun who was hit on the head by a crucifix and lost her memory. This song takes place near the end of the show, sorry if I spoil it for any one. Enjoy!






Here's a review (actually, the only one done for our show...). It's not too shabby. Sorry it's not hyperlinked. I'm not that fancy.

http://www.utahtheaterbloggers.com/2037/getting-religious-in-magna-‘nunsense’-at-the-empress

Blessings in Disguise

So last time I posted I mentioned that I was a little tired of my 25 minute commute. Granted, this is nowhere as bad as some of you guys drive. However, I still don't like it. That was until last week.

I discovered last week that I can download CES Firesides onto my ipod. This is so fantastic! Now I listen to the firesides as I drive to and from school. This week I listened to President Uchtdorf talk called "The Reflection in the Water". What an amazing talk. I love feeling the Spirit in my car, it's just such a cool experience. Not to mention, it's a great way to start my day.

A Teacher's Life for Me...

Teaching in the Salt Lake District has been a career changing experience, to say the least. It's 113 days into the school year with 64 days left, but who's counting. I thought I would share some of the lessons I've learned in the past 113 school days.

1. A child who cannot speak a lick of English can say so much through the look of confusion during a math lesson or a smile after you've made a complete fool of yourself dancing in front of the class.

2. Title I schools have a lot of money. If you want technology in your classroom, go teach in a Title I school.

3. A 25 minute commute compared to a 10 minute commute is only good in theory.

4. Your heart will just break when you find out your students don't have any shoes for winter. Then you will spend your own limited funds to make sure they do.

5. Your heart will break and you may cry when you have a parent tell you that they have "given up" on their child because they don't know what else to do.

6. You will give up your only afternoon free to spend time with a student whose parents have "given up" on him so that you can show him that someone does want him to succeed.

7. Even though they drive you nuts on most days, these students will make you the happiest when they shout, "I finally get it! You're the best teacher ever!"