Jan 13

Today I start a new job – teaching an adult Sunday School lesson.  This should be interesting.  I work with adults daily, I have taught for years, I have taken dozens of religion courses throughout the years – yet everytime I undertake something new, there is that twitch inside that we call “fear.” 

Jan 28

I obviously have been WAY to busy if I am not taking time to write.  Yes, I did have a good time on my snow day – fireplace, hot chocolate, good book.   What more could anyone want on a surprise day off!   And on our MLK holiday, I had 2 of my grandchildren for the day.  That was fun.  They met me at my restaurant and we played.  They frosted gingerbread cookies and made snowflakes to hang up at home.  We went to SAMS and to Hobby Lobby, tried to go to the new science museum but it was closed , played with the ice that was still in the fountains downtown……yes, it was a good day.

Jan 13, later

I am so proud of some of my teachers for stretching themselves to try new teaching techniques they feel will benefit their students.  In several 5th grade classes, the teachers will be using small groups to more effectively reach all students.  When teaching to a large group, one tends to teach to the majority – those in the middle of the learning curve.  We try to reach out to the gifted students, we work to help those who struggle, yet the majority of our time is spent with the majority of the students.  Small groups will help with that problem.  Classes are subdivided into smaller groups, each group has a specific task to accomplish during a given time.  The teacher works with a group of maybe 5 or 6 making sure each one understands the concept being taught before they rotate to another group.  Often we find that one or two students acted like they understood – or perhaps they even thought  they understood only to find at the test that they were really confused.  Another way we (parents AND teachers) can work to improve test scores are with some of the GREAT computer programs our district is providing.  I try to keep these available on our web site.  Odyssey is a super teaching tool that addresses all sorts of skills and teaches, allows practice and tests individual students.   There are RIT questions available on the ”student links” page that give practice RIT questions pushing students to learn material that will help them score higher.   I know we complain about “testing” and ”teaching to the test” but if standards and tests are properly coordinated, then we will not be just teaching to the test, but teaching material students will need in the world that is to come. 

http://platial.com/post/2320375

January 2, 2008

New year, new resolutions.  Thank you to all who have encouraged me with this writing resolution last year.   I realize that no matter what your age, positive, specific response helps improve whatever you do.  
I had a great holiday.  Our children (8 counting spouses) and grandchildren (6) all came to visit.  Lots of food, happiness and love.  And when they left, I worked on one of my resolutions – to simplify my life.  I realize I cling to things, even when I don’t use or need them.  I probably always will, but worked on that this vacation cleaning out closets, cupboards and drawers.  It has only been a week but I don’t even remember what I disposed of – perfectly good clothes I no longer wear, knick-knacks that haven’t seen the light of day in years, and of course, the stuff that simply went to the trash can.  I feel physically lighter.  And that is an encouragement as I start other resolutions.  It is all about manageable steps.  Yes, I’d like to drop 25 pounds, but 5 pounds is manageable.  I’d like to read stacks of books, but 2 this month is manageable.  So, this is the year of monthly resolutions.  As I achieve goals, I will set new, manageable  goals for the next year.   Anyone out there with other goals they want to share?

Los Posados

I had an interesting experience last night.  We attended a Los Posados celebration in the home of some of our friends.  Small home, lots of love.  The whole service was in Spanish.  Only a couple of adults spoke English though all the children are fluent in English.  Did you know there are 9 stanzas to Silent Night?  And we sang all of them!  I counted over 100 people in that small home and am sure I missed some.  Everyone had all the home-made tamales they could eat and some interesting traditional Mexican drinks made with milk, cornstarch, cinnamon and a little chocolate.   This is the 4th year we have attended and I enjoy because they have become our friends but also because it expands my perception of the world enabling me to connect with outers of like mind.

December 16

December 2

Paxkatkatzinil

December 1

We are now officially into the month of December.   Christmas is only 24 days away, even less for me because my kids are coming up on the 21st.  The trees are up, decorations are throughout the house.   I didn’t put out as much this year.  As I think about Christmas, I realize that a lot of the trauma that often comes with the holiday is there because of our expectations.  Christmas movies, music, traditions, stories all give us this image of what a perfect Christmas is supposed to be.  And it cannot be that.  Not to say we should not have expectations, but to put things in perspective when they are not perfect.  Because, unless you live alone, there is no such thing as a holiday without a series of crises…….

Nov 30 again

Today in class I learned I have to write a “book” about my experiences as coach from June, 2006 through May 2008.   Except for the fact I am already so busy it is hard to think, it should be an interesting experience.   When we first were given the assignment, it sounded like a great creative experience, then we heard more and more “rules” to follow until it began to sound like a formula book.   Then we finally came to a concensus and went back to the creative format.   I feel better about it now.   Now I suppose the next trick will be to remember what I have been doing for the past 17 months!