Reflection

As I sit here and reflect about my first semester and this blogging experience, I find myself being really proud of the work that I have done! I had never blogged before this project and decided to make the most of a school assignment and teach myself a thing or two about blogging. In addition to this blogging adventure I found that my students enjoyed seeing the blog pictures and I had a chance to express myself and my thoughts on teaching to other people who are going through exactly what I am. I enjoyed putting it all together and learning new ways to adjust the background and add pictures. I think blogging is a great way to reflect on ones goals and achievements throughout the year. I hope that just like my knowledge about blogs has grown by doing this assignment that my knowledge of teaching and my ability to help my students continues to grow as well. This blog could serve as my journey from a first year teacher to one who comes back next year, a little older, a lot wiser with my first year and the MAT behind me, and a lot more time to devote to my lesson plans and students events. Thanks to everyone who took this journey with me and learned a little bit about me and my classroom and I hope you will follow me in the future not because you have to but because you want to! I plan to continue this blog through the year.

Christmas gifts

My Desktop Publishing class is my biggest class and right before lunch. The kids are so excited and easily distracted. I love to give them projects so they can stay busy and hopefully gain knowledge by doing something enjoyable to them. They started cookbooks yesterday. They have to follow a rubric, add borders, use decorative fonts, then format the backgrounds and pictures. After these ar complete they will get to laminate them, bind them, and wrap them as a gift for a family member or friend! They have been so excited about this project. When I looked around the quiet room today they were all busy at work! Several of the guys even pointed out that they had made copies of some of the recipes to give to their mom for dinner tonight!!!! I have been so excited that they not only seem to be enjoying the activity as they put to good use skills learned earlier in the semester but they are wanting to help out with meals at home and see what all is involved in cooking a dinner.Several students in my other classes have been coming in on their own time to start a cookbook or make a gift. Here Christina works on a digital scrapbook gift. As maybe the best bonus of all they are going to be giving a gift to someone special in their life that they created. Afterall, Christmas truly is about celebrating those you love, giving to those less fortunate and remembering the meaning of Christmas!

Twilight craze

I guess just like the students I too got interested in the Twilight series books. I mainly got "sucked" in by the hype of all the students. I like to stay up on the latest books they enjoy as to try to make a connection with them and any links to classroom material that I can use are an additional bonus. I read the first book only and have now seen both the first movie as well as New Moon this weekend. I enjoy the books because they go into so much detail and you get to create the characters in your own mind. I must say that several people in my classroom have made comments that the books are much better than the movie and I was impressed that they have been reading them. Maybe due to all the hype and wanting to see what is going to happen before it actually does. I get impatient while waiting for movies but hate to spoil them by reading ahead. I read the books after the movies. I guess that is a bit backwards but always seems to keep me interested in the books and the movies. So on to the review.... I like the fact that the book describes Forks in so much detail in the book. This is the place Bella has chosen to go to live with her boring dad. She did this so her mother could be happy to travel with her boyfriend, a selfless move on Bellas part. She thinks more of othersa than herself. This theme continues throughout the book as she seems to have no fear or concern for the outcome of herself. I think it went on for four to five pages aboutForks, as well as the part about the vampire skin and how it shines like diamonds. The first was needed to enhance the story the second about their skin was a bit cheesy and over the top if I am being critical. Overall, I liked the book better than the movie because of the details. You get a better understanding of Bella and her family in the book. In the book she is really witty and stubborn, she is very clumsy and seems to be fun. The information about the Cullen family is so well written it makes you get really into their life and want to know more about them. I love how Edward Cullen is so drawn to Bella not only because he can read all minds but her. Also, because she appeals to him as a snack saying "he can smell her clear across the room" and he makes reference to wanting to eat her so bad. As this love story builds it is well written and it doesn't imply any sexual conduct like most books and movies today. In fact, each time he touches Bella in the book you are amazed, like wow he touched her cheek. I love that it makes you so happy for their romance and how it progresses slowly and respectfully. I also love that about the book, the suspense builds as they take their love very slowly and get to know each other very deeply. I love how these books are popular with several age groups and it is very rewarding to see students walking around reading a large book like this, a challenge so many pass on these days due to video games and other forms of enertainment. Things come so easily now days and it stifles creativity. I would say this is a vampire book for all types of people even those who hate vampire stories can appreciate a love story with such a great story line! I encourage you to get "sucked in" as well!

Preparing for End of Course Exams

Next week we will be off the whole week for Thanksgiving Break! I am so excited about this and I know the students are as well. After we return we have to get ready to take the state EOC exams. My students are dreading them about as much as I am. I think the best way to prepare is to do some review and then go over the vocabulary again with some quizzes. I think we will try to cover the material in a fun way like Jeopardy or another game that will be fun but act as a review to the material. Any ideas from others on what you do in these cases? I have to test three of my six classes. Desktop Publishing, Marketing, and Fashion Merchandising all have to take these exams.

Confessions of a Shopaholic Book Review

Rebecca Bloomwood lives in one of the trendiest neighborhoods in London, she has a fantastic job writing for a Financial press "Successful Savings", she has all of the seasons must haves and the latest fashions lining her closet. You would think by looking at her that she had the perfect life. As you read this book you will find out that Rebecca tries to act intelligent and she is bored to death by her job. She has all of the latest and greatest clothing but piles of credit card bills to go with them. She appears to have it all together but yet she seems to be going crazy as she tries to make up one lie to cover the other about her financial situation. She sees no way to get out of her desperate situation and she comes up with very humorous schemes to avoid the bill collectors. This book will have you laughing but also feeling very sorry for Rebecca and you really want her to get her problems all worked out. See what happens to Rebecca by reading this book. It is a very fun book. Follow Rebecca as she attends meetings, tries to budget, deals with love interests and best of all as she tries to avoid her extreme stories and urges to purchase!

Fashion Field trip

My Fashion Merchandising class is taking a Field trip to the Pinnacle Hills Promenade mall tomorrow. We had hoped for nicer weather but maybe it will warm up a bit. We will be hearing a marketing speech and get a tour of the stores and the store managers have agreed to talk to us as well. The students are excited. We will be doing a store questionaire and scavenger hunt type worksheet to tie in our design principles and marketing strategies. I will post pictures after we go!

The Last Lecture- Book Review

This is the best book! It is so inspiring and it makes you want to help others and be a better person. It is about the life of a man named Randy Pausch. He was suppose to deliver a speech at his college. This was a common thing done by professors and when he was asked to take his turn he was somewhat prepared and he thought about what he would say. He at that time was going through the motions to prepare a good speech. He found out after committing to do the lecture that he was dying of cancer. He could have backed out and all would understand but he decided to view the challenge as a chance to present a speech to inspire the people he was leaving behind, pay tribute to the people who had inspired and influenced his life, and leave somewhat of an instruction manual for his children who would never get the chance be taught by their dad. What kind of impact would you want to leave if you were in his shoes? What would you say if you only had one last chance to say it. He delivered his speech with such power, conviction, and inspiration. He then wrote this book as the background info and to inform the people exactly what was going on while he prepared for the speech of a lifetime. This is an easy read, like a life's little lesson book. I promise this will make you want to be a better person and it will be something that makes you laugh, makes you cry and makes you think. I hope you will decide to take a journey with Randy Pausch through this book and be inspired and truly thankful you decided to read it. It has recieved national recognition and millions of hits on Youtube! Don't you want to know why?

Getting Artsy in Business Classes!

Everything from typing to art in my classes! I am so thankful that I have such an array of topics to teach! I have a web design class where we do a lot of intense work and it stays pretty quiet and focused but I also have Desktop Publishing and Fashion Design where I feel like a kid doing art projects again. It is so much fun to design and create! We have an activity cart and it has markers, colored pencils, glue sticks, rubber cement, magazines, paper, posters and all kinds of other things. I assigned a lesson yesterday and told the students to create a PowerPoint to show 5 outfits that were inspired by a song in history. We did "Beat it" by Michael Jackson, "Material Girl" by Madonna, "Purple Rain" by Prince, "Unforgettable", and others suggested by the Fashion guide and students. The students actually asked me if they could ALSO do posters to showcase the designs on our wall! I was so excited and made the activity worth additional points so they could be creative and decorate the class. They LOVE this. I let each class take a few weeks and we put up their work and then we rotate to my other classes. They like the friendly competition and try to outdo each others designs. Some goes inside and some goes in the hall to showcase for the whole school. What a great year I am having....despite the hectic schedule!!!!!!!!

Ipods! Help or hinderence?

We have had several discussions at our school about the use of ipods and other technology devices. One of the biggest disagreements has been over the students use of ipods. Some teachers feel like the students are distracted by them and they can not possibly concentrate with them in their ears. I say it depends on the class, environment and teacher preferences. I let my students use them and it has been a great tool for them. I do attendance and give my lessons while students must be paying full attention with no use of devices. I then give them time to work as I monitor the room and I allow them to use them. They put them in and get busy. The room is quiet and the students stay busy. I too enjoy music while I work so it is not a problem for me. I tell them if all work is done and it is great work then the use of them can continue. The point they become a distraction, then they must be left at home. Several students even use them to incorporate into their projects such as downloading music to PowerPoint and adding in clips to projects. How does everyone else feel about theses things? Maybe I approve because computers and technology go hand in hand in my opinion but I see why other subject matter would discourage the use of them. It would be difficult to learn history or science while listening to music. Here is a pic of one of my students working away with one ear bud in and one out so he can hear me. My students have been very respectful with them. Just thought I would blog about this because its been a topic of discussion several places lately.

Preparing for a DECA store!

We are going to open a store in our school in the next few weeks and we have been working on layout, design and what items we will sell. If anyone has feedback let me know! I am so excited about starting all this up from scratch but I also remain SO busy. I am loving all of the things we are doing and I think that next year will be even greater because my time will be a little less occupied. I am excited about what DECA is going to eventually be at Prairie Grove High school! In this picture Mrs. Bartholomew and I, are planning out a day to go tour other DECA stores. The students will be laying out the design and also picking out the food items. They will be responsible for inventory and working in the store as part of DECA participation and community service projects.

Web Designing!

Here is Christina! We are working on a project right now in web design where the students create a website for a zoo or aquarium. They are to link together 15-20 pages. They are to include exhibits, types of attractions, a gift shop and a home page with hours and a map. This project has been fun for them and they have been very creative! Christina is very artistic and also made a website on her own time that shows her art work. She wanted to follow my page and has a link to her site on her blog. This class has been fun for the students because I give them some time to be creative and I don't give strict rules for the assignments. I want to see what they come up with!

"Day of the Dead"-Mexico's Halloween?

Here you see Juan working on his poster for Mexico. He is going to fill us in on Mexican legends and a festival based on these where they dress in costumes. This event is called "Day of the Dead", it is somewhat like Mexico's version of Halloween. He is teaching us about traditions from his home country. I was so excited about what he incorporated for the other classmates. Generally he is more reserved but today he got to teach us about things he thought were interesting and make a link to American traditions as well.

Clothing and Global Culture Lesson

Yesterday in class we started a project about Fashion in other countries and how people dress. We talked about clothing worn for protection from environmental factors, religious beliefs and customs. Each student was assigned a religious group or culture to research. They had to make a presentation based on their report. I assigned Japanese, Chinese, Koreans, Swedish, Moroccans, Germans, Mexicans, American Indians, Egyptians, Thai, Jamaicans, Filipinos, Arabic, Africans, Muslim faith, Amish, Buddhist, and Jewish to name a few. The kids LOVED it! They learned about other cultures and put together creative presentations. Here is Macie, she did American Indians and she did a poster and PowerPoint as well as made an outfit out of paper! We had a great day!

Ever have drama with homework?

A word to the wise about assignments, make sure they are in ahead of time because when you are doing all you can to stay afloat.....the WebCT, Internet or something will go wrong! This story is sort of funny now that it is over but it has helped me to be much more understanding of people and understand that I may have no idea what is going on in their lives. I had to go out of town this week again for school, I learn a lot and make valuable connections with other teachers at seminars like these but in exchange must plan for a sub, find a sitter for my two year old, and pack myself up and go. I take my laptop and look at the event as a wonderful opportunity to get some much needed R & R and get some of the MAT work done. I thought for once my assignment would be done early without all the stress so I could enjoy the weekend with my family upon returning home. I get to Mt. Magazine State Park early, settle into the lodge and get my laptop open to begin work. The Internet will not come up! I realize that with the altitude my computer wireless will not work or maybe due to the rain storm but either way NO SERVICE! Ugghhh! So, no worries I crack open a book and begin to read my lessons. I discover I need to be down in the ballroom at 5 to do more meetings so I head down there shortly after, I return to my room at 9:30pm. I try to read more but the no noise factor causes me to fall asleep reading in bed, this happens to me often. I return home to submit my work FINALLY....as I attempt to do that, Web CT shuts down in the middle of my quiz and submission! I copy the test and fully plan to send it as an attachment to my professor as I beg her to accept it and WebCT comes back up BUT the funniest thing of all is that even though it shut down for 40 minutes it continued the timer!!! So, I have 5 minutes to input all of my answers. As I sit here now reading all of this back, I can't help but laugh and think Wow, this seems so unlikely and yet it really happened. I will attempt to submit it earlier next time to avoid all of the additional stress in my life. This statement is funny as well because if I shuffle things it only means that something else will be getting the last minute attention next time. So, I guess moral of the story is try to juggle things and make a balance as to your timeline, if you go to Mt. Magazine plan to REST and not do work, and all the planning in the world can't fix a computer problem! Always try to be understanding of your students because you never really know if one of those dog ate the homework stories that seems so far fetched just might be true! : )

This is my daughter Ashtyn! She will have her third birthday this week. She is my best little playmate. We have so much fun together. One thing about this year that is difficult is being away from her. She is used to having my undivided attention and being a first year teacher and a student in the MAT program has made me very busy. She thinks I shouldn't do work once home. Not that I disagree but I have to balance school and family!

Business Conference anyone?

I just finished grading a huge heaping pile of papers for my students and finished up some homework of my own. I am trying to get all of my classroom stuff caught up before the Labor Day weekend. I am so excited about the much needed break that is approaching. I wear myself out during the week! Long hours of work followed by short hours of sleep each night are not a great combo. I will be in Little Rock on September 8th and 9th for the Business Conference. Anyone else going to be there? As much as I am excited about all of my learning opportunities this year, I am so scrambled with information. I almost walked out of the pizza place tonight without paying!!! I headed out and realized it about the time the lady at the counter did. I apologized and explained my head wasn't where it should have been and I was stressed! I then felt crazy for explaining all of that to her. I got my pizza home and shared it with my wonderful little girl and that made all of the madness just seem calm again. Funny how time with my family just puts me at ease and nothing else really matters. I will enjoy my time at home this weekend and then head to the conference refreshed and ready to learn!

New teacher anxiety subsides

I am a new teacher this year at Prairie Grove High. I am not only a new teacher at the school but I am a first year teacher who is finishing my MAT. I teach six courses Web Design, Desktop Publishing, Marketing, Finance, Sports Marketing, and Fashion Merchandising & Design. I had a lot of anxiety about all the things on my plate to do and learn but, I have really been blessed with great students, parents and a supportive staff here at Prairie Grove. Everyone has been so warm and helpful and my classes have gone smoothly. Each week has been getting better and I think we are going to have an awesome year! I am trying to stay up to date on the latest ideas and also comply with all of the paperwork deadlines. Who knew you had to fill out so many papers as a teacher! : ) If I feel like I am doing anything right, it would have to be in my communication with my students. They all seem to enjoy being in my class and enjoy the activities we are doing. Of course, I get the usual grumble on test days or when they have to do anything very lengthy but that is to be expected. I think I remember doing the exact same thing to my teachers! I am trying to prioritize my life and juggle my time with my husband, daughter and my school kids. I am thankful for the opportunity to be in the Business Department and I think the year will get better as it goes along.