Back to School

Wow, what a difference a year can make! This time last year I was preparing for my 2nd year at Oneta Ridge Middle School, my 5th year teaching. I was so excited to see all my students again...I looped last year, so I was with my squirrelly little 6th graders for a second year for their 7th grade year. It was probably the least nervous I had been starting a school year because 1. I already knew the school and what to expect and 2. I knew the majority of my students already. Honestly, the 1st day of school usually makes the teachers more nervous than the students. 

If I'm being totally transparent, this time last year I was getting a little discouraged. Trevor and I knew we wanted to start a family and we had been trying for a little while - now, my "little while" is probably a bit exaggerated now looking back, but when you are in the middle of the storm (or the middle of trying to get pregnant), every month feels like an eternity. Trevor and I had been trying for a few months at this point because I wanted to time everything where I could have a baby in March/April/May, have the end of the school year off and all of summer off and then go back to school in August and feel like I had an adequate amount of time home with baby. Well, God had other plans for me. During these months of trying to get pregnant, me and God spent a LOT of time together. (Why don't I always pray as hard as I did during this time or spend that much time with him! ...that's a topic for another day!) I was discouraged and I felt like God was not answering my prayers. I felt like he was ignoring me. I was confused because it says children are a blessing...so why wasn't I receiving this blessing. I'll never know the real answer as to why my prayers weren't answered in MY timing, but I'm guessing it was because God was tired of hearing me talk and he wanted me to LISTEN! And he knew the only way I would listen is if my plans didn't go exactly how I wanted. He knew I would push in harder to him if I had to struggle. So there I was, struggling and pushing in harder, praying harder, listening harder than I probably ever have...exactly where God wanted me! The moment---I'm telling you---the moment I gave up control, that's when we were pregnant! The moment I surrendered it to God, we got pregnant. It was definitely NOT my timing, but it was perfect timing. **This weeks message at Life.Church was about giving up control and it got me thinking about this situation and I thought I would share! :) I'm sure this is not the only time God will have to teach me this lesson! 

Here's why it wasn't MY timing:

*Oklahoma weather is HOT in the summer. I did not really care to be pregnant in the dead of summer because who wants to be huge when it's 101 degrees outside! Wow, how vain of me! 

*I knew if I got pregnant after August/September then my plan wouldn't work of having a few weeks off at the end of the school year and all summer of being home with baby to feel confident to go back to work in August. Hence why October I gave up! I gave it to God because my plan wasn't working! 

Here is why God's timing was perfect:

*While praying to get pregnant, I made the silly request to God to let us have a boy first. Not because it's what I wanted, but I knew Trevor REALLY wanted a boy, so I prayed for that for Trevor. I am convinced that if we got pregnant in previous months it would have been a girl and God really wanted to answer this prayer for me. 

*If he was born in March he would share the month with me, if he was born in April he would share the month with Trevor and my brother, if he was born in May he would share the month with my dad, if he was born in June he would share the month with 2 of his cousins, so July was PERFECT timing! I'm sure that God really didn't care about this reason at all, but I thought it was neat! :)

*God had other plans for my life. He did not want me to go back to teaching and this was one of his ways of revealing this to me. I really prayed hard about this decision and logically just had to make a choice. Lately, with all the back-to-school stuff coming out, those emotions kind of came flooding back and I recently received an overwhelming peace about my decision to stay home. Looking back, he told me this several times, but I wasn't listening. Surprise, surprise.

*Since I'm not over booking myself, I get to be the wife and mom that God intended me to be. I get to continue doing what I am passionate about and that is, lead worship at Life.Church. AND I get to help Trevor with Armor Accounting! Husband and wife duo! :)

Teachers: I am praying hard for you today! There is nothing like a first impression and that first day. I am praying that you have students that walk into your classroom with a willingness to learn. I pray that you have a mindset that this is going to be the best school year yet. I pray that you try some crazy lesson plans this year that will be successful...it's okay if they fail too! That's usually when the kids remember stuff! :) I pray that you make a difference in the lives of your students! I pray the students know how lucky they are to have YOU as their teacher! 

PS- I know that many people do not have the option to stay home with their babies and I don't take that for granted! It is definitely a life change for our family, not only the fact of having a baby, but financially as well. I am counting my blessings every day that I get to do this!

GOOD LUCK TODAY!!!! Brooks and I are thinking about you!!!

Always behind...

I can't believe I didn't blog once in the whole month of November. I am falling behind! Honestly, we didn't have too much happen, so this (again) will just be a random post! 

Halloween:

Yes, I'm blogging about October in December! To start off with a bang, Trevor wore a costume to work the Friday before...Captain 'Merica!

He actually did this all on his own! I was working on something else and next thing I know, I walk in the living room to this! Haha! 

That evening we had a gender reveal party to go to and a Halloween party. 

After work we headed to our friend's house for their gender reveal. They already have a sweet boy named Chase and we found out that they are having baby boy #2!!!

Such a sweet moment! Congratulations Chad and Reagan! 

We then headed to our 1st Halloween party at our friend's Brittney and Noah's house. We initially were just going to be what we were last year, Thunderbirds and Pink Ladies, but we decided last minute to try something new. We ordered these on amazon! Thankful for Amazon Prime and free 2-day shipping!

Wine and Cheese!!! What a perfect combination!

On Saturday I sang at church...

And then we headed to our friend's Kim and Kemp's Halloween party. We were definitely trying for best costume, but we fell short! We did however win a few of the games. Trevor won the dart contest...I did come in 2nd. And I won the "how many candy corns are in this jar" and I think Trevor came in 2nd!

OSU Football:

The weekend of November 7th my brother and some of his friends flew to Tulsa for the OSU vs TCU game. Trevor and I decided that we were going to go to Stillwater to hang out with them Friday and Saturday. On Friday we drove to Stillwater and ate at my favorite restaurant, Nygoya. Then we headed to the Strip to meet up with Wes and his friends. The next day we went shopping!!! You can't go to Stillwater and not get some new OSU gear! We actually spent so much on our little shopping spree that we decided to not buy tickets to the game. We were just going to tailgate and then watch the game at the new restaurant called The Garage. 

Friendsgiving:

Every year our group of friends from college get together for a Friendsgiving! The food is always amazing and the company is even better! There is never a dull moment with this group and the evening is always filled with laughter! Thank you to each and every one of you for always making life interesting! Love you all!

More Football:

On November 14th OSU played Iowa State and after the game I got this message on my phone! 

Still perfect! 10-🍊!

Engagement:

That evening my brother and his girlfriend were going to a work event for Katy's work. I think it was the Marine Corps Ball, and my brother made the evening even more special by popping the question!!

CONGRATUALTIONS WES AND KATY!!! I'm so excited to gain a sister!!! What an exciting day!!!!

Rustic Cuff:

On November 17th I was leading at church and the coolest thing ever happened to me. A parent of a student I have in class came up to me and handed me this beautiful Rustic Cuff bracelet and said "thank you for being the Light here at church and at school everyday for my daughter". 

Wow! Seriously, brought tears to my eyes! It says "with God nothing is impossible". What an amazing compliment and I owe it all to Him! 🙌🏻🙏🏻✨

Lip-Sync Battle:

The Tuesday before thanksgiving break we had a lip-sync battle at school. I was the drummer from Kansas! I'd say we were a success...meaning, we made students laugh! So we accomplished our goal!

Thanksgiving:

I didn't get a single picture from Thanksgiving week, but we decided to go to Kansas to visit my grandma and grandpa. It was really nice just having a few days of relaxation and good company! And delicious food!! I always love going to the farm. We even got a bit of snow and ice!

Christmas:

On Saturday morning we got up early and got all of our Christmas decor out. We must be getting faster at putting things up because it only took us a couple hours!

I will do another post of all the decor around the house! I absolutely LOVE decorating for Christmas!!

Christmas Gifts:

It's back to a crafty month! I always like making things for people around the holidays, so I've been a busy bee! 

Key chains and much, much more!!!

I'll try not to wait so long between posts!

Teach Like a Pirate (Part 2)

As mentioned in the previous blog post, I am reading a book called “Teach Like a Pirate” along with everyone at my school before the school year starts.

We share the book with our department so I can’t write in the margins or put sticky notes all over it, so I am blogging to remember the things that I like and want to remember during the school year. This post is my notes over Part 2. Some of these things might not make sense since they are just my notes. I have also made this post more directed toward teaching Math, so if you teach other subjects, you will definitely want to read the whole book to get the full details if this interests you.

Part II
Crafting Engaging Lessons

He showed this diagram that I thought was interesting. Of course you have Content and in many professional developments we are offered Technique and Methods (diagrapms, think-pair-share, jigsaw), but rarely are we offered Presentation training.

Transitions will kill you- when you are trying to focus on the presentation section of your lesson, the transitions are something that can really kill a lesson. Many times a teacher will capture the attention and engagement of their class and then lose it by adding some unnecessary delay between the hook and the delivery of the content. Don’t let supplies throw you off. If you know they will need paper, get the paper before you tell a powerful story and have them in the palm of your hand. Again, this is another thing I can relate to the performing world. You can be an amazing singer, but what you say between songs to hold your audiences’ attention is equally as important.

This section was filled with lots and lots of questions to ask yourself as you are developing lessons. Brace yourself, there are a LOT. Since there were SO MANY, it was a little overwhelming. I am going to share the ones that stood out to me. Other math teachers might have a completely different opinion than me and that is totally fine. Like mentioned earlier, don't be like the teacher next door. The only way this is going to work is if you are you!

The Kinesthetic Hook

·         How can I incorporate movement into this lesson?

·         Can we throw something, roll something, or catch something inside or outside of class?

·         Can we get up and act something out?

·         Can we incorporate gestures and motions that students can do from their desks?

·         Can we turn the room into a giant opinion meter and have students move to one side or the other based on a statement?

·         Can I change the structure of this lesson from a seated activity to a walk around activity?

·         Can I use a game that incorporates movement and action to enhance this lesson?

The People Prop Hook

·         Can I create a human graph, chart, map, or equation?

·         Can students be assigned a specific step in a process or an event then have them order themselves sequentially or do some type of assembly line?

The Safari Hook

·         How can I get my class outside my four walls for this lesson?

·         Where would be the best place(s) on campus to deliver this content?

The Picasso Hook

·         How can I incorporate art into this lesson?

·         What can my students draw or make that would help them understand and retain this information?

·         Can they create visuals of key information as a way to review for the upcoming test?

·         Can they design word pictures in which the way the word is written reveals its definition?

·         Can I create an art-based option that students could choose instead of another assignment?

The Mozart Hook

·         How can I most effectively use music as they enter the room or during their work time?

·         Can I use music to make my transitions smoother and more engaging?

·         Can I allow students to create songs/raps that demonstrate their understanding of the content as an alternative to essays and standard reports?

The Dance and Drama Hook

·         Can I provide the opportunity for my students to do skits or appear in videos related to what we are learning?

·         Can they write a script and create a video to play for the class? (Some of my students actually did this last year and it was AMAZING!!)

The Craft Store Hook

·         Is there an origami fold that I can teach to the class for this content?

·         Could there be a craft skill my students already possess that could enhance my curriculum and simultaneously allow them the chance to be an expert for a day?

The Student Hobby Hook

·         How can I incorporate the hobbies and outside interests of my students into this material?

The Real-World Application Hook

·         How can I show my students why learning this content is important in the real world?

·         Can they create something “real” that will be more than a classroom project but actually allow them to interact with the world in an authentic way?

The Student-Directed Hook

·         How can I release some of my control and provide students the chance to be the experts and directors of this subject?

The Opportunist Hook

·         In what ways can I incorporate current popular trends, fads, TV shows, and movies in order to make this relevant and engaging for my class?

·         Can I put intriguing images of current events on the walls with QR codes underneath that link to more information?

The Board Message Hook

·         What can I write on my board or have projected on my screen that will immediately spark curiosity and interest as the students enter my room?

·         Can I just put a QR code on the board or screen and see what happens?

The Costume Hook

·         What accessory can I wear to enhance my presentation (hat/glasses/apron)? (I wasn’t even going to put this one on here, but I had one idea. When we are learning about sales tax/% of a #, I do a menu activity. I could dress as waitress that day and “take orders”)

The Props Hook

·         What physical item can I bring in to add to my presentation (good for geometry)?

The Involved Audience Hook

·         How can I consistently keep the audience feeling involved?

·         Can I cue them to make certain motions or sounds at key points?

·         Can I bring students to the front of the room as volunteers?

The Storytelling Hook

·         Can I create a high-interest story to fit the lesson?

·         What captivating story can I tell that would draw students into a lesson?

The Swimming with the Sharks Hook

·         Can I participate in the activity?

·         Can I use the whole classroom as my platform (not just the front of the classroom)?

The Mime Hook

·         Can students be asked to get their messages across without words? (Idea: have 5 questions ready to answer on the board. One student will go to the board and solve, the next student can either correct the first students work, if they think something is incorrect, or go on to the next question. We are not done until all students have a thumbs up that all questions are solved correctly – all done silently).

The Backwards Hook

·         Can I show them an end product that will make them figure out how to get there?

The Reality TV Hook

·         How can I design my lesson to take advantage of the popularity of reality TV?

·         Can I create a Survivor-style challenge and divide the class into tribes?

·         Can this be configured as an Amazing Race partner lesson?

·         How can I incorporate a Fear Factor type of challenge?

The Techno Whiz Hook

·         Can I give my students the option to create projects and turn in assignments digitally?

·         Can I create a paperless lesson, unit, or class?

·         How can I take advantage of the fact that most phones now have camera, video, and Internet capability?

·         How can technology help to connect my students to people from all over the world and help them gain a global perspective?

·         How can I utilize the latest apps to create more powerful and interactive presentations?

The Contest Hook

·         How can I include a contest in this lesson to build excitement and motivation?

·         What type of review game can I design to ramp up the entertainment level of my class?

·         What kind of in-class challenge can I create that would take advantage of their competitive instinct?

·         Can I be part of the challenge or contest?

The Chef Hook

·         Can I enhance this lesson by adding food or drinks to it?

I warned you…there are a LOT!! And I didn’t even type half of them!! J Happy planning!

Teach Like a Pirate (Part 1)

Each summer my school asks us to read a certain book over the summer. Last year it was “The Positive Dog” and this year it is “Teach Like a Pirate”. 

I think this is a really unique thing to do because it starts everyone off on the same page and on a positive note. Last year the book’s underlying message was positivity. This year it is definitely more focused on teaching and how to up your game a little more in the classroom. Since we share the book with everyone in our department, I can’t write in it or make notes to myself in it, so I thought writing a blog about it would help me remember the key points and what stuck out to me so I can refer to it all year. I have only read Part 1 so far, but it has already gotten me excited about stepping back in the classroom and I already know a couple new things I want to try.

This post is my notes over Part 1. He has a word/explanation for each letter of PIRATE. Some of these might not make any sense since they are just my notes, I definitely recommend reading the book to get the full details.

Teach Like a Pirate

Passion – (3 different types)

·         Content Passion - within your subject matter, what are you passionate about teaching? Fractions!!
·         Professional Passion - within your profession, but not specific to your subject matter, what are you passionate about?  What is it about being an educator that drives you? What ignites a fire inside you? He had LCLs (life- changing lessons) embedded in every lesson. Refuse to enter the classroom with anything less than a burning passion for the awesome job that lies before you. 
·         Personal Passion - completely outside or your profession, what are you passionate about? Bring your personal passions into the classroom. Don't clone teachers and lessons, instead use your individuality and uniqueness because that is how you become the most effective teacher that you can be. 

Immersion

Give them your undivided attention. A lifeguard sits above the action and supervises. Although s/he is focused, there is a distinct sense of disconnect both physically and mentally. If you were immersed, than you would be swimming. A swimmer is out participating and an integral part of the action. Be the swimmer, not the lifeguard in your classroom. 

This one really hit home because I am definitely self aware that my whole day/lessons go 100x better when I am fully present (mentally and physically). The days that I had outside things going on that were stressful or when I was trying to get something done along with teach, those are the days I came home frustrated. Those were also the days I usually became short tempered with students and so I need to remember immersion every day!

Rapport

The first few days are crucial in building a safe learning environment and building a rapport with your students.
2 things caught my attention:
·         1st day play-doh activity. They build something that is in some way representative of themselves. Teacher makes his/her way up and down the rows talking to each student and having them introduce themselves. I ask them questions about their creation and "rescue" any student who is struggling to find something to say. Everyone leaves class feeling like they have been successful.
·         Not only do I need to get to know the students names but the students need to know the students in their class. Offer a prize or something to any students that can tell you the name of every student in the class at the end of the activity. Maybe even allow them to do this during the whole first week of school. 

Ask & Analyze

Creative ideas don't come from out of the blue; they come from engaging in the creative process. That critical process starts when you ask the right type of questions and then actively seek the answers. 

Creativity is rarely about natural brilliance or innate genius, but instead creativity results from proper directed attention, laser-like focus, relentless effort and hard work. Don't ever say, "well I'm just not hat creative"! Some example questions.

·         Where is the best place on campus to deliver this lesson?
·         What can I write on my board for this lesson that would spark a conversation or create a buzz even before the bell rings.
The quality of your question is critical. Don't ask "how can I make this lesson bearable for my students today and keep them awake?" Instead, ask "how can I make this lesson outrageously entertaining, engaging, and powerful so that my students will never forget it and will be desperate to come back for more?"
Your creative ideas will come to you probably at the most random times. Have a way to write it down, because you will probably forget about it. (I always put mine in the Notes section of my phone. I almost always have my phone with me, so this is logical to me.) 
If you haven't failed in the classroom lately, you aren't pushing the envelope. "Safe" lessons are a recipe for mediocrity at best. (Ouch!)

Transformation

Is your class just like everyone else's or is yours the purple cow, something interesting that they've never seen before. 
If your students didn't have to be there, would you be teaching in an empty room?
Do you have any lessons you could sell tickets for?

It's time to up your game!!

Enthusiasm 

You must be "on" all hours of the day. I feel like this one comes natural to me. Coming from a performing background, there really is no difference. Your last hour should get the same energy and enthusiasm as the 1st, 2nd and 3rd. I used to do 5 shows a day when I performed at Silver Dollar Ciry, so I am definitely used to this!
Two Ways to Light Your Fire:
·         Act enthusiastic. You can't fake passion, but you can fake enthusiasm. "Fake it until you make it."
·         Change you focus. If you are completely exhausted and can barely keep your eyes open and then someone calls to deliver good news or you remember something that’s critically important that you forgot to do, you are instantly excited or you jump up to go do what you forgot. All you are doing is changing your focus. 
It doesn't matter what we teach. Our mission is to teach in such a way that who we are as human beings has a more powerful and lasting effect on students than what we say. When we model enthusiasm it rubs off on everybody around us; it is contagious.