A fool is quick-tempered,
but a wise person stays calm when insulted.
Proverbs 12:16
It is easy for people to make cruel, mean remarks and their hope is to get you angry and make you hurt probably because they themselves are angry over something but it is the smart person who stays calm in their face and not respond to them.
The sad thing about this lesson is that you have to take so many insults before you learn how to respond to them.
Wednesday, October 17, 2007
Expert in the Room
I am the expert in my classroom and as long as I remain inside of those four walls I am still the expert in that room where 85 students will come and go and spend a few minutes every day.
But being the one in the room with all of the knowledge and expertise comes with a cost.
Each person individually is to learn something that comes from me before the end of the year and although I can impart that knowledge in a broad spectrum of information it takes my individual attention to touch each person and motivate them to learn. Which means I have to perform daily per class period per person, that is where the high cost comes in. Sometimes I feel I need to clone myself to get to each person but then I am not the expert in the room anymore. I am one of many like me and I have to give up that prestigious position of expert.
Trying to keep up with the demand for attention in the classroom can be exhausting and frustrating but I AM the EXPERT in the room.
But then on the other hand if I can delegate an assistant among my students, train them to do a part of what I do and place them in charge of helping others I empower another person, boost their confidence and their worth and relieve myself of the tiring task of being the only person who can do the job. Then empowering another student to do another task that I do, I begin to be the coach of a team. Working together the team gets the job done.
But being the one in the room with all of the knowledge and expertise comes with a cost.
Each person individually is to learn something that comes from me before the end of the year and although I can impart that knowledge in a broad spectrum of information it takes my individual attention to touch each person and motivate them to learn. Which means I have to perform daily per class period per person, that is where the high cost comes in. Sometimes I feel I need to clone myself to get to each person but then I am not the expert in the room anymore. I am one of many like me and I have to give up that prestigious position of expert.
Trying to keep up with the demand for attention in the classroom can be exhausting and frustrating but I AM the EXPERT in the room.
But then on the other hand if I can delegate an assistant among my students, train them to do a part of what I do and place them in charge of helping others I empower another person, boost their confidence and their worth and relieve myself of the tiring task of being the only person who can do the job. Then empowering another student to do another task that I do, I begin to be the coach of a team. Working together the team gets the job done.
Sunday, October 14, 2007
Proverbs
Fools think their own way is right,
but the wise listen to others.
Proverbs 12:15
Brings to mind the old poster we might find in a classroom: "My way or the highway!"
From a teacher perspective we all could empathize with the concept as far as discipline goes but what if we all were exactly alike and there was no variance, no new innovations, only the same old thing, only our ideas? Where would we be?
I once had an art student whom I had taught for two years and who was moving into the third year with me. When asked who influenced his style of art he answered, "No one. I am one of a kind. I taught myself."
When I suggested to him that he must have been hatched from an egg in a cave with no one to raise him he laughed at the ridiculous idea.
"Actually," he said, " I am the oldest of six children and my mother is a single parent. I don't know my father."
As he spoke about his life in answer to my questions, I could see the light going off in his head.
The questioning moved from his family to the music he listened to, all the CDs he owned, the artists who designed the covers of his favorite CDs, the websites he frequented and on and on. As we embarked in conversation I could see the light in his head flashing now. He was beginning to realize that he was influenced by everything around him like it or not. He could not reject their influences on him.
A few days later I overheard the same student questioning another student.
How else but by combining ideas from others did we get a man on the moon or recognize sound waves traveling through the air to little receivers or all of those other amazing things that man has developed.
To think that our ideas are the only way to do things is only ignorant and is a denial of better developments even if it is only how to hoe a row in the garden. One of my fond memories of my father-in-law is how he laughed when he told about Grandma's crooked rows in the garden and how she defended her crooked rows by saying you got more seeds in a crooked row than a straight one.
but the wise listen to others.
Proverbs 12:15
Brings to mind the old poster we might find in a classroom: "My way or the highway!"
From a teacher perspective we all could empathize with the concept as far as discipline goes but what if we all were exactly alike and there was no variance, no new innovations, only the same old thing, only our ideas? Where would we be?
I once had an art student whom I had taught for two years and who was moving into the third year with me. When asked who influenced his style of art he answered, "No one. I am one of a kind. I taught myself."
When I suggested to him that he must have been hatched from an egg in a cave with no one to raise him he laughed at the ridiculous idea.
"Actually," he said, " I am the oldest of six children and my mother is a single parent. I don't know my father."
As he spoke about his life in answer to my questions, I could see the light going off in his head.
The questioning moved from his family to the music he listened to, all the CDs he owned, the artists who designed the covers of his favorite CDs, the websites he frequented and on and on. As we embarked in conversation I could see the light in his head flashing now. He was beginning to realize that he was influenced by everything around him like it or not. He could not reject their influences on him.
A few days later I overheard the same student questioning another student.
"Who influences your artwork?"
The other student answered, "No one."
"What? Were you hatched from an egg in a cave?"
How else but by combining ideas from others did we get a man on the moon or recognize sound waves traveling through the air to little receivers or all of those other amazing things that man has developed.
To think that our ideas are the only way to do things is only ignorant and is a denial of better developments even if it is only how to hoe a row in the garden. One of my fond memories of my father-in-law is how he laughed when he told about Grandma's crooked rows in the garden and how she defended her crooked rows by saying you got more seeds in a crooked row than a straight one.
Saturday, October 6, 2007
Saturday's Walk
There were more people walking today than in the past four years that we have been doing Buddy Walk.It took us a long time to get onto the track and once we had walked halfway and were circling back around we could look back at the other end of the track and could see it was a continuous circle of people with nothing to indicate the beginning of those who had started the walk and those just starting. I am not sure how many people were there but enough to fill up a mile long track and then some.
The kids (both the young kids and those older "kids") loved the moonwalks, trains, snacks and entertainment.
The adults mostly loved the misting spray of water coming out of the misting heads attached to the eaves of the pavilion to cool down from the heat of the exertion of the walk.
Although I enjoyed the walk I think my favorite was the train ride. Lee and I crammed into one seat with two of the grandchildren (because we only saw two of the kids at the time) and took a ride around the park. It was relaxing and the kids loved it.
Anytime I can get my hands on the grandchildren and show them a good time is a great time for me.
A big thank you to all of the members of Eric's Entourage and those supporting us.
Isn't he a cutie?!
We had 31 people registered with 29 in attendance. After the walk 27 of us went over to Tomatillos for some great Mexican food and lots of fun.
By the way, if you wanted to make a donation in the team's name and did not have an opportunity to do so donations made through Oct 31st on Eric's web page will be credited to the team. (The team does not receive anything other than the satisfaction.) Go to the link I have put in my link bar on the right and click on general team donation and follow the instructions or just plan on joining us next year and doing the walk with us.
Wednesday, October 3, 2007
Sign up for Buddy Walk
Buddy Walk October 6th at Fort Sam in SA.
Our team is Eric's Entourage (Eric Barnhill)
Team photo scheduled at 8:20
Walk begins at 9:00
Our team goal is 25 and so far, we have 23 signed in with about another ten who say they are joining us but have not actually registered.
We will meet our goal this year.
I thought it might be a good thing to post a location online to register.
You can register that morning but things run a little smoother if you do it ahead of time. Most of us have registered as families and then each member of the family gets a tee shirt. Do follow closely how to register for a family. The first person will be charged and then after that you continue to put in the FAM code and register the others at no additional charge. Just trust and try it. It works.
Most of us will not get our tee shirts until that morning and with no place to change into the shirt. But we girls know how to change a tee shirt discreetly in public and that is what we will do. Dress to be cool.
Look for the buddy walk registration on my links as it will not create a link in my post.
Looking forward to seeing everyone at the Buddy Walk this year.
Thanks for your support!
Our team is Eric's Entourage (Eric Barnhill)
Team photo scheduled at 8:20
Walk begins at 9:00
Our team goal is 25 and so far, we have 23 signed in with about another ten who say they are joining us but have not actually registered.
We will meet our goal this year.
I thought it might be a good thing to post a location online to register.
You can register that morning but things run a little smoother if you do it ahead of time. Most of us have registered as families and then each member of the family gets a tee shirt. Do follow closely how to register for a family. The first person will be charged and then after that you continue to put in the FAM code and register the others at no additional charge. Just trust and try it. It works.
Most of us will not get our tee shirts until that morning and with no place to change into the shirt. But we girls know how to change a tee shirt discreetly in public and that is what we will do. Dress to be cool.
Look for the buddy walk registration on my links as it will not create a link in my post.
Looking forward to seeing everyone at the Buddy Walk this year.
Thanks for your support!
Tuesday, October 2, 2007
Buddy Walk
This coming weekend is our Buddy Walk. This will be our fourth year. Eric was just a few months old the first year we did it. It is to benefit the San Antonio Down Syndrome Association and those families in the surrounding area. Of course, we have our own precious buddy and we love supporting him in our walk.
Anyone interested in getting out there and walking with us should join us. It is not a fast walk nor a long walk. It is a stroll in the park type of walk along with hundreds of other people walking with their family, friends and pets. It is a family day with moonwalks, family type entertainment (all free) and all sorts of free things to eat and drink donated by various companies. Kids love it.
After the walk we are planning on eating lunch together as a group.
Our goal is to have a team of 25 and we are almost there.
Anyone interested in getting out there and walking with us should join us. It is not a fast walk nor a long walk. It is a stroll in the park type of walk along with hundreds of other people walking with their family, friends and pets. It is a family day with moonwalks, family type entertainment (all free) and all sorts of free things to eat and drink donated by various companies. Kids love it.
After the walk we are planning on eating lunch together as a group.
Our goal is to have a team of 25 and we are almost there.
Friday, September 28, 2007
UGTBK
Have you listened to the language of our children lately.
I need a text message dictionary to decipher the code of my newest more hip students. (Do you say hip still or is the word preppy?)
In my classroom I hand out instructions...
Jose kindly says, "TY"
I say, "these are the instructions on the project we will begin as soon as possible."
Jose, "ASAP?"
"Yes," I answer.
Hands to his surprised face, "OMG."
This dialog continues but is interrupted by the bell ringing.
As class ended he walks out the door calling back to me, "TTYL. SPST."
Just a slight jump from the generation that started it all with DVDs, VCRs, Wii, PS, PCs, HD, IPods, ADHD, OC, AR, ....................................
So.......
SIG2R
SUL
YRYOCC :-) SICNR
(TTYL=Talk to you later
SPST=Same place, same time
SIG2R=Sorry, I got to run
SUL= See you later
YRYOCC=You're running your own cuckoo clock!
SICNR=Sorry, I could not resist!)
What a vocabulary!!!!
I hope they do well on their TAKS, SATs and ACTs!
I need a text message dictionary to decipher the code of my newest more hip students. (Do you say hip still or is the word preppy?)
In my classroom I hand out instructions...
Jose kindly says, "TY"
I say, "these are the instructions on the project we will begin as soon as possible."
Jose, "ASAP?"
"Yes," I answer.
Hands to his surprised face, "OMG."
This dialog continues but is interrupted by the bell ringing.
As class ended he walks out the door calling back to me, "TTYL. SPST."
Just a slight jump from the generation that started it all with DVDs, VCRs, Wii, PS, PCs, HD, IPods, ADHD, OC, AR, ....................................
So.......
SIG2R
SUL
YRYOCC :-) SICNR
(TTYL=Talk to you later
SPST=Same place, same time
SIG2R=Sorry, I got to run
SUL= See you later
YRYOCC=You're running your own cuckoo clock!
SICNR=Sorry, I could not resist!)
What a vocabulary!!!!
I hope they do well on their TAKS, SATs and ACTs!
Sunday, September 23, 2007
September
I have not been blogging much because my life suddenly was thrown into high gear when school started. Unfortunately this is not the life style that I really enjoy and I look forward to the evenings and weekends just to be able to relax .....but wait.......being gone all day long means that evenings and weekends are fair game for whatever can not be done during the day.
Fall is just around the corner. I can see it in the mornings as I rush off to work. The countryside is beginning to make the transition. The mornings are foggy again. The air is cool and moist. The leaves on the trees have just a hint of browning and my Autumn ferns that were suffering through the heat of the summer are giving it their last blast of growth before it gets too cold for them to maintain growth.
When I was a child I hated the fall. In fact, my least favorite month was September. Just writing it made me unhappy and finding a paper later in the year that I had written September at the top of the paper made me sick. It would bring back memories of the start of school.
Today it is one of my three most favorite seasons.......spring, summer and fall. Winter is another story. There are good things about winter but being cold and being indoors are not two of my favorite things to do. At least I winter in Texas where winters are mild and most of the time you can get away with a light sweater. An occasional snow is fun but we usually do not even have that.
So Dana and Erin there is my first random fact about myself: I hate writing the date when it is September.
Fall is just around the corner. I can see it in the mornings as I rush off to work. The countryside is beginning to make the transition. The mornings are foggy again. The air is cool and moist. The leaves on the trees have just a hint of browning and my Autumn ferns that were suffering through the heat of the summer are giving it their last blast of growth before it gets too cold for them to maintain growth.
When I was a child I hated the fall. In fact, my least favorite month was September. Just writing it made me unhappy and finding a paper later in the year that I had written September at the top of the paper made me sick. It would bring back memories of the start of school.
Today it is one of my three most favorite seasons.......spring, summer and fall. Winter is another story. There are good things about winter but being cold and being indoors are not two of my favorite things to do. At least I winter in Texas where winters are mild and most of the time you can get away with a light sweater. An occasional snow is fun but we usually do not even have that.
So Dana and Erin there is my first random fact about myself: I hate writing the date when it is September.
Tuesday, September 11, 2007
September Update
Life is a series of compromises.
It has been a busy beginning to the school year both at home and at school.
School is going well although I am not doing the job I thought I would be doing. Small changes have taken place at school but big differences are evident. Students are for the most part better behaved and the classrooms calmer.
At home progress is being made. Counter tops have been ordered and will be in soon. Cabinets will be finished soon. It seems to be coming together. It gets more exciting to me with every change. It is going to be beautiful.
It has been a busy beginning to the school year both at home and at school.
School is going well although I am not doing the job I thought I would be doing. Small changes have taken place at school but big differences are evident. Students are for the most part better behaved and the classrooms calmer.
At home progress is being made. Counter tops have been ordered and will be in soon. Cabinets will be finished soon. It seems to be coming together. It gets more exciting to me with every change. It is going to be beautiful.
Tuesday, September 4, 2007
Drinking from the Toilet
My cat, Einstein is usually no dumb animal. Caleb gets put out with him because he acts temperamental and several people suggest that he is spoiled. He thinks he is human. In fact, in his mind I am his mother. So there could be some sibling rivalry there.
Recently I have been concerned that he was looking sickly. I decided that he has been drinking out of the toilet. Toilets harbor bacteria. Einstein was drinking water teeming with bad bacterias thus he is getting skinny and has some other problems I will not get into. I bought him one of those water dispensers so he will have fresh water all the time. I just fill it up and set it out for him. I decided that the problems I was witnessing had stopped.
This morning I found him standing up next to the toilet, with his head inside drinking from the toilet again.
That is exactly how we become with sin. We sin, we turn from it and then here we go again putting our heads back in the toilet and lap at the sin again. We have no problem identifying what sin is when we see other people doing it. But in our own minds we justify our sins. We look for reasons that God will turn His head from our sin.
Proverbs 26:11
As a dog returns to its vomit, so a fool repeats his folly.
It is my prayer that the ones whose choices are placing them in sin will recognize the disgusting nature of their sins and turn from them. For a short lived high they compromise their souls.
Recently I have been concerned that he was looking sickly. I decided that he has been drinking out of the toilet. Toilets harbor bacteria. Einstein was drinking water teeming with bad bacterias thus he is getting skinny and has some other problems I will not get into. I bought him one of those water dispensers so he will have fresh water all the time. I just fill it up and set it out for him. I decided that the problems I was witnessing had stopped.
This morning I found him standing up next to the toilet, with his head inside drinking from the toilet again.
That is exactly how we become with sin. We sin, we turn from it and then here we go again putting our heads back in the toilet and lap at the sin again. We have no problem identifying what sin is when we see other people doing it. But in our own minds we justify our sins. We look for reasons that God will turn His head from our sin.
Proverbs 26:11
As a dog returns to its vomit, so a fool repeats his folly.
It is my prayer that the ones whose choices are placing them in sin will recognize the disgusting nature of their sins and turn from them. For a short lived high they compromise their souls.
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