Ice Cream...it's so nice, I call it Nice Cream
The Sauna at the gym after a long workout
Facebook pokes
Cheese on Toast
"Amazing" by Seal
'Rescue Me' on DVD
Dane Cook
Holding the camera so that I'm in every picture
Glamour - US and UK issues
Dancing to "Don't stop believing" every time my mobile rings
Monday, October 29, 2007
Friday, October 26, 2007
Haaaaaaaaalf Terrrrrrrrrrm
How brilliant is the UK education system? Back home we have one day off here and there. No no. Here we have six full weeks and then one full week off. As a teacher, I say "Yehaw" to this brilliant idea. Not only are your lessons uninterrupted, but the week break is an excellent opportunity to RECHARGE.
It's been quite a week. The unfortunate loss of England in the Rugby finals was a bit depressing, but we made up for it in our own, stupid ways. Tuesday I went into London with Amy and Chrissy -- that was a quite a day. I decided Harrods is my favorite store of all time - and standing in Tiffany & Co. Oh, loved it. I was a bit intimidated when we were standing by the D & G shoes and the Prada collections....but then again, it WAS Harrods!
After returning to town it really hit me where I was. Walking around town yesterday on our dreary autumn day reminded me - Oh, you aren't in Ohio anymore....you are in the UK. Fortunately, I haven't really been homesick at all, but there are always those little things that I remember and think “aw….I do miss that.”
Example: My high school craft fair. It’s huge! And I always loved going! Sadly, I will be missing that this year. Then I miss things like trick or treating – that was always so cute (and we just don’t do it here). Granted, I do have a fancy dress party I am attending (which I need to carve a pumpkin for) – but it’s still not really the same.
Autumn in general is a tricky one. Ohio has a great season – all of the colors and leaves falling. It’s beautiful! Maybe not quite as beautiful as New England, but it really does look classy.
And then there’s the family! NO worries – I will be home for Christmas. I believe that’s 56 days away!
But overall – I’m still loving it. Loving the co-workers. Loving the atmosphere. Loving my job. Can’t complain. Oh – and I’m loving my new shoes I bought in London (except they are green).
It's been quite a week. The unfortunate loss of England in the Rugby finals was a bit depressing, but we made up for it in our own, stupid ways. Tuesday I went into London with Amy and Chrissy -- that was a quite a day. I decided Harrods is my favorite store of all time - and standing in Tiffany & Co. Oh, loved it. I was a bit intimidated when we were standing by the D & G shoes and the Prada collections....but then again, it WAS Harrods!
After returning to town it really hit me where I was. Walking around town yesterday on our dreary autumn day reminded me - Oh, you aren't in Ohio anymore....you are in the UK. Fortunately, I haven't really been homesick at all, but there are always those little things that I remember and think “aw….I do miss that.”
Example: My high school craft fair. It’s huge! And I always loved going! Sadly, I will be missing that this year. Then I miss things like trick or treating – that was always so cute (and we just don’t do it here). Granted, I do have a fancy dress party I am attending (which I need to carve a pumpkin for) – but it’s still not really the same.
Autumn in general is a tricky one. Ohio has a great season – all of the colors and leaves falling. It’s beautiful! Maybe not quite as beautiful as New England, but it really does look classy.
And then there’s the family! NO worries – I will be home for Christmas. I believe that’s 56 days away!
But overall – I’m still loving it. Loving the co-workers. Loving the atmosphere. Loving my job. Can’t complain. Oh – and I’m loving my new shoes I bought in London (except they are green).
Sunday, October 21, 2007
Hunstanton
A *beautiful* day at Hunstanton beach today! Slightly impromptu, but that's the best kind of adventure!! Here are some of the shots Robin got on his fancy mobile!
Tuesday, October 16, 2007
Looking up
No matter what happens in the classroom -- the kids and their failures, their triumphs - the real reason you get through the day are your friends.
I have been so blessed to end up in a school with a fantastic staff. I love my partners in crime. They really do go out of their way to see if you are doing alright and just make you smile.
Today, one of the PE teachers brought in a school fleece for me. I see people wearing them, and I really wanted one. So he said that because I am a cheerleading coach, I can have one. True to his word, lunch time he entered with one for myself and Amy. I'm wearing it currently - loving it.
Yesterday we also had Staff rounders - being a wimp I didn't play, but I did go and cheer everyone on. We then went to the pub with the usual lot for dinner. It was just enjoyable. I am quite happy with the outcome.
And my new plan for world domination in the classroom -- I'm a rock star -- It works.
1. Classroom base. I have a classroom and a pile of busy work - and the kids know it.
2. I convinced them they can be rock stars if they trust me. Their performances will be SUPER.
3. I'm going to teach a bad class how to use lights and sound. They are amazed by the possibly and behaved because they want to learn how to use tech.
4. Detention base -- They know where I will be and they know they will join me if they don't do what is asked.
5. I'm not afraid to say "First warning" and "Second warning" and then say "Out in the hall"
6. Good behavior is commended. I make a special point of giving merits and telling kids they are fantastic when they are.
7. Formal presentations are amazing for these kids...they love it.
8. Kids who are distant and act as though they hate my class -- I rope them in. I sat with one kid today and he kept complaining about wanting to go home because his friend decided to skip my class and go home. So I sat with him and started writing a poem about everything he complained about. He loved it and thought it was hilarious. He took it home to show his mom. OK.....at least I got him to laugh.
Onwards and upwards....Things are looking up!
I have been so blessed to end up in a school with a fantastic staff. I love my partners in crime. They really do go out of their way to see if you are doing alright and just make you smile.
Today, one of the PE teachers brought in a school fleece for me. I see people wearing them, and I really wanted one. So he said that because I am a cheerleading coach, I can have one. True to his word, lunch time he entered with one for myself and Amy. I'm wearing it currently - loving it.
Yesterday we also had Staff rounders - being a wimp I didn't play, but I did go and cheer everyone on. We then went to the pub with the usual lot for dinner. It was just enjoyable. I am quite happy with the outcome.
And my new plan for world domination in the classroom -- I'm a rock star -- It works.
1. Classroom base. I have a classroom and a pile of busy work - and the kids know it.
2. I convinced them they can be rock stars if they trust me. Their performances will be SUPER.
3. I'm going to teach a bad class how to use lights and sound. They are amazed by the possibly and behaved because they want to learn how to use tech.
4. Detention base -- They know where I will be and they know they will join me if they don't do what is asked.
5. I'm not afraid to say "First warning" and "Second warning" and then say "Out in the hall"
6. Good behavior is commended. I make a special point of giving merits and telling kids they are fantastic when they are.
7. Formal presentations are amazing for these kids...they love it.
8. Kids who are distant and act as though they hate my class -- I rope them in. I sat with one kid today and he kept complaining about wanting to go home because his friend decided to skip my class and go home. So I sat with him and started writing a poem about everything he complained about. He loved it and thought it was hilarious. He took it home to show his mom. OK.....at least I got him to laugh.
Onwards and upwards....Things are looking up!
Saturday, October 13, 2007
Some days....
Some days are good, some days are bad. All of your teaching days can't go perfect - or else you wouldn't learn anything.
Friday I had one of those not so good teaching days. And the ironic thing is - 2 our of my 4 classes were great. It's always the bad that overshadows the good in the end.
My department head was doing some work in my classroom while I was teaching (which I am uncomfortable with as it is), but after discussed with me how one student was talking while I was doing registration, even though I thought the kids were quite quiet. Another student would throw pens and markers when my back was turned. I don't stand correctly in the classroom - and I need to not give 100% of my attention to someone when I'm talking to them, just so I can ensure the rest of the class was working well.
Even though he wasn't assessing me, he told me that if higher staff was observing I would get some unsatisfactory marks.
I'm not saying that I can't take criticism, because I can. But I was not happy with this conversation. I walked out feeling as though I can't teach and I'm basically rubbish at what I do. Knowing full well I was going to be observed during one of my awful classes next week, I felt as though I was going to have a slight breakdown.
I found my way to Mary, the assistant head in charge of new teachers. I told her about my frustrations with my classes this week - straight out of hospital and the kids feel sorry for you for about ten minutes, and then they continue to act crazy.
Teaching Drama when you are an English teacher is hard work. You don't have the formality you are used to - you don't have the safety of desks separating you. The kids come in with a different attitude and get really excited at the opportunity of moving around. Yes - I'm a bit too nice when I give them the benefit of the doubt and warn them constantly. It's a matter of me saying something and my students accepting it as what needs to be done. Please be quiet during registration - and they don't talk. Please use the chairs like adults - and they don't slide across the floor on them.
So I'm coming up with a list of practical things to do to make life better. I Know I have the support - it's just a matter of me getting a stronger discipline regime. We're all works in progress....
Friday I had one of those not so good teaching days. And the ironic thing is - 2 our of my 4 classes were great. It's always the bad that overshadows the good in the end.
My department head was doing some work in my classroom while I was teaching (which I am uncomfortable with as it is), but after discussed with me how one student was talking while I was doing registration, even though I thought the kids were quite quiet. Another student would throw pens and markers when my back was turned. I don't stand correctly in the classroom - and I need to not give 100% of my attention to someone when I'm talking to them, just so I can ensure the rest of the class was working well.
Even though he wasn't assessing me, he told me that if higher staff was observing I would get some unsatisfactory marks.
I'm not saying that I can't take criticism, because I can. But I was not happy with this conversation. I walked out feeling as though I can't teach and I'm basically rubbish at what I do. Knowing full well I was going to be observed during one of my awful classes next week, I felt as though I was going to have a slight breakdown.
I found my way to Mary, the assistant head in charge of new teachers. I told her about my frustrations with my classes this week - straight out of hospital and the kids feel sorry for you for about ten minutes, and then they continue to act crazy.
Teaching Drama when you are an English teacher is hard work. You don't have the formality you are used to - you don't have the safety of desks separating you. The kids come in with a different attitude and get really excited at the opportunity of moving around. Yes - I'm a bit too nice when I give them the benefit of the doubt and warn them constantly. It's a matter of me saying something and my students accepting it as what needs to be done. Please be quiet during registration - and they don't talk. Please use the chairs like adults - and they don't slide across the floor on them.
So I'm coming up with a list of practical things to do to make life better. I Know I have the support - it's just a matter of me getting a stronger discipline regime. We're all works in progress....
Friday, October 12, 2007
Aw
Teachers out for a bit after a crazy week....
No - we aren't drinking. We were too knackered. J2O is classy.
No - we aren't drinking. We were too knackered. J2O is classy.
Thursday, October 11, 2007
Drama Drama
Today there was serious Drama during Drama class.
I was watching a group work on a scene and I had to stop them to give them some feedback. A boy was supposed to fall backwards and when he did, he hit his elbow.
I told him to head to first aid and somehow when he was getting up, one of this group mates ended up on the floor. He looked really still and the boy with the elbow yelled "He's faking, Miss!"
I said "I don't think so - get someone in first aid."
So he runs off and I sit with little Luke and he didn't respond when I said his name. He was really still with his arms almost reaching up and his eyes open wide. I held his hand and said 'Luke, can you hear me?"
He blinked a few times and stayed lying really still. I asked him to put his arms down and he did. I asked if he was ok. And he slightly nodded.
Our First Aid Secretary, Carol, came in and talked to Luke....apparently he had passed out during a class before. I knew he hit his head, so I assumed that's why he was unconscious for a few seconds.
I was holding his hand and I could tell he was getting really warm and upset. I managed to convince the kids to stay with their groups and work while Carol and I talked to Luke. He eventually feels up enough to head down the clinic.
...::: Lunch Time :::....
There is a note in my mailbox to call Luke's mom. I call and she tells me that Luke accused the "elbow" boy of punching him - that's why he fell over and hit his head. I was standing one foot away from them and I didn't see it! I turned my back for one second and this happened. Then again - he wouldn't punch another kid if I was watching....
So I reported the elbow boy....who I learned smacked a year 8 during break time anyways.
I think I handled the situation well.....but come on, lads. Play nice.
I was watching a group work on a scene and I had to stop them to give them some feedback. A boy was supposed to fall backwards and when he did, he hit his elbow.
I told him to head to first aid and somehow when he was getting up, one of this group mates ended up on the floor. He looked really still and the boy with the elbow yelled "He's faking, Miss!"
I said "I don't think so - get someone in first aid."
So he runs off and I sit with little Luke and he didn't respond when I said his name. He was really still with his arms almost reaching up and his eyes open wide. I held his hand and said 'Luke, can you hear me?"
He blinked a few times and stayed lying really still. I asked him to put his arms down and he did. I asked if he was ok. And he slightly nodded.
Our First Aid Secretary, Carol, came in and talked to Luke....apparently he had passed out during a class before. I knew he hit his head, so I assumed that's why he was unconscious for a few seconds.
I was holding his hand and I could tell he was getting really warm and upset. I managed to convince the kids to stay with their groups and work while Carol and I talked to Luke. He eventually feels up enough to head down the clinic.
...::: Lunch Time :::....
There is a note in my mailbox to call Luke's mom. I call and she tells me that Luke accused the "elbow" boy of punching him - that's why he fell over and hit his head. I was standing one foot away from them and I didn't see it! I turned my back for one second and this happened. Then again - he wouldn't punch another kid if I was watching....
So I reported the elbow boy....who I learned smacked a year 8 during break time anyways.
I think I handled the situation well.....but come on, lads. Play nice.
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