Classroom Reflection...

Being in school for two months now, I feel I am really starting to get to know my students. My class has classroom meetings each week. Each week we make a team goal and this week our goal was to focus on self-control. Coming from 7th and 8th grade last year and down to 6th grade I had forgotten the maturity difference in ages 10 -13. So, I had to step back and realize that my class this year needs to work a little longer to build the community we are hoping for. I also noticed that I have several leaders in my class. Most of the students I consider leaders were unaware of their "status". I had many conferences this week where we talked about the responsibilities of being a leader and how other students are watching the behaviors and actions of the natural leaders in the class. Some of the students were happy to be known as leaders, but others didn't like the responsibility that goes along with being a leader. I also realized that I have many great families that I am excited to work with this year.

Technology I'm interested in...

I would really like to learn how to use a smartboard. I hope to write a grant this year for one, but haven't found the time yet. I observed a teacher using one in her room and it seemed very useful and was quite interactive. I hate overheads!!!! It's crazy to think that we are actually still using overheads in our rooms (some of us) when our students have always known and used much more advance technology. I would also like the clickers that students can use to answer questions. I'm not sure what the official name is, but they seem like a great way of checking for understanding. I would love to have a projector and document camera in my room too. I'm sure there is much more technology that I would integrate into my lessons, but I just haven't been exposed to it yet.

War in Iraq

Thoughts on the war...

I wish I could say that I understand everything going on in Iraq, but I honestly don't. I feel like everytime I do try to understand the issues and reasons why we are fighting across seas I read such contradicting material that I get even more confused. Obviously, we cannot count on the media to give both sides of any story, but I do think that we should all be more educated on what really is going on. I do feel that we have been fighting way too long and too many lives are being taken. I know that war is in our country's history, but it seems like we should be more civilized by now. I feel quilty when I think about the strangers that fight everyday for my freedom while my life goes on normally. I don't believe that losing innocent lives is the answer to any problem.

October 11, 2007 9:57 PM October 11, 2007 9:57 PM

School District Website

My students being crazy!

My nephew, Hayden on his 3rd birthday!

My husband and I in London.

My 8th grade Volleyball Team!