So I talked with some young hip teachers at my school today. We talked about plans for the weekend and our teacher websites. They use blogger for their teacher website!!!!! I was like, "Oh my goodness, am I out of the loop!" That can't be. After school I went straight home to get started on my new teacher website. Here it is: http://mrsosasclass.blogspot.com/
Tell me what you think.
Saturday, September 27, 2008
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
It's Mr. Sosa!!!!
I was out this morning to do training for evaluating the work of English Language Learners. It was an ok training. It definitely use any good practices for teaching that we hear so much about. We ended up getting out of training early so a friend and I went to Ross to do some much needed shopping. Then after shopping up a small thunder storm we went and had lunch at the most disgusting Denny's on the face of the Earth. It had a weird funk lingering in the air. I guess it complimented the small flies that lingered in the air as well.
I arrived 5 minutes early before I had to pick the kids up from lunch recess. I headed into the teacher's lounge to grab some tea and check with my neighbor teacher about my sub. To my dismay I found out that she was 30 minutes late! Luckily the teacher next door is awesome and know my routine. She turned on the prepared overhead that contained their morning work. I was a little disappointed with the sub and proceeded out to the playground to pick my kids up.
There they were, already in line waiting. One they saw me I heard kids screaming my name and I could see them jumping and pumping their fists in the air. All the disappointment I was feeling was swept away with a euphoria that made my heart swell. I couldn't help but to smile the biggest smile the world had ever know. A few kids ran up and gave me hugs and told me how much they missed me. Tear tattoo...
The fantastic mood I was in only lasted until we got to the classroom and I read the sub notes. She said the class was good, however she didn't get around to my sub plans. She only did 1 thing in my plans. 1 out of 4 things she should have accomplished with relative ease. I was so mad at her! But I kept a brave face for the kids.
The sub did leave her glasses case behind. I will never call this lady again to sub so I just threw the case away. No need holding on to something for someone I will never see again, right?
I arrived 5 minutes early before I had to pick the kids up from lunch recess. I headed into the teacher's lounge to grab some tea and check with my neighbor teacher about my sub. To my dismay I found out that she was 30 minutes late! Luckily the teacher next door is awesome and know my routine. She turned on the prepared overhead that contained their morning work. I was a little disappointed with the sub and proceeded out to the playground to pick my kids up.
There they were, already in line waiting. One they saw me I heard kids screaming my name and I could see them jumping and pumping their fists in the air. All the disappointment I was feeling was swept away with a euphoria that made my heart swell. I couldn't help but to smile the biggest smile the world had ever know. A few kids ran up and gave me hugs and told me how much they missed me. Tear tattoo...
The fantastic mood I was in only lasted until we got to the classroom and I read the sub notes. She said the class was good, however she didn't get around to my sub plans. She only did 1 thing in my plans. 1 out of 4 things she should have accomplished with relative ease. I was so mad at her! But I kept a brave face for the kids.
The sub did leave her glasses case behind. I will never call this lady again to sub so I just threw the case away. No need holding on to something for someone I will never see again, right?
Monday, September 22, 2008
Monkey Butt
Read aloud has ended and dismissed the kids to go get their snack and silently read before we go out to recess. I go to my back table to organize papers and grade what I can, while I can. I take a seat and motivate any off taskers to make a good choice. One small child walks towards me and sits on the floor. "Want to see what I invented?", he says with a hint of excitement. I say, "Sure". He proceeds to put his legs behind his head and starts spanking himself on the rear. He quits slapping his butt and asks me if I knew what he invented. I said no, but that it didn't look like he was making good use of his time. He says that it's called Monkey Butt because he saw 2 monkeys do it on TV last night. Two other boys start walking our way with giant Cheshire grins on their face. I point to them and say, "Don't even think about it". Their grins flip upside down and they turn around to go silently read. I told the creator of Monkey Butt to go silently read. He then asks me if I can do Monkey Butt. I said, "How about we leave Monkey Butt to the monkeys."
I just sat there in awe. Monkey Butt? Really? Did that just happen? Did I really have that conversation?
Yes I did. And I love my job!
I just sat there in awe. Monkey Butt? Really? Did that just happen? Did I really have that conversation?
Yes I did. And I love my job!
Morning Work Just got Graphic!
Last Friday I was short an assignment for morning work and the kids were soon to arrive. I decided to have them do a journal entry. The entry asked them if they could have any super power in the world, what would it be and why? I didn't get a chance to read their entries or share them. Well I was planning this weekend for the next week and decided that I would have them illustrate their journal entry from Friday via comic book format for morning work on Monday. I have never seen the kids more excited to get to work. Some of their comics are turning out really cool. I will have to take a pictures and post them soon!
For those who don't know: Comics are basically the same as graphic novels. Comics are usually shorter and are a continuing series, where as Graphic Novel focus more on 1 complete story with a more complex story line.
For those who don't know: Comics are basically the same as graphic novels. Comics are usually shorter and are a continuing series, where as Graphic Novel focus more on 1 complete story with a more complex story line.
Sunday, September 21, 2008
Ummm... Your child wrote on my butt...
My twin is in town and we went out to dinner on Friday night. We went to a delicious restaurant called Maudie's. It is fine Mexican Cuisine, and the margaritas are huge! Anyways, while we were having margaritas we started to reminisce about the past. High school, old jobs, and funny stories growing up.
I started talking about when I was 19 and worked at a Mother's Day Out 2 days a week. I had a class of 3 year olds all to myself. I remember talking with another teacher, whom I shared a bathroom with. She was sharing a big piece of gossip that engrossed my attention. I remember a little person tugging at my pants, at least I thought he was tugging. I ignored him as the flibbertigibbet shared the riveting story. When she was done I turned around to see what the small child wanted. To my dismay the miniature Michelangelo had drawn his version of the Sistine Chapel on my posterior. It was hard not to laugh and place the child in time out.
When mom came to pick up the pocket sized virtuoso I shared the story with her on how her small child had defaced my derriere. She did not find it funny at all. She gave her child an earful and handed me a $20 bill for dry cleaning. I was a little taken back at how mad she had gotten. But not too taken back as not to accept the money.
That story sent twin and I into a laughing tizzy. I think the margaritas made it that much more funny. I did receive a call from the little maestro 2 years after the incident when I had moved to Austin to go to college at UT. His mom said he was thinking about me and wanted to call. I asked him how school was going, he was then a kindergartner, and he said it was good. I asked what his favorite thing about school was. He said art...
I started talking about when I was 19 and worked at a Mother's Day Out 2 days a week. I had a class of 3 year olds all to myself. I remember talking with another teacher, whom I shared a bathroom with. She was sharing a big piece of gossip that engrossed my attention. I remember a little person tugging at my pants, at least I thought he was tugging. I ignored him as the flibbertigibbet shared the riveting story. When she was done I turned around to see what the small child wanted. To my dismay the miniature Michelangelo had drawn his version of the Sistine Chapel on my posterior. It was hard not to laugh and place the child in time out.
When mom came to pick up the pocket sized virtuoso I shared the story with her on how her small child had defaced my derriere. She did not find it funny at all. She gave her child an earful and handed me a $20 bill for dry cleaning. I was a little taken back at how mad she had gotten. But not too taken back as not to accept the money.
That story sent twin and I into a laughing tizzy. I think the margaritas made it that much more funny. I did receive a call from the little maestro 2 years after the incident when I had moved to Austin to go to college at UT. His mom said he was thinking about me and wanted to call. I asked him how school was going, he was then a kindergartner, and he said it was good. I asked what his favorite thing about school was. He said art...
Monday, September 15, 2008
The Gift of...
Love is the best gift of all... Right, but you can't even see that! I am one of those people who needs tangible gifts! Gifts that validate my existence in this massive, overly crowded, yet lonely universe. I can't help it. It is the way I am programmed. I know it's shallow. I do believe in, "It's the thought that counts". If that helps make me seem like any less of a selfish person. Anyways, gifts are great! Which brings me to my blog for today. I have received 2 gifts in the last 2 days that made my heart swell.
Gift #1: I was talking to my mom last week about my class. How much I love them, and the things I am doing with them. I got into talking about how each kid has a job in my class, and how much they really enjoy doing their job. Except for one little boy. His job for the week was botanist, so he would take care of the plants in my room. One problem. I had yet to buy a plant for my room. They are kind of pricey and I still hadn't gotten paid, and yet to have seen my first paycheck. 10 more days till payday! I hung up the phone and went about my business for the week. Well this last weekend I dog my close friend's dog Tiva so I wasn't home all weekend. When I did arrive home I found the most beautiful plant awaiting my arrival. There it sat perched on my desk. I did shed a few drops of eye moisture after reading the attached card. It had only 1 little message. "Congrats on your first teaching job.-Love Mom"
Gift #2: It is Monday and I am going about my business, per usual, at school. I just walked my kids through the lunch line and was warming up my lunch in the teacher's lounge. I was mulling over the events of the day leading up to lunch. As I was beginning a stratagem for the rest of the day someone walked in and said, "Special delivery for Mr. Sosa"! I was a little taken back. A gift? For me? The lady who announced my special delivery handed me a familiar white box with a familiar blue ribbon on it. I immediately recognized the package not only from sight, but from smell and touch as well. The small box was warm, and it had an intoxicating aroma that made me salivate, as well as make my stomach do somersaults of glee. This box, these feelings, took me back to my early years of college, especially exam times. Someone had sent me the best gift a connoisseur of fine delicatessens could receive... Tiff's Treats! I swear they make the best cookies on the face of the Earth. Not only do they make the best cookies ever, they deliver them fresh and still warm. Lucky for me, they just opened a Tiff's Treats next to my school. I read the card and I developed the biggest Cheshire grin on my face. Every one's eyes in the lounge were on me as they looked on with bated breath, dying to know who it was from. It didn't say who it was from, but the message on the attached card made it loud and clear, "Thanks for taking care of Tiva".
Gift #1: I was talking to my mom last week about my class. How much I love them, and the things I am doing with them. I got into talking about how each kid has a job in my class, and how much they really enjoy doing their job. Except for one little boy. His job for the week was botanist, so he would take care of the plants in my room. One problem. I had yet to buy a plant for my room. They are kind of pricey and I still hadn't gotten paid, and yet to have seen my first paycheck. 10 more days till payday! I hung up the phone and went about my business for the week. Well this last weekend I dog my close friend's dog Tiva so I wasn't home all weekend. When I did arrive home I found the most beautiful plant awaiting my arrival. There it sat perched on my desk. I did shed a few drops of eye moisture after reading the attached card. It had only 1 little message. "Congrats on your first teaching job.-Love Mom"
Gift #2: It is Monday and I am going about my business, per usual, at school. I just walked my kids through the lunch line and was warming up my lunch in the teacher's lounge. I was mulling over the events of the day leading up to lunch. As I was beginning a stratagem for the rest of the day someone walked in and said, "Special delivery for Mr. Sosa"! I was a little taken back. A gift? For me? The lady who announced my special delivery handed me a familiar white box with a familiar blue ribbon on it. I immediately recognized the package not only from sight, but from smell and touch as well. The small box was warm, and it had an intoxicating aroma that made me salivate, as well as make my stomach do somersaults of glee. This box, these feelings, took me back to my early years of college, especially exam times. Someone had sent me the best gift a connoisseur of fine delicatessens could receive... Tiff's Treats! I swear they make the best cookies on the face of the Earth. Not only do they make the best cookies ever, they deliver them fresh and still warm. Lucky for me, they just opened a Tiff's Treats next to my school. I read the card and I developed the biggest Cheshire grin on my face. Every one's eyes in the lounge were on me as they looked on with bated breath, dying to know who it was from. It didn't say who it was from, but the message on the attached card made it loud and clear, "Thanks for taking care of Tiva".
Thursday, September 4, 2008
The Goose Pimples...
This even was Parent Orientation at my school. I was ready for it. Excited to finally get a chance to talk to my parents about my favorite subject...Me!lol I wanted to make sure that I come off as someone who is capable of educating their child.
Well leading up to the time I would get a chance to spill my guts to my parents I wasn't nervous. As they started filtering into my room I started feeling warm. I just thought the AC was off. I got ready to call for every one's attention and my voice goes out. Luckily no one heard me so I turned around and regrouped. All of sudden I was nervous. I gave myself a little pep talk and called once more for every one's attention. I directed their attention to my TV which displayed the power point I would be presenting to tell them about the class and the expectations I had for the children. At first my voice was a little shaky and I kept fumbling with words. After a few slides I found my groove. I was witty and a lot I had to say came from the heart. When I talked about how we came up with the classroom agreement I felt a shiver go down my spine. I guess at the time I didn't really realize how magical that lesson really was. How we all came together and talked about what it meant to be a "Super Kid" and how we each of us want to be treated.
I started talking about my philosophy on teaching. I felt another shiver go down my spine. For the first time in my life I felt passion. Something that I was certain of. Something that I strongly believed in. Then getting to share that passion with my parents gave me goose pimples.
The final shiver came at the end of power point. I displayed a quote that I live by. The motto I will have for my class. "You must be the change you wish to see in the world". I talked about what that meant to me and what that will mean to their students. How we are all different and we are special for those differences. How if we our class to be a bully free class, then we are not going to bully. I know I said it a lot more eloquently than I am now.
I am confident that I came off as someone who if more than capable to educate future generations. Future generations that will be the change the world needs. People that respect differences and accept new ideas and concepts. People who use their mind and hearts.
Well leading up to the time I would get a chance to spill my guts to my parents I wasn't nervous. As they started filtering into my room I started feeling warm. I just thought the AC was off. I got ready to call for every one's attention and my voice goes out. Luckily no one heard me so I turned around and regrouped. All of sudden I was nervous. I gave myself a little pep talk and called once more for every one's attention. I directed their attention to my TV which displayed the power point I would be presenting to tell them about the class and the expectations I had for the children. At first my voice was a little shaky and I kept fumbling with words. After a few slides I found my groove. I was witty and a lot I had to say came from the heart. When I talked about how we came up with the classroom agreement I felt a shiver go down my spine. I guess at the time I didn't really realize how magical that lesson really was. How we all came together and talked about what it meant to be a "Super Kid" and how we each of us want to be treated.
I started talking about my philosophy on teaching. I felt another shiver go down my spine. For the first time in my life I felt passion. Something that I was certain of. Something that I strongly believed in. Then getting to share that passion with my parents gave me goose pimples.
The final shiver came at the end of power point. I displayed a quote that I live by. The motto I will have for my class. "You must be the change you wish to see in the world". I talked about what that meant to me and what that will mean to their students. How we are all different and we are special for those differences. How if we our class to be a bully free class, then we are not going to bully. I know I said it a lot more eloquently than I am now.
I am confident that I came off as someone who if more than capable to educate future generations. Future generations that will be the change the world needs. People that respect differences and accept new ideas and concepts. People who use their mind and hearts.
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