Giving Thanks

Just a few days ago people from all around the world took the time to give thanks for things in their lives. That allowed me the time to reflect and see what I am thankful for. There are so many things that I have to give thanks for. They can all fall into 1 of 3 categories: Family, Friends, and Work.

All 3 of these categories have not ceased to amaze and inspire me. Here are some examples of these situations.

Work:
The day before any break can be crazy in the classroom. I have heard it said that during these times all classroom management goes out the door. That was not the case in my class, I am proud to say. I was firm and did not let anything slide. Half way through the day the kids presented me with a pie for Thanksgiving. I was so touched. How many classrooms do this for their teacher? Within 20miles of my school that is a luxury that could never be afforded. I am thankful to be at a great school with a great class. I was so touched that at the end of the day I shared my pie with my kids. They loved it.

Family:
I drove to Fort Worth on Thanksgiving day to spend some time with my family. I only anticipated spending the day and driving back, but ended up spending the night anyways. Thanksgiving was at my older brother's house. My mom and brothers came over. It was nice to see everyone one together. I think the last time that happened was last Thanksgiving. I got to see my little nephew. I think he is turning a year soon or just turned a year. I hardly ever get to see him so I soaked in all the time I could with him. I had to teach him my name. It made me sad that I don't get to see him grow up since I am in another city. I wish I lived closer. I played light sabers with him, Hulk boxing, and guns. He was so cute. Especially when he put his Hulk gloves on and said, "Your making me angry!" I laughed so hard. It was funny to see him run and hide when it was diaper changing time. He tried to hide in the seat cushions, but his little booty was sticking up out of the cushions. I am lucky to have family that cares for each other. I am lucky to have a family. Period.

Friends:
While in town I got to see my best friend growing up. Holli! I went over to her apartment and we got the chance to chat it up. We hardly see each other, but no matter the length of time it's like we were never apart. We talked about all the changes in our life and the changes going on now. I love that girl so much.

Also while I was in town I drove over to Mesquite to visit by good friend and here family. She also has an adorable nephew. I got to see her family as well. She is lucky to have such great people in her life. I am lucky to have her to bring those great people into my life as well.

Upon returning to Austin I went to Llano so spend the weekend with some friends at my friend We Wu's ranch house. It was so much fun! As soon as I got there we went kayaking and paddle boating. We even had a ridiculous photo shoot at the lake. I will have to post some pictures. When we got back we played some ping pong, Foosball, and pool while We Wu's dad prepared for a festive feast. He called us over to his Hibachi grill while he cooked. It was good times. We drank and ate our hearts out. After dinner we karaoked some and played guitar hero. That was only a tidbit of what we did. I am thankful to have a great group of friends in my life. I don't know what I would do without them.

Remember to Use Your Words

I think I say that exact statement everyday to one particular child. Today I found myself saying that to my entire class. However, it was not for the reason you are probably thinking. We started a new writing topic focusing on the 6+1 writing trait of Word Choice. I emphasized the importance is using your words to keep your reader engaged and for them to actually visualize what you are trying to express in words.

Once I got them started I sat at the back table to read a few of their most recent writing samples before individual conferences were to commence. Our previous topic was, "If you had 8 eyes and 8 legs what would you do"? Here are a few of my favorite samples that I would like to share with you.

Sample 1-I love the beginning and end of this one.
"If I had 8 eyes and 8 legs I would get web insurance. I would get it from Speico. Then at dusk I would go to town scaring people. I would mock them when they dive behind a trash can. I would repeat this when they killed a spider. In fact, I would only do that when they killed a spider. I would also explore Spider Cove and the Temple of Spider where the Golden Spider resides. "

Sample 2-I love that I can hear this child's voice in their writing.
"If I had 8 eyes and 8 legs I would be Spider-John. Which means... butt kick'n time! Boya! I would love it! I would also live in a web. Hey, I can sell my web. Web! Web for sale! Aaaaaaaaaah, lady with a purse! Freak."

Sample 3- Another sample of voice.
"If I had 8 eyes and 8 legs it would be a disaster! How would I wear shirts? What about pants? What about shorts? I would be able to see in all directions, which is pretty cool. But I would look sooooo ugly!"


I love getting the chance to read my student's writing. Seeing how they are able to manipulate their words to create these unique masterpieces. Talking to them about their thinking and how they form their thoughts on paper. Look how different they are? No one the same. I love it.

My New Habitat

Today was a pretty long day. I had so much to do and no time to do it in. Usually that is what I say during school. I found myself thinking that as soon as the bell rang to dismiss the kids.

My school is doing a canned food drive and guess who designed the shirt? Me! Of course. Well that goes along with finding someone to make the shirts, taking orders for the shirts, collecting money for the shirts, having invoices and paperwork filled out, and then sorting the shirts when they come in by the time the carnival this weekend.

That would have been fine had I not needed to do a million other things after school. I also had to tutor one of my low kids, submit grades, get a T.V. from a co-worker, see a man about a couch, run to the bank, and grade papers. I was able to do all these things, the only saving grace of the day? Coming home to my new, clean, and awesome apartment!

I moved in on Saturday with the help of amazing friends. I could not have done it without them. As their treat I ordered pizza and bought some beer. I think it was a fair trade. Anyways I love my apartment. I love coming home to, well, my home! I feel like such an adult working all day and having my own place. It is slowly coming together. After I get my couch later this week all I will need are:

• a bed
• a dresser
• a vacuum
• a washer
• a dryer

I will have to keep my eyes open on Craigslist! Not bad for a newbie, huh?

Reading Level

I found neat widget for finding a student's reading and interest level. Here it is!

En Mi Familia!

My sister and nephew from California came into town. I hardly ever get to see them so I was nice to spend some time with them. We stopped by a prospective apartment. That is all. Simple and short. Like my close friend!

Eat It!

Finally I am updating my blog after a long hiatus. Eat it occurred several weeks ago. I was on duty for recess and a small child asked me to play four square with him and some friends. I said, "Sure, what could it hurt"? Boy was that the wrong question to ask.

I remember four square as a young child and all the different tricks you could do to try and get the head person out. There was the good ole cherry bomb where you slammed the ball as hard as you could to send it flying away from your jittery adversary. Then there was bubbles where you basically bobbled the ball in your hand while you patiently plotted your plan of attack. Those were my two favorite.

The small child decided to review the rules for me as to what you can and can not do. A staple in any four square game. He sad Pac Man was legal. I was a little confused and had the child explain it further. Pac Man is where you stay on the lines of the four square box and walk around them avoiding the person with the ball. I thought that was genius! Why hadn't we thought of that in the olden days?

After a few rounds it was evident the kids were out to get me, but I showed no mercy. I am pretty sure there was a little smack talk. The server call Pac Man and everyone in the square jumps on the line and scatters about. I saw the child with the ball give me a devilish grin before jumping on the line and heading to me. He was quite the scurrier. I took off in the opposite direction.
Before I go on, let fill you in on a few details of our environment:

1. I was wearing a brand new pair of boots that went up to mid calf.
2. We were playing on a black top right next to a gravel playground.
3. There were a few moms there covering other classes.
   
4. I am a whole lot of man.

As I rounded the corner I stepped on a patch of rogue gravel that took residence on that particular corner of the four square that I approached. I swear that my legs flew up and I was parallel to the ground for what seemed like minutes. I just remember thinking in my head as I was flailing through the air, "My boots! Please don't be scratched"! I hit the ground on my knees and hands. I don't think it would have hurt that much if there wasn't gravel littered about and now embedded into my palms and knee caps. It also would not have been so bad if there wasn't a group of moms watching our game. Seriously, shouldn't they have been watching the kids?

Under Pressure...

I have an enjoyable student in my class. For the sake of anonymity we will call this enjoyable student Earl. Earl is an average student or shall I say an average young male student. Earl enjoys sports and enjoys rough housing with the other boys in the class. Earl also enjoys reading science fiction books and talking about bodily functions such as farts and burps.

Earl is also 1 of only 3 kids in my class who hugs me regularly. It is kind of refreshing knowing that boy boys can show a softer side. Earl is quite the interesting character as well. He has one of those dry senses of humor. However when using humor back he does not get it. Often times when I talk to Earl he stares blankly back at me. I look into his eyes and there is seriously nothing really going on there. This Earl is quite intriguing. And it does get better!

Earl occasionally bursts out into song! I think Earl might be my illegitimate child. Here is a catalog of songs he has been singing:
Under Pressure by Queen
Disturbia by Rhianna
I Like Big Butts by Sir Mix A Lot
The Final Countdown by Europe
and I am quite sure there are more to come!

I also think that you can find all of these songs on my iPod!

This is why I love being a teacher. The randomness that life has to offer brings these little joys in small child form.