These fonts are great for teaching, newsletters, scrapbooking, etc!
I'm so excited to use mine. Thanks Amanda @ Kevin&Amanda!
“For grace is given not because we have done good works, but in order that we may be able to do them.” -Augustine
December 2, 2010
Fun Fonts
I wanted to pass along this great website for free fonts! On the blog there are download buttons under each font, once it downloads, open the zip file, click on the font name, then click install. Super easy! If your computer was like mine(Windows 7) and didn't show new fonts in your Word drop menu- Go to control panel, appearance and personalization, fonts, font settings, and then unclick the first box (hide fonts based on language settings). Reopen Word and you should be good to go.
These fonts are great for teaching, newsletters, scrapbooking, etc!
I'm so excited to use mine. Thanks Amanda @ Kevin&Amanda!
These fonts are great for teaching, newsletters, scrapbooking, etc!
I'm so excited to use mine. Thanks Amanda @ Kevin&Amanda!
November 29, 2010
The Chinese Chicken and Turtle for Lunch
I have been so busy with school that my bloggy intentions over break went to the wayside. Didn't want to look at my computer for a couple days then it was back to the grind, but a sweet and hilarious grind on the days that I teach!
I have a lot of Asian students. In fact one of my precious munchkins moved back to China with his family today :-(. They are so smart and motivated but they also keep me cracking up. Last week one of my children comes bounding in from lunch with a "Ms. W. I have a present for you!" Here's how this played out...
Child drops a claw into my hand
"Aww, that's cool _____, what is it?"
"It's a turtle claw!"
"Where did you find it?" (With visions of a turtle massacre on the playground...)
"Well I had turtle for lunch and I found it in my food so I spit it out!"
(I quickly pass it back to her...) "Why don't you give that back to your mom, she'd love to have it."
Hahaha never a dull day in the third grade.
And now to the Chinese Chicken. When taking a poll about some of my student's Thanksgiving traditions, it seems that Turkey has gone by the wayside and that Chinese Chicken is the culinary delight of choice. (Christmas Story Fa Ra Ra Ra Ra anyone?) Today I decided to adapt this Turkey Math problem to become da da da- The Chinese Chicken problem! I am being trained to teach math in a different way, by allowing the students to make sense of the new concepts before they are fully introduced or rules/algorithms given. That way, by using what they know and developing new skills and strategies, they have a more organic understanding of the math that can then be applied to more difficult concepts. (Once the algorithms are taught, if that makes sense.) Here's an example of a pre-Multiplication problem:
I began with a warm-up (in this case telling time/fractions of a clock) to get them thinking, review, and assess what they know. I then go into the launch as seen below. Students worked in groups to solve the problem and then they created posters of their strategy. At the end, several groups shared in front of the class and we had a rich discussion surrounding the many different ways we could get the same answer. It planted the seed for the idea that multiplication is repeated addition! I love teaching math- there are so many aha moments!
The Chinese Chicken Problem
Ms. W is going to cook a giant Chinese Chicken for an upcoming Holiday party. A lot of people are coming to her house for dinner so she bought a 24 pound chicken. According to Ms. W’s cookbook, a chicken needs to roast for 15 minutes per pound (which means for every 1 pound of chicken, it needs 15 minutes in the oven). She has two problems that she needs your help with.
1) How long does the Chinese Chicken need to cook- in hours?
2) If Ms. Wright wants her guests to eat at 4:30 pm, what time would she put the Chinese Chicken in the oven?
Every student was so engaged as a mathematician- quite precious to watch! Math should always be this much fun. Happy Monday and Happy Advent!
I have a lot of Asian students. In fact one of my precious munchkins moved back to China with his family today :-(. They are so smart and motivated but they also keep me cracking up. Last week one of my children comes bounding in from lunch with a "Ms. W. I have a present for you!" Here's how this played out...
Child drops a claw into my hand
"Aww, that's cool _____, what is it?"
"It's a turtle claw!"
"Where did you find it?" (With visions of a turtle massacre on the playground...)
"Well I had turtle for lunch and I found it in my food so I spit it out!"
(I quickly pass it back to her...) "Why don't you give that back to your mom, she'd love to have it."
Hahaha never a dull day in the third grade.
And now to the Chinese Chicken. When taking a poll about some of my student's Thanksgiving traditions, it seems that Turkey has gone by the wayside and that Chinese Chicken is the culinary delight of choice. (Christmas Story Fa Ra Ra Ra Ra anyone?) Today I decided to adapt this Turkey Math problem to become da da da- The Chinese Chicken problem! I am being trained to teach math in a different way, by allowing the students to make sense of the new concepts before they are fully introduced or rules/algorithms given. That way, by using what they know and developing new skills and strategies, they have a more organic understanding of the math that can then be applied to more difficult concepts. (Once the algorithms are taught, if that makes sense.) Here's an example of a pre-Multiplication problem:
I began with a warm-up (in this case telling time/fractions of a clock) to get them thinking, review, and assess what they know. I then go into the launch as seen below. Students worked in groups to solve the problem and then they created posters of their strategy. At the end, several groups shared in front of the class and we had a rich discussion surrounding the many different ways we could get the same answer. It planted the seed for the idea that multiplication is repeated addition! I love teaching math- there are so many aha moments!
The Chinese Chicken Problem
Ms. W is going to cook a giant Chinese Chicken for an upcoming Holiday party. A lot of people are coming to her house for dinner so she bought a 24 pound chicken. According to Ms. W’s cookbook, a chicken needs to roast for 15 minutes per pound (which means for every 1 pound of chicken, it needs 15 minutes in the oven). She has two problems that she needs your help with.
1) How long does the Chinese Chicken need to cook- in hours?
2) If Ms. Wright wants her guests to eat at 4:30 pm, what time would she put the Chinese Chicken in the oven?
Every student was so engaged as a mathematician- quite precious to watch! Math should always be this much fun. Happy Monday and Happy Advent!
November 11, 2010
I am thankful for...
Lightbulb or Aha! Moments
Love when that information just "clicks" in a young student's mind. Everyone learns, everyone wins. I'm blessed to be a part of amazing moments such as these. It's definitely days like this that remind me why I am a teacher.
So. Worth. It.
Love when that information just "clicks" in a young student's mind. Everyone learns, everyone wins. I'm blessed to be a part of amazing moments such as these. It's definitely days like this that remind me why I am a teacher.
So. Worth. It.
October 19, 2010
Beyond the Big Picture
My head is so full right now.
So many blog posts to write,
so many lessons to plan for my kiddos,
intentions to pray for,
a lot to process.
Being an adult is just plain hard work sometimes!
If I look at the big picture, I want to cry. But, if I look past that big picture- to the plan that I know my God has for me, I rejoice. I don't know what that plan is in its entirety, but I do know He has given me snapshots-
and it's beyond what I would ever dream of.
I take comfort in knowing
that He has it all figured out,
and that I can relax,
hold on to Him,
and trust.
Things are rough right now, especially financially.
There's a voice that's yelling at me for all the things I *should* have done by now. There's a lot of spiritual warfare to fight.
Maybe I'm being attacked because I'm on the path towards Him.
Satan really hates women.
Especially women who have given themselves to the King.
My Abba Father isn't making it all clear right now-
But He's using this opportunity to teach me,
about perseverance,
faith,
provision.
Again, the big picture is kinda scaring me right now.
But one step at a time, it's ok.
I know that my God will carry me- leading the way
Then he will hold my hand- walking alongside
And then follow right behind- supporting my steps
Until He's ready to stand at a distance-
And let me fly-
Through this time of trial, and into His arms once again.
Just like a loving parent (who supports and guides their children through life)
Because that is exactly who He is.
He is the perfect parent.
And I wouldn't have it any other way.
So many blog posts to write,
so many lessons to plan for my kiddos,
intentions to pray for,
a lot to process.
Being an adult is just plain hard work sometimes!
If I look at the big picture, I want to cry. But, if I look past that big picture- to the plan that I know my God has for me, I rejoice. I don't know what that plan is in its entirety, but I do know He has given me snapshots-
and it's beyond what I would ever dream of.
I take comfort in knowing
that He has it all figured out,
and that I can relax,
hold on to Him,
and trust.
Things are rough right now, especially financially.
There's a voice that's yelling at me for all the things I *should* have done by now. There's a lot of spiritual warfare to fight.
Maybe I'm being attacked because I'm on the path towards Him.
Satan really hates women.
Especially women who have given themselves to the King.
My Abba Father isn't making it all clear right now-
But He's using this opportunity to teach me,
about perseverance,
faith,
provision.
Again, the big picture is kinda scaring me right now.
But one step at a time, it's ok.
I know that my God will carry me- leading the way
Then he will hold my hand- walking alongside
And then follow right behind- supporting my steps
Until He's ready to stand at a distance-
And let me fly-
Through this time of trial, and into His arms once again.
Just like a loving parent (who supports and guides their children through life)
Because that is exactly who He is.
He is the perfect parent.
And I wouldn't have it any other way.
October 9, 2010
Journey
Thankful. Remembering. Excited.
3 of the many emotions running through my head right now.
3 years ago today I prayed a prayer that I had no idea would change my life- Oct 8, 2007 I wrote in my journal "Lord, if you need to break me, in order to build me up in you, go ahead. I want more of you and less of me in my life." Well, that night I fell, injuring my knee and beginning my journey with RSD. Had I known that morning what was to come, I would have run. Had I known when I had the knee reconstruction surgery that I would have 10 more in an 18 month span- I would have run. Had I known when I went into remission that we hadn't fixed the problem- I would have run.
So glad that I didn't - literally and figuratively- that instead of running from Him, I was able to run toward Him. I would do this all over again for what it has and continues! to teach me. For the gift of new perspective, for shifting my focus on learning and education, for the best best friend anyone could ask for, for learning to fight the system for what is right, for being thankful for the little things- like the ability to walk, for healing in many areas, for the opportunity for my family, friends, and I to be stretched and grow to be better people, for all who I've met along this way, for having a small taste in my hands, feet, side of what He did for us- and a whole lot more.
Don't get me wrong, I didn't always have such a thankful or positive attitude- I still struggle with that at times. I fall every day but I know now what it really means to pick yourself back up. Not easy, but oh so worth it! It's only been 6 months since I was implanted with a Spinal Cord Stimulator and my health made a 180. The progress astounds me and yet it continues- I can't wait.
This week was a big week. Not because of what I did, but what it allowed me to see. Today my dance department colleagues performed with the Paul Taylor Dance Company (one of the main/first modern companies). My Elementary Ed Masters program ushered it since it was a program for kids K-12. I was given the opportunity to lecture-demo for my program and professors in the School of Ed in order to prepare them and future students to watch dance, and also broach the topic of arts integration. 60 people (90% of whom were older than me), 2 cameras, and the goal that I was going to physically show them- as in dance. Being told by more than one doctor that I would never walk again, and being able to prove that they were oh so wrong...I am excited to say that I "performed" 2 small phrases (to illustrate modern dance breaking rules if you'd like to know.) And while it wasn't perfect, and my body didn't totally like it later, it was...right. The response, both in support (from many who don't know the meaning of this) and in excitement/curiosity for the arts was incredible. The conversations we had both before and after the performance today were inspired. And I sat through my first dance performance in 3 years without crying- instead, I danced in my heart.
Promised. Blessed. Loved.
God never takes us where God's Will will not support us. So while a lot is going through my head, and the remembrance wasn't all cake and ice cream, I am blessed! Today, this week, was just a taste of integrating my "old world" as a Dancer who danced and then taught into my "new world" as a Dancer who teaches others to dance in all different ways. Attempting to educate the whole child- no matter what their ability or experience in life. The cusp of my new normal- the top of the roller coaster- I'm ready for this ride.
3 of the many emotions running through my head right now.
3 years ago today I prayed a prayer that I had no idea would change my life- Oct 8, 2007 I wrote in my journal "Lord, if you need to break me, in order to build me up in you, go ahead. I want more of you and less of me in my life." Well, that night I fell, injuring my knee and beginning my journey with RSD. Had I known that morning what was to come, I would have run. Had I known when I had the knee reconstruction surgery that I would have 10 more in an 18 month span- I would have run. Had I known when I went into remission that we hadn't fixed the problem- I would have run.
So glad that I didn't - literally and figuratively- that instead of running from Him, I was able to run toward Him. I would do this all over again for what it has and continues! to teach me. For the gift of new perspective, for shifting my focus on learning and education, for the best best friend anyone could ask for, for learning to fight the system for what is right, for being thankful for the little things- like the ability to walk, for healing in many areas, for the opportunity for my family, friends, and I to be stretched and grow to be better people, for all who I've met along this way, for having a small taste in my hands, feet, side of what He did for us- and a whole lot more.
Don't get me wrong, I didn't always have such a thankful or positive attitude- I still struggle with that at times. I fall every day but I know now what it really means to pick yourself back up. Not easy, but oh so worth it! It's only been 6 months since I was implanted with a Spinal Cord Stimulator and my health made a 180. The progress astounds me and yet it continues- I can't wait.
This week was a big week. Not because of what I did, but what it allowed me to see. Today my dance department colleagues performed with the Paul Taylor Dance Company (one of the main/first modern companies). My Elementary Ed Masters program ushered it since it was a program for kids K-12. I was given the opportunity to lecture-demo for my program and professors in the School of Ed in order to prepare them and future students to watch dance, and also broach the topic of arts integration. 60 people (90% of whom were older than me), 2 cameras, and the goal that I was going to physically show them- as in dance. Being told by more than one doctor that I would never walk again, and being able to prove that they were oh so wrong...I am excited to say that I "performed" 2 small phrases (to illustrate modern dance breaking rules if you'd like to know.) And while it wasn't perfect, and my body didn't totally like it later, it was...right. The response, both in support (from many who don't know the meaning of this) and in excitement/curiosity for the arts was incredible. The conversations we had both before and after the performance today were inspired. And I sat through my first dance performance in 3 years without crying- instead, I danced in my heart.
Promised. Blessed. Loved.
God never takes us where God's Will will not support us. So while a lot is going through my head, and the remembrance wasn't all cake and ice cream, I am blessed! Today, this week, was just a taste of integrating my "old world" as a Dancer who danced and then taught into my "new world" as a Dancer who teaches others to dance in all different ways. Attempting to educate the whole child- no matter what their ability or experience in life. The cusp of my new normal- the top of the roller coaster- I'm ready for this ride.
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