How Do You Learn?

When was the last time you learned something new? 

I mean - totally brand new? I had to contemplate this question myself if I was going to ask you the same! I think for me, it was back in April when I had my eye surgery from a torn retina. I was on bed rest and had to lay on my side and do nothing. That's a hard request for someone who always likes to be on the move! So I signed up for Skillshare - a site that has hundreds of online classes on many topics. I had a 2 month free trial and took as many classes as I could. I had a blast learning new things - brush lettering, creating hand-drawn wallpaper, ink and watercolor, doodle art, and much more. I chose things that were of interest to me. I love writing (I was the kid that loved writing research papers!) and wanted to improve my handwritten documents. Plus, I love making things. I found that I could learn the new material easily because 

1. It was visual (I am a visual/spatial learner)
2. I was passionate about the topic
3. I practiced using hands-on application (I am also kinesthetic)
4. I could pause and repeat (I forget easily and need to see it again)
5. I made the time to do it

How does your child learn best? I loved studying Howard Garner's Multiple Intelligences when I was in college. I find that it is quite true and I loved sharing the theory of multiple of intelligence with students. I consider about my own kids. My daughter excelled in school, especially reading and writing. She was driven to do her best (and she still is!). My son did not really like school. He wanted to pursue art and music, originally. He grew up thinking he "wasn't smart" because spelling was difficult for him. I knew he was brilliant. He just didn't feel that way because he was comparing himself to others that were linguistic. He pursued his music career until one day the science behind wires intrigued him. He set out to study physics and graduated from Berkeley with a Physics degree. Lauren is body and linguistic "smart" and Brett is musical, spatial, and logical "smart". God has given each the talents and abilities they need to do HIS work. 

You see, there are several types of "intelligences" and schools often focus on linguistic (spelling, reading, writing) and logical/mathematical (math). So, if students struggle with reading or math, they deem themselves as "not smart" which simply isn't true. (Another great reason to study the Growth Mindset.) These areas CAN be improved even if they are not the strongest in this area. Most likely your child is "smart" in one or more of the following "intelligences":

• Spatial: Art, the ability to see things in the mind, conceptualize. These students do well looking at pictures in order to learn.
• Body/Kinesthetic: the ability to move the body to solve problems. These students benefit from movement, acting, sports, building things, taking apart things, hands-on activities
• Musical: sensitive to sounds, tones, music. These students benefit from songs in order to memorize, etc.
• Linguistic: the ability to make meaning of words. These students do well reading, writing, journaling
• Logical/mathematical: the ability to conceptualize logical relations. These students enjoy numbers, charts, graphs, data
• Interpersonal: the ability to interact with others. These students enjoy group work, collaboration, teams
• Intrapersonal: the ability to understand one's own goals and feelings. These students enjoy working on their own, planning, journaling
• Naturalistic: the ability to make distinctions in the world of nature. These students enjoy animals, plants, being outside

Most people tend to know their own strengths and reading through the list, you may have an idea which appeal to you most. It's fun for kids to learn about their own strengths. Here is a fun self-assessment if you want to try it out! 

Please - share with your kids that God made them just right! He has given them specific skills, talents, interests, and "intelligence" to do His work in the world. We need people with skills in ALL these areas! 

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First Week!

Ready. Set. Go!

Our school year is about ready and we will soon be off and running!  I am super excited for this year. I've done a lot trying to get the year off to a great start. We started with redecorating my office and the teacher conference room:

Our theme is "Rooted to be Fruited" -- helping students be rooted in God's word in order to have the fruits of the Holy Spirit. Kids will get fruit to put up on our fruit stand when they demonstrate the fruits of the Holy Spirit and are recognized by a teacher or staff!

Teachers created this bulletin board with darling pineapple faces. We painted them at our staff retreat up at Diamond Arrow.

I'm getting ready by reading Lead Like a Pirate by Shelley Burgess. I love all the PIRATE books and have read many! The books truly helped me transform as a teacher. From their website: "In Lead Like a PIRATE, education leaders Shelley Burgess and Beth Houf map out the character traits necessary to captain a school or district. You’ll learn where to find the treasure that’s already in your classrooms and schools—and how to bring out the very best in your educators. This book will equip and encourage you to be relentless in your quest to make school amazing for your students, staff, parents, and communities." It is my hope that Victory Christian be continue to be the most amazing school for students, staff, and families! 

On a personal level, as much as I am loving getting ready for the year, I am being bombarded on all sides.  New school. New job. Mom just moved in with us. Mom has cancer. Son just had heart surgery. Husband flew out to be with ill dad. It's been quite a week. 

One thing is sure:

HE rocks - because HE is awesome. And...HE is my rock and fortress when times get crazy. I was able to participate in a book launch at just the right time...

http://www.stretchedtoothinbook.com/

If you are a working mom...or just a really busy person like me...this book is a must! I battle to do ALL things well. At the end of the day, I am often stretched too thin. Some of it is my own fault...I take on too much. Some of it is because of my perfectionistic tendencies. Jessica Turner helps you establish clear work boundaries, become more efficient and less stressed, and how to prioritize self-care. 

Okay. I'm off to some self-care right now! I'm choosing to relax on my front porch swing and read. ahhh.....

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Three Things to Do to Avoid Burn Out

I have known of way too many teachers - many new, young teachers, who have quit the teaching profession due to burn out. Let's face it. A miserable teacher really shouldn't be teaching. 

So, today I am going to write about how I have avoided burn out. At least, it's a guess of why I have avoided it! I'm not 100% sure - I just have some hunches. 

1. Give thanks.

There are so many things to be thankful for. When we focus on what "could be" or "should be" rather than what we have, we get the poor-me-syndrome. A few years ago I had the privilege of visiting a small orphanage/school in a rural part of Mozambique, Africa. It was fascinating. The classrooms were all painted a weird red/pink color on the inside and consisted of benches and a front chalk board. That's all. The teacher stood in front of the class and spoke with no manipulatives, no technology, no paper or pen...you get the picture. And you know what else I noticed? The kids were happy. They sang, clapped, danced, answered questions, smiled. They were "doing school" with nothing and it worked. I went back to my classroom and instead of complaining about all the things I wasn't happy with, I started listing all the blessings I had. There were many!

List your blessings, daily. Give thanks. It will cheer up your day!

2. Be a learner.

Strive to learn something new each day! Learning helps us grow and improve in our profession. Subscribe to blogs, follow awesome fellow teachers on Twitter, try a new class from Skillshare! Earlier this year I tore my retina and was bed-bound for weeks. I took tons of Skillshare classes. They weren't related to education, but I can use some of the things I learned in my career. Love. It. 

3. Balance.

Finding a balance between work like and home life can be very difficult for a teacher. Most teachers I know are also the hardest working individuals I know. You have to keep a healthy balance in order to avoid burn out. As a past teacher, I spent my summers getting ready for the next school year. I had a hard time saying no -  to myself! I was constantly working, planning, creating. Nonstop. I admit. Balance is a hard one for me. One thing I DO do, though, is make time for myself. I love to ride my bike, run, cook, draw, write, and paint. I make time for the things I love to do. Even though I work like a crazy woman most days, I work hard and play hard. My exercise time is built into my day and it naturally adds the balance I need. 

drawing on my iPad

a quick ride on a backyard trail

I'm sure there are many more ways to avoid teacher burn out. I've enjoyed working in education for 33 years now. Although there have been up and down times, I know that if I continually strive to learn new things, live a balanced life, and count my blessings, I won't burn out. I love it too much. 

What are your thoughts? What works for you?

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I'm Still Here!

I'm sorry if you've felt like I've drifted off the planet. I assure you - I am still here! (smile) I've been on quite a journey these past 4 weeks with a torn retina - in two different places, retinal hemorrhage,  and vitreous detachment. The last time I thought I'd be back at work, he found another tear and I started from day 1 again. This is the first time in my 30+ years of teaching that I have been off work more than 5 days - let alone missing Open House (Core Knowledge Night). I'm generally an active person and I've been laying for 10 days on my side and sitting for 4 week now. No running. No cycling. Barely any walking. I did go to church this week - that was a treat!

The sad part - I don't know how my appointment will go Friday! I am hoping for good news but am skeptical as well since my eye is not as clear as it was  a couple of days ago which is a bit worrisome. And while I've not been active, I find that my eyes are very fatigued. You know how as a kid your mom would tell you not to cross your eyes...but you did anyway to try it...and it kind of hurt? That's how my eyes feel most of the time. I think all the straining of trying to focus gets them worn out!

So - time will tell!

In the mean time, I've been able to watch student reports on SeeSaw and I collected items to grade from Ms Dowd who drove all the way up to El Dorado Hills to deliver them to me!! She deserves a pat on the back - and maybe some chocolate and coffee for that!

One of my strengths in "StrengthsFinder" is learning. I love learning! So I've been taking tons of online courses in SkillShare. Yes - fun stuff. I've been working on watercoloring, lettering, and turning watercolor art into digital pictures. All the chalkboard pictures were done on my iPad with an iPad Pencil! I love it!!

We've been busy as teachers sharing documents to plan for an end-of-year party on the last day so don't worry - we're on it!

And...I have busy times ahead of me. I am sorry to let you know I will not be returning to Rocklin Academy next year. I've accepted a position as principal of Victory Christian Elementary School in Carmichael. I know a lot about Victory from my time working in private Christian schools and am really excited about the opportunity. I've valued my time at Rocklin and love love love my students here. Working back in the private school system is something I am looking forward to doing once again. Thank you for the opportunity to serve your wonderful, amazing 6th graders! They have blessed me immensely!

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Help Me Survive This...

That's what I was telling myself just yesterday. You see, back in October I signed on with a running/training group to train for the South Folsom Trail Run - 21 miles and almost 2,000 feet of climbing. I trained hard and was getting in great running shape. Then - I went to India. Not only did I not run in India, I sat a LOT. When I came back, I was very ill for almost 2 weeks and also did not run. Just last week I ran a total of about 12 miles...6 being my longest with two 3 mile days. Help. 

Then - my daughter let me know she and her husband were driving from Santa Barbara to cheer me on. Yikes! I told her I wasn't ready and couldn't run it. She said, "That's okay - we already made plans and are coming anyway." Even the night before I said I wouldn't go because it was supposed to be 35 degrees and rain. I woke up Saturday and -although it was cold- it wasn't raining and I decided to attempt the 13.5 mile run instead. In the meantime, Seth decided he would run a race downtown since I said I wasn't going to run and they went off to Sacramento.

At the half marathon turn around, I decided - "How bad can 8 more miles be?" I was feeling good so I decided to go for the 21. What was I thinking? It was pain.fullllll. At mile 15 my legs were both cramping, my back hurt, and I was exhausted. I decided I would bail. Then...my daughter texted, "How are you doing?" Augh. I called her back and let her know I was going to drop. She proceeded to talk me out of quitting ... urging me on and telling me I COULD do it. (I continued to argue that I couldn't.) As most of you know, she is a marathoner and she runs into the "wall" often. She told me to focus on each mile at a time...or the next hill at a time...or next few steps at a time...but to keep going. She then called back every 15 minutes to keep encouraging me. Yep - I finished with my last 2 miles running in hail! This reminds me of how much encouragement helps! 

This quote is up on our board right now. Seems fitting, doesn't it?

Do you know about the AMAZING event that is happening soon? The World Championship Twirling in Norway and GUESS WHAT? Our very own Olivia will be representing the United States! Yes, we are thrilled for her. Here is a great promo video to watch.  We are excited for you, Olivia!

This week students will be working on their Persuasive Speech! 

We will spend this week looking at a review of giving a speech including tone and posture as well as how to write a speech.  Students will not need to have a formal speech written, but they will need note cards. It should be fun!!

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Back from India

Hello families!

Warning - this is a long post so wait to read it until you have a bit of spare time! I have just returned from 10 days in India. Okay - it was really 6 days with 4 travel days...and a lot of travel while I was there! 

Before I tell you all about India, I will let you know what else is going on in my life. The day I left, my son went in to have a procedure on his heart. He was born with congenital heart defects and this was a planned procedure. He chose the date and he didn't realize it was the day I was leaving for India. (He is 25 and married living in Auburn.)  There were complications and I didn't find out until yesterday, the date I arrived back to the US, that he had been placed in ICU. Long story short - he is in the hospital today having more heart surgery. (Update - he is out of surgery and healing.)

Now - on to my trip! I went with a group to work with kids in 4 different villages in Northern India. These villages are very, very poor. We had clinics of hand washing / sanitation and we also had stories and crafts, relays (games), and songs. 

Due to political instability in the region, we had to be very cautious with our travels. 

We had 4 days of visiting several villages. In one village, we were able to attend a project where they receive before and after school care as well as lunch. It was a joy to be able to meet the kids and spend time with them. We taught sanitation, hand washing, crafts, games, and songs. 

We ended our stay in Varanasi, home to Hinduism. We took a boat ride on the Ganges River at sunrise. The Ganges is a holy river to the Hindu religion. 

Cremation ceremonies. The ashes are put into the river. 

We walked around old Varanasi, accessible only by foot or boat. We even saw a snake charmer!

I have a bit more I could share - but due to high risk security and student appropriateness, I will not be blogging. I would be happy to share with parents in person if asked. I look forward to being with you again soon!

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MLA Tools

Go Gators!

I admit...I am a very competitive person. We won our second rally with our awesome class spirit!! Woo hoo! Thank you to all our students who came out donning purple or orange! In our class we will celebrate February 16 (Jimison homeroom). 

Did you know we have a super talented art docent? Kudos to Mrs. Vierra - I love having her as my art docent! She does a spectacular job teaching our class about art basics. Our last lesson students drew bubbles. They continued to focus on light and reflection. I love how she even explained the difference between 2 types of pastels! Wow. 

We have started studying Ancient India in class. We are using lots of webquests, a culminating project (due Feb 15), and group work. And guess what? I am going to India over our winter break in February! It will be a short trip - half of it travel time - but I am excited to go. It will be fun to see in person some of the things we have been studying including the Ganges River. 

In language we will be starting a research paper. Students will choose from a list of topics and develop their own rule to improve life (thrive). Our topics this year coincide with many of our school character keys - Balance, Integrity, Responsibility, etc. We have been working a lot on citing our sources using MLA format. Students are able to use these great online tools:

Citefast

EasyBib

It's also a good idea to run papers through a plagiarism checker. It will check to make sure the paper is not plagiarized by mistake. A few free online tools are:

BibMe 

Grammarly

Grammarly even checks for grammar errors! 

Have a great week!! (This is my son's bunny!)

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