Hi , everyone.
So sorry for the unexpected absence. My daughter needed her mama and that, as you all know, is my number 1 job. She's going to be fine and I thank you all for the sweet emails. I showed them to her and it made her feel special. The teenagers care!
If any of you have some good SAS notes for period 2, 3 and 7, please send them my way so I can learn.
And have a safe and happy weekend. Enjoy your tricks and treats.
xoxo
Friday, October 30, 2015
Thursday, October 29, 2015
Candle and Box Problem
Here's the info for the candle and box problem I mentioned in a couple classes today. It connects to Gladwell's brick and blanket question. A video also exists.
And the cartoon I referenced about who makes ideas that are heard is below.
And the cartoon I referenced about who makes ideas that are heard is below.
Oh, Malcolm, My Man
First off, shout outs to periods 6 & 7 - all of you were dancing and it warmed my soul. And to TO whose dancing in period 7 just radiates joy. Sigh.
Thanks for the great discussion that was had - very interesting and thought provoking.
Off to eat an overpriced vegan salad because I'm lucky enough to be able to eat an overpriced vegan salad.
SAS tomorrow but a parting quote from pg.115...
"He'd had to make his way alone, and no one - not rock stars, not professional athletes, not software billionaires, and not even geniuses - ever makes it alone."
On the shoulders of giants, my sweethearts, on the shoulders of giants.
xoxo
Thanks for the great discussion that was had - very interesting and thought provoking.
Off to eat an overpriced vegan salad because I'm lucky enough to be able to eat an overpriced vegan salad.
SAS tomorrow but a parting quote from pg.115...
"He'd had to make his way alone, and no one - not rock stars, not professional athletes, not software billionaires, and not even geniuses - ever makes it alone."
On the shoulders of giants, my sweethearts, on the shoulders of giants.
xoxo
Wednesday, October 28, 2015
Shiny Pennies - Daily Journal 10/28
It's so much easier to notice the shiny pennies, isn't it? But in my eternal practice as a sentient being, I must, must, must notice the other pennies too. I need to recognize that a shiny penny is worth the same as the other one. They both have the same value. They both are worth something. Just because the shiny one catches my eye, the other one deserves my attention too.
But, man, those shiny pennies are so darn pretty. They sparkle with promise and hope.
I wonder what kind of penny I was when I was 16 and what kind of a penny I am now? I know that every teacher from age 5 and on tucked me under their protective wings and afforded me opportunities that intersected with my preparedness. I know that I got to draft off the reputation of my valedictorian sister. I know that a village raised me.
People walk past pennies everyday don't they? The little unnoticed denominations that can add up to so much more. And we just walk on by...
Maybe today some of the pennies in my path got picked up. Here's hoping.
But, man, those shiny pennies are so darn pretty. They sparkle with promise and hope.
I wonder what kind of penny I was when I was 16 and what kind of a penny I am now? I know that every teacher from age 5 and on tucked me under their protective wings and afforded me opportunities that intersected with my preparedness. I know that I got to draft off the reputation of my valedictorian sister. I know that a village raised me.
People walk past pennies everyday don't they? The little unnoticed denominations that can add up to so much more. And we just walk on by...
Maybe today some of the pennies in my path got picked up. Here's hoping.
Drew Dudley, Uranium and "Butn"
The TED Talk today was good, if I do say so myself. Rewatch, share and enjoy and you see fit.
Tomorrow, have yourself ready for a discussion on Chapters 3 & 4 of Outliers. Not sure what class will look like, but be prepared.
Ghost Ship stuff due Friday but since I'm not checking it, I suppose the choice is yours. You can present it for SAS if you'd like.
xoxo
Tomorrow, have yourself ready for a discussion on Chapters 3 & 4 of Outliers. Not sure what class will look like, but be prepared.
Ghost Ship stuff due Friday but since I'm not checking it, I suppose the choice is yours. You can present it for SAS if you'd like.
xoxo
Tuesday, October 27, 2015
Hi Buttercups
Hope y'all had a good day with the sub. I'm excited to see you tomorrow. TED Talk Wednesday? Not quite the same ring. Oh, and if you have any Post-It's, bring them to class. Just sayin'.
xoxo
p.s. My Daily Journal below 'cause I am doing my work!!! Are you???
xoxo
p.s. My Daily Journal below 'cause I am doing my work!!! Are you???
Taco Tuesday
My maternal grandmother's homemade Mexican rice was just about perfect. A secret blend of magic and spices, an iron skillet of it was always ready and waiting when we pulled up to her house. Steaming next to a bubbling pot of beans, the rice was light and fluffy and tasted like love.
My mom makes rice like that, too, though she always insists that Momo's was better. And maybe it was, but my mom's rice is just as treasured when it's made. On visits from Texas, my sweet little family of four can expect a skillet of rice ready and waiting when we pull into the drive after a long day of doing whatever it is that we do. Steaming next to a bubbling pot of beans, the rice is light and fluffy and tastes like love.
My rice is getting there. Bursting forth with the flavor from three generations of Ramos women, my rice is a not so secret blend of self-doubt and building confidence. Every Tuesday when I make it, it tastes a little better. So earlier, when my girls were yelling and my husband was mediating, I stood in the kitchen concocting what I know to be true. Steaming next to a bubbling pot of beans, the rice will be light and will taste like love.
My mom makes rice like that, too, though she always insists that Momo's was better. And maybe it was, but my mom's rice is just as treasured when it's made. On visits from Texas, my sweet little family of four can expect a skillet of rice ready and waiting when we pull into the drive after a long day of doing whatever it is that we do. Steaming next to a bubbling pot of beans, the rice is light and fluffy and tastes like love.
My rice is getting there. Bursting forth with the flavor from three generations of Ramos women, my rice is a not so secret blend of self-doubt and building confidence. Every Tuesday when I make it, it tastes a little better. So earlier, when my girls were yelling and my husband was mediating, I stood in the kitchen concocting what I know to be true. Steaming next to a bubbling pot of beans, the rice will be light and will taste like love.
Monday, October 26, 2015
Daily Journal
"Napkins"
Sometimes being a parent is more than what meets the eye. Being a mommy or a daddy in the true sense of the word means living through the "yuck" to get to the "yum". It means long nights rocking a sick child, long days battling tantrums, fights, and attitudes. It means being present, showing up. It means administering medicine at 2:30am, clapping at the end of a mediocre school play, or even driving to the store at 9pm because somebody forgot to tell you cupcakes need to made.
For school.
Tomorrow.
Being a parent means you're available for all the ordinary miracles that encapsulate a life. That you see the slow rise and fall of bodies as they sleep. That you see the spark of understanding when working on number patterns and ordinals. That you hear the sweet symphony of dinner being made and eaten, chairs scraping, and screen doors slamming in the clamor to get outside before it gets dark.
Being a parent is the addition of one block of memory at a time until a family is built. It's the block of movie night and snuggling. It's the block of a towel fresh from the dryer being wrapped around a slick, shiny body. It's the block of a knowing glance and an inside joke.
But even if a parent isn't around to experience all the little things, does it mean they're not still a part of you? Am I not half of my mother and my father, half of commitment and abandonment, half of steadiness and precariousness?
I often wonder about that. How much of me is shaped by the father I didn't really know; how much of me is shaped by the father who died almost a year ago in Texas?
All I do know is this: I wrap my napkin around my drinks. And that is proof that he existed.
Sometimes being a parent is more than what meets the eye. Being a mommy or a daddy in the true sense of the word means living through the "yuck" to get to the "yum". It means long nights rocking a sick child, long days battling tantrums, fights, and attitudes. It means being present, showing up. It means administering medicine at 2:30am, clapping at the end of a mediocre school play, or even driving to the store at 9pm because somebody forgot to tell you cupcakes need to made.
For school.
Tomorrow.
Being a parent means you're available for all the ordinary miracles that encapsulate a life. That you see the slow rise and fall of bodies as they sleep. That you see the spark of understanding when working on number patterns and ordinals. That you hear the sweet symphony of dinner being made and eaten, chairs scraping, and screen doors slamming in the clamor to get outside before it gets dark.
Being a parent is the addition of one block of memory at a time until a family is built. It's the block of movie night and snuggling. It's the block of a towel fresh from the dryer being wrapped around a slick, shiny body. It's the block of a knowing glance and an inside joke.
But even if a parent isn't around to experience all the little things, does it mean they're not still a part of you? Am I not half of my mother and my father, half of commitment and abandonment, half of steadiness and precariousness?
I often wonder about that. How much of me is shaped by the father I didn't really know; how much of me is shaped by the father who died almost a year ago in Texas?
All I do know is this: I wrap my napkin around my drinks. And that is proof that he existed.
Ghost Ships
Yeah. So today. Ghost ships and all. Sorry for those of you missed class. All I can say, is talk to a classmate but choose wisely. I'm sure everyone got something different.
For Friday, though...follow the steps below.
1. Imagine your future self and double your age. So, 32-ish? Create a list or image that depicts who you are and what you're like.
2. LIST in order of importance all the aspects of a "good life".
3. Draw a map of your real life and your ghost ship. Choose a pivotal moment in your life where you had to choose something and show what happened to you after that choice and on the other side, show what might have been.
I'll be back on Wednesday so be kind tomorrow. The agenda is below:
- 20 minutes for multiple choice
- grade and check with substitute
- written reflection on the following question: What are your thoughts about ghost ships and the choices we make? (make sure you turn this in to the teacher)
- any time leftover? Work on Daily Journal, Ghost Ships project, SAS, reading Outliers (chapters 3 & 4 for Thursday)
xoxo
For Friday, though...follow the steps below.
1. Imagine your future self and double your age. So, 32-ish? Create a list or image that depicts who you are and what you're like.
2. LIST in order of importance all the aspects of a "good life".
3. Draw a map of your real life and your ghost ship. Choose a pivotal moment in your life where you had to choose something and show what happened to you after that choice and on the other side, show what might have been.
I'll be back on Wednesday so be kind tomorrow. The agenda is below:
- 20 minutes for multiple choice
- grade and check with substitute
- written reflection on the following question: What are your thoughts about ghost ships and the choices we make? (make sure you turn this in to the teacher)
- any time leftover? Work on Daily Journal, Ghost Ships project, SAS, reading Outliers (chapters 3 & 4 for Thursday)
xoxo
Sunday, October 25, 2015
Checking Journals
I keep hopping onto google drive and you guys are typing your journals. I feel like I am invading your privacy so I am going to go watch a Grey's episode, avoid writing the 45th letter of recommendation, and scrounging up a piece of dark chocolate - if the husband hasn't found the stash.
I'll see y'all tomorrow.
xoxo
I'll see y'all tomorrow.
xoxo
For Monday
Saturday, October 24, 2015
SAS Roundup
Before my date night begins...SAS roundup for you. So much great stuff. I don't even know where to start but here are some highlights.
Human vs. Horse via NPR - truly bizarre
Why Most People Die Before Age 25 - "step into your grace", my friends...
The Four Agreements - book by Don Miguel Ruiz (the link is to a pdf if you want to read some)
If I Should Have a Daughter - Sarah Kay (she is also my jam)
Ashton Kutcher - that's what I'm talking about! "The "sexiest" thing in the entire world is being smart." His quote, though it could be mine.
Billions in Change movie trailer - y'all need to listen to this one because I have picked up on what some of you deem "success" and that's tied into net worth. I hope you see that once you make a certain amount of money (last time I looked it up, it was about $80,000) you can't make more to be "happy". Tie in to Shawn Achor. CONNECTIONS!!!
All things Ta-Nehisi Coates - I couldn't pick a link so explore as you see fit.
And definitely scroll back and read my SAS and the other links I posted about sports/swagger and the confidence gap. We need to start a revolution.
Really, you guys did a great job. But a particular shout out to periods 2 and 6. It was like watching tributes in the arena. Mad respect.
xoxo
Human vs. Horse via NPR - truly bizarre
Why Most People Die Before Age 25 - "step into your grace", my friends...
The Four Agreements - book by Don Miguel Ruiz (the link is to a pdf if you want to read some)
If I Should Have a Daughter - Sarah Kay (she is also my jam)
Ashton Kutcher - that's what I'm talking about! "The "sexiest" thing in the entire world is being smart." His quote, though it could be mine.
Billions in Change movie trailer - y'all need to listen to this one because I have picked up on what some of you deem "success" and that's tied into net worth. I hope you see that once you make a certain amount of money (last time I looked it up, it was about $80,000) you can't make more to be "happy". Tie in to Shawn Achor. CONNECTIONS!!!
All things Ta-Nehisi Coates - I couldn't pick a link so explore as you see fit.
And definitely scroll back and read my SAS and the other links I posted about sports/swagger and the confidence gap. We need to start a revolution.
Really, you guys did a great job. But a particular shout out to periods 2 and 6. It was like watching tributes in the arena. Mad respect.
xoxo
Friday, October 23, 2015
Brain is Tired in the Best Possible Way
You guys rocked SAS. Special shout outs to the first time presenters, and really to all of you who encouraged each other. Someone in one of the morning classes approached me with a great idea. Next week the first 10 minutes of SAS will be devoted to anyone who has not yet presented. Then we'll go from there. Competition is fierce, and I love it.
And thank you to RK for just everything. TN for smelling so good - like an air freshener in the best way. AP for all the technology help.
And to my seniors and graduates who still read and post comments, just love. JUST. LOVE.
xoxo
p.s. - I'll do a SAS roundup online after I let myself relax, But here's the link to Brain Pickings.
And thank you to RK for just everything. TN for smelling so good - like an air freshener in the best way. AP for all the technology help.
And to my seniors and graduates who still read and post comments, just love. JUST. LOVE.
xoxo
p.s. - I'll do a SAS roundup online after I let myself relax, But here's the link to Brain Pickings.
Thursday, October 22, 2015
Daily Journal
I don't know why I feel compelled to post my Daily Journals online. I usually just write them down as I attempt to unwind from living the dream. I've been writing daily since I was in elementary school - at first, lame entries indicative of my age. I wrote about how Sabitha did my hair before basketball practice or how AJ really liked me but I didn't like him that way. Then my journals morphed into divorce and sadness, the need to be perfect (no wonder I'm so against it now) and how stressful it was to pretend to be happy when I wasn't. High school entries were mostly about my mom and how she was diagnosed with cancer my junior year and how I hid that little factoid of information from, oh, everyone and still maintained my 4 point something GPA and all my "leadership" roles in clubs. College journals were all about how I knew everything and how I was most definitely in love with THE ONE (who incidentally turned out not to be The One after all) and post college I was all about how I didn't need anyone until I met this person who ended up being my very best friend on earth (and incidentally did turn out to be The One).
And now here I am, writing to??? you? no one? me? about how my heart just keeps exploding and how ridiculous that must appear to my students who have very little insight into how deeply I love or how I see the world.
When I was five, my mom sent me to the backyard to feed our dog Ruff. After I scooped the food into his metal bowl, I sat on the cement steps of our back porch and stared at the pecan tree that was in the backyard. A pecan fell to the ground and I realized that the tree was older than me and would live longer than me too.
When I was in first grade, I climbed to the top of a play structure that was in the shape of a snail. I watched all my peers milling about beneath me like little ants and all the while my mouth was open. (I had this bad habit of living in my head and my mouth would just fall open). As I sat there in the Texas sun, a bumble bee flew into my mouth. It so shocked me that I stopped breathing. It buzzed around in my mouth so swiftly and surely that I felt the fuzz on my inner cheek. Because I didn't move, the little sucker just buzzed on out and away.
When I was in sixth grade, I got chicken pox. As I recovered in my room, I heard a lawn mower outside and could smell the fresh cut grass. I realized then that despite my ailments, itches and general despair, the world still moved on. Life still happened and I didn't matter one bit.
That was then. And this is now.
Andrea Gibson, the spoken word poet, once wrote:
In the end
I want my heart
to be covered
in stretch marks
Every time I read one of your journals, my heart breaks a little more. I read about your fears, your stresses, words that hurt (some from friends, some from teachers like me) and my heart...
it just...
breaks,
But I keep reading and hoping and wishing that you could see what I see.
xoxo
And now here I am, writing to??? you? no one? me? about how my heart just keeps exploding and how ridiculous that must appear to my students who have very little insight into how deeply I love or how I see the world.
When I was five, my mom sent me to the backyard to feed our dog Ruff. After I scooped the food into his metal bowl, I sat on the cement steps of our back porch and stared at the pecan tree that was in the backyard. A pecan fell to the ground and I realized that the tree was older than me and would live longer than me too.
When I was in first grade, I climbed to the top of a play structure that was in the shape of a snail. I watched all my peers milling about beneath me like little ants and all the while my mouth was open. (I had this bad habit of living in my head and my mouth would just fall open). As I sat there in the Texas sun, a bumble bee flew into my mouth. It so shocked me that I stopped breathing. It buzzed around in my mouth so swiftly and surely that I felt the fuzz on my inner cheek. Because I didn't move, the little sucker just buzzed on out and away.
When I was in sixth grade, I got chicken pox. As I recovered in my room, I heard a lawn mower outside and could smell the fresh cut grass. I realized then that despite my ailments, itches and general despair, the world still moved on. Life still happened and I didn't matter one bit.
That was then. And this is now.
Andrea Gibson, the spoken word poet, once wrote:
In the end
I want my heart
to be covered
in stretch marks
Every time I read one of your journals, my heart breaks a little more. I read about your fears, your stresses, words that hurt (some from friends, some from teachers like me) and my heart...
it just...
breaks,
But I keep reading and hoping and wishing that you could see what I see.
xoxo
Connections
Great discussion today regarding chapter 2. Malcolm Gladwell, you're my jam.
Critical thinking is all about a mind at work. Making connections and thinking about how "stuff" fits together is key to academic (and frankly, life) success.
Check out some juicy bits I found:
Misty Copeland
How Sports Gave Me Swagger (my SAS)
The Confidence Gap
A juicy quote from my beloved Cheryl Strayed
Anything clicking in your brain???
xoxo
Critical thinking is all about a mind at work. Making connections and thinking about how "stuff" fits together is key to academic (and frankly, life) success.
Check out some juicy bits I found:
Misty Copeland
How Sports Gave Me Swagger (my SAS)
The Confidence Gap
A juicy quote from my beloved Cheryl Strayed
Anything clicking in your brain???
xoxo
Wednesday, October 21, 2015
To T & Z
Oh what can I say to you two? MB, the TA, said to me after you walked away, "You just fell in love again didn't you?". In a word? YES.
And you wanna know why? Because both of you radiate joy, ooze enthusiasm and allow me to see you. So what if I've never seen Star Wars? You still respect me, right?
I love your positive energy, your intelligence, and your wicked senses of humor. But most of all, I love how you approached me, talked to me, and treated me like a person who has thoughts and feelings, wishes and dreams.
Thank you for seeing me.
This past Sunday I went grocery shopping about 10 a.m. As I got into my car, I realized that my solo trip to the store was the first time since the previous Sunday that I had been alone. Not run to the restroom alone or take a shower alone, but alone - just me. My days are full - and gratefully so - full of people who need something, want something, have a question, need a hug, a text, a letter of recommendation, a personal statement edited, a conundrum solved, cupcakes made, homework checked, a soccer uniform unearthed. I think I forget (and let other people forget) that I'm just a person, too.
Thank you for letting me be a person while at my desk, while you deciphered check marks and stars and made me literally laugh out loud.
I am grateful for you two today.
xoxo
And you wanna know why? Because both of you radiate joy, ooze enthusiasm and allow me to see you. So what if I've never seen Star Wars? You still respect me, right?
I love your positive energy, your intelligence, and your wicked senses of humor. But most of all, I love how you approached me, talked to me, and treated me like a person who has thoughts and feelings, wishes and dreams.
Thank you for seeing me.
This past Sunday I went grocery shopping about 10 a.m. As I got into my car, I realized that my solo trip to the store was the first time since the previous Sunday that I had been alone. Not run to the restroom alone or take a shower alone, but alone - just me. My days are full - and gratefully so - full of people who need something, want something, have a question, need a hug, a text, a letter of recommendation, a personal statement edited, a conundrum solved, cupcakes made, homework checked, a soccer uniform unearthed. I think I forget (and let other people forget) that I'm just a person, too.
Thank you for letting me be a person while at my desk, while you deciphered check marks and stars and made me literally laugh out loud.
I am grateful for you two today.
xoxo
Outliers Tomorrow
Chapter 2 "10,000 Hours" should be read, digested, thought about, ruminated on, mulled over, etc. by tomorrow in class. You will be working together and individually so no place to hide if you don't read.
Come prepared, Buttercups.
xoxo
Come prepared, Buttercups.
xoxo
Tuesday, October 20, 2015
My Daily Journal 10/20
The universe is always listening and responding - this I believe. I was feeling betrayed and beaten down yesterday morning and I realized I had to make copies for this week's Multiple Choice practice. I planned ahead and was looking for my document to stash in my bag so I could make copies this morning when I got to school. I randomly pulled a folder out of my closet so as not to bend the original copy (shout out to neat freaks). Before I could place the work inside of it, I noticed a card tucked into the folds. I pulled it out, and it was a handwritten card from one of my dearest friends - one of my people. In it, she had written something about the amount of love I put out into the world through my classroom, teaching, friendships, and life. I hadn't seen that card in a year and yet I found it randomly yesterday morning when I needed it most.
If we pay attention, the ordinary miraculous is all around.
Thank you for my ordinary miracles...my baby girls by birth and my kids scattered across the country in dorm rooms, my best friend who knows just what I need and when, that kid in the back of class/lunch today who almost made me choke on my salad, the particular pink that laces sunset clouds, 88 year old neighbor Joe who smokes a cigar on his front porch each day, HARVEY, and the beautiful misery of October baseball.
xoxo
If we pay attention, the ordinary miraculous is all around.
Thank you for my ordinary miracles...my baby girls by birth and my kids scattered across the country in dorm rooms, my best friend who knows just what I need and when, that kid in the back of class/lunch today who almost made me choke on my salad, the particular pink that laces sunset clouds, 88 year old neighbor Joe who smokes a cigar on his front porch each day, HARVEY, and the beautiful misery of October baseball.
xoxo
TED Talk Tuesday - Sir Kenneth Robinson
Ahh, Sir Kenneth Robinson...nothing better than an intelligent being. Please rewatch before next week and create your notes.
Tomorrow I also want you to have all your other TED Talk notes for a check. You will leave your notes/notebooks with me. (Jobrani, Adiche, Achor, Zander and Brown)
See you manana.
xoxo
Tomorrow I also want you to have all your other TED Talk notes for a check. You will leave your notes/notebooks with me. (Jobrani, Adiche, Achor, Zander and Brown)
See you manana.
xoxo
Monday, October 19, 2015
To You
I just read M's written reflection for her first 6 weeks in my class, and it couldn't have come at a better time. Thank you for saying what you did. (And you, too, DB.) This class will NEVER be a typical English class because I am at its helm. I am not perfect, but I am vulnerable in every way. I literally show up willing to give my best, to guide, to teach, and for those of you able to receive that, game on. The rest of you will simply have to catch up.
Thank you to you - the you's who "get" it, the you's who don't snicker or talk behind other people's backs, the you's who are choosing to step out of The Circle Thingy and become more.
This is a class of movers and shakers, doers and joy seekers. Show up tomorrow and be MY STUDENT. Not just a student.
You are better than this.
I know this is true.
TED Talk Tuesday tomorrow. A new day...a new opportunity.
xoxo
Thank you to you - the you's who "get" it, the you's who don't snicker or talk behind other people's backs, the you's who are choosing to step out of The Circle Thingy and become more.
This is a class of movers and shakers, doers and joy seekers. Show up tomorrow and be MY STUDENT. Not just a student.
You are better than this.
I know this is true.
TED Talk Tuesday tomorrow. A new day...a new opportunity.
xoxo
Time to Work
Instructions are below:
Today in class, you are going to be making connections - as in putting together all the information you've been exposed to the past six weeks.
You will be given class time today to create a visual representation of what you've learned/connected over the past weeks.
Gather your info, craft your ideas, be creative and create something. Whatever that something is will be left with me at the end of class.
The sky is the limit. And while I am not expecting a Venus de Milo, I am most certainly expecting more than writing on notebook paper.
DUE TOMORROW: A written reflection on your time with me and in our class. The questions are below.
YOU MAY TYPE (and print) OR HANDWRITE YOUR RESPONSES.
1. What kind of an impression do you think you have made on me as a student in our class?
2. How many times have you presented for SAS? (You've had 5 opportunities.)
3. How many Daily Journals have you written? (Today's entry is #29 - please be truthful.)
4. Have you shown me your full potential as a student?
5. Have you made yourself vulnerable in any way?
6. What have you learned during your time in our class?
7. Who do you think has been a quality student in our class? (Excluding yourself)
8. Anything else you'd like to say?
Today in class, you are going to be making connections - as in putting together all the information you've been exposed to the past six weeks.
You will be given class time today to create a visual representation of what you've learned/connected over the past weeks.
Gather your info, craft your ideas, be creative and create something. Whatever that something is will be left with me at the end of class.
The sky is the limit. And while I am not expecting a Venus de Milo, I am most certainly expecting more than writing on notebook paper.
DUE TOMORROW: A written reflection on your time with me and in our class. The questions are below.
YOU MAY TYPE (and print) OR HANDWRITE YOUR RESPONSES.
1. What kind of an impression do you think you have made on me as a student in our class?
2. How many times have you presented for SAS? (You've had 5 opportunities.)
3. How many Daily Journals have you written? (Today's entry is #29 - please be truthful.)
4. Have you shown me your full potential as a student?
5. Have you made yourself vulnerable in any way?
6. What have you learned during your time in our class?
7. Who do you think has been a quality student in our class? (Excluding yourself)
8. Anything else you'd like to say?
And a sincere thank you to those of you who have consistently risen to the challenge.
xoxo
Sunday, October 18, 2015
58/178
58/178.
58/178?
58/178!
58/178 (hope is lost...are stereotypes true after all?)
Enjoy those A's.
:(
58/178?
58/178!
58/178 (hope is lost...are stereotypes true after all?)
Enjoy those A's.
:(
Friday, October 16, 2015
For Monday
Just a courtesy for my blog readers, my people! Monday you are going to be making connections as in putting together all the information you've been exposed to the past six weeks. You will be given class time on Monday to create a visual representation of what you've learned/connected over the past weeks. Gather your info, craft your ideas, be creative and come to class on Monday prepared to create something. Whatever that something is will be left with me and the sky is the limit. And while I am not expecting a Venus de Milo, I am most certainly expecting more than writing on notebook paper. So as a heads up, feel free to get started now.
In addition, I will be asking for a written reflection on your time with me and in our class. If you want to get that out of the way and not have "homework" Monday night, the questions are below. Besos.
YOU MAY TYPE OR HANDWRITE YOUR RESPONSES.
1. What kind of an impression do you think you have made on me as a student in our class?
2. How many times have you presented for SAS?
3. How many Daily Journals have you written?
4. Have you shown me your full potential as a student?
5. Have you made yourself vulnerable in any way?
6. What have you learned during your time in our class?
7. Who do you think has been a quality student in our class? (Excluding yourself)
8. Anything else you'd like to say?
Have a great weekend and I don't think I'll be posting this weekend. But email or comment with questions.
Xoxo
P.S. Shout out to RM for flautas and taquitos. Date at El Indio, anyone?
In addition, I will be asking for a written reflection on your time with me and in our class. If you want to get that out of the way and not have "homework" Monday night, the questions are below. Besos.
YOU MAY TYPE OR HANDWRITE YOUR RESPONSES.
1. What kind of an impression do you think you have made on me as a student in our class?
2. How many times have you presented for SAS?
3. How many Daily Journals have you written?
4. Have you shown me your full potential as a student?
5. Have you made yourself vulnerable in any way?
6. What have you learned during your time in our class?
7. Who do you think has been a quality student in our class? (Excluding yourself)
8. Anything else you'd like to say?
Have a great weekend and I don't think I'll be posting this weekend. But email or comment with questions.
Xoxo
P.S. Shout out to RM for flautas and taquitos. Date at El Indio, anyone?
Reading Through Comments & SAS
Hi All,
I'm posting early because it's actually quiet in my room. Wow.
I have lots of SAS to share but I don't want to hog time, so I will post 2 of my 3 here.
First, a Story Corps from a while back that I think speaks to not only the power of positive parenting but also to the importance of living your truth. Check it out.
Secondly, Darling Magazine. Admittedly this is gender biased since I am only human and happen to identify as a female. It's a magazine whose mission I believe in and perhaps some of you will find it interesting as well.
And finally, I must say something. I receive many wonderful comments from a lot of you that I post without editing. There are typos in some and misspelled words or even errors in syntax. Who cares? Apparently, someone (and honestly, I don't even remember who...must have blocked that out of my heart) did and made mention of how "interesting" it is to read the comments and see the errors and how people don't proofread, etc.
Such comments are just bleh, ya know? To take the time to comment so as to point out the flaws in other people's comments? I had to say something. Because our job as human beings is to be kind and THEN everything else. Who among us has never had a typo? Who among us has never hit send only to realize later that we had an error. Oops. Don't be the one who points out that it's dark. Find the light, man.
And a quote that I love from the narrative known as history...
― Theodore Roosevelt
It's Friday and I'm in love....
xoxo
I'm posting early because it's actually quiet in my room. Wow.
I have lots of SAS to share but I don't want to hog time, so I will post 2 of my 3 here.
First, a Story Corps from a while back that I think speaks to not only the power of positive parenting but also to the importance of living your truth. Check it out.
Secondly, Darling Magazine. Admittedly this is gender biased since I am only human and happen to identify as a female. It's a magazine whose mission I believe in and perhaps some of you will find it interesting as well.
And finally, I must say something. I receive many wonderful comments from a lot of you that I post without editing. There are typos in some and misspelled words or even errors in syntax. Who cares? Apparently, someone (and honestly, I don't even remember who...must have blocked that out of my heart) did and made mention of how "interesting" it is to read the comments and see the errors and how people don't proofread, etc.
Such comments are just bleh, ya know? To take the time to comment so as to point out the flaws in other people's comments? I had to say something. Because our job as human beings is to be kind and THEN everything else. Who among us has never had a typo? Who among us has never hit send only to realize later that we had an error. Oops. Don't be the one who points out that it's dark. Find the light, man.
And a quote that I love from the narrative known as history...
“It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; but who does actually strive to do the deeds; who knows great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat.”
― Theodore Roosevelt
It's Friday and I'm in love....
xoxo
Thursday, October 15, 2015
Make Sure You Read Thursday's Post
Just in case you missed it, reread yesterday's post for information on what's expected.
Tomorrow in class be ready to rock a stellar SAS. Mine is good I think. :)
I'll see you in class and I will be looking forward to it...after all, I am stuck like glue. You and me baby, stuck like glue.
xoxo
Tomorrow in class be ready to rock a stellar SAS. Mine is good I think. :)
I'll see you in class and I will be looking forward to it...after all, I am stuck like glue. You and me baby, stuck like glue.
xoxo
Wednesday, October 14, 2015
Heads Up
Just some reminders, people...
- Tomorrow be prepared to discuss and question Chapter 1 of Outliers "The Matthew Effect". Show up ready to go!
- Monday we will be doing "something" that will require creativity so for those of you who have "stuff" that you use to create, feel free to bring it to class...pipe cleaners, popsicle sticks, stickers, glitter, feathers...stuff. And for those of you who just freaked out, just show up and you'll be okay too.
- Friday is SAS and I dare you to top period 7 (on fire)...who hasn't presented yet? You know who you are...
- And just determined, the entire book Outliers should be read in its entirety by THURSDAY, DECEMBER 3rd. I'll post the reading "schedule" for the chapters below. But feel free to read ahead and reread and absorb Gladwell's genius.
- Lunch invitations will start going out next week. Whhhhaaaaaatttttt???
- And for those of you who like head starts, you can check out tomorrow's assignment early.
AND, in case you're interested.
Princeton. Harvard, Stanford and Yale will be visiting and working with Point Loma students on Nov 18. The emphasis during these mock interviews is to help students organize their presentations and help with answering questions that are often also found on the written applications. So even though many students may not actually have an interview from a college alumnus, it is a helpful session for many reasons. Interviews occur with athletic coaches, volunteer opportunities, job applications etc. Interviews are for juniors and seniors.
Mock interviews will be on Nov. 18 from 6-8.
Please sign up at the counseling office to attend.
xoxo
Have the sections read by the dates below:
10/12 - Intro
10/15 - Chapter 1
10/22 - Chapter 2
10/29 - Chapters 3&4
11/5 - Chapter 5
11/12 - Chapter 6
11/19 - Chapter 7
12/3 - Chapters 8 & 9 and Epilogue
Tuesday, October 13, 2015
Maz Jobrani
Thanks for taking the "test" today. Just a little check-in to see those minds at work...speaking of which, tomorrow some of you will be taking the PSAT and I will be proctoring for some 10th graders. Periods 2, 3, and 4 - any of you NOT taking the test are to report to the Big Gym.
Use your time wisely to re-watch the TED Talk and/or to READ CHAPTER 1 of OUTLIERS "The Matthew Effect".
BE READY WITH QUESTIONS/OBSERVATIONS and QUOTES for class on Thursday.
TED Talk by Maz Jobrani was viewed today.
And here's a great piece from NPR this morning with Malcolm Gladwell.
Go be love, the world needs you.
xoxo
Use your time wisely to re-watch the TED Talk and/or to READ CHAPTER 1 of OUTLIERS "The Matthew Effect".
BE READY WITH QUESTIONS/OBSERVATIONS and QUOTES for class on Thursday.
TED Talk by Maz Jobrani was viewed today.
And here's a great piece from NPR this morning with Malcolm Gladwell.
Go be love, the world needs you.
xoxo
Monday, October 12, 2015
Some Goodies
7th period, here is the link to the video I mentioned. Everyone should watch it though, regardless if you're in period 7 or not.
I'm taking down the Outliers link for copyright reasons but you can google search "Outliers free online copy" and find it yourself.
For Thursday, have Chapter 1 "The Matthew Effect" read. Have questions/observations as well as favorite quotes/lines. You'll be expected to speed date with your info so be ready.
And shout out to the kids in period 4 WHO ACTUALLY READ AND CAME BACK TO CLASS. What happened to the rest of you??
xoxo
I'm taking down the Outliers link for copyright reasons but you can google search "Outliers free online copy" and find it yourself.
For Thursday, have Chapter 1 "The Matthew Effect" read. Have questions/observations as well as favorite quotes/lines. You'll be expected to speed date with your info so be ready.
And shout out to the kids in period 4 WHO ACTUALLY READ AND CAME BACK TO CLASS. What happened to the rest of you??
xoxo
Monday SAS Roundup and Other Stuff
Check out all the goodies for your brain...
- The book on Love I mentioned from period 2
- An interesting site and piece of history
- Success shuts people up from CNN
- And just start here
TED Talk test tomorrow. No notes...Just brain.
And have Outliers Chapter 1 read with questions by Thursday.
xoxo
- The book on Love I mentioned from period 2
- An interesting site and piece of history
- Success shuts people up from CNN
- And just start here
TED Talk test tomorrow. No notes...Just brain.
And have Outliers Chapter 1 read with questions by Thursday.
xoxo
Friday, October 9, 2015
SAS
Y'all did great today but massive shout out to period 7. On fire! Yay to those who presented for the first time ever and to R for going all out in pink. Xoxo
Have a happy and safe weekend!
Have a happy and safe weekend!
Thursday, October 8, 2015
Wednesday, October 7, 2015
I Second That Emotion
Ahh, dopamine. Learning centers. Joy. Your scores on MC were really quite good...connection???
Tomorrow we've got stuff to do - some necessary boring and some fun so come ready.
Friday is SAS. I'm excited. So bring it!
Enjoy the rest of your Wednesday.
xoxo
p.s. - Officially on season 5 of Grey's.
p.p.s. - massive shout out to period 3 for dancing with the principal in the room. Respect.
Tomorrow we've got stuff to do - some necessary boring and some fun so come ready.
Friday is SAS. I'm excited. So bring it!
Enjoy the rest of your Wednesday.
xoxo
p.s. - Officially on season 5 of Grey's.
p.p.s. - massive shout out to period 3 for dancing with the principal in the room. Respect.
Tuesday, October 6, 2015
Gratitude
So I have decided to journal my Daily Journal here - publicly. And my gratitudes are as follows:
- healthy children
- beautiful students (some who bring me iced tea...thanks S.)
- dancing to Aretha
- lunch time chats
- goat yogurt (ha)
- G in period 6 who I think rocks
- my favorite hugging meditation (congrats A)
- students who read articles I post
- hair bands (right?)
- a car
- S who always says bye after class
- my period 2
- and 3, 4, 6, and 7
- rock star kids who persevere despite...
- intelligence
- ML
- water
- and E in period 2 who made my day with what she told me
This is water.
This is water.
This is water.
I choose awareness.
I will forever believe in good, light and love EVEN when I see bad, darkness and hate.
Happy almost Wednesday.
xoxo
TED Talk Tuesday
Thanks for watching with me today. Here's the link so you can do what a student does.
I'll see you tomorrow for some Multiple Choice madness.
Xoxo
I'll see you tomorrow for some Multiple Choice madness.
Xoxo
Monday, October 5, 2015
Friday, October 2, 2015
SAS Rocks
I really loved learning from you today. Too fun. Have a happy weekend and make sure you're prepared with TED Talk notes, notes on some of the rhetoric that rocks, etc.
Do what a student does. Exposure first then...
Xoxo
Do what a student does. Exposure first then...
Xoxo
Thursday, October 1, 2015
Rhetoric that Rocks
You were exposed today.
And if you weren't here, I am so sorry for your loss. It was good.
Here's the link to the edited Cheryl Strayed excerpt we read in class. Reread a thousand times and analyze her rhetorical techniques.
And because I love you, David Foster Wallace's This is Water. Come on.
And in an effort to remind you that your brain is a muscle, check out another interesting bit from NPR this morning. Bill Withers....and if you don't know him, come on!
And the NPR Race link wasn't working. Just google it. :)
SAS tomorrow!!
xoxo
And if you weren't here, I am so sorry for your loss. It was good.
Here's the link to the edited Cheryl Strayed excerpt we read in class. Reread a thousand times and analyze her rhetorical techniques.
And because I love you, David Foster Wallace's This is Water. Come on.
And in an effort to remind you that your brain is a muscle, check out another interesting bit from NPR this morning. Bill Withers....and if you don't know him, come on!
And the NPR Race link wasn't working. Just google it. :)
SAS tomorrow!!
xoxo
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