Day 223:
Top Ten Goal s for the New Year
10. Defend the Universe from all.
9. Develop the need for Salsa on the dinner table.
8. Establish a new design for the arm chair quarterback seat.
7. Find a way to introduce our Minnesota friends to Southwestern Michigan.
6. Remember those who are hospitalized with cancer.
5. Discover the reason for wheat production - Jeff you know what I mean.
4. Devour Wings 7 days in a row,..... and live to tell about it.
3. Find a place for Lucky Bob in the family - our new family pet.
2. Appreciate each day and live it to the fullest!
1. Thank God often for a chance to carry his message.
Peace and Prayers
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Sunday, December 30, 2007
Saturday, December 29, 2007
50 Hours and Counting
Day 230:
Taking it to the end,... of the year!
"Dad! Stop hollering!! We're watching a moooooovie in here!!!" comes voices from the living room (which has now been deemed the 'kids' room).
"Stop hollering at me for hollering! I'm watching the Patriots-Giants game and I'm not sure who I'm routing for!!"
One of the best things about being a guy at this time of year - f o o t b a l l. Second best thing about being a guy at this time of the year - h i g h d e f i n i t i o n f o o t b a l l.
As the New Year approaches and we look back on the year, it's been incredible to say the least - good and bad, mixed in with a little so-so every now and then. Typically you look back to judge the quality of the year. Today, I look back each and every day to judge the quality.
Taking it to the end,... of the year!
"Dad! Stop hollering!! We're watching a moooooovie in here!!!" comes voices from the living room (which has now been deemed the 'kids' room).
"Stop hollering at me for hollering! I'm watching the Patriots-Giants game and I'm not sure who I'm routing for!!"
One of the best things about being a guy at this time of year - f o o t b a l l. Second best thing about being a guy at this time of the year - h i g h d e f i n i t i o n f o o t b a l l.
As the New Year approaches and we look back on the year, it's been incredible to say the least - good and bad, mixed in with a little so-so every now and then. Typically you look back to judge the quality of the year. Today, I look back each and every day to judge the quality.
Thursday, December 27, 2007
The Shanna Blog for Christmas
He Came for You. And me.
Beginning note: I didn’t know weather patterns could move SW. I thought they were supposed to head from MN to MI! But, it is Christmastime, so maybe there’s an exception to the rule. As I was sitting here, staring at the lovely Minnesota blizzard that seems to be taking the state by storm (no pun intended), I remembered that I was yet to write my December guest blog. (That high school thing just seems to keep getting in the way. ;-)) So, I’m sorry it’s a bit late, but without further ado…
I have a song that I’ve always greatly enjoyed, but one that I didn’t really take the time to understand until yesterday, when I began to REALLY think about it. Please allow me to set the scene for you. The snow was falling, the fireplace crackling, laughs filled the room, and two guitars were strumming. Well, I should say 1.5 guitars were. My cousin knows how to play well, and I, well, like to pretend I can. ;-) Anyway, the family (all 32 of them) had requested a concert of sorts, so my cousin and I were flipping though the book, when the song “Who Am I?” by Casting Crowns came up:
Who am I, that the Lord of all the earth
Would care to know my name
Would care to feel my hurt
Who am I, that the Bright and Morning Star
Would choose to light the way
For my ever wandering heart
Not because of who I am
But because of what You've done
Not because of what I've done
But because of who You are
Chorus:
I am a flower quickly fading
Here today and gone tomorrow
A wave tossed in the ocean
A vapor in the wind
Still You hear me when I'm calling
Lord, You catch me when I'm falling
And You've told me who I am
I am Yours, I am Yours
Who Am I, that the eyes that see my sin
Would look on me with love and watch me rise again
Who Am I, that the voice that calmed the sea
Would call out through the rain
And calm the storm in me
I am Yours
Whom shall I fear
Whom shall I fear
'Cause I am Yours
I am Yours
We sang our little duet, and it sounded lovely, of course. ;-) But, what struck me at that time, were those two bolded lines. Being in the cancer world is a constant reminder of how fleeting this earthly life is. On a grand scheme, each of our lives are nothing but “A wave tossed in the ocean”, “a vapor in the wind”, or a single snowflake in a blizzard (for all of us Midwesterners. ;-)). The thought originally makes us feel so very small, but, then it all changes. As the song goes on, we are reminded that God sent His Son for us. Also, He is in control of each and every moment that we live. His gift to us is the ultimate one of love, and that who we are, is not because of anything we do, but because He has chosen us as His own. And, this thought, leaves us with nothing but a feeling of joy.
In the spirit of this wonderful Christmas season, I pray for you all a blessed holiday, a fantastic start to 2008, some good company, and even some good turkey. And, I also pray that in the hub-bub (since we’re known for making up words) of the Christmas season, you stop to remember the real reason we are blessed to celebrate the 25th of December: because Jesus Christ came for us.
Merry Christmas everyone!
End note: To the Kellys: if there’s one thing I’m thankful for as the New Year approaches, it’s that I got to spend 2007 with you.
Beginning note: I didn’t know weather patterns could move SW. I thought they were supposed to head from MN to MI! But, it is Christmastime, so maybe there’s an exception to the rule. As I was sitting here, staring at the lovely Minnesota blizzard that seems to be taking the state by storm (no pun intended), I remembered that I was yet to write my December guest blog. (That high school thing just seems to keep getting in the way. ;-)) So, I’m sorry it’s a bit late, but without further ado…
I have a song that I’ve always greatly enjoyed, but one that I didn’t really take the time to understand until yesterday, when I began to REALLY think about it. Please allow me to set the scene for you. The snow was falling, the fireplace crackling, laughs filled the room, and two guitars were strumming. Well, I should say 1.5 guitars were. My cousin knows how to play well, and I, well, like to pretend I can. ;-) Anyway, the family (all 32 of them) had requested a concert of sorts, so my cousin and I were flipping though the book, when the song “Who Am I?” by Casting Crowns came up:
Who am I, that the Lord of all the earth
Would care to know my name
Would care to feel my hurt
Who am I, that the Bright and Morning Star
Would choose to light the way
For my ever wandering heart
Not because of who I am
But because of what You've done
Not because of what I've done
But because of who You are
Chorus:
I am a flower quickly fading
Here today and gone tomorrow
A wave tossed in the ocean
A vapor in the wind
Still You hear me when I'm calling
Lord, You catch me when I'm falling
And You've told me who I am
I am Yours, I am Yours
Who Am I, that the eyes that see my sin
Would look on me with love and watch me rise again
Who Am I, that the voice that calmed the sea
Would call out through the rain
And calm the storm in me
I am Yours
Whom shall I fear
Whom shall I fear
'Cause I am Yours
I am Yours
We sang our little duet, and it sounded lovely, of course. ;-) But, what struck me at that time, were those two bolded lines. Being in the cancer world is a constant reminder of how fleeting this earthly life is. On a grand scheme, each of our lives are nothing but “A wave tossed in the ocean”, “a vapor in the wind”, or a single snowflake in a blizzard (for all of us Midwesterners. ;-)). The thought originally makes us feel so very small, but, then it all changes. As the song goes on, we are reminded that God sent His Son for us. Also, He is in control of each and every moment that we live. His gift to us is the ultimate one of love, and that who we are, is not because of anything we do, but because He has chosen us as His own. And, this thought, leaves us with nothing but a feeling of joy.
In the spirit of this wonderful Christmas season, I pray for you all a blessed holiday, a fantastic start to 2008, some good company, and even some good turkey. And, I also pray that in the hub-bub (since we’re known for making up words) of the Christmas season, you stop to remember the real reason we are blessed to celebrate the 25th of December: because Jesus Christ came for us.
Merry Christmas everyone!
End note: To the Kellys: if there’s one thing I’m thankful for as the New Year approaches, it’s that I got to spend 2007 with you.
Friday, December 21, 2007
Foto Friday - It's the Little Things..
Day 222: It's the little things in life that we need to celebrate as well.
Peace and Prayers
Peace and Prayers
Friday, December 14, 2007
Foto Friday
Day 215:
From snuggling with a puppy to,....
being a pre-teen at a Hannah Montana Concert.
Either way, time flies.
Wednesday, December 12, 2007
Shhhh, I'm Trying to Read, Sort of
Day 213:
Ahhhhh, silent reading. It's the "teachers dream section" on the list of things to do for the day.
Silent reading is a time, (uh, hold on)..... "You need to find a place to sit and stay put."
There, now as I was saying,...it's a time for me to sit down, collect my thoughts, and blog a li (excuse me),...... "Seriously. Silent reading is not silent staring. You need to have a book with more than just pictures. What? No, numbers at the bottom of the page do not count as reading."
As I was saying, it's a time to relax and blog a little. I love it whe (just a minute),... "Your desk won't shut all the way? Well, why are you trying to shut your desk now anyway, you were just reading a second ago in the corner? We'll fix it during lunch, okay."
Blogging can be a terrific chance to step back from the day to day stuff and just jot down (oh for Petesake),.... "Why are you just staring at me?.........Huh? No, lunch time isn't for another 15 minutes!....... It doesn't matter that the other class just walked by,...they're not going to lunch right now."
I should write a book and call it, (what the heck),..."Do you realize that your book is upside down?...Oh, you're challenging yourself? Well that's just terrific - we can't seem to get our shoes tied correctly, but when it comes to your reading development you are reaching way beyond the 4th grade level."
It's sometimes difficult to complete a thought when you're the one person in the room that everyone goes to for guid...., (uno momento) "Yes, yes. I know it's almost lunch time. No, I'm not torturing you. We still have ten minutes to get down to the cafeteria and the last time I clocked it, it's about a 30 second walk. What's that? No, we won't have anymore silent reading today - I'm done."
Ahhhhh, silent reading. It's the "teachers dream section" on the list of things to do for the day.
Silent reading is a time, (uh, hold on)..... "You need to find a place to sit and stay put."
There, now as I was saying,...it's a time for me to sit down, collect my thoughts, and blog a li (excuse me),...... "Seriously. Silent reading is not silent staring. You need to have a book with more than just pictures. What? No, numbers at the bottom of the page do not count as reading."
As I was saying, it's a time to relax and blog a little. I love it whe (just a minute),... "Your desk won't shut all the way? Well, why are you trying to shut your desk now anyway, you were just reading a second ago in the corner? We'll fix it during lunch, okay."
Blogging can be a terrific chance to step back from the day to day stuff and just jot down (oh for Petesake),.... "Why are you just staring at me?.........Huh? No, lunch time isn't for another 15 minutes!....... It doesn't matter that the other class just walked by,...they're not going to lunch right now."
I should write a book and call it, (what the heck),..."Do you realize that your book is upside down?...Oh, you're challenging yourself? Well that's just terrific - we can't seem to get our shoes tied correctly, but when it comes to your reading development you are reaching way beyond the 4th grade level."
It's sometimes difficult to complete a thought when you're the one person in the room that everyone goes to for guid...., (uno momento) "Yes, yes. I know it's almost lunch time. No, I'm not torturing you. We still have ten minutes to get down to the cafeteria and the last time I clocked it, it's about a 30 second walk. What's that? No, we won't have anymore silent reading today - I'm done."
Tuesday, December 11, 2007
Tree-Mendous Miracle
Day 212:
It was a Christmas miracle!
As promised, Sunday was the tree hunt. We bundled up (except for Sam because he's a teenager and knows better - "I don't need gloves. I don't get cold."), grabbed the camera - it's the only thing that stops the debate over which tree to get ("Everyone look this way and smiiiile."), and we headed off for the tree ("I'm hungry. When can we eat?").
Ahhhh, the fresh smell of tree as we made our way from the farm house to the field of Christmas trees. It's like one big car deodorizer. The easy part was finding our section - I really couldn't tell what that is because I have know idea what kind of tree it is that we always get. Kinda like the same kind of knowledge I have when it comes to storage in our house. I know the general location of things, but every bucket/bin looks the same to me - so I defer to Kim.
The tough part of picking the tree is the agreement. Unlike the Mayflower Compact, I'm not willing to stick it out until a settlement is reached. I'm all for the quick and easy majority rules or what I like to call,... dad rules.
"Sam, start cutting the tree down,... my knees are killing me. And the ground looks really really cold." Sam, being the one with sharpened saw hits the ground like a man on a mission. Seconds later,... "My hands are getting cold. Here Max, you try it."
(Cut to the tree at home - no pun intended).....
"Is the tree crooked?" Kim eyes the tree from various positions in the living room as the tree stands solo.
Since we have the tree drilled from the bottom, they set it in a stand at the farm and eye up the vertical correctness before drilling. Apparently the teenager who was working that station is vertically correctedness challenged - I noticed he wasn't wearing gloves either,..hmmmmmm.
As the tree decoration began to go up, the family settled in for a family movie,..which typically means I end up falling asleep. Here's the miracle - I closed my eyes for a second. When I opened them, the tree was lit up in all it's Christmas glory! It's truly a Christmas full of miracles.
Peace and Prayers
It was a Christmas miracle!
As promised, Sunday was the tree hunt. We bundled up (except for Sam because he's a teenager and knows better - "I don't need gloves. I don't get cold."), grabbed the camera - it's the only thing that stops the debate over which tree to get ("Everyone look this way and smiiiile."), and we headed off for the tree ("I'm hungry. When can we eat?").
Ahhhh, the fresh smell of tree as we made our way from the farm house to the field of Christmas trees. It's like one big car deodorizer. The easy part was finding our section - I really couldn't tell what that is because I have know idea what kind of tree it is that we always get. Kinda like the same kind of knowledge I have when it comes to storage in our house. I know the general location of things, but every bucket/bin looks the same to me - so I defer to Kim.
The tough part of picking the tree is the agreement. Unlike the Mayflower Compact, I'm not willing to stick it out until a settlement is reached. I'm all for the quick and easy majority rules or what I like to call,... dad rules.
"Sam, start cutting the tree down,... my knees are killing me. And the ground looks really really cold." Sam, being the one with sharpened saw hits the ground like a man on a mission. Seconds later,... "My hands are getting cold. Here Max, you try it."
(Cut to the tree at home - no pun intended).....
"Is the tree crooked?" Kim eyes the tree from various positions in the living room as the tree stands solo.
Since we have the tree drilled from the bottom, they set it in a stand at the farm and eye up the vertical correctness before drilling. Apparently the teenager who was working that station is vertically correctedness challenged - I noticed he wasn't wearing gloves either,..hmmmmmm.
As the tree decoration began to go up, the family settled in for a family movie,..which typically means I end up falling asleep. Here's the miracle - I closed my eyes for a second. When I opened them, the tree was lit up in all it's Christmas glory! It's truly a Christmas full of miracles.
Peace and Prayers
Friday, December 07, 2007
Foto Friday
Day 208:
From the Files,.... with the Christmas Tree Hunt this weekend, I thought it appropriate that we drag out a couple photos from last seasons hunt!
From the Files,.... with the Christmas Tree Hunt this weekend, I thought it appropriate that we drag out a couple photos from last seasons hunt!
Saturday, November 17, 2007
It's a Bloggert World
Bloggerts - those who read, but never respond.
At the National Bloggert Meeting of America:
"Hi, I'm Dave,....I'm a Bloggert."
"HI DAVE!" - actually that wouldn't really happen, it would be more like:
"Hi, I'm Dave,....I'm a Bloggert."
(complete silence) - nobody wants to commit to a response.
Over the course of the blogging experience since we began this journey back in the Spring of '07, I've met many who read Rooseveltdav (formally known as Rooseveltdave,.. until I switched to a fancy shmancy header that holds me to only 12 characters - and how many factors would that be, 'oh smarter than a fifth grader?),..told me that they have been faithful readers and prayer warriors, but are uncomfortable when it comes to responding (that or they just don't have the time to compete in what has now grown to be a NEW Olympic event - not sure if it's going Summer or Winter Olympics just yet). To them I say,...welcome to the world of Bloggerts - for I too have a blog that I have been a frequent reader of, yet never once responded. The writer of the blog has a way with daily life that I enjoy reading. I think it's because she's a teacher and says things that would get most teachers fired.
It's been only recently that 'My Blogger' has announced the possible end to it all. She's become a blogger with little to blog about, besides her new baby (yawn - not into the baby thing at this point). Call it a terminal writers block, or the need to move on, but she is seriously considering hanging up the keyboard. As a Bloggert, where will I go? Do I leave a first and last comment letting her know of my Bloggert ways,...thanking her for her take on everyday life? If I would have known that the end were so close, would I have shaken my Bloggert status and taken the committal plunge? You know, once you comment, it's over. The Blogger knows you are there and you are reading. There's no more true Bloggert status. You're outed!
Not quite sure I want to be outed as her Bloggert. I know that there are those of you out there who know of the Bloggert way (read and go - no commitment to responding). To you I simply say, "Thank you for reading, for praying, and for following. I'm in no way running short of topics, information, or our life in cancer, but I may run short on time for a few months(it's Basketball Season Baby! - little Dick Vitale).
Peace and Prayer
PS: it's Day 188
At the National Bloggert Meeting of America:
"Hi, I'm Dave,....I'm a Bloggert."
"HI DAVE!" - actually that wouldn't really happen, it would be more like:
"Hi, I'm Dave,....I'm a Bloggert."
(complete silence) - nobody wants to commit to a response.
Over the course of the blogging experience since we began this journey back in the Spring of '07, I've met many who read Rooseveltdav (formally known as Rooseveltdave,.. until I switched to a fancy shmancy header that holds me to only 12 characters - and how many factors would that be, 'oh smarter than a fifth grader?),..told me that they have been faithful readers and prayer warriors, but are uncomfortable when it comes to responding (that or they just don't have the time to compete in what has now grown to be a NEW Olympic event - not sure if it's going Summer or Winter Olympics just yet). To them I say,...welcome to the world of Bloggerts - for I too have a blog that I have been a frequent reader of, yet never once responded. The writer of the blog has a way with daily life that I enjoy reading. I think it's because she's a teacher and says things that would get most teachers fired.
It's been only recently that 'My Blogger' has announced the possible end to it all. She's become a blogger with little to blog about, besides her new baby (yawn - not into the baby thing at this point). Call it a terminal writers block, or the need to move on, but she is seriously considering hanging up the keyboard. As a Bloggert, where will I go? Do I leave a first and last comment letting her know of my Bloggert ways,...thanking her for her take on everyday life? If I would have known that the end were so close, would I have shaken my Bloggert status and taken the committal plunge? You know, once you comment, it's over. The Blogger knows you are there and you are reading. There's no more true Bloggert status. You're outed!
Not quite sure I want to be outed as her Bloggert. I know that there are those of you out there who know of the Bloggert way (read and go - no commitment to responding). To you I simply say, "Thank you for reading, for praying, and for following. I'm in no way running short of topics, information, or our life in cancer, but I may run short on time for a few months(it's Basketball Season Baby! - little Dick Vitale).
Peace and Prayer
PS: it's Day 188
Friday, November 09, 2007
Foto Friday
Day 180: Ready to Celebrate! Minnesota folks - it's a mere 8-9 hour ride.
Back to the Pumpkin Carve - One Handed Style
Ready for the Party
Time with Great Grandpa
Friday, November 02, 2007
Foto Friday What
Day 173:
I know,... Foto Friday and NO photos.
This is commonly known as Hey, what's wrong with my computer, Friday.
It seems that no matter how many times I click on the same button, I get the same response - Try Again Later. The only problem is that later is now (after all it is Friday).
Hannah went to school today after getting the all clear on her counts. It was actually picture day for her. Kim said that the photo people stopped by to make sure she was having it done today. When I asked, "Are you going with or without hair?" she proudly responded, "Without of course."
How far have we come in six months? The moment she first lost her hair flashed through my mind as she stood before me smiling with all that baldness,... she was going to have her picture taken natural What a difference.
Speaking of difference,....Kim and I are torn about the party. Looking at the future forecast they have the temperatures fairly low. Now that's not a big problem - we're Lake Michigan People for Pete Sake (dress in layers)! They also have rain in the forecast - slight problem. With a house that can hold about 50 people, our numbers might be grossly over that (which is an AWESOME thing). We were thinking of opening up the party to mid afternoon once again to spread out the masses. In short,... party on the 10th starting in the afternoon and going into the night- we'll see you at some point.
People are still asking what they can bring. Side dish for 150 people would be wonderful. Thanks!
Seriously, I thought we would originally have around 70 people, but as always,...Kim is right and I'm wrong. I believe her words were: "You want to throw a party? Do you know what that means?"
If you want to bring a side dish, put it in a consumable pan. However, it is not necessary,... I have a bag of beef jerky in one of my bike saddle bags we can pull out after the pork and hot dogs are gone.
Peace, Prayers, and No Shoes Up Stairs on the Newly Shampooed Carpet
I know,... Foto Friday and NO photos.
This is commonly known as Hey, what's wrong with my computer, Friday.
It seems that no matter how many times I click on the same button, I get the same response - Try Again Later. The only problem is that later is now (after all it is Friday).
Hannah went to school today after getting the all clear on her counts. It was actually picture day for her. Kim said that the photo people stopped by to make sure she was having it done today. When I asked, "Are you going with or without hair?" she proudly responded, "Without of course."
How far have we come in six months? The moment she first lost her hair flashed through my mind as she stood before me smiling with all that baldness,... she was going to have her picture taken natural What a difference.
Speaking of difference,....Kim and I are torn about the party. Looking at the future forecast they have the temperatures fairly low. Now that's not a big problem - we're Lake Michigan People for Pete Sake (dress in layers)! They also have rain in the forecast - slight problem. With a house that can hold about 50 people, our numbers might be grossly over that (which is an AWESOME thing). We were thinking of opening up the party to mid afternoon once again to spread out the masses. In short,... party on the 10th starting in the afternoon and going into the night- we'll see you at some point.
People are still asking what they can bring. Side dish for 150 people would be wonderful. Thanks!
Seriously, I thought we would originally have around 70 people, but as always,...Kim is right and I'm wrong. I believe her words were: "You want to throw a party? Do you know what that means?"
If you want to bring a side dish, put it in a consumable pan. However, it is not necessary,... I have a bag of beef jerky in one of my bike saddle bags we can pull out after the pork and hot dogs are gone.
Peace, Prayers, and No Shoes Up Stairs on the Newly Shampooed Carpet
Friday, October 26, 2007
Friday, October 19, 2007
Friday, October 12, 2007
Friday, October 05, 2007
Foto Friday
Day 145:
With the 2nd to last chemo treatment done, I'll leave it to the photos to share the experience.
Danielle and Dawn Decorate
Ready to Rock out the Chemo!
Avery Gets Visitors! I also heard that her and her dad where shirts that say "Team brAVERY".
That's AWESOME!
Meet Lauren! She's was lovin' the TeePee work and the girls.
Toughest Bunch of Cancer Fighters Around
Biker Girls
The Mayo Gang
With the 2nd to last chemo treatment done, I'll leave it to the photos to share the experience.
Danielle and Dawn Decorate
Ready to Rock out the Chemo!
Avery Gets Visitors! I also heard that her and her dad where shirts that say "Team brAVERY".That's AWESOME!
Meet Lauren! She's was lovin' the TeePee work and the girls.
Toughest Bunch of Cancer Fighters Around
Biker Girls
The Mayo GangMonday, May 07, 2007
Poems - What would You Find?
I'm submitting just a few for now. Hope you enjoy.
In the middle of a nightmare,
there could be...
ghosts and goblins,
and even you and me.
You and me we could be the
scary the creepy and even
the mischeev; well to me.
There could be a drum that
scares you and wakes you up in the
middle of the night,
that would make you fright.
Tiger and lions and bears, oh my,
and everything in your nightmare
could be..right outside.
Hannah
What would you find
in a black hole?
Maybe the cow on the mon,
the big dipper or a spoon.
A star or a can,
an astronaut with a tan.
Maybe there is nothing
in a black hole.
Maybe just darkness
and anger and fear.
But maybe there is
everything in this dark
hole here.
Courtney
In the middle of a nightmare,
there could be...
ghosts and goblins,
and even you and me.
You and me we could be the
scary the creepy and even
the mischeev; well to me.
There could be a drum that
scares you and wakes you up in the
middle of the night,
that would make you fright.
Tiger and lions and bears, oh my,
and everything in your nightmare
could be..right outside.
Hannah
What would you find
in a black hole?
Maybe the cow on the mon,
the big dipper or a spoon.
A star or a can,
an astronaut with a tan.
Maybe there is nothing
in a black hole.
Maybe just darkness
and anger and fear.
But maybe there is
everything in this dark
hole here.
Courtney
Friday, April 27, 2007
Cable Versus Brain Cells
WOW! I just spent the past week on cable - or should I say, hooked on remote control exercise. With cable, who has time for anything else?
Not having cable television at home, 60+ options in channels seems a bit overwhelming at first. Every hour on the hour was another walk through the numbers. What is on now?
It took until day two to realize the answer to what's on was clear - very little! I witnessed show after show, channel after channel of reruns, old movies, or reality shows where someone is saying something inappropriate every 10 seconds. I even became bored with American Chopper! Apparently they were hosting a marathon of show after show. I can honestly say that I love bikes, but found the show a little draining. I concluded that these reality shows are scripted with a set of rules.
Rule 1: Someone has to say something inappropriate - a lot.
Rule 2: Someone has to yell really loud - a lot.
Rule 3: Someone has to be obnoxious - a lot.
Rule 4: Social values and morals need not apply.
Rule 5: Rude, crude, and shocking = a reality show.
So then my thoughts as a teacher go to kids. This is the infusion kids are getting on a regular basis? I know parents try their best to monitor, but let's face facts - is it 100% guaranteed?
I'm convinced that cable destroys brain cells.
Of course, to every situation there is daylight - I did find the exception to the channel barrage - TLC, Discovery, and the History Channel. Well done with all three (although TLC was the channel hosting the American Chopper deluge).
So what would life without cable be? Some would say, myself included, it would be living.
Not having cable television at home, 60+ options in channels seems a bit overwhelming at first. Every hour on the hour was another walk through the numbers. What is on now?
It took until day two to realize the answer to what's on was clear - very little! I witnessed show after show, channel after channel of reruns, old movies, or reality shows where someone is saying something inappropriate every 10 seconds. I even became bored with American Chopper! Apparently they were hosting a marathon of show after show. I can honestly say that I love bikes, but found the show a little draining. I concluded that these reality shows are scripted with a set of rules.
Rule 1: Someone has to say something inappropriate - a lot.
Rule 2: Someone has to yell really loud - a lot.
Rule 3: Someone has to be obnoxious - a lot.
Rule 4: Social values and morals need not apply.
Rule 5: Rude, crude, and shocking = a reality show.
So then my thoughts as a teacher go to kids. This is the infusion kids are getting on a regular basis? I know parents try their best to monitor, but let's face facts - is it 100% guaranteed?
I'm convinced that cable destroys brain cells.
Of course, to every situation there is daylight - I did find the exception to the channel barrage - TLC, Discovery, and the History Channel. Well done with all three (although TLC was the channel hosting the American Chopper deluge).
So what would life without cable be? Some would say, myself included, it would be living.
Tuesday, April 17, 2007
April Showers Grow Poets
Students are working on poetry with the help of Mrs. Sacha. Mrs. Sacha who received her BA with an emphasis on creative writing, is spending two days this month working with our class. her energy and expertise is a true blessing for the children. They have already taken off with some great poems from the heart. Look for them to be featured shortly.
Friday, March 30, 2007
Teachers Have It Easy
I have friends that despise teachers. They don't necessarily despise the person, but more so the profession. They feel that teachers in general live a life that is simple and carefree. After all, and I'll quote one of them here: "Those who can do. Those who can't - teach." Ouch! That's a bit judgmental.
Other gripes I often hear about are: Teachers get too much time off. Teachers have an entire summer to do nothing. Teachers don't have to deal with real world problems. Teachers are safe from being fired because they have tenure. Teachers only work for 6 hours a day. I could keep going, as they often do, but I think you get the point.
So what's my reply to this barrage?
"Yep, teachers have a very cool job." We 'can do' and that's why we teach. It takes skill, patients, and some very unique ways of teaching to help a child who struggles with a concept.
I also tell them, "Before you judge, step into the classroom and give it a try." I often have parents leave commenting that they don't know how I do it. Simple - I love what I do and I care about the kids (although don't let them know that, it will destroy my reputation as a guy teacher). Anybody who loves their job does it know matter what the circumstances. I personally wouldn't want to be a forest ranger for a living, but for the men and women who do it day in a day out, they love it.
We do get the summers off. It's great! This summer I will spend my time taking more graduate classes to improve my abilities within education. Most teachers take their summer time to further their education. Also, as a coach, I will more then likely put in an additional amount of time working with kids on the court. It's a shame that sports have become so front and center that a typical season has extended to 10-11 months, rather than the standard 3 months it use to be. Ahhhhh, the price of winning.
The real world problem is mostly laughable. Spend a day with a teacher. We manage 30-50 issues a day. Anything from social issues to educational issues. Students bring the full gambit. It's hard to believe, but not everybody walks into class with a big smile on their face everyday. For those in the business field, I have a question for you. When was the last time you had to approve the vomiting of a coworker, or be responsible for the office bathroom breaks, or have a coworker complain to you because another office worker had looked at them wrong. When was the last time two you had to mediate between two coworkers because they had a sharing issue in the break room (oh, and don't forget to throw in the fact that the entire office of workers are waiting for you to finish the mediation so they can move on with their day.). Real world? We have real world!
With regards to the tenure issue. Teachers are fortunate to have a system in place that protects them from undo prosecution. Wait a second .... that's just like that thing called the Bill of Rights! Teachers can be fired even if they have tenure. Yep, it's true. The tenure process is in place to allow for correction and modifications to be made if a teacher has fallen behind in certain facets of the job. However, if they don't meet the necessary standard, they can be dismissed. Sounds similar to most professional jobs.
Finally the last issue of the day - our 6 hour day. I'm at school as kids are being dropped off by their parents, so I know of a few that I actually beat to work most days. Teachers will typically put in about 10 hours a day. Sure there's the school time (8-3:30), which is 7.5 hours, but it doesn't end there. Unlike my friends who bash teachers, they don't bring home any of their work from the office. Teachers typically have papers to grade and plans to prepare for in order to get the job done. Those teacher bags/totes that you see most carrying out of the building at the end of the day aren't filled with cookies (which is a darn shame).
Teaching is a pleasure. It's fun, addicting, ever changing, and never dull. The students I deal with are nothing short of our future, and I take that seriously. When I look out at my class I envision the next leader, inventor, and comedian. They're there in front of me everyday, waiting to see what I can teach them next. The funny thing is, half the time we deal in book knowledge, while the other half we're learning how to be good people and quality citizens (hopefully while having a good time along the way).
Someone once told me that teachers touch lives. If you want to make a difference become a teacher. Well, I would say,... if you want to make a difference become a world leader. If you want to become a teacher, do it because you love it, you love working with kids, and most of all you get to write your own blog! And yes, I'm rethinking my friendships.
Other gripes I often hear about are: Teachers get too much time off. Teachers have an entire summer to do nothing. Teachers don't have to deal with real world problems. Teachers are safe from being fired because they have tenure. Teachers only work for 6 hours a day. I could keep going, as they often do, but I think you get the point.
So what's my reply to this barrage?
"Yep, teachers have a very cool job." We 'can do' and that's why we teach. It takes skill, patients, and some very unique ways of teaching to help a child who struggles with a concept.
I also tell them, "Before you judge, step into the classroom and give it a try." I often have parents leave commenting that they don't know how I do it. Simple - I love what I do and I care about the kids (although don't let them know that, it will destroy my reputation as a guy teacher). Anybody who loves their job does it know matter what the circumstances. I personally wouldn't want to be a forest ranger for a living, but for the men and women who do it day in a day out, they love it.
We do get the summers off. It's great! This summer I will spend my time taking more graduate classes to improve my abilities within education. Most teachers take their summer time to further their education. Also, as a coach, I will more then likely put in an additional amount of time working with kids on the court. It's a shame that sports have become so front and center that a typical season has extended to 10-11 months, rather than the standard 3 months it use to be. Ahhhhh, the price of winning.
The real world problem is mostly laughable. Spend a day with a teacher. We manage 30-50 issues a day. Anything from social issues to educational issues. Students bring the full gambit. It's hard to believe, but not everybody walks into class with a big smile on their face everyday. For those in the business field, I have a question for you. When was the last time you had to approve the vomiting of a coworker, or be responsible for the office bathroom breaks, or have a coworker complain to you because another office worker had looked at them wrong. When was the last time two you had to mediate between two coworkers because they had a sharing issue in the break room (oh, and don't forget to throw in the fact that the entire office of workers are waiting for you to finish the mediation so they can move on with their day.). Real world? We have real world!
With regards to the tenure issue. Teachers are fortunate to have a system in place that protects them from undo prosecution. Wait a second .... that's just like that thing called the Bill of Rights! Teachers can be fired even if they have tenure. Yep, it's true. The tenure process is in place to allow for correction and modifications to be made if a teacher has fallen behind in certain facets of the job. However, if they don't meet the necessary standard, they can be dismissed. Sounds similar to most professional jobs.
Finally the last issue of the day - our 6 hour day. I'm at school as kids are being dropped off by their parents, so I know of a few that I actually beat to work most days. Teachers will typically put in about 10 hours a day. Sure there's the school time (8-3:30), which is 7.5 hours, but it doesn't end there. Unlike my friends who bash teachers, they don't bring home any of their work from the office. Teachers typically have papers to grade and plans to prepare for in order to get the job done. Those teacher bags/totes that you see most carrying out of the building at the end of the day aren't filled with cookies (which is a darn shame).
Teaching is a pleasure. It's fun, addicting, ever changing, and never dull. The students I deal with are nothing short of our future, and I take that seriously. When I look out at my class I envision the next leader, inventor, and comedian. They're there in front of me everyday, waiting to see what I can teach them next. The funny thing is, half the time we deal in book knowledge, while the other half we're learning how to be good people and quality citizens (hopefully while having a good time along the way).
Someone once told me that teachers touch lives. If you want to make a difference become a teacher. Well, I would say,... if you want to make a difference become a world leader. If you want to become a teacher, do it because you love it, you love working with kids, and most of all you get to write your own blog! And yes, I'm rethinking my friendships.
Thursday, March 29, 2007
The Best Quarter
When it comes to the best time of the year, ... there's Christmas and there's the Last Quarter.
This is the time of year when teaching and learning is fun! It's a time where you can look back on the accomplishments, while looking at the present and what still needs to be done. It brings about a sense of growing up. The kids who sit before me seem more mature, more wise, and definitely more use to my style. I've gotten to know each child fairly well, along with the chance to get to know parents and families. This is the time of year when you look out onto the group and smile - not because they're working diligently, but because they are your kids. After spending day after day with them, they grow on you. You know personalities frontwards and backwards.
While some teachers (and kids) choose to count down the days to summer, I feel that the days are numbered. I'm one step closer to starting all over again. A new set of students, a new set of parents, a new set of personalities, and a new set of quirks. A new back to school meeting where parents say, "We heard about you." For me the ending of year is just starting over again.
So for those parents reading this and those kids that might check in on the blog from time to time. We have about 9 weeks left - let's make the most of them.
This is the time of year when teaching and learning is fun! It's a time where you can look back on the accomplishments, while looking at the present and what still needs to be done. It brings about a sense of growing up. The kids who sit before me seem more mature, more wise, and definitely more use to my style. I've gotten to know each child fairly well, along with the chance to get to know parents and families. This is the time of year when you look out onto the group and smile - not because they're working diligently, but because they are your kids. After spending day after day with them, they grow on you. You know personalities frontwards and backwards.
While some teachers (and kids) choose to count down the days to summer, I feel that the days are numbered. I'm one step closer to starting all over again. A new set of students, a new set of parents, a new set of personalities, and a new set of quirks. A new back to school meeting where parents say, "We heard about you." For me the ending of year is just starting over again.
So for those parents reading this and those kids that might check in on the blog from time to time. We have about 9 weeks left - let's make the most of them.
Tuesday, March 27, 2007
What's With Daylight Saving Time?
By Ryan
We all know what daylight saving time is, right? In the Summer we turn our clocks back one hour. And the fall we turn our clocks ahead one hour.
Are you for it, or against it? I am for it, Believe it or not, some people even fight about it. Some want it and some don't.
A man named William Willett, who was an English builder and a golfer, made up a plan of what became daylight savings time. A lot of people in the United States liked William Willett's plan. All the farmers liked it because it gave them one more hour of daylight to do their work. Kids liked it because they got one more hour of playtime with their best friends and also they played longer with man's best friend, (their dogs)! Adults liked it because they had more time after work to do stuff.
Newest change made it start earlier in the spring and end later in the Fall than before. It used to start on the first Sunday of April and ended on the last Sunday in October. the federal government has made a new law that DST now starts on the second Sunday of March and lasts a week longer and it ends on the first Sunday of November.
Most kids like it in the Fall especially, because we get to sleep one more hour. Lots of people have a hard time adjusting to the changes in time. Some I've talked to say it upsets their body schedule and they can't get enough sleep in the Spring especially. Usually it takes about two weeks to adjust to time changes.
So it doesn't matter if you like DST or not cause Fred Upton said “we’ll get used to it, it is here to stay.” The bottom line is that were going to save energy. A study by the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy has said that by 2020 we will have saved $4.4 billion and released 10.8 million metric tons less of carbon into the atmosphere.
We all know what daylight saving time is, right? In the Summer we turn our clocks back one hour. And the fall we turn our clocks ahead one hour.
Are you for it, or against it? I am for it, Believe it or not, some people even fight about it. Some want it and some don't.
A man named William Willett, who was an English builder and a golfer, made up a plan of what became daylight savings time. A lot of people in the United States liked William Willett's plan. All the farmers liked it because it gave them one more hour of daylight to do their work. Kids liked it because they got one more hour of playtime with their best friends and also they played longer with man's best friend, (their dogs)! Adults liked it because they had more time after work to do stuff.
Newest change made it start earlier in the spring and end later in the Fall than before. It used to start on the first Sunday of April and ended on the last Sunday in October. the federal government has made a new law that DST now starts on the second Sunday of March and lasts a week longer and it ends on the first Sunday of November.
Most kids like it in the Fall especially, because we get to sleep one more hour. Lots of people have a hard time adjusting to the changes in time. Some I've talked to say it upsets their body schedule and they can't get enough sleep in the Spring especially. Usually it takes about two weeks to adjust to time changes.
So it doesn't matter if you like DST or not cause Fred Upton said “we’ll get used to it, it is here to stay.” The bottom line is that were going to save energy. A study by the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy has said that by 2020 we will have saved $4.4 billion and released 10.8 million metric tons less of carbon into the atmosphere.
Wednesday, March 21, 2007
Popcorn-The Healthy Snack
by Andrew
You don’t have to feel guilty about eating popcorn in front of the T.V. because popcorn can be a healthy snack. Popcorn has good fiber and has only up to 31-35 calories in a cup. Because it’s high in fiber it’s a good snack that will fill you up and keep you from eating too much of it or eating other snacks also. Air popped popcorn is the healthiest because it’s made of no fats like oil, but you have to be careful when you by bags of pre-popped popcorn because they are often made with lots of oil and butter.
When is popcorn not a healthy snack? When it’s popped in oil, covered with lots of butter and salt. Movie theater popcorn can be a very unhealthy snack (but tastes good) when you get the jumbo bucket and squirt lots of butter on it. If you’re going to eat popcorn at the movies, leave off the butter and extra salt. You can buy microwave popcorn that has fewer calories and less fat so that would be a better choice than regular microwave popcorn.
Popcorn has been around for a long time, 4,000 years. It was found in a bat cave where scientists were looking for new species of bats and found the first ears of corn. The Aztec found out how to pop popcorn by throwing a popcorn kernel into the fire and it would pop into the air. Popcorn will continue to be around and as long as you make good choices about the type of popcorn you eat, it will continue to be healthy snack.
Tuesday, March 20, 2007
Who is Ms. Bowers??????
by Keiley
An interview with Ms. Bowers, which proved to be an exciting and interesting experience.
1.
Q. Ms. Bowers why did you want to be a counsellor?
A. Um, well, because I want to help kids build positive relationships, and help them feel good about themselves.
2.
Q. Do you like your job? Why?
A. I do like my job, because I get hugs every day.
3.
Q. What’s the best part about your job?
A. Well, getting to know all the students.
4.
Q. Do you think that anyone could be mean?
A. Yes, I think that we have all been mean once in our life.
5.
Q. How does your job reflect on your life?
A. Well, I am a idealist meaning I believe in a better world, and my job let's me work toward a better world for children.
6.
Q. Do you have a 2nd job. Other than the one you have here at Roosevelt?
A. No, not right now. I like to relax, and am creative in my free time.
7.
Q. Do you have any dreams for the future? What are they?
A. I do have dreams for the future. I would like to go back to school, so I can teach others to be counselors.
8.
Q. Do you have any high expectations for any of the students?
A. I have high expectations for everyone here.
9.
Q. Do you enjoy when a student fills out a talk time form? Why?
A. I do because it gives me a chance to get to know the student and help them.
10.
Q. Do you think that anyone can be smart? Why?
A. Yes, because there are eight kinds of smarts, and that everyone is smart in there own way.
An interview with Ms. Bowers, which proved to be an exciting and interesting experience.
1.
Q. Ms. Bowers why did you want to be a counsellor?
A. Um, well, because I want to help kids build positive relationships, and help them feel good about themselves.
2.
Q. Do you like your job? Why?
A. I do like my job, because I get hugs every day.
3.
Q. What’s the best part about your job?
A. Well, getting to know all the students.
4.
Q. Do you think that anyone could be mean?
A. Yes, I think that we have all been mean once in our life.
5.
Q. How does your job reflect on your life?
A. Well, I am a idealist meaning I believe in a better world, and my job let's me work toward a better world for children.
6.
Q. Do you have a 2nd job. Other than the one you have here at Roosevelt?
A. No, not right now. I like to relax, and am creative in my free time.
7.
Q. Do you have any dreams for the future? What are they?
A. I do have dreams for the future. I would like to go back to school, so I can teach others to be counselors.
8.
Q. Do you have any high expectations for any of the students?
A. I have high expectations for everyone here.
9.
Q. Do you enjoy when a student fills out a talk time form? Why?
A. I do because it gives me a chance to get to know the student and help them.
10.
Q. Do you think that anyone can be smart? Why?
A. Yes, because there are eight kinds of smarts, and that everyone is smart in there own way.
Tuesday, March 06, 2007
Nintendo Offers Much More
by Courtney
Did you know there are other features to a Nintendo DS other than the game you put in it? There are lots, but we are going to talk about PictoChat. PictoChat is where you and your friend can type messages to each other, draw a picture, and send it to one another, and many other things.
First, you have to click the PictoChat icon on the menu. Secondly you both have to go into the same chat room. Then both of your names will pop up on the top screen. After that, you can type away or draw with the stylus pen. Once you have typed a message or drawn a picture, you click the ( send icon). The message or picture will then pop up under both of your names on the top screen. The other person will read it and respond to it with there message.
That is how you use PictoChat.
Monday, March 05, 2007
Ipod v. Zune
by PHill
The iPod:
There are 3 kinds of iPods:
1. The fifth generation, the iPod
2. The second generation, the iPod nano
3. Also the second generation, the iPod shuffle.
The iPod is a portable media player manufactured by apple computers these started selling in 2001. A center click wheel controls the regular and nano versions of iPods. The iPod shuffle is screen-less. Apple's program "iTunes" is used to import music on to all 3 versions of the iPods. There is also an iTunes Music Store. At the store you can by songs starting at .99 cents, and videos starting at $1.99. The regular iPod usually comes in 30 gigabite (7500 songs). The iPod nano usually comes in 2 GB (500 songs) or 4 GB (1000 songs). The iPod shuffle usually comes in 1 GB (250 songs).
The Zune:
Zune is Microsoft's version of a Portable Media Player (MP3 player). This device released to the U.S was a 30 GB model selling for $249.99 on November 14, 2006. A key difference between Zune and other competitor MP3 players is Zune offers Wi-Fi. With this you can share songs, playlists, and pictures with other Zunes. Audio files transferred from one Zune to another can be played up to 3 days or three plays, whichever comes first, after which it expires unless purchased or downloaded at the Zune Marketplace online. Recipients cannot re-send audio files that they have received via the sharing feature. The Zune can also be connected to an Xbox 360 giving users the ability to stream music, videos and photos to Xbox 360 via a home network.
Which one is better?
Well if you want one with more features you want to get the iPod. If you want a bigger screen you need to get the Zune. If you are not a big music lover but you like movies and TV get an iPod video, which is either an iPod or an iPod nano. I you love to share music with your friends get a Zune. Depending on what you really want to do make what kind of MP3 player you want to get vary.
Alternative Energy
by Nikki
Alternate Energy is power, electric, energy dissipated in an electrical or electronic circuit or device per unit of time. The electrical energy supplied by a current to an appliance enables it to do work or provide some other form of energy such as light or heat. Electric power is usually measured in Watts, kilowatts (1,000 watts), and megawatts (1,000,000 watts). The amount of electrical energy used by an appliance is found by multiplying its consumed power by the length of time of operation. The units of electrical energy are usually watt-seconds (joules), watt-hours, or kilowatt-hours. For commercial purposes the kilowatt-hour is the unit of choice.
Scientists are always looking for alternatives to fossil fuels for our energy needs. Some alternatives have been found, but so far there is nothing as efficient and easy to use as fossil fuels.
Solar energy is energy produced by the sun. The
advantages of solar energy are that it is a
renewable resource, it is free and is nonpolluting.
However, there is no practical method of collecting
the sun’s energy.
Geothermal energy is energy produced from the heat
of the earth’s interior. Geothermal energy is also
free and nonpolluting. However, there are only
a few places where heat from the earth’s hot interior
comes close enough to the earth’s surface to be used
for energy.
Nuclear energy produces heat by splitting atoms.
However, this process produces radioactive waste.
Disposal of this radioactive waste is the major
problem with nuclear energy.
Wind and water can also be sources of energy. Wind
has been used for centuries to sail ships, pump water
and cut wood at sawmills. Falling water has also long
been used to spin turbines to produce energy.
Oil shale is a very fine-grained sedimentary rock that
contains enough organic matter to yield a significant
amount of oil. Although there is a large supply of oil
shale that could be recovered, it is more expensive to
produce than fossil fuels. Additionally, large amounts
of water are required to produce this fuel.
Thursday, March 01, 2007
How to Combat a Bully
by Grace
First of all the word combat means to fight off. (That doesn’t mean fight back.) Now, how to combat a bully. When you combat a bully, you should use shut downs such as: stop, that’s mean, that’s not cool, and that makes you look bad. You should also say like…I don’t like it when.(Example: I don’t like it when you call me mean names. Just stop.) Also, try to ignore them.(They may not work for some people.) Try to compromise. An example would be, If you stop hitting me , I wont tell on you anymore.
One thing you may not want to do is, do exactly what the bully is doing to you. Like, calling you mean names, hitting/kicking you, or annoying you on purpose. Try to be kind.
There are other ways to combat a bully. One way is to let a teacher or staff member know. BUT, if it happens more than once, TELL THE SAME TEACHER OR STAFF MEMBER! If you don’t tell the same teacher or staff member, that person will think it only happened once.(Which wouldn’t be true.) Another way would be, just walk away, and turn your back to the bully. That will let the bully know that you’re not enjoying that, and that they should stop whatever it was they were doing. Also you can solve the conflict by yourselves. But, if you can’t solve the conflict by your selves don’t be embarrassed, because it is a bully! They can be stubborn, or hard to work with sometimes (don’t worry it happens). Try to treat people the way you want to be treated, even though you should NEVER treat people unkindly.
So, I think you all know now how to combat a bully. Try to keep the world a kind place!!
Louis Braille
by Morgan
Louis Braille lived in Coupvray, France. When he was 3 he was playing with an awl, a sharp pointed tool. The awl slipped and hit him in the eye. Later it got infected. After that, the infection spread into his other eye. When he was 10 he went to the Royal Institute of Blind Youth in Paris. At the institute, he learned arithmetic, grammar, geography, history and music. Louis liked to read but the only books they had were in raised print which was really hard to read. In 1821, when Louis was 12 years old, Captain Charles Barbier came to the Institute. Captain Barbier had created a way for his soldiers to write notes to each other in the dark. This was called night writing and used patterns of dots that stood for sounds. This is how Louis first got the idea to use dots to help the blind to read. Louis worked with night writing for 3 years but it was too difficult because there are so many sounds in the French language. Then he came up with the idea to have patterns of dots stand for letters instead of sounds. This would be much easier because there are only 26 letters. Louis had invented the Braille alphabet. He was just 15 years old.
It took many years for the Braille alphabet to be accepted. It first began to be recognized in 1844 when it was demonstrated at the grand opening of the Institute’s new building. Louis was 35 years old when this happened but he was very sick. He had tuberculosis, a bad lung disease. Louis Braille died on January 6, 1852. Not one newspaper in Paris printed the story of his death.
Louis Braille lived in Coupvray, France. When he was 3 he was playing with an awl, a sharp pointed tool. The awl slipped and hit him in the eye. Later it got infected. After that, the infection spread into his other eye. When he was 10 he went to the Royal Institute of Blind Youth in Paris. At the institute, he learned arithmetic, grammar, geography, history and music. Louis liked to read but the only books they had were in raised print which was really hard to read. In 1821, when Louis was 12 years old, Captain Charles Barbier came to the Institute. Captain Barbier had created a way for his soldiers to write notes to each other in the dark. This was called night writing and used patterns of dots that stood for sounds. This is how Louis first got the idea to use dots to help the blind to read. Louis worked with night writing for 3 years but it was too difficult because there are so many sounds in the French language. Then he came up with the idea to have patterns of dots stand for letters instead of sounds. This would be much easier because there are only 26 letters. Louis had invented the Braille alphabet. He was just 15 years old.
It took many years for the Braille alphabet to be accepted. It first began to be recognized in 1844 when it was demonstrated at the grand opening of the Institute’s new building. Louis was 35 years old when this happened but he was very sick. He had tuberculosis, a bad lung disease. Louis Braille died on January 6, 1852. Not one newspaper in Paris printed the story of his death.
Tuesday, February 13, 2007
If it were ONLY that Easy
"I don't get it," states the student.
"You don't get what?" questioned the teacher.
"I don't know what the question is asking," declares the student.
"Well, let's read through the question one sentence at a time. When we get to the part that you don't understand, tell me," explains the teacher.
"Why can't you just tell me?" the student pleads.
The teacher leans in and whispers to the student, "Oh, if it were only that easy."
Learning takes patients, time, facing obstacles, trial and error, and understanding. The majority of questions asked in a given day are a result of vocabulary understanding(and bathroom breaks). Students don't understand what they are being asked to answer or perform the task. Teaching takes similar traits, only the understanding comes from a different view point. You need to be able to understand what it is that the student struggles with before you can help them, .... without giving the answer away.
Parents become the teachers at home. When it comes to homework and the struggles a student faces, as a parent, start with asking the question "What is it that you don't understand?" You'll find that with a little digging, it can help you understand the child's struggle. A lot of times, simply restating it in a manner that a student understands can remove the road block. Then the next time they see the question with the similar vocabulary, they begin to understand the question a bit better. Really, it's that easy.
Global Warming - Huh?
by Kelsey
What is global warming? Global warming increases Earth`s atmosphere and oceans. It does a lot of bad things to our Earth. Global warming makes the atmosphere get larger which makes the Earth hotter and hotter. We are like the plants in a green house, if the glass is to thick when the sun comes in it we can’t get out and makes the plants too hot.
What is happening to the climate?
The climate keeps on raising about 0.12-0.22 degrees Celsius every decade. If the climate keeps on rising like that it will get too hot for us. Everything in nature has a balance- not too hot not too cold. The earth needs just the right amount of climate for all the living things on earth.
What are we doing to cause global warming?
We do a lot of things to cause global warming. Some of the things we do is when every time we exhale we breathe out carbon dioxide which makes the atmosphere bigger. Also when we go into a car the gasoline does the same as the carbon dioxide. Even when garbage rots in landfills it makes methane gas and goes to the atmosphere too. Those are only some of the things we do to cause global warming.
Are there ways we can stop global warming?
- We can plant more trees to turn carbon dioxide to oxygen
- We can stop using aerosol sprays and start using pump sprays instead
- We can buy appliances that uses less energy
- We can ride your bike or walk to places
- And we can write to the Congress to tell them to help stop global warming
The Wii versus PS3
By Rocky
If you had to choose between the Nintendo Wii or the PS3 which one would you choose?
If you would choose the Wii you probably want to try something different, and you like the idea of working up a little sweat while gaming. But if you would go out and buy a PS3(Playstation 3) then you are probably looking to rival your friend’s Xbox 360 by rocking out with great graphics. The PS3 is expensive, but it’s a pretty awesome gaming machine. For price wise in buying one of these systems is okay.
The Wii is $249.99. The PS3 is $499 for a 20 GB hard drive or $599 for a 60 GB hard drive with Wi-Fi and Memory Stick slot. The Nintendo Wii was started from scratch, overhauling the last design and controllers of it’s last release, the GameCube. But the PS3 looks similar to Sony’s first two models, including the shape and design of the controllers. But it has built in hard drive space, an Internet card, and enhanced graphics.
When using the Wii controller, you can mimic the motion you would make while playing a sport in real life. Swing the controller like a tennis racket or guide it like a bowling ball down the alley. The PS3 has the most complete video, audio, and gameplay package of any system to date. The graphics are unreal.
The Wii comes with the Wii Sports package. It includes tennis, baseball, golf, bowling, and boxing. There is no charge for playing your games online. You can also transfer content between the PSP and the PS3.
If you got the Wii, then you wouldn’t need to go buy a GameCube because the Wii can play all of your GameCube games. You can also download classic games from the NES, SNES, and the N64. And, using the wireless Internet card, you can not only connect to gamers around the world, but also connect wirelessly to your Nintendo DS.
PS3 games will come on all new Blu-ray discs. That means more realistic and fluid graphics, brighter colors, and crisper edges on high-definition TV’s. The discs also can store five times the amount of data that a standard DVD can.
The Wii beats the Playstation 3 (PS3) in number of consoles sold in December, according to the NPD Group. The Nintendo Wii sold about 605,000 Wii consoles, while Sony’s PS3 sold about 500,000. But you choose which one you want.
Rosa Parks: A Civil Rights Hero
by Joe
Rosa Parks was a civil rights hero because she refused to give up her seat on the bus to a white person. Back then it was a law that black people had to give up their seat to white people. So the bus driver, James F. Blake called the police and she was arrested. While the police man took her away she asked” Why do you push us around?” The officer answered” I don’t know, but a law’s a law, and you’re under arrest.”
Rosa Parks’ actions triggered the Montgomery bus boycott. For 382 days black people carpooled, traveled in cabs, and walked. For months dozens of public buses stood unused, hurting the company. On December 21, 1956 the law requiring segregation on public buses was removed.
This makes Rosa a hero to people of color because they were finally being treated fairly on the buses. I think she was courageous in not giving up her seat. I would consider her a role model because she teaches us that sometimes we need to take a stand.
Tuesday, February 06, 2007
Brrrrrrrrrrr-ring on School
With the entire county shut down for below zero temperatures, our school opened it's doors and cranked up the heat (in the rooms that didn't have busted pipes). The kids were less than enthusiastic about coming to school (but hey, that would be on any given day with the exclusion of holiday parties, first day of school, and last day of school). Let's just agree that it's human nature to want to have a free day, every day of the year. They call this retirement. Although I know some grandparents who need the free time to schedule all the activities in which their grandchildren are involved.
"Who's idea was it to have school?" announces one child as they enter the door.
"I believe the concept dates back to the early settlers," was my reply.
"My parents are not happy about this," brings up another.
"Here's a note from my mom about us being at school with the temperature being so low," proclaims a third.
"Aside from the fact that we missed out on a 'snow day' (darn it), aren't we all safe and sound? Don't we have heat? Can't we still function?" I received no response.
The one thing that I learned early on in life was to adapt, to deal, and to overcome. Adapt to the fact we are the one school district in session; deal with what must be done from this point on; overcome the feeling of being out of a snow day and move on. When I was growing up, adults had a word for those who couldn't do these three things - whiners. It may not be a word that is politically correct to say to children today because we may bruise an ego or bring down self-esteem, but it is a word that gets to the heart of the matter.
Whining doesn't help anything. Complaining won't change the fact that a decision has been made. Now having said all this,... I have to go and put my gloves back on because I'm losing feeling in my fingers.
Friday, February 02, 2007
Prepare for the SNOW
Students are going outside without boots. I know, .... seems a little strange since our snow fall has reached over 30 inches.
The policy of our school is simple - kids go outside. A few years ago we use to have the blacktop area plowed and those without boots could stay on the blacktop and play; however, as of last year, plowing was stopped and there is nothing but snow everywhere. Just walking out the door to the playground is an uphill climb in some parts.
Kids come in from recess complaining of cold feet, which eventually turns into wet, cold feet. They look at the teachers with disbelief of 'how could we put them through such pain.'
When asking the students where their boots are, the typical response has been, “I forgot them at home. So can I stay in?”
Spelling Week of February 5, 2007
Words with Inflected Endings:
tasted
ripping
forced
flipping
tapped
cared
flagged
ripped
skipped
tapping
saved
skipping
caring
flagging
discussed
saving
tasting
forcing
discussing
REVIEW WORDS
bedspread
desktop
snowstorm
CHALLENGE
outwitted
underscoring
tasted
ripping
forced
flipping
tapped
cared
flagged
ripped
skipped
tapping
saved
skipping
caring
flagging
discussed
saving
tasting
forcing
discussing
REVIEW WORDS
bedspread
desktop
snowstorm
CHALLENGE
outwitted
underscoring
Thursday, January 25, 2007
What A Guy Wants
Roosevelt is once again hosting a silent auction. Last year our class participated in the designer chair project. This year our focus has turned to a 'gift basket.' However, the catch is, it's for a MAN! How many times have you been to an auction before to find a basket that caters to the Man of the House? I'm guessing that it's been slim to none.
We need help from all the guys out there. In order to insure our basket is a success, we don't want to forget anything - jot us note, post a comment..... what items would be in the perfect gift basket?
We need help from all the guys out there. In order to insure our basket is a success, we don't want to forget anything - jot us note, post a comment..... what items would be in the perfect gift basket?
Sunday, January 14, 2007
Parent Conference Time - SPRING
This Spring, Lakeshore is hosting a 'Request Basis' style of conference. There are really three types of requests for the conference: 1.) Parent Request, 2.) Teacher Request, and 3.) Academic / Social Concerns.
The parent request is design for parents to have the opportunity to request a conference with the teacher. A parent might feel the need to check in and see how the academic or social progress of their child is progressing.
The teacher request is design for teachers to touch base with parents they may be out of touch with/ not spoke with in a while. It's a great opportunity to reconnect between school and home.
The academic / social request is a wonderful opportunity to get everyone on the same page for academic or social success. It's a terrific chance for a plan to be discussed to meet success.
The parent request is design for parents to have the opportunity to request a conference with the teacher. A parent might feel the need to check in and see how the academic or social progress of their child is progressing.
The teacher request is design for teachers to touch base with parents they may be out of touch with/ not spoke with in a while. It's a great opportunity to reconnect between school and home.
The academic / social request is a wonderful opportunity to get everyone on the same page for academic or social success. It's a terrific chance for a plan to be discussed to meet success.
It's Golden in OT!
Growing up in Southwestern Michigan, you are more than likely aligned with the Chicago Bears then your are with the Detroit Lions. Unless you grew up in the 70's,.... then we allow a little cheering for the Cowboys. With Romo and the boys taking a 1 yard bow and the Lions giving their all to a 'close but no cigar' season, the Bears are due their shuffle.
Since I can remember the moment I actually sat down and cheered on a team, it has been the Chicago Bears. Thanks to the antenna,.... in the early 70's, Chicago wins the hearts of the southwest in Michigan with Chigago progamming.
The last glimmer of hope with Bear ball came in the mid 80's with a decisive win for the Super Bowl Championship! It was as if the 'Black and Blue' league was once and for all getting their due. The 'Monster of Midway' became Americas team and we their cheering section.
Now the 'shuffle' once again is reborn with the number 2 defense in the NFL and the scary factor of Grossman; which can bring a team from superior to well,..... Gross. He has the potential to lead a team to a championship, or to the brink of despair. However, despite the 'Gross' factor, we have the golden boy in Gould! In other words,..if Grossman can get him close enough, he can knock it down. In overtime, Gould (pronounced GOLD) was every bit his worth. The Bears are in the NFC finals and looking at a Super Bowl birth. How sweet it is..... a chance for my blood pressure to soar and yelling at Grossman to reach an all time high. I say, BRING IT! After all, whether it be the Superbowl Shuffle or the leg of Gould, it's the Super Bowl all the same. Go Bears!!
Since I can remember the moment I actually sat down and cheered on a team, it has been the Chicago Bears. Thanks to the antenna,.... in the early 70's, Chicago wins the hearts of the southwest in Michigan with Chigago progamming.
The last glimmer of hope with Bear ball came in the mid 80's with a decisive win for the Super Bowl Championship! It was as if the 'Black and Blue' league was once and for all getting their due. The 'Monster of Midway' became Americas team and we their cheering section.
Now the 'shuffle' once again is reborn with the number 2 defense in the NFL and the scary factor of Grossman; which can bring a team from superior to well,..... Gross. He has the potential to lead a team to a championship, or to the brink of despair. However, despite the 'Gross' factor, we have the golden boy in Gould! In other words,..if Grossman can get him close enough, he can knock it down. In overtime, Gould (pronounced GOLD) was every bit his worth. The Bears are in the NFC finals and looking at a Super Bowl birth. How sweet it is..... a chance for my blood pressure to soar and yelling at Grossman to reach an all time high. I say, BRING IT! After all, whether it be the Superbowl Shuffle or the leg of Gould, it's the Super Bowl all the same. Go Bears!!
Wednesday, January 10, 2007
Top Ten Responses to "Where's Your Homework?"
10. I left my homework in my desk therefore I couldn't take it home and do it.
9. My mom is still working on it. She sent a note asking for an extension.
8. My what?
7. I couldn't remember what page I was suppose to do so I drew this picture for you to keep. Can I get extra credit for the drawing?
6. I had a game last night. I NEVER do homework on a game night. Could you please see to it that this doesn't happen again?
5. I just put it in my desk 5 minutes ago and now it's gone!
4. I already turned it in like three weeks ago.
3. My big brother needed something to turn into his teacher so I gave him mine.
2. I sold it on the playground to make a profit.
and the number 1 response....
The human mind can only remeber 20% of what it learns in a day. How am I suppose to remember my homework?!
9. My mom is still working on it. She sent a note asking for an extension.
8. My what?
7. I couldn't remember what page I was suppose to do so I drew this picture for you to keep. Can I get extra credit for the drawing?
6. I had a game last night. I NEVER do homework on a game night. Could you please see to it that this doesn't happen again?
5. I just put it in my desk 5 minutes ago and now it's gone!
4. I already turned it in like three weeks ago.
3. My big brother needed something to turn into his teacher so I gave him mine.
2. I sold it on the playground to make a profit.
and the number 1 response....
The human mind can only remeber 20% of what it learns in a day. How am I suppose to remember my homework?!
Fun For Kids
Looking for an engaging and educational site with loads of links to further your development and have some fun at the same time?
Kathy Schrock and Discovery School have the site for you. I personally can't wait to check out the 'Information Please Factmonster' and ' Wacky Web Tales' site built on Madlibs!
Each week I hope to bring you something new and interesting on the web to try out. But why stop there? If you have a great site for kids that you would like to recommend, drop a note in the comments section and I'll check it out.
Tuesday, January 09, 2007
Gender Issue
I had coffee this morning to a report on television that said that males now make up just over 30% of the educational population of the K-12 system. The top reason more men have not become educators is because men can earn more money in our society outside of the educational system. OUCH. More money!
Than I came to an epiphany. Is that what my profession has come to? Money?? Of course not .... so here's the top ten reasons for being a male teacher.
10. Dibs on lost and found clothing
9. A free membership to the high school weight room
8. The biggest desk in the room
7. Snack time where sharing with the teacher is allowed
6. Endless supply of reading material
5. You always have the correct answers
4. Moms with baked goods and birthday treats
3. You know when it's a drill or when the fire is real
2. Everyone notices when you get a haircut ....., or shave
1. Whenever there's a staff athletic event, you seldom get picked last!
Than I came to an epiphany. Is that what my profession has come to? Money?? Of course not .... so here's the top ten reasons for being a male teacher.
10. Dibs on lost and found clothing
9. A free membership to the high school weight room
8. The biggest desk in the room
7. Snack time where sharing with the teacher is allowed
6. Endless supply of reading material
5. You always have the correct answers
4. Moms with baked goods and birthday treats
3. You know when it's a drill or when the fire is real
2. Everyone notices when you get a haircut ....., or shave
1. Whenever there's a staff athletic event, you seldom get picked last!
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