Mysterious Teaching

One week and counting to August 1st.

MysteryTeacher — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 02:17:00 GMT

If course I will be back on Monday, but that is because they were supposed to add cabinets to our rooms and I will have to unpack a lot of junk.

Meanwhile I am busy making word cards and letter cards and sound cards... Cards! Cards! Cards! I could just copy the cards on the copy machine but it would waste most of the tag board and I don't want to do that. So, I bought MOON CARDS at Papers Plus and am making my own. These cards are great. They are playing card size and have rounded corners and can be shuffled like a real deck of cards. I have been using them for years but Papers Plus is the only place I can find them.

Right now I am writing 344 High Frequency words on cards of Cherry Color. I am sort of getting sick of this and I should have done this 2 weeks ago when I brought them home but NOOOOooooo I had to be lazy. Now I am paying.

Oh, well, at least it is keeping me busy.

The ABC's of handwashing

MysteryTeacher — Mon, 21 Jul 2008 20:44:00 GMT

Think back...do you remember how you were taught to wash your hands?

I do. Singing ABCDEFG... Yep, that his how I was taught. You sing the ABC song and when you are done, you can rinse your hands. It is about two minutes. Do we really give kids two minutes towash their hands when there are 30 kids in line?

It takes some kids so long that we end up hurrying them. I guess we need to slow down. Why should we teach them to rely on sanitizing lotion when they should learn to wash their hands properly.

It is time for a little Grossology. Showing them what is on their hands when they don't wash their hands. Maybe that will make an impact.

Yummmmm, I smell my brats cooking. I am going...

Washing our hands? Oh poop!

MysteryTeacher — Mon, 21 Jul 2008 03:04:00 GMT

I guess we need to take over the parents job of teaching students the importance of washing their hands with SOAP and water. Cryptosporidium, a parasite, has been making the rounds of pools and water parks here in Phoenix. At least 27 people became sick and that was only the reported cases. What is the cause? The department of health thinks that the problem is kids who don't wash their hands after going to the bathroom. (Or possibly using the pool as a toilet?) Anyway, it is caused by poop.

We had 27 pools closed on a very hot week. Then Tempe had to get into the act because they found it at a water park. Not washing hands? Do we need to stand at the doors of the bathrooms and make sure they wash their hands? Or should we have to provide hand sanitizer? You remember hand sanitizer, a little girl licked it off her hands and got drunk and ended up in the hospital.

Why, oh why don't parents take just a little time to teach their children a little bit about being clean and healthy. Why did hundreds and hundreds of children have to suffer in the heat because parents didn't teach about sanitary concerns. I know that it will be on the bill for the first day of school in my class.

Using the pool as a giant toilet...GROSS!!!

Do you get to work early and leave late?

MysteryTeacher — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 02:56:00 GMT

I have learned through the years that I work better before and after school. You are right when you say that many teachers use their planning time to do errands. But, that is also part of planning time. Sometimes it is the only time you can run these school errands when other teachers are there.

We had many teachers who come to school before 6:00 in the morning. I don't get there until 6:30 or 7:00. I like working when the building is fairly empty. I also like to stay late at the copy machine because that is usually the only time it is available. We are supposed to get another one next year for the work room. I will believe it when I see it.

It makes the day longer but then I feel justified when I have to leave right after the buses to get to a doctor appointment in time. It is a 45 minute drive for me. I do plan some during my planning time. We had a team meeting every week but usually one or other of the teachers didn't bother to show up. It got frustrating. Then, once when I forgot the meeting and was called to the office, boy did I hear about that. Oh, well. I am human.

My goal this year will be to do a better job on student documentation. I usually only do it when I am having a problem with a student. I think every child should have a documentation sheet for the parents to see.

Our planning time is the children's specials time. If the specials teacher is absent, we lose our planning time because they usually don't hire subs for specials teachers. We just have to deal with it.

We have also had to split classes when subs werent' available. We are not paid for that. Junior high and high school are paid extra if they give up their planning time for subbing. It doesn't really seem fair. Again, Oh, well.

Early the school is quiet. Late it is empty because everyone else leaves on time. That is the best time to work.

I made a time capsule!

MysteryTeacher — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 02:51:00 GMT

That's right, I made a one-year time capsul for my class for this year. I am going to take pictures of them the first day of school and have them fill out some questions on their likes and dislikes and we will put it away for the last week of school. We will do some math and reading to add to the capsule that will show how much we learned during the year. I am really excited about it.

I have tried to talk the school into doing one but no one was really interested. I think that is sad. Does anyone have any ideas about other things I can add to my capsule for the kids?

How much planning time do you get?

MysteryTeacher — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 03:10:00 GMT

It is a very big deal at our district. Everyone thinks they are cheated in planning time. I listen to the high school and middle school teachers say they need a planning period for every subject they teach. Really?

When I taught 7th and 8th grades, I didn't get a planning time at all. They needed someone to teach yearbook and since it was $500 extra, I took it. It totally wasn't worth the money. But, I had two little girls to support and no help for my ex and I did everything I could to make an extra buck. I still managed to get my planning done.

At the elementary school, we used to get planning time 3 times a week. Thirty minutes at a time. That was it and we had 7 or 8 different subjects to prep for. I just came early and left late. The elementary teachers at that time only complained when they over-heard the high school complaining. (We used to be all together on one campus and we hung out together.)

Now, I feel grateful to have 30-40 minutes each day for planning. I am thankful not to have my team anymore so I can actually do my planning instead of their planning. I am not quite sure how this year will lay out, but I am excited even though we will only have 4 specials.

Recess part 2

MysteryTeacher — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 03:04:00 GMT

Several people commented about PE. Yes, I forgot to add that in. Last year we had specials at the same time every day. We had PR twice a week, Library, Music and Computers for 40 minutes each.

This year, however, they have downsized the Computer Tech job and we will be required to teach it ourselves. In Arizona, there are state standards that the kids have to learn. By 5th grade they are tested on them. This is frightening because we have teachers who can barely run a computer. What are their kids going to learn?

Education no longer has Art in elementary. We don't have Computers. What else are they getting rid of? For the last several years we didn't have a music teacher at our school. We do now because of parent complaints. I don't know how to get parents more active in this without getting myself in trouble.

I am able to teach computers. I have been taking tech classes since 1997, the first time my daugghter had to go to the Persian Gulf. I am learning everything I can. Most teachers don't even know how to print their class list out from the Attendance program. This is very sad.

To recess or not to recess...

MysteryTeacher — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 04:33:00 GMT

This is a biggie at our school. The district does not approve of elementary recess after 2nd grade. If you do, you have to take the kids out yourself and do your own duty. They do get a 45 minute lunch time. 20 minutes for eating and the rest for playing. I have been teaching fourth and fifth grade for 20 years and for at least 15 of them, I have not done recess. Here is how it goes.

10 minutes before recess the kids start loosening up and putting their stuff away, talking and goofing off. They are done working. Recess comes. I remind them to get drinks and go to the bathroom during recess. Of course they don't. Recess is 15 minutes. Either I blow my own whistle or I go to pick them up because the other teachers are standing around just talking and not paying attention to the playground at all. That is when they head for the bathroom, sneak off to get drinks etc. I takes about 5 minutes to get them in line. Then we walk back to the classroom. By the time we get back to the classroom, AND settle down in our seats, we have lost at least 30 minutes.

This is time our district thinks we should be teaching and on task. I gave up the battle years ago and I take my kids for a bathroom break and drinks and back to class. We only use up about 10 minutes that way. My class never knows when our break will be so they don't quit working. I also let them go as needed when I am not teaching.

Many teachers take their classes out for morning and afternoon recess. That is an hour off task each day. We only have 2 hours in the afternoon anyway and at least 20 minutes is used to prepare for the end of the day. Backpacks, homework, cleaning the room, trash, etc.

Where are they finding the time for recess? Well, they don't teach Science and Social Studies every day like I do. They complain about not having enough time to get everything in. So, they just don't teach it. We are mandated to teach reading so many minutes, reading intervention so many minutes, math so many minutes and if you add recess, that is the entire day.

In Arizona, we are tested on Science on the AIMS test. My kids got science almost every single day. I have no clue what the others did.

Do other elementary schools still do recess? How do you handle it?

Attention! All you new and future teachers!

MysteryTeacher — Fri, 11 Jul 2008 01:50:00 GMT

One thing I forgot to add to the list is probably one of the best ones I have. I keep a memory book with class pictures of every class. I also keep some of the best lessons I have taught and a (very emptish) journal of memories.

I actually post the class pictures of every class I have had over the last 22 years on my wall. There some of the kids can locate their parents. Weird, Huh?

I also turned my classroom into a rainforest one year. Green net over the ceiling, all the supports became tree trunks and I made branches and leaves all along the edges of the walls at the ceilings. Every fact the students learned, they wrote on a leaf or bug or animal and added to the walls. It was incredible. The class gathered up pennies for the rainforest and it was donated to the Rainforest Alliance and acres of land was purchased in Costa Rica to preserve the rainforest. They collected $400.00 in pennies and that purchased 4 acres. The class that did it? Their kids wanted to know if we were going to do it again. It wasn't just my memory.

Keep a scrap book or something with your memories. It may not seem much now, but after 22 years, it is fantastic.

Future teachers part 2

MysteryTeacher — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 20:47:00 GMT

I just want you to know that I am sitting here at my computer 3 weeks before I go back to work and looking through magazines like "Really Good Stuff", "Carson-Dellosa" and "Teacher Created Resources" but I am not ordering things. I am taking their ideas and creating my own on the computer and then I will email it to my school address and print it out and glue or whatever and put them together at school.

OKAY! I lied, I did order one thing for my classroom. I ordered chair shelves that go under the chairs so the students don't put their junk on the floor. Our desks are really small and the books don't all fit in them let alone all their stuff. I am hoping this relieves the problem.

However, I am making items for my classroom. I loved the idea of flip signs that they put on their desk that say stuff like "I am working fine." or " I need help now." or I need help but I am able to keep working." I am making these for my class. I think that is fantastic. I have noticed that some children are afraid to come up to the desk or even raise their hand when they need help. Signs are a low-key way to let the teacher know they are in need of your help.

I am also making a list of fantastic ideas that I can use in my room. There is one where the students put a quilt together with 6 inch cardstock and yarn. I haven't decided whether to have each student make one during the year, or have the class put one together as a whole. Maybe I should have each student make one but have the other students in the room write positive things in their squares? I will come up with the write (right) idea as I go along.

My nieces both teach at a charter school. They have "Cottages" at their school. Each grade level focuses on one Thematic Unit and learn their standards through that. They have one cottage a semister. They also have dedicated time to work on projects and ideas that go with the cottage. I might look at my new ELL program and see what I can do like that. They won't be able to read the text book but they can do the experiements and activities that go with it. and I can turn it into a cottage idea.

Even those of us who have been around a long time often have nightmares on the first day of school. I still have the same nightmare every single year. I dream that the class ignores me and I can't get their attention. Let me just say for the record...It ain't never gonna happen.

For All you Future and First year teachers...

MysteryTeacher — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 01:28:00 GMT

Florida Reads has activities for all the grades. You don't have to invent them you just take your reading vocabulary and concepts and put your own stuff into the activities. I even like leaving their vocabulary in and just adding mine because in just increases their vocabulary. http://www.fcrr.org/forTeachers.htm You can use these ideas to create the most amazing activities and centers for your students. You will have to make them though.

I also use edhelper.com a lot. You have to pay for it but you can get other teachers to go in with you and share the cost. I don't know if that is legal but it sure is cheaper.

Don't just focus on experienced teachers. I found some fantastic new ideas from brand spanking new teachers. Find a group or team and work together. It can really help you get through the year.

IMMEDIATELY get some file folders and save every idea you use or hear. Even if it doesn't work. It just didn't work with this group, it may work with a different one or can be adjusted. I have never had an identical year in 22 years of teaching. I am FINALLY getting rid of things because I am still collecting things.

Don't forget your curriculum director at your district or school. They are trained to help you out. Just remember to be really nice to them. That always helps.

When you get tired and frustrated, GO HOME! (after school of course) It will still be there tomorrow. Take some time for yourself. Get away from the stress. We had teachers who stressed so much that they were literally sick all year. One teacher actually OWED the district at the end of the year. Don't let that happen to you. Step back. Re-evaluate what you are doing. Is it worth your health to do it? Never.

If you get far behind in grading: do scan grading - look over the paper and if it looks fine or is complete give the student points. Or pick one problem and grade that one only and give the students points. Use file 13 (trash can) if you really have to. Do not feel you have to grade every paper. Remember, Most of them are practice. Grade quizes or tests and give points for completed assignments if necessary. Or have to students do ONE graded assignment every week. Don't tell them which one will be graded.

Here's wishing you a fantastic year. Linda

ELL underload?

MysteryTeacher — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 20:24:00 GMT

Get ready, Get set, WAIT!

I went to school to meet the new ELL director. They cannot give me the new curriculum because I have to be, get this, INSERVICED before I can have the teacher editions. They will not do that until the week before school starts. In fact, the director will be on vacation until then. I was lucky to meet her today. This is her last week before her vacation.

Here I was, ready to go and waiting until July to get the information I needed. I was told we would be meeting in July to be let in on the changes. It isn't like I haven't been teaching for 22 years already.

She was very nice. I am ready to work and now I have to wait again? Finally, she gave me a set of the student books to view. She actually let me take them home. I don't have to inservice with the other teachers. I will be in a group with just ELL teachers. It should be interesting.

Let's inservice the parents!

MysteryTeacher — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 19:35:00 GMT

I have been through every kind of inservice imaginable. I am done raising my own children. Many of the inservices are on things that should be taught at home. I say...Let's inservice the parents!

Character, Manners, Bullying, Responsibility, Sex education,...all of these things should be taught at home. Schools should NOT be teaching these things. We should be able to stick to the curriculum without all the little pony side shows.

When I was a kid, if I got caught doing something naughty, I was embarassed for myself. If I got spanked at school, I got spanked when I got home too. Believe me, I never got spanked at school. It wasn't worth two spankings.

(Now, I know many peoples view on spanking and I don't want to even go into that here)

I believed in the Japanese thing where if you did something bad, it reflected on your parents. It does. It should. They should be responsible for the upbringing of their children. I know it is a busy world, but you brought the children into it and you should be held accountable for raising decent, good children. That means Manners, Character, No Bullying, telling your kids about Sex, and teach them to accept the responsibilities that come with being their next generation.

This, of course, means that parents need to be attending the inservices and not the teachers. I think it is a good idea. What do you think?

Bullying will happen in old age too...

MysteryTeacher — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 19:22:00 GMT

My sister and her husband have had to put his parents in a assisted living facility. They cannot take care of themselves anymore. Actually, Tom can but Carol can't and he resented having to take care of her. After all, she was the wife and she was supposed to take care of him.

He was a bully as a child. He bullied the servants. (must be nice to even have servants) However, he also bullied his wife most of her life. Now, he is angry because she had a stroke and she has diabetes and can't take care of herself. She is like a 5 year-old. He refused to get up in the morning and check her blood or give her the needed medications. Hence, the assisted living facility.

Now, he has "servants" again to bully. And he does. He makes demands. He is unreasonable and an SOB. The nursing facility called my brother-in-law and told them to find a new place to put them. They will not accept that kind of treatment.

Yes, he has been told and warned about his behavior. However, he feels that is what servants are for. He is paying them after all.

The doctor has said that he has reverted back to his childhood where bullying the help was acceptable. It is no longer acceptable and he is being thrown out of his facility. Now my brother-in-law and sister have to start the search all over again.

This is a huge problem. If children are allowed to bully when young, they are going to revert to it when they are old too. We really need to show children and their parents that this in not acceptable behavior at any time. We need the administration to set decent policies and follow through with them no matter what.

If the parents want to sue the schools, let them and pray they lose and learn a lesson. I am tired of giving in to parents because they can't do their job and teach their children manners and hold them accountable for their behavior.

Once a bully...always a bully. We have to stop the cycle now.

Out of pocket part 2...

MysteryTeacher — Sun, 29 Jun 2008 17:55:00 GMT

This is for you first year teachers who won't have the money or resources yet when you begin your new career. BEG, BORROW, STEAL! Begin by going to experienced teachers in your district and asking them for assistance and ideas to begin your classrooms. Borrow books from the library to have extra reading materials. Also, I got a lot of mine from garage sales. Don't spend a lot of money you don't have. Make copies of materials that you can. Don't worry about bulletin boards, most districts these days want Focus walls now.

Put out the word in your district that if a teacher is throwing ANYTHING away, you will come and get it. Even if it is not your grade level. Then you can start to trade with it. You don't need a completely covered classroom. Let the students fill it up. Have them bring things for the walls. These are the most interesting walls anyway.

I used to belong to a bulletin board club and got pre-made boards for about 2 years. I finally gave them to my niece. I just don't do bulletin boards. She uses them all the time. I would rather have the kids work up.

Steal ideas from everyone! That is part of being a teacher. Use your creative energy and make the idea your own. Most schools have dye cut machines so you can make your letters and such. You can also make banners and things on the computer. (Aren't computers wonderful?)

Some districts give first year teachers an amount of money to begin their classrooms. Check into that before you spend out of pocket.

Finally, join a teacher web site like edhelper.com . It doesn't cost that much and you can make all kinds of worksheets and activities on them. Plus, you can use what others have made too. These sites are well worth the small amount you have to pay to be a member.

Remember, I have spent a lot of money on my classroom and ended up giving a lot of it away. Be frugal and smart about what you spend.