01-22-10
How can I resist? Another palindrome. As Aureol, my friend, said: "Palindromic symmetry!"
I taught 'palindromic symmetry' to one of the jr hi classes, and a girl said: "It's like 'race car'." She listened in her language arts class. The kids definitely knew 'palindrome.'
We played bingo today with the multiplication table. I drew the answer from a pile of numbers, and the kids found the multiplication problem on their cards. It worked well. We all ended up calling out all the possible problems, such as: 12 equals: 2 x 6, 6 x 2, 3 x 4, and 4 x 3.
We do a timed tests over the times table each Monday. They are arranged Eagle Creek Elementary style--thanks to Jan Jaquay. I use numerals 2 through 9, making 64 answers. It is all scrambled. I put the numerals vertically in a column, while the multiplier is one column over at the top. There are eight of these sets, and students get 3 minutes to write the answers below the multiplier next to the numerals. Usually the kids get half or less.
I have one boy who gets it perfect every time. He can now do it in 2 minutes and 25 seconds. Another boy is close behind. If anyone is interested in getting a copy to try, I have plenty. Each week I make up a new one.
I will always be thankful to Jan Jaquay for her high standards as principal. She is now retired, but as I taught math in the high school, and whenever students knew answers to a multiplication problem without a calculator, I asked if they went to Eagle Creek, the answer was nearly always yes!
How to teach basic skills is what I face every day. This is my job teaching the math lab class. That and the math standards for the state of Oregon. State tests are coming up this week, and kids get so nervous taking tests. I cheer them on!!
Haiti is still strongly keeping my interest. It hurts to see people hurting so badly!
May God meet their needs and keep the children and orphans safe and fed!
Friday, January 22, 2010
Friday, January 15, 2010
Haiti's Children
1/15/2010
Yesterday was the anniversay of my mother's death in 1977. 33 years and I still miss her. I have outlived her age and her father's age. Her mother lived to 82, and on my father's side 80-90 years of age was normal. I do have a great-aunt on mom's side who lived to 95. She was known as Aunt Ollie, and I was referred to as little Aunt Ollie.
My father passed away February 14, 2005. Four short months after my father-in-law's death.
This week I think I started out having more compassion on my students. Then the Haiti earthquake struck 3 days ago.
The people of Haiti will always remember January 12, 2010. What a way to start a new year. That date will forever be etched upon their minds.
I know what post traumatic stress will do to the Haitians. Cambodians who lived through Pol Pot's regime experience it still. A very poor country hit by severe adversity. Parallels abound between the two countries and the people--expecially the children.
As you can tell, it is heavy on my mind. I suppose it is from feeling helpless and from realizing the enormity of the consequences. A wave of effect from the earthquake is spreading to nearby poor countries already. This is not going to go away.
Back to what I am able to do. I can pray. I can send encouraging notes. I can give. I wish I could go help, but there are more able people going.
Now to the kids in my classes. What will go through their minds as they see images on the news or internet or newspapers. Some are already very poor and even homeless--couch-surfing or sleeping in cars.
Math seems so unimportant right now. But today I was reminded it is a tool to become better educated and be ready for a better job. One girl refused to believe that and refused to learn. I had her go back to her class. The boy in the class could see the possibilities and he worked hard.
A half an hour later, a boy in the next room became very beligerent and agressive, and he was removed. I talked calmly with his buddy who remained, and he finally softened. I told him his hair looked good in that style, and he smiled. He listened. He took out a worksheet and began to work. He wants a diploma.
Kids in America need hope in their lives inside and outside of school. I want to do what I can to be their cheerleader and point them to all the possibilities. I would like to point them to God directly, but my life and love will suffice. It is God who gives me my life and love for people.
We have so much to sort through these days. Priorities. Core priorities.
On the news tonight, Haitian children at an orphanage were shown singing: 'Waves of mercy, waves of grace, every time I look I see your face." Diane Sawyer was really touched by their faith. I was touched by their faith--I look forward to seeing more orphanages in the news with children singing.
Mark 10:16 (New International Version)
And He took the children in His arms, put His hands on them and blessed them.
Yesterday was the anniversay of my mother's death in 1977. 33 years and I still miss her. I have outlived her age and her father's age. Her mother lived to 82, and on my father's side 80-90 years of age was normal. I do have a great-aunt on mom's side who lived to 95. She was known as Aunt Ollie, and I was referred to as little Aunt Ollie.
My father passed away February 14, 2005. Four short months after my father-in-law's death.
This week I think I started out having more compassion on my students. Then the Haiti earthquake struck 3 days ago.
The people of Haiti will always remember January 12, 2010. What a way to start a new year. That date will forever be etched upon their minds.
I know what post traumatic stress will do to the Haitians. Cambodians who lived through Pol Pot's regime experience it still. A very poor country hit by severe adversity. Parallels abound between the two countries and the people--expecially the children.
As you can tell, it is heavy on my mind. I suppose it is from feeling helpless and from realizing the enormity of the consequences. A wave of effect from the earthquake is spreading to nearby poor countries already. This is not going to go away.
Back to what I am able to do. I can pray. I can send encouraging notes. I can give. I wish I could go help, but there are more able people going.
Now to the kids in my classes. What will go through their minds as they see images on the news or internet or newspapers. Some are already very poor and even homeless--couch-surfing or sleeping in cars.
Math seems so unimportant right now. But today I was reminded it is a tool to become better educated and be ready for a better job. One girl refused to believe that and refused to learn. I had her go back to her class. The boy in the class could see the possibilities and he worked hard.
A half an hour later, a boy in the next room became very beligerent and agressive, and he was removed. I talked calmly with his buddy who remained, and he finally softened. I told him his hair looked good in that style, and he smiled. He listened. He took out a worksheet and began to work. He wants a diploma.
Kids in America need hope in their lives inside and outside of school. I want to do what I can to be their cheerleader and point them to all the possibilities. I would like to point them to God directly, but my life and love will suffice. It is God who gives me my life and love for people.
We have so much to sort through these days. Priorities. Core priorities.
On the news tonight, Haitian children at an orphanage were shown singing: 'Waves of mercy, waves of grace, every time I look I see your face." Diane Sawyer was really touched by their faith. I was touched by their faith--I look forward to seeing more orphanages in the news with children singing.
Mark 10:16 (New International Version)
And He took the children in His arms, put His hands on them and blessed them.
Monday, January 11, 2010
I Can't Resist: 01-11-10
01-11-10
Ok, I can't resist the symmetry of today's date, as written above.
One student called it 'cemetary'.
Another lower-achieving student, informed the class that if you put a mirror down the middle, it's the same. He must have been listening in math class even though he was talking. He got it!!
They learned the term 'line of symmetry'. They learned the proper name for the date written--symmetric.
All of this took place after chairs were put on the desk, during the last 20 seconds of class.
I love to teach!!
Ok, I can't resist the symmetry of today's date, as written above.
One student called it 'cemetary'.
Another lower-achieving student, informed the class that if you put a mirror down the middle, it's the same. He must have been listening in math class even though he was talking. He got it!!
They learned the term 'line of symmetry'. They learned the proper name for the date written--symmetric.
All of this took place after chairs were put on the desk, during the last 20 seconds of class.
I love to teach!!
Sunday, January 10, 2010
Teaching Junior Highers
Sunday, January 10, 2010
I really enjoy teaching high schoolers math and helping them understand their work. Much of my time is now spent teaching and reviewing algebra and geometry. I help with homework or teaching new skills. Math brings a lot of frustration to students, and I find few parents who are able to help their son or daughter in math. They were also frustrated in school with math.
I'm used to this, especially after teaching math since 1975.
I do get to do higher math at times, helping my son or his friends in their pre-cal class.
But teaching students with learning disiblities gives me, as a teacher, a lot of variety. I may be helping in any subject, even ones I am not strong in. Ones that are full of facts I never use.
So, first we try to take apart the question: what is it asking and how many parts to the answer. Then we identify key words so we can locate the information (either from class notes, the text book, or Google).
I enjoy this part of special ed teaching tremendously. It is like an adventure. And we both learn, or at least I am reminded of the facts I have forgotten.
Probably the part I do not enjoy is editing essays and projects, as you can tell from my blog. I'm a pretty good speller, but didn't quite get the hang of commas. And comma rules change from time to time. Another rule change: only one space after a period. I usually use two.
But I seem to edit way too many papers. That's ok. I can look into a student's thinking as I edit.
Teaching the jr highers has opened up a new way of looking at teaching. They are much more playful and dependent upon the teacher for a good time. I don't need my chair or computer during class. I have no opportunity to sit and take a slow breath.
My mind needs to work in overdrive. I need to change the activity every ten minutes or so.
I need caffeine. Chocolate doesn't even work--the sugar saps your energy after 30 minutes.
Caffeine is the best.
I have grown to love the jr high age. I thought this would never happen.
Dum dum suckers work well as a reward at the end of class or for correct answers when they are getting sluggish. I just tell them not to take offense.
The Bible says a student will be like his teacher after being fully trained: Luke 6:40
A student is not above his teacher, but everyone who is fully trained will be like his teacher.
I hope I am training students not only in math, but in critical thinking. I want them to become independent thinkers. I want them to have conviction that they are right in their conclusions. And I want them to learn how to know if their conclusions are right.
I want to have character that students may mimic. I want them to know what good character is. I want them to know how to love one another. And I want them to know there is a God who loves them as precious children. I want them to find God and follow Him eventually.
It is incredible that if I fully train students, they will be like me. I want to pursue the Holy One and become more like Him so it is not only math they see in me.
I really enjoy teaching high schoolers math and helping them understand their work. Much of my time is now spent teaching and reviewing algebra and geometry. I help with homework or teaching new skills. Math brings a lot of frustration to students, and I find few parents who are able to help their son or daughter in math. They were also frustrated in school with math.
I'm used to this, especially after teaching math since 1975.
I do get to do higher math at times, helping my son or his friends in their pre-cal class.
But teaching students with learning disiblities gives me, as a teacher, a lot of variety. I may be helping in any subject, even ones I am not strong in. Ones that are full of facts I never use.
So, first we try to take apart the question: what is it asking and how many parts to the answer. Then we identify key words so we can locate the information (either from class notes, the text book, or Google).
I enjoy this part of special ed teaching tremendously. It is like an adventure. And we both learn, or at least I am reminded of the facts I have forgotten.
Probably the part I do not enjoy is editing essays and projects, as you can tell from my blog. I'm a pretty good speller, but didn't quite get the hang of commas. And comma rules change from time to time. Another rule change: only one space after a period. I usually use two.
But I seem to edit way too many papers. That's ok. I can look into a student's thinking as I edit.
Teaching the jr highers has opened up a new way of looking at teaching. They are much more playful and dependent upon the teacher for a good time. I don't need my chair or computer during class. I have no opportunity to sit and take a slow breath.
My mind needs to work in overdrive. I need to change the activity every ten minutes or so.
I need caffeine. Chocolate doesn't even work--the sugar saps your energy after 30 minutes.
Caffeine is the best.
I have grown to love the jr high age. I thought this would never happen.
Dum dum suckers work well as a reward at the end of class or for correct answers when they are getting sluggish. I just tell them not to take offense.
The Bible says a student will be like his teacher after being fully trained: Luke 6:40
A student is not above his teacher, but everyone who is fully trained will be like his teacher.
I hope I am training students not only in math, but in critical thinking. I want them to become independent thinkers. I want them to have conviction that they are right in their conclusions. And I want them to learn how to know if their conclusions are right.
I want to have character that students may mimic. I want them to know what good character is. I want them to know how to love one another. And I want them to know there is a God who loves them as precious children. I want them to find God and follow Him eventually.
It is incredible that if I fully train students, they will be like me. I want to pursue the Holy One and become more like Him so it is not only math they see in me.
Friday, January 1, 2010
Happy New Year's Day!!
1/1/2010
I couldn't decide whether to write this blog on 12/31/2009 or wait until today, 1/1/2010. As a math teacher, the date is interesting if you only use the month and year: 01/10 or 01-10. I think today I will use 01-10. (I can harldy wait for 10-10-10.) My husband's citizenship certificate is dated 8/8/88. Really.
I love math. But you all knew that. Maybe I will include some number theory this year. Maybe.
Ups and downs of teaching: I still have 2009 classwork papers to grade and record (that is, the year 2009.) And then to file. I have the blank worksheets to also file--but first I have to set up those new plastic files with lids. I have what I need, but I work better under pressure. So, I need to buckle down today and tomorrow, and gear up for Monday.
Teaching requires much discernment and mercy--toward anything and everyone. One needs to understand boundaries and own personal limits. If one is all mercy, boundaries and personal limits fly out the window. If one is only discerning, harshness sets in and a person may become judgmental.
I love the verse: 1 Peter 4:8 Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. Sometimes when I love people and look past weaknesses and bad decisions, I am misunderstood. That's ok. I like to be loved when I am weak and have made a bad decision. Somehow, that love brings me back on track. And I want to pass that on.
I want to pass on some exciting reading from yesterday and today:
Proverbs 2:1-11
Moral Benefits of Wisdom
1. My son (or daughter), if you accept My words and store up My commands within you,
2. turning your ear to wisdom and applying your heart to understanding,
3. and if you call out for insight (discerment) and cry aloud for understanding,
4. and if you look for it as for silver and search for it as for hidden treasure,
5. then you will understand the fear of the LORD and find the knowledge of God.
6. For the LORD gives wisdom, and from His mouth come knowledge and understanding.
7. He holds victory in store for the upright, He is a shield to those whose walk is blameless,
8. for He guards the course of the just and protects the way of His faithful ones.
9. Then you will understand what is right and just and fair—every good path.
10. For wisdom will enter your heart, and knowledge will be pleasant to your soul.
11. Discretion will protect you, and understanding will guard you.
I am thankful for a new year. I love to make goals, whether they are called new year's resolutions or not. I will renew my personal mission statement today.
Most of all, I want to be close to my Heavenly Father, be the best mom and wife ever, be healthy, be discerning and merciful, help the hurting, laugh a lot, and be as stress-freeas possible by finding that rest in my soul--often.
I am sure there are more, but I now need to go finish taking down the Christmas decorations.
May the Ducks win roses for us!!
I couldn't decide whether to write this blog on 12/31/2009 or wait until today, 1/1/2010. As a math teacher, the date is interesting if you only use the month and year: 01/10 or 01-10. I think today I will use 01-10. (I can harldy wait for 10-10-10.) My husband's citizenship certificate is dated 8/8/88. Really.
I love math. But you all knew that. Maybe I will include some number theory this year. Maybe.
Ups and downs of teaching: I still have 2009 classwork papers to grade and record (that is, the year 2009.) And then to file. I have the blank worksheets to also file--but first I have to set up those new plastic files with lids. I have what I need, but I work better under pressure. So, I need to buckle down today and tomorrow, and gear up for Monday.
Teaching requires much discernment and mercy--toward anything and everyone. One needs to understand boundaries and own personal limits. If one is all mercy, boundaries and personal limits fly out the window. If one is only discerning, harshness sets in and a person may become judgmental.
I love the verse: 1 Peter 4:8 Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. Sometimes when I love people and look past weaknesses and bad decisions, I am misunderstood. That's ok. I like to be loved when I am weak and have made a bad decision. Somehow, that love brings me back on track. And I want to pass that on.
I want to pass on some exciting reading from yesterday and today:
Proverbs 2:1-11
Moral Benefits of Wisdom
1. My son (or daughter), if you accept My words and store up My commands within you,
2. turning your ear to wisdom and applying your heart to understanding,
3. and if you call out for insight (discerment) and cry aloud for understanding,
4. and if you look for it as for silver and search for it as for hidden treasure,
5. then you will understand the fear of the LORD and find the knowledge of God.
6. For the LORD gives wisdom, and from His mouth come knowledge and understanding.
7. He holds victory in store for the upright, He is a shield to those whose walk is blameless,
8. for He guards the course of the just and protects the way of His faithful ones.
9. Then you will understand what is right and just and fair—every good path.
10. For wisdom will enter your heart, and knowledge will be pleasant to your soul.
11. Discretion will protect you, and understanding will guard you.
I am thankful for a new year. I love to make goals, whether they are called new year's resolutions or not. I will renew my personal mission statement today.
Most of all, I want to be close to my Heavenly Father, be the best mom and wife ever, be healthy, be discerning and merciful, help the hurting, laugh a lot, and be as stress-freeas possible by finding that rest in my soul--often.
I am sure there are more, but I now need to go finish taking down the Christmas decorations.
May the Ducks win roses for us!!
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