Umm, yes, tomorrow is March 1st. Yikes, wow, holy cow! I set up the Daily Calendar tonight for March! I cannot believe time is flying like it is. I am about halfway through my Unit and the students are really looking forward to building Symmetry City. I am looking forward to it as well because its a lot of fun and its a creative approach to math and symmetry! I will definitely post pictures when those are complete. Anyways, for a Monday and the first day of our school time change, it went well and could not have gone better. We got another new student in our class, which emphasizes the important of flexibility as a teacher. Gathering supplies, a desk, calling sticks, mailbox, etc...there are a lot of individualized tools in the classroom that have to accommodate adding and taking away students. So, all in all, we got the new student set up and ready to rock and roll. My goal each night from here on out is to apply to school districts... one a night. Each one takes about an hour! And its the same information each time... tons of fun. ;)
Go to go!
GO Cats!
Bye!
Ms.Emert
Monday, February 28, 2011
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Good (late) Evening,
I have almost been up for 24 hours. Yikes. 6:30am-Midnight makes for a long day. From school, to errands, to home, to Pi Phi, to home, to Lawrence, then to Kansas City all in one day...PHEW! I am glad my bed is just feet away.Today went extremely well and a lot was accomplished. 2 successful, fun lessons on Symmetry and a lesson about Electrical Safety plus the Electricity assessment= lots got done! I have a stack and I mean, stack, of papers next to me ready to grade but I am thinking taking them to a coffee shop tomorrow is ideal then hit up the MSLBD convention downtown! Yay!
Goodnight!
Ms. Emert
I have almost been up for 24 hours. Yikes. 6:30am-Midnight makes for a long day. From school, to errands, to home, to Pi Phi, to home, to Lawrence, then to Kansas City all in one day...PHEW! I am glad my bed is just feet away.Today went extremely well and a lot was accomplished. 2 successful, fun lessons on Symmetry and a lesson about Electrical Safety plus the Electricity assessment= lots got done! I have a stack and I mean, stack, of papers next to me ready to grade but I am thinking taking them to a coffee shop tomorrow is ideal then hit up the MSLBD convention downtown! Yay!
Goodnight!
Ms. Emert
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
Good Evening,
What a day it has been. From the get go, it was interesting, frustrating, wearing, and just one of those days that you don't mind if it passes quickly. To start the day, I listened to a staff member tell me that I would not want to 'hit the ground running' as a teacher in this area. They took the comment even further to say that I would not want to teach in the state of Kansas because of some of the concerns and issues. That was tough to take in and honestly, I did not let it soak in because 1. I am a prospective teacher. 2.If I were in the teaching field for the salary-I'd be nuts.... 3. I don't mind starting someplace that may not be ideal but as long as I am surrounded by support and a positive atmosphere I can be content. So, from there I taught my second lesson on Symmetry and lets say: I took the kiddos from point A to Z and had to regroup and cover B-Y.... The nice part about me teaching both 4th grades is that I was able to talk with the teacher, get my head back on straight, and give it another go. The second time around was MUCH better. My goal tomorrow is to settle down and take things step by step.
Seminar, on the other hand, was fun because we met at a Mexican restaurant and had chips and salsa during our pow wow. It was nice to relax and talk to others who are going through the same motions as I am. Being a teacher is hard work, and man a lot of times our jobs are an understatement.
Preparing for tomorrow! Here I go!
Goodnight!
Ms. Emert
What a day it has been. From the get go, it was interesting, frustrating, wearing, and just one of those days that you don't mind if it passes quickly. To start the day, I listened to a staff member tell me that I would not want to 'hit the ground running' as a teacher in this area. They took the comment even further to say that I would not want to teach in the state of Kansas because of some of the concerns and issues. That was tough to take in and honestly, I did not let it soak in because 1. I am a prospective teacher. 2.If I were in the teaching field for the salary-I'd be nuts.... 3. I don't mind starting someplace that may not be ideal but as long as I am surrounded by support and a positive atmosphere I can be content. So, from there I taught my second lesson on Symmetry and lets say: I took the kiddos from point A to Z and had to regroup and cover B-Y.... The nice part about me teaching both 4th grades is that I was able to talk with the teacher, get my head back on straight, and give it another go. The second time around was MUCH better. My goal tomorrow is to settle down and take things step by step.
Seminar, on the other hand, was fun because we met at a Mexican restaurant and had chips and salsa during our pow wow. It was nice to relax and talk to others who are going through the same motions as I am. Being a teacher is hard work, and man a lot of times our jobs are an understatement.
Preparing for tomorrow! Here I go!
Goodnight!
Ms. Emert
Monday, February 21, 2011
Monday, February 21, 2011
Made it through Monday! I began teaching my Unit on Symmetry and taught more on Electricity! The students were excited for me to be teaching them again! And, from here on out, I will be up and about in the classroom a lot more! I have some work to do though before I head out to Kansas City on Wednesday for the MSLBD Convention. I am really looking forward to it but first I have to type up some substitute lessons and get my priorities in line A-B-C. Lots to do, and only 24 hours in a day! I hope all of this organizing, planning, and anxiety will only be temporary as I learn! It wears me out!
On that note, I am going to begin them right now!
PS ^Above are pictures of my kiddos hands working with electricity!^
Bye!
Ms. Emert
Thursday, February 17, 2011
Thursday, February 17, 2011
After twelve hours of parent-teacher conferences, 32 oz of coffee, and a great workout at the gym including Extreme Abs, the day is finally complete. Tomorrow I will finish up my unit, make the necessary copies, send out some e-mails, and then call it a WEEKEND! I learned a lot today from sitting in on conferences and will let them remain confidential. Just remember, education is the most powerful resource a person can acquire and it should never be taken for granted. Listen to your parents, and thank your teachers everyday.
Goodnight!
Ms.Emert
Goodnight!
Ms.Emert
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
Finally home after a 12 hour day... one more 12 hour day to tackle until the weekend. Tomorrow, with a high of 72 degrees, I will be in parent-teacher conferences for a full12 hours! I am told it goes by quickly, I believe this because tonight's, 4 hour block, went by extremely quickly. I learned a lot as a prospective teacher, parent, and in general, as a person as to how important it is to challenge students to their greatest ability and to be aware of what is happening within their educational path. As a teacher, I learned that preparation for conferences is crucial and makes them less stressful and backs up any concern by the parent. I learned as a prospective parent (extremely far off in the future, HA!) that being aware of what your student is doing in school is so important. Also, that homework is being completed and turned in. A good idea is to have a system at home that the student has to follow. That gives structure and responsibility at a young age! I learned that in general being able to communicate clearly, have empathy towards others, and being positive will get you far in life.
Ready to take on tomorrow!
Have a good night,
Ms. Emert
Ready to take on tomorrow!
Have a good night,
Ms. Emert
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
Goooood (Finally) Evening!
Unit plans, check! Unit completion...... not so much. But, HEY we did beat KU last night... Woooooo! I think the Ville was the most alive its been on Monday night in a LONG time! Unfortunately, but responsibly, I did not part take... thought about it.... but didn't.
Today was so great because they students were able to have recess outside for some extra time and I played a pretty competitive game of Four Square... needless to say, they were impressed. It might just become my new hobby....but, I am also thinking I am going to have to show my soccer skills sometime soon. Show the students what I'm made of....right... haha?
For my next subject area to teach, I'll be working with the other grade teacher too! He teaches math, where as my teacher, teaches reading. The students swap classrooms. It's a nice break in the afternoon. AND, I do have some fun plans for teaching Symmetry! Actually, really looking forward to this unit! Once I have it complete on paper, hopefully by Friday, I'll be good to go! In the preparations for Parent-Teacher Conferences there is a lot to get ready for in the next 18 hours or so. Organizing supporting evidence for grades, predicting questions that might arise, etc... is very wearing. Lucky for me, I am going to mostly observe and supply evidence mainly from Science lessons I have taught. Tomorrow will be an interesting day because: 1.) we have an assembly 2.) it's basically Friday for the kiddos, and 3.) I'll be at school until 8:30pm most likely. Then, 8am-8pm Thursday! Wowzers! At least the book fair is set up and fun to go look around in, ha! Can't believe it's almost March! Still only had one full week so far! I am not sure if Student Teaching this semester is really evident of the exhaustion a 5-day week really is! But, come March and April we shall see! Planning on a productive day tomorrow with lots of COFFEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!
Goodnight.
Ms. Emert
Unit plans, check! Unit completion...... not so much. But, HEY we did beat KU last night... Woooooo! I think the Ville was the most alive its been on Monday night in a LONG time! Unfortunately, but responsibly, I did not part take... thought about it.... but didn't.
Today was so great because they students were able to have recess outside for some extra time and I played a pretty competitive game of Four Square... needless to say, they were impressed. It might just become my new hobby....but, I am also thinking I am going to have to show my soccer skills sometime soon. Show the students what I'm made of....right... haha?
For my next subject area to teach, I'll be working with the other grade teacher too! He teaches math, where as my teacher, teaches reading. The students swap classrooms. It's a nice break in the afternoon. AND, I do have some fun plans for teaching Symmetry! Actually, really looking forward to this unit! Once I have it complete on paper, hopefully by Friday, I'll be good to go! In the preparations for Parent-Teacher Conferences there is a lot to get ready for in the next 18 hours or so. Organizing supporting evidence for grades, predicting questions that might arise, etc... is very wearing. Lucky for me, I am going to mostly observe and supply evidence mainly from Science lessons I have taught. Tomorrow will be an interesting day because: 1.) we have an assembly 2.) it's basically Friday for the kiddos, and 3.) I'll be at school until 8:30pm most likely. Then, 8am-8pm Thursday! Wowzers! At least the book fair is set up and fun to go look around in, ha! Can't believe it's almost March! Still only had one full week so far! I am not sure if Student Teaching this semester is really evident of the exhaustion a 5-day week really is! But, come March and April we shall see! Planning on a productive day tomorrow with lots of COFFEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!
Goodnight.
Ms. Emert
Monday, February 14, 2011
Oh Valentine's Day you have come again. Today was a great day. The students were looking forward to the Valentine's Day party that we held in the afternoon and lots of sweets were brought into the classroom. As much work as it would be- time wise and financially- I think I would prefer in the future for class parties to bring in healthy snacks. That way I could indulge a bit more...and for the students sake too. But, under all the circumstances its difficult to arrange and plan sometimes. Since we were tight on time today, I was able to teach for about twenty minutes about electricity and finally get the students started on calendar math! Calendar Math is a GREAT teaching tool however, it IS A LOT OF WORK for the teacher and students. BUT... I overcame the hard work and was able to set it up so that the student could perform the daily duties. I will post a picture of the set up! It's going to be a very very busy week with conferences, unit planning, and a having company in town.
Have a great week! Happy Valentine's Day....
And, yes. I got a sack full of candies and Valentine's from my students! :) So sweet! (Literally)
-Ms. Emert
Have a great week! Happy Valentine's Day....
And, yes. I got a sack full of candies and Valentine's from my students! :) So sweet! (Literally)
-Ms. Emert
Saturday, February 12, 2011
Thursday, February 10, 2011
Thursday, February 10, 2011
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Good Afternoon. Happy Thursday, and for my students... Friday. Yes, that's correct, they do not have school tomorrow. Tomorrow is my first "in-service" day and I am planning to get a lot accomplished!
Today was a great day minus the small fact that Bluestem did not have my special drink I went to get... Wassail. It's a spiced cider and very delicious. Thought I would start off my day with one but instead I had to get their dark roast coffee. My day was great. I finished the Valentine Haiku bags and taught my first lesson about Electricity. My formal observation was again, a success! I am so proud of my students and my planning abilities. I am so lucky to have been a utilized substitute last semester because I think it has made a HUGE difference in my management of the classroom and teaching strategies. I definitely have more confidence than I would without that experience. It makes such a difference when you put in a lot of time, thought, and organization. My unit on Symmetry will be here before I know it and I NEED TO START THE PLANNING AND ORGANIZATION PROCESS IMMEDIATELY. Actually, I have within the past hour. It is down in a tab on my computer screen as I type. I will continue to work on it some tonight and more of it tomorrow a.m. and ALL DAY tomorrow. The night is still young for me right now as I teach Extreme Abs at 6:30pm and Zumba at 7:00pm. My mom has also come to visit and watch my class. Wish me luck, last week I quit counting the number of people in class once I had 4 rows of 25+. So, I need to boost up some energy and take on the nights activities! Off I go!
-Ms. Emert
(PS I did not edit this post...Ooops if I have typos or errors!)
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Good Afternoon. Happy Thursday, and for my students... Friday. Yes, that's correct, they do not have school tomorrow. Tomorrow is my first "in-service" day and I am planning to get a lot accomplished!
Today was a great day minus the small fact that Bluestem did not have my special drink I went to get... Wassail. It's a spiced cider and very delicious. Thought I would start off my day with one but instead I had to get their dark roast coffee. My day was great. I finished the Valentine Haiku bags and taught my first lesson about Electricity. My formal observation was again, a success! I am so proud of my students and my planning abilities. I am so lucky to have been a utilized substitute last semester because I think it has made a HUGE difference in my management of the classroom and teaching strategies. I definitely have more confidence than I would without that experience. It makes such a difference when you put in a lot of time, thought, and organization. My unit on Symmetry will be here before I know it and I NEED TO START THE PLANNING AND ORGANIZATION PROCESS IMMEDIATELY. Actually, I have within the past hour. It is down in a tab on my computer screen as I type. I will continue to work on it some tonight and more of it tomorrow a.m. and ALL DAY tomorrow. The night is still young for me right now as I teach Extreme Abs at 6:30pm and Zumba at 7:00pm. My mom has also come to visit and watch my class. Wish me luck, last week I quit counting the number of people in class once I had 4 rows of 25+. So, I need to boost up some energy and take on the nights activities! Off I go!
-Ms. Emert
(PS I did not edit this post...Ooops if I have typos or errors!)
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Wednesday, February 9, 2011
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
Good Afternoon,
No snow day today for us, however a "brother/sister" school district totally did get one! No fair! But, it was a better day for sure! The students had some official testing in the morning which took them to lunch to finish and then the day was young. There was a cool guest speaker who verbally told children literature stories. Not all of them made sense and it did have a lot of the students confused, but she was entertaining to say the least. I gave my science assessments and was happy with the outcome. Then, I lead the students into their Valentine's project. For their Valentine's bag decor, they are writing Haiku's on a paper bag then decorating with festive markers and crafts! The students at first were not very excited about the Haiku poem but once they were able to begin creating their Haiku, they were really excited and engaged. I will post some of the bags once I take pictures of them. Very creative! A Haiku is kind of poem from Japanese origin. The poem focuses on syllables. There are a total of 17 syllables in the poem. Line 1 has 5, line 2 has 7, and line 3 has 5. No line can be the same/repeated. Many time Haiku's are written on the topics of weather or season. In our case, it's Valentine's Day/February. I cannot wait to see all the finished projects in the days to come.
Tomorrow I will be formally observed while beginning a new unit on Electricity. It is a refresher unit for the students because they did learn about circuits in the previous grade. However, on the state assessments there will supposedly be some questions relating to this topic. I can only hope for a great start to the unit! There will be lots of hands-on learning and exploring! Wish me luck!
Oh yes, I also have to come up with a game idea for Valentine's...? Any thoughts, ideas, or suggestions! Please let me know. Thanks
Have a great rest of the week!
-Ms. Emert
No snow day today for us, however a "brother/sister" school district totally did get one! No fair! But, it was a better day for sure! The students had some official testing in the morning which took them to lunch to finish and then the day was young. There was a cool guest speaker who verbally told children literature stories. Not all of them made sense and it did have a lot of the students confused, but she was entertaining to say the least. I gave my science assessments and was happy with the outcome. Then, I lead the students into their Valentine's project. For their Valentine's bag decor, they are writing Haiku's on a paper bag then decorating with festive markers and crafts! The students at first were not very excited about the Haiku poem but once they were able to begin creating their Haiku, they were really excited and engaged. I will post some of the bags once I take pictures of them. Very creative! A Haiku is kind of poem from Japanese origin. The poem focuses on syllables. There are a total of 17 syllables in the poem. Line 1 has 5, line 2 has 7, and line 3 has 5. No line can be the same/repeated. Many time Haiku's are written on the topics of weather or season. In our case, it's Valentine's Day/February. I cannot wait to see all the finished projects in the days to come.
Tomorrow I will be formally observed while beginning a new unit on Electricity. It is a refresher unit for the students because they did learn about circuits in the previous grade. However, on the state assessments there will supposedly be some questions relating to this topic. I can only hope for a great start to the unit! There will be lots of hands-on learning and exploring! Wish me luck!
Oh yes, I also have to come up with a game idea for Valentine's...? Any thoughts, ideas, or suggestions! Please let me know. Thanks
Have a great rest of the week!
-Ms. Emert
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
Ah ha. Almost bed time for me. YES. I am ecstatic. Today I "subbed" for my teacher and pretty much had the entire class in my hands. The day flew by and the students were able to finish their science investigation. They were a little more off-task and rambunctious than yesterday and that earned them quick pep talk about my expectations. I am looking forward to reviewing a part of their investigation where they were given the privilege to use technology like an iFlip and digital camera to record themselves doings exercises. They will be interesting I am sure of it. Tomorrow they will be tested in science on the muscles. I hope they come prepared and with their thinking caps on.
Looking forward to a great Wednesday.
Goodnight!
-Ms. Emert
Looking forward to a great Wednesday.
Goodnight!
-Ms. Emert
Monday, February 7, 2011
Monday, February 7, 2011
Good Monday Evening. Wow, what a day it has been. Let me rephrase that...what a day and weekend it's been. Busier than I ever anticipated. But, productive... Teaching science today was again, great. I set up 5 different investigation stations that the students could explore on their own. I feel it went over pretty well minus a small complication that was/has been taken care of. I was observed by a person of authority and I have yet to talk with them about their thoughts, comments, and feelings toward my teaching pedagogy. I am looking forward to that talk tomorrow, hopefully!
2 attributes that a teacher must present and be very strong in is flexibility and organization. I cannot stress it enough how important those 2 qualities are!
To recap my experience.... I am so fortunate to have such a great teacher/mentor, school atmosphere, and great students! Oh, and on the topic of students...we got a new student today. Very exciting, and boy, was Ismart to make 2 extra copies/packets/etc... so I do not have re-make/copy anything. Phew! The next 2 days will be very interesting with the weather predictions.. anxiety for tomorrow is building... I have decided it's going to be a jeans and boots day. Looking forward to a wonderful Tuesday!
And, one last thing... this was my favorite Super Bowl commercial, let me know what you think!
http://www.youtube.com/chevrolet?x=us_showcase_290&feature=pv
Have a great evening.
-Ms. Emert
2 attributes that a teacher must present and be very strong in is flexibility and organization. I cannot stress it enough how important those 2 qualities are!
To recap my experience.... I am so fortunate to have such a great teacher/mentor, school atmosphere, and great students! Oh, and on the topic of students...we got a new student today. Very exciting, and boy, was I
And, one last thing... this was my favorite Super Bowl commercial, let me know what you think!
http://www.youtube.com/chevrolet?x=us_showcase_290&feature=pv
Have a great evening.
-Ms. Emert
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