Lesson Planners

I have spent a few hours researching online the best planner/calendar that would suite me and my needs as a future teacher. I have found 2 lesson planners that will suite me just fine.  

1)  The Wise & Witty Teacher
http://wisewittyteacher.blogspot.com/2012/02/pinterest-inspired-presidents-and-diy.html
Victoria has come up with a brilliant idea (in my honest opinion) for a planner that allows for flexibility (which is important when being a teacher) and is visually easy to see what is happening.  I am a very visual learner, followed by a hands-on learner.  I am currently stuck at work but am excited to go home and get started on my new fun project.

2) Everybody is a Genius ( I think she might be from Seattle)
http://everybodyisageniusblog.blogspot.com/2012/10/lesson-plan-binders.html
Sarah is an 8 year teacher and teaches middle school math.  How more perfect is that for me when I was looking for lesson planners? I like how she set up her binder.  Just read this blurb from her blog:

"So inside each section is first the pacing guide from my school.  Then in each section I print every lesson plan on a separate, colored piece of paper.  After the lesson plan is any and all materials I may need to go with the lesson.  Worksheets and tests and such get hole punched.  Things like foldables or station activities go inside sheet protectors.  For everything that goes in, I also try to include an answer copy or rubric right behind it.  When I'm grading assignments or need to make an extra copy of something I know exactly where to look."

Isn't that coolest idea?  I mean...really...right there at your finger tips.  What a great idea for a new teacher who will no doubt have a ton of ideas floating around in her brain. 

 

Well, Happy New Year 2014 

Daily Goods

January 1- Kelly got to spend the first day of 2013 with me!
January 2 - Tabitha told me not to worry about student teaching till January 7.
January 3 - First day back after a two week break for The holidays
January 4 - it is Friday
January 5 - I didn't have to get up early for class
January 6 - Watched Seahawks win the Wild Card Playoff Game
January 7 - I didn't have to use sick leave b/c I'm not even getting paid
January 8 - I made it to work and didn't have to teach
January 9 - Late arrival :)
January 14 - 18 Student Teaching all week! I had a lot of fun!

Family

It still amazes me how the inner workings of a family, no matter how minute, can upset the whole balance. I am partly to blame for this as I got sucked into sharing information about one of my girls . I get caught up in a good conversation with my mom and forget that what is said to her will get back to my oldest. It wouldn't be so bad if what was repeated was exactly what was said and no interpretation built into the repeating of what I said. It usually ends up with me swung a bunch of "shit" as my daughter puts it. Sometimes I wonder if my mom would like for her granddaughter, my daughter, to not be on speaking terms.

So, I will still have conversations with my mom but I will no longer answer questions about my girls. My mom will have to ask them directly and wait for an answer from them.

2012 Reflection

So, only a couple more days left in 2012.  It has been a year of ups and downs, trying to figure things out and figure out who I am.

There were many good things that happened this year that one would wonder why I still focus on the negative or not so good things.  Well, being that I am wired to analyze things over and over to see if something different could have taken place, makes me think about things that cannot be changed whatsoever.

For example; First impressions are extremely important. Remember that Amber and Stephanie as you go out in the working world.  No matter how much I have tried to show people that I am actually smart and mature (yes, I act mature in the work place), they will always see me as this lady who was bouncing off the walls when I first began working in education.   Also, what could I have done differently in my past to make things different today?  Probably nothing but my mind wonders when I get going.

Some of the good things, revolations, etc. have allowed me to understand things a little more clearly.  Like, I got to enjoy what it is like to be a student who has been given grades based on personal beliefs not on what I actually did or contributed. This has given great insight on how NOT to treat my students.  I've also got to enjoy the inept ability of some people to communicate and follow through on things when they were suppose to (and the college wonders why their enrollment is going down).

I had 3 observations during my last internship and ROCKED them ALL :) My field supervisor says my lesson plans are the best she has seen in a long time and my lessons are SOLID!! :) As I begin my student teaching the day we get back work Jan. 3, 2103; I am filled with excitement and fear.  I am excited for the opportunity to get teaching under my belt but also fearful that I will bomb in classroom management.  As Tabitha will say, I put way to much pressure on myself to be perfect.  Which is true; however, aren't the administration, district, and then the state putting that pressure on us to be "perfect" and to teach to every child.

With the excitement of student teaching comes the worry about finances.  I worry that we won't be able to make ends meet or that my relationship with Kelly will suffer b/c he is working a lot of extra hours to sell another car to make money.  I also hate relying on him to pay the bills.  I relied on someone for 15 years and then got back on my feet and blam..all over again.  I know 6 months isn't that long but still....it is something I am working on. 

Another high note, my relationship with my girls is awesome!! I love being their mom and watching them grow into adults who understand things and are contributing to society.  :)  I am very proud of my girls.
Oh..one more thing..My BFF is getting married in October of 2013 and I am her maid of honor.

As I wind down my last remaining days of Christmas Break, I will be doing a craft project from Pinterest, getting lessons together for my cherubs, and attending the last Seahawks game of the season.  WOOT!!!

Happy New Year to everyone :)

Last Day of the School Year

Finally, we made it to the end of another school year. Where did the time go? I truly feel like the year had begun and now it is done. Exciting things happening for me right now and coming up that make my decision to be a teacher. More to come

52 Things To Do in Puerto Vallarta

52 Things To Do In Puerto Vallarta
Need a little help deciding what to do? Well, maybe these tips will be just enough to get you started.

1	Get a bird's eye view of Vallarta on a parasail ride over Banderas Bay
2	Snorkel or Scuba Dive at Los Arcos or Las Marietas with SCUBA VALLARTA
3	Have your portrait or caricature done by a street artist on the Malecon
4	Visit La Iglesia de Nuestra Senora de Guadalupe - the heart of Vallarta
5	Haggle with vendors at the El Centro Mercado Municipal "flea market"
6	Experience the magic of México aboard a La Marigalante night cruise
7	Rent a car and explore the secluded beaches along the Nayarit coast
8	Reel in the big ones on a MR MARLIN deep sea fishing charter
9	Try to spot the elusive "green flash" as the sun sets over Banderas Bay
10	Buy a teeny bikini, hat, or souvenier T-shirt to wear on the beach
11	Stroll down the Rio Cuale River Walk and visit the pre-Hispanic museum
12	Play a round of golf on one of Vallarta's 7 world-class golf courses
13	exercise your option for health at one of the many fitness centers
14	Swim and interact with Pacific bottlenose dolphins at DOLPHIN ADVENTURE
15	Take a horseback ride or hike through the jungle to Yelapa's waterfall
16	Explore the streets of Puerto Vallarta on a motorbike or moped rental
17	Race around Super Karts' professional go cart track in Nuevo Vallarta
18	Rent a mountain bike and explore the hills behind Puerto Vallarta
19	Enjoy a romantic dinner at LA PALAPA RESTAURANT on Los Muertos Beach
20	Dance the night away at one of the many nightclubs along the Malecon
21	Peruse the works of Mexican artists in any of the many art galleries
22	Practice your Spanish reading the subtitles at the movie theaters
23	Experience the culture and history of Mexico at a Mexican Fiesta
24	Keep in touch with friends back home at one of the many cyber cafes
25	Pamper yourself with a relaxing massage or spa treatment
26	Treat yourself to a refreshing cocktail served in a coconut shell
27	Shop for a beach house or vacation home, so you can visit more often
28	Toast the sunset at the El Faro Lighthouse Bar in Marina Vallarta
29	Visit the movie set of "The Night of the Iguana" on Mismaloya Beach
30	Tour Casa Kimberly, Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor's love nest
31	Fly up to the village of SAN SEBASTIAN in the Sierra Madre Mountains
32	Wobble across the two swinging bridges from Isla Rio Cuale
33	Ask strangers on the Malecon if they have change for a peso
34	Take all three walking tour in El Centro or Marina Vallarta
35	Explore the jungle behind Vallarta inside a huge 4-wheel drive-truck
36	Try a genuine Cuban cigar, or a shot of Raicilla - Mexico's "moonshine"
37	Go on a Banderas Bay WHALE WATCHING excursion or whale photo safari
38	Take the bus to Punta de Mita and enjoy a day at El Anclote beach
39	Get wet & wild on the 9 water slides [toboganes] at Splash Water Park
40	Enjoy a day of palapa hopping at Vallarta's busiest beach, Los Muertos
41	Eat a chocolate banana, ear of corn or fish on a stick
42	Shop for Mexican TALAVERA pottery, tiles, dinnerware and accessories
43	Feel wealthy by living the "high life" at Mexico's discount prices
44	Drink a Tequila Sunrise as you watch the sunset on the Mexican Pacific
45	Get a temporary tattoo while basking in the sun on Playa los Muertos
46	Explore Banderas Bay on MARINA MISMALOYA's Discovery Cruise or sailboat
47	Shop for silver jewelry, blankets & vacation souvenirs on the beach
48	Take a morning or sunset stroll along a beautiful white sand beach
49	Swing through the jungle like Tarzan on VALLARTA ADVENTURES' canopy tour
50	Go to a bloodless bullfight at Vallarta's bullring on a Wednesday evening
51	Listen to the Municipal Band at the Plaza on Sunday or Thursday nights
52	Attend a local AA meeting and complain about the last time your car got towed

Way too long in between blogs

I really don't like taking such a long pause blogging...so my resolution is begin blogging more often.

My 16 yo, is getting the much needed help.  She is getting better and not so out-of-control.  I love her so much and am very proud of the hard work she has begun and continues doing. 

My 20 yo has moved back to Western Washington and living w/her grandparents.  She is currently work at Hooters Restaurant & Bowling in Renton.

My BFF moved in w/me and Kelly last December 2010 and it has been the best thing ever.  It is so much fun having her living with us.

You say...who is Kelly?  Well he is the man that came into my life August 19, 2009.  After a spontaneous lunch date, we have been dating ever since.  We got engage on Dec 31, 2009/Jan 1, 2010 right at the stroke of midnight.  Ending one decade while ringing in a new decade w/a blue moon up high in the sky (2nd full moon of the month).   We moved in together in January 25, 2010 and have been together ever since.  When is the wedding you ask?  Well..that leads me to the next part of my life.

Beginning this July, I will be attending City U to get my BA in Education w/dual endorsements in Special Education and Middle School Math.  This will take approximately 18 months to complete.  Then I want to get a full-time teaching job w/about 6 month experience under my belt.

So, that is about it for now!! :)