We are almost finished clearing a path around the fence in preparation for the electric wiring. Considering that we have only been doing a half hour a day (we get overwhelmed by too much manual labor at one time, you know), I am pretty impressed with us. The next step is to start stringing the wire. Whoot.
I am almost done with the essay questions for unit 3 of my current class. Which technically means that I am almost done with the whole 4 unit class. Whoot again.
I am almost done organizing all of the math materials I need for next year. When finished, I am going to have everything broken into 3 binders (one for each trimester) and organized according to topic and order of use. Whooty whoot.
Best of all, it is almost lunch time. Food is good.
Thursday, June 29, 2006
Tuesday, June 27, 2006
Random Ramblings
Not much to say...just little tidbits...
1. We ordered a solar powered charger for the electric fence. I should say potential electric fence because we haven't put it up or anything, but we have cleared the fence on 2 of the 4 sides. Anyway, the charger finally showed up yesterday. While reading the instructions, we noticed that it showed a series of little shadow animals representing its many uses: a pig, a goat, a sheep, a deer (?), a cow...wait a minute! Where is the little shadow doggie? No dog. Then we see the very last line in the instruction manual. "This charger should NOT be used to contain pets or dogs." WTF??? They coulsdn't mention this on the website? Sigh. So here's the thing. It is a small charger. I can't find an output measurement anywhere, but it says it is good for 5 miles or 10 acres. It is low-impedence, it pulses, and it has a 4 V input battery. We will be putting it on a fence surrounding 2 acres (not sure of exact perimeter) in such a way so that it covers both the top and bottom of the fence. Since electricity is scary and unfathomable to me, I am humbly begging for the expertise of my readers. Am I going to kill or even hurt my dogs (beyond a corrective nip) with this charger if I use it? (It's an online purchase that has already been opened or I would just send it back and try again.) If you need more information, I would be happy to supply it.
2. "Dude! I got a arm!" I haven't even seen the barnyard movie that is coming out (not even sure what it's called), but I can't stop saying this line that I heard during a preview. My name is Isha and I have a problem.
3. We bought some solar powered malibu lights today and they are sparkling out there in the front yard as I type. Puuuurty.
4. My 10th year high school reunion is happening this weekend. I am not going to be there. Honestly, I can only think of 3 people I am really interested in seeing. (That number would just about double if they combined our reunion with the one from the previous graduation year.) I had many aquaintences, but not many friends in high school. I didn't feel like I fit in much (who does?) and I never really "got" what most of my classmates were doing. Although I am mildly curious what has happened to them - who got fat? who got kids? who is making a million dollars? - it's not enough to motivate me to travel thousands of miles and spend hundreds of dollars so that I can relive the isolated, alienated, "I'm-just-not-like-these-people" feeling I remember so well from my high school dances. However, it has given me the opportunity to get in touch with one of those special 3 and that is definitely a good thing. What I would really like? A chance to time travel back to my high school years. Not to relive them, but to be a fly on the wall, observing myself and those around me. I would be in a much better position to find out what I was really like and what they really thought of me. Because all I can remember is being a freak and thinking that they thought I was a freak. Ugh.
5. I have offially become the first official beta-tester on Mikey's latest game, Loonyland II: Winter Woods. Officially. (Heh. If you haven't seen Clerks: The Animated Series you aren't living your life to the fullest.) This means that I get to sit around playing all afternoon while Mikey takes notes. It's fun. Especially since part of my job is to help him tweak the balance. At this point, I am making way too much money, buy way too powerful weapons, and kicking WAY too much monster butt. I suspect that will be changed by tomorrow. Anway. Let it be known that this game is fun and it rocks. Officially.
6. Let me end this rediculous ramble of the random by saying that Sarah Silverman is a very funny woman and it's a good thing that God has a better sense of humor than most humans or she would be burning in hell for all eternity. The irony and sarcasm, it is delicious. If you can understand the difference between what a comic says and what they are "saying" then you should immediately run out and get a copy of Silverman's stand up comedy movie, Jesus is Magic. If you think that Stephen Colbert is a Bush supporter, you should just forget I said anything. You can't say I didn't warn you.
Adios, mis muchachos!
1. We ordered a solar powered charger for the electric fence. I should say potential electric fence because we haven't put it up or anything, but we have cleared the fence on 2 of the 4 sides. Anyway, the charger finally showed up yesterday. While reading the instructions, we noticed that it showed a series of little shadow animals representing its many uses: a pig, a goat, a sheep, a deer (?), a cow...wait a minute! Where is the little shadow doggie? No dog. Then we see the very last line in the instruction manual. "This charger should NOT be used to contain pets or dogs." WTF??? They coulsdn't mention this on the website? Sigh. So here's the thing. It is a small charger. I can't find an output measurement anywhere, but it says it is good for 5 miles or 10 acres. It is low-impedence, it pulses, and it has a 4 V input battery. We will be putting it on a fence surrounding 2 acres (not sure of exact perimeter) in such a way so that it covers both the top and bottom of the fence. Since electricity is scary and unfathomable to me, I am humbly begging for the expertise of my readers. Am I going to kill or even hurt my dogs (beyond a corrective nip) with this charger if I use it? (It's an online purchase that has already been opened or I would just send it back and try again.) If you need more information, I would be happy to supply it.
2. "Dude! I got a arm!" I haven't even seen the barnyard movie that is coming out (not even sure what it's called), but I can't stop saying this line that I heard during a preview. My name is Isha and I have a problem.
3. We bought some solar powered malibu lights today and they are sparkling out there in the front yard as I type. Puuuurty.
4. My 10th year high school reunion is happening this weekend. I am not going to be there. Honestly, I can only think of 3 people I am really interested in seeing. (That number would just about double if they combined our reunion with the one from the previous graduation year.) I had many aquaintences, but not many friends in high school. I didn't feel like I fit in much (who does?) and I never really "got" what most of my classmates were doing. Although I am mildly curious what has happened to them - who got fat? who got kids? who is making a million dollars? - it's not enough to motivate me to travel thousands of miles and spend hundreds of dollars so that I can relive the isolated, alienated, "I'm-just-not-like-these-people" feeling I remember so well from my high school dances. However, it has given me the opportunity to get in touch with one of those special 3 and that is definitely a good thing. What I would really like? A chance to time travel back to my high school years. Not to relive them, but to be a fly on the wall, observing myself and those around me. I would be in a much better position to find out what I was really like and what they really thought of me. Because all I can remember is being a freak and thinking that they thought I was a freak. Ugh.
5. I have offially become the first official beta-tester on Mikey's latest game, Loonyland II: Winter Woods. Officially. (Heh. If you haven't seen Clerks: The Animated Series you aren't living your life to the fullest.) This means that I get to sit around playing all afternoon while Mikey takes notes. It's fun. Especially since part of my job is to help him tweak the balance. At this point, I am making way too much money, buy way too powerful weapons, and kicking WAY too much monster butt. I suspect that will be changed by tomorrow. Anway. Let it be known that this game is fun and it rocks. Officially.
6. Let me end this rediculous ramble of the random by saying that Sarah Silverman is a very funny woman and it's a good thing that God has a better sense of humor than most humans or she would be burning in hell for all eternity. The irony and sarcasm, it is delicious. If you can understand the difference between what a comic says and what they are "saying" then you should immediately run out and get a copy of Silverman's stand up comedy movie, Jesus is Magic. If you think that Stephen Colbert is a Bush supporter, you should just forget I said anything. You can't say I didn't warn you.
Adios, mis muchachos!
Monday, June 26, 2006
Yes, Master
I have been busy, but only with the same old things that I have already told you about too many times: cleaning, reading, studying, planning. Since it has been too hot (normal) and humid (NOT normal) for any interesting thoughts, I have decided to share some of the writing I have done for my masters* program. Thoughts are welcome.
On the media's role in education:
Americans have one main source of information - the news media. In theory, the media provides a place for citizens to receive data from a variety of sources which can then be synthesized into an educated and informed opinion. Unfortunately, the American media system is largely controlled by a small handful of powerful, politically driven individuals and financially driven corporations. As a result, the media consists of a tightly controlled smattering of talking points, rather than a broad collection of informative material.
Although the media's information on education often comes from respected researchers and research communities, the numbers are manipulated to present the results desired by those in control. Sometimes this means shifting the blame from the guilty to the scapegoat, like when public education is blamed for economic weaknesses. Other times, it means sensationalizing failures and accusations in order to induce panic in the general public, like accenting the worst test scores and minimizing the best in order to influence the future of education. No matter the reason, the misinformation presented in the news media today is intentionally and deliberately designed to induce panic and fear, allowing the political right to maintain control and accomplish its goals of privatizing education and gutting the public school system.
On the "factory model" of education:
Although the pendulum of public education has swung far in the opposite direction since 1912, supporting many child-based education models, it is currently on its way back toward the "factory model". Once again, teachers are being hired, not for the job of educating, but for that of training. Students are again seen as recipients of education, rather than participants, leaving them uninterested and uninvested in their own achievements. Administration's current role in education is to streamline the process, economically, socially, and politically. Increased testing results in more frustration and failure, but not better scores. We are using the factory model of education today and, once again, it is failing to produce the results for which it was designed.
On education and the economy:
By 1983, although the Cold War was still a prominent aspect of American politics, the United States had already demonstrated its superiority over the Russian space program. In keeping with historical habit, it was time to find a new crisis on which to focus American attention. Enter A Nation at Risk, a report on the public education system. Using European and Asian business structures for comparison, this report claimed that American schools were producing students who were incapable of competing in a global economic market. The paper concluded that a dramatic reform of public education was required.
While the U.S. is in danger of losing its place in global economy, I do not believe the greatest threat lies in Europe or Asia. The greatest danger we face is in our own economic practices. Businesses sacrifice quality in the name of increased productivity. Industry demands more high-tech training than it can support, driving down wages at all economic levels. 1% of American families control 43% of the money in the United States, magnifying the existing class divisions and increasing disillusionment and resentment among the remaining 99%. Although we are "a nation at risk", it is not the fault of public education, nor is it a result of superior practices in competing countries.
While the U.S. is in danger of losing its place in global economy, I do not believe the greatest threat lies in Europe or Asia. The greatest danger we face is in our own economic practices. Businesses sacrifice quality in the name of increased productivity. Industry demands more high-tech training than it can support, driving down wages at all economic levels. 1% of American families control 43% of the money in the United States, magnifying the existing class divisions and increasing disillusionment and resentment among the remaining 99%. Although we are "a nation at risk", it is not the fault of public education, nor is it a result of superior practices in competing countries.
*I still feel like I am cheating and getting my masters from the back of a cereal box, but at least I now feel as though I am putting some serious effort into it.
On the media's role in education:
Americans have one main source of information - the news media. In theory, the media provides a place for citizens to receive data from a variety of sources which can then be synthesized into an educated and informed opinion. Unfortunately, the American media system is largely controlled by a small handful of powerful, politically driven individuals and financially driven corporations. As a result, the media consists of a tightly controlled smattering of talking points, rather than a broad collection of informative material.
Although the media's information on education often comes from respected researchers and research communities, the numbers are manipulated to present the results desired by those in control. Sometimes this means shifting the blame from the guilty to the scapegoat, like when public education is blamed for economic weaknesses. Other times, it means sensationalizing failures and accusations in order to induce panic in the general public, like accenting the worst test scores and minimizing the best in order to influence the future of education. No matter the reason, the misinformation presented in the news media today is intentionally and deliberately designed to induce panic and fear, allowing the political right to maintain control and accomplish its goals of privatizing education and gutting the public school system.
On the "factory model" of education:
Although the pendulum of public education has swung far in the opposite direction since 1912, supporting many child-based education models, it is currently on its way back toward the "factory model". Once again, teachers are being hired, not for the job of educating, but for that of training. Students are again seen as recipients of education, rather than participants, leaving them uninterested and uninvested in their own achievements. Administration's current role in education is to streamline the process, economically, socially, and politically. Increased testing results in more frustration and failure, but not better scores. We are using the factory model of education today and, once again, it is failing to produce the results for which it was designed.
On education and the economy:
By 1983, although the Cold War was still a prominent aspect of American politics, the United States had already demonstrated its superiority over the Russian space program. In keeping with historical habit, it was time to find a new crisis on which to focus American attention. Enter A Nation at Risk, a report on the public education system. Using European and Asian business structures for comparison, this report claimed that American schools were producing students who were incapable of competing in a global economic market. The paper concluded that a dramatic reform of public education was required.
While the U.S. is in danger of losing its place in global economy, I do not believe the greatest threat lies in Europe or Asia. The greatest danger we face is in our own economic practices. Businesses sacrifice quality in the name of increased productivity. Industry demands more high-tech training than it can support, driving down wages at all economic levels. 1% of American families control 43% of the money in the United States, magnifying the existing class divisions and increasing disillusionment and resentment among the remaining 99%. Although we are "a nation at risk", it is not the fault of public education, nor is it a result of superior practices in competing countries.
While the U.S. is in danger of losing its place in global economy, I do not believe the greatest threat lies in Europe or Asia. The greatest danger we face is in our own economic practices. Businesses sacrifice quality in the name of increased productivity. Industry demands more high-tech training than it can support, driving down wages at all economic levels. 1% of American families control 43% of the money in the United States, magnifying the existing class divisions and increasing disillusionment and resentment among the remaining 99%. Although we are "a nation at risk", it is not the fault of public education, nor is it a result of superior practices in competing countries.
*I still feel like I am cheating and getting my masters from the back of a cereal box, but at least I now feel as though I am putting some serious effort into it.
Tuesday, June 20, 2006
Summer is off to a great start, if I may be so braggardly. I am feeling rested already - it's amazing how good it feels to NOT be responsible for anything important - and I am actually accomplishing things here and there.
Yesterday was a trip to the big city, complete with a Kohl's shopping spree (courtesy of my students!), an hour in the dentist's chair (no cavities!), and a trip to the grocery store. I also stopped by school to grab my files so that I can work from home rather than going in to get organized. I currently have approximatly 10 file boxes full of teaching stuff. I will be wrangling it into some sort of usefulness over the next two months.
Today started with an hour of gardening, resulting in a weed-free garden, thinned corn, and planted wildflowers in the bare spots. (NONE of my herbs came up. :( I hope the flowers do better.) I also started some laundry, did the dishes, toasted up some homemade croutons, finished one unit on my "Strategic Issues Management" class, and swept the kitchen. I know that doesn't sound exciting to you...but it feels darn good to have all that done and still have an afternoon to goof around.
We have ordered a solar-powered electric fence kit. Once I get it set up, the dogs will be allowed limited outdoor freedom. I can't stand that they aren't able to do any running. They have been doing very well with their training. Not only are they very well behaved on the leash now, but they are starting to resist the urge to chase and bark when they see a rabbit. Hopefully, their newfound self-control combined with the electric fence will make it possible for them to get some running time.
Um. I think that is it. I am off to do some well-deserved reading. :)
Oh - if you are interested in working toward an "oil-free congress", you might want to check out the information here. MoveOn.org has a letter you can sent to your representative asking them to make a pledge refusing to take money from the oil industry. Check it out.
Yesterday was a trip to the big city, complete with a Kohl's shopping spree (courtesy of my students!), an hour in the dentist's chair (no cavities!), and a trip to the grocery store. I also stopped by school to grab my files so that I can work from home rather than going in to get organized. I currently have approximatly 10 file boxes full of teaching stuff. I will be wrangling it into some sort of usefulness over the next two months.
Today started with an hour of gardening, resulting in a weed-free garden, thinned corn, and planted wildflowers in the bare spots. (NONE of my herbs came up. :( I hope the flowers do better.) I also started some laundry, did the dishes, toasted up some homemade croutons, finished one unit on my "Strategic Issues Management" class, and swept the kitchen. I know that doesn't sound exciting to you...but it feels darn good to have all that done and still have an afternoon to goof around.
We have ordered a solar-powered electric fence kit. Once I get it set up, the dogs will be allowed limited outdoor freedom. I can't stand that they aren't able to do any running. They have been doing very well with their training. Not only are they very well behaved on the leash now, but they are starting to resist the urge to chase and bark when they see a rabbit. Hopefully, their newfound self-control combined with the electric fence will make it possible for them to get some running time.
Um. I think that is it. I am off to do some well-deserved reading. :)
Oh - if you are interested in working toward an "oil-free congress", you might want to check out the information here. MoveOn.org has a letter you can sent to your representative asking them to make a pledge refusing to take money from the oil industry. Check it out.
Saturday, June 17, 2006
Summer Plans
If I don't have a schedule, I tend to fall into the habit of staying up too late, getting up too late, sitting around too much, and spending my entire summer with a headache and aching knees. This summer I have daily plans, including (but not limited to):
walking/training dogs at least twice daily
1 hour of housework
1 hour of garden/yard work
several hours of masters classwork
weekly trips to the beach with my good pal and her family
watching the baby quail
planning for next year (5th grade again!)
lots of reading
occasional napping
cooking (for real instead of from a box)
setting up the guest room for our Christmas company
plenty of Law and Order
I think it sounds divine. What's on YOUR summer schedule?
walking/training dogs at least twice daily
1 hour of housework
1 hour of garden/yard work
several hours of masters classwork
weekly trips to the beach with my good pal and her family
watching the baby quail
planning for next year (5th grade again!)
lots of reading
occasional napping
cooking (for real instead of from a box)
setting up the guest room for our Christmas company
plenty of Law and Order
I think it sounds divine. What's on YOUR summer schedule?
Parting Words
Below is my final goodbye message to my students this year.
The other day, I was listening to my Counting Crows cd, and I heard a line in one of the songs that perfectly describes how I feel right now.
"I wanted to see you walking away from me
without the sensation of you leaving me alone."
I am so very proud of each and every one of you. I have watched you grow from just-out-of-4th-graders, confused and looking for a helping hand, to almost-6th-graders, knowledgable and independent. I am thrilled when I imagine the individuals you will be next year, 5 years from now, 10 years from now.
Unfortunately, I am going to be left behind as you walk your path. I have to stay here, waving and trying to be cheerful for you, as you head off for your next adventure. I just wish I could see you walking away from me without the sensation of you leaving me alone.
- - - - - - -
These kids are my hope for the future. This is the poem I wrote (and read) for them:
I Hope
For you, my risible litter of rumbly, tumbly puppies,
I hope you never forget the pleasure of playing with friends.
I hope you always have a reason to laugh out loud.
I hope you fill your future with hope and joy.
For you, my compassionate, considerate class of friends,
I hope you never fail to lift up a fallen neighbor.
I hope you always remember the kindness of your classmates.
I hope you continue to grow as Peace Builders for our world.
For you, my beautiful rainbow of ideas and personalities and individuals,
I hope you never stop searching for knowledge.
I hope you always have exciting thoughts and plans.
I hope you hold onto your dreams with all your strength.
For you, the children of my heart,
I hope you don't forget to visit me as often as possible.
I hope you look back on 5th grade with fondness.
I hope you realize that I will always be thinking of you.
I know it isn't the most stunning piece of poetry ever written. I had too many things I wanted to say and not enough time to get it all ironed out. I think it managed to get across the most important things.
- - - - - - -
This was probably my favorite moment of the day.
Me: You know that I don't have any kids of my own. Who are my kids?
Them: US!
The other day, I was listening to my Counting Crows cd, and I heard a line in one of the songs that perfectly describes how I feel right now.
"I wanted to see you walking away from me
without the sensation of you leaving me alone."
I am so very proud of each and every one of you. I have watched you grow from just-out-of-4th-graders, confused and looking for a helping hand, to almost-6th-graders, knowledgable and independent. I am thrilled when I imagine the individuals you will be next year, 5 years from now, 10 years from now.
Unfortunately, I am going to be left behind as you walk your path. I have to stay here, waving and trying to be cheerful for you, as you head off for your next adventure. I just wish I could see you walking away from me without the sensation of you leaving me alone.
- - - - - - -
These kids are my hope for the future. This is the poem I wrote (and read) for them:
I Hope
For you, my risible litter of rumbly, tumbly puppies,
I hope you never forget the pleasure of playing with friends.
I hope you always have a reason to laugh out loud.
I hope you fill your future with hope and joy.
For you, my compassionate, considerate class of friends,
I hope you never fail to lift up a fallen neighbor.
I hope you always remember the kindness of your classmates.
I hope you continue to grow as Peace Builders for our world.
For you, my beautiful rainbow of ideas and personalities and individuals,
I hope you never stop searching for knowledge.
I hope you always have exciting thoughts and plans.
I hope you hold onto your dreams with all your strength.
For you, the children of my heart,
I hope you don't forget to visit me as often as possible.
I hope you look back on 5th grade with fondness.
I hope you realize that I will always be thinking of you.
I know it isn't the most stunning piece of poetry ever written. I had too many things I wanted to say and not enough time to get it all ironed out. I think it managed to get across the most important things.
- - - - - - -
This was probably my favorite moment of the day.
Me: You know that I don't have any kids of my own. Who are my kids?
Them: US!
Wednesday, June 14, 2006
Gotta Love 'Em
brief exchange with my class the other day (after some particularly bad behavior)
Me (in frustration): It's like I have two sets of students. One set I adore with all my heart. I get tears in my eyes thinking that I will have to let you go. The other set is doing everything they possibly can to drive me out of my mind!
"J" (in a hushed, but meant to be heard voice): Mission accomplished.
One of the reasons I will miss them is their terrific sense of comedic timing. :)
Me (in frustration): It's like I have two sets of students. One set I adore with all my heart. I get tears in my eyes thinking that I will have to let you go. The other set is doing everything they possibly can to drive me out of my mind!
"J" (in a hushed, but meant to be heard voice): Mission accomplished.
One of the reasons I will miss them is their terrific sense of comedic timing. :)
Monday, June 12, 2006
Love is...
being willing to drive into the depths of Los Angeles not only once, but TWICE in a three day period so that you can spend time with your brother. And I now have proof that I do indeed love my baby brother. And since he willingly spent the day with me and my roomful of pre-teenagers, it has been pretty well established that he loves me too. Or at the very least is willing to go to great lengths to ensure that I will feed him dinner. :)
There is much going on during this, the final week of school and I am increasingly saddened by the thought that I won't be seeing these terrific kids very much longer. They all SAY they will come back to visit, but it is so rare when one actually does. There are so many kids, both from my 5th grade this year and my 4th grade last year, who I am going to miss. The smiles, the stories, the jokes, the cheerful greetings in teh hall (Dogg - your pup is a great one for that) - all of this is going to be hard to give up. I don't think that the kids or the parents truly realize how much I invest in my class each year and how much it hurts to have to let them go. This year has been particularly hard on me because I can't tell myself that I can always ask next year's teacher how they're doing. They will be in a different school, in a different atmosphere. I can only hope that the knowledge and love that I poured into them while they were with me will help them in the future. Perhaps someday some of them will come back, all grown up and successful, to show me that they still remember the lesssons they learned in my classroom.
Okay. Enough of that maudlin stuff. Mostly I am thrilled to see how terrific my kiddos are.
I would tell you more about the stuff that is going on, but my brother is only here for one more evening and I am not going to waste it. Buh-bye.
There is much going on during this, the final week of school and I am increasingly saddened by the thought that I won't be seeing these terrific kids very much longer. They all SAY they will come back to visit, but it is so rare when one actually does. There are so many kids, both from my 5th grade this year and my 4th grade last year, who I am going to miss. The smiles, the stories, the jokes, the cheerful greetings in teh hall (Dogg - your pup is a great one for that) - all of this is going to be hard to give up. I don't think that the kids or the parents truly realize how much I invest in my class each year and how much it hurts to have to let them go. This year has been particularly hard on me because I can't tell myself that I can always ask next year's teacher how they're doing. They will be in a different school, in a different atmosphere. I can only hope that the knowledge and love that I poured into them while they were with me will help them in the future. Perhaps someday some of them will come back, all grown up and successful, to show me that they still remember the lesssons they learned in my classroom.
Okay. Enough of that maudlin stuff. Mostly I am thrilled to see how terrific my kiddos are.
I would tell you more about the stuff that is going on, but my brother is only here for one more evening and I am not going to waste it. Buh-bye.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
