I'm sorry I haven't been writing. I think about writing. I plan to write. Then other things happen instead. I have learned the following things recently:
* There is nothing quite as relaxing as an early evening meander around the property with the dogs dashing about me.
* I Heart Huckabees is an amusing and intriguing movie. You should watch it.
* The first half of Utterly Monkey is well written and enjoyable.
* Teaching 5th grade is MUCH easier the second time around, but it is still hard to leave school at a decent hour.
Wednesday, August 30, 2006
Overheard
These are some of the things I heard just today that encourage and inspire and drive me to be at school tomorrow. And tomorrow. And tomorrow.
"Mrs. H? I think I fully grasp this concept now."
"I hate my life."
"Mrs. H makes coming to school fun."
"He's itching all over, but we think it's a physical reaction to the stress he's been under."
"That was fun!"
"I got lost trying to solve this multiplication problem. Can you show me how to do it?"
"Can we have writing time EVERY day?"
"Is this a good book? Do you think I would like it?"
"Can I help you?"
"Oh! I know the answer to his question. I'll show him."
"Ungh. I forgot my binder at home again."
All this from or about kids I have known for roughly 10 days. I am already needed and loved and trusted. This is going to be a great year.
"Mrs. H? I think I fully grasp this concept now."
"I hate my life."
"Mrs. H makes coming to school fun."
"He's itching all over, but we think it's a physical reaction to the stress he's been under."
"That was fun!"
"I got lost trying to solve this multiplication problem. Can you show me how to do it?"
"Can we have writing time EVERY day?"
"Is this a good book? Do you think I would like it?"
"Can I help you?"
"Oh! I know the answer to his question. I'll show him."
"Ungh. I forgot my binder at home again."
All this from or about kids I have known for roughly 10 days. I am already needed and loved and trusted. This is going to be a great year.
Sunday, August 20, 2006
Why Do People Inflict Pain On Others?
This is the question I was contemplating on one of my recent drives to school. Why do we inflict pain and how can I teach my students to avoid doing so as often as possible? This involves breaking the issue down to components that are simple enough to express to children. This is what I came up with...
There are 3 reasons or motivations that cause us to inflict pain on another.
1. Indifference
(the act of not caring)
What does it look like? Imagine you are walking across the playground. To your right, there are 3 fifth graders picking on a fourth grader. They have taken his basketball and are keeping it away from him while calling him names. You are so excited about getting in line at the handball court that you don't really notice it and walk right past.
What should you be asking yourself? "Am I paying attention?"
2. Good Intentions
(making things worse through a poorly thought out attempt to help)
What does it look like? Imagine that you meet someone who is very hungry. They have obviously not eaten in many days and if they don't eat soon they are going to die. The only food you have with you is a bag of peanuts. You kindly offer the stranger your peanuts. They refuse to eat them. Thinking that they must be disoriented and confused by the hunger, you force some peanuts down their throat. Suddenly, they have a severe allergic reaction and die.
What should you be asking yourself? "Do I have all the necessary informtion?"
3. Self-interest
(doing something to help yourself no matter how it affects another)
What does it look like? Imagine that you are grown up, driving to work. You know the rules (speed limits, stop lights, etc) and understand that they are there to reduce the risk to yourself and others. However, you are very late for a meeting, so you run a red light. You get through fine, but the car that had to stop for you gets hit from behind.
What should you be asking yourself? "How many people am I helping right now?"
There are 3 reasons or motivations that cause us to inflict pain on another.
1. Indifference
(the act of not caring)
What does it look like? Imagine you are walking across the playground. To your right, there are 3 fifth graders picking on a fourth grader. They have taken his basketball and are keeping it away from him while calling him names. You are so excited about getting in line at the handball court that you don't really notice it and walk right past.
What should you be asking yourself? "Am I paying attention?"
2. Good Intentions
(making things worse through a poorly thought out attempt to help)
What does it look like? Imagine that you meet someone who is very hungry. They have obviously not eaten in many days and if they don't eat soon they are going to die. The only food you have with you is a bag of peanuts. You kindly offer the stranger your peanuts. They refuse to eat them. Thinking that they must be disoriented and confused by the hunger, you force some peanuts down their throat. Suddenly, they have a severe allergic reaction and die.
What should you be asking yourself? "Do I have all the necessary informtion?"
3. Self-interest
(doing something to help yourself no matter how it affects another)
What does it look like? Imagine that you are grown up, driving to work. You know the rules (speed limits, stop lights, etc) and understand that they are there to reduce the risk to yourself and others. However, you are very late for a meeting, so you run a red light. You get through fine, but the car that had to stop for you gets hit from behind.
What should you be asking yourself? "How many people am I helping right now?"
Gandhi
We recently watched the movie Gandhi, and I continue to be amazed at his empathy, self-control, and influence. It is one thing to hold a hunger strike in an attempt to stop fighting. This is something anyone could do, given enough inner strength and motivation. It is something much more amazing to be so beloved and respected that both sides of a battle will lay down their arms in order to convince you to eat. If I were to go on a hunger strike over the war in Iraq, a small handful of people would mourn me, another (slightly larger) handful would mock me mercilessly, and a great majority of the people in my city, country, and world would never even know it was happening. The influence he had, and the humility with which he had it, are mind-boggleing.
And on a slightly different topic:
It inspires me to no end to know that Gandhi was an unknown, "bumbling lawyer" until his 30's. I still have time.
And on a slightly different topic:
It inspires me to no end to know that Gandhi was an unknown, "bumbling lawyer" until his 30's. I still have time.
A.N.T.
This morning, for no reason at all, an ant bit me on the foot right where my second and third toes come together. That spot has been on a slow burn all day long. Ugh. I have learned some new things from this fun adventure, however...
1. Ants, bees, and hornets are all of the order hymenoptera.
2. Ants, like all hymenoptera, sting rather than biting.
3. Ants will grab on with their mandibles and spin their butt around, stinging you repeatedly in a circular pattern.
4. Ant stings can cause an anaphylactic reaction in humans, occasionally leading to death.
5. Benedryll can help counteract a mild reaction to ant stings.
6. We are currently out of Benedryll.
Fortunately, all but the last were learned through internet research, rather than personal experience.
1. Ants, bees, and hornets are all of the order hymenoptera.
2. Ants, like all hymenoptera, sting rather than biting.
3. Ants will grab on with their mandibles and spin their butt around, stinging you repeatedly in a circular pattern.
4. Ant stings can cause an anaphylactic reaction in humans, occasionally leading to death.
5. Benedryll can help counteract a mild reaction to ant stings.
6. We are currently out of Benedryll.
Fortunately, all but the last were learned through internet research, rather than personal experience.
Wednesday, August 16, 2006
School Daze
I have been quite busy cleaning and organizing and arranging and planning and decorating in my classroom lately. The kids come back on Monday and it almost looks like I will be ready for them. Whoot!
Good News
Ollie went to the vet to have a large lump checked out. It is a reaction to his recent vaccines that will go away on its own. No problem. Whew. Now I don't have to feel bad for calling him "Lumpy" for the past 2 weeks.
Morning Rant
I recently received a forwarded e-mail about the problems teachers face when teaching illegal immigrants (a hot topic here in California). The article talked about wasted money, graffiti, teenage pregnancy, and feelings of entitlement in Title 1 schools with large Hispanic populations. While I don't disagree that these things are happening, I can say with certainty that Title 1 schools aren't the only ones wasting money, and Hispanic students aren't the only ones being disrespectful, getting pregnant, and feeling entitled. The tone of the entire article bothered me, but it wasn't until I reached the following paragraph that I started yelling:
I don't know that I could come up with a more racist paragraph if I tried. "We would accept them if they were more like us. Especially if they weren't lazy, stupid, and immoral." Ugh.
The part that really gets me steamed is how the author accuses Hispanics of not valuing education. I live in a upper middle class district. I would estimate that on any given year my classroom is 20% Hispanic (along with 15% Asian, 10% Native American, and <5% African American). My students aren't dealing with an inner city environment, and they are elementary aged, but even with those difference my experiences don't fit with what this author has stated at all.
To say that Hispanics as a culture don't value education is flat-out bullshit. This is like saying that Jews like money and Italians are all connected to the mob. It's a stereotype, designed to spread fear and distrust. From my experiences, the value of education has less to do with culture and more to do with the parent's own experiences with education as a child. Many times, I have had a conference for a Hispanic student, during which a father who is working three jobs to make ends meet tells me that he has changed his shift hours so he can be home to help a wayward son with homework or motivation.
Although I have dealt with that pre-teen sense of entitlement in many of my 5th graders, it is not limited to any one culture. Most parents work hard to give their kids a better childhood than the one they had growing up. Unfortunately, after several generations of this, we are no longer sheilding our youngsters from famine and factory work, but instead excusing them from having to do simple chores or practice basic courtesy. This isn't a cultural thing...it's a generational thing.
While I don't have to deal with the teenaged pregnancy issue at my level (yet...shudder), I know this is not a cultural thing either. In my opinion, the rise in teenaged pregnancy stems from low self-esteem, lack of sex education, boredom among teens, a shifting of influential power from families to peers, a decreasing of responsibility, and the effects of sexual repression.
Finally, assimilation is for the Borg. The sheer variety of languages, foods, traditions, and beliefs found in our borders SHOULD give us one of the richest, most experienced countries in the world. Instead, we give in to our fear of the unknown and refuse to accept anyone who isn't just like us or willing to become just like us.
In summation:
I agree that there are problems with our educational system, our society, and our world, but I refuse to lay the blame of those problems at the feet of one group. No amount of anger or hatred is going to change things. We need to work together if we hope to tackle these issues.
There are many hardworking Hispanic/American citizens that contribute to our country and many that I consider my true friends. We should encourage and accept those Hispanics who have done it the right and legal way. It does, however, have everything to do with culture. A third-world culture that does not value education, that accepts children getting pregnant and dropping out of school by 15 and that refuses to assimilate...
I don't know that I could come up with a more racist paragraph if I tried. "We would accept them if they were more like us. Especially if they weren't lazy, stupid, and immoral." Ugh.
The part that really gets me steamed is how the author accuses Hispanics of not valuing education. I live in a upper middle class district. I would estimate that on any given year my classroom is 20% Hispanic (along with 15% Asian, 10% Native American, and <5% African American). My students aren't dealing with an inner city environment, and they are elementary aged, but even with those difference my experiences don't fit with what this author has stated at all.
To say that Hispanics as a culture don't value education is flat-out bullshit. This is like saying that Jews like money and Italians are all connected to the mob. It's a stereotype, designed to spread fear and distrust. From my experiences, the value of education has less to do with culture and more to do with the parent's own experiences with education as a child. Many times, I have had a conference for a Hispanic student, during which a father who is working three jobs to make ends meet tells me that he has changed his shift hours so he can be home to help a wayward son with homework or motivation.
Although I have dealt with that pre-teen sense of entitlement in many of my 5th graders, it is not limited to any one culture. Most parents work hard to give their kids a better childhood than the one they had growing up. Unfortunately, after several generations of this, we are no longer sheilding our youngsters from famine and factory work, but instead excusing them from having to do simple chores or practice basic courtesy. This isn't a cultural thing...it's a generational thing.
While I don't have to deal with the teenaged pregnancy issue at my level (yet...shudder), I know this is not a cultural thing either. In my opinion, the rise in teenaged pregnancy stems from low self-esteem, lack of sex education, boredom among teens, a shifting of influential power from families to peers, a decreasing of responsibility, and the effects of sexual repression.
Finally, assimilation is for the Borg. The sheer variety of languages, foods, traditions, and beliefs found in our borders SHOULD give us one of the richest, most experienced countries in the world. Instead, we give in to our fear of the unknown and refuse to accept anyone who isn't just like us or willing to become just like us.
In summation:
I agree that there are problems with our educational system, our society, and our world, but I refuse to lay the blame of those problems at the feet of one group. No amount of anger or hatred is going to change things. We need to work together if we hope to tackle these issues.
Tuesday, August 01, 2006
Drat
My recent blood tests indicate that my cholestoral is still climbing*. Just before the kidney donation, it checked in at just below the 200 mark. Then 6 months later, it was just above the 200 mark. Now it's up to 247. Not good.
Internet research indicates that diet and exercise are recommended in treating high cholesterol. A healthy diet should included plenty of fruits and veggies, lots of whole grains, and legumes. Check. Dairy products should be low-fat and egg consumption limited. Check. Limit intake of high fat meats. Check. Reduce amount of butter and sugar ingested. Um...
Okay. So the first step is cutting back on butter and candy. I can do that.
Further research identifies 4 foods that can help lower LDLs ("bad" cholesterol) or raise HDLs ("good" cholesterol). Step two - work them into my diet more often:
Oats - No problem. I'll start having oatmeal for breakfast before school. Or granola. I'll have to make it myself though, cause it's rediculously expensive at the store.
Soy - Since becoming vegetarian, we have made soy a staple in our diets. We eat soy regularly and in many forms.
Nuts - Walnuts, almonds, hazlenuts, and peanuts are great for your heart AND full of protein. Yay! Brazil nuts, macadamias, and cashews (my favorites) are also full of fat, so easy on those guys.
Fish - Hmm. If the other stuff doesn't work, Mikey and I may have to have a talk about this. I am all for eating fish, but at this point it is not included in our vegetarian diet. Salmon and tuna are both chock full of Omega-3 fatty acids, which are great for your heart.
Now that the diet is revamped, it's time to look at exercise. I currently do...nothing. Not NOTHING exactly, but very, VERY little. How can I increase the exercise in my day? Come August 7th I will be heading back to the classroom. The two weeks of preparation should get me started, and having the kids back on the 21st will really increase my activity level. But that obviously isn't enough, because this problem was evident before my summer slacking started. I see two choices:
1. The Gym - This is expensive. I would need something in Temecula, where I could fit it in before or after school, so Mikey wouldn't be there with me. On the plus side, I could find somewhere that had classes. I have always wanted to do an aerobics or biking class. Do I trust myself to stay dedicated for the length of the whole contract? I dunno.
2. Walking - Cheap and flexible. Mikey might join me. I might also be able to join my pals at school who walk during lunch. I have tried this before and it isn't exciting enough to motivate me after a long day at school. It's too easy to put it off until the next day. Or week. Or month.
I'll have to keep thinking about that one. At least now I have a game plan. When I go in to see the doctor again (they are requesting a follow-up) I won't sound like a total putz.
*In the "Good News" column...my sodium continues to be lower than normal. Yay me.
Internet research indicates that diet and exercise are recommended in treating high cholesterol. A healthy diet should included plenty of fruits and veggies, lots of whole grains, and legumes. Check. Dairy products should be low-fat and egg consumption limited. Check. Limit intake of high fat meats. Check. Reduce amount of butter and sugar ingested. Um...
Okay. So the first step is cutting back on butter and candy. I can do that.
Further research identifies 4 foods that can help lower LDLs ("bad" cholesterol) or raise HDLs ("good" cholesterol). Step two - work them into my diet more often:
Oats - No problem. I'll start having oatmeal for breakfast before school. Or granola. I'll have to make it myself though, cause it's rediculously expensive at the store.
Soy - Since becoming vegetarian, we have made soy a staple in our diets. We eat soy regularly and in many forms.
Nuts - Walnuts, almonds, hazlenuts, and peanuts are great for your heart AND full of protein. Yay! Brazil nuts, macadamias, and cashews (my favorites) are also full of fat, so easy on those guys.
Fish - Hmm. If the other stuff doesn't work, Mikey and I may have to have a talk about this. I am all for eating fish, but at this point it is not included in our vegetarian diet. Salmon and tuna are both chock full of Omega-3 fatty acids, which are great for your heart.
Now that the diet is revamped, it's time to look at exercise. I currently do...nothing. Not NOTHING exactly, but very, VERY little. How can I increase the exercise in my day? Come August 7th I will be heading back to the classroom. The two weeks of preparation should get me started, and having the kids back on the 21st will really increase my activity level. But that obviously isn't enough, because this problem was evident before my summer slacking started. I see two choices:
1. The Gym - This is expensive. I would need something in Temecula, where I could fit it in before or after school, so Mikey wouldn't be there with me. On the plus side, I could find somewhere that had classes. I have always wanted to do an aerobics or biking class. Do I trust myself to stay dedicated for the length of the whole contract? I dunno.
2. Walking - Cheap and flexible. Mikey might join me. I might also be able to join my pals at school who walk during lunch. I have tried this before and it isn't exciting enough to motivate me after a long day at school. It's too easy to put it off until the next day. Or week. Or month.
I'll have to keep thinking about that one. At least now I have a game plan. When I go in to see the doctor again (they are requesting a follow-up) I won't sound like a total putz.
*In the "Good News" column...my sodium continues to be lower than normal. Yay me.
In Preparation
My neck is feeling somewhat better, thanks for asking. :) Mikey knew I was feeling back to my normal self when he realized that I was vacuuming then entire house. Why? No, not because we have company coming. (Good guess, though.) We are going on a trip. We will be away from our house for more than 24 hours and so the fates decree that I must clean every nook and crany of our humble abode. There is nothing worse than coming home from a trip only to find clutter and disruption. Okay, so there ARE worse things, but this ranks right up there, don't you think? Anyway, since we will be leaving soon, I am cleaning, packing, and generally getting ready for travel. The cats have yet to figure out what is happening, but as soon as I get out the suitcase, they will start begging us to stay. Poor things. I'm off to clean out the fridge...
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