Influenza
It is an ugly virus. Nowadays, we are offered/bullied to get a flu shot. I have passed on this option for six years. Every year, we get a variation of the virus and build our immune systems a bit. Sounds burly, feels less fun and more miserable. This year, no exception. So, I am home again today. I don't know about most moms, but I just cannot send my six-year-old to school after a restless night and a 103 fever. Also she is coughing up a lung here and looks like she could be in an episode of "Walking Dead".
And so, dear students, I believe you are having a different day than the one you imagined. My apologies. Still, since I was up bright and before the sun (Thanks, Phoebe) I was able to accomplish many of my tasks that were getting put off.
I managed to:
take care of car registration
bill scheduling
calling a plumber
renew license (they suggested I keep my old photo. Guess my bad hair day was not all in my head :D)
take Harper to get an x-ray (negative on pneumonia)
pick up prescriptions
get a snack for the kids
put in a load of laundry
email a lesson plan and respond to students' emails as well as feed and dress myself and three girls- all before noon! Not every day is this productive so I have paced myself at nap time. Nap time is the new happy hour. Ahh... Oops... time's up!
Thursday, January 30, 2014
Tuesday, January 28, 2014
Another day in the life
I was a substitute teacher for several years. In fact, those years are not far behind me.
I had a chance to both teach and substitute at the same time. It wasn't awful because now I know what it means to be on both sides.
Our school is unique. When in need of a substitute, often we simply combine classes. We are small groups and flexible teachers. The first time I needed this support myself I dreaded the reaction when I returned having been in other environments with less support. I returned and no one was angry that I needed to stay home to attend a sick child. It was a relief. Similarly, today I covered for my partner in crime, Mr McKellar. It changed my day a little- it never is quite the same any way- but it was a fun challenge to shift students around. And it was an honor to cover for my very under the weather fellow teacher.
I feel very lucky to work in this rare environment that feels more like a family each day.
Feel better, Mr McKellar!
Monday, January 27, 2014
Sunday
What a day! Today was the Hellenic American Academy's Open House. We had a great turn out! It was exciting to see the enthusiasm for the school and meet some alumni from years past.
Then we celebrated Greek Hierarchs Day- it was so much fun to see the students dance and sing songs in celebration of education. My girls were too sick to make it, in fact there were several students missing. Still, it was a wonderful experience with a large turnout.
Saturday, January 25, 2014
It's Saturday! And we are up!
Most of the world will be sleeping right now. Unless you are a parent to small children. Then you too are likely watching Peep and the Big Wide world or something like that.
We did a breathing treatment, had our breakfast of steroids- sometimes they are ok, but she won't be allowed to compete in the Olympics this year. Life is about trade-offs.
You might lose sleep but you get this. This is pretty great. Not all trade-offs are so bad.
Speaking of trade-offs.... There are so many in life. You can have cake but not the tiny waistline. You can have children but you will not get enough sleep. You can have fun but not too much... Wait, am I rambling? Perhaps, just perhaps it is due to being very tired.
Have a nice Saturday!!!
Blog 1/24/14
This is a special week at Hellenic American Academy. This weekend we will celebrate Greek letters day. My students have been working so hard to learn dances, songs, and skits. I posted the students practicing last week or so ago. You can see it on my giveit100.com site. Love seeing them in traditional dance. Looks like fun!
We put such pressure on our students and have high expectations. The truly amazing thing is the students shine under pressure. They respond to it even if they always seem to dislike our pressure. My question is this- how much more could they do if they had willingness or joy in their endeavors?
I guess that is the main way I try to teach- I want my students to enjoy learning. Sometimes, that means they know there are rules to be respectful. Like walking down the hall so they are not interfering with someone else's learning. Enjoying learning also doesn't always look silly and messy. Still... Sometimes it does. I think it never quite looks the same way twice.
What do you think?
Friday, January 24, 2014
Faithful video posts... Writing everyday is tough!
All of my sixth graders have committed to a 100 day challenge of their making. The ideas range from stressing less to telling jokes to reading to ring nicer. Have I mentioned how much I love my sixth graders? Their ideas reflect their inner goodness and conscience. Good kids. The seventh and eighth graders made a year goal. We are thinking long-term and focusing on some future goals.
On other fronts, life has been busy. Our family still cannot seem to shake this evil virus. We spent a little time in the Emergency Room. Phoebe, our youngest is pretty sick. She has bronchiolitis and restrictive airways. I am glad they let us go home.
Life is never dull! There are so many things happening around us all the time. It will always be like that. The point is- you keep going and you never let yourself be defeated. An old proverb says- "fall down seven times, stand up eight".
That is my advice to my students. Just keep standing up!
Tuesday, January 21, 2014
When you have to call in a substitute...
So today presented that challenging task of deciding if I can be both Mother and Teacher. One must always take priority over another. I am alas, not able to truly multitask though I swear I have come quite close.
To all my students, I encourage you to live a full life of love and creative work. Just know, you will have to work at the balance. But you need that, don't you? At least I do. It has been said, "all work makes Jack (or Jill) a very dull boy (or girl)." Yes, my edits. So you get it. Work Hard but Have some fun and know when to let it all go. Just do your best.
Today, was a day when I had to forgo my Teacher Duties (stop laughing, that is not the word I said. Duty is a task or job. Geez.). When I was asked to put together my Substitute Plans for Today, it forced me to really think about the things I do in class. I am amazed at what we are able to accomplish in a day. I am also amazed at how tough it can be to put your thoughts into organized words. I do some things a bit unconsciously. It was a nice task to articulate my ideas. I saw on paper just how my ideas form and the possibilities that are a lesson plan.
And then my students started emailing me during class. Some were pertinent questions. Some were merely, "where are you?" It is nice to feel needed, but WHY AREN'T YOU WORKING??? Or why are you emailing me feline/bovine onomatopoeia?
Most of all, I hope that learning happened and that they missed me and... maybe for a snow day tomorrow. My 4 year old is really sick. If no snow day, I have some plans... so be ready TO WORK!
To all my students, I encourage you to live a full life of love and creative work. Just know, you will have to work at the balance. But you need that, don't you? At least I do. It has been said, "all work makes Jack (or Jill) a very dull boy (or girl)." Yes, my edits. So you get it. Work Hard but Have some fun and know when to let it all go. Just do your best.
Today, was a day when I had to forgo my Teacher Duties (stop laughing, that is not the word I said. Duty is a task or job. Geez.). When I was asked to put together my Substitute Plans for Today, it forced me to really think about the things I do in class. I am amazed at what we are able to accomplish in a day. I am also amazed at how tough it can be to put your thoughts into organized words. I do some things a bit unconsciously. It was a nice task to articulate my ideas. I saw on paper just how my ideas form and the possibilities that are a lesson plan.
And then my students started emailing me during class. Some were pertinent questions. Some were merely, "where are you?" It is nice to feel needed, but WHY AREN'T YOU WORKING??? Or why are you emailing me feline/bovine onomatopoeia?
Most of all, I hope that learning happened and that they missed me and... maybe for a snow day tomorrow. My 4 year old is really sick. If no snow day, I have some plans... so be ready TO WORK!
Monday, January 20, 2014
No Excuses... moving forward!
Hey there readers!
Ok, so I have been struggling with getting access on my mobile to post. I have posted on my video blog site: Giveit100.com
I am posting, in honesty and fairness to my partner in crime Mr McKellar (Mr McKellar's Blog) to confess. I challenged Mr McKellar to blog for 100 days and then I, Mrs Minaker, was unable to keep it up myself. So I am extending the challenge about 6 days. I did vlog... but I don't think that matters.
So... to catch you up. Last weekend, my second daughter turned 4 (2,4,6! It's an even year for the girls!) and we kept it small.
1/13/14- Monday, I posted the homework. I also took a pause to think about how Tuesday was my birthday and the double mark since I have been on my own. I sat at the kitchen table, on which I was born (funny story), and I thought about how far I have come since then. When I was 18, I thought I had it all figured out and I was afraid of a list of things. The list was long. I had a short list of what I had done and what I knew. 18 years later... I am pretty sure I know much less than I ever thought I knew at 18, still I managed to get through three degrees (ok, Associate, Bachelor and Master- but still). Education is my passion so it follows that I LOVE Teaching. I never thought I would do more than get married and teach people about the Bible at 18. Now, I am married, mother to three amazing girls and teaching. My 18 year old self would be amazed. And I am NOT done yet...
1/14/14- Tuesday, My students made my birthday by singing to me. My fellow co-teachers and staff surprised me with a brownie cake! It was a pretty nice birthday. I even got a call from my father-in-law. It wasn't perfect but it was a nice day until 2:30 rolled around and I found out my car was broken into in the faculty parking lot. Even worse, the person who smashed my window also swiped my GPS. Now, this is bad news because along with knowing many things about teaching and life, I know nothing about finding my way around. I am hopeless with direction. It is a weakness I acknowledged two years ago and forewent multiple gifts in order to gift myself with a GPS. It has made my life infinitely easier and less stressful as I feel secure knowing I have something to help me should I be lost and with no cell. I can't count the number of times I have been lost- sometimes so close to home it is ridiculous- and my cell dies at that moment. UGH. So this was my solution and yes, Anniversary/Christmas/Birthday/Mother's Day gift one year, to myself and my children who were probably afraid to drive with crazy mommy who gets lost. Now, GPSless and Driver window-less I had to solve many problems... with two hungry, small children in tow. Worst of all, we had little to no cash to rent cars or fix issues or feed hungry and sad kiddos as they waited it out like champs. I finally made it home after a grueling drive. Yes, my cell died. Yes, a kind stranger, Eddy at Enterprise Car Rental in Lowell, MA helped me out with a charger. And yes, I was stuck using a very awful direction app on my phone. I got home about... 6:30. Finally got to have some dinner and went to bed VERY early.
SO, what did I learn?
1. People like to tell you things that sound helpful but feel annoying in stressful situations. Still, most people will try to help if they can.
2. If you are in a sticky situation, remain calm. Freak out later. People help you if you keep your sense of humor about the awful things that have happened.
3. Roll with it. Seriously, just go with it. It will work out later.
4. Bad things will happen. It is probably not personal.
5. Good things will also happen. Be open to them and focus on the positive like a proton!
Now, can my birthday be over???
1/15/14- Wednesday- So, first I realized I needed a little more work to the car. Oh well. Poetry quiz sixth grade!!! Who is ready?? See videos on my blog. I am sort of out of steam. I decided I am a little more than sad about the car. It will not break me though! Poetry Jam Session is scheduled... SO EXCITED!
1/16/14- Thursday- What a day! At Hellenic American Academy, we are celebrating our NEASC accreditation. During the day, we had pinwheels and cake for the kiddos. (Mom sidenote: Bella is in the WORST mood. Woken from nap. HMMM...) Drop the kids off at babysitters. Run quickly to pick up my husband from work and make it back just in time (6:00pm) for a lovely event at the nearby Whistler House. It was great. We were all happy to have a night to celebrate with so many families from school. 6:51- phone call from babysitter. Time to go. Bella is not tired, she is sick. UH OH.
Got there just in time to have her be sick, on me. I. just. want. a. shower.
1/17/14- Friday- Quiz Day. Refocusing on my students and getting back to business. There never seems to be enough time to do all the things we need to do. Time management is a struggle considering there are REAL students in my classroom. Vocab Friday! We also have current events... Struggling with how we can make sure students show up with a printed out current event with their summary paragraph. They seems to only show up part of the time and then we never quite get to discuss them. Hmm... we will need to rethink this assignment. Meanwhile, I have many quizzes and papers to correct. And miles to go before I sleep. Bella still sick, but a little better.
1/18/14- Saturday- We are not going anywhere today. Even though we are supposed to go to dance today, it will be a quiet. Instead, we sat with a fire in the fireplace. We watched movies and kept Bella comfortable and the other girls out of the path, hopefully. Not much to write about today.
Today, I am grateful for a quiet day at home with the girls. I don't need excitement. I need dull at this point. Bella still has a fever. Other two girls seems okay so far. Knock on wood!
1/19/14- Sunday- Took a little drive to pick up Jay's car. The girls got a little treat and out of the house. Came home for naptime and then Jay and Harper snuck out. They had a Daddy/Daughter date at the Natick Skating Rink. From the pictures, it looks like a successful trip.
I have memories ice skating. I am not the most graceful person on my own feet, let alone when you have me strap things to my feet involving balance and motion. I have tried ice skating just enough to know I need MUCH more practice.
But there was this one day...
I used to have a friend named Emily. She lived way out in the woods in a simple house, on a small farm. They had horses, chickens and a big garden. When I went over there we went on walks in the woods, fished at a pond down the street and helped a bit with chores. We hunted nightcrawlers in the summer and ran wild most of the time. One winter, I spent several nights over and we found another, small pond down the road from her house. It had snowed quite a bit and the world was so quiet out there. One of my many favorite memories of walking in the woods in snow. We ended up at the frozen pond with skates. Emily convinced me to give it a try. It was the perfect temperature and snow was on the branches, making this a winter wonderland. It was pretty magical. For some reason, I could skate! I could glide and even stay balanced. I remember doing some kind of turn or something. I am telling you, it was amazing. I felt my muscles coordinated. I felt capable of anything. I never felt that way again when I went skating but the muscles, they have memories.
One day, I married a man who could skate circles around me and even if he goes years between skates, he can still do it like he's walking. He amazes me. It seems, thankfully, our daughters might have gotten a bit of his Canadian talent.
1/20/14- Monday- Today is Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr day. It was always a personal favorite of mine. For a man to be that influential is truly amazing. To be that strong, and determined when you know your message will not be well-received is inspiring. Of course, Dr King did not walk alone. There are so many others who supported and worked with him. Yet, he alone is remembered best. He was publicly murdered and therefore, martyred.
Why do we remember this one man? Because he stood up for what he believed and said what he needed to say eloquently. Because the imminent threat of intolerance is no longer so overt. Because, clearly, we need to be reminded of the atrocities humans are capable of wreaking on each other. Because we need to keep the hope that we can change and improve our lives and that fighting this struggle is absolutely, unequivocally WORTH IT.
And do not forget it.
Ok, so I have been struggling with getting access on my mobile to post. I have posted on my video blog site: Giveit100.com
I am posting, in honesty and fairness to my partner in crime Mr McKellar (Mr McKellar's Blog) to confess. I challenged Mr McKellar to blog for 100 days and then I, Mrs Minaker, was unable to keep it up myself. So I am extending the challenge about 6 days. I did vlog... but I don't think that matters.
So... to catch you up. Last weekend, my second daughter turned 4 (2,4,6! It's an even year for the girls!) and we kept it small.
1/13/14- Monday, I posted the homework. I also took a pause to think about how Tuesday was my birthday and the double mark since I have been on my own. I sat at the kitchen table, on which I was born (funny story), and I thought about how far I have come since then. When I was 18, I thought I had it all figured out and I was afraid of a list of things. The list was long. I had a short list of what I had done and what I knew. 18 years later... I am pretty sure I know much less than I ever thought I knew at 18, still I managed to get through three degrees (ok, Associate, Bachelor and Master- but still). Education is my passion so it follows that I LOVE Teaching. I never thought I would do more than get married and teach people about the Bible at 18. Now, I am married, mother to three amazing girls and teaching. My 18 year old self would be amazed. And I am NOT done yet...
1/14/14- Tuesday, My students made my birthday by singing to me. My fellow co-teachers and staff surprised me with a brownie cake! It was a pretty nice birthday. I even got a call from my father-in-law. It wasn't perfect but it was a nice day until 2:30 rolled around and I found out my car was broken into in the faculty parking lot. Even worse, the person who smashed my window also swiped my GPS. Now, this is bad news because along with knowing many things about teaching and life, I know nothing about finding my way around. I am hopeless with direction. It is a weakness I acknowledged two years ago and forewent multiple gifts in order to gift myself with a GPS. It has made my life infinitely easier and less stressful as I feel secure knowing I have something to help me should I be lost and with no cell. I can't count the number of times I have been lost- sometimes so close to home it is ridiculous- and my cell dies at that moment. UGH. So this was my solution and yes, Anniversary/Christmas/Birthday/Mother's Day gift one year, to myself and my children who were probably afraid to drive with crazy mommy who gets lost. Now, GPSless and Driver window-less I had to solve many problems... with two hungry, small children in tow. Worst of all, we had little to no cash to rent cars or fix issues or feed hungry and sad kiddos as they waited it out like champs. I finally made it home after a grueling drive. Yes, my cell died. Yes, a kind stranger, Eddy at Enterprise Car Rental in Lowell, MA helped me out with a charger. And yes, I was stuck using a very awful direction app on my phone. I got home about... 6:30. Finally got to have some dinner and went to bed VERY early.
SO, what did I learn?
1. People like to tell you things that sound helpful but feel annoying in stressful situations. Still, most people will try to help if they can.
2. If you are in a sticky situation, remain calm. Freak out later. People help you if you keep your sense of humor about the awful things that have happened.
3. Roll with it. Seriously, just go with it. It will work out later.
4. Bad things will happen. It is probably not personal.
5. Good things will also happen. Be open to them and focus on the positive like a proton!
Now, can my birthday be over???
1/15/14- Wednesday- So, first I realized I needed a little more work to the car. Oh well. Poetry quiz sixth grade!!! Who is ready?? See videos on my blog. I am sort of out of steam. I decided I am a little more than sad about the car. It will not break me though! Poetry Jam Session is scheduled... SO EXCITED!
1/16/14- Thursday- What a day! At Hellenic American Academy, we are celebrating our NEASC accreditation. During the day, we had pinwheels and cake for the kiddos. (Mom sidenote: Bella is in the WORST mood. Woken from nap. HMMM...) Drop the kids off at babysitters. Run quickly to pick up my husband from work and make it back just in time (6:00pm) for a lovely event at the nearby Whistler House. It was great. We were all happy to have a night to celebrate with so many families from school. 6:51- phone call from babysitter. Time to go. Bella is not tired, she is sick. UH OH.
Got there just in time to have her be sick, on me. I. just. want. a. shower.
1/17/14- Friday- Quiz Day. Refocusing on my students and getting back to business. There never seems to be enough time to do all the things we need to do. Time management is a struggle considering there are REAL students in my classroom. Vocab Friday! We also have current events... Struggling with how we can make sure students show up with a printed out current event with their summary paragraph. They seems to only show up part of the time and then we never quite get to discuss them. Hmm... we will need to rethink this assignment. Meanwhile, I have many quizzes and papers to correct. And miles to go before I sleep. Bella still sick, but a little better.
1/18/14- Saturday- We are not going anywhere today. Even though we are supposed to go to dance today, it will be a quiet. Instead, we sat with a fire in the fireplace. We watched movies and kept Bella comfortable and the other girls out of the path, hopefully. Not much to write about today.
Today, I am grateful for a quiet day at home with the girls. I don't need excitement. I need dull at this point. Bella still has a fever. Other two girls seems okay so far. Knock on wood!
1/19/14- Sunday- Took a little drive to pick up Jay's car. The girls got a little treat and out of the house. Came home for naptime and then Jay and Harper snuck out. They had a Daddy/Daughter date at the Natick Skating Rink. From the pictures, it looks like a successful trip.
I have memories ice skating. I am not the most graceful person on my own feet, let alone when you have me strap things to my feet involving balance and motion. I have tried ice skating just enough to know I need MUCH more practice.
But there was this one day...
I used to have a friend named Emily. She lived way out in the woods in a simple house, on a small farm. They had horses, chickens and a big garden. When I went over there we went on walks in the woods, fished at a pond down the street and helped a bit with chores. We hunted nightcrawlers in the summer and ran wild most of the time. One winter, I spent several nights over and we found another, small pond down the road from her house. It had snowed quite a bit and the world was so quiet out there. One of my many favorite memories of walking in the woods in snow. We ended up at the frozen pond with skates. Emily convinced me to give it a try. It was the perfect temperature and snow was on the branches, making this a winter wonderland. It was pretty magical. For some reason, I could skate! I could glide and even stay balanced. I remember doing some kind of turn or something. I am telling you, it was amazing. I felt my muscles coordinated. I felt capable of anything. I never felt that way again when I went skating but the muscles, they have memories.
One day, I married a man who could skate circles around me and even if he goes years between skates, he can still do it like he's walking. He amazes me. It seems, thankfully, our daughters might have gotten a bit of his Canadian talent.
1/20/14- Monday- Today is Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr day. It was always a personal favorite of mine. For a man to be that influential is truly amazing. To be that strong, and determined when you know your message will not be well-received is inspiring. Of course, Dr King did not walk alone. There are so many others who supported and worked with him. Yet, he alone is remembered best. He was publicly murdered and therefore, martyred.
Why do we remember this one man? Because he stood up for what he believed and said what he needed to say eloquently. Because the imminent threat of intolerance is no longer so overt. Because, clearly, we need to be reminded of the atrocities humans are capable of wreaking on each other. Because we need to keep the hope that we can change and improve our lives and that fighting this struggle is absolutely, unequivocally WORTH IT.
And do not forget it.
Saturday, January 11, 2014
So yesterday was busy and I only posted video and a short note. Today is a little less overwhelming and I will post more. Isn't that always the way? Today, as a mom, I shift into birthday gear and help the girls have a good day even though we didn't do a party.
This was a major reality check day. I absolutely love teaching. But I will always love my children more. Today was a day when they had to sacrifice some things in order for us to continue on. It was a major bummer. I remind myself that in the long run, they aren't being denied necessities or treated unfairly but my whole goal as a working mother is to provide my children with more. Hasn't happened yet.
I hope we can turn this into a life lesson- well, I am a teacher, after all. So today we are celebrating another amazing year of my girls quietly, at home. Not everyday can be rock star great. Sometimes it is just peacefully good. I will take it, gratefully.
Namaste,
Mrs Minaker
This was a major reality check day. I absolutely love teaching. But I will always love my children more. Today was a day when they had to sacrifice some things in order for us to continue on. It was a major bummer. I remind myself that in the long run, they aren't being denied necessities or treated unfairly but my whole goal as a working mother is to provide my children with more. Hasn't happened yet.
I hope we can turn this into a life lesson- well, I am a teacher, after all. So today we are celebrating another amazing year of my girls quietly, at home. Not everyday can be rock star great. Sometimes it is just peacefully good. I will take it, gratefully.
Namaste,
Mrs Minaker
Friday, January 10, 2014
Thursday, January 9, 2014
A Rolling Stone gathers no moss.
A Rolling Stone gathers no moss.
I guess that saying is one of my favorites. I like to keep things interesting and challenging and so, as if I have nothing else to do, I decided that I wanted to take on a new challenge. A challenge that would keep me mentally sharp and sharpen my writing skills which are becoming one of my favorite art forms. And so I asked my fellow teacher, Mr. Mark McKellar, to embark on the challenge with me. What we decided to do was blog 100 days. Giveit100.com is a fantastic idea discourages you to do something over and over again for 100 days. And so we blog.
We decided to blog about teaching. With lots of funny stories from teaching. We are both new teachers. And as such learn some new things, and also have some great a-ha moments along the way. We hope that you enjoy this blog. And we hope we survive the next hundred days with this commitment.
Here we go!
Mrs Minaker
I guess that saying is one of my favorites. I like to keep things interesting and challenging and so, as if I have nothing else to do, I decided that I wanted to take on a new challenge. A challenge that would keep me mentally sharp and sharpen my writing skills which are becoming one of my favorite art forms. And so I asked my fellow teacher, Mr. Mark McKellar, to embark on the challenge with me. What we decided to do was blog 100 days. Giveit100.com is a fantastic idea discourages you to do something over and over again for 100 days. And so we blog.
We decided to blog about teaching. With lots of funny stories from teaching. We are both new teachers. And as such learn some new things, and also have some great a-ha moments along the way. We hope that you enjoy this blog. And we hope we survive the next hundred days with this commitment.
Here we go!
Mrs Minaker
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