After one day back at school I remember why I chose to be a teacher; it's all about the kids. I was nervous and anxious this morning but as soon as I saw those faces, both new and old, I was reassured that I am right where I need to be. Although the day was hectic, trying, and somewhat stressful, I haven't ended a day feeling this fulfilled in a long time. The students just manage to make me smile, laugh, and appreciate the small things in a way that nobody else can.
A funny story from the day (well maybe just I find it funny, but whatever...) We had a few minutes to spare and I asked them some tribond questions (what do these three things have in common?) The three things were Chicken, Turkey, Ground Beef. The first answer that gets blurted out is "They are all BIRDS!" My response: "Ya I think I saw a flock of ground beef fly by this morning.." It made me laugh for sure! Love it.
Well with school starting I am definitely finding difficulty in adjusting to the work that's required from waking up until going to sleep. It'll take a while to get settled in. Hopefully I'll get ahead eventually, so that I can enjoy some of these evenings too! I am tired but feel great that I have accomplished something today.
Wednesday, September 5, 2007
Monday, September 3, 2007
Frightening Conclusion
"I've come to the frightening conclusion that I am the decisive element in the classroom. It's my daily mood that makes the weather. As a teacher I posses a tremendous power to make a child's life miserable or joyous. I can be a tool of torture of an instrument of inspiration. I can humiliate humor, hurt, or heal. In all situations it is my response that decides whether a crisis will be escalated or deescalated and a child humanized or dehumanized."
~Hiam Ginott~
Saturday, September 1, 2007
I think my life is a lot like the game of yahtzee..
I own an electronic yahtzee game, and I play it a lot. As I was playing last time I realized that my life is a lot like a game of yahtzee. First I've become so accustomed to the game, I've developed an innate strategy that I use time and time again. In life, well I'm pretty much a creature of habit, doing things in a relatively organized and structured manner.
In the game there are a set of tasks that one must accomplish - some of them definitely worth more points than others; same as life - I have goals that I want to accomplish, things I want to do, and some things obviously take precedence over other things.
I see the number categories of yahtzee much like relationships. All values hold some importance, but more 5s and 6s obviously help you get closer to achieving the goal of scoring 63 so that you get your 35 bonus points (which is super important). Now you can do this by getting 3 of each of the individual values - if you get less in one category you have to make up for it somehow. As I'm playing I invest a lot more time trying to score more 4s, 5s, and 6s, then 1s or 2s. That's how relationships are. I put more time, effort and dedication into those relationships where there is more to get out of it - this would be family and close friends. You know it's worth the effort to maintain those relationships because they are the ones who are going to be there when you need that extra push towards the bonus. However, in life we have a bunch of smaller relationships (like the 1s and 2s) but I don't put as much attention on these cause ultimately I know that there is less that I can get out of the deal. Don't get me wrong - every 1 counts and has it's place, but it doesn't quite hold the same value.
Then you move to the special categories, the straights, three of a kind, yahtzee, etc. How do you go about achieving these goals? I've realized that there is many ways to get there - kinda like we have many paths to choose in our own journey. Full house is one of those categories that I don't like to roll for specifically - if I happen to roll one I usually take advantage of it and collect the points. In life sometimes I am presented with opportunities that I wasn't looking for and you gotta go for them if it feels right - cause you don't know if you'll ever get the chance again.
Sometimes all I have left is to roll for yahtzee - and what to I end up getting? A large straight. Now in terms of the game, it sucks, because that's compromising a lot of points. However if you look at the categories seperately they are both high in value and you would probably be happy to take either one if you had the choice. I've learned in life that sometimes we are so driven towards one idea and one way of thinking, that even when we are dealt another good hand, we are in a position where we aren't satisfied. I have that internal drive to always "look for something more." Sometimes it's great - I don't need to settle and I can always look for ways to improve - but in other instances I know I've missed out on genuine, quality experiences cause I was too caught up in looking for more... alright - time for me to roll the dice...
In the game there are a set of tasks that one must accomplish - some of them definitely worth more points than others; same as life - I have goals that I want to accomplish, things I want to do, and some things obviously take precedence over other things.
I see the number categories of yahtzee much like relationships. All values hold some importance, but more 5s and 6s obviously help you get closer to achieving the goal of scoring 63 so that you get your 35 bonus points (which is super important). Now you can do this by getting 3 of each of the individual values - if you get less in one category you have to make up for it somehow. As I'm playing I invest a lot more time trying to score more 4s, 5s, and 6s, then 1s or 2s. That's how relationships are. I put more time, effort and dedication into those relationships where there is more to get out of it - this would be family and close friends. You know it's worth the effort to maintain those relationships because they are the ones who are going to be there when you need that extra push towards the bonus. However, in life we have a bunch of smaller relationships (like the 1s and 2s) but I don't put as much attention on these cause ultimately I know that there is less that I can get out of the deal. Don't get me wrong - every 1 counts and has it's place, but it doesn't quite hold the same value.
Then you move to the special categories, the straights, three of a kind, yahtzee, etc. How do you go about achieving these goals? I've realized that there is many ways to get there - kinda like we have many paths to choose in our own journey. Full house is one of those categories that I don't like to roll for specifically - if I happen to roll one I usually take advantage of it and collect the points. In life sometimes I am presented with opportunities that I wasn't looking for and you gotta go for them if it feels right - cause you don't know if you'll ever get the chance again.
Sometimes all I have left is to roll for yahtzee - and what to I end up getting? A large straight. Now in terms of the game, it sucks, because that's compromising a lot of points. However if you look at the categories seperately they are both high in value and you would probably be happy to take either one if you had the choice. I've learned in life that sometimes we are so driven towards one idea and one way of thinking, that even when we are dealt another good hand, we are in a position where we aren't satisfied. I have that internal drive to always "look for something more." Sometimes it's great - I don't need to settle and I can always look for ways to improve - but in other instances I know I've missed out on genuine, quality experiences cause I was too caught up in looking for more... alright - time for me to roll the dice...
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Wednesday, September 5, 2007
I remember now...
After one day back at school I remember why I chose to be a teacher; it's all about the kids. I was nervous and anxious this morning but as soon as I saw those faces, both new and old, I was reassured that I am right where I need to be. Although the day was hectic, trying, and somewhat stressful, I haven't ended a day feeling this fulfilled in a long time. The students just manage to make me smile, laugh, and appreciate the small things in a way that nobody else can.
A funny story from the day (well maybe just I find it funny, but whatever...) We had a few minutes to spare and I asked them some tribond questions (what do these three things have in common?) The three things were Chicken, Turkey, Ground Beef. The first answer that gets blurted out is "They are all BIRDS!" My response: "Ya I think I saw a flock of ground beef fly by this morning.." It made me laugh for sure! Love it.
Well with school starting I am definitely finding difficulty in adjusting to the work that's required from waking up until going to sleep. It'll take a while to get settled in. Hopefully I'll get ahead eventually, so that I can enjoy some of these evenings too! I am tired but feel great that I have accomplished something today.
A funny story from the day (well maybe just I find it funny, but whatever...) We had a few minutes to spare and I asked them some tribond questions (what do these three things have in common?) The three things were Chicken, Turkey, Ground Beef. The first answer that gets blurted out is "They are all BIRDS!" My response: "Ya I think I saw a flock of ground beef fly by this morning.." It made me laugh for sure! Love it.
Well with school starting I am definitely finding difficulty in adjusting to the work that's required from waking up until going to sleep. It'll take a while to get settled in. Hopefully I'll get ahead eventually, so that I can enjoy some of these evenings too! I am tired but feel great that I have accomplished something today.
Monday, September 3, 2007
Frightening Conclusion
"I've come to the frightening conclusion that I am the decisive element in the classroom. It's my daily mood that makes the weather. As a teacher I posses a tremendous power to make a child's life miserable or joyous. I can be a tool of torture of an instrument of inspiration. I can humiliate humor, hurt, or heal. In all situations it is my response that decides whether a crisis will be escalated or deescalated and a child humanized or dehumanized."
~Hiam Ginott~
Saturday, September 1, 2007
I think my life is a lot like the game of yahtzee..
I own an electronic yahtzee game, and I play it a lot. As I was playing last time I realized that my life is a lot like a game of yahtzee. First I've become so accustomed to the game, I've developed an innate strategy that I use time and time again. In life, well I'm pretty much a creature of habit, doing things in a relatively organized and structured manner.
In the game there are a set of tasks that one must accomplish - some of them definitely worth more points than others; same as life - I have goals that I want to accomplish, things I want to do, and some things obviously take precedence over other things.
I see the number categories of yahtzee much like relationships. All values hold some importance, but more 5s and 6s obviously help you get closer to achieving the goal of scoring 63 so that you get your 35 bonus points (which is super important). Now you can do this by getting 3 of each of the individual values - if you get less in one category you have to make up for it somehow. As I'm playing I invest a lot more time trying to score more 4s, 5s, and 6s, then 1s or 2s. That's how relationships are. I put more time, effort and dedication into those relationships where there is more to get out of it - this would be family and close friends. You know it's worth the effort to maintain those relationships because they are the ones who are going to be there when you need that extra push towards the bonus. However, in life we have a bunch of smaller relationships (like the 1s and 2s) but I don't put as much attention on these cause ultimately I know that there is less that I can get out of the deal. Don't get me wrong - every 1 counts and has it's place, but it doesn't quite hold the same value.
Then you move to the special categories, the straights, three of a kind, yahtzee, etc. How do you go about achieving these goals? I've realized that there is many ways to get there - kinda like we have many paths to choose in our own journey. Full house is one of those categories that I don't like to roll for specifically - if I happen to roll one I usually take advantage of it and collect the points. In life sometimes I am presented with opportunities that I wasn't looking for and you gotta go for them if it feels right - cause you don't know if you'll ever get the chance again.
Sometimes all I have left is to roll for yahtzee - and what to I end up getting? A large straight. Now in terms of the game, it sucks, because that's compromising a lot of points. However if you look at the categories seperately they are both high in value and you would probably be happy to take either one if you had the choice. I've learned in life that sometimes we are so driven towards one idea and one way of thinking, that even when we are dealt another good hand, we are in a position where we aren't satisfied. I have that internal drive to always "look for something more." Sometimes it's great - I don't need to settle and I can always look for ways to improve - but in other instances I know I've missed out on genuine, quality experiences cause I was too caught up in looking for more... alright - time for me to roll the dice...
In the game there are a set of tasks that one must accomplish - some of them definitely worth more points than others; same as life - I have goals that I want to accomplish, things I want to do, and some things obviously take precedence over other things.
I see the number categories of yahtzee much like relationships. All values hold some importance, but more 5s and 6s obviously help you get closer to achieving the goal of scoring 63 so that you get your 35 bonus points (which is super important). Now you can do this by getting 3 of each of the individual values - if you get less in one category you have to make up for it somehow. As I'm playing I invest a lot more time trying to score more 4s, 5s, and 6s, then 1s or 2s. That's how relationships are. I put more time, effort and dedication into those relationships where there is more to get out of it - this would be family and close friends. You know it's worth the effort to maintain those relationships because they are the ones who are going to be there when you need that extra push towards the bonus. However, in life we have a bunch of smaller relationships (like the 1s and 2s) but I don't put as much attention on these cause ultimately I know that there is less that I can get out of the deal. Don't get me wrong - every 1 counts and has it's place, but it doesn't quite hold the same value.
Then you move to the special categories, the straights, three of a kind, yahtzee, etc. How do you go about achieving these goals? I've realized that there is many ways to get there - kinda like we have many paths to choose in our own journey. Full house is one of those categories that I don't like to roll for specifically - if I happen to roll one I usually take advantage of it and collect the points. In life sometimes I am presented with opportunities that I wasn't looking for and you gotta go for them if it feels right - cause you don't know if you'll ever get the chance again.
Sometimes all I have left is to roll for yahtzee - and what to I end up getting? A large straight. Now in terms of the game, it sucks, because that's compromising a lot of points. However if you look at the categories seperately they are both high in value and you would probably be happy to take either one if you had the choice. I've learned in life that sometimes we are so driven towards one idea and one way of thinking, that even when we are dealt another good hand, we are in a position where we aren't satisfied. I have that internal drive to always "look for something more." Sometimes it's great - I don't need to settle and I can always look for ways to improve - but in other instances I know I've missed out on genuine, quality experiences cause I was too caught up in looking for more... alright - time for me to roll the dice...
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)