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Tag Archives: school


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Daily Prompt: Pants on Fire

This former daily prompt made me really stop and think.  What was the last lie I told and why did I tell it? Hmmmm. Immediately I figured it must have been in school with my students. Little fibs happen all the time. Usually they’re to keep things running smoothly in the classroom and to create the outcome that I want. For example,  I pretend to randomly choose a student to contribute to the discussion, but really have my victim (uh, I mean volunteer) chosen ahead of time.

o-HOOTERS-LOGO-570This type of orchestrating allows teachers to avoid situations like the one my colleague nearly found herself in as her class chose a nickname. They worked hard at brainstorming, and one student came up with the fabulous name, “Mrs. H’s Hooters.” Too bad that name accidentally got left off the ballot as they voted.  Clearly Mrs. H fibs too. Sometimes it’s a matter of survival.

Aside from school, I’m a pretty honest person. I don’t lie about my age or my weight (although I might prefer to avoid the topic of exact pounds).  I tell the doctor all the things I’ve done that I shouldn’t, and all the things I haven’t done that I should.  I fill out my taxes accurately, and I even stop at the stop signs in parking lots when nobody is around to see me.

When it comes right down to it, I think I mostly lie to myself. I lie to myself every morning as I look in the mirror. I tell myself that I look pretty good, but as soon as a see a photo I cringe. I lie to myself about how much time I’m willing to spend on certain things, about how interested I am in certain projects.  I lie to myself when I say yes to projects that I don’t have the time or energy to pursue. That type of self deception is foolish and ultimately pricey. It is also damaging and gets me into trouble. It has gotten me to a point where my health and well being have been compromised. I’ve decided that it’s time to be brutally honest with myself. If I won’t do it, nobody will.


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Daily Prompt: Groundhog Day

Today’s daily prompt explores an intriguing idea. What if, like in the movie Groundhog Day, you had the chance to relive a day over and over until you got it “right?” What day would you choose? This prompt made me take a quick mental inventory of the standout days of my life. Would I choose to replay any of them? I don’t think I would. I don’t feel like I have any days that I monumentally messed up. Sure, I’ve made some bad decisions along the way, but none that stand out so glaringly that I would jump at the chance to relive their circumstances in an attempt to change the outcome. For that I’m grateful.

If I were in a Groundhog Day type situation, I think I would choose a typical weekday. Since these are the most common days of my life, I think it would be a great benefit to figure out, once and for all, how to make them as pleasant and productive as possible.  What I would hope to accomplish, after several attempts I’m sure, would be a model day that I would strive to emulate. Here’s how it goes in my mind.

First, the alarm goes off after a restful night’s sleep. I happily get out of bed and begin my morning routine. Ideally, it includes some type of exercise that I find stimulating and enjoyable (this is an ideal, remember?). Then I shower, dress, and join my happy family at the breakfast table for a nutritious and delicious meal that someone (anyone?) has prepared. We have plenty of time to eat and enjoy each other’s company before leaving for school and work with equally nutritious and delicious lunches in hand.

AAAADAInGbUAAAAAAVM-SANaturally I leave the house with plenty of time to spare, and the freeways are clear making the drive quick and safe. We listen to some of our favorite music and sing along as we happily banter during the trip. Soon after, I deliver my sweet son to school, and impart some loving words of wisdom, which he takes to heart, as he starts his day.

I make my way to my work, and arrive early enough to calmly go about my business before the students arrive. Of course the classroom is neat and orderly, all of the materials for the day are ready and organized, and the calendar and boards are updated with the day’s pertinent information.  The computer is up and running and the day’s lessons are polished and ready to go. I greet the students warmly as they enter, and I teach my heart out all day. Every question I ask is thought provoking, every assignment is met with enthusiasm and carefully completed, and every possible need of the students has been anticipated and met. The happy children give hugs and high fives as they leave for the day, excited to return the following day for more of the same.

After dismissal, I meet with colleagues briefly as we review our successes and any potential challenges, and we create some dynamic plans for upcoming instruction. Then I quickly grade some student work, enter it into the gradebook (yes, on the same day), and leave the room ready for the following day.

Now the rest of the afternoon is mine. I pick up my son and he regales me of his triumphs both in and out of the classroom that day. Again our drive is easy, with a soundtrack that we both enjoy. At home our darling puppy greets us, and she hasn’t chewed a single thing aside from her collection of chew toys. My son get right to work on chores and homework, and I read and review the mail and take a few minutes for myself. I may even read a book, or write, or sew.

My sweetheart comes home, and the three of us enjoy a perfect evening with a nutritious dinner and time to enjoy each other’s company. Somehow the cooking and cleaning up get done without anyone really noticing how, and we decide to do something fun together, since all homework has been carefully completed and there are no chores hanging over anyone’s head. Maybe we go to the dog park or the movies. Maybe it’s miniature golf or a video game tournament. Whatever it is, we all enjoy it together.

Finally, after a long day, it’s time to unwind and go to bed. We let each other know how much we appreciate and love one another, and we settle in for a restful night’s sleep.

Yes, I think I could handle that day. In fact, I’ve been working on practicing it already. Maybe someday I’ll nail it, but for now I’ll cherish the parts of it that I do get right. Then the next day, I’ll try again.  After all, I’m the eternal optimist. It could happen.

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Daily Prompt: Fifteen Credits

I guess today’s daily prompt is the nudge I need to come out about my professional life. I’m a teacher. There, I said it.  So when asked if I’m looking forward to going back to school, I can honestly say I have mixed feelings.

imagesOn the one hand, I love my summer vacation. I use that time to read and study and reflect and plan new ideas for the upcoming year. I also use that time to play and visit my family and old friends, and sleep and swim and quilt and generally have a good time on my own schedule. I often stay up late, usually sleep past 5:25 (imagine that), and recharge my inner battery.

The summer of 2013 was particularly productive. I moved schools, switched grade levels, participated in a national project for teachers, and began this blog. I focused on my health and well being, got engaged, and took a few trips. I started to exercise, lost a few pounds, and created my 47 for 47 challenge. Wow. No wonder I love summer.

On the flip side, though, the new school year makes me giddy with anticipation each and every year. I itch to see my class list, when the students are still just names on a page. I chomp at the bit to get into my classroom and start moving around furniture and putting up bulletin boards. My heart starts to race at the sight of all the brand new school supplies lining the store shelves. All of those Pinterest ideas compete for space in my plans. I begin to fill in my spreadsheets with test scores and start thinking about my new schedule. I especially get excited to meet the students. I will spend a lot of time with them over the next several months, and I can’t wait to set the tone for that interaction.

Overall, I still find that I experience years primarily by the school calendar, rather than the traditional January to December plan. I’m still getting used to the idea of school starting before the blazing days of triple digit heat have subsided, but other than that, I’m ready for a happy new year.