Week Five....REALLY!?

Week five has emhasized the importance of flexibility. Snow days, student assemblies, staff meetings, you name it, you just have to learn to be flexible and adjust acordingly in order to be a successful teacher! To say the least, that is what I have done so far this week! I honestly feel like I have revised daily lesson plans at least a million times! Uggg!

Today was our first day back since last Friday's half day. Wednesday and Thursday will be half days and Friday will be a full day. It was SO nice to be back in the classroom again. I did not miss the long drive to the beach, but I missed the students dearly! So now the race begins...the race to complete everything that needs to be accomplished for the month of February.

It is so hard to believe that we are half way through week five. Time flies, doesn't it? I must say that as I was riding home from work this afternoon, I was thinking about how sad it is going to be to leave the children and staff at John B. Dey. It is amazing how close I have become to the children, parents and staff in only one month. They have been so good to me! From teacher to teacher collaborations to a birthday surprise party with cake, cards, balloons gifts and all, my first experience has certainly been a memorable one!

The Fourth Week Thus Far...

It is so funny how teaching has its ups and its downs. Of course I could have told you this before I even began the student teaching experience since I used to teach at The Manor Schools. Nonetheless, student teaching has over emphasized the fact that one day you can be on top of a mountain and then the next day you can be low, low, low in a valley. I say all of this because the end of week three, I was one bad math lesson shy of having a nervous break down. I literally came home Thursday night, looked at my husband with tears in my eyes and said, "I don't think I can do this. I do not think that I am cut out to be a teacher." Thank God for a blatenly honest husband because Kevin looked at me with this crazy expression on his face and said, "Honey, you're tired. You need to go to bed." So I took his advice and went to bed.

The next morning I woke up two hours later than I normally do because I had to go to a "Teach at the Beach" seminar. Therefore, I had plenty of sleep and was now able to function with a clear mind. After the seminar, I headed to John B. Dey only to later find out that the students had taken a math test that morning. Mrs. Hartin quickly ushered me over to a table and told me to sit down--she had something for me to look at. As I flipped through the tests, I was rejoicing over the students success because the majority of them made a 100%, while all the rest made a low A or high B. I could not have been any happier at that very moment! All of my hard work, sweat and tears had paid off! To say the least, I was on top of a mountain.

This week, thus far, has gone just as well (if not better). I have had a few of those "this is why I am a teacher" moments. The more and more I get into the routine of becoming an elementary school teacher, the more and more I realize that this is exactly where I am suppossed to be--this is truly my calling. Therefore, I cannot let a single, solitary lesson get me down in the dumps. I am have to try to keep my head held up high, try harder, work harder and continually strive for excellence. Not only that, but I also realzied that due to my math lesson gone bad, I was able to exeplify to the students the well known phrase, "if at first you don't succeed, try, try again." This seems to be a resounding quote that we have heard the past couple of weeks throughout numerous lessons. So I guess I can truly say that I too learned my very own lesson!

In closing, I felt that it was more than appropriate to share a few words to encouragement that come from Phillipians 4:13, NIV. It says, "I can do all things through Him who gives me strength." So if you happen to be in a valley, simply know that you won't be there forever. Keep your head up high and know that even when you feel like you cannot write another lesson plan, teach another lesson or share another smile, you can because you have an almighty God who is on your side and cheering you on. He is your strength, your peace and your rest!

The Second and Third Weeks...

The second and third weeks have been just as great as the first week. I must admit, by the second week I was extremely frustrated with the math program. Virginia Beach city public schools use a mathematics program called Everyday Math from Chicago Institute. I think the developers of this particular math program were really on to something when they first created this program because it takes a spiral approach to mathematics. In other words, just like every child does not learn how to walk or talk at the same time, not every child may be able to grasp or understand a math concept at the same time. Therefore, you might teach addition or subraaction strategies many times throughout the year because of the spiral approach--INGENIOUS! However, as you might have noticed, I mentioned addition or subtraction strategies. I am sure you are wondering what I mean when I say strategies because after all there is only one way to add and subtract numbers, right? WRONG! Now there are numerous strategies like the counting up strategy, the partial sums strategy, etc. So instead of being able to simply add or subract a math problem, you now have to memorize a wide variety of strategies to help you come up with an answer. So it was slightly frustrating trying to retrain my brain to use all of these strategies as I am teaching the children. All is good now though!

Oh and I must tell you all what I have been working so hard on the past few weeks. The children will be learning about Egypt during the month of February. Therefore, the media coordinator and I collaborated on a project that the children will complete. First, we set up pen pals (using E-PALS). The pen pals are a second grade group of students in Pennsylvania who are learning about Egypt the same time as we are. The children will write to their pen pals using friendly letter format (which they just learned about). They will start out with a simple intro letter telling about themselves. Then the students will converse about what they are learning about Egypt. At the end of the month, the children will have an opportunity to video conference and see their pen pals face to face. My class will perform a few songs from their Egyptian musical that they will be performing for their parents. It is called "Temples and Tombs." We might also have a trivia contest between the two classes, but we will have to see. The plans are not etched in stone quite yet.

The next project we are working on is poetry. I just introduced the poetry unit last week to the class. Throughout the next month, the kids will learn how to write a free verse poem, a haiku, and acrostc poem and a couplet. They will go through the writing process using the writers workshop format. Next, the students will draw a simple illustration of their poem in art class. After that they will take their very best poem and "publish" it in a class poetry book. Then at the end of February, we will have a book signing and meet the poet party and nvite the parents to come in.

Other than that, everything has gone particulary well! I have been so busy writing lesson plans, which is the story of my life these days! So far, so good...no complaints on my end!

The First Day and Such...

So I had every intention of blogging about my first day of student teaching on the first day. However, that just did not happen. Therefore, I will give a brief overview of the past couple of days.

I have been assigned to John B. Dey to work in a second grade classroom for my first student teaching experience. I must admit that I was slightly nervous about the first day, but knew I was all prayed up and ready to jump in feet first. Everyone was very welcoming and helpful to make my transition to John B. Dey a successful one. Mrs. Hartin even set up a desk just for me to make her classroom feel like my classroom. I thought that this was a nice gesture.

As far as the children are concerned, they thought that it was really cool to be able to have two teachers. One little boy in particular really touched my heart. Every Monday the children compelte a weekend update. Well, as he was reading his vacation update to the class, he told everyone how "he did not have a good Christmas. Infact, his Christmas was not great at all. He had a wonderful new years though." Once the children had gone to lunch, Mrs. Hartin told me that this little boy has seven brothers and sisters and sleeps on matresses that are on the floor. She went on to tell me that the mother apparently went psycho and tore down the Christmas tree and told the children that they were not going to have Christmas this year. Therefore, this little boy did not receive any Christmas gifts or even celebrate the Christmas holiday. So here I am standing in the classroom with tears in my eyes thinking to myself, "this is why I teach." With all of that being said, I have to say that the first day went smoothly and the children were absolutely adorable!

Days two and three have also gone extremely well. Over the past few days I have had the opportunity to meet the principal and assistant principal. They are both very nice, but you can tell that they expect their employees to be a step above the rest. Therefore, I say....BRING IT ON! Other than that, I have been keeping myself busy getting to know the children, taking down and putting up bulletin boards, grading papers, making copies, tidying the classroom, reading books to the children, planning lessons, etc.

So far, so good! I cannot wait to see what the next few weeks have to offer. Blessings to all!

One brick wall down.....

"Brick Walls"

Here is what Randy Pausch, author of The Last Lecture, has to say about brick walls...."Brick walls are there for a purpose--they let us prove how badly we really want [what is on the other side]." By the way, I highly recommend reading or watching "The Last Lecture." (http://www.thelastlecture.com/)

Today was a monumental day in the Phillips house hold! For those of you who do not already know, I have been struggling to gain one, single, solitary point to pass the Praxis I teaching exam. It's been a burden (or a "brick wall") that I have been trying to overcome for several years now. To break it down, the Praxis I consists of three tests (reading, writing and mathematics) that equal one composite score. The state of Virginia requires one to have a composite score of a 532, which if I might add, is the highest Praxis I test score out of any other state in the entire United States (most states require you to pass with a 522 not 532). Even though I had a 531 and had passed the Praxis in every other state in this country, I had not passed the Praxis I in the state of Virginia (per their requirements). Therefore, you can understand my frustration.



The purpose of the Praxis I is not only to ensure that you are a "highly qualified teacher" once you graduate, but it also tends to "weed out" the "good teachers from the bad." This theory of weeding out the good from the bad really, truly upsets me because after all, it is soooo not true! Let me explain why. I have spoken with numerous individuals from a wide variety of VA universities, and almost seven out of ten people tell me that they have either given up or are going to give up on their overall idea of becoming an educator---how sad! Why, you may ask!? They are changing their major or even dropping out of school all because they cannot pass the Praxis I, most of them being in the same situation that I was in....lacking one point. Ridiculous! I swear this exam is rigged!

So instead of giving up (which I have contemplated many times), I took the Praxis mathematics test once again and passed it with one point to spare! So instead of passing the test with a 532, I passed it with a 533 (I sure showed the state of Virginia how it is really done, didn't I!?). Passing this exam has literally brought me to a new chapter in my life. You see, I only have ten more education classes to take until I graduate. However, I was unable to take those courses because I had not "passed" the Praxis (the college I go to requires you to pass the Praxis I before you enter your core elementary education classes). Therefore, I am now able to move on with my education, which is beyond exciting!

This upcoming school year is going to be full of excitement and well as full of challenges. Going to school full time and being a full time assistant director of a school is going to be well.....QUITE challenging! However, I know, that I know, that I know that I am up for the test! After all, Philippians 4:13 says that I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength! So please, please, please keep me in your prayers….and keep Kevin in your prayers too. He will be starting back to school in January 2009. I am sure the stress level in our household will be a little bit above normal, but again, we are up for the challenge and cannot wait to see where God will lead us in the near future!


So, one brick wall down........a few more to go! =)

VBS Blessings

This year we decided to volunteer for our church's VBS program. The theme was God's Big Backyard--serving family, friends, neighbors, the community and God. So, Kevin and I chose to be in charge of the clothesline creations (AKA: crafts), as well as serve on the "decorating committee."


It was a whole lot of fun! We really enjoyed getting to know the kids, especially since we no longer teach Sunday School (let's just say...we were over committed). But, I have to tell you, by the second night of VBS, I thought I was absolutely, positively going to pull my hair out. It is not that the kids were "bad" or "disruptive" or "poorly behaved," it is just that there was a select group of children who enjoyed making things as complicated as they possibly could. Nothing new.....you have kids like that anywhere you go!

Well, the third night roles around and we were going to complete a service project instead of making a craft. The objective was for the kids to make and stuff "Build A Bear" ducks, dress them and made cards to send to sick children at Chesapeake Regional Hospital. I honestly expected the VBS children to rush through this project and not put a whole lot of care or concern into it. However, I was quite surprised by the outcome! The kids really took their time and did such a nice job making the ducks. But what really impressed me, is the fact that they did an even better job creating the cards. The words that some of the children wrote inside of the cards literally brought me to tears. For example, one of the little boys wrote: Dear friend, I have been were you are, and I have felt your pain. And I just really hope that you feel better soon. God loves you so much and so do I! Love, M???. Another little boy wrote: Hello! I just wanted to write you to let you know that because of all of this, you will be a better person (meaning...tough times will make you a stronger individual). I know that you are going to grow up to be an awesome man or woman and will be able to help and encourage others who are sick or not feeling good just like you. You rock and I hope you feel better soon! -J????


What I forgot to mention in the above paragraph is that the children who wrote these heart felt, tear jerking cards were the children who made things as complicated and difficult as they possibly could the first two nights of VBS. Praise the Lord---they were learning something during Vacation Bible School! It really made me realize though that no matter how rough around the edges a child may seem (or even adult for that matter), there is always a soft spot deep down inside of them. Unfortunately, many of us never get to see that side of them because oftnetimes we give up on them or choose to simply ignore their behavior. It also made me realize that I should never, ever give up on these children. While some children might need a wheelbarrow full of love, these other kids need truckloads of love and compassion.


I cannot even begin to express how blessed I was by these children. God used Kevin and myself to be a blessing to them, but He also used the kids to be blessing to us (more than words can say)! So it just goes to show you that when we are frustrated and at our wits end, God will pour out His unexpected blessings even if they come through little packages! =)

Our First Cruise

Summer vacation has come and gone in the Phillips house hold. This summer we decided to visit my girl friend in Jacksonville, FL and then cruise to the Bahamas. Oh to live in Jacksonville....we just love it down there! Kevin and I had such a wonderful time visiting Sharon and her friends. We passed our time in Jacksinville by going to the San Sebastian Winery (a must see if you visit St. Augustine), shopping at the St. John's Towne Center, lounging at the beach and spending late nights at "The Landing" in downtown Jacksonville. Regae Sunday was on the agenda, but that fell through due to bad weather. Anyway, Jacksonville was a blast! We cannot wait to go back for more!





As far as the cruise was concerned, Kevin and I chose to cruise to the Bahamas to celebrate our one year anniversary. Honestly, for it to be our first cruise, it certainly was not an impressive cruise! We chose Royal Caribbean Cruise Line because we had heard many wonderful things about them versus all of the not so great things we had heard about Carnival and Norwiegan. So we decided to try a four night, five day cruise to the Bahamas, and it is a good thing! If we had stayed on that ship any longer than that, I think we would have jumped off the boat and swam to shore! Pro's about the cruise: 1. The couple we sat with at dinner were from the same area (Norfolk, VA), so we had a lot in common with them--very nice people, 2. Our waiter gave us wonderful service and had quite a sense of humor, 3. Our stateroom attendant also gave a very good service. With Pro's, there are also Con's. Con's about the cruise: 1. The food was absolutely disguisting (we lost weight, not gained weight), 2. There was not a whole lot to do onboard the ship--it was a very small ship, 3. The service at Guest Relations was a joke--no wonder they did not call it "Customer Service!"





I guess it all boils down to the fact that: we are always so spoiled when we go on our all inclusive Disney Vacations, so we kind of expected a cruise to be slightly comparable since it is all inclusive and all! But over all, it was nice to get away, however, there is also no place like home!