My presentation to the faculty went pretty well. I was a little worried because some of the grading scenarios and a few of the new ideas can be seen as a little radical. All my hope was going in to it was that people would walk away having thought a little deeper about how they assess their students. Could they then make a few changes this year?
These grading changes have produced a profound effect for me. It has resulted in a different mentality and outlook for myself and my students. Not that my grading system has been turned upside down or is completely different. It is and it isn't. But, my breakthrough has been in the approach that I have had with students. No longer do I look at my kids and think, "Why isn't this kid reading his book?" or "Why didn't this student bring his book to class?" or "Why isn't this kid taking notes!?!"
Now I turn my attention to the only thing that really matters anyway - "What is this kid learning?" or more appropriately: "Has this student learned what we targeted today?"
This nuance goes a long, long way towards the approach I have with kids. I no longer raise my voice. It's not really needed. My sights are on our goals and our learning target. It's a singular focus. The kids weren't bringing their books to class... so last year I said, "Leave your book at home. You will be reading it at home during the night." Our book is huge. Bringing it to class is a pain - for real.... In their backpacks! It's World History - so it has a lot in it! This decision of keeping the book at home though and never bringing it to class comes with a responsibility -- homework. Now their book should be at home and ready to be read and worked on in the evening.
But, I also changed my homework policy as well over the past couple of years. I no longer ask for a little work every night, instead I have a long term assignment. It is usually a ten days to two week assignment. Same number of questions, just spread out over time. This gives everyone a chance to get them done. No excuses. Plus, I go over about 1/2 of them in class as 'practice.' This means the kids get guided help on just how to answer the questions and how to attack them. Again, no excuse, low pressure, but high reward --> did the student learn it?
My grading is essentially the district guideline and standard, but with an elevator or motivator. The district standard is the assignment is for full credit (100%) on the day that it is due. The second day it is graded for 1/2 credit (50%) and the their day it is a zero.
What I have added to it works like this - students can come in for tutoring and raise any grade to an 85, as long as they have shown strong evidence that they have learned the material. With a quiz grade the students can come in and retake a quiz. (I usually have 2 or 3 versions of tests or quizzes. Same questions, different answer choices to cut down on cheating. So when they come in for the requiz or retest I give them one of the alternates)
For any reassessment opportunity they must meet certain prereqs:
* Must be done in tutoring and on their free time - not during class.
* Must have completed all homework assignments to have the opportunity.
* Must have evidence of notetaking from the book or from class to retake a test or quiz.
* For homework, you must submit it to me during tutoring and I will ask a series of oral questions to check the learning. At the end of the session I ask, "What grade (up to an 85) do you think you earned? We negotiate a grade that matched their learning. Often it is NOT as high as an 85. That is rare.
* You get one chance per graded assignment. And you can not retake a test, quiz or homework after we have taken the next test. (then it is getting too late and we are beginning to learn and be responsible for new material)
So what have these grading changes (essentially grading FOR learning) done for me and my students? We don't look at each other like we are in some kind of "gotcha" game. Where Mr. D is going to jump up at the end of the unit and say, "Why didn't you learn this or that? Why didn't you read more?" The students know what is expected and what is to be learned. If they didn't learn it, there is an opportunity for relearning to occur. So students view me as someone who is working with them to help them learn and I am no longer the enemy in any way. (although I really wasn't before, there wasn't as much trust)
This has REALLY helped with my projects. I give a project each six week's period. There is always a product, presentation, and paper. With each part, students have begun to bring those into me for advice on whether or not they are on track. So I read over their presentation or paper and give them feedback. This has resulted in much better quality work. And it has resulted in students who feel more confident about what they are doing and learning.
Some teachers tell me that it is too much work to do all of that grading, but essentially it is less! I don't have to read their papers as thoroughly on the final day when I do put a grade on it. If I've already read it a few times, it is easier to grade and far more interesting for me to read. And I don't have as many papers where I am ready to tear apart the paper and think, "WHY DID THEY DO THIS?" Or... "Where is the THESIS statement!?!?!!!" We've already checked over that.
This is a lot more to what I have changed, but they are more subtle adjustments in how I work with my students. A quick example is using peers in class to do some feedback and grading. When a quick assignment in class (like an "exit ticket" - designed to get some reflection at the end of the period. they must have it to leave the class) results in my knowledge of how closer the students are to learning what was intended, I can make adjustments for the next class. They really don't understand the Three Estates of France? I retouch it the next class and be sure it sinks in. They totally get Hitler's Two Big Mistakes? Then I move on.
Any ideas?
I would be certain that most teachers would not understand what I am doing or think, "What is the deal, I could NEVER get away with that?" But, I am lucky to be at a school that is quite progressive and is pushing this initiative. Or else I probably wouldn't feel as confident in trying new things out.
Again if you are interested in the full presentation, you can view it here:
Thursday, July 31, 2008
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
Sunday, July 27, 2008
Leapster!
Aidan got a Leapster. It is actually a Leapster 2. He really likes it. It has been a perfect little jump start to his letters, numbers, and reading. So far we only have the Backyardigans and Cars games, but I'd really like to get him Kindergarten and the Letter Factory.
He likes it.
Makes you want to say, "hmmmm???"
Why did John McCain flip-flopped on drilling oil? Maybe there are $1.1 Million reasons why?
Presentation on Grading for Learning
On Tuesday a colleague and I will be presenting to our faculty a presentation called, "Grading for Learning." If you are a teacher or just want to give me some feedback, I'd love for you to take a look at it. Here is the link:
Grading For Learning Presentation
There are three video clips within the presentation that will not play by clicking on the slideshare powerpoint on that link. So I thought I would give the links to them here:
1) The first video is Father Guido Sarducci's 5 Minute University.
2) The second video clip is a silly one, but it makes some sense to the presentation, it is Allen Iverson talkin' 'bout practice.
3) The third is a "motivational" clip from an old super bowl ad Terry Tate Reebok Office Linebacker.
The presentation is about Assessment and Grading. There are some key concepts I wanted to focus on that I thought our school could be thinking about for this school year. So my colleague and I worked on the presentation. There are 3 case studies sprinkled throughout the presentation that give some grading scenarios. All of these are based on the Assessment for Learning conference that I attended in Hawaii. These are not my ideas, but crafted in a way that I could present them and teach them to teachers.
The idea of Grading for Learning is based on the work done by Ken O'Connor. I wish Ken could actually be there to present this. I learned so much from the three sessions I spent with him. But, this is my little way of passing on what he taught me to our teachers. It is my hope that our teachers can begin to think about assessment and plan for the upcoming school year and make some of these ideas reality for their classes.
If you get a chance, check out the presentation and let me know what you think. The link again:
Grading For Learning Presentation
Grading For Learning Presentation
There are three video clips within the presentation that will not play by clicking on the slideshare powerpoint on that link. So I thought I would give the links to them here:
1) The first video is Father Guido Sarducci's 5 Minute University.
2) The second video clip is a silly one, but it makes some sense to the presentation, it is Allen Iverson talkin' 'bout practice.
3) The third is a "motivational" clip from an old super bowl ad Terry Tate Reebok Office Linebacker.
The presentation is about Assessment and Grading. There are some key concepts I wanted to focus on that I thought our school could be thinking about for this school year. So my colleague and I worked on the presentation. There are 3 case studies sprinkled throughout the presentation that give some grading scenarios. All of these are based on the Assessment for Learning conference that I attended in Hawaii. These are not my ideas, but crafted in a way that I could present them and teach them to teachers.
The idea of Grading for Learning is based on the work done by Ken O'Connor. I wish Ken could actually be there to present this. I learned so much from the three sessions I spent with him. But, this is my little way of passing on what he taught me to our teachers. It is my hope that our teachers can begin to think about assessment and plan for the upcoming school year and make some of these ideas reality for their classes.
If you get a chance, check out the presentation and let me know what you think. The link again:
Grading For Learning Presentation
Texans Football... Ahhhhhh. Finally.
It's football time America! And there are a few other stories out there besides Brett Favre. The Chronicle today asks, "Is Mario Williams the best defensive end in football?". Can you remember back to the draft? How disappointed was everyone that the Texans decided on Williams over Bush and Young?
The Texans were 8-8 last year. And they led football in the number of persons on their roster that were on the disabled list. Their injuries were crazy! But, this is turning into a pretty deep roster because each year the injury problems have forced a lot of people to play. Now that depth is paying off.
If the Texans were in any other division in football, besides the toughest - The AFC South (with Indy, Jacksonville, and Tennessee) - they would be picked for the playoffs this year. But, most nationwide do not give them the chance to overtake the big three in the division.
We'll see. The Texans could still be a year away. Their schedule is tough! It is going to be a lot of fun to watch and see it unfold though. I love their front office and GM. The moves they have made in the draft have been super. Demeco Ryans, Amobi Okoye, Williams and Fred Bennett have created a talented and youthful base to the defense that is going to start paying off big time.
Fantasy Football is getting ready to draft and for the first time I am considering putting the Texans D on my roster! I play fantasy football pretty seriously, so this is a big statement!
The Texans were 8-8 last year. And they led football in the number of persons on their roster that were on the disabled list. Their injuries were crazy! But, this is turning into a pretty deep roster because each year the injury problems have forced a lot of people to play. Now that depth is paying off.
If the Texans were in any other division in football, besides the toughest - The AFC South (with Indy, Jacksonville, and Tennessee) - they would be picked for the playoffs this year. But, most nationwide do not give them the chance to overtake the big three in the division.
We'll see. The Texans could still be a year away. Their schedule is tough! It is going to be a lot of fun to watch and see it unfold though. I love their front office and GM. The moves they have made in the draft have been super. Demeco Ryans, Amobi Okoye, Williams and Fred Bennett have created a talented and youthful base to the defense that is going to start paying off big time.
Fantasy Football is getting ready to draft and for the first time I am considering putting the Texans D on my roster! I play fantasy football pretty seriously, so this is a big statement!
Saturday, July 26, 2008
DD
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Friday, July 25, 2008
testing sending a pic from my phone.
DD
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Randy Pausch Passes at 47
'Last lecture' professor dies of cancer
Randy Pausch, famed for his life-affirming message, passes at 47
I knew this day was coming. I just didn't expect it so soon. Very sad. I am so glad that I read the book when I did and did not wait until hearing about Randy before after his passing. His book, "The Last Lecture," really touched me. He has a powerful message for everyone about living life to the fullest.
Please do yourself a favor and read the book, or watch Randy's Last Lecture video online: The Last Lecture
Thursday, July 24, 2008
Cool Links
Mike Tyson's Abandoned Mansion: What a shame!
Robot Couple Run Diner? Mystery Solved: Cool!
This picture is called "Life": Sad but compelling.
Dullest Blog in the World: Surprisingly interesting.
Robot Couple Run Diner? Mystery Solved: Cool!
This picture is called "Life": Sad but compelling.
Dullest Blog in the World: Surprisingly interesting.
The Summer... is ending :(
Hurricanes in the forecast. Must be the end of summer? Professional development for teachers on the calendar. Must be the end of summer? The Astros struggling. Must be the... well, this year it's been a constant struggle.
I have been preparing a presentation that I will give next Tuesday with one of our science teachers about Grading for Learning. It is a big push at our school to Assess for purposes of furthering learning. To most people that sounds like a lot of hogwash, but to me it is really starting to make sense.
You know what they say, the best way to learn something is to teach it. I am hoping that the presentation goes over well. It is a review of the things that we learned from a guy named Ken O'Connor. Ken gave a series of classes devoted to his book: "How to Grade for Learning" and I had a chance to hear him in Hawaii earlier this year.
I've worked on this presentation way too much. But, I will be able to use it during my accelerated certification teaching classes that I do a few nights a month. Hopefully it will be a powerful presentation. Hearing Ken O'Connor discuss grading and learning was very powerful for me. Lots of things clicked and came into focus.
I will post the presentation here and share it when it is completely finished. Tomorrow morning I will go in for a meeting with everyone who is presenting next week and go over our materials and the rooms we'll be presenting in. We will present in our new house - the Gold House. I am excited because it's the part of our building they have been working on for the past few months. It's an add on that should have been built originally but was scrapped. Very cool that it is finally done. It will be a great place to do the professional development. We have a new principal and we are starting a new year and era - in the new house. (A house at our school is a community of 800 students. We have 4 of them - red, white, blue and gold.)
Soon I'll be back to work... putting on the tie again.
This will be a big year of change for me. I am moving from the white house to the blue. So major change. From one end of the building to the other. But, I am looking forward to it. A new school year and a new start.
I have been preparing a presentation that I will give next Tuesday with one of our science teachers about Grading for Learning. It is a big push at our school to Assess for purposes of furthering learning. To most people that sounds like a lot of hogwash, but to me it is really starting to make sense.
You know what they say, the best way to learn something is to teach it. I am hoping that the presentation goes over well. It is a review of the things that we learned from a guy named Ken O'Connor. Ken gave a series of classes devoted to his book: "How to Grade for Learning" and I had a chance to hear him in Hawaii earlier this year.
I've worked on this presentation way too much. But, I will be able to use it during my accelerated certification teaching classes that I do a few nights a month. Hopefully it will be a powerful presentation. Hearing Ken O'Connor discuss grading and learning was very powerful for me. Lots of things clicked and came into focus.
I will post the presentation here and share it when it is completely finished. Tomorrow morning I will go in for a meeting with everyone who is presenting next week and go over our materials and the rooms we'll be presenting in. We will present in our new house - the Gold House. I am excited because it's the part of our building they have been working on for the past few months. It's an add on that should have been built originally but was scrapped. Very cool that it is finally done. It will be a great place to do the professional development. We have a new principal and we are starting a new year and era - in the new house. (A house at our school is a community of 800 students. We have 4 of them - red, white, blue and gold.)
Soon I'll be back to work... putting on the tie again.
This will be a big year of change for me. I am moving from the white house to the blue. So major change. From one end of the building to the other. But, I am looking forward to it. A new school year and a new start.
Three Speeches - Same Message
The Obama speech in Berlin today echoes the same themes we have heard from past Berlin speeches. He delivered the speech before an estimated 200,000+ people.
Obama's Full Speech:
Kennedy, Berlin, 1963
Ich bin ein Berliner: John F. Kennedy Speech in Berlin, June 1963:
Click to hear the words of John F. Kennedy
Kennedy's Full Speech:
Reagan - "Tear Down This Wall!"
Tear Down This Wall: Ronald Regan, Berlin, June 12, 1987:
Obama's Full Speech:
Yes, there have been differences between America and Europe. No doubt, there will be differences in the future. But the burdens of global citizenship continue to bind us together. A change of leadership in Washington will not lift this burden. In this new century, Americans and Europeans alike will be required to do more – not less. Partnership and cooperation among nations is not a choice; it is the one way, the only way, to protect our common security and advance our common humanity.Obama's speech reminded me of the speeches of the past from Kennedy and Reagan.
That is why the greatest danger of all is to allow new walls to divide us from one another.
The walls between old allies on either side of the Atlantic cannot stand. The walls between the countries with the most and those with the least cannot stand. The walls between races and tribes; natives and immigrants; Christian and Muslim and Jew cannot stand. These now are the walls we must tear down.
Kennedy, Berlin, 1963
Ich bin ein Berliner: John F. Kennedy Speech in Berlin, June 1963:
What is true of this city is true of Germany--real, lasting peace in Europe can never be assured as long as one German out of four is denied the elementary right of free men, and that is to make a free choice. In 18 years of peace and good faith, this generation of Germans has earned the right to be free, including the right to unite their families and their nation in lasting peace, with good will to all people. You live in a defended island of freedom, but your life is part of the main. So let me ask you as I close, to lift your eyes beyond the dangers of today, to the hopes of tomorrow, beyond the freedom merely of this city of Berlin, or your country of Germany, to the advance of freedom everywhere, beyond the wall to the day of peace with justice, beyond yourselves and ourselves to all mankind.
Freedom is indivisible, and when one man is enslaved, all are not free. When all are free, then we can look forward to that day when this city will be joined as one and this country and this great Continent of Europe in a peaceful and hopeful globe. When that day finally comes, as it will, the people of West Berlin can take sober satisfaction in the fact that they were in the front lines for almost two decades.
All free men, wherever they may live, are citizens of Berlin, and, therefore, as a free man, I take pride in the words "Ich bin ein Berliner."
Click to hear the words of John F. Kennedy
Kennedy's Full Speech:
Tear Down This Wall: Ronald Regan, Berlin, June 12, 1987:
We welcome change and openness; for we believe that freedom and security go together, that the advance of human liberty can only strengthen the cause of world peace. There is one sign the Soviets can make that would be unmistakable, that would advance dramatically the cause of freedom and peace. General Secretary Gorbachev, if you seek peace, if you seek prosperity for the Soviet Union and eastern Europe, if you seek liberalization, come here to this gate. Mr. Gorbachev, open this gate. Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall!
Obama Speech in Berlin About to Begin
Obama has drawn large crowds in the past. In Oregon there were over 50,000 to see an outdoor speech. His address at Mile High in Denver at their outdoor football stadium should be huge as well. But, today he will address people in Germany. I am watching some of the coverage pre-speech and it seems like there are tons and tons of people there. As far as the camera can see. Amazing.
Hoping it is a good speech. There is much that Europe and America have in common goalwise. The euro is kicking the dollar's butt right now. I would think this is a strong sense of pride there. Stephen Colbert believes we might just have to join the European Union:
I doubt that'll happen. The world economy though is so tightly integrated that we are all connected. Oil prices are a great example. Look at Europe though, they are so far ahead of us in terms of transportation. Their train system is amazing. You can get from one country to another in no time. In America though we have married oil and it is going to be a tough divorce. Exxon Mobile is not going to just want 1/2. :)
We'll see what Obama says. I am sitting here working on my presentation and waiting for the speech. Anxious to see how it goes. This is the last big event of the trip and it has been very successful so far.
CNN: Obama Set to give Berlin Speech
Hoping it is a good speech. There is much that Europe and America have in common goalwise. The euro is kicking the dollar's butt right now. I would think this is a strong sense of pride there. Stephen Colbert believes we might just have to join the European Union:
I doubt that'll happen. The world economy though is so tightly integrated that we are all connected. Oil prices are a great example. Look at Europe though, they are so far ahead of us in terms of transportation. Their train system is amazing. You can get from one country to another in no time. In America though we have married oil and it is going to be a tough divorce. Exxon Mobile is not going to just want 1/2. :)
We'll see what Obama says. I am sitting here working on my presentation and waiting for the speech. Anxious to see how it goes. This is the last big event of the trip and it has been very successful so far.
CNN: Obama Set to give Berlin Speech
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
Obama's Trip & McCain Tripping
This week has really turned out to be a pivotal one in the election. Everyone thought it might be. (Obama's foreign trip offers benefits and risks aplenty) But the interesting thing that has happened has been McCain tripping himself up. It's been a "gaffe-fest."
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Well, that is probably a silly enough mistake. (Iraq is at least 700 miles away from any Pakistani border) Then I believe the pressure McCain is under and events in Iraq have led him to start pressing. The Iraqi government confirmed that it backs Obama's plans to withdraw troops from Iraq by 2010.
Then there was this today:
wow.
I don't know which is worse? CBS editing in a different McCain answer to cover his gaffe, or McCain's unbelievable misstatement, or his unreal answer today about what he said on CBS. Wow. How can he only be 6 points behind? What a mess?
Gaffe /gæf/ Pronunciation Key - Show Spelled Pronunciation[gaf]- –nounFirst McCain said in an interview with Good Morning America that there are problems on the Iraq-Pakistan border.
a social blunder; faux pas. [Origin: 1905–10; < F: blunder, prob. special use of gaffe
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Well, that is probably a silly enough mistake. (Iraq is at least 700 miles away from any Pakistani border) Then I believe the pressure McCain is under and events in Iraq have led him to start pressing. The Iraqi government confirmed that it backs Obama's plans to withdraw troops from Iraq by 2010.
Then there was this today:
wow.
I don't know which is worse? CBS editing in a different McCain answer to cover his gaffe, or McCain's unbelievable misstatement, or his unreal answer today about what he said on CBS. Wow. How can he only be 6 points behind? What a mess?
Monday, July 21, 2008
A "Happy" Day
Aidan at McDonalds after karate. He is proudly displaying his transformer that he got in his happy meal. Not much on the planet makes him happier. The marketers at MickyDs now how to get it done.
Aidan did great at karate tonight. There were only 3 kids there (summer time keeps kids away for one reason or another) and he got lots of attention and help from Master Peavey. He really is improving every single class. Tonight they worked on learning how to keep rolling up to a sitting position. Aidan struggles with that when he does his forward rolls. They also practiced falling/diving which was interesting to watch him teach it.
As a teacher, I can't help but break things down and think critically about "How could he teach this or that?" The guy is pretty good. He really makes things simple for the kids and when they don't get it he breaks it down into smaller parts for them to understand.
Right now he is enjoying the movie TMNT - Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. He is asking Norma every two minutes, "Who's that guy?" Pretty funny.
(oh yeah, the picture doesn't look like McDonalds. Ours here in Kingwood are very different than I have seen in the past. Our McDonalds on North Park has a lot of wooden seats, chandeliers, and neat lighting. It is getting older, but it still has a nice classic look to it. Very different than the usual MickyDs.)
New Diet
Norma and I have finally cracked. After a month or so of eating everything in sight, I have realized that I need to stop. Food is a lot of fun for us. So it is difficult to make changes. But, we are being realistic. So the idea works like this, a few simple rules:
1. Breakfast is fruit. I usually have an apple and a cup of coffee. This is so much better for me than the cereal, kolache, Sonic Breakfast Burrito, or pastry. If I am really hungry that morning, I can mix in an extra piece of fruit, like a peach or grapes or something.
2. Either lunch or dinner must be a salad. And that salad can be as big as we want. Vegetables can be eaten and eaten and eaten. There is no limit.
3. The other mean (that is not a salad) can be a reasonable meal of whatever we usually like. For example, today we are heating up a lasagna for lunch. We will take Aidan to McDonalds after karate tonight and we'll both get a salad.
4. Snacks must be healthy ones. Fruit, vegetables, nuts, etc.
McDonald's Southwest Grilled Chicken Salad is pretty good. I usually substitute the dressing for low fat.
I think this is a realistic diet. We still can have a meal a day that is one of our favorites. But, we sacrifice for breakfast and the other meal. The sacrifice is one that I usually get used to (I've tried this diet before and it works - so I know it's worth it). We love our chinese on saturdays. We get Chinese take out every Saturday. And when I say EVERY Saturday... we haven't missed in years. We have Chinese every week. So we'll keep doing that. But the other meals that day will be responsible.
It has only been about 5 days and I am already feeling a difference. More energy and I am losing some of the areas of fat that I put on this summer. It's hard to explain but I lose weight easy in certain areas (other areas come off much, much later).
Of course, exercise is vitally important with any diet. We have been taking long bike rides with Aidan in the bike trailer. We stop off at parks throughout Kingwood so that Aidan can play. We also have been running to the park some nights with the jogging stroller. This way Aidan gets some exercise, too.
This has made for a much better summer. We have slowly but surely been making some changes and now we are kicking it into gear. So far, so good.
1. Breakfast is fruit. I usually have an apple and a cup of coffee. This is so much better for me than the cereal, kolache, Sonic Breakfast Burrito, or pastry. If I am really hungry that morning, I can mix in an extra piece of fruit, like a peach or grapes or something.
2. Either lunch or dinner must be a salad. And that salad can be as big as we want. Vegetables can be eaten and eaten and eaten. There is no limit.
3. The other mean (that is not a salad) can be a reasonable meal of whatever we usually like. For example, today we are heating up a lasagna for lunch. We will take Aidan to McDonalds after karate tonight and we'll both get a salad.
4. Snacks must be healthy ones. Fruit, vegetables, nuts, etc.
McDonald's Southwest Grilled Chicken Salad is pretty good. I usually substitute the dressing for low fat.
I think this is a realistic diet. We still can have a meal a day that is one of our favorites. But, we sacrifice for breakfast and the other meal. The sacrifice is one that I usually get used to (I've tried this diet before and it works - so I know it's worth it). We love our chinese on saturdays. We get Chinese take out every Saturday. And when I say EVERY Saturday... we haven't missed in years. We have Chinese every week. So we'll keep doing that. But the other meals that day will be responsible.
It has only been about 5 days and I am already feeling a difference. More energy and I am losing some of the areas of fat that I put on this summer. It's hard to explain but I lose weight easy in certain areas (other areas come off much, much later).
Of course, exercise is vitally important with any diet. We have been taking long bike rides with Aidan in the bike trailer. We stop off at parks throughout Kingwood so that Aidan can play. We also have been running to the park some nights with the jogging stroller. This way Aidan gets some exercise, too.
This has made for a much better summer. We have slowly but surely been making some changes and now we are kicking it into gear. So far, so good.
Friday, July 18, 2008
Kemah and Galveston
Over the last couple of days we have been having a little mini-vacation. First we drove down to Kemah Boardwalk for our first excursion. Lots of fun for Aidan. He had a ball on the train, carousel, and playing in the fountain water.
Then we drove down to Galveston and checked into our hotel. We stayed at the Baymont which was ok, nothing fancy. Our room was clean, the shower was hot, and the continental breakfast was free. We went to the beach in the afternoon and had a great time. Aidan didn't really remember going last year. So this year was really special. He had such a wide-eyed look to him. He loved every minute of it... other than when he swallowed a mouth full of ocean water! That made him throw up. Understandably.
He loved playing in the sand. Aidan kept belly flopping on ever sand castle Norma tried to help him build. He said, "He liked crushing them." He also loved picking up shells. I explained to him where they came from and he immediately had to run to his Mom to tell her the news... as if she would never have heard it before. So cute.
We will probably take another trip down to Galveston before the summer is over. But, we don't have a lot of time left! It's already July 18th. Amazing how quickly the summer is flying by.
Slideshow of all our pictures from Kemah and Galveston
Here are some of my favorite pictures (there were many):
What a great time!
**i have been struggling with finding a singular host online for my pictures. buzznet does not have a batch upload tool (where i can load many pictures at a time), flickr is $25 a year, and i have been pleasantly surprised by shutterfly. What do you use or recommend?**
Then we drove down to Galveston and checked into our hotel. We stayed at the Baymont which was ok, nothing fancy. Our room was clean, the shower was hot, and the continental breakfast was free. We went to the beach in the afternoon and had a great time. Aidan didn't really remember going last year. So this year was really special. He had such a wide-eyed look to him. He loved every minute of it... other than when he swallowed a mouth full of ocean water! That made him throw up. Understandably.
He loved playing in the sand. Aidan kept belly flopping on ever sand castle Norma tried to help him build. He said, "He liked crushing them." He also loved picking up shells. I explained to him where they came from and he immediately had to run to his Mom to tell her the news... as if she would never have heard it before. So cute.
We will probably take another trip down to Galveston before the summer is over. But, we don't have a lot of time left! It's already July 18th. Amazing how quickly the summer is flying by.
Slideshow of all our pictures from Kemah and Galveston
Here are some of my favorite pictures (there were many):
What a great time!
**i have been struggling with finding a singular host online for my pictures. buzznet does not have a batch upload tool (where i can load many pictures at a time), flickr is $25 a year, and i have been pleasantly surprised by shutterfly. What do you use or recommend?**
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
Skittles Time!
At the end of the karate class, Master Peavey hands out skittles to the kids. It is a competitive thing. Tonight Aidan got 4... which is pretty much the best you can do. He had a good class. Still confusing his rights and lefts from time to time. But, he is 100% into the class. Really having a great time. It is so fun to watch.
Aidan is to the left of Master Peavey. Click to enlarge.
They also took pictures tonight. We can't wait to see them. They shot Aidan against a Green Screen and they'll put two images (one of him smiling - all cute and the other of him kicking in an AWESOME way) on the photo. It is going to look cool.
Aidan is to the left of Master Peavey. Click to enlarge.
They also took pictures tonight. We can't wait to see them. They shot Aidan against a Green Screen and they'll put two images (one of him smiling - all cute and the other of him kicking in an AWESOME way) on the photo. It is going to look cool.
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
The Last Lecture
I finished The Last Lecture on Sunday evening. I cried a lot. It is a sad book. It especially hit home that Randy Pausch, the author who is terminally diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, is still alive and still thinking of the issues that he wrote about. The book is not yet the guide and legacy that he is leaving to his three kids.
On the day Randy does succumb to the disease, I imagine I'll be needing some tissues again. His story struck close to home for me because thoughts of my father kept coming to mind. The book raised some questions to me about if one had a choice, how would you check out of this world? It is a little bit of a philosophical debate that rolls around and I have been debating it with myself.
My father would have probably not written a book and given a "Last Lecture." But, he would have had a lot to say. When my grandmother died months before my father passed from a failed heart surgery, he took me into his office and sat me at the computer. He explained his plans for his finances if he should pass away. I was just looking at him like, c'mon Dad! I had no interest and didn't want to discuss it. He was not in failing health (from what we all knew). Plus, I didn't agree with what he was doing with his money (but that's a very long story).
My Dad drove me to the airport on the last day that I saw him alive. It was super early in the morning. But, yet we were both wide awake and having such a deep conversation about life. He didn't want me to leave and I really didn't want to go (although I was missing Norma and the baby very much). The last big hug that we shared is something I will always have from him. But, I never in my wildest imagination thought that was the last time we would hug.
Sometimes I feel cheated. But, mostly I feel like I have to appreciate what I had. To sit and complain or feel as if you were cheated doesn't do anyone any good.
"We cannot change the cards we are dealt, just how we play the hand."
--Randy Pausch
I am keeping Randy and his family in my thoughts and hoping that they have every opportunity to say a very long goodbye.
This is a must read book if you consider yourself a human being.
On the day Randy does succumb to the disease, I imagine I'll be needing some tissues again. His story struck close to home for me because thoughts of my father kept coming to mind. The book raised some questions to me about if one had a choice, how would you check out of this world? It is a little bit of a philosophical debate that rolls around and I have been debating it with myself.
If you could be given a year to live and in that time have the opportunity to tell everyone goodbye would you take it? Or is it best to leave this earth suddenly, unexpected and not have your family and friends struggle with the knowledge of your imminent demise?This is tough for me to even type. So I will keep it short. But, I am curious what you (my faithful blog readers) would choose. Or is this to hard a topic to even think of?
My father would have probably not written a book and given a "Last Lecture." But, he would have had a lot to say. When my grandmother died months before my father passed from a failed heart surgery, he took me into his office and sat me at the computer. He explained his plans for his finances if he should pass away. I was just looking at him like, c'mon Dad! I had no interest and didn't want to discuss it. He was not in failing health (from what we all knew). Plus, I didn't agree with what he was doing with his money (but that's a very long story). My Dad drove me to the airport on the last day that I saw him alive. It was super early in the morning. But, yet we were both wide awake and having such a deep conversation about life. He didn't want me to leave and I really didn't want to go (although I was missing Norma and the baby very much). The last big hug that we shared is something I will always have from him. But, I never in my wildest imagination thought that was the last time we would hug.
Sometimes I feel cheated. But, mostly I feel like I have to appreciate what I had. To sit and complain or feel as if you were cheated doesn't do anyone any good.
"We cannot change the cards we are dealt, just how we play the hand."
--Randy Pausch
I am keeping Randy and his family in my thoughts and hoping that they have every opportunity to say a very long goodbye.
This is a must read book if you consider yourself a human being.
A Great Day
My tv interview went very well. I was awfully nervous, but that faded away once I sat down and did the thing. Afterward the crew and producers were very nice and said I did a great job.
The crazy thing is that the person who was interviewing me had never heard of AVID before. She was on our school board for a few years, but had stepped down just as AVID was kicking up this year. I believe the night that we had kids present to the school board was the first night after she stepped down.
So considering that the interviewer was learning about AVID for the first time, it was great. After I got back to the car, the first thing I did was look back over my notes and my script. I was so worried that I might have forgotten to say something. But, I believe I mentioned everything.
We'll see. It will air during the month of August. I'll record it and post it here when it does. (as long as I don't look too stupid)
After the interview I had a nice treat. We went to Target and I purchased my new copy of NCAA Football 09. Wow, it is GREAT. I am loving this game. I played it for the past few weeks on Xbox360 demo and fell in love. Now that I have the full game... wow. It is intense. So many great tweaks and improvements from last year.
But, before I played any of the game, I went to visit a colleague and we went over a presentation that we are giving during our 2 days of summer professional development at our school. I am excited about it. Should be a great presentation. It is about Ken O'Connor's "Grading for Learning." I heard Ken give a seminar on this in Hawaii and I learned a lot. It will be nice to bring something 'useable' back to our faculty that they might be able to put to work in their classrooms this year.
The crazy thing is that the person who was interviewing me had never heard of AVID before. She was on our school board for a few years, but had stepped down just as AVID was kicking up this year. I believe the night that we had kids present to the school board was the first night after she stepped down.
So considering that the interviewer was learning about AVID for the first time, it was great. After I got back to the car, the first thing I did was look back over my notes and my script. I was so worried that I might have forgotten to say something. But, I believe I mentioned everything.
We'll see. It will air during the month of August. I'll record it and post it here when it does. (as long as I don't look too stupid)
After the interview I had a nice treat. We went to Target and I purchased my new copy of NCAA Football 09. Wow, it is GREAT. I am loving this game. I played it for the past few weeks on Xbox360 demo and fell in love. Now that I have the full game... wow. It is intense. So many great tweaks and improvements from last year.
But, before I played any of the game, I went to visit a colleague and we went over a presentation that we are giving during our 2 days of summer professional development at our school. I am excited about it. Should be a great presentation. It is about Ken O'Connor's "Grading for Learning." I heard Ken give a seminar on this in Hawaii and I learned a lot. It will be nice to bring something 'useable' back to our faculty that they might be able to put to work in their classrooms this year.
Monday, July 14, 2008
Stage Fright
I have a little case of stage fright tonight. Tomorrow morning at 10:15 I'll be on a set recording a cable access show for our school district. The topic is AVID tutoring. It will be a 7 minute segment.
I knew about this and was told it would be during July. Yesterday I sent an email and said, "Is this still happening?" Today I got a phone call and they said, "Oh yeah, it's tomorrow. Can you bring one of the tutors?" I have been calling all day and every one of my tutors is either out of town, working, or busy tomorrow. So it'll be me on my own.
Who knows why I am so nervous. It's kind of stupid. I am anxious because this can mean a lot, potentially. If we even get one tutor out of this, it will be worth it.
I've watched this program many times. It is on our local educational channel. The nice thing is that they highlight programs, teachers and kids who are doing great things. Just this month one of my former students Cortnee Howard was featured. I usually tune in while I'm ironing my clothes for the next day. To be able to appear on the show is really cool. To be able to appear on behalf of AVID in our school district... well that is awesome. AVID has really given me a lot and I'm so happy to explain that and to try and to encourage young people to become tutors in our program.
So tonight my stomach is a little queezy. I figured getting on here and typing a bit might make me feel better. We'll see how it goes!
I think I'm going to wear my AVID button down shirt with a tie. I tried it on tonight. Norma snapped my picture as she was taking some of our little guy.
I knew about this and was told it would be during July. Yesterday I sent an email and said, "Is this still happening?" Today I got a phone call and they said, "Oh yeah, it's tomorrow. Can you bring one of the tutors?" I have been calling all day and every one of my tutors is either out of town, working, or busy tomorrow. So it'll be me on my own.
Who knows why I am so nervous. It's kind of stupid. I am anxious because this can mean a lot, potentially. If we even get one tutor out of this, it will be worth it.
I've watched this program many times. It is on our local educational channel. The nice thing is that they highlight programs, teachers and kids who are doing great things. Just this month one of my former students Cortnee Howard was featured. I usually tune in while I'm ironing my clothes for the next day. To be able to appear on the show is really cool. To be able to appear on behalf of AVID in our school district... well that is awesome. AVID has really given me a lot and I'm so happy to explain that and to try and to encourage young people to become tutors in our program.
So tonight my stomach is a little queezy. I figured getting on here and typing a bit might make me feel better. We'll see how it goes!
I think I'm going to wear my AVID button down shirt with a tie. I tried it on tonight. Norma snapped my picture as she was taking some of our little guy.
My Lil' Dragon!
Here is my Lil'Dragon!
Tonight Aidan got his uniform top. He was loving the fact that he has his name stitched on it. About 1/2 way through the class tonight, Aidan looked at the Master and said, "My name is Aidan... see." (and pointed to his stitched on name) It was pretty funny because he for the past month of his classes we really don't think that the Master knew Aidan's name. After tonight I am sure he does. :)
Aidan did a real good job tonight. He really enjoys it. I can see his confidence growing. He does a lot of the exercises with a big smile. I asked him tonight, "What is your favorite part of karate buddy?" He smiled and said, "Running!" He loves when they run around the mats and run around and play follow the leader. They also run from one side to the other and race. He gets a big kick out of that.
It is really cool to see his competitive nature come out. He wants to win. It's not like Norma and I are forcing him, he wants to do it. Pretty neat to watch.
Tonight Aidan got his uniform top. He was loving the fact that he has his name stitched on it. About 1/2 way through the class tonight, Aidan looked at the Master and said, "My name is Aidan... see." (and pointed to his stitched on name) It was pretty funny because he for the past month of his classes we really don't think that the Master knew Aidan's name. After tonight I am sure he does. :)
Aidan did a real good job tonight. He really enjoys it. I can see his confidence growing. He does a lot of the exercises with a big smile. I asked him tonight, "What is your favorite part of karate buddy?" He smiled and said, "Running!" He loves when they run around the mats and run around and play follow the leader. They also run from one side to the other and race. He gets a big kick out of that.
It is really cool to see his competitive nature come out. He wants to win. It's not like Norma and I are forcing him, he wants to do it. Pretty neat to watch.
Havin Fun at Chuck E Cheese
Aidan at CECheese today. He had a nice time, but it was SUPER crowded so we left a little early and came home to make our own pizza. :)
It is amazing to see how much bigger he is since the last time we were there. He's now able to reach the pedals pretty easily on most of the rides.
He is becoming quite a little athlete. I really believe that karate is making a big difference in his development, muscle tone, and coordination. Of course, he runs into things, bangs his toe/knee/hip into everything just like his Dad. But, he wants to play catch, run up and down the hill in the park, and play, play, play. His legs are starting to show some muscles!
He's not the little baby anymore.
Sunday, July 13, 2008
Friday, July 11, 2008
New Book - "The Last Lecture"
Purchased this book today. I am excited to read it and learn more about Randy Pausch. Very inspirational story. And I want to be able to share it with my AVID students this year.
The Last Lecture by Randy Pausch
I can't wait to get through this remarkable book!
View all my reviews.
The Last Lecture by Randy PauschMy review
I can't wait to get through this remarkable book!
View all my reviews.
Our New Light
Norma and I are very happy with our new light in the dining room. We had a mini-chandelier look before and I hated it. It came with the house. The bulbs were these silly decorative bulb like 'flames.' All that would happen is that the bulb would heat up so much that you could not get the thing unscrewed from the fixture. Horrible.
So we had like 1/2 the lights permanently burned out that couldn't be replaced. That made reading at the dining room table next to impossible. That's one of my real joys is to sit down after a long day's work and nurse a good meal and look through the newspaper and magazines. On the weekend, with a cup of coffee after breakfast. Now I'm living like a king. The light is beautiful, matches our dining room/living room area perfectly and it's very nice and bright.
Plus, the old light was hot. With this one we can put in CFG bulbs and they are so much more energy efficient and are cool. I no longer feel like I have to turn that light off immediately. We can leave it on at night and it adds a nice light in the room when watching tv. I'm super happy with it.
So we had like 1/2 the lights permanently burned out that couldn't be replaced. That made reading at the dining room table next to impossible. That's one of my real joys is to sit down after a long day's work and nurse a good meal and look through the newspaper and magazines. On the weekend, with a cup of coffee after breakfast. Now I'm living like a king. The light is beautiful, matches our dining room/living room area perfectly and it's very nice and bright.
Plus, the old light was hot. With this one we can put in CFG bulbs and they are so much more energy efficient and are cool. I no longer feel like I have to turn that light off immediately. We can leave it on at night and it adds a nice light in the room when watching tv. I'm super happy with it.
Wednesday, July 09, 2008
Lunch @ Chilis
Today we had lunch at Chilis. We don't normally eat out a lot. We do get some drive through stuff and always have Chinese takeout on Saturday's for lunch. But, Aidan hasn't really been able to sit still long enough to have lunch or dinner out. Until now. He was great today.
We were ready with a couple of Transformers toys and some Spongebob books. Aidan kept himself entertained most of the time and he ate a lot of his grilled cheese sandwhich.
It was really nice to sit as a family and have a meal at a restaurant. :)
Monday, July 07, 2008
The Last Lecture
This is the most inspiring thing I have seen all summer. Great words of wisdom.
I am going to be picking up Randy's book this summer www.lastlecture.com
Here is the full lecture - an hour and 1/2 long.
I am going to be picking up Randy's book this summer www.lastlecture.com
Here is the full lecture - an hour and 1/2 long.
Aidan's Big Boy Bed
We finally have a nice bed for Aidan. He destroyed the crib that Norma's sister gave us. So we put a matress we had on the floor for him. We felt it was safe, in case he rolled out of bed. But, Aidan is getting bigger and more independent. We felt like a new bed would be perfect for him this summer. He is loving it.
The first night he said, "Thank you for my bed. I love it." It made us both feel good.
The first night he said, "Thank you for my bed. I love it." It made us both feel good.
Friday, July 04, 2008
Fireworks
We had a great spot in Town Center for the Kingwood Fireworks tonight. We strolled around the park and did some people watching. Then just after 9pm, the first fireworks that Aidan has ever seen (as far as he can remember) were shot off. He was pretty happy for the first 10 minutes or so. But, the finale reeled him back in. Exciting!
4th of July 2008 Fireworks from fordee on Vimeo.
Where the Hell is Matt?
This simple but inspirational video is really a marvel. I have seen it before and remember his website as this was starting. It is amazing.
You can check out the website here: Wherethehellismatt.com
Where the Hell is Matt? (2008) from Matthew Harding on Vimeo.
"The moral of the story is we're here on Earth to fart around. And, of course, the computers will do us out of that. And, what the computer people don't realize, or they don't care, is we're dancing animals. You know, we love to move around."
- Kurt Vonnegut
You can check out the website here: Wherethehellismatt.com
Where the Hell is Matt? (2008) from Matthew Harding on Vimeo.
"The moral of the story is we're here on Earth to fart around. And, of course, the computers will do us out of that. And, what the computer people don't realize, or they don't care, is we're dancing animals. You know, we love to move around."
- Kurt Vonnegut
@ the Parade
We had a great time at the Kingwood 4th of July Parade today. Aidan loved the floats, candy, and fun. It was pretty hot, but a good time was had by all.
Tonight is the big 4th fireworks in Town Center. Aidan is pumped to see fireworks - IN THE DARK! He is going to get to stay up late. So we are hoping for a nice long nap this afternoon. Shouldn't be hard for him to nap. He was out in the heat for over an hour for the parade.
Thursday, July 03, 2008
Wednesday, July 02, 2008
This made my stomach turn
How low can you go? FoxNews uses photoshop to alter images of NYTimes Reporters
Wow, this is sick.
Wow, this is sick.
Summary: During a segment in which Fox & Friends co-hosts Steve Doocy and Brian Kilmeade labeled New York Times reporter Jacques Steinberg and editor Steven Reddicliffe "attack dogs," Fox News featured photos of Steinberg and Reddicliffe that appeared to have been digitally altered -- the journalists' teeth had been yellowed, their facial features exaggerated, and portions of Reddicliffe's hair moved further back on his head.So why do they feel like they have to stoop to this level? Just ridiculous. In this age of the Internet, it is just great that we have the technology to call people on this kind of terrible reporting. I hope lots and lots of people see this. Sad.
Karate Friends
This is Aidan's karate friend Odin. Aidan is younger, but a little taller. And tonight for the first time ever, Aidan got the most skittles at the end. Master sits with them at the end of the class and explains what they did well and what they need to improve on for next time. And then the skittles come out. Tonight there were only three kids (4th of July week) and the two older boys got 2 skittles, Aidan got 3. It was a pretty big deal to him. He didn't even want to eat them, just hold them in his hand and keep counting them.
He did well. He's improving. The best thing that I am seeing is that he is listening to someone other than Norma and I. When he starts preschool in the fall, he'll need to listen to someone else. This is great practice.
I also like the discipline aspect of what he is doing. It is invaluable to get training in routines. He is going through the same stretching each time he goes. I can see his improvement. It will be amazing to compare his progress over the next year.
The other major part of karate for him is meeting other kids his age. Being an only child is going to be good and bad. The good part is that he gets lots of adult attention from Norma and I. But, the bad part is that he is home alone without other kids around. So we need to get him out with others and invite friends over to the house. We have a few neighbors that we should really work harder to know. And their kids and Aidan could be pretty good friends.
Aidan has a great way with other kids. He's very outgoing. Almost in a scary way. We've been having the 'strangers' talk a lot lately. He just trusts everyone. So we keep eagle eyes on him when we are out. Today we biked down to Sonic for breakfast. Aidan went up to this guy who was sitting at a table by himself. He sat across from him and said, "Hey dude!" It was wild. Walking away he said, "Hey Mom, that's my best friend."
It's awesome that he's so positive and loves talking with other people. But, I am afraid he's far too trusting. We'll keep working on it. I am confident he'll change as he gets older. He is only 3. Most kids go through a real stage of shyness. He's going to, right?
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