I think Will has some lessons to learn from the little boys in Pre-K. Monday Flowers from one of the little guys. Just adorable.
Wednesday, August 29, 2012
Thursday, August 23, 2012
Week One Down!
One week down. I have learned more in the past week than possibly my entire (cough) 6 years of college. I have started doing things that I have sworn I will never do and reality has taken a giant turn as I have had my 1st week in the workforce/classroom. Here are my thoughts in list form since paragraph form takes more energy and my energy is spread too thinly as it is between 40 kids.
- College should offer a class called "Benefits". Insurance forms look chinese to me and my husband is not much better. There are so many options and I don't even know what option A means, let alone Option B, C, and D. Do I need this kind of insurance? Do I need insurance on top of insurance?
-Suddenly, I find myself giving about a million "double thumbs up" a day. Since when do I give people thumbs up? I think it's when I am out of words, but I am pretty sure I gave Will a thumbs up and "awesome job" for unloading the dishwasher.
-If you are looking for the first year teacher, it's the girl who got sick on the 3rd day of school.
-My expectations for 1 four year old are right on target. For 20 four year olds in 3 hours? Not so much.
-Songs are the key to a happy class.
-EVERYTHING needs explaining and modeling. The order in which you pick up your snack and push in your chair needs demonstrating. Then demonstrate it again.....and again...and again... and...
-New shoes are the way into your child's heart. Noticing them are the teacher's way into a student's heart.
-I really hope the school tech guy doesn't monitor how much Hulu I watch on my computer when I get home.
-An oath: I promise to empty my future children's take- home folder every night.
-I have formed this belief that the class line is a reflection of the teacher. Our line continues to look better and better.
-2 classes are never the same.
-Consistency is going to be my best friend and thank me in a few weeks. However, I can't make a child "try again" and go back and walk down the hall when they run to me at the start of the day and give me giant hugs.
-The way of opening a milk carton is a dirty trick on teachers. Someday I will invent an easy open milk carton so teachers don't have to help open 18 while 2 are exploding across the room from desperate 4 year olds.
-My class will have manners if it is the death of me. Someday they will learn that manners and friendliness are the beginning of connections. Connections get jobs.
-Yes, I gave about every child here a nonspecific, ego boosting, "Awesome job!" about a million times today. They smiled and the teacher police didn't come after me. I will probably say it again tomorrow because I don't have time to go further with that sentence during the day.
-My name is Mrs. Cousin, not "teacher".
-With 20 other kids demanding attention, "waiting and being patient" seems to be the #1 lesson of Pre-K. I hate this aspect of the classroom because I want the kids to get the very most out of the short time, but know it's important to learn (I think my husband missed this lesson :)).
- College should offer a class called "Benefits". Insurance forms look chinese to me and my husband is not much better. There are so many options and I don't even know what option A means, let alone Option B, C, and D. Do I need this kind of insurance? Do I need insurance on top of insurance?
-Suddenly, I find myself giving about a million "double thumbs up" a day. Since when do I give people thumbs up? I think it's when I am out of words, but I am pretty sure I gave Will a thumbs up and "awesome job" for unloading the dishwasher.
-If you are looking for the first year teacher, it's the girl who got sick on the 3rd day of school.
-My expectations for 1 four year old are right on target. For 20 four year olds in 3 hours? Not so much.
-Songs are the key to a happy class.
-EVERYTHING needs explaining and modeling. The order in which you pick up your snack and push in your chair needs demonstrating. Then demonstrate it again.....and again...and again... and...
-New shoes are the way into your child's heart. Noticing them are the teacher's way into a student's heart.
-I really hope the school tech guy doesn't monitor how much Hulu I watch on my computer when I get home.
-An oath: I promise to empty my future children's take- home folder every night.
-I have formed this belief that the class line is a reflection of the teacher. Our line continues to look better and better.
-2 classes are never the same.
-Consistency is going to be my best friend and thank me in a few weeks. However, I can't make a child "try again" and go back and walk down the hall when they run to me at the start of the day and give me giant hugs.
-The way of opening a milk carton is a dirty trick on teachers. Someday I will invent an easy open milk carton so teachers don't have to help open 18 while 2 are exploding across the room from desperate 4 year olds.
-My class will have manners if it is the death of me. Someday they will learn that manners and friendliness are the beginning of connections. Connections get jobs.
-Yes, I gave about every child here a nonspecific, ego boosting, "Awesome job!" about a million times today. They smiled and the teacher police didn't come after me. I will probably say it again tomorrow because I don't have time to go further with that sentence during the day.
-My name is Mrs. Cousin, not "teacher".
-With 20 other kids demanding attention, "waiting and being patient" seems to be the #1 lesson of Pre-K. I hate this aspect of the classroom because I want the kids to get the very most out of the short time, but know it's important to learn (I think my husband missed this lesson :)).
Thursday, August 16, 2012
Herding Chickens: Pre-K, Day 1
I had my first day with my chickens. I'm exhausted and am very tired of hearing my own voice, but I survived and am still smiling. Like some of the kids today I was nervous, but excited and we all got through the day with our mixed emotions. I'm assuming it was a day similar to all first days of Pre-K where there are tears, hugs, blank stares, smiles, playing, and lots and lots and LOTS of directions (repeated 50 times over). Between working on the routines of lining up, bathroom, and sign-in, there wasn't much time left over. However, there was still enough time to make panicked hurdles toward kids standing on tables and sprint after kids bolting for the door. I really do feel like I spent the day herding chickens but if by the end of the year I feel like I am herding more intelligent livestock, then part of my job has been fulfilled.
With new days come mistakes and I did miss putting a child on the bus and sent home the wrong start time to parents. But, notes and phone calls fixed both these things. :)
Day 1: Just FYI, this picture was taken by Will who was laying in bed. My husband is an early riser but I got to school with the breakfast cooks today. Go me for showing some dedication...and a really long "To Do" list that I kept adding to at 4 am.
This is a great visual of how the day went. The morning went smoothly and fairly "as planned." The afternoon was a little bit of a mess.
Tuesday, July 24, 2012
Final Swing
We have all done things and then followed them with the thought, "Why would I do that?" This often doesn't pertain to engaging in a good game of golf. Although last summer I participated in this golfing extravaganza with my sister-in-law and co-workers, I must have blocked out a few details, such as #1. It takes 7 hours to golf 18 holes. #2. I'm absolutely terrible. #3. July is hotter than Hades.
The girls must have blocked out number 2 as well, as they so kindly invited me for year 2 of the festivities. The theme for the outing was "Final Swing Before the Ring" in honor of one of the teammates bridal shower. I have chosen to further the theme to "Final Swing Before the End of my Lifetime" in honor of my announcement that I have indefinitely returned my borrowed golf sticks...er...clubs to my mother-in-law. Let me be clear, the girls were such a fun and gracious bunch. There simply comes a point where your athletic inability is no longer funny it's just pitiful- specifically at hole number 3...out of 18. Please note, while I may sound discouraged and harsh about my golfing disability, I, in no way feel that way. I am very pleased to announce my final swing, as my interest is just as lacking as my golf swing. I would be more than happy to be in charge of making festive crafts for the event next year.
The girls must have blocked out number 2 as well, as they so kindly invited me for year 2 of the festivities. The theme for the outing was "Final Swing Before the Ring" in honor of one of the teammates bridal shower. I have chosen to further the theme to "Final Swing Before the End of my Lifetime" in honor of my announcement that I have indefinitely returned my borrowed golf sticks...er...clubs to my mother-in-law. Let me be clear, the girls were such a fun and gracious bunch. There simply comes a point where your athletic inability is no longer funny it's just pitiful- specifically at hole number 3...out of 18. Please note, while I may sound discouraged and harsh about my golfing disability, I, in no way feel that way. I am very pleased to announce my final swing, as my interest is just as lacking as my golf swing. I would be more than happy to be in charge of making festive crafts for the event next year.
Friday, July 13, 2012
Reality Change
While I still feel blessed to be employed in the field I have prepared for, for the past ...well...EVER, the honeymoon feeling of "I can't believe I got a job" is dwindling and the reality of entering the workforce is nipping at my heels. I had some time in my classroom this week to do mostly snooping and rummaging to see what I'm working with. Thankfully, I have lots of materials which helps in the overwhelming feeling I get when I think of planning and preparing for 40 kids. Aside from the thoughts of the responsibility I will have with the kids, the realization that I have been coming to this summer is that there really is no "end" at this point. In college, there was always a start and then shortly later an ending. Classes started, then a few months later they ended and you never had to see the professor again, look at the material again, write another paper on that topic, etc. etc. Then, a new class began starting the short cycle over. And finally came graduation marking an end to college. Well, I'm in the workforce now and aside from retirement, there really is no end. I am now "in" what I have worked toward. This explanation is a bit fuzzy, but I suppose my point is that the pattern or rhythm of my life as I know it has changed. There are no semesters and no final grades after 4 months. It's just a long continuation of working. I am very much okay with this as it's a positive change and progression to the next phase in life.
My classroom does not look like much right now, but hopefully I will put some of my magic teacher touch to the four walls in the next few weeks. I'll be sure to post pictures.... if it ends up lookin' like something :).
My classroom does not look like much right now, but hopefully I will put some of my magic teacher touch to the four walls in the next few weeks. I'll be sure to post pictures.... if it ends up lookin' like something :).
Crispy Southwest Chicken Wraps
Considering my success rate of re-inventing things I find on Pinterest is roughly 1/8, I'm proud to share ANOTHER recipe I tried off my social pin board. This not only satisfied my taste buds (I'm not hard to please), but my husband's, whose food preferences are a little harder to cater to. They are not spicy, but I kicked a few up a notch for Will by adding some hot sauce and jalapenos...yikes!
INGREDIENTS:
1 cup cooked rice, warm or at room temperature
1 cup cooked, shredded chicken (or other leftover meat, like shredded pork or beef)
1 can black beans, rinsed and drained
1 green onion, finely sliced (white and green parts)
1/2 red or green pepper, diced
1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
juice of 1 lime
1/2 tablespoon chili powder
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon garlic salt
2 cups shredded cheese (I use a combination of Monterey jack and sharp cheddar)
Sour cream (optional)
1 cup cooked rice, warm or at room temperature
1 cup cooked, shredded chicken (or other leftover meat, like shredded pork or beef)
1 can black beans, rinsed and drained
1 green onion, finely sliced (white and green parts)
1/2 red or green pepper, diced
1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
juice of 1 lime
1/2 tablespoon chili powder
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon garlic salt
2 cups shredded cheese (I use a combination of Monterey jack and sharp cheddar)
Sour cream (optional)
6 burrito-sized flour tortillas
DIRECTIONS:
Mix rice together with chili powder, cumin and garlic salt. Add remaining ingredients except for cheese and sour cream. Sprinkle cheese over tortillas, leaving 1/2-inch border around edges, then arrange chicken and rice mixture down the center of each tortilla. (Optional: I like to dollop little bits of sour cream over the cheese before arranging chicken and rice mixture down the center – it makes the wraps delightfully creamy.) Roll stuffed tortillas, leaving edges open and slightly flatten the wraps with the palm of your hand. Spray seam-side of the wrap lightly with cooking spray.
Mix rice together with chili powder, cumin and garlic salt. Add remaining ingredients except for cheese and sour cream. Sprinkle cheese over tortillas, leaving 1/2-inch border around edges, then arrange chicken and rice mixture down the center of each tortilla. (Optional: I like to dollop little bits of sour cream over the cheese before arranging chicken and rice mixture down the center – it makes the wraps delightfully creamy.) Roll stuffed tortillas, leaving edges open and slightly flatten the wraps with the palm of your hand. Spray seam-side of the wrap lightly with cooking spray.
Heat a large non-stick skillet (or griddle) over medium heat for 1 minute. Arrange wraps, seam-side down, in pan or griddle and cook until golden brown and crisp, about 2-3 minutes per side. Cooking them seam-side down first helps seal the long edge so they don’t fall apart. Transfer to a plate and repeat with remaining wraps. Serve warm.
Monday, July 2, 2012
A Summer Weekend
Being in our twenties, Will and I expect weddings to claim our summer weekends. However, this summer has not been overcome by weddings so Saturday was refreshing as we celebrated the vows exchanged between two long time lovers. Will's parents' close friends finally made it official after 30+ years of dating. The two hippy lovebirds had a beautiful ceremony and between the longevity of their dating career and the antique Rolls Royce they drove away in, they were the talk of the town. Much love and congrats to the bride and groom!
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