Friday, May 9, 2008
Our Classroom
Today we took our spelling test and Miss Ryder got new books from the book fair. I found these two poems so adorable. I hope you enjoy.
I Wish I'd Studied Harrder
I wish I'd studied harrder
For our spellink test today.
I'm sorry that I didn't,
Now I'm feeling some dismaye.
I'd like to get a passing graid,
But don't beleeve I will--
I think I got Whyoming wrong,
And Chyna, and Brazill.
Though I don't want to make misteaks,
I make them awl the same.
It's no one else's fawlt but mine,
I have to take the blaime.
I tried to spell Cunneddykit,
But really, I just gessed...
If I had stoodied harder
Then I mite have passed this test.
Jack Prelutsky
For our spellink test today.
I'm sorry that I didn't,
Now I'm feeling some dismaye.
I'd like to get a passing graid,
But don't beleeve I will--
I think I got Whyoming wrong,
And Chyna, and Brazill.
Though I don't want to make misteaks,
I make them awl the same.
It's no one else's fawlt but mine,
I have to take the blaime.
I tried to spell Cunneddykit,
But really, I just gessed...
If I had stoodied harder
Then I mite have passed this test.
Jack Prelutsky
I'm Learning Our History
I'm learning our history,
There's so much to know...
A lot of it happened a long time ago.
I learn how explorers
Arrived on our shore,
I learn of our leaders
In peace and in war.
I learn of inventors,
And scientists as well,
Of trips to the moon,
And the liberty bell.
There's one thing I'm learning
That makes me think, "Wow!"
We're all part of history--
It's happening now!
Jack Prelutsky
There's so much to know...
A lot of it happened a long time ago.
I learn how explorers
Arrived on our shore,
I learn of our leaders
In peace and in war.
I learn of inventors,
And scientists as well,
Of trips to the moon,
And the liberty bell.
There's one thing I'm learning
That makes me think, "Wow!"
We're all part of history--
It's happening now!
Jack Prelutsky
Thursday, May 1, 2008
Choices
As usual, thoughts have been swirling through my mind. The recent topic has been choices. We are confronted with so many choices each day. As an educator, I find that within a period of 1 minute it is possible to make many choices. Do I discipline that issue? No, I must pick my battles. Do I explain the concept as presented here? No, I must find a new way; they will not understand this approach. Should I hug this young one? Yes, it may be the only physical touch they receive today. Do I send her to the office? No, I’ll wait and see if that stomach ache continues.
Choices are my life. The effects of these little choices and my thinking behind these choices can change the direction of my life. I have to be careful. Do I read this book, watch this video, listen to this music? Yes, friends every area of my life requires my choice. I’m definitely not a fan on the sidelines of life watching things pass by. I MUST be directly involved! A while ago I was faced with one of those bigger choices in life. Ultimately, of course, these larger decisions are influenced greatly by the previous little choices. When I came to the fork, I sought the wise counsel of others. Yes, it was conflicting and confusing. I put on my super future spy glass and caught a glimpse of what was to come.
Down road number 1 was a life of adventure. Beautiful flowers lined this road. Laugher rang through the tree tops. The chance to live with my dear sister and act like silly school girls beckoned there. Meeting new people and teaching in a Christian environment call to me. The pull was so great that I took a step down road number 1. Glancing over my shoulder I saw the rocky terrain of road number 2. I looked down at my sandals and realized I was not prepared for that path. I saw hard work and dedication as well as commitment. I even caught a glimpse of how bruised and battered my feet would be. I might even fall, causing the flesh to be torn from my knees.
I sat down for a long chat with my Heavenly Daddy. I realized that I could, after picking up my eyes off of the rocky terrain, catch a glimpse of His face on road number 2. Please understand, I don’t think that road number 1 was awful; however, I made the choice to pursue my relationship with Him by traveling down road number 2.
Well, friend, the road has been just as it seemed it would be. Large, sharp, cutting rocks have been on the trail. Yes, my shoes were not adequate for the journey. I have been cut, bruised and my very soul has been pierced. Layers of flesh are slowly, painfully being shed as a find my path. The rocks of frustration, hard work, commitment, assertiveness, and others are helping to shed my yucky exterior. But, friend, through it all I have had the firm grip of my Daddy holding my hand. He’s patient and kind. He heals wounds with his words of love. He continually calls me to pursue a deeper relationship with Him.
As I stood last night I realized that a destination point along this road had been reached and I couldn’t have made it without the faithfulness of my Heavenly Father. Thank you dear friends, some of you were those that reached out to steady me along the way. The road isn’t finished. I’ll keep journeying for my entire life. My choice is not to quit.
“But as for me and my household, we will serve the LORD." Joshua 24:15
Choices are my life. The effects of these little choices and my thinking behind these choices can change the direction of my life. I have to be careful. Do I read this book, watch this video, listen to this music? Yes, friends every area of my life requires my choice. I’m definitely not a fan on the sidelines of life watching things pass by. I MUST be directly involved! A while ago I was faced with one of those bigger choices in life. Ultimately, of course, these larger decisions are influenced greatly by the previous little choices. When I came to the fork, I sought the wise counsel of others. Yes, it was conflicting and confusing. I put on my super future spy glass and caught a glimpse of what was to come.
Down road number 1 was a life of adventure. Beautiful flowers lined this road. Laugher rang through the tree tops. The chance to live with my dear sister and act like silly school girls beckoned there. Meeting new people and teaching in a Christian environment call to me. The pull was so great that I took a step down road number 1. Glancing over my shoulder I saw the rocky terrain of road number 2. I looked down at my sandals and realized I was not prepared for that path. I saw hard work and dedication as well as commitment. I even caught a glimpse of how bruised and battered my feet would be. I might even fall, causing the flesh to be torn from my knees.
I sat down for a long chat with my Heavenly Daddy. I realized that I could, after picking up my eyes off of the rocky terrain, catch a glimpse of His face on road number 2. Please understand, I don’t think that road number 1 was awful; however, I made the choice to pursue my relationship with Him by traveling down road number 2.
Well, friend, the road has been just as it seemed it would be. Large, sharp, cutting rocks have been on the trail. Yes, my shoes were not adequate for the journey. I have been cut, bruised and my very soul has been pierced. Layers of flesh are slowly, painfully being shed as a find my path. The rocks of frustration, hard work, commitment, assertiveness, and others are helping to shed my yucky exterior. But, friend, through it all I have had the firm grip of my Daddy holding my hand. He’s patient and kind. He heals wounds with his words of love. He continually calls me to pursue a deeper relationship with Him.
As I stood last night I realized that a destination point along this road had been reached and I couldn’t have made it without the faithfulness of my Heavenly Father. Thank you dear friends, some of you were those that reached out to steady me along the way. The road isn’t finished. I’ll keep journeying for my entire life. My choice is not to quit.
“But as for me and my household, we will serve the LORD." Joshua 24:15
Monday, April 28, 2008
Spring - Pictures from Miss Ryder's Room
I thought you might enjoy seeing our class. We just began our unit study on butterflies! The boys and girls are extremely excited! I've also included some other pictures from this semester! Have a great day!
Our butterfly net and the view from our window! :)
Our butterfly net and the view from our window! :)
We can't wait for our butterflies to emerge!
One of our many books about butterflies!
Isn't he happy?!!
Nothin' like a good 'ole field trip bus ride!!! 
A recent field trip to the nature center. We fed the fish and
Petting the animals at the petting zoo! :)
Our fun Spring flowers! They make the hallway happy!
Nothin' like a good 'ole field trip bus ride!!!
A recent field trip to the nature center. We fed the fish and
they came right up to the top of the water.
It was so great!!!
Petting the animals at the petting zoo! :)Saturday, April 12, 2008
My Political BLOG
THE NURSE'S SONG
This mighty man of whom I sing,
The greatest of them all,
Was once a teeny little thing,
Just eighteen inches tall.
I knew him as a tiny tot.
I nursed him on my knee.
I used to sit him on the pot
And wait for him to wee.
I always washed between his toes,
And cut his little nails.
I brushed his hair and wiped his nose
And weighed him on the scales.
Through happy childhood days he strayed,
As all nice children should.
I smacked him when he disobeyed,
And stopped when he was good.
It soon began to dawn on me
He wasn't very bright,
Because when he was twenty-three
He couldn't read or write.
'What shall we do?' his parents sobbed.
'The boy has got the vapours!
He couldn't even get a job
Delivering the papers!'
'Ah-ha,' I said. 'This little clot
Could be a politician.'
'Nanny,' he cried.
'Oh Nanny, what A super proposition!'
'Okay,' I said. 'Let's learn and note The art of politics.
Let's teach you how to miss the boat
And how to drop some bricks,
And how to win the people's vote
And lots of other tricks.
Let's learn to make a speech a day Upon the TV screen,
In which you never never say Exactly what you mean.
And most important, by the way,
Is not to let your teeth decay,
And keep your fingers clean.'
And now that I am eighty-nine,
It's too late to repent.
The fault was mine the little swine
Became the President.
Roald Dahl from Charlie and the Great Glass Elevator
This mighty man of whom I sing,
The greatest of them all,
Was once a teeny little thing,
Just eighteen inches tall.
I knew him as a tiny tot.
I nursed him on my knee.
I used to sit him on the pot
And wait for him to wee.
I always washed between his toes,
And cut his little nails.
I brushed his hair and wiped his nose
And weighed him on the scales.
Through happy childhood days he strayed,
As all nice children should.
I smacked him when he disobeyed,
And stopped when he was good.
It soon began to dawn on me
He wasn't very bright,
Because when he was twenty-three
He couldn't read or write.
'What shall we do?' his parents sobbed.
'The boy has got the vapours!
He couldn't even get a job
Delivering the papers!'
'Ah-ha,' I said. 'This little clot
Could be a politician.'
'Nanny,' he cried.
'Oh Nanny, what A super proposition!'
'Okay,' I said. 'Let's learn and note The art of politics.
Let's teach you how to miss the boat
And how to drop some bricks,
And how to win the people's vote
And lots of other tricks.
Let's learn to make a speech a day Upon the TV screen,
In which you never never say Exactly what you mean.
And most important, by the way,
Is not to let your teeth decay,
And keep your fingers clean.'
And now that I am eighty-nine,
It's too late to repent.
The fault was mine the little swine
Became the President.
Roald Dahl from Charlie and the Great Glass Elevator
Wednesday, April 2, 2008
I've been tagged
Let's see...rules first.Each player answers the questions about herself. At the end of the post, the player then tags 5 people and posts their names, then goes to each blog to leave a comment, saying "you've been tagged, come to my blog to read the details."
What I was doing 10 years ago:
I was eighteen and very excited about going to college. I can almost feel that rush of expectancy that I felt then. I couldn't wait to get to the next step in the journey, to meet new friends and find new adventures.
Five things on my to-do list today: (The day is almost over, so I'll go back to my list from earlier.)
1. Make sure information is ready for Response to Intervention Team Meeting.
2. Work on analysis of data for my research paper.
3. Have a meaningful conversation with another teacher at school today.
4. Pack for a weekend trip to Cincinnati, OH.
5. Go for a walk.
Snacks that I enjoy:
I usually snack with the boys and girls in my classroom. Today we had popcorn. :)
Things I would do if I were a billionaire:
1. Help my sister and her school.
2. Pay off my undergrad college loans. (These will soon be gone! Yeah!)
3. Start my own school. :)
4. Buy tons and tons of children's literature!
5. Develop some sort of program to help those who are struggling financially. (They could borrow money and pay it back without interest.)
Three of my bad habits: (These are all currently being attacked!)
1. I am too sensitive.
2. I am slow to trust.
3. I get too busy with life and don't have time to spend with those that I love.
Five Places I have Lived:
1. Neoga, IL (Good 'ole growing up days.)
2. Greenville, IL (Greenville College)
3. Effingham, IL (In a cute, little house with a dear friend and teacher in our district. Oh, it was so fun!)
4. Effingham, IL (Jenner Apartments...Ahhhh! I miss my little home.)
5. Neoga, IL (Back home while I work on my Master's degree.)
Five jobs that I have had:
1. Lawn Mower (I started at age 10. The dear lady paid me $15 each time!)
2. Clerk at Mercer's Pharmacy (Oh, if only I would have chosen to be a pharmacist! Think of the money I'd be makin'. HA HA)
3. Music Teacher at Camp New Hope (This is a camp for individuals who are either mentally or physically impaired.)
4. Caller of Prospective Students, Secretary for Student Development, Computer Lab Assistant (All at Greenville College)
5. Educator (Fifth grade teacher - 2 yrs., Title I Teacher - 3 yrs., First Grade Teacher - where I am now, and a home bound tutor)
Five people I want to know more about (A nice way to say TAG!)....
1. Kelli
2. Becca
3. Rachel
4. Kimberly
5. Sonja
What I was doing 10 years ago:
I was eighteen and very excited about going to college. I can almost feel that rush of expectancy that I felt then. I couldn't wait to get to the next step in the journey, to meet new friends and find new adventures.
Five things on my to-do list today: (The day is almost over, so I'll go back to my list from earlier.)
1. Make sure information is ready for Response to Intervention Team Meeting.
2. Work on analysis of data for my research paper.
3. Have a meaningful conversation with another teacher at school today.
4. Pack for a weekend trip to Cincinnati, OH.
5. Go for a walk.
Snacks that I enjoy:
I usually snack with the boys and girls in my classroom. Today we had popcorn. :)
Things I would do if I were a billionaire:
1. Help my sister and her school.
2. Pay off my undergrad college loans. (These will soon be gone! Yeah!)
3. Start my own school. :)
4. Buy tons and tons of children's literature!
5. Develop some sort of program to help those who are struggling financially. (They could borrow money and pay it back without interest.)
Three of my bad habits: (These are all currently being attacked!)
1. I am too sensitive.
2. I am slow to trust.
3. I get too busy with life and don't have time to spend with those that I love.
Five Places I have Lived:
1. Neoga, IL (Good 'ole growing up days.)
2. Greenville, IL (Greenville College)
3. Effingham, IL (In a cute, little house with a dear friend and teacher in our district. Oh, it was so fun!)
4. Effingham, IL (Jenner Apartments...Ahhhh! I miss my little home.)
5. Neoga, IL (Back home while I work on my Master's degree.)
Five jobs that I have had:
1. Lawn Mower (I started at age 10. The dear lady paid me $15 each time!)
2. Clerk at Mercer's Pharmacy (Oh, if only I would have chosen to be a pharmacist! Think of the money I'd be makin'. HA HA)
3. Music Teacher at Camp New Hope (This is a camp for individuals who are either mentally or physically impaired.)
4. Caller of Prospective Students, Secretary for Student Development, Computer Lab Assistant (All at Greenville College)
5. Educator (Fifth grade teacher - 2 yrs., Title I Teacher - 3 yrs., First Grade Teacher - where I am now, and a home bound tutor)
Five people I want to know more about (A nice way to say TAG!)....
1. Kelli
2. Becca
3. Rachel
4. Kimberly
5. Sonja
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