In my classroom we share things pretty openly. We're sort of like a little family here for eight hours each day. :) One of the young ladies in my room had missed a couple of days due to having severe/migraine headaches. I talked with my class about this and we were all concerned about her.
At the same time we are beginning a butterfly unit. We have spent quite a bit of time discussing monarch butterflies.
One of my sweet, little first graders went home and told her mommy that she was worried about one of her classmates because she was having monarch headaches. :) So cute... :)
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Saturday, April 18, 2009
Books, Books, Books
As a teacher who has a background with reading, I’m sure that you can imagine that I enjoy reading books. I love stories of all shapes and sizes, but I also really enjoy nonfiction. I thought I’d just share some of the books that I’ve read this school year. I’d love to hear about what you are reading.
In the Classroom:
I’ve read a multitude of picture books. One of my favorites is "My Little Sister Ate One Hare" by Bill Grossman. This is a highly amusing tale which ends with a very yucky conclusion.
I enjoy reading E.B. White Books: "Charlotte’s Web", "The Trumpet of the Swan", and "Stuart Little." All three stories are utterly delightful.
"Ramona the Pest" by Beverly Cleary. I have several students who are struggling behaviorally this year. I have found that seeing the bad choices that Ramona made, helped them to begin to looking at themselves.
"The Best Christmas Pageant Ever" by Barbara Robinson. Each of my seven years of teaching thus far, I have read this book during Christmas time. We have traditionally read it as a family for several years. If you haven’t read it, I highly recommend this story! This year I cried during the story because I have so many boys and girls that live the Herdman lifestyle.
"The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis. This is one of my favorite books of all time and my first grade students absolutely loved it this year. Our superintendent came to my class the other day and they got the chance to tell him all about it!
"My Father’s Dragon" by Ruth Stiles Gannett. This is the first time that I have read this book. It is truly a delightful tale and a wonderful book to use when teaching children about predictions.
"The Mouse and The Motorcycle" by Beverly Cleary. We are currently reading this book in class. My boys are especially into this tale!
Educational Reading:
"12 Powerful Words" by Larry I. Bell
"Results Now" by Mike Schmoker
"Reading Essentials: The Specifics You Need to Teach Reading Well" by Regie Routman
Personal Reading:
"The Shack" by William P. Young. This was a thought provoking book.
"Each New Day" by Corrie Ten Boom. There are some wonderful short nuggets of truth in this little book.
"The Firstborn Advantage: Making Your Birth Order Work for You" by Dr. Kevin Leman. This is a very interesting book.
"Completely His: Loving Jesus without Limits" by Shannon Ethridge.
"Answering the Guy Questions: The Set-Apart Girls Guide to Relating to the Opposite Sex" by Leslie Ludy. Eric and Leslie Ludy have written a variety of books. I have quite the collection of single girl books. I just got this one recently and my roomie is reading it now.
"A Chance to Die: The Life and Legacy of Amy Carmichael" by Elizabeth Elliot. This is what I’m reading currently.
There are other books that I read bits and pieces of, but here it this school year in a shell. So, what are you reading?
Jo
In the Classroom:
I’ve read a multitude of picture books. One of my favorites is "My Little Sister Ate One Hare" by Bill Grossman. This is a highly amusing tale which ends with a very yucky conclusion.
I enjoy reading E.B. White Books: "Charlotte’s Web", "The Trumpet of the Swan", and "Stuart Little." All three stories are utterly delightful.
"Ramona the Pest" by Beverly Cleary. I have several students who are struggling behaviorally this year. I have found that seeing the bad choices that Ramona made, helped them to begin to looking at themselves.
"The Best Christmas Pageant Ever" by Barbara Robinson. Each of my seven years of teaching thus far, I have read this book during Christmas time. We have traditionally read it as a family for several years. If you haven’t read it, I highly recommend this story! This year I cried during the story because I have so many boys and girls that live the Herdman lifestyle.
"The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis. This is one of my favorite books of all time and my first grade students absolutely loved it this year. Our superintendent came to my class the other day and they got the chance to tell him all about it!
"My Father’s Dragon" by Ruth Stiles Gannett. This is the first time that I have read this book. It is truly a delightful tale and a wonderful book to use when teaching children about predictions.
"The Mouse and The Motorcycle" by Beverly Cleary. We are currently reading this book in class. My boys are especially into this tale!
Educational Reading:
"12 Powerful Words" by Larry I. Bell
"Results Now" by Mike Schmoker
"Reading Essentials: The Specifics You Need to Teach Reading Well" by Regie Routman
Personal Reading:
"The Shack" by William P. Young. This was a thought provoking book.
"Each New Day" by Corrie Ten Boom. There are some wonderful short nuggets of truth in this little book.
"The Firstborn Advantage: Making Your Birth Order Work for You" by Dr. Kevin Leman. This is a very interesting book.
"Completely His: Loving Jesus without Limits" by Shannon Ethridge.
"Answering the Guy Questions: The Set-Apart Girls Guide to Relating to the Opposite Sex" by Leslie Ludy. Eric and Leslie Ludy have written a variety of books. I have quite the collection of single girl books. I just got this one recently and my roomie is reading it now.
"A Chance to Die: The Life and Legacy of Amy Carmichael" by Elizabeth Elliot. This is what I’m reading currently.
There are other books that I read bits and pieces of, but here it this school year in a shell. So, what are you reading?
Jo
Monday, April 13, 2009
It is Finished?
At the close of a beautiful, restful Easter Sunday filled with the love of my creator, I ventured out to a choir service. The melodies met me as I entered the church door and my heart swelled with wonder and amazement as my mind focused on Him.
The final song that the choir sang was "It Is Finished." I chose to focus on what my Savior had done, but my heart became heavy as I pondered statements made prior to the choir singing this old song.
The leader presented the prospect that if I give my life to Jesus the battle will be over, or finished. While I agree that as I develop a relationship with God, a desire to please Him is there so that I don't want to go against His best, the battle of our flesh and spirit seems to still exist. Maybe I'm just the odd one, but it is a daily choice to follow Jesus. I must consistently, consciously choose to give up myself so that He can form me to be like Him.
You see, I have layers, or areas that Jesus continually shows me as I walk with Him. I have a choice as to how I respond when presented with another area that needs work. I can take the easy route. I can blame it on others around me. I can blame it on my personality or the way that I was raised. I can reject it as truth and simply go on believing what I want to believe. OR
I can ask for forgiveness concerning this area that I did not see and with the help of God I can grow and change and move along to the next layer.
This to me doesn't seem like a battle that is over. Yet, a continual refining of me and continual trusting of my Lord.
Recently there have been several issues in my life that I have reexamined. I've felt a little out of the loop, sort of like an older woman. :) Here are the ideas of some other people who seem to think that the battle isn't over.
Ellen White
On one occasion I spoke in reference to genuine sanctification, which is nothing less than a daily dying to self and daily conformity to the will of God... Paul's sanctification was a constant conflict with self. Said he, "I die daily." 1 Cor. 15:31. His will and his desires every day conflicted with duty and the will of God. Instead of following inclination, he did the will of God, however unpleasant and crucifying to his nature.
Helen Keller
“Character cannot be developed in ease and quiet. Only through the experience of trial and suffering can the soul be strengthened, vision cleared, ambition inspired, and success achieved.”
Oswald Chambers
“Jesus Christ had no tenderness whatsoever toward anything that was ultimately going to ruin a person in his service to God.... If the Spirit of God brings to your mind a word of the Lord that hurts you, you can be sure that there is something in you that He wants to hurt to the point of its death.”
If you follow this link, you will find a clip of Elisabeth Elliot speaking about dying to self.
http://faithvisuals.com/content/thecove/rediscoveringthefaithfulone/dyingtoself.html
I would love to hear your suggestions, comments, ect. I've found that often I can see things more clearly when it is contradicted by someone. :)
Have a great day!
The final song that the choir sang was "It Is Finished." I chose to focus on what my Savior had done, but my heart became heavy as I pondered statements made prior to the choir singing this old song.
The leader presented the prospect that if I give my life to Jesus the battle will be over, or finished. While I agree that as I develop a relationship with God, a desire to please Him is there so that I don't want to go against His best, the battle of our flesh and spirit seems to still exist. Maybe I'm just the odd one, but it is a daily choice to follow Jesus. I must consistently, consciously choose to give up myself so that He can form me to be like Him.
You see, I have layers, or areas that Jesus continually shows me as I walk with Him. I have a choice as to how I respond when presented with another area that needs work. I can take the easy route. I can blame it on others around me. I can blame it on my personality or the way that I was raised. I can reject it as truth and simply go on believing what I want to believe. OR
I can ask for forgiveness concerning this area that I did not see and with the help of God I can grow and change and move along to the next layer.
This to me doesn't seem like a battle that is over. Yet, a continual refining of me and continual trusting of my Lord.
Recently there have been several issues in my life that I have reexamined. I've felt a little out of the loop, sort of like an older woman. :) Here are the ideas of some other people who seem to think that the battle isn't over.
Ellen White
On one occasion I spoke in reference to genuine sanctification, which is nothing less than a daily dying to self and daily conformity to the will of God... Paul's sanctification was a constant conflict with self. Said he, "I die daily." 1 Cor. 15:31. His will and his desires every day conflicted with duty and the will of God. Instead of following inclination, he did the will of God, however unpleasant and crucifying to his nature.
Helen Keller
“Character cannot be developed in ease and quiet. Only through the experience of trial and suffering can the soul be strengthened, vision cleared, ambition inspired, and success achieved.”
Oswald Chambers
“Jesus Christ had no tenderness whatsoever toward anything that was ultimately going to ruin a person in his service to God.... If the Spirit of God brings to your mind a word of the Lord that hurts you, you can be sure that there is something in you that He wants to hurt to the point of its death.”
If you follow this link, you will find a clip of Elisabeth Elliot speaking about dying to self.
http://faithvisuals.com/content/thecove/rediscoveringthefaithfulone/dyingtoself.html
I would love to hear your suggestions, comments, ect. I've found that often I can see things more clearly when it is contradicted by someone. :)
Have a great day!
Saturday, March 21, 2009
First Grade Funnies
Tick...Tock...Tick...Tock
Minutes certainly do slip by quickly. I have fallen behind in my blogging. I have several thoughts today, but I'll stick with funnies for now! :)
Snack Time:
"OOOOOOWWWWEEEE!! Sweet, syrupy and creamy, waffles this snack is good!"
Writing about Families:
(Spoken through the teeth.) "My family is shilly because we like to dip little weeniesh in shyrup."
Entering the Classroom:
"I've died and gone to Kentucky"
After an anouncement that we would be writing:
Hands were dramatically folded into a praying position..."DEAR GOD, THANK YOU FOR MISS RYDER!"
While working on a paper:
"This is a top notch day, don't you think?"
Have a day filled with happy, funny moments!
Minutes certainly do slip by quickly. I have fallen behind in my blogging. I have several thoughts today, but I'll stick with funnies for now! :)
Snack Time:
"OOOOOOWWWWEEEE!! Sweet, syrupy and creamy, waffles this snack is good!"
Writing about Families:
(Spoken through the teeth.) "My family is shilly because we like to dip little weeniesh in shyrup."
Entering the Classroom:
"I've died and gone to Kentucky"
After an anouncement that we would be writing:
Hands were dramatically folded into a praying position..."DEAR GOD, THANK YOU FOR MISS RYDER!"
While working on a paper:
"This is a top notch day, don't you think?"
Have a day filled with happy, funny moments!
Monday, February 16, 2009
It is Well
I received the call from a gentleman in my life. He asked if I’d be willing to go out on the town with him…
This past weekend, I had the privilege of visiting my dear brother. We had a wonderful Valentine’s Day! A lovely cup of soup, delightful conversation, and the symphony! What girl could ask for more? Thank you, Lucas, for being an incredible brother! I love you!
Rachel, my sister, and I also got to hear the GBS choir. It was such an enjoyable Sunday. They sang one of my favorite songs…It is Well.
The words to one particular verse spoke to my heart.
And Lord, haste the day when my faith shall be sight,
As I listened to these words again my heart began to rejoice. There are so many areas of life that I must surrender to Him. But one day…I will stand before him and he will welcome me home…
Lord,
Whether single or married…
It is well with my soul.
Whether wealthy or struggling…
It is well with my soul.
Whether lonely or full…
It is well with my soul.
Thank you, Lord, for the opportunity to be well!
This past weekend, I had the privilege of visiting my dear brother. We had a wonderful Valentine’s Day! A lovely cup of soup, delightful conversation, and the symphony! What girl could ask for more? Thank you, Lucas, for being an incredible brother! I love you!
Rachel, my sister, and I also got to hear the GBS choir. It was such an enjoyable Sunday. They sang one of my favorite songs…It is Well.
The words to one particular verse spoke to my heart.
And Lord, haste the day when my faith shall be sight,
The clouds be rolled back as a scroll;
The trump shall resound, and the Lord shall descend,
Even so, it is well with my soul.
It is well, with my soul,
It is well, with my soul,
It is well, it is well, with my soul.
Lord,
Whether single or married…
It is well with my soul.
Whether wealthy or struggling…
It is well with my soul.
Whether lonely or full…
It is well with my soul.
Thank you, Lord, for the opportunity to be well!
Thursday, February 12, 2009
CRAZY!!! :)
Our week in First Grade has been a bit busy!!! We celebrated our 100th day of school. This involved 100 balloons in our classroom, pictures of what we will look like in 100 years, writing 100 words, reading 100 books, and many more exciting things. This year 100s day fell on the same day as my birthday, so things were a little crazy. We've also celebrated Abraham Lincoln's 200th birthday and tomorrow will be Valentine's parties. Needless to say, it has been a little crazy in this little room! Fun...but crazy...
Here are some pictures...
One Hundred balloons...we didn't pop one until the end of the day!!! :)
Writing 100 words.
Beautiful Birthday flowers from my friend, Dorinda! :)
Writing while wearing our Abe Lincoln hats. :)
I trust that you all have a wonderful Valentine's weekend! May you bask in the love of your Heavenly Father!
Saturday, February 7, 2009
Thoughts from Jo
I normally think, ponder, stress, and analyze before posting a blog. Today, after reading another blog, I decided to give you just a quick glimpse into life…for better or for worse.
I enjoy time alone. I like to read, think, process and rejuvenate. I’m finding that this time is precious, but living with others is very enjoyable. During the last two and a half years I moved back in with my parents to complete my Master’s degree. I was rarely home, instead I found other locations to research and compose papers.
For the last few months I have been living with my sister and a dear friend. I have had to take down my little walls of solitude to allow others into my close quarters. I anticipated some ‘selfishness’ struggles in this area and attacked these with a vengeance. The result has been delightful! Areas of inconsistency on my part have been pointed out. I’ve been questioned about areas that I didn’t know existed. We’ve laughed, cried, celebrated, and discussed.
I guess, what I’m trying to say, is that I have a new appreciation for community. You see, I have the privilege of attending a church where others are willing to lovingly confront me about issues that are not pleasing to Jesus. I understand that one day I will stand before God all alone, but I must surround myself with other believes who are sharpening me.
Although we are not having formal worship services in our little apartment, I’m thankful that our Heavenly Father is in the midst shaping, changing, and remaking us into His likeness!
For where two or three have gathered together in My name, I am there in their midst. Matthew 18:20 NASB
I enjoy time alone. I like to read, think, process and rejuvenate. I’m finding that this time is precious, but living with others is very enjoyable. During the last two and a half years I moved back in with my parents to complete my Master’s degree. I was rarely home, instead I found other locations to research and compose papers.
For the last few months I have been living with my sister and a dear friend. I have had to take down my little walls of solitude to allow others into my close quarters. I anticipated some ‘selfishness’ struggles in this area and attacked these with a vengeance. The result has been delightful! Areas of inconsistency on my part have been pointed out. I’ve been questioned about areas that I didn’t know existed. We’ve laughed, cried, celebrated, and discussed.
I guess, what I’m trying to say, is that I have a new appreciation for community. You see, I have the privilege of attending a church where others are willing to lovingly confront me about issues that are not pleasing to Jesus. I understand that one day I will stand before God all alone, but I must surround myself with other believes who are sharpening me.
Although we are not having formal worship services in our little apartment, I’m thankful that our Heavenly Father is in the midst shaping, changing, and remaking us into His likeness!
For where two or three have gathered together in My name, I am there in their midst. Matthew 18:20 NASB
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