Cooperative Learning

My class has a new favorite cooperative learning game - "Fan-N-Pick," which is a Kagan Cooperative Learning Strategy.  In the last couple of weeks we've used it both in reading and math.  Here's some shots of them playing "Fan-N-Pick" to put money amounts in order:

~Mamie "When the going gets weird, the weird turn pro!" (Hunter S. Thompson)

Favorite Things - Frozen Yogurt

So glad frozen yogurt seems to be making a vigorous comeback! This was lunch one recent Saturday, yum!

~Mamie "When the going gets weird, the weird turn pro!" (Hunter S. Thompson)

Nearly Wordless Wednesday 4/27/11

 Spring skies, the road home.

~Mamie "When the going gets weird, the weird turn pro!" (Hunter S. Thompson)

Favorite Things - Cheap Books

I have a huge classroom library (as I have mentioned more than once), but I'm always looking for MORE BOOKS for the squirts.  A couple of weekends ago Mr. Mamie and I had a bunch of stuff to take to the local charitable thrift store donation station.  We don't usually go in the store itself, but that day we did, and SCORE! I got a HUGE pile of books for the classroom - lots of "easy readers," some read-alouds, and several good non-fiction books. The piles pictured above cost only $30 (most were 50 cents each, a few 75 cents), and if bought new, would have totaled  well over $150. Of course, I will only buy used books that are in very good condition, so plenty were rejected. But I still can't believe the amazing score of these books, and the kids were THRILLED when I showed them everything!

~Mamie "When the going gets weird, the weird turn pro!" (Hunter S. Thompson)

Menu Plan 4/25/11 - 5/1/11

I've been enjoying a four-day weekend for the Easter holiday, and am just now getting around to putting together our menu plan for the week (don't worry, I already had tonight's dinner planned and it's cooking away in the CrockPot as I write.

It's a pretty normal week, with exception of our anniversary on Sunday 5/1. We're down to the last month of school (we end on 5/25, and there are 22 school days to go... not that I'm counting!), so we've got the First Grade Music Program, swimming pool trip, park party, and a few other fun events going on (plus, report cards and a couple other not-as-fun things).

Monday, 4/25: Sticky Chicken, Garlicky Oven Fries,  Corn and Black Bean salad (leftover from Easter BBQ), Mom's Peach Cake (leftover from Easter BBQ).

Tuesday, 4/26: Cheap eat out - Mr. Mamie has class.

Wednesday, 2427: Mom's Tuna Casserole (from the freezer), steamed broccoli, green salad, Fudge Lover's Cream Cheese Cake (leftover from Easter BBQ).

Thursday, 4/28: CrockPot Honey Mustard Chicken, steamed green beans, couscous, Garlic Muffins, green salad, homemade vanilla ice cream (leftover from Easter BBQ) topped with fresh blackberries if they last 'til Thursday.

Friday, 4/29: Broccoli-Cheddar Soup, French bread, green salad (meatless meal), homemade vanilla ice cream.

Saturday, 4/30: Cowboy Spaghetti, Rosemary Focaccia, green salad.

Sunday, 5/1: Mr. Mamie and I will be celebrating our anniversary in Zion National Park, and will be eating at our favorite place, Oscar's Cafe!

~Mamie "When the going gets weird, the weird turn pro!" (Hunter S. Thompson)

Menu Plan 4/18/11 - 4/24/11

Monday, 4/18: Bowtie pasta with feta and grilled lemon chicken,  cheddar muffins (leftover from last night), steamed broccoli, green salad. Our pasta probably won't be bowties, but it will definitely be whole wheat - we have several varieites on hand.

Tuesday, 4/19: Mr. Mamie's class night, Barnsie for me. We're planning to eat the "Two-piece Tuesday" meal at El Pollo Loco. Two pieces of chicken, two small sides, and tortillas for only $2.99 - good deal!

Wednesday, 4/20: I will be staying at school to help with "Kindergarten Round-up." No, we don't spray weed-killer on the kinder kids! It's the screening process for the incoming students, AKA mass chaos. They are providing pizza and pop for the teachers helping at the event. Mr. Mamie and GrandmaT will be having a ham casserole from the freezer.

Thursday, 4/21: Spoonburgers (from the freezer) with fresh-frozen corn kernels added in, homemade wheat buns (from the freezer), steamed green beans, green salad.

Friday, 4/22: No school for Easter break! We're having a homemade pizza night. :)

Saturday, 4/23: Shredded beef tacos (from the freezer)  on corn tortillas with cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, sour cream, and salsa. I made this shredded beef last month the quick and easy way: Dropped a small roast into the CrockPot, dumped two cans of Ro-Tel tomatoes on top, and cooked it 'til it fell apart. Dead simple and totally yummy!

Sunday, 4/24: Easter bar-b-que at Casa Mamie - Basil Cheeseburgers OR Southwest Turkey Burgers OR Healthy Turkey Burgers (the patties are frozen in the freezer), OR Costco ground sirloin patty, OR veggie burger, OR hot dog (Hebrew National from Costco) OR Louisiana hot link (from Costco) - everyone can choose their own,  homemade wheat buns, potato salad (haven't decided which recipe yet), chips, fresh fruit (whatever looks good at Costco - probably strawberries), and Mom's Peaches and Cream  Cake.

Have a great week - I know I'm looking forward to nice weather and a four-day weekend!

~Mamie "When the going gets weird, the weird turn pro!" (Hunter S. Thompson)

Menu Plan 4/11/11 - 4/17/11

We did an inventory of the chest freezer over the weekend, and there's a lot of stuff in there that needs to get used! The freezer itself could use a defrost, and I want to have room to freeze spring/summer produce. So, we'll be eating from our stockpile, and I WON'T be doing much in the way of "freezer cooking" for the next few weeks.

This week's dinners:

Monday, 4/11: Chicken fajitas (from the freezer) with lettuce, tomatoes, cheese, sour cream, salsa, and green onions; Mexican sour cream rice.

Tuesday, 4/12: Mr. Mamie's class night/my Barnsie night - cheap eat out for us; YOYO for Grandma.

Wednesday, 4/13: Beef enchilada soup (from the freezer), garlic muffins, green salad.

Thursday, 4/14: Easy cheeseburger casserole (from the freezer), French bread (from the freezer), green salad.

Friday, 4/15: Mixed grill (we have a ton of hot dogs, hot links, basil cheeseburger patties, Southwest turkey burger patties, and "healthy" turkey burger patties in the freezer, as well as a few veggie burgers from LAST summer), frozen sweet potato fries.

Saturday, 4/16: Sriracha Bar-B-Que chicken, couscous, fresh steamed green beans (from fresh beans in the freezer), green salad.

Sunday, 4/15: Beef and barley skillet dinner, steamed broccoli, cheddar muffins, green salad.

I failed to  do a menu post for last week. Some dinners of note were:

Western casserole (from the freezer), white bean chicken chili and corn muffins, goulash, Asian chicken and yellow rice (postponed several times).

~Mamie "When the going gets weird, the weird turn pro!" (Hunter S. Thompson)

WOW!

I was about to create a menu post for the coming week when I realized that I have 499 published posts. I quickly checked to see if anything is scheduled for the coming week - nope; apparently I am falling down on the job. So, that means I have reached post number

Wow... it's pretty hard to believe! The only thing that could be better would be if the SquattyWombat were here to celebrate with me. I DID IT, MOM! Miss you....

Mom and me, circa 1972

Image credit for "500!"

~Mamie "When the going gets weird, the weird turn pro!" (Hunter S. Thompson)

What Do Teachers Make? (a "Survivor" follow-up)

Yesterday's post might have been just slightly cranky-pants, so here's the follow up (also currently making the rounds of the Interwebz):



What do Teachers Make?

The dinner guests were sitting around the table discussing life. One ma, a CEO, decided to explain the problem with education.

He argued, "What's a kid going to learn from someone who decided his best option in life was to become a teacher?"

He reminded the other dinner guests what they say about teachers: 'Those who can, do. Those who can't, teach.'

To emphasize his point he said to another guest; 'You're a teacher, Bonnie. Be honest, what do you make?'

(She paused for a second, then began...)

"Well, I make kids work harder than they ever thought they could.

I make a C+ feel like the Congressional Medal of Honor.

I make kids sit through 40 minutes of class time when their parents can't make them sit for 5 without an IPod, Game Cube, or movie rental.

You want to know what I make?" (She paused again and looked at each person at the table.)

"I make kids wonder.

I make them question.

I make them apologize and mean it.

I make them have respect and take responsibility for their actions.

I teach them to write and them I make them write... Keyboarding isn't everything.

I make them read, read, read.

I make them show all their work in math. They use their God-given brain, not the man-made calculator.

I make my students from other countries learn everything they need to know in English while preserving their unique cultural identity.

I make my classroom a place where all my students feel safe.

I make my students stand, placing their hand over their heart to say the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag, One Nation Under God, because we live in the United States of America.

I make them understand that if they use the gives they were given, work hard, and follow their hearts, they can succeed in life."

(Bonnie paused one last time, then continued.)

"Then, when people try to judge me by what I make, with me knowing money isn't everything, I can hold my head up high and pay no attention because they are ignorant... You want to know what I make?

I MAKE A DIFFERENCE.

What do you make Mr. CEO?"

His jaw dropped, and he went silent.

~Mamie "When the going gets weird, the weird turn pro!" (Hunter S. Thompson)

Survival, Public Education Style

This has been floating around the Interwebz for a while.  Every time I see it I want to  send it to about a hojillion times to certain politicians and "pundits." Instead, I'll just share it with you. And let me remind you, this really ISN'T an exaggeration of survival as a public school teacher!

Next Season on Survivor...

Three businessmen and three businesswomen will be dropped in an elementary school classroom for one school year. Each business person will be provided with a copy of his/her school district's curriculum, and a class of 25 students,with no aide.

Each class will have a minimum of five learning-disabled children, three with A.D.H.D., one gifted child, and two who speak limited English. Three students will be labeled with severe behavior problems.

Each business person must complete lesson plans at least three days in advance, with annotations for curriculum objectives and modify, organize, or create their materials accordingly. They will be required to teach students, handle misconduct, implement technology, document attendance, write referrals, correct homework, make bulletin boards, compute grades, complete report cards, document benchmarks, communicate with parents, and arrange parent conferences. They must also stand in their doorway between class changes to monitor the hallways.

In addition, they will complete fire drills, tornado drills, and the drills for shooting attacks each month. They must attend workshops, faculty meetings, and attend curriculum development meetings. They must also tutor students who are behind and strive to get their non-English speaking children proficient enough to take the tests. If they are sick or having a bad day, they must not let it show.

Each day they must incorporate reading, writing, math, science, and social studies into the program. They must maintain discipline and provide an educationally stimulating environment to motivate students at all times. If all students do not wish to cooperate, work, or learn, the teacher will be held responsible.

Lunch will be limited to twenty minutes, which is not counted as part of the work day. The business people will be permitted to use a student restroom, as long as another survival candidate can supervise their class.

If the copier is operable, they may make copies of necessary materials before, or after, school. However, they cannot surpass their monthly limit of copies. The business people must continually advance their education, at their expense, and on their own time.

The winner of this season of "Survivor" will be allowed to return to their OLD job.

Pass this to your friends who think teaching is easy, and to the ones that know it is hard...

~Mamie "When the going gets weird, the weird turn pro!" (Hunter S. Thompson)

Nearly Wordless Wednesday 4/6/11

Gray day, water and fog.

  Baker Reservoir, March 2011

~Mamie "When the going gets weird, the weird turn pro!" (Hunter S. Thompson)

Favorite Things - Pubic Libraries

 I am a looooong-time user of the public library. My mom used to take us to the bookmobile in the parking lot of  the Thrifty Drug Store near our house almost every week when I was young.

[Speaking of Thrifty Drug Store - or, Thrifty's, as it was commonly called - who remembers their awesome, cheap ice cream? They used a scooping device that pulled out the ice cream in a cylinder shape rather than in a ball, so when you got a double it was a big, tall cylinder on a flaky cake cone. Thrifty's ice cream is soooooooo a favorite thing!]

Occasionally Wombat would make the trek with us to one of the county's regional branch libraries, and those became regular destinations for me as a high schooler.

As an undergraduate I was a regular patron (both for checking out books and sleeping  studying in the carrels at the McHenry Library at UC Santa Cruz and Central (now known as the Theodore Geisel - yes, as in Dr. Seuss! - Library) at UC San Diego. When I REALLY needed to get something done at UCSC I'd go to the "SciLi" (Science Library) because the books there were too hard for me to understand, so there weren't any distractions!

I worked for several quarters at the Science and Engineering Library at UCSD, and again, was able to complete my tasks quickly, since the books were beyond my brain power! Many of my friends from those days worked student jobs in campus libraries. Two of them have gone on to get master's degrees in Library Science and work in university and corporate libraries. A friend from high school now has a doctorate and works at the manuscripts division of the Library of Congress (and serves as a researcher for historian Doris Kearns Goodwin). NERD ALERT!!!

As a graduate student I spent many hours organizing research material and writing papers in the libraries at UC Berkeley (Oh, Doe, how I miss thee!) and Holy Names College... I can almost smell those places again just thinking about it!

It was amazing to experience the beauty of the new San Francisco Public Library, and I suffered through the year(s) of the Berkeley Public Library's main building move, renovation, and move-back. The Oakland Public Library gave me access to a series of ancient children's novels I hadn't read in 20 years.  I taught an immigrant man to read over the course of many weeks in the South Branch of the Berkeley Library, and took both The Little Mermaid and her late sister Pocahontas on many happy visits to the Berkeley North Branch.

Even in the age of eReaders (and yes, I use eReader apps extensively on my iPad and iPhone both), I'm still a near-weekly visitor to our county's public libraries.  Fiction books to read for pleasure, story books to share with my class, audiobooks for the car, cookbooks, reference books - every week there's something new for me to find at the library.

My current public library

 Public libraries are a great, and favorite, thing!

~Mamie "When the going gets weird, the weird turn pro!" (Hunter S. Thompson)

Favorite Things - Mocha Freeze

I LOVE LOVE LOVE the Mocha Freeze drinks available from the food court at or local Costco! Chilly, delicious, and CHEAP compared to the similar items from St*rbux.

(That's Mr. Mamie's giant thumb, not mine, BTW!)

Frosty AND frugal BOTH are favorite things!
 
~Mamie "When the going gets weird, the weird turn pro!" (Hunter S. Thompson)

Quote

Last weekend a bunch of Mr. Mamie's family was in town from up north for a family event. We went out to dinner the night before with some of them, and this quote is from a cute 7 year old niece:

"Today has been a FANCY DAY! We stayed in a fancy hotel, and we ate at a fancy restaurant!"

The "fancy hotel" was a Best Western, and the "fancy restaurant" was Olive Garden... I love how easily some kids are made happy!  And, I think this little girl needs her own copy of Fancy Nancy - I'll have to see what I can do about that.

~Mamie "When the going gets weird, the weird turn pro!" (Hunter S. Thompson)

Favorite Things - Spring Trees 2

The flowers on the trees are in full bloom - love a beautiful, sunny spring afternoon!

~Mamie "When the going gets weird, the weird turn pro!" (Hunter S. Thompson)