Things have been very chaotic since I've last posted that I can seem to never find the time or the energy to ever post on here.
Right now, I'm proctoring yet another test. All the testing is so draining, I can't even imagine how my kiddos keep their stamina. Just last month many of them were involved in the HSGQE exam retake and now a majority of the same kiddos are participating in the Work Keys exam. I'm pooped with testing. Since moving up to highschool with my ELL "title", I have become one of the designated test proctors for the school. Due to the fact that I have my certification in K-12 ELL, I get to test all the ELL kiddos at Chevak school.
Last month I was sent on my first "training" for LEP (Limited English Proficient/ELL) Data and LEP testing. I was very nervous at first because I thought that there was going to be a TON of expectations for me to come back to Chevak with. I am also not comfortable or confident with anything that has to do with data so I was worried that most of the items that was going to be presented was going to be too confusing and overwhelming for me to understand. It turned out that the training was a breath of fresh air. Right away at the beginning they went over all the things that I studied, practiced and trained while I was in college. Everything was coming back to me and I was starting to feel confident in bringing the information back to Chevak. It was also nice because I was able to help my coworker that came with me, as she started to feel overwhelmed with all the information.
Volleyball is under way and that has brought along more work, stress and excitement to my already full plate. Last weekend we traveled to Hooper Bay (which was a first for me) and played in 5 matches. It was the girls' first game and it took them some time for them to get comfortable and work the kinks out. Once they started to get comfortable the really shined. We left Hooper Bay 3-2 and with a new respect for each other as a team. This weekend we will be hosting a small tournament here in Chevak with Kalskag and Hooper Bay. In the next weeks to come there will be lots of weekend traveling. It's an exciting opportunity for me because I'm getting to experience new places that I would never have had the chance to experience otherwise. It's also fun spending time with the girls and getting to know them better.
There are other things that I want to post but I'm going to do them separately. Please keep me in your thoughts and prayers as there are some things going on right now that are making things very stressful for me.
Wednesday, November 6, 2013
Monday, September 2, 2013
Let the challenges continue...
Before I write about teaching..here are some pictures since I've been back in Chevak...
Jo was attempting the "Gallon Challenge"...he failed
Kiddos we ran into when we went out by boat! The found baby ducks
I was blessed to be asked to go to camp with a family here in Chevak. We took a 4 hour boat ride to get to "Moose Heaven" were we set camp. We picked 60 gallons of blackberries in one day. That night I went to bed seeing berries..
Some of the berries that we picked...
Teacher work day we went to Old Chevak. On the way there, one of the boats caught a seal.
Okay now to teaching...
Whoever said "Oh, you'll get the hang of things sooner or later" was a liar. I really don't think that I'll ever get the "hang" of teaching the older kiddos.
BUT- that's what makes it exciting for me. I NEVER have any idea on what to expect. It's like a constant surprise. I usually had a good idea on what the day would hold when I was teaching the little kiddos, it's a completely different ball game now.
Tomorrow begins the third week of school. Technically it's the second week of actual 'teaching' since we had sea week and tundra fest one of the weeks. It's like I started a completely new profession.
I am very thankful that I came into this already having a relationship established with many of the students I'd be working with. It has helped tremendously with the general attitude of the classroom.
Right now, my kiddos are doing a lot of journaling and a lot of reading. That's one of the things I love the best about teaching the older kids, I get to read books that I love with them. The junior high kiddos aren't sold on reading books yet but I'm getting A LOT of excitement from the high school kids.
I'm doing a project with 2 of my classes. The sophomores-seniors are reading "The Freedom Writers" and they love it already. We just finished the first section (which is only about 50 pages) and they're anxious is reading more. Some of them have seen the movie and have realized that the book is much better because it has more of the story. Both of these classes have started journaling, using the book as their model. We have decided that we are going to make our own 'Freedom Writers' Chevak style. It's going to be different because my students aren't 'fighting' racial issues but I'm still excited for them!
Quyana Agayun
Whoever said "Oh, you'll get the hang of things sooner or later" was a liar. I really don't think that I'll ever get the "hang" of teaching the older kiddos.
BUT- that's what makes it exciting for me. I NEVER have any idea on what to expect. It's like a constant surprise. I usually had a good idea on what the day would hold when I was teaching the little kiddos, it's a completely different ball game now.
Tomorrow begins the third week of school. Technically it's the second week of actual 'teaching' since we had sea week and tundra fest one of the weeks. It's like I started a completely new profession.
I am very thankful that I came into this already having a relationship established with many of the students I'd be working with. It has helped tremendously with the general attitude of the classroom.
Right now, my kiddos are doing a lot of journaling and a lot of reading. That's one of the things I love the best about teaching the older kids, I get to read books that I love with them. The junior high kiddos aren't sold on reading books yet but I'm getting A LOT of excitement from the high school kids.
I'm doing a project with 2 of my classes. The sophomores-seniors are reading "The Freedom Writers" and they love it already. We just finished the first section (which is only about 50 pages) and they're anxious is reading more. Some of them have seen the movie and have realized that the book is much better because it has more of the story. Both of these classes have started journaling, using the book as their model. We have decided that we are going to make our own 'Freedom Writers' Chevak style. It's going to be different because my students aren't 'fighting' racial issues but I'm still excited for them!
Quyana Agayun
Monday, May 13, 2013
My Wish...
I don't know if you'll ever see this. I don't really know if this would even make any sort of difference if you did. But, sometimes I just need to get my feelings out. Maybe it's selfish of me but I know that if I were to tell you this, I don't think you'd realize the value to what it was I was trying to convey.
Dear (___________),
There are many things in life that don't seem to make sense. I see that many times you are questioning why all these things are happening to you. I wish that there was a way that I could answer you. Or at least try to help you understand that everything you're going through is the main reason why you've become some of the strongest people that I've come to know.
I hope that you realize the potential that you have. You're the people that the younger kids are going to depend on when their lives get tough. You're the reminder now that when things seem bad, it can't even be compared to some of the stuff that you're dealing with.
I wish that you wouldn't think of yourself so negatively. You are loved. You are important. You are worth more than what those terrible people make you seem worth.
There aren't many people that are capable of leaving footprints on other peoples lives. You however, are those people. The people that have kept fighting when all else seemed lost. You're the people that plant seeds of hope in other peoples lives.
Always remember that you're braver than you believe and stronger than you seem!
-Falon
Dear (___________),
There are many things in life that don't seem to make sense. I see that many times you are questioning why all these things are happening to you. I wish that there was a way that I could answer you. Or at least try to help you understand that everything you're going through is the main reason why you've become some of the strongest people that I've come to know.
I hope that you realize the potential that you have. You're the people that the younger kids are going to depend on when their lives get tough. You're the reminder now that when things seem bad, it can't even be compared to some of the stuff that you're dealing with.
I wish that you wouldn't think of yourself so negatively. You are loved. You are important. You are worth more than what those terrible people make you seem worth.
There aren't many people that are capable of leaving footprints on other peoples lives. You however, are those people. The people that have kept fighting when all else seemed lost. You're the people that plant seeds of hope in other peoples lives.
Always remember that you're braver than you believe and stronger than you seem!
-Falon
Wednesday, May 8, 2013
One BIG change....
It's amazing how things can change in the blink of an eye.
Let me explain....
All this year while I was teaching first grade I began looking into the opportunity of furthering my education. I started toying with the idea of going back to school while teaching. I started contacting one of the local colleges here and registered for the introductory class to the counseling program. Well that lasted a good three weeks. I was too overwhelmed with the stress of the class on top of teaching my kiddos all day.
Then I decided that I was going to do something more with my degree. I am certified K-12 in ELL which meant that the options were pretty much endless. I was going to sign up to take different praxis tests to make me qualified in others areas in the upper grades. For whatever reason that fell through and I only ended up taking a elementary ed praxis test.
So, I found out that I was going to be staying in first grade for the next school year. I started getting materials ready for them, I was gathering data and making goals for each of them.
AND THEN...
I was approached with the idea to be a junior/senior high reading teacher. I would be working with the older kids on a new program to help with their reading.
I kinda started to get a little excited about the idea of doing something different. I was thinking of how I could incorporate what I learned with new 'kiddos'. So, I prayed about it. I mean as excited as I was, I was still a nervous about the idea of teaching the older kids.
Well next year, I will officially be the 7th-10th grade reading teacher/specialist. I am super excited and still a bit nervous about the idea. In August I will get to go to Oakland California for training on the program. Never would I have thought that I would be going from 1st grade to Jr/Sr High.
Quyana Agayun! : )
Let me explain....
All this year while I was teaching first grade I began looking into the opportunity of furthering my education. I started toying with the idea of going back to school while teaching. I started contacting one of the local colleges here and registered for the introductory class to the counseling program. Well that lasted a good three weeks. I was too overwhelmed with the stress of the class on top of teaching my kiddos all day.
Then I decided that I was going to do something more with my degree. I am certified K-12 in ELL which meant that the options were pretty much endless. I was going to sign up to take different praxis tests to make me qualified in others areas in the upper grades. For whatever reason that fell through and I only ended up taking a elementary ed praxis test.
So, I found out that I was going to be staying in first grade for the next school year. I started getting materials ready for them, I was gathering data and making goals for each of them.
AND THEN...
I was approached with the idea to be a junior/senior high reading teacher. I would be working with the older kids on a new program to help with their reading.
I kinda started to get a little excited about the idea of doing something different. I was thinking of how I could incorporate what I learned with new 'kiddos'. So, I prayed about it. I mean as excited as I was, I was still a nervous about the idea of teaching the older kids.
Well next year, I will officially be the 7th-10th grade reading teacher/specialist. I am super excited and still a bit nervous about the idea. In August I will get to go to Oakland California for training on the program. Never would I have thought that I would be going from 1st grade to Jr/Sr High.
Quyana Agayun! : )
Saturday, April 27, 2013
There's Always A Plan
So I've been meaning to right about this for a while, but I wanted to wait until I knew all the details before I went and posted about this.
As many of you may know, I was very unsure about what I was going to do next year. Part of my heart was telling me to come back to Chevak and another part of my heart was telling me that it was time to end this journey and go back home. I debating all the options for about 2-2 and a half months solid. I wanted to make sure that I was making the right decision, so I took a lot of time to really think about my future.
There's a quote that goes something like this...
As many of you may know, I was very unsure about what I was going to do next year. Part of my heart was telling me to come back to Chevak and another part of my heart was telling me that it was time to end this journey and go back home. I debating all the options for about 2-2 and a half months solid. I wanted to make sure that I was making the right decision, so I took a lot of time to really think about my future.
There's a quote that goes something like this...
"Many things about tomorrow
I don't seem to understand
But I know who holds tomorrow
And I know who holds my hand."
I don't seem to understand
But I know who holds tomorrow
And I know who holds my hand."
I finally just realized that it wasn't so much about the decision because I knew that whatever happened that there was a plan. I think that's part of this crazy life we live. No matter what choice we make, or what path we take there is ALWAYS a plan. Once I realized that there was a plan regardless of the decision that I made, I was able to really see where my heart was lying.
So, around the time that contracts came out it was like everything became so clear. I realized that there were many reasons for me to stay here. There were many things that I don't think are "finished" yet.
SOOOOO...I'm coming back next year.
It's going to be different and exciting though. I had made a request that I wanted to loop again with my kids and with how everything worked out, it was better for me to stay in first grade. I was pretty bummed about it at first. However, I started to realize that I would have taught 3 different grades in the 3 years that I've only been a teacher. There was a chunk of time spent this year trying to figure out and plan first grade. Now I have peace knowing that I can really 'perfect' my teaching in first grade.
My kiddos were bummed about it when I told them I wasn't going to be their teacher next year. I had to reassure them that they could ALWAYS come and visit me next year (they'll be just right down the hall) and that I'm still going to love them.
I'm starting to get excited about the kiddos I'll have next year! Let the planning begin...
Quyana Agayun :)
Saturday, April 20, 2013
Cultural Heritage Week
This past week was Cultural Heritage Week at our school. We got to spend Wednesday-Friday doing different activities that were culturally relevant! It was a TON of fun!
Wednesday my kiddos got to wear their tie-dye shirts all day. The got many compliments about their shirts and they were super excited to show them off. They looked so much better than lasts years!
And of course we had to do a silly face :)
We also got to go on a day trip to qiluq hill and got to go sliding! It was the first time that I had been out their and it was a blast! We all had a ton of fun!
On our way out to qiluq hill. Kiddos all crammed in the sled
Another sled hauling some kiddos
And the race to the top begins! It was a very STEEP hill..
Gripping the snow for dear life...
Wednesday my kiddos got to wear their tie-dye shirts all day. The got many compliments about their shirts and they were super excited to show them off. They looked so much better than lasts years!
We also got to go on a day trip to qiluq hill and got to go sliding! It was the first time that I had been out their and it was a blast! We all had a ton of fun!
I decided to give it a go and climb up too. Only all the kiddos were in front of me and they kept slipping and knocking me over, sending me right back down to the bottom. After about the 5th time, I gave up and settled for 3/4ths of the way.
Some of the highschoolers showed up to go sliding too! They were racing up and down the hill with no problem! Making some of my kiddos a bit jealous! Son, in the orange ended carrying some of the kiddos up on his back.
Loading up the sleds again to head back to the school! We just wanted to stay and play more though..
I also learned how to crochet while my kiddos were off doing other activities. The lady that was teaching us was so nice that she let me bring the yarn and crochet needle home so that I could keep practicing! My mom has tried to teach me many times and I only was able to make the initial "chain"...I finally learned how to add on to the chain.
I started making some eskimo yo-yo's as well. I'm not quite done with that project but it was fun to do that with some of the older kids too.
Quyana Agayun for a awesome week! :)
Sunday, April 14, 2013
Tie-Dying part 2
I was debating for a long time whether or not I was going to do tie-dye with my kiddos again this year. I just really didn't think that they'd be excited about doing it again since we did it just last year, but I finally decided to go ahead and go for it right in time for Cultural Heritage week! I'm glad that I did decide to do it because my kiddos were more than excited this time around! :D
We aren't going to be wearing them till this Wednesday for the start of our Cultural Heritage week, but here are the pictures from them actually dying their shirts. More pics will come next weekend...
We aren't going to be wearing them till this Wednesday for the start of our Cultural Heritage week, but here are the pictures from them actually dying their shirts. More pics will come next weekend...
Yuraqpaq
Every year villages gather in one place and have a dance festival over a long weekend. This year the yuraqpaq took place in Chevak! It was a pretty exciting event! There were many villages that came and showed of their traditional dances, and there was even a camera crew that came and broadcasted some of the festival on the Anchorage news!
Over the days I was eventually talked into going out and participating with the Chevak yuraq group. I only went out one of the nights. I learned from hearing the reactions of some of the people I know that I should probably start going to practice more ;) so I don't look absolutely ridiculous!
Here are some pictures from the festival
Me with little peuncy! My Panik's grandson!
The entertainment of the event! Every time one of his kiddos would yuraq he'd go out there with them! Many of the local villagers would tell him to go yuraq if he was sitting watching!
Over the days I was eventually talked into going out and participating with the Chevak yuraq group. I only went out one of the nights. I learned from hearing the reactions of some of the people I know that I should probably start going to practice more ;) so I don't look absolutely ridiculous!
Here are some pictures from the festival
100th Day Activities
I've been promising for some time now a BUNCH of pictures and I've FINALLY gotten around to putting them on my computer so there is likely to be many posts today to get everything shared :)
This year we were able to do a whole day of activities centered around the 100th day of school. Many of my kiddos thought that it meant that they were 'graduating' from 1st grade. Here are some pictures of a few of the activities we did that day..
My kiddos very hard at work filling out and decorating their posters!
Our 100th day Glasses!
We also did some math games and activities with the number 100 our guided reading lesson was based around a story about another classroom that was celebrating their 100th day!
This year we were able to do a whole day of activities centered around the 100th day of school. Many of my kiddos thought that it meant that they were 'graduating' from 1st grade. Here are some pictures of a few of the activities we did that day..
We had some "It's All About 100" posters that we went to the library to work on!
We also did some math games and activities with the number 100 our guided reading lesson was based around a story about another classroom that was celebrating their 100th day!
Friday, March 22, 2013
Blessings
It has been such a LONG week for me. I haven't seen my kiddos since last Friday and I sure am missing them. I am very thankful that I was able to come home for a break and appointments.
My mom and brother had no idea that I was coming, so it was kinda a surprise for them when I walked through the door. I think they were just a little bit confused, but it was fun.
For all the people that understand how stressed I've been lately, be happy to know that I took some personal time Monday-Tuesday. It was nice to be able to relax, spend time with friends and family, and get some shopping done. I even took some time and went in my mom's classroom. Came out of there with some good ideas/resources to use in my classroom.
Wednesday, was the dental appointments. I came home because I was having some jaw/pain on the left side of my mouth. It was a blessing in disguise because I found out that morning that I was going to be having surgery the next day to fix the issue. Talk about scary. I have never been put under before and on top of my irrational fear of dentists, I got myself pretty worked up.
This morning I went in for the surgery. I was mega nervous when I saw everything laid out, but the surgeon and the nurse were really nice about trying to make sure that I was okay. Throughout the day I've been remembering bits and pieces of the experience that I didn't initially remember right when it was over. I am very thankful that I wasn't awake for the procedure, so I didn't have to sit there and wonder how much longer I was going to be laying there freaking out. I'm in some pain but that's to be expected, but hopefully I'll be feeling better soon.
I head back to Chevak on Saturday (I have another topic that I am going to post about ASAP *clue- it has to do with my decision dilemma* but I'm going to wait on that). I'm going to spend the rest of my time home recovering and spending time with friends and family.
I'm nervous to see/hear how my classroom went but I'm SO EXCITED to see my kiddos on Monday!
Quyana Agayun!
My mom and brother had no idea that I was coming, so it was kinda a surprise for them when I walked through the door. I think they were just a little bit confused, but it was fun.
For all the people that understand how stressed I've been lately, be happy to know that I took some personal time Monday-Tuesday. It was nice to be able to relax, spend time with friends and family, and get some shopping done. I even took some time and went in my mom's classroom. Came out of there with some good ideas/resources to use in my classroom.
Wednesday, was the dental appointments. I came home because I was having some jaw/pain on the left side of my mouth. It was a blessing in disguise because I found out that morning that I was going to be having surgery the next day to fix the issue. Talk about scary. I have never been put under before and on top of my irrational fear of dentists, I got myself pretty worked up.
This morning I went in for the surgery. I was mega nervous when I saw everything laid out, but the surgeon and the nurse were really nice about trying to make sure that I was okay. Throughout the day I've been remembering bits and pieces of the experience that I didn't initially remember right when it was over. I am very thankful that I wasn't awake for the procedure, so I didn't have to sit there and wonder how much longer I was going to be laying there freaking out. I'm in some pain but that's to be expected, but hopefully I'll be feeling better soon.
I head back to Chevak on Saturday (I have another topic that I am going to post about ASAP *clue- it has to do with my decision dilemma* but I'm going to wait on that). I'm going to spend the rest of my time home recovering and spending time with friends and family.
I'm nervous to see/hear how my classroom went but I'm SO EXCITED to see my kiddos on Monday!
Quyana Agayun!
Thursday, February 21, 2013
Decisions, Decisions
Ugh, Arg, Pooey, etc.
That's how I am feeling right now!
I have a pretty big decision to make. It wasn't this hard last year. I don't know why my mind can not be made up. It's like I'm on a roller coaster, going up and down, up and down. It's seriously stressing me out. One minute I'm thinking I've made up my mind and then 15 minutes later, I've changed it again.
Next week contracts for next school year are supposed to be coming out. I.have.no.idea.what.I'm.going.to.do. I don't want to assume that I'll be getting a contract because you never know what could happen. However, if I do, I'm not sure what I'm going to do.
There are pros and cons to each option. Mind boggling, headache causing, mumbo jumbo.
I'm praying for guidance, answers, signs, anything.
It's so much easier when everything is clear!
That's how I am feeling right now!
I have a pretty big decision to make. It wasn't this hard last year. I don't know why my mind can not be made up. It's like I'm on a roller coaster, going up and down, up and down. It's seriously stressing me out. One minute I'm thinking I've made up my mind and then 15 minutes later, I've changed it again.
Next week contracts for next school year are supposed to be coming out. I.have.no.idea.what.I'm.going.to.do. I don't want to assume that I'll be getting a contract because you never know what could happen. However, if I do, I'm not sure what I'm going to do.
There are pros and cons to each option. Mind boggling, headache causing, mumbo jumbo.
I'm praying for guidance, answers, signs, anything.
It's so much easier when everything is clear!
Wednesday, February 20, 2013
"I'm so Scared.."
Today was a very interesting day!
I've been a bit submerged into the "act like an adult" world, which means I did my own taxes. Scariest. Thought. Ever. However, with the help of good ole' TurboTax, it was pretty painless only minor bumps and bruises. The funniest part of the whole process was trying to electronically sign my tax forms using the IRS Pin. I had no idea in the world what it was, so I went through the process of trying to retrieve it by going through the security questions. I kept getting told that I wasn't entering my information in correctly and it was starting to bug me. I ended up having to call the IRS and get it from them. Guess what I found out? According to the Social Security Administration and the IRS I was not born in 1987, but instead 1988!!!! I immediately called my mom to ask if she was sure I was born in 87' where she proceeded to say "...I gave birth to you, don't know you think I know when that happened?" So, I need to call them and get it straightened up but it's basically like I got a whole year back in life! Nevertheless, I was pretty darn impressed with myself for being able to file my taxes like an 'adult'. It's QUITE the accomplishment for me! I didn't even have to call my mother once (for the actual forms). Now let's just hope that everything goes through smoothly!
This morning shortly after school started I was approached by a co-worker asking me if I wanted to try walrus. I immediately became nervous but that idea was enough to make me very curious! About an hour later when I was taking my kiddos to the bathroom she came and told me that I need to go see the Cup'ik teachers so that I could try it. My curiosity spiked again and I went to go get a piece to try. When I got to their room they were cutting it up into little pieces. I think they were both eager to see my reaction! I kept telling them "I'm so scared to try..." and was told in return "You better not be scared to try! It's good." So I braved up and took and small piece dipped it in some salt (as advised) and tried it. It.was.very.chewy!!! It had a very distinct flavor and I was glad that I went ahead and tried it. Another awesome memory to hold on to!
Next post, BFG project pictures... : )
I've been a bit submerged into the "act like an adult" world, which means I did my own taxes. Scariest. Thought. Ever. However, with the help of good ole' TurboTax, it was pretty painless only minor bumps and bruises. The funniest part of the whole process was trying to electronically sign my tax forms using the IRS Pin. I had no idea in the world what it was, so I went through the process of trying to retrieve it by going through the security questions. I kept getting told that I wasn't entering my information in correctly and it was starting to bug me. I ended up having to call the IRS and get it from them. Guess what I found out? According to the Social Security Administration and the IRS I was not born in 1987, but instead 1988!!!! I immediately called my mom to ask if she was sure I was born in 87' where she proceeded to say "...I gave birth to you, don't know you think I know when that happened?" So, I need to call them and get it straightened up but it's basically like I got a whole year back in life! Nevertheless, I was pretty darn impressed with myself for being able to file my taxes like an 'adult'. It's QUITE the accomplishment for me! I didn't even have to call my mother once (for the actual forms). Now let's just hope that everything goes through smoothly!
This morning shortly after school started I was approached by a co-worker asking me if I wanted to try walrus. I immediately became nervous but that idea was enough to make me very curious! About an hour later when I was taking my kiddos to the bathroom she came and told me that I need to go see the Cup'ik teachers so that I could try it. My curiosity spiked again and I went to go get a piece to try. When I got to their room they were cutting it up into little pieces. I think they were both eager to see my reaction! I kept telling them "I'm so scared to try..." and was told in return "You better not be scared to try! It's good." So I braved up and took and small piece dipped it in some salt (as advised) and tried it. It.was.very.chewy!!! It had a very distinct flavor and I was glad that I went ahead and tried it. Another awesome memory to hold on to!
Next post, BFG project pictures... : )
Saturday, February 16, 2013
Keepin' it Alive.
Thursday was my first funeral that I've attended here in Chevak. In fact, it's the first funeral that I've since my dad passed away in 2009.
It took a lot of thought for me to decide to go. I had never met the person that passed away but I knew many members of his family since I've been here in Chevak. I didn't want it to come off as disrespectful for me to show up to a funeral for a person that I don't even know. I wanted to be able though to show my support to the family since they've been so welcoming/helpful to me since I've been here. After much thought, I decided that I'd go for the family.
It was hard for me. It was also different. I'm not Catholic so there were aspects that I wasn't familiar with. I found myself getting choked up many times throughout the service.
Many of the family members went up to speak. There were two things that really hit me. The first thing that I heard that I'm sure I've heard a million times, but this time it actually really hit me. She said "It's okay to cry..". The second thing that I had heard from a different family member was "Keep him alive in your hearts, with your memories". It was such a positive message to hear at a time when there is usually so much sadness.
It reminded me that no matter where you end up, you can keep people/memories/events alive within your heart. Even if you can't physically be there with them or be in that place.
When I'm missing home or my family or friends, I can keep the memories alive within my heart. That's pretty comforting for me...
It took a lot of thought for me to decide to go. I had never met the person that passed away but I knew many members of his family since I've been here in Chevak. I didn't want it to come off as disrespectful for me to show up to a funeral for a person that I don't even know. I wanted to be able though to show my support to the family since they've been so welcoming/helpful to me since I've been here. After much thought, I decided that I'd go for the family.
It was hard for me. It was also different. I'm not Catholic so there were aspects that I wasn't familiar with. I found myself getting choked up many times throughout the service.
Many of the family members went up to speak. There were two things that really hit me. The first thing that I heard that I'm sure I've heard a million times, but this time it actually really hit me. She said "It's okay to cry..". The second thing that I had heard from a different family member was "Keep him alive in your hearts, with your memories". It was such a positive message to hear at a time when there is usually so much sadness.
It reminded me that no matter where you end up, you can keep people/memories/events alive within your heart. Even if you can't physically be there with them or be in that place.
When I'm missing home or my family or friends, I can keep the memories alive within my heart. That's pretty comforting for me...
Tuesday, February 5, 2013
Reading Madness and Update
I should be posting about 100th day activities but I got behind on my calendar and we have 6 more days. I'm sure that I could really just add the days (my kiddos have been so excited about it, I'm sure they wouldn't mind) but we're just going to stick it out the last few days.
We've been in quite the reading frenzy in my classroom. Today and Yesterday I spent a lot of time re-assessing my kids in fluency and comprehension. It's been over a month since I last did it, and it was time. I. WAS. AMAZED. In only a little over a month there is a HUGE gain in their reading skills. Now, I'm able to see the big and very clear picture. I spent time today setting goals for each of the kiddos and I'm so excited to see them continue on this journey! Gah, my little readers!
I'm two weeks into the class that I decided to take this semester. I've had to talk myself out from dropping it twice now. I'm just feeling like I don't really have all the time to thoroughly invest in it. I'm going to stick it out and hope that I'm able to put forth more effort into it.
We are also getting to that time where contracts will come out. I've been really trying to think of all my options when it comes to this decision. I'm just having a hard time wrapping my mind about it. I don't know what the Lord has in store for me for the future..but I'm hoping for some guidance here soon.
I have some pictures I need to add, that'll be for my next post! : )
We've been in quite the reading frenzy in my classroom. Today and Yesterday I spent a lot of time re-assessing my kids in fluency and comprehension. It's been over a month since I last did it, and it was time. I. WAS. AMAZED. In only a little over a month there is a HUGE gain in their reading skills. Now, I'm able to see the big and very clear picture. I spent time today setting goals for each of the kiddos and I'm so excited to see them continue on this journey! Gah, my little readers!
I'm two weeks into the class that I decided to take this semester. I've had to talk myself out from dropping it twice now. I'm just feeling like I don't really have all the time to thoroughly invest in it. I'm going to stick it out and hope that I'm able to put forth more effort into it.
We are also getting to that time where contracts will come out. I've been really trying to think of all my options when it comes to this decision. I'm just having a hard time wrapping my mind about it. I don't know what the Lord has in store for me for the future..but I'm hoping for some guidance here soon.
I have some pictures I need to add, that'll be for my next post! : )
Sunday, January 27, 2013
To Infinity and BEYOND...
Well what do you know..I haven't been very good at keeping up with this blogging business. But I have been thinking about it more, I just have been busy (every teachers excuse) but haven't gotten around to it until now. Even now, I should be doing other things but I decided to take 15 minutes to give everyone a quick update.
Things in the classroom have been going great. My NEW reading groups/strategies have proven to be more effective and the kiddos are really starting to read. It is so neat to see them grow as readers and discover what they enjoy.
This week we will be hosting the Lena B. Tournament here in Chevak! We will only have 2 days of school with the rest of the week devoted to basketball. GO COMETS!!!
This past month has brought on some interesting things for me. For a while now, I known that I wanted to pursue a Master's degree in counseling. I may have jumped the gun a little bit, but I have my first class tomorrow night. I definitely nervous because I'm not really sure what to expect but I'm also excited that I'm finally going after my dream. I also wanted to do something with my current certification (k-12) and have decided that I will be taking the Language Arts praxis exam for high school. I haven't registered or decided when I want to take it yet (I've heard that it's extremely difficult) but I bought the study guide and practice test book, maybe when I get some free time (ha) I'll start studying for that!
Things in the classroom have been going great. My NEW reading groups/strategies have proven to be more effective and the kiddos are really starting to read. It is so neat to see them grow as readers and discover what they enjoy.
This week we will be hosting the Lena B. Tournament here in Chevak! We will only have 2 days of school with the rest of the week devoted to basketball. GO COMETS!!!
This past month has brought on some interesting things for me. For a while now, I known that I wanted to pursue a Master's degree in counseling. I may have jumped the gun a little bit, but I have my first class tomorrow night. I definitely nervous because I'm not really sure what to expect but I'm also excited that I'm finally going after my dream. I also wanted to do something with my current certification (k-12) and have decided that I will be taking the Language Arts praxis exam for high school. I haven't registered or decided when I want to take it yet (I've heard that it's extremely difficult) but I bought the study guide and practice test book, maybe when I get some free time (ha) I'll start studying for that!
Saturday, January 5, 2013
It's been a while
As I sit here listening to my beloved Packers take on the 'Queens' in the playoffs, I realize that it's been a while since I've taken time to give attention to my blog.
I recently made it a "resolution" but 95% of the time my resolutions don't even make it through the month of January. I am hoping to blog more often but if it's a while again until my next post someone should get after me.
The past few weeks have been a time of reflection for me. For a while I just wasn't feeling normal and I was becoming extremely drained. Thankfully, Christmas break came at just the right time. I took time just for myself and tried not to let all the worries and the lists get to be. I've been very busy and swamped since being back at school but I came back with a refreshed attitude! : )
It's so refreshing to look back at the blessings that I have been given. At times I wasn't even acknowledging them but now it's like I'm realizing everything that I have been blessed to have and know!
Things are well underway in my classroom. Each of my kiddos has been working so hard. I was a little nervous about how their progress would be affected over Christmas break. We've only been back for two days but I've been so astonished with how much they've retained. Since we only had two days of school this past week, we took time to review skills that were forgotten and assess where each of them are currently at.
Unfortunately, I left my camera at home over Christmas break. There are things that I want to share with everyone. Hopefully, I'll get something figured out! Until than, keep my kiddos in your thoughts as they'll be getting ready to take the statewide AIMS Winter Benchmark test.
I recently made it a "resolution" but 95% of the time my resolutions don't even make it through the month of January. I am hoping to blog more often but if it's a while again until my next post someone should get after me.
The past few weeks have been a time of reflection for me. For a while I just wasn't feeling normal and I was becoming extremely drained. Thankfully, Christmas break came at just the right time. I took time just for myself and tried not to let all the worries and the lists get to be. I've been very busy and swamped since being back at school but I came back with a refreshed attitude! : )
It's so refreshing to look back at the blessings that I have been given. At times I wasn't even acknowledging them but now it's like I'm realizing everything that I have been blessed to have and know!
Things are well underway in my classroom. Each of my kiddos has been working so hard. I was a little nervous about how their progress would be affected over Christmas break. We've only been back for two days but I've been so astonished with how much they've retained. Since we only had two days of school this past week, we took time to review skills that were forgotten and assess where each of them are currently at.
Unfortunately, I left my camera at home over Christmas break. There are things that I want to share with everyone. Hopefully, I'll get something figured out! Until than, keep my kiddos in your thoughts as they'll be getting ready to take the statewide AIMS Winter Benchmark test.
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