What is the Point of Homework?

Why have it?

I have seen many teachers throw homework away after they have glanced at it.
Then why have it?

It's to assess the student. But I'm not sure if the student actually did it on their own, or if they had help from someone else so I can't actually grade it.
Then why have it?

It's to teach the student responsibility. But sometimes a student has family responsibilities that are more important (i.e. making dinner, putting his/her siblings to bed). Does this mean that your student is not responsible b/c they don't have time to do a worksheet that they know you don't always look at?
Then why have it?

As practice. But when they know you don't look at it, or they can get someone else to do it and you'll never know, is that the practice you want them to get?
So why have it?

This is difficult for me b/c I grew up in a world where homework was a must. School isn't school without homework. But now as a teacher, I can't justify homework. It just doesn't make sense to me right now.

The Mom Song

I discovered this video a while ago, but I found myself humming it today so I thought I'd share.

The Mom Song

If you've never seen this, it's really funny. It takes a few listens before you catch all the words. I know I've definitely heard some of those phrases in my home before. How about you?

Now they just need to make one for teachers...

I hate being sick!

I'm sure no one has ever said, "I love getting sick. I get to stay at home, sleep all I want, watch tv, what more could you want?" To be healthy!

I hate being sick.
I become grouchy and impatient.
I never feel hungry, but I know I should eat.
Nothing tastes good.
I feel so lazy and unmotivated. (which is okay when you're healthy and you make a choice to be/feel lazy)
My body is all 'achey' and nothing makes it feel better.
I feel like I'm trapped under water; everything sounds and looks blurry.
My mind is all fuzzy from the cold and the cold medicine.
Sleeping just isn't the same when you're constantly coughing.
Oh, and the coughs
that
just
don't
stop.
The looks people give you when you go out. I already feel rotten and you're not helping.
Knowing you could be infecting innocent others, especially friends and family.
I hate being sick!

Crack is Wack!

For those of you who don't know me, I tend to be an overly self-conscious person. One of my biggest fears at work is wearing inappropriate attire, specifically attire that reveals the front and back cracks (if you need to, now is the time to take a minute to reflect on this subject).

Another fashion faux pas at work is showing your underwear. Some argue that "At least we know she/he is wearing some," but I don't feel the same way. I would rather not have the answer put in my face. In fact, I would like to not think about it at all.

You know you've seen other people fall victim to this outfit disaster, but have you ever told them? Is it your place to tell them? How would you bring this issue about? How often do you worry about this issue? Have you ever considered it before today? (Most of these ?s are rhetorical, but feel free to respond)

In most cases the criminal has no clue that they are committing a fashion crime, but I'm not comfortable saying anything. I can understand the cause for such cases. You try on a cute pair of pants: "they fit well, look great, decent price, I'll take 'em!" Or you try on a cute top: "feels good, looks good, little low but know one will no." But when you were trying them on did you squat down on the floor, or bend over to talk to someone like you would while working? I do, but sometimes the pants/shirt are/is too cute to pass up. So, I make sure that I wear longer shirts, and a belt. Then, I tuck my long shirt under my belt whenever I sit on the ground. I'm sure this doesn't look that good, but at least I don't have to worry about what I'm showing. For tops, I refuse to wear most low collar or v-neck shirts, unless I have another shirt on underneath. This limits me from many cute outfits hanging in my closet, but again, I don't have to worry about what I'm showing.

Also, it is important for us to set good examples for the students, not just in our behaviors, but are attire as well.

Basically the next time you go shopping or get dressed for work remember to: Just say NO to crack!

Another Eric Carl Book! Why?

We have spent the last seven days focusing on Eric Carl's books and the artwork he makes/uses in his books. We also watched a 30 minute video about Eric Carl explaining his book making process. When this project was started, the students were informed that they would be writing stories and making "beautiful papers" to illustrate their stories just like Eric Carl.

So for every read aloud we have been reading Eric Carl books. Today a kid says: "Another Eric Carl book! Why? We have read so many." Then most of the class chimes in: "Yeah, he's right. They've all been Eric Carl!" Seriously? You just now noticed? Where have you been all week? Not in this room that's for sure.

Chocolate Chip Cookies

So during our morning meeting on Tuesday this wonderfully cute little girl says:

"I checked with the teacher and he said it was ok, so I'm going to make chocolate chip cookies. I got the recipe from my pm class and I am going to make some with my mom and I am going to bring some to you. You can only have one and I am going to bring them in so you are going to have one whether you want it or not."

I couldn't help but laugh! But I haven't seen any cookies yet...

Billy the Kid

So whenever I get bored, or have some free time I check out the new movie trailers posted on apple. I find that movies are a great way to start/change a conversation. One movie has peeked my interest: Billy the Kid. This movie is a documentary of the life of a 15-year-old boy, who, like us all, is different. Supposedly this movie is out, but I have not seen any advertisement for it. The synopsis posted on the link below has me intrigued. Let me know if you’ve heard any reviews.

Watch the trailer:
Billy the Kid

Hey Ya'll....Come On In!

As some of ya'll may know, I just started this blog this afternoon with the help of JM. Being my first one, this is only a test. More will come so make sure you check back!