Day.Sixty.Six.

Well.. the day has arrived. Jury Duty. Grand Jury Duty to be exact.

I started the morning off checking in with my sub and making sure that everything was ready for the day. With my last sub's experience.. I was nervous. I knew it would be an ok day, but I still had a bit of nervousness. I made sure she was planned until after lunch, and then I thought I would be back. I also made sure that she let them know that the new Pete the Cat would be shared if they were making the best choices they could.

Off I went. To the courthouse. It is such a strange experience. I have never been in trouble with the law or do I ever foresee that happening. How do people who are in trouble, deal with this all the time. It is eye-opening. I headed upstairs to the waiting room area and it filled in pretty quickly. There were 44 people in the room. Keep in mind, I have NO idea how or what we would be doing. Would I get chosen? My chances of getting chosen were about 50/50. I chose to be on the May-June Jury list. Well... I was chosen.  Next thing I know, I am off to the courtroom. I was in the first 14, so I was automatically on the grand jury. As the day went on, it became clearer that there was no 'getting out of it'. I am glad I was chosen, now, looking back. I will get into that more later.

After we were sworn in and given our directions, we were sent upstairs to the Grand Jury Room. I was still very unaware of what our job was exactly. Now I know: To hear the testimonies/witnesses of the prosecution and we vote to decide if there is enough evidence to send the case to trial(indictment). Interesting! I won't be in the courtroom at all! Anyway, the prosecutor was getting us comfortable, and gave us a brief outline of our day, "brief training, lunch, then cases to be heard". At that moment, I panicked! My sub was only prepped for 1/2 of the day. EEEK! I called her immediately and let her know I would be there all day. So, on my lunch, I rushed to the school, explained the plans, and read PETE THE CAT! (maybe it was selfish of me, but I wanted to share it with them). Grabbed a quick lunch, then headed back to the courthouse. Crisis averted.

There are 14 people chosen for the grand jury. I am number 11. Jurors 1-9 are voting members. Jurors 10-14 are alternates in case one juror is unable to cast a vote. I still have to be there to hear all of the case and I leave when they vote. The alternates do not find out which cases are indicted until Friday, when we can read it in the newspaper.

Before we could vote, we had a brief training. The Delaware County Drug Task Force came to acquaint us with the drugs that are in the county. Talk about an eye opener! Yikes! I was astonished at the technicalities of drugs and pretty bothered by how prevalent it is in the county. Then we met with a S.A.N.E nurse (for sexual assault victims). I just happen to know her! Lastly, we met with victim advocates who are there for those who are mainly in domestic violence cases. I felt a bit more prepared and knowledgable.

All in all, I love jury duty. I miss being with my kiddos, but it is a really interesting to be part of. I have learned so many things, met some cool people, and am doing my civic duty. I have jury duty every week, every Wednesday for two months. I was initially dreading it, but now I look forward to it almost.

If you get called, I urge you to take advantage of it and learn from the experience.

-Alexis
*I am sworn to secrecy, so no juicy details to share, SORRY*

Day.Sixty.Five.

IT IS HERE!!!!! Pete the Cat and His Four Groovy Buttons!


Today was the day. After school, I headed to Barnes and Noble to pick up my reserved copy of the new Pete the Cat! As I was there, of course, I saw at least 10 books I would love to buy and use in my classroom. That is my true weakness.... book for my classroom. I love children's literature. Anyway.. back to Pete! So, as I was standing in line, a woman in front of me was talking to the cashier about how her daughter loves the books and she was excited to get her the next book. Well... she didn't have the new one. So, I thought I should tell her about the new release. She was grateful and went to buy the new one.

As soon as I got into my car, I couldn't just let it sit on the front seat as I drove home. I just HAD to read it and find out the ending. I am definitely a kid at heart. I couldn't wait. Well... I won't give away details, but the ending was FABULOUS! I chuckled a bit... and I know the kids will!

Tomorrow, I have jury duty. I should be able to be back in the room by the afternoon, so I will be sure to share it with my KSACC kiddos. They are going to love it!

Check it out online: http://www.harpercollinschildrens.com/feature/petethecat/

Happy Reading/Listening!
-Alexis

Day.Sixty.

Rain, Rain, 

Go Away, 

Come again another day, 

All the Children Want to Play, 

Rain, Rain, 

Go Away. 

Well, I must admit, it was a wonderful addition to our rain week to see and experience rain in a new light. The kinders were very excited to, in a way, examine the rain with new knowledge. It was very exciting to watch as a teacher. I just wanted to put on my wellies, and head outside to play in the puddles... that must wait for another day.

-Alexis

Day.Fifty.Eight.

Well, with regards to my post yesterday I wanted to talk more about non-fiction in our classroom.

Every day I get a break while my 'relief' reads for story time. WHEW! I am so glad she does this for me. Anyway, I usually have her read a fiction book and a non-fiction book. I always tell the kids on my way out, make sure you learn a fact... and share it with me later. 

They have really started to enjoy non-fiction. I make it a 'big deal' to find a fact or information about our subject. Not only are they becoming more comfortable with reading, they are more comfortable with non-fiction texts. Not all of my non-fiction texts are on grade level. I have the students look at the pictures, draw conclusions, etc.

I am looking forward to dinosaur week. They LOVE dinosaurs!

-Alexis

Day.Fifty.Seven.

This week in KSACC we are focusing on April Showers! Rain Rain Rain...
I am so surprised that it ACTUALLY rained this week. I am very glad as well because we could use it as a reference. There were a few things that were really fun this week. We took a picture of ourselves under a big umbrella. I printed them out on paper and we used a pencil eraser to create RAIN all around us! The kids loved making it rain inside the classroom.

Every week and every theme, I ask the librarian to pull me some specific books. (She is so helpful! Thank you Mrs. Jackson!!) With the theme this week being rain, we were able to read a lot of non-fiction books. As a class, we each read/browsed a book about rain. Then we shared with a partner. Then we came together and wrote the facts on an anchor chart. I had some fun answers/facts. My favorite of the exercise:
RAIN IS WET!

True. How could I not write it. It was a great observation.

Kindergarteners at their finest. I sure do love them!

-Alexis

Day.Forty.Nine.

Sunday. I was excited to go to the new church again, but we decided to stay home as we have a lot to do. I have been reading The Leader in Me by Steven Covey. I know that the school I am interviewing with tomorrow is a Leader in Me school. I needed to get it read. So, that is what I did. I read, and read, and read. It is a good view of how schools create a common language for the Seven Habits of Highly Effective People and the students are succeeding! I look forward to implementing some of the information and verbage from the book into my classroom. It definitely makes me want to read more about the subject matter and even visit the pilot school. (I will have to save to make that trip!)

John was busy working on his masters work again today. Sundays are a drag around here. Full of work. He is so close to being done. It will be welcomed by both when it is over. It is hard to watch him just toil away at his MBA. SO SOON... I keep trying to remind him. (I'll let you know how next week  goes... last week!)

Because we were just working around in the house, we were really bumming it. We didn't look good AT ALL! I was pretty ashamed when I looked in the mirror later that day. But I had a goal to finish that book, and I accomplished it! We got a surprise Facetime call from our cousins in Tulsa. Zooey is only 6 weeks older than her cousin Mia Grace. I think it is amazing to see how much she has even changed since their baptism on Palm Sunday! Well... we got a special treat to see... ZOOEY WALKING! It was so cute to see her waddle around the back porch. The wonderful things that technology can do. It is amazing. I would have never been able to view that live.. and now.. I can! What a blessing!

The night ended with a bit of positive self-talk, updating some things in my portfolio, and trying to calm my nerves. A full-time classroom is my goal. (as many of you know) This is my chance! As I laid down in bed, so many things ran through my mind. I do not know how I got any sleep...

ZzZzZzZzZ...

-Alexis

Day.Forty.Five.

Wednesday.

(I am playing serious catch up... bit behind...)


In kindergarten today, we made some of the cutest cards that I found on Pinterest. I know that it is AFTER Easter, but my kinders LOVE to use paint and their hands. So, we made handprint bunnies to make cards that say "Somebunny Loves You". I had one student who actually got the play on words and he thought it was so fun!
Check out the pin for this fun card:

I made it a card, having the students write "Somebunny Loves You!" and their own message on the inside with their signature. They looked great!

Tomorrow is kindergarten kick-off in the district. I will post about that tomorrow!

-Alexis

Day.Thirty.Five.

SPRING BREAK IS HERE!

I am working... every day, but I thought I would share something. The program I work for offers an All Day SACC program during spring break for families who are working. (which is many) I had a bit of anxiety being the opening manager this morning and hoping that the students would respond to me. Let me tell you.. I was so pleased when I left! They were so fabulous today and there were 57 of them!

Accomplishments:
1. All three activities (grass planting, bubble painting, and resistance water color painting) ALL completed!
2. We did DEAR time... (silent reading) and ALL 57 kids were silent and READING! I was nervous, but I even had a child who was so proud of himself for how much he read. He didn't seem like the kid who reads for pleasure or on grade level <I could be wrong.. but just by my observations> and he asked for a bookmark so he could save his place for tomorrow! It was a BIG accomplishment to have all reading and trying. Made me smile.
3. I made it through day 1 of spring break with a great staff by my side. Whew.

Bring it on day 2! We have a lot more in store for you!

((I didn't get my nap in.. but I will at some point this week))

*Off to enjoy pizza and relaxing with my hubs... as soon as he gets home from baseball*

-Alexis-

Day.Twenty.Six

The Hunger Games! WOW! I started reading the book a couple days ago but was only able to get into the first 30 pages in the ten minutes of silent reading in KSACC. With the rest of the week flying by and busy as ever, I didn't get a chance to sit down and read. I wanted to, but priorities. So, Friday it was!

Yesterday, after school, I came home and sat and read. John was home, on Spring Break, and I decided I wanted to just read! I have another book waiting in the wings, so I wanted to get The Hunger Games finished. Well.. I did! I was up until 1am (I haven't seen that time in a long time...) and I finished. I want to see the movie, but I am scared the pictures won't match mine! (the conflict of the book turned movie continues) I give the book 4.5/5 stars! It was a good read and kept me intrigued and wanting to read more. I was also reading to see if a few 5th graders I know could handle the content and brutality.

What a twisted concept the whole book is based around. The more I think about it the more I compare it to things that happen in our world. Children made to kill. Sad, but it happens in our world today. I think that this book brings that to light in a way that doesn't make it seem brutal or wrong. The other thing that I found so interesting was the main characters, Katniss and Peeta, and home. In the book, they come from District 12. District 12 is modern day Appalachia where they mine coal. Sounds like home to me. I think that aspect made it dear to my heart and made me follow their 'home' story more. I recommend the book and hope that you enjoy it too! I will update you when I see the movie...

Next book for the weekend: The Leader in Me by Steven R. Covey. DCS is adopting a lot of the thoughts and ideas from this book, so I want to read up! I will keep you updated!

-Alexis

Day.Twenty.Five.

Whew! What a day! My class at school had a great time creating Roy. Roy G. Biv that is! We are so excited to see the growth of our green beans! We planted them about a week ago, and they are growing like crazy!! There are a few that haven't broken through the soil and of course those children are panicking! I am going to have to investigate and see what the deal is. Here are some pictures of our wonderful plants and their growth! Some are pretty tall...

This is probably the first thing that I have ever grown!

*Update on the cleaning...
I LOVE the schedule. It is frustrating at times to know that I have to clean, but knowing that I have spread it out over the week makes it easy because I only have a few little things to do each night. I am only halfway through the week but, I think it is going pretty good! Makes me think, 'wow, I should have been cleaning this way the whole time...'

Have a great night!
I have 3 books that I need to get read in the next couple days. So, off I go to read!

-Alexis

Day.Eighteen.B.

Well, as I sat here relaxing I remembered a great moment from today, so I think I should share.

Because I did not work today, I had two subs in my room (am and pm). I was nervous about leaving my kiddos, but I knew they were in great hands! So, after school today, I headed in to check on the room, all of the things that they did and get the room ready for tomorrow. Most of my students go to the School Age Child Care program after school.

You would have thought I hadn't been in school for weeks by the reaction I got from my kiddos. It was very heartwarming! They ran up to me, gave me hugs, and told me all about their day! I was so excited for them and just hugged them!

So, one little girl comes up to me:
R:"Mrs. Edmonds, where were you today?"
Me: "R, I was at a meeting today..."
R: (cocking her head to the side and just grinning) "Why couldn't we go with you?"

If only they could have come...

They would have made everyone at the interview relax a bit... don't you think?

-Alexis-

Day.Eighteen.A

Today, I am writing EARLY! A few great things happened today:
1. I had my interview and I think it went pretty well.
2. After two weeks off, I worked out.

I want to thank all of those out there who were praying for me today. I was able to stay calm and focused.

I have fallen off the bandwagon on the working out. I have been doing the couch to 5K program that I have a cool app for on my phone. I would have never thought to myself that I could be a runner, but a friend of mine and I always joked that we wanted to be addicted to running like the runners! So, I started the couch to 5K program. (My sister and family and friends have all decided to enter a 5K) Lucky for me, DCS is having a 5K that I may join in on just to prove to myself that I can do it! Today, after two weeks of NO running. I thought I may die... but I didn't do terrible! I am on week 6 of the program and it is a 5 minute warm-up, run 9 minutes, walk 3, run 9 minutes, then cool down for 5 minutes. I made it through the first run doing well... then the second run came around, and WHEW was I struggling. I didn't have to use my inhaler, but I didn't make it through the last run. I didn't stop, but I struggled! I know that I cannot let working out take a backseat. It is definitely a struggle to make it a priority. Life just seems to get in the way... whether it be school, family, dogs, etc. I must keep focus!

I was more nervous today about how my students would be with a sub. This is the first time I have missed and it is a big stress. I wanted to make sure that everything went smoothly and the same procedures happen so that the students are comfortable and still learning. My mind was spinning this morning! But, all in all, the day went well and learning happened.

I am going to relax for the rest of the night. I think it is a much needed and well-deserved.

-Alexis-

Day.Seventeen.

I truly appreciate the beautiful day! I even took the kiddos out for extra recess because it was too nice not too! The day went by quickly and the lovely afternoon seems to have disappeared quicker! Because I am not going to be at school tomorrow, I had to prep for my subs. I started and then realized that they did not know the little procedural things and that will definitely throw my kids off tomorrow. (or they will all argue about how to do it, because they are always right...)

After I stayed at school until 6pm prepping for the sub I headed home and got to hang out with the puppies and catch up on my shows. I need to relax big time to get prepped... but I am not doing that well. Anyone who knows me, I don't stress and shut down, I work... I work hard! It is constant. Anything to keep me busy and my mind focused on other things.

I want to say thank you in advance to all of those loved ones who have contacted me, helped me realize my strengths, and given me pieces of calm. I really appreciate all of your guidance. I know that I am just over analyzing.. as always. Keep up the prayers and I know that God will find a place for me.

I had a GREAT story to share, but... my brain has lost it. If I think of it, I will be sure to share!

So much on my mind...

Goodnight and God Bless Readers!

-Alexis-

Day.Sixteen.

Today has been beautiful, from sun up to sun down! The weather has been perfect for relaxing and making the day run smoothly. Ohio in March isn't normally seeing temperatures in the high 60's, but I will take it! It was great to get the kids outside, and when I got home... I got to open all of the windows and air out the house. It is getting a little musty and 'wintery' in the house. The dogs loved listening to EVERY other dog in the neighborhood... resulting in a fresh hole in the screen door.

Still working on prepping for the interview. It is a bit stressful but still totally worth it in the long run. I am learning new things and I can use them in the interview.

Since today has been pretty mundane, I am going to get back to my 'studies' and get focused.

Keep praying that God will find me a job that will be best suited for me and my family.

-Alexis-

Day.Fifteen.

I do not always loathe Mondays. Sometimes, they really get the week off to a great start. My students today were very mellow (could have been a reaction to the time change). I have a very important week ahead of me. I have an INTERVIEW! This interview isn't for a specific position, but it is more like an entrance interview. I will be interviewing on Thursday, so I will update on that day. I have a lot of research to do for the specific school district to make sure I am on my game!! (So, if you pray... pray for me on Thursday that this door may be the one that leads to a job and security in my life) I am stressing a bit, so I am going to move on!

I thought I would take this moment to talk about my lesson plans. There are only a few... ok 11 more weeks of school... left. Because I am not in a 'real' classroom, I am able to plan the way I want, with no curriculum guides, specific curriculum to follow, etc. I do follow the standards and I try to use the same types of literacy that they use in the regular classroom. I get the freedom to do weekly themes. I love themes because the standards can be re-visited but with a new "look". I had all of my themes planned on specific weeks before the school year started. I used the overview of my plans to really lay out my lessons for the week. I put it in the front of my clear lesson plan binder so that when it is closed, and laying on my desk, I can read the lessons at a glance!

Here is a blank version... feel free to use it. If you want me to change anything, let me know in the comments and an email address and I will try to send you one that is personalized.

Hope you enjoy! Have a great night... I am off to prepare for Thursday! :)

-Alexis-

Day.Nine.

It sure was a Monday! I stayed late at school today to get all of my plans uploaded, copies made, and organized. WHEW! It feels GREAT!

My students are keeping track of the minutes they read AT HOME. We have a contest going on where they can earn prizes and I have a graph on the bulletin board outside of my room. The challenge is for everyone to read 210 minutes, the TSHIRT level! If we all get a T-Shirt, we get a pizza party! YUMM! They are very excited and today, I gave away the seventh shirt. (Once we got six, popcorn party...once we get 12, ice cream sundae party, once we get all 18, pizza party!) We get to have our popcorn party tomorrow. Check out the bulletin board I have to keep track.-->

*note: this is outdated and not reflective of the current T-Shirt standings*

As a teacher, it is hard to sometimes get parents involved at home to read with their students. This is a great way to keep them focused and see their results. It also adds in a bit of math! 

Have a great night!

-Alexis-

Day.Four.

Well, my hallway at school is officially Dr. Seuss'ed out! It looks great with the truffula trees, the Cat in the Hat, the Foot book man, and of course all of the Thing 1's and Thing 2's jumping around. I will post pictures tomorrow. Speaking of tomorrow... we get to celebrate Dr. Seuss's birthday!! Woo Hoo! I am making a delicious treat for the kids... take a look-->

Yummy! We will also be having popcorn from the trees in How The Grinch Stole Christmas, Schlott's Knots (pretzels) Blue Goo (Blue Juice) and Animals from If I Ran The Circus/Zoo(animal crackers). I love to get the kids excited about different books because gravitate toward new books in the classroom. I see some students read the same book OVER and OVER. I get tired of it, so I don't know how they aren't. I know that a lot of them are a bit scared to take that little leap to a new book. (I know I have the same issues at times...I like being comfortable with what I am already doing... Why change it up?) But, I too have to take those leaps, big or little.

I have a great kindergarten quote today: I must preface- At our morning meeting, a child said, is Dr. Seuss  DEAD? I say,  "yes". Another student spoke up: "We shouldn't say DEAD, we should say passed away. It is just a nicer way of saying it!" (I agreed and from then on, that is what we said)  After a while, we were all in our literacy centers working hard on the new Dr. Seuss material. A little girl comes over to me, after looking at 15+ displayed Dr. Seuss books. She says...

"Mrs. Edmonds, I really miss Dr. Seuss." (as if they had been friends their whole life!)

It is amazing where books can take us! I know I can get pretty attached to characters and specific authors. I am so blessed to see children falling in love with authors, illustrators, and specific books! How exciting!

Have a Great Night! Dream of Dr. Seuss! :)

-Alexis-

Day.Three.

Today was a GREAT day in KSACC! It was so refreshing to display Dr. Seuss books and when the students went to their activity centers, they chose READING center and looked and looked at the Dr. Seuss books. It was wonderful to watch them talk to each other about the books and illustrations. I read The Lorax to them today with a bit of hesitation. I didn't want them to miss the main message. As I read, the expressions of disgust and anger about the treatment of the Earth were so evident and encouraging. They are a smart group of kids. They always know how to make me smile!

After school, I headed to the dentist to get my cavities filled. BOOOOO! No one likes to have cavities and I haven't for at least ten years. Well, what is done is done (in terms of cavities) so off I went. I was a bit apprehensive because I have vivid memories of the shots and pain that I had as a child getting my teeth pulled, cavities filled, etc. My early dental life was full of office visits. My dentist was GREAT! He numbed me before I even got the shots! I didn't feel a thing. WHEW! I do have a strange feeling as if the numbed portion of my face is hanging all the way to the ground! It has worn off now, and I am back to my Diet Coke and dinner.

A few days ago, I saw The Vow in theaters. ((I recommend it)) There was a preview for a new Nicholas Sparks movie, The Lucky One. I was talking about it and my principal has the book! She lent it to me and I am on chapter 4. I figure I am going to read and then write every night. It is hard to turn off the TV, but it is worth it!  

There are many challenges day in and day out... but my goal to be a full time classroom teacher is so close! I know that if I take care of myself, my family, and my students, I will achieve that goal. 

 I wish running was included in the package! I haven't been able to make it to the gym at all this week... I need to get back into the habit. So busy and random things keep popping up. It is definitely an early night for me. These last few days have been exhausting! 

-Alexis-

Day.One.

Yesterday, I had the privilege of attending the Dublin Literacy Conference 2012! Not only was I surrounded by fellow teachers who LOVE what they do (which can be refreshing at times) but I was also re-enegrized by the speakers who spoke from experience to guide my classroom! I had the honor of listening to Donalyn Miller and was inspired to start writing this blog. She was a great way to start the day with so much passion. I got to sing and dance with the authors of Pete the Cat: I Love My White Shoes, Eric Litwin and James Dean. ((I even got signed copies of their books for my classroom))


The first session I attended was all about my students as writers and how to incorporate it into the classroom. Very informative and helpful. Thank you Mandy Robek!


The second session I attended was about Literacy Teams and the different activities that they did in their classrooms to create a fun reading experience on a LOW budget. My favorite idea- Make STAMPS out of bottle caps and foam stickers! (genius because I have been looking for a set of alphabet stamps for my classroom)


The third and final session was all about the mini-lesson. I have definitely been over-thinking the mini-lesson! Ruth Ayres laid it out so organized and simply. I am excited to start using them more in my classroom.


Although it was a Saturday, I am so glad I got the opportunity to go to the Dublin Literacy Confrence! I learned a lot of new things that I will be using in my classroom tomorrow!


I love to teach and when I learn more about teaching, it energizes me and keeps my focus on the goal: my own classroom.


-Alexis