Just wondering

The other day, I walked into the bathroom at the elementary school w/ Sarah. She commented that she always went to this one stall when she went to the bathroom here.

I know I always head to the same stall when going into a public bathroom I use on a regular basis, but I thought I was just a bit odd.

So, now that I know my 6 y.o. has already started the trend, I started to wonder if all women do this. How about men, do they always head to the same urinal?

Since I should be grading papers and finishing my teaching statement, it's only natural that I would blog about bathrooms.

Sunday Six - school

"Sunday Six!" is a game where Kelly asks us to have six questions answered. Remember, the idea is to post answers to the following six question, but the trick is to get your kids to answer them! If you don't have kids, use your imagination... Your pet, your neighbor, your elderly family member, your roommate, etc. Did you play? Let me and Kelly know.


Today I was able to ask Sarah (SB - age 6) and Sydney (SK - age 3) the Sunday 6. Smart assed husband wanted to answer to so he is JH. I asked Sydney first so she was not influenced by her big sister's answers. Here they are:


This Week's Sunday Six:

1. Why do we go to school?

SK: Cause our friends are waiting for us.

SB: To learn

JH: Becuase the law mandates that we do.

2. What is your favorite subject in school?

SK: Playing with Trains

SB: Recess

JH: Non equalillibruim multi-phased thermodynamics

3. How do we learn new things?

SK: Do trains, I guess

SB: By listening to your teacher

JH: We read books

4. Do you (or do you think you will) like your teacher?

SK: Yes.

SB: Yes

JH: No (I don't have a teacher though)

5. How do you get to school?

SK: Find the way.

SB: By car

JH: I drive myself in the little blue car

6. What does it mean to make straight A's?

SK: You only get one, I guess

SB: Listen.

JH: You have no other life.

Did you play? Let me and Kelly know.

The Struggle

Struggle - Interestingly enough, I've struggled with writing this post.

Freshman are an fun as well as difficult to teach. Their views are very absolute - there is right and wrong. I view that part of my job is to help them start to understand that there is a middle ground that should be considered.

Unfortunately, one of the hardest parts of my job is to help develop their writing. I know what I am looking for in papers, I'm just not sure how to convey this information. Many of their papers include a paragraph about a topic, stating information they have learned and concluding with a one sentence conclusion. What they really need is a paragraph introducing a section of the paper, and a paragraph of analysis.

As I'm grading their first papers, I'm struggling with how to provide constructive comments. Determining their grade is easy, writing comments is hard.

Thankfully, I have a writing center who I will sent the kids to for re-writing their papers.

I'm a tough grader. Part of the reason that I am so tough is that I know that the kids have a chance to re-write their papers to inprove their grades. My thought is that since this is the first college writing class they take, this is where they learn what is required. The other reason I am tough is because they are going to continue to experience tough professors for the rest of their college career. They are going to go on to careers where bosses will require them to write well. If I let them pass with so they can get a good grade, I'm not helping them.

Dancin'

Every morning, I drive my 3 y.o. to daycare on my way to school. While driving this morning, I was thinking about various conversations I had with students after class last night. I was trying to decide what I should email them, what was the best way to handle some things.

Teaching is hard sometimes. Much like parenting. You don't want to crush the spirit of the kids, but you want to make sure they have the skills necessary to succeed in their college careers.

So, as I contemplated how to encourage a student who is having a hard time with composition and another who is struggling with a paper topic - I hear from the back seat "Dance with me mommy!" So, Sydney and I do what we do best - we car dance to kids songs. After that, what I was going to email didn't seem so important. I'd solve it when it got to school.

For the next 5 minutes, I only worried about dancing with my 3 y.o.

My Friday - what a day

Friday, I arrived at my daughter's kindergarten class only 5 minutes late. Unfortunately, I was driving behind someone who insisted on driving 18 mph in a 35 mile zone. It took me 20 minutes door to door for a 7 minute drive. It was very frustrating. But, I digress.

Today was day one of a lecture on the Olympics for Sarah's kindergarten class. For as disorganized as I was, and the fact that her teacher and I only loosely discussed what we would cover, it went well. I came up with a brainstorm while watching the Today show that morning, and opened by teaching the kids

"Hello" Ciao (familiar)
"Goodbye" Ciao, Arrivederci
"Good Night" Buona Notte

Then, we talked about the rings, and how they represent the 5 continents and no one color is dominate over the other (the weaving of the rings so they cross over and under each other).



Sarah's teacher had some flags from other countries and we had the kids tell us what color from their flag was represented in the Olympic rings.

Then, we talked about the events. Sarah's teacher had printed some graphics of the events. Coincidentally, all the pictures showed women performing the events. These were drawings, not real people. One of the boys did notice that all the pictures were girls. I believe the phrase we heard was "I hope this next picture isn't of a girl" LOL. Then, we took a vote for which event each child would be most interested in participating in (one was a broadcaster, which one boy did choose).

The last part of the lecture was for each child to make a mock tiramisu. Some were brave and tried the marscapone cheese, some where not. They all had fun. Two weeks from now we go back to do events and the medal ceremony. I can't wait.

I'm curious to see what will happen on Tuesday in my class. Their first of 3 formal papers were due on Friday. There is a penalty of 5 points for each day late. Of 22 students, 17 turned in their paper. One student has been absent with a family emergency for a month, so I'm not expecting he will be around. The remaining 4 have not contacted me. Should be interesting!

Sunday Six

"Sunday Six!" is a game where Kelly asks us to have six questions answered. Remember, the idea is to post answers to the following six question, but the trick is to get your kids to answer them! If you don't have kids, use your imagination... Your pet, your neighbor, your elderly family member, your roommate, etc. Did you play? Let me and Kelly know.


Today I was able to ask Sarah (SB - age 6) and Sydney (SK - age 3) the Sunday 6. I asked Sydney first so she was not influenced by her big sister's answers. Here they are:

1. What is your favorite meal?
SK: I like French fries w/ ketchup and chicken
SB: Chicken nuggets, French fries and ketchup

2. What is your favorite dessert?
SK: Pudding, I guess
SB: Cookies

3. Why do we eat food?
SK: Cause we be still
SB: To stay healthy

4. Where does milk come from?
SK: a milk carton
SB: Cows

5. Where does bread come from?
SK: With the bread
SB: Machines

6. What do you not like to eat?
SK: I don't like fish
SB: Fish, I mean Pudding, I mean fish and pudding

Do I really want it?

When I moved here, I thought "Hey, maybe I could teach." My husband is a professor and I have enjoyed what I've done teaching wise so far - mainly hour or two instructional training talks.

A couple of years ago, I happened to contact the Assistant Dean of the Business School. They were looking for someone to teach a section of the class I was most interested in teaching - Organizational Behavior. But, I had no teaching experience. I did stop by to meet the guy, and told him that in two years, I wanted to be teaching for him part time. A bit of bravado I must admit.

Well, I knew that I wasn't going to convince him on my good looks and charm, so I discovered that I could teach a freshmen Composition and Rhetoric class. I just had to create a topic and write a proposal. It was harder to convince the committee than I thought it would be, but I did convince them and I'm teaching the class for the 2nd semester. I've also mentioned to people that I am still interested in teaching for the Business school.

Today, I interviewed for the Dean and Assistant Dean about teaching the Organizational Behavior class for them. I have to pull together a bunch of information and a teaching statement, but may just pull this off.

It was neat to be able to tell the Assistant Dean that I put in place a plan to get a proven record so I could teach for him as I told him I wanted to do several years ago. It was nice to see his expression change from polite to impressed that I was willing to create the experience I needed.

So, next week I turn over my materials, then I have to decide if I want to spend another summer creating lesson plans for a brand new class. YIKERS. At least it's not as intimidating as the first time I did this.

If you've read this, N.O. baked King Cake. There may still be a piece in the coffee room.

Fear, hate, and respect

After my experience last week where the students didn't complete, or in some cases even attempt, their reading, I feel I have to do something tonight to ensure they take their reading assignments seriously. Since their reading assignment was fairly short this week, I expect them to fully understand it. But, since the reading was to read a website about the life of Martin Luther, I fear that they will not have adequately.

So, to put the Fear of God in them, so to speak, I'm going to have them answer two question in an in-class writing assignment. Normally I do not grade the informal assignments. They are practice writings and treated as such with a complete/not done type of grade. This writing will be graded - not so much on writing style, but for completeness of answer. I need to get the message to them that not performing the readings has consequences.

I just checked the reading to see if you can answer the questions. They will have to guess some, but it should be answerable.

I hope they don't hate me because I'm mean, but instead respect me because I'm tough.

Me and 4,000 of my closest friends

Last Friday, SB (my 6 y.o.) and I joined over 4,000 of my closest friends to try to break 2 Guinness Book World Records.

One was the most people involved in a snowball fight for 2 minutes and the other was for the most snow angels made at one time.

The third record was for the biggest rolled (not packed) snow ball.

Here is the picture of all of us making snow angels. I'm the one in the Maroon coat.



We think we have beaten all three records, but we are awaiting validation. There are other planned attempts at these records, so I don't expect them to stand long, but it looks like I will be able to say that I held 2 World Records for a few weeks at least.

Sunday Six

"Sunday Six!" is a game where Kelly asks us to have six questions answered. Remember, the idea is to post answers to the following six question, but the trick is to get your kids to answer them! If you don't have kids, use your imagination... Your pet, your neighbor, your elderly family member, your roommate, etc.

Sarah, my 6 y.o. played with me.

1. What is a Valentine?
Something that you give somebody to show them how much you love them.

2. How many Valentines should one person have?
Tons, I mean lots.

3. What makes a nice Valentines present?
Candy hearts

4. Who or what is Cupid?
Humm, I don't know.

5. What does it mean to be in love?
That you love somebody alot?

6. Which color do you like better, red or pink?
Both.

(Sarah says: "Happy Valentine's, I love you.")

Have a great week! Did you play? Let Kelly know.

What do you do with 200 inches of snow?

Blogger has finally allowed me to post pictures. Not sure why it was being so tempramental, but at least it decided to cooperate.

These statues took one month to build. This was in addition to all other activities and school demands. The men and women who created these are regular students, not trained sculpters. It just amazes me.

This is the statue that won the fraternity competition. It really is amazing, just not my favorite in concept.




Here is the detail. I love the elephant fountain




Here is my favorite of the Women's organizations. It also won.



Here is the detail. If you look closely at the right side of the screen, you can see the "glass" test tubes.



This one is my favorite. It's based on the Grinch who stole Christmas.



Here is the detail on my favorite. I love the star on the top of the tree and the "glass" in the windows"



I hope you enjoy these as much as I do. Check back tomorrow to find out the once in a lifetime activity I did yesterday.

Really - I can be mean.

Being new at this teaching gig has presented several challenges. How do you motivate students to do their assignments? How do you convince them to participate in the class discussion with out you running 75% of the discussion? How do you help them understand that if they don't do the assignment, you have nothing to talk about when we discuss the readings?

Last semester I failed horribly at this. I was always too easy on the kids. I would usually prevent them from having their own conversations when we had a specific topic to discuss, but I never made a big deal about their not reading their assigned reading.

Last night, in class, I ran across this again. I had assigned a reading that was about 90 pages and very tough to read. Most of the class didn't read it. Some started it, but didn't finish. I didn't mind those who didn't finish, they tried. Those who blew it off - not so good.

I gave them some guidance on the subject today, but in the future I think I'll have to be mean about it. After all, I don't have to be their friend, just their teacher.

It's amazing what can be created

What do you do when you have 200 inches of snow fall a year? Why you celebrate it!

Every year, our University has a winter festival. Starting in around 1925ish, building snow statues became part of that celebration.

The first snow statues were pretty low key, but as tools have become better (irons, axes, etc.), they have become quite impressive.

The snow sculpture competition isn't over until later this week, but here is an idea of how things are going on this campus of engineers:

Blocks of snow like this:



And you slowly create something that looks like this:



I'll post my favorite finished products later.

What a Sunday

My love affair with the Pittsburgh Steelers started in 7th grade math. The two big teams were the Steelers and the Cowboys. Being in DC, you also had lots of Redskins fans. Not surprising, my love of the Steelers also had something to do with a very cute boy named Gary Yatty wearing a Steelers letterman jacket who sat across from me. I still remember his name, although I doubt he remembers me.

While I have no idea where he is, I do love the Steelers. Yesterday's game wasn't pretty, but it was a win. I love the Bus. He is an amazing ambassador for the sport. The Steelers organization has shown so much class keeping Bill Cowher when the team had rough patches. So unlike most teams.

Yesterday afternoon, we also had my 3 and 6 year olds birthday party. It was the first time Sarah (my 6 y.o.) was inviting kids who I barely knew and had never met the parents. She is in Kindergarten now, so drop off is not quite as intimate as it was in preschool or daycare.

Everyone had a blast. We had a pool party at a new hotel in town. They actually have a baby pool. I really wish we could just pay a small fee and swim there one morning. Seems strange to pay an overnight to stay in town, but maybe we need that too!

Unfortunately, Sarah got sick just as the game was starting. She's better today and ready for school.

Not sure where I'm going with this, but having a successful birthday party and a successful Super Bowl just made for a good day.

Now, I guess I have to crank it up tonight as I have almost NOTHING ready for class for tomorrow. Lots of grading to do.

Happy Monday!

Sometimes you create your own opportunities

Almost three years ago, I decided that I wanted to teach part time for the business school. Employment opportunities in this town are limited, especially if you do not have a PhD or are related to someone by marriage twice removed.

Because I didn't have any teaching experience, it was tougher to convince the university to hire me, even to fill in the classes nobody wants. So, I created a plan. In order to convince the business department to hire me, I need to have the experience of teaching and teaching evaluations.

I needed to find a way to convince someone to let me teach even though I didn't have teaching experience. I proposed the class I'm currently teaching because I knew I could convince the university to let me teach this class. It was not as easy as I thought it would be. Since I was not a faculty member, I had to work 3 times as hard to convince the committee that I was capable of teaching the class I proposed.

The other week, I met with the Dean of the Business School. Her area of expertise matches my interest and I needed some input into a couple of class lectures. I mentioned my 'create an opportunity' plan to her - that I was doing this so I could eventually teach part time for her. I told her I was doing this to get experience so I would have a proven record.

Next week I'm meeting with the Dean and the Assistant Dean at their request. I look forward to learning what they have to say. At this point, I can't leave my current job, so whatever they are proposing has to fit with my current workload.

Wish me luck, I'll update next week.