Last year, my husband pondered the idea of quitting his job many times. He just wasn't happy with his job and waking up each morning to drag himself to work was becoming hard work. It was hard to stand by and watch my husband feel defeated. He could just stay in a job to ensure he brings home an income for his family. He could just stay unhappy and work every day so we can afford nice things such as vacations and material objects we don't need. Instead he quit his job after much consideration and he now gets to stay home with our son. It has been a great bonding experience. As my husband would say, he has gained a lot of patience being a stay-at-home dad.
With time on our side, we talked about living abroad and applying for a teacher exchange seemed like the right fit. I was in contact with CEEF (Canadian Educators Exchange Foundation) and spoke to the coordinator Carol, who is a wealth of knowledge when it comes to exchanges. I filled out the paperwork in October 2015, got approved by the principal and superintendent and everything was processed by November. Then we were told to wait and that exchanges normally happen between January to March. In February we were contacted with a possible match that can have us leaving in July for Sydney, Australia. Unfortunately that match didn't work out so we were bummed out about not being able to start our exchange in the summer. Again, we were contacted in March that a match has been made with a teacher in Perth, Australia. Both school districts and organizations finally confirmed this match in May, and now we are heading out January 2017.
It still seems surreal. I have been in contact with my match through email and so far so good. We have much to discuss and organize prior to leaving. Carol at CEEF has been a great help with resources and answering questions. Unfortunately for us, she retired in July, but she left us in good hands with a new coordinator. I went to an information session hosted by CEEF in June and met teachers across Ontario who are also doing an exchange. We created a Facebook group and it feels great to connect with people who are in the same situation.
In July I applied for visa sponsorship, and currently I am still waiting for approval. In the meantime, we are purging and making plans for our departure.
Now it's September and school is starting, our exchange is 4 months away. Excitement and anxiousness is setting in but I must focus on the first week back for now.
Friday, September 2, 2016
First year of Planning Time
Definition of a planning time teacher - a teacher that provides prep time to a classroom teacher. Every teacher within our contract is entitled to 240 minutes of planning time each week. Planning time subjects can be discussed with the classroom teacher and depending on the schedule, the planning time teacher would report 2-3 subjects per term for each classroom teacher.
This Last year I chose to teach mostly drama with some dance, music, science and health. I taught students from kindergarten to grade 4. I've enjoyed my time with each of the grades. At first I was terrified in a kindergarten classroom. I remember feeling like I was always putting on a show and I didn't necessarily feel like I was teaching but filling time. As I learned about the FDK (full-day kindergarten) model where students are to learn through play and inquiry throughout the day, I realized the more I gave students choice and freedom, the easier it was to see learning happening. And now, I just love watching the kids play. Which shouldn't come to a surprise since I did dedicate a chunk of my undergraduate degree specializing in Early Childhood Education. I think I felt uncomfortable with the change because I have been away from that age group for a while and was lacking confidence. Another thing I learned this year was how much fun teaching science could be. In previous years, when working with teaching partners doing rotary, I would always give up science. But this year I taught grade 2 and 3 science and I really enjoyed the process. Through science I was able to integrate STEAM-based learning and this was the hook to engaging learners. I learned how to be a better teacher by asking guiding questions and allowing time to explore and inquire. I co-planned with the teacher-librarian to use the library as a makerspace. I sought help from resource teachers at the board level and learned ways to integrate coding and technology.
I've had some great lessons this year. Here are my top 3:
3- Makerspace with grade 3s. Students were given certain materials to accomplish certain tasks. For example they had to build a bridge that would hold a certain weight or make a marble run with turns and loops. One of the final projects we did was using the idea from the cardboard challenge and create a fair game using concepts in the forces unit.
2 - Robots and coding. This year I was lucky enough to get PD in this area and then our school purchased many different robots to use in the classroom. My favourite are the Dash and Dot robots but I have used the EV3 and WeDo lego kits as well. It's interesting to see some students who traditionally excel in school and struggled with coding, where some students who struggle with traditional schooling excelled in coding. I struggle with coding because my brain needs to be trained to think in a programming way. So even though I may not have a natural ability with the subject, I still find it so fascinating and want to push myself to learn more. I also see the grit and resiliency strenthening in some of the students I work with.
1- Garage band app rocks! I used this app twice this year. The first time students created a Health PSA using the app to record their voice and add music for effect. The second time students made a silent movie and added music for mood. They also used iMovie to edit the video and audio. Through these projects, I saw students collaborate, organize and plan effectively and these are good life-skills to have.
The year is drawing to a close and reflection is how I cope with the transition, I feel a sense of pride in my learning this past year and I am glad I made the change.
*this post was written in June 2016 and published for viewing Sept. 2016
I've had some great lessons this year. Here are my top 3:
3- Makerspace with grade 3s. Students were given certain materials to accomplish certain tasks. For example they had to build a bridge that would hold a certain weight or make a marble run with turns and loops. One of the final projects we did was using the idea from the cardboard challenge and create a fair game using concepts in the forces unit.
2 - Robots and coding. This year I was lucky enough to get PD in this area and then our school purchased many different robots to use in the classroom. My favourite are the Dash and Dot robots but I have used the EV3 and WeDo lego kits as well. It's interesting to see some students who traditionally excel in school and struggled with coding, where some students who struggle with traditional schooling excelled in coding. I struggle with coding because my brain needs to be trained to think in a programming way. So even though I may not have a natural ability with the subject, I still find it so fascinating and want to push myself to learn more. I also see the grit and resiliency strenthening in some of the students I work with.
1- Garage band app rocks! I used this app twice this year. The first time students created a Health PSA using the app to record their voice and add music for effect. The second time students made a silent movie and added music for mood. They also used iMovie to edit the video and audio. Through these projects, I saw students collaborate, organize and plan effectively and these are good life-skills to have.
The year is drawing to a close and reflection is how I cope with the transition, I feel a sense of pride in my learning this past year and I am glad I made the change.
*this post was written in June 2016 and published for viewing Sept. 2016
Saturday, January 2, 2016
A Decade in Teaching
This year marks my 10th anniversary in teaching. I remember my very first class. I went back to my hometown in rural Alberta and taught in the school I went to as a student. I taught a grade 2 class with only 14 students and a full-time teaching assistant. There were high-needs in the class but I didn't think twice about class size and having extra support. I just assumed it was the norm. Now I teach in a more urban setting in Ontario and have mainly taught students in grades 4-8 the last few years. This past September, I started in a new school and a new role as a planning time teacher. During that first week I met 100+ students from K-7. Although I have 10 years experience, that week I felt like a first year teacher all over again especially when I was teaching in the Kindergarten classes. In our school system, we have full-day kindergarten for students age 3.5-5. It's full day and every day, and there is one teacher and DECE (designated early childhood educator) in the classroom.
My philosophy towards teaching hasn't changed much, I teach because I love working with children. I have learned new methods and ideologies. I realize I can't do it all and over the past year I have tried to observe and listen more rather than just doing. I have learned when I teach from my heart I am being true to myself and therefore gain knowledge from my students. This is not an easy lesson to learn as I try to cover all the curriculum expectations as well as meet the goals created by the school or school board. From my personal experience I find the goals are often defined by the scores of our once a year provincial tests called EQAO. I remember when I was first interviewed for a job and how I need to know the newest educational buzz words and methodologies. I believed a balanced literacy program was important and found ways to incorporate 100 minutes of literacy into my programming. But over the last couple of years, numeracy has been the focus. Now we include 3 or 4 part math lessons in 60 minutes while still providing an enriching literacy program and please don't forget the daily 20 minutes of physical activity, the science and social studies, the arts and technology and try to do some of this outside because outdoor education is vital as well.
I have burned out in some years where I dedicated all my free time to my job. I have learned to not bring work home and I have learned to grow a thicker skin when I find myself in conflicts with students and especially with the parents. I have been told to not take things personally. I have grown.
As a beginning teacher, I always tried to stay away from the politics of teaching, I figured I can do what I love within my own classroom and the rest I had no control over. But it was this year when teachers were trying to fairly negotiate a contract that I realized how important it is to be informed with the politics. A contract was imposed on us in 2012 by our government and teachers were forced to do our jobs and essentially with less pay. Then in 2014, it took over 2 years to finally come to terms with a tentative agreement. The tension was intense when the teacher's union decided to step up our job action last June and it lasted until mid-November. During this time, I learned the importance to stand in solidarity with my union and the teachers. The public needed to know what the fight was about, the need for smaller class sizes, the importance of planning time and funding for Special Education and Full-Day Kindergarten. But again, teachers were under the public eye and criticized for wanting more money. People were feeling the rage of teachers potentially striking and their voices were loudly heard all across social media but not without teachers speaking up as well. Every year I teach students to THINK before they post because you can't take it back once it's out in cyberspace and the importance to be KIND.
A few weeks ago a colleague retired after teaching for 32 years, this made me think about my own retirement, in 2036. So technically I have 20 more years or 2 decades left, that is a long time and plenty of time to still empower students, to make a difference, to learn and to grow. The passion to teach is within me, it comes and goes but as long as I follow my heart I think I will be okay.
My philosophy towards teaching hasn't changed much, I teach because I love working with children. I have learned new methods and ideologies. I realize I can't do it all and over the past year I have tried to observe and listen more rather than just doing. I have learned when I teach from my heart I am being true to myself and therefore gain knowledge from my students. This is not an easy lesson to learn as I try to cover all the curriculum expectations as well as meet the goals created by the school or school board. From my personal experience I find the goals are often defined by the scores of our once a year provincial tests called EQAO. I remember when I was first interviewed for a job and how I need to know the newest educational buzz words and methodologies. I believed a balanced literacy program was important and found ways to incorporate 100 minutes of literacy into my programming. But over the last couple of years, numeracy has been the focus. Now we include 3 or 4 part math lessons in 60 minutes while still providing an enriching literacy program and please don't forget the daily 20 minutes of physical activity, the science and social studies, the arts and technology and try to do some of this outside because outdoor education is vital as well.
I have burned out in some years where I dedicated all my free time to my job. I have learned to not bring work home and I have learned to grow a thicker skin when I find myself in conflicts with students and especially with the parents. I have been told to not take things personally. I have grown.
As a beginning teacher, I always tried to stay away from the politics of teaching, I figured I can do what I love within my own classroom and the rest I had no control over. But it was this year when teachers were trying to fairly negotiate a contract that I realized how important it is to be informed with the politics. A contract was imposed on us in 2012 by our government and teachers were forced to do our jobs and essentially with less pay. Then in 2014, it took over 2 years to finally come to terms with a tentative agreement. The tension was intense when the teacher's union decided to step up our job action last June and it lasted until mid-November. During this time, I learned the importance to stand in solidarity with my union and the teachers. The public needed to know what the fight was about, the need for smaller class sizes, the importance of planning time and funding for Special Education and Full-Day Kindergarten. But again, teachers were under the public eye and criticized for wanting more money. People were feeling the rage of teachers potentially striking and their voices were loudly heard all across social media but not without teachers speaking up as well. Every year I teach students to THINK before they post because you can't take it back once it's out in cyberspace and the importance to be KIND.
A few weeks ago a colleague retired after teaching for 32 years, this made me think about my own retirement, in 2036. So technically I have 20 more years or 2 decades left, that is a long time and plenty of time to still empower students, to make a difference, to learn and to grow. The passion to teach is within me, it comes and goes but as long as I follow my heart I think I will be okay.
Tuesday, November 4, 2014
Currently...November
It's November and thank you Farley for getting us linked up. I truly enjoy the blogging world of educators. There is so much to learn and so many ideas to use and reuse.
I wrapped up October with Student-led conferences, writing progress reports and Halloween. No wonder I am sick. Then again, I always get sick at this time of the year. It's always a cold and then leads to laryngitis. With no voice I am forced to stay home and I am forced to slow down, but I find having no voice makes me wanting to blog more and my mind doesn't stop thinking about all the things I want to do as a teacher.
I am listening to Breakfast Television and blogging. It's 7 am and my 2 year old slept over at grandma's last night. I woke up at 4:30 with my mind racing and I've been online since. I am running into school to print my report cards and supply plans then coming home. Being childless, I should be soaking in this ME time.
I am loving this minestrone soup I made this past weekend. I made it for my son, who dislikes vegetables unless it's mushed up in a sauce or soup, but he didn't like it so my husband and I have been packing it for lunch this week. I love the cabbage in it, and I used a gluten free macaroni which did soak up the broth but kept it's shape.
I woke up this morning thinking about how I will organize the talent show at my school this year. We are a K-8 school with about 900 students. We haven't done a talent show for a few years and this is my first year leading it at this school. Any ideas and suggestions are welcomed.
I am wanting to just sleep, rest and to get rid of this cold. Maybe some more hand-washing and sanitizer could have fought the germs, or maybe I needed to power up on echinacea and and healthy pro-biotics to boost the immune system. I just long for the opportunity to curl up with a book and fall asleep with no hint of worrying in my mind. My want becomes my need because I can't function like this.
I am reading Outlander again. After watching the TV series I just had to pick it up again. Any Outlander fans out there? The first time I read it, I was on a bus tour up in the highlands in Scotland as a single gal.
I wrapped up October with Student-led conferences, writing progress reports and Halloween. No wonder I am sick. Then again, I always get sick at this time of the year. It's always a cold and then leads to laryngitis. With no voice I am forced to stay home and I am forced to slow down, but I find having no voice makes me wanting to blog more and my mind doesn't stop thinking about all the things I want to do as a teacher.
I am listening to Breakfast Television and blogging. It's 7 am and my 2 year old slept over at grandma's last night. I woke up at 4:30 with my mind racing and I've been online since. I am running into school to print my report cards and supply plans then coming home. Being childless, I should be soaking in this ME time.
I am loving this minestrone soup I made this past weekend. I made it for my son, who dislikes vegetables unless it's mushed up in a sauce or soup, but he didn't like it so my husband and I have been packing it for lunch this week. I love the cabbage in it, and I used a gluten free macaroni which did soak up the broth but kept it's shape.
I woke up this morning thinking about how I will organize the talent show at my school this year. We are a K-8 school with about 900 students. We haven't done a talent show for a few years and this is my first year leading it at this school. Any ideas and suggestions are welcomed.
I am wanting to just sleep, rest and to get rid of this cold. Maybe some more hand-washing and sanitizer could have fought the germs, or maybe I needed to power up on echinacea and and healthy pro-biotics to boost the immune system. I just long for the opportunity to curl up with a book and fall asleep with no hint of worrying in my mind. My want becomes my need because I can't function like this.
I am reading Outlander again. After watching the TV series I just had to pick it up again. Any Outlander fans out there? The first time I read it, I was on a bus tour up in the highlands in Scotland as a single gal.
Monday, October 6, 2014
The First Month Back
This year I teach grade 4 again in a small growing-town north of Toronto, Ontario. My school just started the full-day kindergarten program which means we have 200 little people registered out of 870 students in a K-8 school. I have 24 delightful students who seem eager to come to school each day. This is my 3rd year teaching grade 4, so start up was more smooth and I love that I can reuse lessons.
Did you know that in a group of 24, there is often always 2 people who share the same birthday. This year 2 students share January 22 birthdays.
Every year I start with reading, "The Dot" by Peter Reynolds. I love what the message in this book and often students can connect with the story or character. I took part in Dot Day around September 15ish and we sang this song.
Then we made Dot art. We used the ColAR app on the iPads which kids love. And painted outside
on the tarmac.
When it dries it looks like sidewalk chalk.
Each week my class completes team challenges. I love the marshmallow challenge. Here is our tallest structure this year. I realized afterwards I forgot to give them string, but the students still managed. Each group of 4 received 20 spaghetti sticks, 1 marshmallow and an arm's length of masking tape and string (if you remember). Then they have to build a freestanding tower, I used the CN Tower as an example, and place their marshmallow on top.
Team challenges help my class problem solve, make decisions and promotes team work. Afterwards, we reflect on the challenge. I create an anchor chart to remind students how to be effective group members with Do's and Do Not's.
Lastly, I work closely with my grade team and this year we are having more emphasis on outdoor education which links into our first science unit, habitats. We got to go a conservation center close by to study wetland, pond and forest habitats. Kids love field trips!
Each month we are walking to a park close by that has 3 different habitats for us to study- a creek, forest and field. We hope to be able to encourage students to care for their environment and realize the impact they have on the animals.
Behind our school there is construction. Houses are popping up like crazy here. This wee snake happen to cross our paths outside of our portables. Luckily no students were around on this PD day. My grade partners swooped him up and tried to find another home for him. We thought this would be a great teachable moment for our classes. I got the heebie jeebies and couldn't get myself to touch the snake, from afar it was cute with its little tongue and 2 beady eyes. I envisioned it to grow like Voldemort's snake in Harry Potter, or not.
Saturday, October 4, 2014
Currently...October
I can't believe how the first month of school just flew by. I meant to blog before school started and then once again in September.
Currently, I am listening to my husband making dinner. It's always nice to have dinner made.
I love Fall! I love watching the leaves turn colours and the cooler temperatures. Today in central Ontario, it felt like 6 degrees Celsius. I love layering up and going for walks. I also celebrate a birthday and anniversary in October.
I am thinking about how lucky I am to have wonderful girlfriends. I just got back from a night away at the cottage with an extraordinary group of ladies.We spent the night drinking wine, talking and laughing.
I am wanting a long weekend only because since school started in September, I feel like I haven't stopped. This past week, I was overhearing a group of teachers saying how they're feeling overwhelmed and finding it hard to keep up. I feel the same way. September is busy and it's not going to slow down for a while. As teachers, we know what's coming. I'm trying to not complain because I really do have a great class of 24 grade 4 students that mostly like coming to school. They make me laugh and I have a great time with them, but it's all the responsibilities beyond the classroom that makes it tough. I think a long weekend would be good for all. Luckily in Canada, Thanksgiving happens in October.
I need to clean my house, enough said.
And finally, the treat. I don't have much to offer other than I hope everyone can enjoy some yummy treats on Halloween. I look forward to trick-or-treating with my 2 year old son.
Thank you Farley for the opportunity to link-up. Check out her site http://ohboy3rdgrade.blogspot.ca/
Sunday, June 8, 2014
Currently...June
Here is my first currently thanks to Runde's Room and Oh Boy, Fourth Grade
I was writing report cards. In fact I already plugged at them for 15 hours. This time I thought I count how long it takes me to complete my report cards, and these are the hours actually logged into eTeacher (report card writing program), I'm not even going to count the hours I spend marking. Technically I am logged on right now but I am not counting the time since I got sidetracked with completing my first "Currently" and with this I learned how to use Picasa. I see some fun things ahead of my blogging days.
So as I soak in the Dixie Chicks, Wide Open Spaces, I am loving the summer weather. I am thinking how I will survive the last 3 weeks of school. Report cards are due in 1 week.
I do want to go on vacation and luckily I have a flight booked to Calgary in July.
I so need a massage. My last massage was in October. I usually spoil myself a lot more than this.
This summer, I plan on just having a great break with my son. I'm sad that my husband will have to work the entire summer since he just started a new job. But we plan to do some cottaging and camping. Going to the beach, aquarium, zoo and just spending a lot of time outside.
The Ontario elections are coming up on Thursday, June 12th. At first, I was confident in the decision on which party I was going to vote for. If you follow me on Twitter, it's evident that I am on the #stophudak bus. I am trying to be informed during this election and I read the PC platform. I am trying to understand why anyone would vote PC. I asked my husband who worked for the private sector and now for the public sector. He feels a lot of money has been wasted, which is true since Ontario is in debt. Taxpayers are upset and they feel the PC party is going to fix it. As a teacher, I just can't imagine what those cuts will do to the education system. This year I have 29 students, if class sizes increase, does that mean more students next year? I had no educational assistants in my class and I know for sure 3 of my students needed EA support and at least 5 more can use some extra Special Education support. I didn't have it so I sucked it up and did my job. All I want to do is do my job and do it well without all this political drama. I may be dreaming, but a girl can dream.
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