Bouncy Beef-Dippers

My daughter to me while we were eating dinner:

"Dad, you know what was really frustrating today?  Okay, so I went to lunch and they were out of hot dogs, which is what I wanted.  All they had was salad, which I didn't want because it doesn't fill me up, PB&J, which is what I got because that was the best choice left, cheese quesadillas, which I hate, and teriyaki beef-dippers, which I didn't want because they bounce. . ."

I can't remember the rest of her paragraph.  I was stuck on the teriyaki beef-dippers that bounce.  I have to agree with her, though.  Yuck!

T Shirt Design for UMDF Energy for Life

THE reason for teaching

Went to a family circle this evening for the school. What a great experience! All day today I was frustrated with the direction of my planning, and things were not materializing very well. This open house was just what I needed. Meeting the students and their families helped bring a lot into focus. I feel humbled by the trust of these families, and I feel a great desire to serve them as their child's teacher. So many of the children were anxious to meet their teachers, and they exuded a genuine excitement for getting back to school. Their bright eyes and eager demeanor energized me so much. As I was driving home, my planning had taken on new life, and now I am super jazzed about some new directions in which my mind is heading. If I can only get them down on paper before I forget them all.

Nothing like meeting the kids. That's the reason I do what I do. Now, if only I can squeeze five days between this Thursday and Friday. . .

I need a towel

Starting a new job where I will be a project teacher has an entirely new set of concepts and vocabulary spinning around in my head recently. Guiding questions, student choice, process over products, etc. It was in this frame of mind that I witnessed Jacob spill his water the other day. He looked up at me and said: "I need a towel!" Perfect, I thought. He did not dwell on his problem. Instead, he knew how to solve it, and he focused on the solution (my Dad called that being "solution-focused, not problem-focused"). I hope I can facilitate a classroom (and a home) where children can maintain this type of thinking.

Back to Blogging

My new job has renewed my interest in blogging and professional social networking. I am excited to record (and share) my success, frustrations, insights, and questions from many areas of my life.