Kontan’s Place

Really…what was I thinking?

The countdown is over, summer is finally here for me. Teaching summer school certainly had its ups and downs. Ups being the pay, downs being actually having to attend each day. I grew increasingly frustrated with the complete lack of ability in my classes. I had to read the exam to one student today. It was in that time that I realized why my summer students were doing SO poorly on all their open note/open book tests. Not only do they struggle with the material, they do not understand what the words in the question mean. They are vocab weak on top of reading disabilities. When I graded the test for this student I felt really bad. The first half of the test was done alone. The last half was me reading, upon request of the student. The second half had a significantly lower rate of missed questions. In the regular school year I would have the knowledge of who received what modifications and interventions. Either way, the term has passed. No one failed second term. I’m so proud of them. I really did enjoy this last group. My boys especially. They stepped up and really got into participation. Verbally they could really show what they knew. Written response and test taking is where they struggled. I’ll have to remember to follow up with them next year. Despite the frustration, despite the long days, and despite the summer time spent in a classroom…I’m glad I did it. I got to know some great kids and they got the feeling of working toward a goal and achieving success. Priceless.

now…countdown to the beach!!! 4 days!

the end is near

I’m sick of school. Sick of working. Sick of correcting children. Sick of noise. Time for a break. Tomorrow is the last day of summer school. Hopefully the time will pass quickly.

Thursday Thirteen: It’s that time again…

Wow, Thursday got here quick! With summer school ending I’m hoping to have time to visit my blogroll again. It has been a lot harder than I thought it would be. You may have seen my 13 for this week, I received it via email from a friend…

Men & Women

1. NAMES

If Laurie, Linda, Elizabeth and Barbara go out for lunch, they will call each other Laurie, Linda, Elizabeth and Barbara.

If Mark, Chris, Eric and Tom go out, they will affectionately refer to each other as Fat Boy, Godzilla, Peanut-Head and Scrappy.

2. EATING OUT

When the bill arrives, Mark, Chris, Eric and Tom will each throw in $20, even though it’s only for $32.50. None of them will have anything smaller and none will actually admit they want change back.

When the girls get their bill, out come the pocket calculators.

3. MONEY

A man will pay $2 for a $1 item he needs.

A woman will pay $1 for a $2 item that she doesn’t need but it’s on sale.

4. BATHROOMS

A man has five items in his bathroom: a toothbrush, shaving cream, razor, a bar of soap, and a towel from the Marriott.

The average number of items in the typical woman’s bathroom is 337. A man would not be able to identify most of these items.

5. ARGUMENTS

A woman has the last word in any argument.

Anything a man says after that is the beginning of a new argument.

6. CATS

Women love cats.

Men say they love cats, but when women aren’t looking, men kick cats.

7. FUTURE

A woman worries about the future until she gets a husband.

A man never worries about the future until he gets a wife.

8. SUCCESS

A successful man is one who makes more money than his wife can spend.

A successful woman is one who can find such a man.

9. MARRIAGE

A woman marries a man expecting he will change, but he doesn’t.

A man marries a woman expecting that she won’t change and she does.

10. DRESSING UP

A woman will dress up to go shopping, water the plants, empty the garbage, answer the phone, read a book, and get the mail.

A man will dress up for weddings and funerals.

11. NATURAL

Men wake up as good-looking as they went to bed.

Women somehow deteriorate during the night.

12. OFFSPRING

Ah, children. A woman knows all about her children. She knows about dentist appointments and romances, best friends, favorite foods, secret fears and hopes and dreams.

A man is vaguely aware of some short people living in the house.

13. THOUGHT FOR THE DAY

Any married man should forget his mistakes. There’s no use in two people remembering the same thing.

AND FINALLY…

A couple drove down a country road for several miles, not saying a word. An earlier discussion had led to an argument and neither of them wanted to concede their position. As they passed a barnyard of mules and pigs, the husband asked sarcastically, “Relatives of yours?”

“Yep,” the wife replied, “in-laws”

Hope you had a laugh today! Smile, it takes less effort!!!!

better day

Today was better. I grouped them yesterday afternoon and had them research and compare Reconstruction of the US after the Civil War and reconstruction of Iraq. There were four categories of research. They were given the instructions and turned loose. Several jumped in and got to work. A few had no idea how to search. Finally they came for questions. Woohoo! motivation. Baby steps. Today was not as exciting, but they can see the end is near and are working toward it.

Navigator or victim, which are you?

DEBORAH TIERCE: Do you approach problem-solving like a ‘navigator’ or a victim’?

4/30/2006 8:48:50 AM
Daily Journal

What is it that causes two people in the same circumstances to take entirely opposite approaches to solving their problems? One person faced with economic hard times sees it as an opportunity.

We call these people the “navigators.” They strike out on a whole new path, blaze a new trail, and try something entirely different. It is almost as though they gain a sense of excitement, exhilaration and energy by the challenge. By selecting a new path, they gain momentum and create a whole new opportunity for themselves. The end result is they have reinvented themselves, moved closer to what the behavior theorist, Abraham Maslow, called self-actualization.

Self-Actualization is defined as discovering the potential within. Navigators are likely to unearth their true potential by constantly engaging in self-analysis, self-improvement and self-direction.

Contrast that with “the victim,” who sees the same problem as a “conspiracy” on the part of the cosmic forces trying to keep them down. They were “born to lose,” or “can’t win for losing.” Circumstances are always out of their control, and they are victimized by bad luck, more powerful people or a bad upbringing holding them hostage to a life of doom and misery.

They do not see the problem as any sort of growth opportunity. No, that would require admitting they could do something about their circumstances. That would require taking responsibility for their choices and their actions. It just never occurs to the victims to change their thoughts, behaviors and/or attitudes. The end result for the victim is stagnation.

The sad part about victims is they never really identify themselves that way. They can certainly see it when others are victims, but don’t identify with it themselves. They have no awareness of the role they play in attracting these negative forces that seem to come their way over and over again. So the perennial question remains: What causes some to be navigators and others to be victims?

A colleague of mine came up with a term I find very useful in explaining victims. They are a victim of “The Rut Syndrome.” She said when a victim is in the rut of life, it saves them from the winds of life. To get out of the rut would be to risk being exposed. The rut is safe, even if it is defeating; it keeps the victims sheltered from exposure. To be exposed would be much more painful than the rut they live in. So they hunker down, make excuses and never admit their weaknesses.

This could also be called “The Infamous Comfort Zone.” To stay in the comfort zone is to deny one’s real potential. To deny it is easier than reaching it. Because again, reaching potential would require a change in behavior, and that seems to be what victims avoid.

WTH!

Miss ummmmm, is Mexico one-a-tha Confederate states?

WHAT!!!!! WHERE WERE YOU WHEN I LISTED THEM ON THE BOARD AND WHY ARE YOU NOT LOOKING AT WHAT IS LISTED AS YOU ASK THIS QUESTION! this week will not end soon enough.

continuing frustration

I find myself continually frustrated by the laziness of my students. I can not figure out if they are ignorant because they are lazy or lazy because they are ignorant. I have a serious problem with students leaving my class knowing nothing about the subject. I also have a problem with the lack of intrinsic motivation. A good teacher will motivate students to learn. Maybe that is the problem. Enthusiasm, anecdotal presentation, activity oriented, discussion pushing teaching tactics are obviously not working. Is a good teacher the guy upstairs that shows videos and gives worksheets? I despise over using either method. Honestly, his few students who made it to summer school are more clueless than those who failed my class.

Maybe you should be up teaching instead of posting to your blog…have been for the last hour and a half, before that I was going from student to student. There is only so much they can pay attention to and they are currently completing foundational information. If they don’t know the vocabulary then they have no idea what I’m talking about. So…down time at the moment. Here’s what I see…

Student 1- staring off into space, then back to answering her questions…pause. pause. pause. blow bubble…write a little more. (gum is not a battle I fight anymore as long as I don’t hear it. I would prefer not to see it too, but it was a silent bubble.)

Student 2- staring into mirror picking at her chin. she’s been doing this for well over a minute. now leans over to student beside her. eventually gets back to her work.

Student 3- came in late today, apparently was at the hospital last night b/c she has shot bandage on her arm and probe stick things still stuck to her. Trying to catch up.

Student 4- hasn’t stopped working, always writes extra info on assignments. Here only b/c she didn’t come to school enough. She may still struggle with language comprehension while reading…ESL

Student 5- rocking from side to side, looking like he is reading, probably not absorbing much b/c I think he is dancing to the music in his head. Looks back to question, back to book.

Student 6- big guy, had football at 6 AM…apparently no shower afterward. ew. Doing the work but having trouble concentrating.

Student 2 is back at the mirror.

Student 7- up blowing nose then back to work. Consults with student behind him.

Student 8- working fine, consulting with student 7 about where to find answer.

Student 9- came in late, diligently trying to catch up

Student 10- moving to the music in his head and has refused to do anything today.

Now it is time for lunch. I will hold them accountable for their work after lunch. It will be incomplete. After showing them how much their grade drops from their lack of work they will shrug. I spent from 7:45 until 11:40 walking from student to student, showing them the sections they have to read to find the answer. We listed all the things they know about the Civil War…I should have typed that for you. It was sadly amusing. Then I discussed several catalysts to the war, spending time on “Bleeding Sumner” and “John Brown’s Raid”. They like those stories. Blank stares. You know, my dogs at least turn their head as if they understand what I’m saying. Humor me people.

Sorry. Pretty beaten down today. My intrinsic motivation is waning.

Our own backyard

In his T13 comment Sage mentioned the Civil Rights Museum was interesting. As many visits as I make to the Birmingham area I’ve never been there. As long as I lived in the Shoals area, I never went to visit the Helen Keller home, W.C. Handy home, AL Music Hall of Fame…so many places! When we travel I try to visit the historic sites, why not at home? Currently we live in MS. I haven’t even researched to find out all the historic sites here. I drive by Brice’s Crossroads to take the dogs to their vet. I have taken the kids to the park near Elvis’s birthplace. Lived less than a mile from there once…never went in. I did go to the museum’s gift shop to buy a gift once. Am I the only one to ignore the history in my own backyard?

Sage…stop by the coke museum and try “Beverly”, let me know what you think!

Thursday Thirteen 6/22

Thirteen things about me

1
Today is my birthday. For my birthday T13 I will share with you 12 blog things about me.

2

You Are 83% American

You’re as American as red meat and shooting ranges. Tough and independent, you think big. You love everything about the US, wrong or right. And anyone who criticizes your home better not do it in front of you!

How American Are You?

Long test, didn’t like this one. I think I’m pretty much American through and through. I do disagree with the “wrong or right” part.

3

Your Summer Ride is a Beetle Convertible

Fun, funky, and a little bit euro. You love your summers to be full of style and sun!

What’s Your Summer Ride?

I LOVE IT!

4

Your Ideal Pet is a Cat

You’re both aloof, introverted, and moody. And your friends secretly wish that you were declawed!

What’s Your Ideal Pet?

A CAT! uh…no. A dog maybe, not a cat. Cats hate me. I don’t particularly care for them either. A dog, now there’s a pet.

5

You are a Black Coffee

At your best, you are: low maintenance, friendly, and adaptable At your worst, you are: cheap and angsty You drink coffee when: you can get your hands on it Your caffeine addiction level: high

What Kind of Coffee Are You?

Not a black coffee. I don’t like black coffee. I do agree with the addiction level though.

6

You Are 64% Happy

You are a very happy person. Generally, you feel content and that all is right with the world. Occasionally, you have a down day - but you have the ability to pick yourself right back up.

How Happy Are You?

Only 64%? Wow. With the description you would think it was a little higher.

7

Your Stress Level is: 62%

You are prone to stress, and you’re probably even pretty stressed right now. Life’s problems seem to pile up on you, and this often makes you feel depressed and burned out. Learn to take time to relax and enjoy life, even if things are stressful. It’s the only wa you’ll get through the bad times.

How Stressed Are You?

It’s been higher so 62% isn’t so bad. Not too stressed at this time. OK, if you read the previous post you know I’m lying. Well, no. That wasn’t stress, it was frustration.

8

You Are a Mai Tai

You aren’t a big drinker, but you’ll drink if the atmosphere is festive. And when you’re drunk, watch out! You’re easily carried away.

What Mixed Drink Are You?

At least it’s a drink I like…

9

Your Linguistic Profile:

55% General American English

35% Dixie

5% Yankee

0% Midwestern

0% Upper Midwestern

What Kind of American English Do You Speak?

Hey now, ok, guess it isn’t so bad that I don’t speak too southern. But glad it at least shows up on my speech scale. Favorite quiz so far.

10

Your Hidden Talent

Your natural talent is interpersonal relations and dealing with people. You communicate well and are able to bring disparate groups together. Your calming presence helps everything go more smoothly. People crave your praise and complements.

What’s Your Hidden Talent?

mmmmm, really?

11

You Are 28% Girly

You are a pretty hardcore tomboy, and a very free spirit. Gender roles be dammed, you like to do things your way.

How Girly Are You?

’bout right. Not a girly girl.

12

You Were a Cat

You are an independent person who inspires others with your dreams. A calm protector, you will fight when you need to.

What Animal Were You In a Past Life?

Again with the cat! No way was I a cat.

13

Your Birthdate: June 22

You tend to be understated and under appreciated. You have a hidden force to do amazing things, doing them your own way. People may see you as strange and shy, but they know little. Your unconventional ways have more power than they (and even you) know. Your strength: Standing up for what you know is true Your weakness: You tend to be picky and rigid Your power color: Silver Your power symbol: Square Your power month: April

What Does Your Birth Date Mean?

I kinda like this one too.

Thanks for stopping by…Now you know a little more about me, even if it is through blog things…Link up and tell me what ya think!

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OMG How long does it take?

Want to know why this group failed? Really? OMG OMG OMG! It has taken them since 8 AM to answer 50 reading guide questions that are compiled IN ORDER of their text, requiring no more than 5 words for each answer!!! They have not finished that plus the vocabulary for this chapter. ALL day we have been here…ALL FREAKIN DAY! HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE!!!!! I can’t stand up and discuss anything with them until they have read the material! I can tell them about it all day long but they aren’t going to get it if they don’t know what the words I am saying mean!!!!!!!!!! This is what I hate…what I REALLY hate. Know why they haven’t finished yet???? Because they are too freakin lazy to READ the %*%&*^&* ^*()&*(&()& book! IN ORDER PEOPLE!!! IN ORDER!

This is going to be a LONG two weeks. I would move on but then they would just fail. OMG this is not a hard class.