Teacher Tip Tuesday

I just realized I didn't create a Tuesday theme.  So here is is...Teacher Tip Tuesday.  My reflective prompt while preparing this was: What tip could a teacher give a parent to help them out?

Millions of things come to mind.  Read with your child every night.  Talk about money and making change while at the store.  Make observations while at the park.  These are all pretty run in the mill stuff you can catch in any good teacher's monthly newletter.  So what teacher tip could I offer that would be different?

I'm just wrapping up my first month as a gifted education teacher.  After attending many meetings and learning a lot about forms and deadlines.  And how important it is that parents come to their child's IEP or EP meetings...let alone teacher conferences...My tip is this:

ADVOCATE FOR YOUR CHILDREN!  You are your child's best chance at having a successful school experience.  It is so true that the squeaky wheel gets the grease.  I would love to tell you that every school is an amazing learning environment filled to the brim with highly effective teachers who have all the time in the world to give each child all the attention they deserve but that's just not the case. 

The reality is that schools do the best they can.  We are continually seeing budget cuts.  Teachers are underpaid and don't always receive the supports needed to service each child's needed...especially when the need is unidentified.  It's a sad cruel reality.  Compassion and empathy are needed.  As a parent and a teacher, I find myself hunting for those two skills often.

I found an article about how to advocate for your child from the National Center for Learning Disabilities.  However, I think these suggestions are good for any and all students.

1. Know the rules.
2. Get to know the people who make decisions about your child's education.
3. Keep records.
4. Gather information.
5. Communicate effectively.
6. Know your child's strengths and interests and share them with educators.
7. Emphasize solutions.
8. Focus on the big picture.
9. Involve your child in decision making as early as you can.

I know that it can be hard not to turn in to big bad mama bear when you feel your child isn't getting what they need.  Arming yourself with research, information, and solution suggestions is the perfect way to help make sure your child gets what they need.  Ask questions.  Tons of them.  If you don't get answers...seek new experts.  But know that your child's teacher is probably doing the very best they can in a very complicated system full of red tape, deadlines, and paperwork.

This post is dedicated to all my friends and family members who have children with special needs.  Keeping fighting for your babies.  You will reap all the rewards!

Sabbatical Saturday

Today is Sabbatical Saturyday, I’ve spent some time researching some events and activities that are happening this weekend in our area. Our family is like so many other families in this economy. All our income is eaten up by mortgage payments, insurance, utility bills, and anything left over seems to get goggled by unexpected car and air conditioning repairs. Finding free or extremely cheap activities to do is really important to me.

Clearwater Marine Acquarium


Winter (from Clearwater Marine Acquarium's website)

We have a local dolphin celebrity here in Clearwater. Winter the dolphin is known for her prosthetic tail. Hollywood recently made a movie about her and yesterday was opening day for the movie! So this family outing is twofold. Head out to your local theater to catch Winter’s movie, Dolphin Tale. Then head over to the Clearwater Aquarium to see the star herself. It’s about $10 per kid and $15 per adult. Not exactly cheap. BUT if you are an educator you get in for free. Although the price is somewhat high for a relatively small aquarium. Most of the employees are volunteers, they are a rescue center, and they have to feed all those animals. So you know your admission is going towards the animals.

Artsalive/Free Museum Day


All of St. Pete’s amazing museums are open to the public for FREE today (9/24/11) from 10am to 3pm. If you have been wanting to check out one these museums and have been putting it off. Today is the day people! It also includes the Downtown Walk Tour (10am and noon).

Glazer Children's Museum

This is one of Jordan and Emily's favorite places.  We've only been once or twice but we love it.  Each area is designed to stimulate problem solving, creative thinking, and role play.  Regular admission is about $10 for kids and $15 for adults.  But they have special events and coupons out there.  The first Tuesday of every month is $2 Tuesdays.  But this weekend they are celebrating their birthday!  There will be a huge event 9/25/11 at noon at the museum. With prizes, radio Disney, a marching band...and all for free! Admission to the Museum is just $5 until September 30th!

Now all we need to do is decide who we will spend out weekend together!

New Structure

In my education blog, I discussed structure and the struggles I am having at work right now.  But I realize that perhaps lack of structure is a problem in other areas too.

A friend of mine has a fantastic blog about her life as a mother of 3 boys.  She is a great writer, often bringing me to tears.  She is quick witted and writes from a place of sincerity.  I am completely going to gank her structure right now in an effort to create more focus to my blogs entries.  Sometimes I look at this screen and think...this thing reads like a personal journal.  Where is the humor and interest?  Am I that out of practice in writing creatively?  The answer is yes.

So, Kimmay, I'm completely stealing (with honor) your idea of theming your days.  Kim does Take Action Tuesday and Song Wednesday.  I'll leave those to you but here is what I came up with...I may not do all of them every week but they will offer structure to my posts...I hope.

Sabbatical Saturday: around town activities to do with the kids.
Shopping Sunday: great deals or shopping excursions
Mystery Monday: riddles and puzzles the kids and I tried out
What's That? Wednesday: Questions the kids asked and/or reporting on something we didn't already know
Two-Step Thursday: dance and busy schedule stuff
Freedom Friday: anything goes!

I"m going to take my first Freedom Friday literately and put in a quote.  I think words are important.  Meaningful words can change your life.  They can lift the spirit and move a person into action.  They can ease pain and stroke the ego.  What we say and what we do are different and when they aren't in sync...we something hurt those we love.  Here is my Freedom Friday quote:

One's philosophy is not best expressed in words; it is expressed in the choices one makes... and the choices we make are ultimately our responsibility.
Eleanor Roosevelt (http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/keywords/words_3.html)


Eleanore Roosevelt is one of my favorite historic women. Not only was she a women who worked within an area that was dominated by male academics and jurists, she worked hard to do what she believed was right, just, and humane for the citizens of America.
She was known for her common sense, optimism, ability to facilitate others.  These are all qualities I value and emulate to the best of my ability.

This is as good as it gets

Neither one of my girls woke in the night...until Jordan came crying to me at about 6am.  She'd had a nightmare about rats getting into her room (yuck).  She was wimpering and sniffling.  Just pitiful.  She crawled in to snuggle, wrapping arms around my neck and tucking her knees against my belly.  She was still quietly crying so I hugged her a little tighter.  I heard a whispered, "I love you, Mommy", a little sign and then her deep breathing that told me she had fallen asleep again.

It just can't get any better than that.  I live for those moments with Jordan.  Our days are filled with her tulmultous four  year old emotions.  We spend just as much time laughing and playing as we do arguing and debating.  So those quiet moments where she is loving and snuggly are priceless to me.

Emily woke up not too long after Jordan fell back asleep.  She crawled into bed between Josh and I.  Threw one arm over her head and demanded soft tickles on her side, "Tickle me Mom-mom".  With both of my babies in bed with me...both cuddling closer; Jordan sleeping, Emily demanding attention.  I feel content and happy.  These miracles are mine.  I am constantly challenged; my emotions, my patience, my ability to give attention and balance my career.  But I am constantly rewarded; with new vocabulary and milestones met; with smiles and giggles during tickle fights; with warm cuddles to start my day with.

I don't stop often enough to appreciate my daughter's unique gifts or their roles in shaping me as a person.  I am stronger because they are in my life.  They teach me more about who I am than anyone or any experience I have ever had. 

Jordan's First Day at VPK

Jordan went to her first day of VPK this past Monday.  She was so excited to go to Wilhelm's five days a week this year.  She seems to love her teacher, Mrs. Gibbs, and enjoys that there are more kids in her class; although Trevor isn't in her class this year :o(

Here are some pics of her walking into class the first day taken by Josh since I had to report to my own school.

We have put morning and evening routines in place.  We are also using a job chart for her to earn stars during the week.  Depending on how many stars she earns we do something special.  She can earn trips to the beach, park, or mall.  I'm thinking of adding the sprinkler park to that list although we may not get more than a month or two out of that one until spring. 

She is highly motivated by this system.  I've even noticed her being more helpful in areas where she doesn't earn stars.  Josh and I have been pouring on the positive reinforcement a lot more since school started. 

I'm looking forward to Parent night next Monday to find out what themes they will be studying and how Josh and I can support her teacher this year.  Kindergarten is one year away!!!!  

Weight Loss Graph

A couple of posts ago I wrote out my weight loss journey so far. Today was a big day because I reached a small goal early and now weigh 153.2 lbs.  That means in the past two years I have lost 26.8 lbs total.  I am 8.2 pounds away from my first big goal of 145lbs.  I will reassess and set a new goal if I need to after that.

Here is my graph over the past two years!

I don't put much stock in the weight loss by date.  It's something to shoot for but I don't obsess over it.  So excited!

Fashionista!

Josh and I were killing some time in the mall today while his car got worked on.  We went into one of my FAVORITE stories for work clothes, New York and Company.  He picked out several outfits for me to try for fun.

He picked out the following items (wish I had taken a pic of myself in them):

This tank in a small!!! I can't find a pic of the jean like leggings I had on with them.
with this sweater

Also tried on this dress. But I didn't like the button down on the skirt part.

Then I tried out these pants, but I wish I had tried on a darker pair.  These are an stain waiting to happen.
tThose pants with this shirt., of course I'd need a little sweater...like the one above.

It was so much fun to have him pick stuff out and try it on.  We had already been to see Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part II, the mall, and then Olive Garden for lunch.  It was a great date.  We had a blast.