Observations

This term I am at Byrd High School for my observations. I am in a Geometry class one day a week and in a Pre Calc/Advanced Math class another. Yesterday I was in the PreCalc. I was a little nervous because that is not something I have ever taught. I figured she would be talking way over my head. I was quite glad she wasn't. I found myself working the problems right along with her and getting excited. I thought to myself, "You know you are a nerd when you are this excited about a math problem!"

I loved working with this teacher. She had command of her classroom, was full of energy, responsive to the needs of her students, and used some pretty impressive strategies for teaching and controlling the room. I was definitely taking notes and thinking, got to try some of that in my room!

Paper Dolls and MAT

Every time I start a new class I wonder what is going to be required. I am a good student, but not incredibly social. There is always that moment when I have to stand up and talk, or interact, or engage in some cooperative learning.

This class was my diverse learner class, and so far, the most I gained from. We talked alot about multiple intelligences and learning preferences. Those ideas weren't new to me, but I did have an opportunity in this class to apply some of that to myself and learn about me. I wasn't who I thought I was.

I am definitely interpersonal, some verbal linguistic, but really a fence straddler on the verbal and math-just enough to make me dangerous but not extremely proficient in either. I also learned that I am abstract sequential which really explained a lot. I can be creative which is unusual for math people, but then again, I am not extremely logical. Those logic puzzles don't interest me at all....I like challenge, but with the attention span of a fly, it better not take me too long to figure it out or I am totally bored with it.

This was my second class, 6 hours of 36 done! Whew...and at a very busy time of my life, so getting this one done was hectic. Our major signature piece for this one was a diversity quilt. Now when I first heard that, I shuddered. A quilt? In six weeks? Plan a wedding, work on remodeling, make a quilt...seriously...I don't think so. Turns out, it wasn't a quilt exactly, but really more of a paper doll. We had to design our doll with symbols that represented us. We also had to include a bio poem, a story about us, and a family history story. I was quite nervous, but once the creative juices got flowing...just couldn't help myself. In all of my college experiences, this one takes the cake. I LOVED doing this project. My doll has a beach themed dress on, with sea shells representing my siblings, and ships tracking our family history. Her vest opens up to reveal a book about me, and my bio poem.

I was so worried about doing this, jumped in, had a blast...and turns out...had the prettiest one in the class...although there were a few art majors that got creative for sure! The math people, not so much! :) My professor laughed as my classmates picked on me...she said I was classic first born overachiever. I am too! I laugh every time she tells a story because it is like looking in a mirror.

The more I learn, the more I grow into myself and become the person I should have been all along, the more eager I am to share my life. The more I want to be doing exactly what I am destined to do...although what that is-still up in the air. I am open. I am growing. I am learning and I am changing every class I take, and every experience I have!

One Class Down

I am on my way to an MAT. My first class ended this week with a final, observations, and a research paper. It was classroom management, and I learned so much more than I could write down. Our teacher gave us excellent resources to work with. The text is phenomenal with all sorts of helps on the web site.
I vacillated back and forth between excitement, awe at the responsibility, and fear-can I really do this? Then...I found myself studying and researching, drawn to what I love to do, teach. I find myself reviewing math formulas, strategies, the how to's....hmmm...where is my heart???? It is in teaching, and as much as I love language and will work in that area too, still lean towards math. Weird I know.
Went to an LSUS graduation yesterday. I watched as student after student walked for masters and bachelor degrees. I tried to count the number of education graduates and wondered about them. They would be looking for teaching positions, would they find what they learned to be helpful? Would they make it? Do they have hearts of teachers? What about me? Will I make it? Will I be able to make a difference? Will I be able to get a job??? :)
First things first, learn and grow, then I will be ready to be what I need to be. 12 more classes to go!

To be a Teacher....

That is one of those thoughts that have come and gone for many years in my life. I have contemplated doing something else quite a few times....if not for the encouragement and prodding of my hubbie. I really drug my feet getting everything done to start the MAT, if it were not for my hubbie...:) He was determined I was gong to get in and get this done, even if he had to do the leg work to get me there....and he did.

Last night was my first class. My instructor is the principal of Tech's elementary school. She told us story after story of why she is a teacher and why it is important. I found myself tearing up and wondered if anyone else was...snuck a peak to see....couldn't tell. I have some similar stories about kids I have taught-since I started this over 18 years ago and many are grown with their own kids now. There is nothing more amazing than watching a child grow up and reach for what they weren't sure they were capable of achieving. Even thinking about my own children and our family history; my son was the first to go to college right out of highschool and on scholarship. 2 of my 3 kids are in college-not remarkable in itself except that in my family no one went to college. My husband and I are the first to hold degrees in our family.

My professor ended class last night by reading a children's book to us. The book was about a little girl that couldn't read and felt dumb until a wise teacher discoverd she had special needs. With his help she learned to overcome her disability and became a writer (the writer of this book) of children's literature. One teacher made a difference in her life. That is what I love about teaching-reaching the one, inspiring, encouraging, being that cheerleader. I wanted to jump up and shout when she got done with that story! I left class last night so encouraged. I know I have a lot of work in front of me and a lot of changes. I never like change and don't adjust well, but life is all change...and I just got to get over that. I am apprehensive about how I am going to accomplish something so big and manage the rest of my life, but....am also so excited about the possibility!

Wow....I am going to be a teacher.

MAT in sight

Finally...after all my hem hawing around...nervous about stepping out and trying to balance something else...I am on track!

Went to Tech yesterday to meet with a counselor and finish up my admission requirements. She went over the program with me, what classes were offered when and what I would need to do. It is definitely different that a bachelors...lots of extra work to do besides the classes themselves. I am quite nervous about the change, about going into the schools here and watching the classrooms at work, but know it will give me an opportunity to grow as a teacher.

Sylvan has really allowed me to teach different ages in different ways. It has been such a learning experience for me....to see how they suggest a concept is presented, what tools to use to teach a skill...Much more valuable than any book knowledge could be.

Now it is time to move forward again. I start my first class in March, and according to my plan of study, will be down to just a few classes by fall of next year. By then, I will know where my heart is in teaching....what age and grade, and what to do next!

Mission Conference

We just wrapped up or church's primary mission conference under our new pastor. It was quite different from previous years (which was to be expected), but it was just awesome. God really challenged my heart through the music, interaction, and messages. I wanted to go to every place presented! Our pastor spoke last night. His challenge to us was to love our Lord in such a way that we were faithful in our own personal mission field. We have neighbors who need to be reached. I need prayer on how to reach them.

Today, the Monday after, I am absolutely exhausted! I am not sure if it is more physical, emotional, or Spiritual. There was so much going on in one week...who knows! I needed to hit the ground running today, but it sure didn't happen. I am too tired to move that fast!

Saturday, I took my Praxis: Math Content. I prayed myself to sleep Friday night, got up Sat. morning, ate protein, did devotions, and reviewed for a minute. I was so nervous. I got there and had to wait for about 45 minutes. It was incredibly challenging; there was virtually nothing on it that I have ever taught or likely to. The questions were more theoretical, thought provoking, than just punch in a calculator do the Algebra kind of thing. By question #37, I was mentally whipped and wanted to quit-13 questions to do and 30 minutes left to do them in. After a short pep talk with myself and a prayer for help, "Lord, which of these problems can I do?" "Lord, which of these answers is correct?" I figured He knew, because I sure didn't! I kept plugging away and did my best to finish. Now I have to wait 4 weeks to see if I made the cutoff score. There was a disclaimer on the back which said not all questions may be counted-sure hoping those are the ones I had to guess "C."

Not much got done on the house last week, and I am feeling overwhelmed by that. We have only managed to get two quads of tiles down, bummer. I have some little things I can work on, but tile really needs to go in. We thought we could do it in pieces...mixed the thin set...bought a big bucket to store the left over in...set our first quad...and wanted to wait to see how it did. Next day, opened up the bucket to work on the next quad--thin set completely solid! Zug! New idea-buy the premixed stuff...it doesn't dry out like that, and Steve did get another quad set, but..it is taking forever to harden. It has been drying for two days and still not solid. Hmmm....need a new plan!

Katherine and I are sewing this week for SCA. We really wrestled with it, but how could we refuse. Girls need coulottes-not one of those things you can just run buy! Somehow-God's grace I am sure-her and I have to get about 20 pairs done in just over a week. It would already be challenging, but we have to start from scratch on the pattern. We weren't able to get the pattern we loaned out back. I searched for another similar one, and think I found one, but it has to be altered. That too would not be that big of deal; however, a friend altered the last one for me; I didn't pay attention, and she is no longer available! Kat and I both are working today, so in between-going to SCA to get initial measurements; After work I am going to get fabric, and then her and I are going to get started cutting. In between the sew moments, gonna try to get a few things done on the house. Really hoped to be in phase two by the first of December...still a long way from that! Alright...we will get it done...because God knows our hearts, and He knows the needs.
I'm off-not running-but moving!

Drama

Is everyone's life filled with drama or is it just mine? I was talking to my brother last week and he laughed. He said it is always something over there...and it is. He was referring to Katherine wrecking her car, all that goes with that, and then...she blew a plug in the living room, leaving us in a brown out. So Friday, I kept Caitlyn who would not sleep all day. If Doreen hadn't of been here to relieve me, I would have gotten absolutely nothing done except hold her. I did manage to squeeze in a load of laundry, sweep a floor, study a bit, and make lunch. It took me all day to get dressed and brush my teeth! Wow...forgot how much time it takes to take care of an infant! After Tonia picked Caitlyn up, I went right to work on my Praxis. I studied that till dinner, went to dinner at Saltgrass (Texas steakhouse right here in Louisiana), and walked around the boardwalk for a bit, mostly so Steve and Todd could have man to man time (that was at Katherine's request). Katherine and Todd are now official...she is of course beaming ( I really hope this is a case of third times a charm and not three strikes your are out!) After the walk and talk, we came home, and I again went to work on my Praxis. I was getting pretty excited, thought maybe, just maybe I could pass it...then...it was cancelled due to the hurricane. Wow...bitter sweet...all those hours put in to prepare for it...I do have more time to learn all those formulas and how to operate this fancy smancy calculator which will do everything but the dishes! Hurricane winds and rain swept through leaving a wake of pecan branches and debris all over the place, but we did not flood and did not lose power (except for our little brown out adventure!) Yea...and all that drama only covers one week in the life of the Ward family!

New Math

1 van plus 1 car plus 1 truck = 3 vehicles, but 3 vehicles- 1 van - 1 car =4: 2 trucks, 1 jeep, and 1 Saturn - 1 truck and 1 Saturn= 2 again. Hmmm?? Confused? Us too...Kat wrecked her Saturn which has now been totalled. We are waiting to hear what the insurance company is going to settle on so we will know what we owe. So we are back at two vehicles, three people, three jobs, and college. Well God always knows...Kat got a new job at Aafes. The job just opened up. She will be working from 2-9ish every day except her class night at the BX which is just a hop, skip, and jump from the education building. She gets out of class at 12ish every day which gives her time to walk over there, get something to eat and maybe do some homework (maybe?). It makes for a long day for her, but steady hours, no real transportation issues (she goes to class and gets off work at compatible times for me to take her and pick her up), and steady pay. Her hours at Kohl's has been so up and down, and she is not making enough to pay her way. Aafes has long term potential for her so who knows...God does!

Speaking of new math-I have been studying for my Praxis II tomorrow. I have been cramming so much information into my little brain that it is having trouble processing the smallest of requests! I couldn't do simple division last night at Sylvan! Decided a night off was in order so I could be fresher today in my review and practice tests. I am in no way ready for this test, but have to plunge in. Maybe with a little grace, the questions I know will be the ones on my test as opposed to the multitude of questions I have no clue on! I am so anxious about it that last night I had one of those high school dreams-the one where you show up late, can't find your class, your seat, your locker, don't have your supplies, pencils, paper, everyone is waiting on you, etc...(I wasn't naked-not the dream where you show up in your underwear). I woke up with a start this morning and then had to smile. That anxiousness over school never seems to go away, no matter how old we get! Tomorrow is the day...have a very full day today-plumber will be here any minute, Kat will be in and out with school and aafes paperwork, and...I needed her help today babysitting Caitlyn. I have no idea how I am going to study and take care of a baby (little out of practice on that one!), but I will sneak it in somehow! Tonight we are taking Todd and Kat out for a steak dinner-repayment to Todd for taking care of the house while we were in NC. I am sure dinner for me will be laced with visions of numbers/letters/symbols dancing in my head!

My book is sitting next to me, baby is stirring-eyes open-better make a bottle, someone is calling....

Memorable moments

It is finally done! I took my GRE today. It was certainly challenging. I highly recommend the Cliff's Notes version of the GRE prep book. It really helped. It has problem/question analysis, practice tests, hints, and format help so I knew what to expect. The test was laid out just like it is in the book...and let me tell you, if you plan on taking the GRE, brush up on your vocabulary skills! I was so tired yesterday that I went to bed really early. I got up this morning, had a good protein breakfast, got dressed, and looked over my book a bit. I was so focused on the test that I walked out the door with my slippers on. I didn't even notice till I was half way there, and I could not turn around. So....I went to a testing center to take a grad entry test in my slippers! Good thing they look like flip flops and not fuzzy pigs! LOL I had to laugh at myself....how funny is that!

Now I am going to start getting ready for the PRAXIS. I think the GRE was harder than the PRAXIS I is going to be, so it is next! Oh yea, and praise God...Kat finally got all of her TOPS paperwork done and approved. We hit a few snags along the way, but she qualified for the Louisiana TOPS performance award. She will get just over $1,000 for her tuition a quarter and a $400 stipend a year. She registers Monday for her first set of classes.

How is your vocab?

I decided my time is up-I HAVE to study for the GRE, which is tomorrow. I have been working on the math section and the writing sections, but left the vocab, thinking...I got this. After a Lowes run last night, a much needed hot bath, and a cup of coffee, I sat down to go over the vocab. It is analogies mostly, but how do you choose relationships or antonyms for words you have never heard of!? For example: IMBROGLIO, ABSTEMIOUS, INVEIGH???? I am definitely not as smart as I thought I was, and this morning I am working on my vocabulary! (Now ask me some carpentry terms or construction terms, and I might get those!)