Something Actually About Being a 6th Grade Teacher

Okay, so I haven't posted much about teaching lately, only because I am not doing it right now. But, I just had a three day class called CORE Academy. I learned so much that I want to take back to my classroom for next year. Tuesday we talked about graphing and how we can introduce it and how we can teach it. Then we learned about decimals, fractions, and percent, and how we can use teach those three the way they are meant to be taught, they are all one. Wednesday we made foam rockets, burned our re-entry shield (talking about how technology helps us explore space). Learned about why we have seasons and the tilt of the Earth. Today we learned about Heat, and measurement. Over the last three days I have thought about journals and how I am going to use them in my everyday classroom. I have some ideas we will see if they will work, and if I can be more successful this year.
The funniest/weirdest/ best part of the week was when I walked into my class and I saw my 6th grade teacher. He had retired a few years back, but now he is teaching again. I never called him by his name, it would have been too weird to call him, Mike. It was weird enough to see him as an equal, rather than a teacher. But, it was also good.
I also sat by two other teachers from my old elementary. I watched them interact, and discuss how they could use it as a grade, and what they wanted to do, and how they could do it. And I was a little envious. I really would like to work with my team, but I honestly don't like their way of working. At CORE I was the youngest one of the group I was in and they were willing to listen to my suggestions, to even try it. I felt that I was able to have some input into the group. However, at school it is totally different. They don't want to listen to the suggestions I have. Seeing all these different groups work together made me realize what a team can do when they work together, when they are willing to listen to other ideas and learn from each other. It isn't just the older teachers telling the younger teachers how to do their job. It is the older helping the younger teacher become a better teacher, while not only helping them with ideas, but listening to the ideas they might have. They both have great ideas, it is just a matter what works best for the type of teacher you are or they are. I need to be more willing to learn from those around me, and I also need to be more willing to step-up and say, "Hey! I've got a great idea for you to try. What do you think?" Even if I feel that they won't see the value of the idea I have. At least I tried to be a cooperative teammate.

I am Loved

So, I went to the mailbox today and in it was a check statement from the school district. I was a little confused seeing as I don't get paid until next Friday. I thought it was coming really early, but whatever the district wants to do they can do. So, I opened it and inside there was a notice that we get paid $25 for every unused sick day, emergency day, and personal. I was totally shocked. This statement was to tell me I had earned an extra $200 this month. I now have money to put gas in my car, have my car serviced, to pay for all the extra junk I spent money on this month or a bunch of other things like that. It is a good reminder to why I pay tithing. I've never had the wonderful, "It was between paying my tithing and this one thing" type stories. Mine always seem to be, I pay my tithing and when I need it something comes. I thought it was the $20 from my sister-in-law. But it wasn't, it was the fact that my district is piloting this program to entice us not to use our sick leave. Something I had no idea about. What an amazing and incredible blessing it is, and it shows me once again the amazing amount of care my Heavenly Father has in my life. Don't ask me what I am going to do with it, gas is kind of a need, of course tithing on this, but the rest might just help me pay bills next month. I am so happy, and I just had to share.

John Mayer and Other Thoughts

A few early morning thoughts that ran through my head as I was driving from my house to Centerville and back this morning to get those blasted 5 cent notebooks at Wal-mart for school.
First off is John Mayer, he has been on my mind for weeks. Actually, mostly in the last 72 hours. I went to his concert in Salt Lake City on Monday and it was amazing. That man can totally rock. If you have never heard him, may I suggest you give him a listen. If you have heard him and you are thinking, "Isn't he the one who sings Your Body is a Wonderland?" Yes, he is and that honestly is the worst song he sings. If you still need convincing, listen to his version of Route 66 on Cars. It is incredible, it shows his mixing of normal rock and blues. And that is what makes him different than every other rock artist out there, blues. He took his song Daughters and made this 4 minute ballad into an 8 minute blues ballad. WOW! Not only that but he was pretty funny, he is a performer and I don't think I will ever listen to his music the same.
The next topic on my mind is those 5 cent notebooks, that I can't seem to get anywhere.
Then there is the new pretty phone, and when I think of that I start to think of the conversation I had with my roommate about my buying habits. And well, first let me show you the phone. here This is going to be the latest style of the phone I have now. And I love my phone, so why not upgrade, however, it isn't available so I have to wait, which brings me to my conversation with my roommate. I was telling her about the phone and how pretty it was etc. She just gave me her I am amused by what you are saying look. So, I called her on it. I also told her I like stuff, and I can afford it so why not. She just kept smiling and giving me a hard time about my stuff acquisition. So, I kind of started justifying myself. And I realized, I don't need to. This is my money, my life, and if I want to buy the pretty new phone when it comes out then I will and no one will stop me. I've decided this is my favorite thing about being a professional and single. I make money that I can spend and I don't have to answer to anyone else about the way it is spent. I know that sometimes I spend too much, see other post, but who knows when this fun is all going to end for me. So, I think I am going to enjoy it while I can.

Back to School?

Okay so boredom finally took over, and I am sitting in my classroom trying to be productive. At this moment it isn't working, but I have every intention of getting back into it in a few minutes. I came to get ready for math for the year. I had a rough time getting through the book, and the CORE standards last year, because I chose to play a few days. Well, this year I am resolving to get through what CORE has, and so I am taking the time to go through make sure I know what lessons go where and when I am teaching the concept. I am also trying to get lesson plans ready for my SmartBoard. I did a few on the fly last year. They were okay but they could be better. In case you were wondering, a SmartBoard is the coolest thing in my classroom. It is an interactive Whiteboard. It is connected to my computer and with the projector the lesson, presentation, etc. gets projected on to the board. I can move stuff around save ideas, write. It is the coolest thing ever, I love it and my kids love it. The subject I use it the most is math, I am hoping to add all the other subjects to my SmartBoard lessons. Now that I have wasted sometime I better get back and do that planning I need to get done.

Random Thoughts

So I sat here yesterday wondering where in the world all my money went this month. I get payed the same amount every month I would hope that I could manage to not overspend every month, then I realized between new glasses, contacts and the eye doctor. That took a lot of my spending money. Then I continued to spend like I had all the money in the world to spend. So, there went my whole paycheck and it is two weeks before I get payed again. However, little blessings, my roommate payed me back from the things we bought earlier in the month. Then I did my sister-in-law a favor (I drove her to Brigham City, and then I went and picked her up and drove her back to Ogden) and she gave me money for gas. I wasn't about to decline, but I still had to tell her she didn't need to. Then out of curiosity I counted the change in my change jar, I had over $20 in there. So, between all of that I have money to last me the next couple of weeks. At least maybe get gas in my car and food.
Also yesterday I was sitting and thinking about life and what is going on in mine. Wondering if I am in the right place doing the things I need to be doing. I'm stressing a little bit about the fact I've put myself in the same spot I was last year with the team. I was also thinking about my grandma. If she was still alive she would have turned 100 yesterday. I just thought about the things I learned from her and how she wouldn't have had any doubts about what I am doing, and she would have been cheering me the whole way. I decided to read my journal from two years ago and as I was reading I was able to see my whole hiring process, and growing process I went through. There were points where I had no idea who the girl I was reading about was. She seemed so different from the person I am today. I related to what she went through, I understood how hard it was for her. But it didn't seem like it was me at all. I guess that is a good thing. It means I am doing what I am supposed to do, growing. Also, as I read this journal I realized even though it was tough last year, I am where I need to be. I am going to go through another tough year. However, I think I have learned somethings that I needed to know that will make this year just a little bit easier. I can't wait until I see and I do so I really do know if the Miss. Duncan now is a different Miss. Duncan than last year. It is going to be a fun ride.

Can't wait

I can't wait until the day that I am no longer so bored I check my blog a million times to see if anyone has left a comment, or if anyone else has posted something new. One month and I am back at school, and getting ready.

Finally

I've added my trip pictures. This is only about a tenth of them. If you have time watch the slide show. Hope you enjoy.

My Trip Pictures

Provo, Italian, and John Mayer

So, yesterday I went to Provo. I know that doesn't seem like the most likely place for me to head on a Thursday morning. But, two of my really good friends live down there. And one of them I haven't seen forever. So, to Provo I went. I left at 10:15 forgetting that rush hour was over and I would make it in good time. I didn't need to be there until 12. I got to Provo around 11:30. I know my friend wouldn't have minded me being there a few minutes early, but she was working from her home and didn't need me there bugging and looking for entertainment. So, I waited patiently at Barnes and Noble, just thinking I wanted to buy somethings. I found a book on the Ancient Civilizations that I think would have been nice to have in my classroom, and Praxis study book. Then I decided, no. So I headed to my friend's apartment on the south side of campus. It was nice to see her and catch up on all the things that were going on. I kind of miss that friendship and I decided I need to call her once a week from now until forever, just to let her know I am thinking about her and I care about her. We went out to lunch and just talked. It nice to do that with someone who has known the best and worst parts of me, from Jr. High to College.
My other friend lives in the Italian House. I have to say my mind is still going in circles from that experience. For two hours it was almost straight Italian. This morning I woke up saying phrases that made absolutely no sense to me. I don't know if it was Italian but it very well could have been. I couldn't really talk to everyone there, well, I guess I could have in English, only to be answered in Italian. And actually I think they would have answered in English, but I was a little shy to even try. It is okay. The whole experience in the house is practice for them. So, I won't worry about it. Dinner was amazing though. I felt very spoiled.
As I was sitting around thinking, because I got a lot of time to think, I thought about how much I missed out. I spent so much time worried about getting through the program, and where I would get a job, that I think I missed a lot of social experiences. I decided I would make the most out of what I get around here. It isn't much but someday it will be gone forever.
My favorite part of the night was charging my credit card for two tickets to see John Mayer on July 21, with my Italian speaking friend. That is all I really want to do in the next two weeks, and now I am going. Hooray! I am so excited. It gives me something positive to look forward to.
I have to be back in school in a month. It is going too fast. I haven't enjoyed my summer like I should have. And now I am starting to think about things I can do for school. Oh, well, I have a month. I should just enjoy and not think.

Something Postive

Okay, so I was just going to complain about the fact I am bored. But, I have already done that and I decided I needed to share eleven positive things from the week. So, in Letterman style (moving from 11-1). Here it goes:
11. I saw 3 of my former students today. Two didn't see me, but one did. It was nice to touch on those memories and relationships again.
10. I got to have dinner with my friend Rachel before she goes on all her little trips the next two weeks.
9. I am getting a new calling at church. I can't say what it is, even though I know what the calling is, it isn't official. I am just excited to not be Ward Choir director anymore, and up for a new challenge. I'll let you know on Sunday.
8. I got past season 2 of Gilmore Girls, and I am now enjoying season 3 at a much slower pace.
7. I felt skinny today.
6. I got to go swimming with some of my friends in my ward, in a warm pool. However, I was almost thrown in by a member of the bishopric when I walked into the backyard. But, It made me laugh. 5. I laughed hard.
4. I shared pictures of my trip on Facebook. Still trying to figure out how I am going to do it here. I promise I'll find a way. I am thinking slide show I will warn you there are 200 pictures I want to show off.
3. I found out the stickers that I love to use for scrapbooking and other various projects aren't discontinued, the ones I want are just not being ordered by the stores. I also have a contact for the company so I can write and see if they can help me out.
2. I got to talk to my best friend. I haven't talked to her in FOREVER. I decided I am going to go and see her on Thursday. I am very, very, excited.
1. I am happy. Even though I am bored, I am happy and that is all that matters in my life.

One thing that really bugs me

The fact that when you feel the opposite of what everyone else feels on a subject they think you are crazy. I am sure I do the exact same thing, but particularly tonight it is bugging me. I chose out of my own free will to stay home and watch Gilmore Girls, while my roommate and some of our friends from the ward went to see fireworks. Honestly, I wasn't in a social mood for one, and the other I don't have a need to see fireworks every year. My roommate just came home from the fireworks and told me I missed out, because it was a half an hour straight of fireworks. If I LOVED fireworks and there was an other reason to why I stayed home, like work or something like that, I think I would feel bad. As I said I didn't care, she just looked at me like I was crazy. And maybe I am, but my favorite part of the 4th is the sitting around with the family, after the parade talking and playing. This 4th was especially great because my sister from Idaho was there with her 7 kids. I hadn't seen them since Christmas. Once the city parade was over we just hung out at my mom's and talked. Played games, made lunch and ate. To me that is the 4th. Fireworks are nice but the best part of all is being with the family and enjoying the freedoms we have to be in a family, and to have a day off. I don't get that everyday. While here in Utah celebrations will last all the way through to Aug. I will get another chance to see fireworks in the next few weeks. I won't ever have the chance to be with my family like that again. (That isn't because there is going to be a big change, it is because my family will change.)
Favorite quote from the family time today. I have to share. We were talking about having a reunion next year during the summer up around the Tetons. While we were talking about dates, I said something like, "What if I am getting married?" To which a few replies came, "Are you telling us something?" "Well, you'll bring your husband or fiance with you." The best of all, "We'll have a BIG celebration just for you. And we'll call it a wedding." I absolutely love my family. They make me the happiest every time I see them. Fireworks or no fireworks.

Air Conditioner

Our air conditioner was fixed this afternoon. My room is going to be bearable tonight. YEA! Other than that life isn't too exciting right now. The problem with getting things over that you wanted to do, is that they are over and you can't look forward to them again.
Oh well, I get to go to Logan tomorrow and spend the afternoon with my sister then go to the temple and see my cousin and his wife be sealed. Then the next day is the 4th of July and hopefully I'll get to see my family for awhile. Then it is back to typical everyday life.
I promise pictures will be coming soon. I was trying to put some on facebook and I got to 60 and I wasn't even half way done. I don't think the world needs to see more than that on here. So, I will narrow it down to a few. I just need to decide which ones the world will not be able to live without.


I felt these two were appropriate for the 4th. These were taken at Ft. McHenry. This is a replica of the flag that was flown at the end of the Battle of Baltimore. This flag is 30ft. x 42 ft. and has 15 stars and 15 stripes. There were 18 states in the Union at the time however, the flag didn't have as strong of a meaning for them at that time as it does for us now. However, because of a flag flying over the fort we get our National Anthem. It was incredible for me to hear the story and to help raise that flag. I am so grateful to be part of the wonderful country we are in.