Yesterday in class, the gerunds and infinitives were even boring me to death. I switched to prepositions, but it wasn't enough- I had to get candy and dancing involved.
I gave them a gumdrop and a toothpick for each correct answer on the worksheet. Then I told them to build something from the gumdrops and tooth picks. They built a house (with a satillite) a church, and a rollar coaster. They also built some very thin people and dogs. That was a pretty good diversion. Then we still had 40 minutes left in class, and one student wanted to leave early- I said "No way man!"
He said, "What if I dance for you, then can we leave early?"
Now that is a pretty good trade off- yes indeed.
I agreeded that I would let the whole class go 10 minutes early if he got in the front of the room and danced for 30 seconds.
He finally agreed and got up and did one of those Russian squat and kick dances. It was awesome- I should have gotten a picture! It was harder than he thought it would be, so he was huffing and puffing by the time it was over.
Ah- grammar, candy and dancing. It was a good day.
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
Saturday, January 26, 2008
I'm not making fun of my students, I am enjoying them. A quote for all to enjoy.
"Movies are the real entertaining shows for the humans. I also like movies. "
On a different note, my stupid little dog is going around the house licking all the cob webs out from under the cabinents. Then, of course they get stuck on his nose, so he has to sit there and try to rub them off with his paws.
On a similar note, he keeps falling off the back of the sofa and landing on my ficus.
"Movies are the real entertaining shows for the humans. I also like movies. "
On a different note, my stupid little dog is going around the house licking all the cob webs out from under the cabinents. Then, of course they get stuck on his nose, so he has to sit there and try to rub them off with his paws.
On a similar note, he keeps falling off the back of the sofa and landing on my ficus.
Thursday, January 24, 2008
I had my students writing poetry today because we were studying journalism. Once I thought through the chain of what led me from journalism to poetry, I realized I’m an awesome teacher!
Or a really scattered one- I choose awesome.
Our chapter is about how journalism and news is shaped by the powers that own the media corporations. To show them the difference between good reporting and bad reporting I brought in an old copy of the “Weekly World News.” I had them “analyze” stories with headlines like, “How to tell if you’ve been abducted by aliens” and “Man electrocuted to death by a lightning bug.”
I recalled in the movie “So I married an ax murderer” the main character thought his wife might be an ax murder because of an article he read in a tabloid. The main character was also a poet. I thought, “If I throw in poetry this week, we can watch “So I married an as murder” in class and it will be considered a tie-in for the unit we just finished!”
So- poetry in class today. I had them do Haikus first. I had them each write one. Most of them were too shy to share what they had written, so I told them to only write the first line. Then I told them to trade papers, so nobody would be embarrassed to hear their poem because each poem was written by three people.
My favorite Haiku:
My pretty meadow
Pretty pretty meadow wow!
I really want it.
Then I had them write a four line “semi structured” poem, it had three dependant clauses and one independent clause.
My favorite clause poems:
Even you get hurt,
Even you are crazy,
Even I am still writing even,
In the end, I’m a crazy person.
But there’s more:
Although I have good personalities,
But I am not sure about me,
Although I hate myself,
I’m a perfect LADY in the world!
One more:
Because I have to go to restroom,
So I left you in the trash,
And, sorry, you have to wait for me,
See you tomorrow at the same time.
They crack me up.
Or a really scattered one- I choose awesome.
Our chapter is about how journalism and news is shaped by the powers that own the media corporations. To show them the difference between good reporting and bad reporting I brought in an old copy of the “Weekly World News.” I had them “analyze” stories with headlines like, “How to tell if you’ve been abducted by aliens” and “Man electrocuted to death by a lightning bug.”
I recalled in the movie “So I married an ax murderer” the main character thought his wife might be an ax murder because of an article he read in a tabloid. The main character was also a poet. I thought, “If I throw in poetry this week, we can watch “So I married an as murder” in class and it will be considered a tie-in for the unit we just finished!”
So- poetry in class today. I had them do Haikus first. I had them each write one. Most of them were too shy to share what they had written, so I told them to only write the first line. Then I told them to trade papers, so nobody would be embarrassed to hear their poem because each poem was written by three people.
My favorite Haiku:
My pretty meadow
Pretty pretty meadow wow!
I really want it.
Then I had them write a four line “semi structured” poem, it had three dependant clauses and one independent clause.
My favorite clause poems:
Even you get hurt,
Even you are crazy,
Even I am still writing even,
In the end, I’m a crazy person.
But there’s more:
Although I have good personalities,
But I am not sure about me,
Although I hate myself,
I’m a perfect LADY in the world!
One more:
Because I have to go to restroom,
So I left you in the trash,
And, sorry, you have to wait for me,
See you tomorrow at the same time.
They crack me up.
Monday, January 21, 2008
On Sunday I randomly (well, I picked by location) picked a church off the internet yellow pages. I went to Northgate Baptist Church (I think.) Also chosen on account that it started at 10:45, and it was 10:15 when I started looking. I pulled into the parking lot and wondered if I had written down the wrong time. There were three cars in the lot. I went in and there were three people in the congregation- no there were about 20- but seated in a church building intended for 200 it felt awkward.
There was a piano and an organ, but no piano player or organ player. The Hymns (not repetitive praise songs thank you) were led by a 70 something year old man singing to prerecorded music. The preacher was middle aged and slightly unorganized. The people were friendly, and about 10 people came in late- later than me.
At the end of the sevice I asked if there was any literature about the church I could take with me. They asked if I wanted Sunday School literature. I said,"No, I meant something like church history, or affiliation." They gave me Sunday School literature. It did have the Doctrines of the church on the inside cover.
Then out of the blue, this old guy (70-something song leader) tells me that they are a "closed communion" church. I said, "Oh- ok." But I guess I looked sufficiently surprised that he felt he needed to explain.
He said, "We believe only church members should take communion."
I said, "Do you mean only Christians, or only Baptists or only people who belong to this church?"
He meant people who belonged to that church- and he gave me some blah-blah about disciples and apostles and what Jesus wanted for church membership rules- which was all kinds of out of order and nonsensical. He said, "I'm not real smart about these things, but this is what our church believes." I just said, "Okay." I was willing to leave it at that, but then he said, "Well, I hope you agree with me."
I didn't want to slap down the whole "Bible College and Seminary" card, so I just said, "Actually, I don't agree with that because I travel and move alot, and if I only took communion at the church were I was a member, I don't think I'd get to take communion very often."
He kept talking as though he were going to "convert" me to closed communion, and I kept thinking, "Is this why this church only has 20 people? Am I not good enough for your crackers and grape juice? Does Jesus really require all this paper work?"
Finally I said,"I understand your beief, I just don't agree." Then he said, "Well, I don't want to hurt your feelings, but your belief doesn't have any Biblical support." It's a good thing he was an old guy- my believe doesn't have any Biblical support?! What he told me was supposed to pass for support of his belief? I'm thinking not so much.
Back in the day I spent alot of time thinking and discussing about communion- and one day I shall record all my shiney little thoughts on the topic-but now I must be off to bed with me. May I not dream about that little old man and his closed communions.
There was a piano and an organ, but no piano player or organ player. The Hymns (not repetitive praise songs thank you) were led by a 70 something year old man singing to prerecorded music. The preacher was middle aged and slightly unorganized. The people were friendly, and about 10 people came in late- later than me.
At the end of the sevice I asked if there was any literature about the church I could take with me. They asked if I wanted Sunday School literature. I said,"No, I meant something like church history, or affiliation." They gave me Sunday School literature. It did have the Doctrines of the church on the inside cover.
Then out of the blue, this old guy (70-something song leader) tells me that they are a "closed communion" church. I said, "Oh- ok." But I guess I looked sufficiently surprised that he felt he needed to explain.
He said, "We believe only church members should take communion."
I said, "Do you mean only Christians, or only Baptists or only people who belong to this church?"
He meant people who belonged to that church- and he gave me some blah-blah about disciples and apostles and what Jesus wanted for church membership rules- which was all kinds of out of order and nonsensical. He said, "I'm not real smart about these things, but this is what our church believes." I just said, "Okay." I was willing to leave it at that, but then he said, "Well, I hope you agree with me."
I didn't want to slap down the whole "Bible College and Seminary" card, so I just said, "Actually, I don't agree with that because I travel and move alot, and if I only took communion at the church were I was a member, I don't think I'd get to take communion very often."
He kept talking as though he were going to "convert" me to closed communion, and I kept thinking, "Is this why this church only has 20 people? Am I not good enough for your crackers and grape juice? Does Jesus really require all this paper work?"
Finally I said,"I understand your beief, I just don't agree." Then he said, "Well, I don't want to hurt your feelings, but your belief doesn't have any Biblical support." It's a good thing he was an old guy- my believe doesn't have any Biblical support?! What he told me was supposed to pass for support of his belief? I'm thinking not so much.
Back in the day I spent alot of time thinking and discussing about communion- and one day I shall record all my shiney little thoughts on the topic-but now I must be off to bed with me. May I not dream about that little old man and his closed communions.
So, this past weekend- first I went to this radio station survey- they called me a few weeks ago and asked me if I listen to country music. I said, "Yeah, sometimes." So they said they would give me $50 if I came and did this survey. I said, "Heck yeah!" I have done much more for much, much less.
There were about 100 people at the survey. They played about 5 seconds of 500 songs. I marked down on a bubble sheet if it was F- favorite L- liked N-neutral D-don't like, H-heard too much or U-unfamiliar or something like that- as if I can keep all that straight, I've slept since then!
It wasn't bad- but it did take an hour and a half.
Then I took my $50 and went to Joann Fabrics and bought just one skein of yarn.
Then I went to California Pizza Kitchen to partake in what I credit as one of the nerdiest things I've ever done.
They called it 'meat space.' or maybe it was 'meet space.' Either way- nerdy. I started playing World of Warcraft and this was a meeting of people who play the game together (but alone, at home in front of the computer) So it was a bunch of people who knew each other by means of magical, imaginary characters. They were all talking in the speacial WoW languge of things still unknown to me. I told one of my co-workers about it and how weird it was, she said, "Don't worry, it will all seem normal if you keep doing it." Yes, and well, that's what I'm afraid of. What convinced me to go? Well it was at California Pizza Kitchen after all! (It's my favorite.)
I even told them I thought attending that meeting was possibly the nerdiest thing ever- one of them tried to convince me dressing up for the Ren. fair was more nerdy- but I wasn't convinced. Then they started talking about Sci-Fi/Fantacy conventions- and told me that if I've never gone/dressed up for one of those, I haven't lived nerdy, haven't even tasted it! Then they started ignoring me and comparing convention stories. WoW.
There were about 100 people at the survey. They played about 5 seconds of 500 songs. I marked down on a bubble sheet if it was F- favorite L- liked N-neutral D-don't like, H-heard too much or U-unfamiliar or something like that- as if I can keep all that straight, I've slept since then!
It wasn't bad- but it did take an hour and a half.
Then I took my $50 and went to Joann Fabrics and bought just one skein of yarn.
Then I went to California Pizza Kitchen to partake in what I credit as one of the nerdiest things I've ever done.
They called it 'meat space.' or maybe it was 'meet space.' Either way- nerdy. I started playing World of Warcraft and this was a meeting of people who play the game together (but alone, at home in front of the computer) So it was a bunch of people who knew each other by means of magical, imaginary characters. They were all talking in the speacial WoW languge of things still unknown to me. I told one of my co-workers about it and how weird it was, she said, "Don't worry, it will all seem normal if you keep doing it." Yes, and well, that's what I'm afraid of. What convinced me to go? Well it was at California Pizza Kitchen after all! (It's my favorite.)
I even told them I thought attending that meeting was possibly the nerdiest thing ever- one of them tried to convince me dressing up for the Ren. fair was more nerdy- but I wasn't convinced. Then they started talking about Sci-Fi/Fantacy conventions- and told me that if I've never gone/dressed up for one of those, I haven't lived nerdy, haven't even tasted it! Then they started ignoring me and comparing convention stories. WoW.
Tuesday, January 08, 2008
I thought before I started this vacation time that about half way through I would get bored silly and be wishing that work would start again. But- it turns out I’m really good at not working! Yes, I’ve grown. I remember when a month with no money and nothing to do made me crazy as a loon- but now I’m just fine with the situation. I haven’t even done half the things I could have done in this time. It’s a shame.
I did sleep a lot- a real lot. I shouldn’t sleep so much, but it is so easy. I’ve been drawing, knitting, crocheting, I sewed a project or two- watched many episodes of Bones and some Quantum Leap as well. I started playing an online computer role playing kind of game. I didn’t think I’d like that either, but killing imaginary creatures with magic fire balls- it’s good fun.
I tried out some step aerobic videos- awful, just awful. I’ve given up on trying to find a fun exercise to do by myself. There is no such stinking thing! I’ve decided that if I have to exercise alone- I might as well just jog around the block a few times and get it over with.
I’ve thought about making some resolutions, but I know if I had made any I would have already broken them by now- so why bother? My month-a-lusions are a much better system for me. I shall start them next month.
I’ve been out to the craft stores a lot in the past weeks- the yarn and the pencils- they suck me in! I’ve noticed that the Valentine decorations are out. It’s vulgar in a way- I mean the DAY AFTER Christmas there are hearts and flowers everywhere! I’ve also seen shamrocks and eggs- but I’ve gotta take it one at a time, and I really like Valentine’s Day. I’m not sure why- it’s not like I’ve had so many great Valentine’s Day stories to tell, but I suppose I’m an eternal optimist about it.
Potential month-a-lusion #1: write a blog at least three times a week.
Oooh! I got another class this semester! (Yeah me!) That’s some extra bucks for me- and I know just what I want! I’ve been eyeballing this super fancy Nikon SLR digital camera since October. One of my student’s brought his to a school event and his pictures were so beautiful! Not that a camera automatically always takes beautiful pictures regardless of the photographer’s eye- but let’s face it- the chances of amazing pictures are much higher when you do have an awesome camera.
Potential month-a-lustion #2: read my Bible every day
It’s not that hard- but then it’s not that easy either. There are certainly days when I can think of a million other things to do. I’ve been reading Judges. I’m socked that I went to 3 years of Bible college and 2 years of seminary and I still didn’t remember that Samson was a judge. I guess I never actually studied the book of Judges- huh. Of course I know the story, but for some reason I thought he was just a guy who happened to have long hair and be strong . . . ass’s jawbone . . . Philistines . . . I should really pay more attention. It’s embarrassing.
I did sleep a lot- a real lot. I shouldn’t sleep so much, but it is so easy. I’ve been drawing, knitting, crocheting, I sewed a project or two- watched many episodes of Bones and some Quantum Leap as well. I started playing an online computer role playing kind of game. I didn’t think I’d like that either, but killing imaginary creatures with magic fire balls- it’s good fun.
I tried out some step aerobic videos- awful, just awful. I’ve given up on trying to find a fun exercise to do by myself. There is no such stinking thing! I’ve decided that if I have to exercise alone- I might as well just jog around the block a few times and get it over with.
I’ve thought about making some resolutions, but I know if I had made any I would have already broken them by now- so why bother? My month-a-lusions are a much better system for me. I shall start them next month.
I’ve been out to the craft stores a lot in the past weeks- the yarn and the pencils- they suck me in! I’ve noticed that the Valentine decorations are out. It’s vulgar in a way- I mean the DAY AFTER Christmas there are hearts and flowers everywhere! I’ve also seen shamrocks and eggs- but I’ve gotta take it one at a time, and I really like Valentine’s Day. I’m not sure why- it’s not like I’ve had so many great Valentine’s Day stories to tell, but I suppose I’m an eternal optimist about it.
Potential month-a-lusion #1: write a blog at least three times a week.
Oooh! I got another class this semester! (Yeah me!) That’s some extra bucks for me- and I know just what I want! I’ve been eyeballing this super fancy Nikon SLR digital camera since October. One of my student’s brought his to a school event and his pictures were so beautiful! Not that a camera automatically always takes beautiful pictures regardless of the photographer’s eye- but let’s face it- the chances of amazing pictures are much higher when you do have an awesome camera.
Potential month-a-lustion #2: read my Bible every day
It’s not that hard- but then it’s not that easy either. There are certainly days when I can think of a million other things to do. I’ve been reading Judges. I’m socked that I went to 3 years of Bible college and 2 years of seminary and I still didn’t remember that Samson was a judge. I guess I never actually studied the book of Judges- huh. Of course I know the story, but for some reason I thought he was just a guy who happened to have long hair and be strong . . . ass’s jawbone . . . Philistines . . . I should really pay more attention. It’s embarrassing.
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