I survived the field trip!!! We went to the Tuscon zoo today with the whole 1st grade. It was quite the adventure but it was a blast as well.
It is an hour long bus ride to the zoo and we were a little nervous about what in the world the kiddos were going to do. But thankfully we are creative teachers. Ashley and I taught our kids how to pump their arms up and down to get semis to honk! Their reaction when a truck actually honked was amazing! Their faces lit up and they cheered so loudly :) It was great. But then they got bored with that and we started a sing a long. The wheels on the bus, There was a farmer had a dog, Yankee Doodle, Row, row, row your boat; it was quite entertaining!!
The zoo itself was awesome. The animals were so cool to see and it was great to see the kids reactions. I think their favorite seemed to be the giraffes. They were pretty cool! My group even saw a monkey play hide-and-seek with us. :) It was so fun to be in a more relaxed atmosphere with the kids- to get to be goofy with them and see their faces light up as they looked at the animals and goofed around on the bus. It was a fun trip, but I'm exhausted :) So off to a relaxing weekend of grading I go :)
Friday, February 25, 2011
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
Adventure #22: February!
Apparently its time for me to update my blog- I've had several people let me know they are waiting for a new post :) Thanks Mandi and Laura!
The month of February has flown by! School is busy as always. I continue to try and find ways to keep my crazy kids quiet and under control- some days it works better than others. :) The drama club is taking on the production of a musical, Aladdin Jr. It is turning into quite the adventure and I'm sure there will be several posts to follow about the whole production.
The first weekend in February I went to California with Marvin and Stacey Light! We visited Marvin's friend Robin and had a blast hanging out in the hot tub and visiting a mission (San Juan Capistrano) and eating dinner on a rooftop resturant by the ocean! It was a great weekend! And the mission was beautiful!!
The next week I got a little worn down and sick- I think it was a combination of lack of sleep and sinus stuff! It took me a while to catch back up, but I am doing well now! Then it was the end of another grading period, which brings a round of submitting a million and one grades and starting new book reports!
Then it was Valentine's day and birthday week! I went out to dinner with the Lights for Valentine's day- it was Marvin's dad's birthday. Then on Wednesday it was Lexi's birthday so we went out to celebrate her day as well! Then Thursday night, my aunt Crissy flew in to visit me! She spent Friday visiting a college friend and we hung out the rest of the weekend! Unfortunately the weather was crappy for her-dust storms and rain storms and cloudy cold days- but we had a blast! We got pedicures and relaxed in massage chairs for a long time, then went to the Arizona Science Center to check out the Body Worlds exhibit, which was awesome! The rest of the time we pretty much hung out and caught up and watched movies! It was so great to have her here and to be able to show off my life and my world down here :)
This week is our zoo field trip- I'm sure that will prove to be quite the adventure! Until next time :)
The month of February has flown by! School is busy as always. I continue to try and find ways to keep my crazy kids quiet and under control- some days it works better than others. :) The drama club is taking on the production of a musical, Aladdin Jr. It is turning into quite the adventure and I'm sure there will be several posts to follow about the whole production.
The first weekend in February I went to California with Marvin and Stacey Light! We visited Marvin's friend Robin and had a blast hanging out in the hot tub and visiting a mission (San Juan Capistrano) and eating dinner on a rooftop resturant by the ocean! It was a great weekend! And the mission was beautiful!!
The next week I got a little worn down and sick- I think it was a combination of lack of sleep and sinus stuff! It took me a while to catch back up, but I am doing well now! Then it was the end of another grading period, which brings a round of submitting a million and one grades and starting new book reports!
Then it was Valentine's day and birthday week! I went out to dinner with the Lights for Valentine's day- it was Marvin's dad's birthday. Then on Wednesday it was Lexi's birthday so we went out to celebrate her day as well! Then Thursday night, my aunt Crissy flew in to visit me! She spent Friday visiting a college friend and we hung out the rest of the weekend! Unfortunately the weather was crappy for her-dust storms and rain storms and cloudy cold days- but we had a blast! We got pedicures and relaxed in massage chairs for a long time, then went to the Arizona Science Center to check out the Body Worlds exhibit, which was awesome! The rest of the time we pretty much hung out and caught up and watched movies! It was so great to have her here and to be able to show off my life and my world down here :)
This week is our zoo field trip- I'm sure that will prove to be quite the adventure! Until next time :)
Saturday, January 29, 2011
Adventure #21: The 100th Day of School!!!
We made it to the 100th day of school! I can't believe it- I can't figure out where in the world all that time went. I feel like yesterday I was sitting in our apartment for the first time wondering what in the world I got myself into :) Sometimes I still wonder what in the world I got myself into! But I love my job and I love my students and I wouldn't trade it for anything right now. There are definitely days where I want to quit- days when I don't feel good and my students seem to never stop talking! But then I get some sleep and slow down and take a deep breathe and realize, they are just kids. They are kids who may be very talkative some days, who may not want to listen some days, and who can be perfect angels on other days!
Yesterday one of my students came up to me and said, "Miss Parkinson, thank you for teaching me how to draw stars!" It kind of threw me off a little, because it was such a random thing to thank me for, but she was really sincerely thankful. The kids were supposed to draw stars on their math paper and lots of them didn't know how to and were complaining as such, so I stopped for a minute and showed them how to draw stars. It was such a little thing, but this little girl was so excited to be able to draw stars. And its moments like this that remind me why I am a teacher. There have been lots of moments in the past couple weeks where I have really been able to see growth in my students- growth in their knowledge of the world around them and growth in their behavior. Its been awesome to see students who at the beginning of the year were driving me up the wall and back down again, now able to sit in their seats for most of the day and raise their hands when they have a question. I have really begun to feel like my students are learning something from me-and that's a great feeling :) That's the thing that keeps me waking up those days when I'm not feeling so well, keeps me going back after days that weren't so much fun, and drives me on through the mounds of papers I have to grade and file and keep track of :) Speaking of which, I better get on with getting those grades in the computer!
Yesterday one of my students came up to me and said, "Miss Parkinson, thank you for teaching me how to draw stars!" It kind of threw me off a little, because it was such a random thing to thank me for, but she was really sincerely thankful. The kids were supposed to draw stars on their math paper and lots of them didn't know how to and were complaining as such, so I stopped for a minute and showed them how to draw stars. It was such a little thing, but this little girl was so excited to be able to draw stars. And its moments like this that remind me why I am a teacher. There have been lots of moments in the past couple weeks where I have really been able to see growth in my students- growth in their knowledge of the world around them and growth in their behavior. Its been awesome to see students who at the beginning of the year were driving me up the wall and back down again, now able to sit in their seats for most of the day and raise their hands when they have a question. I have really begun to feel like my students are learning something from me-and that's a great feeling :) That's the thing that keeps me waking up those days when I'm not feeling so well, keeps me going back after days that weren't so much fun, and drives me on through the mounds of papers I have to grade and file and keep track of :) Speaking of which, I better get on with getting those grades in the computer!
Sunday, January 23, 2011
Adventure #20: Sunny Winter Days
As I look through my facebook newsfeed I often come across people discussing the lovely frigid weather in Minnesota, and it makes me miss the snow and winter just a little bit :) But then I walk out into the sunny 70 degree weather and I don't miss it very much at all! You are welcome to come on down and sit by my pool anytime :)
School is continuing to go well! The past couple of weeks I have really felt on top of everything and its a wonderful feeling. Its great to be able to come home at night and sit on the couch watching TV and not feel like there is something I should be doing or grading. The biggest problem I have encountered in the past couple weeks is an accident epidemic. I haven't had any issues with this all year long and all of a sudden in the past week, I've had 6 accidents. Maybe I'm being too mean and not letting them go to the bathroom or they are drinking too much water or what, but its been a little nuts. Thankfully we have a wonderful nurse who takes good care of the poor kids :) Hopefully this week will be accident free!
Hope you are all staying nice and warm! And just remember, if you ever need a break, this lovely pool is just waiting for some visitors :)
School is continuing to go well! The past couple of weeks I have really felt on top of everything and its a wonderful feeling. Its great to be able to come home at night and sit on the couch watching TV and not feel like there is something I should be doing or grading. The biggest problem I have encountered in the past couple weeks is an accident epidemic. I haven't had any issues with this all year long and all of a sudden in the past week, I've had 6 accidents. Maybe I'm being too mean and not letting them go to the bathroom or they are drinking too much water or what, but its been a little nuts. Thankfully we have a wonderful nurse who takes good care of the poor kids :) Hopefully this week will be accident free!
Hope you are all staying nice and warm! And just remember, if you ever need a break, this lovely pool is just waiting for some visitors :)
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
Adventure #19: You know you lived with someone too long when...
You wear the same outfit to school without even talking to each other! Ash and I got back from break and realized we bought the same shirt in different colors (this happens fairly often by the way). This morning I got up to work out (there were way too many Christmas cookies involved in my break!) and I was in the bathroom when Ash left for school and didn't see her before I got to school. Well we maybe need to check with each other before we get dressed because I walked into the copy room and realized we were wearing pretty much the same outfit in different colors! Great minds think alike I guess :)
The first couple days back have been pretty good! My kids have actually been fairly well behaved which I was not expecting but am really enjoying. I am really enjoying getting back into the groove of things and catching up with everyone. Break was really relaxing and refreshing for me and I was able to come back excited to be back to teaching and everything that goes with that! We'll see how long this new found energy lasts...a few more nights of grading 3,250 math facts and I might be ready for another break :)
Tuesday, December 28, 2010
Adventure #18: Wonderful Break in a Winter Wonderland
Christmas break has been wonderful so far! I have done lots and lots of relaxing, which is amazing :) I've visited with old friends, hung out with family, read books just for fun, went shopping with my mom and my sister, eaten way too many Christmas cookies and bars, and enjoyed the lovely Minnesota weather. There is so much snow, it never seems to end, but it is beautiful! Yesterday it was frosty and glittery beautiful! It is really cold, and I will definitely not miss that when I head back to Arizona, but I will miss the snow :)
I still get a few more days with the snow though :) I'm looking forward to hanging out with more friends and spending time with the kiddos I used to nanny. Plus there's always a little school work that needs to get done and before I know it, it will be Sunday morning and I'll be on my way back to warmer temperatures and all the adventures the next year is going to hold!
I still get a few more days with the snow though :) I'm looking forward to hanging out with more friends and spending time with the kiddos I used to nanny. Plus there's always a little school work that needs to get done and before I know it, it will be Sunday morning and I'll be on my way back to warmer temperatures and all the adventures the next year is going to hold!
Monday, December 20, 2010
Adventure #17: Christmas Preparations
The past month has been a busy one! I've been hustling and bustling running this way and that getting things ready for the drama club performance, the class Christmas party, buying presents for people, and enjoying all the events that come along with the holiday season.
Teaching has been going really well! As early as some mornings come and as much as I sometimes wish I could just sleep instead of waking up to teach 27 first graders, I love getting up every morning to teach. I have really started to see some gains in my students and it is exciting to see them learning. We just started learning how to do subtraction a couple weeks ago and they think it is the coolest thing in the world to be able to do and are working so hard to learn their facts :) It still hits me every once in a while as I walk down the hallway with 27 little ones following me that I am a teacher, these are my students and their education for this year is in my hands. Its a scary thought, but I know God is giving me the strength I need everyday to take on the challenge.
Our drama club performance turned out wonderfully! The stage turned out so cute (after several late nights of hard work) and the kids did a wonderful job. Some of them went all out on their costumes and they were so cute! Ashley and I are so thankful the play is over, but we both had a lot of fun doing it and I think the kids did too!
Once the performance was over, there was still a round of parties to go to to celebrate! Our principal hosted a staff Christmas party at her house and we had a blast playing boys versus girls Family Fued. We had a white elephant gift exchange with our small group. There were some fascinating gifts with lots of laughs to go around as well. We also celebrated with the Lights by going out to dinner! And of course we had to have a class Christmas party! I had a bunch of parents who came in to help so it went wonderfully :) I sugared them up and sent them home for two weeks. I will miss them, but it is nice to have a break as well and I think they were ready for a break! I know we will all come back refreshed and ready to take on the rest of the year!
And now I'm back in the frozen north enjoying all the Christmas fun in Minnesota. I already got to go to the Holidazzle parade in downtown Minneapolis and celebrate an early Christmas with my mom's family. I've played in the snow with my cousins and shoveled the driveway after it snowed again today! I'm looking forward to lots more winter fun like sledding with friends and ice skating and hopefully more playing in the snow :) I'm also looking forward to spending some time with my friends and family as well as relaxing and enjoying my break.
I wish you all a very Merry Christmas and an enjoyable time with your friends and family!!
Teaching has been going really well! As early as some mornings come and as much as I sometimes wish I could just sleep instead of waking up to teach 27 first graders, I love getting up every morning to teach. I have really started to see some gains in my students and it is exciting to see them learning. We just started learning how to do subtraction a couple weeks ago and they think it is the coolest thing in the world to be able to do and are working so hard to learn their facts :) It still hits me every once in a while as I walk down the hallway with 27 little ones following me that I am a teacher, these are my students and their education for this year is in my hands. Its a scary thought, but I know God is giving me the strength I need everyday to take on the challenge.
Our drama club performance turned out wonderfully! The stage turned out so cute (after several late nights of hard work) and the kids did a wonderful job. Some of them went all out on their costumes and they were so cute! Ashley and I are so thankful the play is over, but we both had a lot of fun doing it and I think the kids did too!
Once the performance was over, there was still a round of parties to go to to celebrate! Our principal hosted a staff Christmas party at her house and we had a blast playing boys versus girls Family Fued. We had a white elephant gift exchange with our small group. There were some fascinating gifts with lots of laughs to go around as well. We also celebrated with the Lights by going out to dinner! And of course we had to have a class Christmas party! I had a bunch of parents who came in to help so it went wonderfully :) I sugared them up and sent them home for two weeks. I will miss them, but it is nice to have a break as well and I think they were ready for a break! I know we will all come back refreshed and ready to take on the rest of the year!
And now I'm back in the frozen north enjoying all the Christmas fun in Minnesota. I already got to go to the Holidazzle parade in downtown Minneapolis and celebrate an early Christmas with my mom's family. I've played in the snow with my cousins and shoveled the driveway after it snowed again today! I'm looking forward to lots more winter fun like sledding with friends and ice skating and hopefully more playing in the snow :) I'm also looking forward to spending some time with my friends and family as well as relaxing and enjoying my break.
I wish you all a very Merry Christmas and an enjoyable time with your friends and family!!
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