tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-47939030826089402802024-02-19T04:34:46.451-08:00The Kinder MonsterRandi Househttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03874237696948572091noreply@blogger.comBlogger52125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4793903082608940280.post-15500426826924237972019-01-09T17:12:00.000-08:002019-01-09T17:12:15.819-08:00That moment. These folks in this photo were strangers less than a year ago...and over this past year have become family. As incredible and exciting as this past weekend at the College Football Championship was...it was also incredibly bittersweet as our year of traveling together came to an end. This journey together is one that only those who have experienced it can truly understand.<br />
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One year ago in California, we stood in a room together for the first time...in a circle...as we each stated our names and proclaimed "I am the 2018 (insert state) Teacher of the Year." That first night our voices shook with uncertainty. Each one of us questioning our place in that circle. Each one nervous and unsure. I remember feeling overwhelmed by the talented teachers who stood around me and rolling my eyes as we were told our lives would be changed forever over course of the next year.<br />
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However, it didn't take a year for my life to change. It only took 4 days. By the end of that first event, I knew the people in that circle would be an important part of my life.<br />
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Over this past year we came together every few months...in DC to learn about educational policy and for White House honors, in Alabama for Space Camp, in New Jersey to learn how to maneuver the next steps of our journey, in New York to see three of us stand on the stage at TED Ed, and back to California to be honored at this football game. Each event brought us closer together and strengthened this bond we created.<br />
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This past Monday as we stood on the field at the College Football National Championship game, I looked back and saw us...standing in a line...dressed in our regal black attire...each person standing more confidently in their title than they did the year before. At that moment I realized the impact of this journey ending...knowing that this moment was the last time we would all be standing together...and that moment completely and utterly overwhelmed me. At that moment I felt completely humbled to be a part of this incredible group...I felt sadness as I knew we would disperse soon...I felt incredibly proud of the work we all accomplished...and excited for our work to continue.<br />
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That moment...standing on that field...I stood among the most outstanding educators in the nation...my friends...my state teacher family. And I will miss them.Randi Househttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03874237696948572091noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4793903082608940280.post-77021384391459350002018-11-28T18:01:00.001-08:002018-11-28T18:01:48.142-08:00Hillcrest School DistrictI had the privilege of visiting Hillcrest School District yesterday for their annual food drive kickoff. I was invited by a high school friend who runs the weekend food backpack program along with her husband. As parents at the school, they organize the weekly food bags that help keep 65 students fed throughout the district.<br />
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The food drive kickoff yesterday was an awesome event for all students K-12 and the highlight of the day was a full concert by ACMA artist of the year Cory Jackson. He treated the students to a variety of songs, signed autographs, and stayed to take pictures with each kiddo that wanted one.<br />
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Afterwards I got to tour the K-6 building...I got to see a 4th grade classroom that has two teachers that co-teach together. One teaches ELA and one math...the greatest benefit is that one is a first year teacher who gets support all day from a more seasoned teacher.<br />
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I met a mother and her two daughters who all teach in the district. One who teaches an art and agri crossover class.<br />
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I had the opportunity to read aloud to two precious kindergarten classes.<br />
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During my time there I witnessed the principal participating alongside a kindergarten class in P.E, I saw student council students who were responsible for introducing the guest speakers and for giving me the tour, I saw parents and teachers who work together to ensure each child has enough to eat.<br />
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I got to tour the food pantry where I learned that each child takes home a cake mix and icing on their birthday and the kids who are graduating get a spaghetti dinner sent home.<br />
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What stuck out the most about this district is that although it is small in size...it has a huge heart. The culture of the school is felt everywhere. I observed students supporting and celebrating each other, teachers who spoke about each other with an incredible amount of respect and admiration, a principal and curriculum coordinator that were fully involved in each aspect of the school, parents willing to give of their time to help students...it felt like one giant family working toward a common goal. I left feeling inspired and fulfilled and utterly impressed.<br />
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<br />Randi Househttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03874237696948572091noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4793903082608940280.post-29748818284599167522018-10-30T16:51:00.002-07:002018-10-30T16:51:36.625-07:00Star CityWhatever it takes.<br />
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I heard this phrase no less than twenty times last week during my visit to Star City School District.<br />
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To begin with...Superintendent Laffoon had organized my visit to coordinate with both a state senator and representative. He planned an immaculate schedule of classroom visits to highlight his school and share his students' stories.<br />
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We got to see each campus and visit with several teachers and students and the motto of WHATEVER IT TAKES was evident in every corner of the district.<br />
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Whatever it takes...providing wrap-around services by establishing two (yes TWO) health clinics on site. Students have access to medical, dental, and mental health services at school.<br />
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Whatever it takes...hiring additional staff to provide teacher aides for special needs students. We met a young man who would not have been able to manage being mainstreamed in the traditional classroom without his personal aide. At first he was quite distressed by the invasion of us on-lookers but by the time we left he was showing off what he built in engineering class.<br />
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Whatever it takes...providing a space for students to get away from the classroom while remaining engaged. An entire building is dedicated to providing a space for ALE students, students taking college level courses, home school students, and students who just need a break from the traditional classroom to work together. The beauty is labels do not enter that building.<br />
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Whatever it takes...providing extra aides and resources in the high school self-contained classroom so that students can truly learn life skills as well as develop work skills. The students in this classroom not only provide a deep cleaning for hire service where teachers can sign up for their services via Google docs but also their own mini lunch shop. The students run a sandwich shop from their classroom...taking orders, making sandwiches and soups by hand daily, and delivering meals to teachers. The smell of bacon filled the room during our visit as they prepared the sandwiches for the day. Two students even act as managers and oversee production.<br />
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Whatever it takes...takes on a new meaning when you see first hand how this district uses this motto to provide opportunities and access to high quality education to EVERY. SINGLE. STUDENT. And<br />
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<br />Randi Househttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03874237696948572091noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4793903082608940280.post-21775836646969118272018-10-24T16:11:00.002-07:002018-10-24T16:11:21.187-07:00There's no place like Fox MeadowAs I wrote previously, my first job was at Tyronza Elementary and I left after working there only two years. It was a gut-wrenching decision to leave that school that had become my home. However, I was taking my dream job at the school I always wanted to teach at...Fox Meadow Elementary. I had completed part of my student teaching at the school and literally lived within walking distance of the school as well. I had interviewed there right after graduation, however I did not get the job so when another opening was posted I jumped at the change again. I loved every aspect of the school...the diverse student population, the welcoming and cheerful administration, the incredible teachers. I began teaching there in 2006 and taught first grade for 5 years. I would have never left that job if my husband's job did not relocate us to central Arkansas in 2011. So when I was invited back...for the first time in years I was beyond excited.<br />
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I was greeted by the sweetest group of first and second grade kiddos playing ukuleles and singing and then the violin students performing. It was awesome to see such young students having exposure to this level of instrumental instruction.<br />
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Over the next few hours I got to see how the school has changed to accommodate the needs of students. One of the most innovative methods was the implementation of "WIN" time. "WIN" stands for "whatever I need". This is a program they have implemented to provide students with non-academic exposure to arts, music, sciences, and health and wellness. Once a quarter, the students that are performing on or above grade level get to select activities they are interested in and are pulled out of the classroom for enrichment with the activity teachers. The remaining children then get intensive intervention and extra support. The smaller class size allows the classroom teacher and instructional aide time to really provide student focused lessons to help them make growth. The enrichment activities have included hockey, research projects in the library, painting ceiling tiles, learning to play musical instruments, rock painting, etc. This program not only promotes student choice but provides whole child learning.<br />
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During my time at Fox Meadow I got to see and hug so many of my sweet friends I worked with and reminisce of funny stories. I loved the renovation of the library, implementation of a STEAM lab and STEAM after-school club, the intervention room with data wall, and the lovely paintings that adorn the walls. One of my favorite additions to the building is the new "Peace Lounge" that provides teachers a place to go and relax during the day. The room is darkened and has a large waterfall and aromatherapy. I love that teachers can sit on a comfy couch and just re-set if needed...what an incredible way to support and honor the adults in the building.<br />
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They also provided a conference room full of snacks for teachers to come in and chat with me. I loved this time to connect with teachers and catch up with old friends. Before I left I was gifted with the most awesome bag full of goodies. The bag says "There's no place like Fox Meadow". And I couldn't agree more.<br />
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<br />Randi Househttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03874237696948572091noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4793903082608940280.post-52863013252661636092018-10-17T12:00:00.001-07:002018-10-17T12:00:19.642-07:00Beebe Middle SchoolI had the privilege of visiting Beebe Middle School this week and there were several things that stuck out at me.<br />
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First... I loved how Beebe School District honored the history of McRae School District since their consolidation. There is an entire museum dedicated to McRae and there is a gorgeous walking track that has facts about the history of McRae along side.<br />
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While taking a tour of the building, I got to see the EAST lab, the engineering classroom, the special education room with attached therapy room, a dyslexia intervention room, and so many awesome classrooms.<br />
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I was invited to attend two PLC meetings where I got a first-hand glimpse into how their teams collaborate to plan, support each other, and problem solve.<br />
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Halfway through the second meeting the power went out but the collaboration went on and I was invited into three classrooms to observe. I am so thankful for those teachers who didn't mind me stepping in to observe with the added stress of having absolutely no power and teaching in the dark!<br />
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Thank you to the administration, faculty, and staff for welcoming me into their school!Randi Househttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03874237696948572091noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4793903082608940280.post-20733560024855427832018-10-09T17:44:00.000-07:002018-10-09T17:44:01.831-07:00Full CircleLast week I was invited to visit Tyronza Elementary...the school where my first classroom sits. Back in 2004 I was a newly graduated teacher and I eagerly accepted the position of preschool teacher when offered at Tyronza. Even though it was a 45 minute drive from home. Even though it was a brand new classroom. Even though I knew absolutely nothing about the community. Even though my classroom was completely empty. Even though I had absolutely no clue what I was doing. I could not wait to establish a classroom of my own.<br />
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So a week later...20 adorable sweet faces entered my classroom. We sat on a hodgepodge of chairs and stools I found under the bleachers and in storage rooms. Slowly...throughout the year our classroom began to become a home. I vividly remember how proud I felt to have students of my own and how much I loved watching them learn.<br />
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I had most of those kiddos for two year...when they were 3 and when they were 4. Hanging out with the same group of kiddos for two years will sure solidify their place in your heart. And when I was offered a job close to home...at the school I completed my student teaching...I was absolutely overwhelmed with guilt for leaving them. I saw them go on to kindergarten and never saw them again. I always felt a great loss of not getting to see those sweet kiddos grow up and go through school. I have kept up with a few of them through social media but for the most part..I've just wondered how they turned out.<br />
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That is until last week.<br />
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As I was saying, I was invited to come back and visit Tyronza Elementary. I was escorted around the school by a group of eager sixth graders and their lovely principal Mrs. Carroll. I was blown away how this outdated building had been transformed into a welcoming, inviting, exciting school. The Greatest Showman was the theme for the year and creative door covering and decorations hung from the ceiling. The students were so enthusiastic to share about their school and chauffeured me through room by room. They were proud. I watched as the students and principal engaged in conversation that proved mutual respect was alive and well in the building. I was shown the garden and the future placement of a sensory garden that I cannot wait to come back and see. The students showed me how they are taking Spanish in the computer lab for high school credit. They shared how they are allowed to make their own salads at lunch and even made sure I noticed their sauce bar. I saw the tables and chairs I hand-selected and purchased for my classroom 14 years before. They showed me the playground and my old classroom where I was flooded with memories. I saw the tricycle track that I worked so hard to get and was completed right before I left. I never got to see any kiddos ride on it.<br />
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As our tour was coming to an end I mentioned that my former kiddos are now seniors in high school. Mrs. Carroll insisted we hop in her car and drive over to the high school to see if we could find any of them. I was beside myself with anticipation as well as a bit terrified they would no longer remember me. So we walk into the high school's front office and the secretary calls my students to come to the office.<br />
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And one by one...they walked in.<br />
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I knew their faces immediately. And for the most part they knew me. I became so overcome with emotion at the sight of their growth and hearing their plans after graduation that I stood in front of them sobbing. I had never gotten to see any of my students grow up...and here were my kiddos...all grown up. And they are amazing. They are going to college...to the military...to welding school...to medical school...to cosmetology school. And I had a small part of getting them there.<br />
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I promised them I would be back to watch them graduate...my first student graduation...my first class. As I drove away I could not stop the tears as I realized that I had just achieved my goal as a teacher...to finally see a glimpse of my impact...fifteen years later...to finally come full circle.Randi Househttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03874237696948572091noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4793903082608940280.post-61004066784760160162018-09-08T17:34:00.000-07:002018-09-08T17:34:01.417-07:00Bobby Bones is sitting in my classroom...and chances are...He is in yours too. Bobby Bones... the insanely successful radio show host, musician, comedian, author, American Idol mentor, philanthropist, and all around good guy. He is probably most known as the creator of the Bobby Bones show...a wildly popular morning radio show where he hooks listeners with his authentic way of connecting to us regular folk. Pretty much everything he touches turns to gold and his name is everywhere these days.<br />
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And...he is an Arkansan. He was born and raised in Mountain Pine, Arkansas (a tiny town outside of Hot Springs). He graduated from Henderson State University and began his career at various radio stations in central Arkansas. He bleeds Razorback red and is loyal to his roots here at home. He is not shy about sharing where he came from.<br />
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And that is what I connect with... his is story. In his first book "Bare Bones", he details how he grew up facing adversity. The same adversity that many of my students face. He was born to a teenage mom who struggled with substance abuse. His dad was absent. He was raised predominately by his grandmother. He lived in extreme poverty...the kind of poverty that most folks aren't even aware of. He knew hunger. He lived in a very small town with limit resources. He was teased...a lot.<br />
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Do any of those sound familiar to you? Do you put student faces to them as I do?<br />
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But what makes Bobby so unique is that he realized at a very young age that the only way out of his situation was through education. He immersed himself in education. This wasn't something his family expected him to do...he just did it...on his own. He began to shine academically...winning Quiz Bowls and being the first in his family to go to college. In his book he details how a few teachers and coaches helped him in his success.<br />
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He was driven. He was focused. His motto is after all, Fight. Grind. Repeat. And boy does he live that motto out. <br />
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When I heard Bobby's story I couldn't help but think of my students over the past fourteen years. It occurred to me that many of those kiddos might not know of anyone who has become as successful as Bobby Bones has. But I do know that students would identify with him. They could connect to his story. They could see themselves in him and hopefully they could see success in their own futures as well.<br />
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When I was announced Arkansas Teacher of the Year last fall, I promised myself that I would try to get Bobby Bones to help me advocate for students and teachers in Arkansas. I wanted to collaborate with him to share his story...inspire students to fail until they don't...and provide an example for teachers of how powerful they really are. Now...I had absolutely no idea how I could obtain this goal...but I did know that it was worth a shot.<br />
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In January I attended my first state teacher of the year event in California. Our meetings were hosted by Google. The first evening of our trip, we were at dinner at Google, and this super cheerful, warm Google employee named Brendan asked to sit by me. We made small talk and upon hearing where I was from he made the following statement, "The only connection I have to Arkansas is Bobby Bones."<br />
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My mouth fell open. My fork hit my plate and I know I went completely white. I had not told one soul about my promise I made to myself. Brendan went on to explain that he used to work for Bobby in Texas and I, of course, began spewing out all my ideas of how I would want to use his story to help students in Arkansas. Brendan was all in...we snapped a picture...tweeted it out...and nothing happened.<br />
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With Brendan's help I emailed Bobby. I messaged him. I called the show. I texted the show. I tried social media...but all to no avail.<br />
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My only hope was attending his upcoming show here at home...in Little Rock. The moment that tickets went on sale my husband and I were online trying to snatch those coveted VIP meet and greet tickets. My husband even had them in his cart but they were snatched before he was able to complete checkout. No meet and greet for us but we did snag some decent floor seats.<br />
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Fast forward to last night...it was finally the night of Bobby's show. I was ecstatic. We arrived two hours early...and headed straight to the merchandise booth where I saw a box with "Questions for Bobby" written on the outside. Immediately I thought...this just might be my chance! So...I stood in line...for what seemed like forever...and finally got to put my question into the already half full box.<br />
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Halfway through the show Mike D. brought the box onto the stage and pulled out a handful of questions for Bobby to answer. My heart raced as they began to read the final question...and....I heard Mike begin to read my words.<br />
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"What would your advice be for students in Arkansas who face adversity as you did?"<br />
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His response (paraphrased ) was that it's not a matter of IF you face adversity in life...but rather WHEN...because the truth is...we all have our own battles. And if you surround yourself with good people...you might just make it through just fine. Good people help you get through those rough patches.<br />
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So...Teachers...that's it. We must be those good people our kids need. We might be the only good people they get to interact with. We might be the only smile...the only stability...the only reason they face another day. We might be the ones to help our students learn to fight through those rough days.<br />
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Teachers...I challenge you...look around your classroom. Do you see Bobby? If so...what are you going to do to make him learn to never give up...to FIGHT. GRIND. REPEAT? <br />
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And to Bobby...if by some minuscule chance you actually see this...I would still love to chat with you about how we could use your story to impact education in Arkansas. I'm going to take a cue from you and not give up on that promise I made to myself a year ago. I will continue to fail...until I don't!<br />
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<br />Randi Househttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03874237696948572091noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4793903082608940280.post-13327595886140841782018-02-16T11:27:00.000-08:002018-02-16T11:27:47.668-08:00Part 3...Personal Growth<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Well...If I'm being honest this post was my most difficult one to compose. You see...talking about my struggles is much more difficult than the glowing, smiling social media posts that adorn my Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook. It's hard to be real. </div>
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But the truth is...Every single step of my Teacher of the Year journey has been filled with fear, uncertainty, anxiety, self-doubt, and even full blown panic attacks at times. </div>
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Anxiety is a demon I have wrestled with for most of my life in some form or fashion and has been my most prominent struggle in adulthood. There are times it's controlled and times it's grabbing me by the throat and not letting me breathe. Regardless it's my go-to excuse as to why I cannot accomplish great things. </div>
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I recall sitting in the auditorium during our welcome back faculty gathering and our district teacher of the year stepped onto the stage to give her speech. I recall very vividly thinking "How cool is that...But I could never be able to do something as brave as that."</div>
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6 years later (this past August) I was the one stepping onto that stage to give my speech as district teacher of the year. </div>
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The months leading up to this were completely filled with sleepless nights, relentless rehearsing of my speech, obsessive TED-talk watching, and sheet doubt that I would not literally pass out on that stage. As I stood off to the side waiting to be introduced I literally dug my fingernails into my arm so hard that I have permanent scars left behind. Moments before I spoke I could feel that all too familiar feeling of fear bubbling up and about to take over. However...as I began to speak...something changed. I felt powerful....and calm...and in control. It was one of the most exhilarating moments I can recall. And as I stepped off that stage I felt the most insane sense of relief that I was DONE with my big Teacher of the Year responsibilities. </div>
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Well. I wasn't done. My journey continued over the next few weeks until I was announced as the state teacher of the year in late September. And THAT is when the true, overwhelming, sheer panic set in. I was going to be put into all sorts of new situations and would be the face...the voice...of an entire state of educators. The task was just too big for me and I was convinced I could not do it. My anxiety would not let me do it. </div>
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Yet. I did. </div>
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Each new step...each new meeting...each new situation... I survived. I may have been shaky and sweaty but I survived.</div>
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And amazingly enough every time I accomplished something new...the next thing was not so scary.</div>
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I was changing. </div>
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However...as my first big ATOY trip approached....I began down that familiar spiral of self-doubt. I was convinced that I would panic on the airplane, that I would get lost, that I would lose an important piece of paper at the airport, that my luggage would get lost, the plane would crash, no one would talk to me, etc. I could literally fill an entire page of fears I had built up. I would be placed into seriously challenging situations and new experiences....flying for the first time...maneuvering the airport...finding transportation...teaching in front of strangers....sharing my thoughts with others...being the voice of my state...being on my own. </div>
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However....I did it. I did them all. I flew on 4 planes through 3 airports...took 4 Lyfts...meet an entire nation of teachers...spoke from my heart...made new friends and I survived each new or challenging experience. Again...I may have been sweaty and shaky but I tackled each new experience. </div>
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But what I was most fearful of was that I would show up at this big meeting with all these amazing educators from across the country and they would look at me and think...</div>
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"What in the hell is she doing here?"</div>
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I was absolutely certain everyone would see exactly what I had felt since September..."Well...they sure picked the wrong chick for Arkansas. This cannot be the person they want as their voice." </div>
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Self-doubt could have easily been tattooed across my face. </div>
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But...then as I sat down for my first session...our presenter shared that every single person in the room was having those same thoughts and doubts. And as she spoke I looked around the room and could see the truth resonating in so many other's eyes. I wasn't the only one doubting their place in this room. Many of us were. And it would be our jobs over the next few days to prove ourselves that we were deserving of our titles and that we did deserve a seat at the state teacher of the year table. </div>
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And so...over the next few days...I found my voice. I felt validation from others. I found confidence I didn't know existed in me. </div>
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Each and every step gave me something to build upon...something to cling to. Each step changed me just a teensy bit. </div>
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And as I stepped off the plane coming home, I knew I would go forward in this journey with a different self-talk...a different expectation...and a whole new support team behind me. </div>
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I accomplished so many silly, small things during my trip to Google that used to feel like such huge things that I could "never do." </div>
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All those small things are just that...small. My once HUGE fear of speaking in front of my district now seems like such a tiny feat now. At the time...it was the greatest thing imaginable for me to accomplish. And looking back...it was the pivotal moment in which I began to find my voice. </div>
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Anxiety will always be a burden that goes along with me on every journey I take...however...as my journey get bigger and greater than I could've ever imagined...fear and anxiety seem to be getting smaller and smaller. </div>
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And honestly...I have no clue what all lies in my year ahead...but I do know one thing for sure...I can accomplish great things and will continue to grow and change and learn. </div>
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For I am...Randi House, the 2018 Arkansas Teacher of the Year</div>
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<br />Randi Househttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03874237696948572091noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4793903082608940280.post-10783334894475136222018-02-11T18:43:00.000-08:002018-02-11T18:43:06.807-08:00Part TWO- Professional GrowthSo in my last post I wrote about the relationships piece of my experience at Google. In this post I'm focusing on my professional growth.<br />
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So over those few days I heard Sal Kahn (founder of The Kahn Academy) tell his story. Wow...it was a doozy. He was so focused and driven on accomplishing his goal. Just so impressed.<br />
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Andy Goodman taught me how to utilize storytelling to ignite change and how to sculpt my stories to being more impactful.<br />
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Two representative from TEDed taught us how to pick a topic and develop that topic into a Ted Talk. We will be piloting a new program that will result in us giving our own Ted Talk...turbo yikes! For this project we partner up with someone to bounce ideas off of and cheer each other on.<br />
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I taught a 5 minute lesson to a room full of other elementary teachers and got to hear their lessons as well. I took 7 pages of notes. Literally. 7 pages. These folks are incredible.<br />
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I learned of the history the Teacher of the Year program and felt pride fill every ounce of my being to be a part of this amazing group of people.<br />
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I visited The Primary School which is founded by Pricilla Chan (wife of Facebook founder Mark Zuckerburg). This school focuses on serving homeless and severely impoverished students ages 3-5. The school takes a holistic approach to including families and community into the classroom. It focuses on three areas of growth/development academic, soul, and health/wellness. I got to observe in several classrooms and meet some precious kiddos.<br />
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I learned how to navigate various forms of media.<br />
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I expanded my knowledge of equity and parent/community engagement.<br />
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However, the most impactful thing I did was to listen to my fellows STOYS and engage in "edu-talk" with them. I felt like I gained more knowledge in those 3 days than I did in years of college work. I came home with a book full of notes, several new professional texts, and ideas swirling galore.<br />
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And this is only the beginning!<br />
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Stay tuned for part 3...personal growth...coming soon!Randi Househttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03874237696948572091noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4793903082608940280.post-73625539499753129572018-02-10T18:47:00.000-08:002018-02-10T18:47:13.122-08:00I went to Google and it changed my life. Yes I get that title is a little overdone, however it speaks so much truth. I went to Google a week ago and it literally changed my life.<br />
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As Arkansas Teacher of the Year, I was invited to an Induction Ceremony hosted by CCSSO in San Francisco...and Google hosted us. So I, along with 54 other state/territory teachers of the year, met for the first time in Palo Alto and would spend approximately 14 hours a day together for the next 3 days. Complete strangers coming together to share stories and talk education. It didn't take long before complete strangers became cohorts and partners in change.<br />
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After much reflection about my experience...I have decided to break my blog posts into three parts because I feel this experience changed me in 3 specific ways.<br />
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1. Relationships<br />
2. Professional Growth<br />
3. Personal Growth<br />
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First....let's talk relationships.<br />
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I cannot describe the feeling of arriving at a hotel in Palo Alto and riding down the elevator to meet my new National Teacher of the Year family for our meet and greet reception. The people I would spend my next year of life with. The people that will be along side me as I take on my new role and responsibilities. And it was like the first day of school in junior high. I was completely overwhelmed with nervousness and fear that I would have no one to talk to. Walking into the lobby which was bustling with excitement and standing on the edge of group looking in, I felt completely vulnerable. I imagine this is how many students feel the first day of school. I secretly prayed that someone...anyone...would approach me and strike up a conversation.<br />
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And thankfully...someone did. And then someone else did...and eventually I began to feel a part of the tribe. It was very obvious that most others were experiencing the same fears and feelings as well. Over the next few days we began to connect and converse and bond. We supported each other and cheered each other on. We laughed and cried and even danced. I met some amazing teachers. The kinds of teachers I strive to be...the kinds of teachers that lead and blaze new trails. The kinds of teachers that inspire me.<br />
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I met Melissa from Montana, Becky from Idaho, and Erin from Connecticut and they quickly became my homies. We connected instantly and clung to each other for comfort in new situations. We laughed entirely too much for folks that just met. Melissa...our sweet politician...who has amazing hair and shares my same enthusiasm for caricaturists. Becky...oh sweet Becky...her sarcasm and quick wit captured my heart right away. Erin...my fellow newbie traveler...who amazed us all with her techie note taking and ability to be the calm to our storm. And they all 3 have such passion for their students. I am so excited to learn from them.<br />
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I met Lisa from North Carolina, Rachel from South Dakota, and Sara from Wyoming...the other 3 kindergarten teachers. We instantly shared a bond as the only kinder teachers and we all are the voice of early education. I cannot wait to learn from them.<br />
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I met Joshua from Arizona who validated me right when I needed it and Ben from Alaska who taught me about scientific literacy and Michael from Pennsylvania who amazed me with his 5 clues project that I have already borrowed for my own classroom. I met Jinni from Delaware whose excitement for education fueled my fire and developed into a classroom connection between our two classes. <br />
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I could go on and on and on. Every single person I met inspired me. As those 3 days wrapped up, I was sad to realize that for every awesome teacher I connected with, there was another I missed. I have already made my list for our next event so that I can continue to connect with these amazing people who represent our nation!<br />
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It really is a unique experience to have a group of people come together as complete strangers and leave 3 days later as friends. I have spent my time since being home continuing to connect with them as we are all navigating our roles. I am thankful to have them all by my side for this insane ride.<br />
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Part two coming soon...professional growth!Randi Househttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03874237696948572091noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4793903082608940280.post-79040152028287334242017-12-07T19:35:00.000-08:002017-12-07T19:59:09.013-08:00Sometimes you just color. Yesterday was one of THOSE days at school. I was grumpy. A cold front was blowing in. Christmas is barreling down on us. There was a Supermoon recently and my kiddos were just W.I.L.D!!! After school I was just in funk and knew we needed a day to get back on track. So...I drove over to Michaels and purchased a giant cardboard gingerbread house. We are currently wrapping up a 2 week study of The Gingerbread Man stories and I had seen a friend post about these cute cardboard houses.<br />
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So this morning I set out to break our funk with a giant cardboard box.<br />
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During learning stations I pulled out each cardboard piece, dumped markers all over the floor, and said "have at it guys." And they did. They were so excited. They colored with a fever I had never witnessed before. I had kiddos choosing to color rather than playing on Ipads or in waterbeads. In fact 15 out of my 20 kiddos chose to color the house rather than work in learning stations.<br />
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At first I relished in the few moments of peace and tried to check off things on my never-ending to do list but after seeing my kiddos having so much fun I decided to push that to the side and lay down beside them and color.<br />
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And we colored. For an hour and a half. We colored. And talked. And laughed. And sang Christmas songs. And bonded. Nope...this was not on my lesson plans. No...I had not planned out standards or anything "academic".<br />
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But sometimes that is okay. You see...by putting aside learning objectives and school stuff...you get to actually listen to your kiddos. I learned about a student's trip to eat pizza the night before, what one kiddo ate for dinner at his grandmother's house the night before, and that one kiddo was secretly hoping his tooth would fall out at school so he could get one of those cool treasure boxes to put his tooth in. I heard stories of Melvin and Marvin...two elves that live at one student's home as well as many other elf stories. Elves are important to kindergarteners right now. I heard my kids encouraging each other and complimenting each other. They helped each other out and showed endurance because they wanted to finish the project.<br />
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But academics were not completely pushed away. They are always there. We planned and looked ahead to see which part needed colored next. We discussed how colors changed as they overlapped. We discussed patterning and counted gum drops. We worked as a team.<br />
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And it was fun...so much fun. I had lost my joy for a bit in the classroom as I was caught up in all the "stuff" that comes at this time of year. But today...I found it again...by coloring a giant gingerbread house with my kinders.<br />
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And it was beautiful!Randi Househttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03874237696948572091noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4793903082608940280.post-72958254772479120592017-10-23T08:09:00.000-07:002017-10-23T08:09:29.166-07:00What a journey so far...Let's go back to last April when this whole journey began. At the end of the day, I was greeted by my principal and daughter who presented me with balloons and flowers announcing I was voted as Teacher of the Year for our building. I was surprised and so honored to be selected by my peers.<br />
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Fast forward to the end of May. We were just about to wrap up the school year and we were in the middle of my favorite day of the year...our big OSCARS themed awards ceremony. Everyone was decked out in their movie star best, the room was filled with parents, grandparents, siblings, etc. and the hallways and classroom was completely decked out. It was standing room only. Halfway through the ceremony, in walked my principal again...this time followed by our superintendent and several other people from our central office. They halted the ceremony to announce I had been selected as district teacher of the year. I was completely shocked and so blown away...I just broke down in tears. It was such a memorable day to have so many people there for the surprise announcement and I was so honored to represent our district.<br />
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After that, it was a whirlwind time of preparing applications for district teacher of the year and writing my big back to school speech. In August, as the school year began the district comes together for a back to school assembly. During that assembly I gave my first big speech in front of about 2,000 people. It was both an exhilarating and completely terrifying day for me.<br />
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Later that week during a professional development session, we received an email stating I had been selected as a regional finalist.<br />
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In September, I was invited to the state capitol to be recognized as a regional finalist. The ceremony was live streamed so my coworkers and family were able to watch live as the announcement was made of who was in the top 4 state semi-finalists. I was thrilled to hear my name called.<br />
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I was welcomed back to school the next day with signs. posters, flowers, a lounge filled with my favorite treats, and so many well-wished I couldn't breathe!<br />
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Two weeks later, the Arkansas Department of Education came to my school to observe and conduct formal interviews. I was told they would announce the 2018 Teacher of the Year "before Christmas".<br />
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Then just a few weeks ago, on September 29th...in the middle of a reading assembly I got the surprise of a lifetime. After our superintendent finished up reading a book to the entire student body, Commissioner Key walked in to read another story. As he began to read aloud the story, members of the school board, department of education, community. press, and my family began to file in. Commissioner Key read a story about a teacher (me) and officially announced me as the 2018 Arkansas Teacher of the Year. I was I was completely overwhelmed.<br />
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These past few weeks have been filled with media visits, photo sessions, and working on my National Teacher of the Year application...which in itself is a unreal experience.<br />
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I am still completely overwhelmed at this point and looking forward to what lies ahead on this journey as ATOY!Randi Househttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03874237696948572091noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4793903082608940280.post-305354231471647352014-04-07T17:32:00.000-07:002014-04-07T17:32:00.139-07:00on the Magic Schooooooooooooool Bus...For book character day this year, we were inspired this year by our favorite science-minded redhead and her magical school bus. I have always adored Miss Frizzle and her out of this world fashions. I love that her dress is always themed. I found the most perfect blue swing dress on clearance at Old Navy and the deal was set! I made some felt planets, stars, and other fun things to sew on it. I found the most perfect shade of yellow tights (Target clearance) and added my own red shoes and my little girl's Merida wig. I had to pin the wig and put part into a pony to create the Frizzle look. I thought it turned out pretty fabulous and my students LOVED it.<br />
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Mr. Howse made THE most incredible bus out of carboard and paper. He even added those sweet familiar faces of the kiddos in the back! The bus opened up so our other kinder teachers could hop on!<br />
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This was by far my most favorite book character day!Randi Househttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03874237696948572091noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4793903082608940280.post-62086441570665402852014-04-06T16:33:00.002-07:002014-04-06T16:33:28.765-07:00Cooking with KindersWell we unintentionally took a few...errrr....well several month break from blogging. But we are ready to get back in the swing!<br />
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One of the things that has kept us so busy this year is "Cooking with Kinders". We started cooking with our students last school year and have continued it on this year. Basically we plan a cooking lesson with our students based on our unit of study each week. We combine our classes and have a blast. We are able to connect MANY CCSS standards into each lesson (like average of 13!) and we are feeding our students at the same time. Last year we presented our "Cooking with Kinders" idea to our district school board. In November of this past year AETN contacted us to partner with them to put in a garden. A few representative came and cooked a big Thanksgiving meal with us and took some fantastic photographs! Hopefully we will get that garden going before this school year ends for sure! <br />
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This fall we were asked to present it at our state school board conference! It was the first time for either of us to present formally and we were so nervous and excited. We got to share our idea with school board members, principals, and superintendents from all over the state. We got a good response and learned a lot from our experience. We were so honored to have been chosen.<br />
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In January we were recognized at a school board meeting for presenting at the ASBA conference and a local education reported heard about us so she contacted us to do a story. She came in late January and observed/ took photos and videoed while our students made salsa and guacamole. It was the most precious write-up in the paper and she put the most amazing video together of our students. You can see it <a href="http://m.thecabin.net/news/local/2014-01-28/two-teachers-use-food-teach-lessons" target="_blank">here</a>. Again we were so beyond honored. <br />
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We love the cooking program we have created and feel that it is a strong way to incorporate so many CCSS standards into your weekly lessons. It provides a hands on, integrated, fun lesson for students and it feed those bellies at the same time. <br />
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We are currently working on putting together a printable unit based off our cooking lessons for TPT. We will update when we do! <br />
<br />Randi Househttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03874237696948572091noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4793903082608940280.post-21836220877907923472013-09-20T15:49:00.001-07:002013-09-20T15:49:51.418-07:00Another Kinder quoteHere's another funny Kindergarten quote that one of my students said after we had been discussing how to be a good friend to others.<br />
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Randi Househttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03874237696948572091noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4793903082608940280.post-56765013393535801722013-09-08T19:34:00.002-07:002013-09-08T19:34:38.563-07:00Humpty Dumpty DayWe've been spending the first 3 weeks of school learning nursery rhymes, working with colors and shapes, and focusing on rhyming words. Today we had a "Humpty Dumpty Day" at school. We all got our very own (hardboiled) Humpty to decorate and then drop off our "wall" while re-telling the nursery rhyme. So much of our focus is on re-telling and rhyming the first part of the year...I use this re-telling activity for my Qualls assessment as well. :)<br />
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The kiddies also got to make a Humpty and put him on the wall (brick scrapbook paper from Hobby Lobby) and "write" how they would put him back together. I thought they came up with some pretty cute ideas this year.<br />
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Then we started our Humpty "Egg-speriment". We put a raw egg and a hard-boiled egg in vinegar to soak overnight. The kiddies were so excited and had all sorts of theories as to what would happen. <br />
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Then late in the afternoon all our "kings men and kings women" headed out to the track behind our playground for our 2nd annual Humpty Launch. We love this activity and it's a student favorite from last year. We covered 4 boxes with "brick paper" of different colors. We used a 3 man slingshot and raw eggs to launch Humpty as far as we could. We re-told the rhyme over and over and discussed where he landed each time (using those positional terms). <br />
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Randi Househttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03874237696948572091noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4793903082608940280.post-70387844507134641642013-09-03T15:25:00.001-07:002013-09-03T15:27:53.400-07:00time can be a funny thingThis is our 3rd week of the school year. This marks the fourth time in my life as a teacher that I have started a new school year.. I feel like each year goes by faster and faster. The year we had our son was the fastest so far. I think the average school year is 178 days long. The state of Arkansas will allow you to retire after 28 years of teaching. That means if you retire the first year available you probably worked on average of 4, 984 days as a teacher. That is 28 extremely long first days of school. In Kindergarten you have 20 students. In a Kindergarten teaching career you will probably have more than 560 kiddos in your classes (assuming some students will move throughout the year). An average 28 year teaching career means an average of 4,984 days of teaching. I have already completed about 544 teaching days so far. Part of me gets excited to know that the count down doesn't seem too unbearable but part of me knows that I need to enjoy every minute of my job. It is rare to meet people that absolutely love their job. I am one of those people. I know that of the 560 kiddos placed in my room they are all there for a reason. I know I can teach them all something and they can all teach me something. I know I need to cherish and make the most of the 4,440 more days. This job is one of the only jobs I can think of that can keep my attention. Looking forward to the next 25 or so years!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18349634179143231885noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4793903082608940280.post-15945095557132023992013-08-27T18:28:00.001-07:002013-08-27T18:28:27.424-07:00Moment of SilenceWe are curious as to how our blog readers are implementing the mandated moment of silence in your classroom?<br />
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I begin each morning with a "community circle". Our school uses TRIBES and community circle is the basis for that. We gather in a circle to share our hearts and set our expectations for the day. Anyway, I have introduced the moment of silence to the very beginning of my community circle time. At first, I just talked about what a "moment of silence" is. We then shared ideas of what you could do during that moment of silence. Some of the suggestions were: be still, think, meditate (ha!), pray, and relax. I then modeled the moment of silence by saying "today I am going to spend the moment to think about how I am going to be kind to others, I want you to spend the moment how you choose. You can think, meditate, pray, or just relax.". I then called "Moment of Silence" and we sit still and quiet...some of the kiddos even close their eyes. Once our moment is over I ask if anyone wants to share what they thought about or did. So far I have been very impressed with my kiddos and how seriously they take this. <br />
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This is what I am doing right now and would love any input, suggestions, ideas if you have them!Randi Househttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03874237696948572091noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4793903082608940280.post-35206059421103700212013-08-26T05:16:00.003-07:002013-08-26T05:16:58.991-07:00121 more days until Christmas. This school year is basically over!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18349634179143231885noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4793903082608940280.post-73395283682980646742013-08-25T10:19:00.000-07:002013-08-25T10:19:37.000-07:00Put yourself in their shoes and see how strange it feelsI have said it before that Kindergarten is one of the first forms of an educational institution for many people. The first few weeks are very crazy! We spend lots of time going over the rules and expectations for the classroom. Last week towards the end of the week I started thinking about what that first week must feel like to a kindergartener. Pretend that you started working for a new company. On your first day the CEO introduces himself and then instantly requires you to sit on his carpet in a seating position called "Criss-cross applesauce". The CEO begins talking to you like you are having a natural conversation with him. Then when you go to make a comment on something he said he interrupts you and tells you he wants you to only talk if you have raised your hand and he calls on you. The CEO immediately begins going over all the rules. As you are listening carefully to his long list of rules you realize you need to use the restroom. As you are walking to the restroom your CEO tells you that you need to raise your hand to get up off the carpet even if you are going to relieve your bladder. At lunch the CEO tells you he wants to eat with you the first week so you can adjust to the cafeteria easily. During your lunch with the CEO you decide to strike up conversation to break the tension of work. Before you get the first sentence out of your mouth the CEO interrupts and says I want you to use a inside voice. If you look at the CEO confused he will respond with, "you know, a six inch whisper". The CEO decides to walk with you to all of your meetings that day. You think it is a casual stroll and a great opportunity to get to know the CEO better. Wrong again, the CEO demands you walk through the halls in a single file line with your hands behind your back so you don't touch his pretty walls. He also expects you to put a pretend bubble in your mouth to keep you from talking. <br />
I imagine if I ever got a job with such a regimented work environment I would probably put in my two week notice during my lunch break. It is important to remember that these small people in our classes need rules but they are also small PEOPLE that need respect. There is a fine line between a respectful teacher that loves their students and a tyrant that loves an orderly class. If you grow to enjoy your kiddos then it makes it easy to enjoy your job! Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18349634179143231885noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4793903082608940280.post-63962802373322409082013-08-24T17:18:00.002-07:002013-08-24T17:18:11.602-07:00How Mr. Howse stays organizedIt's a very known fact around our school (and a big joke) that Mr. Howse is not the most organized teacher around. I got very tickled at his new organization binders and their creative cover pages yesterday!<br />
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Randi Househttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03874237696948572091noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4793903082608940280.post-84293149688781820192013-08-23T16:09:00.003-07:002013-08-23T16:09:58.022-07:00Kinder Quote #2<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHuS9NhKGX2tMptMZuDfhhRCDvgWHFCt1SbkT_9gWDMcp2GNrosS90XZ8sPzE_vuC0W_CPuPAPJhRlhhU22J8ZibWpYXutT54bZIGB4OoA8t1qjwuTaK0OYuSXLZGAvcsORxN7xVJaHsE/s1600/dragon+quote.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="397" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHuS9NhKGX2tMptMZuDfhhRCDvgWHFCt1SbkT_9gWDMcp2GNrosS90XZ8sPzE_vuC0W_CPuPAPJhRlhhU22J8ZibWpYXutT54bZIGB4OoA8t1qjwuTaK0OYuSXLZGAvcsORxN7xVJaHsE/s400/dragon+quote.PNG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />Randi Househttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03874237696948572091noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4793903082608940280.post-17933984537338327812013-08-22T20:21:00.000-07:002013-08-22T20:21:09.656-07:00Dear candle companiesIt seems like candle companies come out with a new scent everyday. Whispering pines, Everglades Cedar, summer rain, wild flowers, crisp morning, etc. I often read the label of a candle and think I doubt this smells good. I am normally pleasantly surprised! I want to challenge any candle company to create a candle that smells like any school scents. What can you do with these titles; recess, boys bathroom, custodians closet, teachers lounge? If you can make any of these smell good please let me know. Thanks.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18349634179143231885noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4793903082608940280.post-38478770394775488692013-08-21T18:07:00.000-07:002013-08-21T18:07:52.552-07:00Kindergarten right of passageIn high school (mainly my senior year) it seemed people (mainly guys) felt they had the right of passage to drive really fast in parking lots. It seemed normal for people to squal their tires as they left the parking lots. In college it seemed normal to eat Taco Bell at 2:45 a.m. And not regretting either the late night or the food the next morning.<br />
A few years have passed by since the glory days. Now when I hear tires squalling I automatically think about the price of gas. I still enjoy Taco Bell but I rarely see 2:45 anymore. When I do pull an all-nighter I hurt for 2 days from lack of sleep. I'm not in the know with the current right of passages for high school or college kids.<br />
I have noticed a few things that most Kindergartners consider to be their right of passage or it least they like doing it and they feel like they can get away with it. 5 year olds love to color on carpets. It feels good to sprint down the hall when there is no teacher watching. It's okay to eat a pancake covered in syrup without ever picking up your fork. Shoes on the correct foot are optional. Matching sweatsuits are cool. Velcro is better than laces. The best way to get from one side of the room to the other is roll. When you come around a corner it's okay to do a jumping karate kick to the pretend bad guy. The best way to check to see if your paint is dry is by using your palm. Tasting is a better way of identifying a foreign object than smelling.<br />
There is a lot of fun to be had with this mindset. Try all of these things for a week and I promise you will smile at least once. I have been doing them all for the last four years and I am a really happy person!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18349634179143231885noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4793903082608940280.post-74809772483610284692013-08-19T14:26:00.000-07:002013-08-23T16:10:21.893-07:001st day funnyThe best thing I heard all day,<br />
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This will be a year full of laughter.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18349634179143231885noreply@blogger.com1