Winter Update

This last semester has flown by so quickly! I have completed my internship for student teaching and will have one final semester before I have finished the requirements for my elementary education certification. I really did not think the day would be here so rapidly!

I finished my internship in a 3rd grade classroom with an educator who has been teaching for over 20 years. I have been able to reflect about her teaching style and know the techniques I will take with me and those I will leave behind in her classroom. I am always amazed at the distance many teachers keep between themselves and their students. I built a successful relationship with each 3rd grade student and will greatly miss them as I finish my semester with another mentor teacher.

I have recently been transferred to a 6th grade classroom and it is a completely different world with these students. The particular teacher I will be working with feels very strongly about the mental and emotional health of her students, so it will be intriguing to work with the students in this atmosphere. I have always believed that educators should teach the whole child and this classroom will give me ideas as to how to approach this philosophy and be successful.

The time I have spent in these classrooms has given me a chance to compare and contrast my own method of educating my children at home. I can honestly say that I am providing my children a comparable education at home. I did not realize how many methods I have learned over the years that has given me an advantage with student teaching. It is a great feeling to know that my children will have the knowledge to help them excel in life and be well-adjusted citizens.

In Remembrance

My father passed away, at the age of 77, on September 11, 2010, due to complications from diabetes. He was born on Oct. 27, 1932, and was the seventh child of nine children.

He served in the US Army from 1953 to 1955 and was stationed in France. My father loved being a father and grandpa, supporting the local 4-H program, sharing stories about the past, wood working in his garage constructing new things (cherished items include a cradle and rocking horse for his grandchildren), and going to coffee with his pals every morning. He will be deeply missed by all.

A Science Fair Project in Biospheres

For my science methods class, I chose to create a freshwater biosphere for the science fair. I would liked to have experimented with a marine environment, but it involves a significant amount of time to research and, as usual, I was already short on time. The freshwater biosphere turned out very well and the organisms are still living after three months. I might venture out for some fish and see how they survive in the existing environment. I found a great site that has good information about creating natural environments without chemical filtration: http://naturalaquariums.com/ .

During our science fair, I had the opportunity to visit with Barbara Morgan, the first female educator in space. She is definitely an inspiration to educators! I really enjoyed speaking with her and gleaning ideas for my future experiences in the classroom. She brought with her basil seeds that have flown on the space shuttle along with K-12 lesson plans for students to design, build, and evaluate their own lunar plant growth chambers. More information can be obtained from: http://www.nasa.gov/education/plantchallenge

I have to say that the science elementary methods class has been one of my favorite classes. I had an amazing instructor who has definitely inspired me to bring inquiry-based hands-on projects to my own children and future classrooms.

A Fishing Trip to Alaska

My hubby has just returned from a fishing trip to Ketchikan, Alaska and brought back 50 pounds of yummy fish. We are so excited!

Back to Work for Megan

We have enjoyed having Megan home for the last 10 days. It has been wonderful to spend time together over the summer when everyone is home and not worried about work, exams, and school schedules. We had a great time moving furniture, painting, and organizing Megan and Jordann's room and the school room. We will miss you today Megan and your humorous perspective on life!

Enjoying the Summer Break!

Our weather here has been a bit crazy and we never know whether to expect a cold breeze or the blazing hot sun. This photo was taken during one of our recent storms that occurred after a 100-degree day.

It has taken me a little time to unwind from the hectic pace of school and begin to enjoy the summer. I was very thankful to finish all of my methods classes for elementary education. It seemed like I was constantly working on one major project after another to satisfy the requirements for these classes. I will begin posting the results of some of these projects over the next few weeks.

I have already received my placement for my professional year that will start in the fall. I feel very privileged to have the opportunity to complete my student teaching at a harbor school. I have heard amazing things about how the harbor method works and I am anxious to see for myself how it benefits children.

Shelby's Graduation Day