Joyful Musings Week 8: October 20-24 by Mary Nyhan

READY, SET, GO!

marynyhan — 2014-10-20 10:15:31 UTC

After a peaceful weekend enjoying time with special friends and family, I am recharged for the week.

marynyhan — 2014-10-20 10:24:35 UTC

A beautiful autumn view.

Patti - popped in the freshman PE class today. 7:20 bell had not rung yet but all the kids were moving and playing..........

2014-10-20 11:23:29 UTC

After a recent mishap with my morning oatmeal, Corey brought me a hot replacement! What was a "poor me" occurrence turned into a "blessed me" one. Thanks Corey!

2014-10-20 13:49:06 UTC

2014-10-20 15:24:19 UTC

My B Block took charge of our discussion today. It is great when students address all of the points you had planned to make on their own.

Parsley- what a treat to find bunches of fresh herbs for the taking. Thanks, Nancy!

2014-10-20 17:49:55 UTC

2014-10-20 19:34:50 UTC

A new seating plan gave those who typically place themselves in the back the opportunity to shine in the front.

2014-10-20 19:36:02 UTC

I had the opportunity to chat during my planning period for a few minutes with colleagues I don't typically see during the school day.

Professional Juniors

colleen_forkell — 2014-10-21 13:39:02 UTC

Students silently sat back down and immediately focused on their work after the fire drill today.

Thank you

marynyhan — 2014-10-21 17:14:04 UTC

A student said I made her day when she received her essay back. She knew she worked hard for that "A", and the smile was enormous.

Brainstorming

marynyhan — 2014-10-21 17:14:48 UTC

Students in A block had a killer brainstorming session for their cause/effect essays. Hopefully this leads to well-organized essays....

Hall Work

marynyhan — 2014-10-21 17:16:16 UTC

When I checked on a group working in the hall, the group leader kept the group on task without knowing I was spying. Of the groups that block, the hall group had the most developed notes and questions. Kudos to them!

Perceptions

marynyhan — 2014-10-22 16:46:01 UTC

We had an enlightening conversation in class today in which a student stopped saying "everyone thinks..." and started saying, "in my perception...." Just the phrase "in my perception" changed the tone from a combative debate to a respectful discussion of ideas.

Loot

marynyhan — 2014-10-22 16:47:47 UTC

I was able to grab many different pencils for my classroom from the college fair today. And thanks to the National Guard, I have a new mug.

Outlining

marynyhan — 2014-10-22 16:48:33 UTC

After we outlined the information we brainstormed yesterday, students were surprised to see that writing the essay will be easy! Most of the work is already done.

Home sweet home

2014-10-23 11:51:20 UTC

After spending the entire week with NEASC, it seems great to be home. And by home, I mean I-LHS. <3

Chromebooks

marynyhan — 2014-10-23 14:08:49 UTC

When a student asked a question that was a side topic to our lesson, it was great to have everyone take out the Chromebooks so we could do a little research and dig for the answer....which led to another question....which led to more digging. The ten minutes of their research to find their answers was far more effective than me giving them the answers. After, they needed to share what they found which then led to a great whole-group discussion.

Color Suggestions

marynyhan — 2014-10-23 14:13:04 UTC

Thank you to Colleen Forkell for giving us great wardrobe suggestions each week. When the suggestion is to commemorate a charity, I feel a bit more tuned in to that charity. And when the suggestion is just for fun, I love that too!

2014-10-23 14:29:24 UTC

One down

2014-10-23 14:30:46 UTC

I witnessed a young man listen and consider other people's opinions after he thought he made up his mind. He was open and ended up developing a new plan.

It is so important for us to teach young people that they can allow themselves to change their minds and opinions based on new information. Here's to breaking the mold!

Shining Moments

colleen_forkell — 2014-10-24 14:14:26 UTC

I was invited to a poetry reading in Creative Writing class. Need I say more?

YES! I was moved to tears by more than one original piece shared by students (and teachers). The atmosphere was supportive and welcoming. I would love to end everyday with a similar experience.

Took a student into the hallway to talk privately, when we returned to class everyone was working ! :o

2014-10-24 17:34:40 UTC