Julie--what's it called when you can talk on two phones at the same time? 
Grandma & Elena
Andrew's birthday partyThursday, March 20, 2008
Birthdays and other stuff
Andrew & Elena
Julie--what's it called when you can talk on two phones at the same time?
Grandma & Elena
Andrew's birthday party
Julie--what's it called when you can talk on two phones at the same time? Grandma & Elena Andrew's birthday party
American Idol Recap
The results are in, and it looks like everyone but me will be bringing treats for our next AI party, next Tuesday at 7:00! Yes, it's true, I was the only one who picked two of the bottom three.
For anyone who's interested, we've started having AI parties, to watch the show and do our own bit of voting. Each of us picks who we think the bottom three will be, and who will go home. The next night we add up the score: 5 points if you pick the winner (or in this case, the loser) plus one point for everyone you picked in the bottom three. Low score wins the privilege of providing treats next week.
Anyone who wants to join us, just give me a call! The show starts at 7 Tuesday (and dinner before is optional!).
For anyone who's interested, we've started having AI parties, to watch the show and do our own bit of voting. Each of us picks who we think the bottom three will be, and who will go home. The next night we add up the score: 5 points if you pick the winner (or in this case, the loser) plus one point for everyone you picked in the bottom three. Low score wins the privilege of providing treats next week.
Anyone who wants to join us, just give me a call! The show starts at 7 Tuesday (and dinner before is optional!).
Thursday, February 28, 2008
Shocking Statistics Support my Soapbox!
Don't you love the alliteration? Okay, I just had to do that.
So, yesterday we had a training meeting at work, and I found a couple of statistics quite interesting. A little discouraging, but interesting.
One school (granted, this is one school, so it's not a huge cross-section) asked the question--is what we're doing to help kids who are below grade level working? Guess what they found out? For ninety-five percent of them, the answer was no. They went through the records and identified the kids who had had interventions early in elementary school and then tracked them as they progressed through the years. So how many made it out of "the system?" Only five percent.
Another interesting statistic. To maintain grade level in reading, a child needs to read 20 minutes a day. That's him reading, not including any time he's read to. For a child to jump a grade level, he needs to read 45 minutes a day--per level. So, if you have a fourth grader who is reading on a second grade level, it's going to take him reading 90 minutes every day to catch him up! And let's be honest, that's not going to happen. Instead, by the time he's in fourth grade, he has so many self-esteem issues tied up with reading, that he's going to avoid that painful experience like the plague.
So, yesterday we had a training meeting at work, and I found a couple of statistics quite interesting. A little discouraging, but interesting.
One school (granted, this is one school, so it's not a huge cross-section) asked the question--is what we're doing to help kids who are below grade level working? Guess what they found out? For ninety-five percent of them, the answer was no. They went through the records and identified the kids who had had interventions early in elementary school and then tracked them as they progressed through the years. So how many made it out of "the system?" Only five percent.
Another interesting statistic. To maintain grade level in reading, a child needs to read 20 minutes a day. That's him reading, not including any time he's read to. For a child to jump a grade level, he needs to read 45 minutes a day--per level. So, if you have a fourth grader who is reading on a second grade level, it's going to take him reading 90 minutes every day to catch him up! And let's be honest, that's not going to happen. Instead, by the time he's in fourth grade, he has so many self-esteem issues tied up with reading, that he's going to avoid that painful experience like the plague.
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
Remembering . . .
Thirty years ago I was twenty years old and about two weeks into dating my sweetheart and embroiled in the trauma of breaking up with my old boyfriend who had just barely returned from his mission. A very happy, sad, exciting time! I was serving as the RS secretary in our singles ward.
Twenty years ago I was living in Payson with five children, ages 9 months to 8 years, and I was very heavily into 24/7 parenting. Danny had just had tubes put in his ears, and we were in the middle of putting together the ward's road show. I was serving as RS secretary in our ward.
Ten years ago I was working at Mt. Loafer elementary as a Skill Building coach and within a month of delivering Andrew. We had moved back to Springville, and Jenny was a senior in high school. And yes, I was serving in the RS presidency, this time as a counselor.
Five years ago I was at home full-time with Andrew (who was almost five). I was doing a neighborhood preschool with him. Jenny was married, Eric was in Venezuela on a mission, and Christy had just announced her decision to serve a mission. Amy was a senior, Danny was a sophomore and Julie was in 7th grade. I was heavily into teenagers, and was probably making a dress for Amy for some dance!
Three years ago we had just returned from our trip to Guatemala and I was a first-time grandma, mother to a married daughter, three young single adults, two teenagers and a first grader! I was serving as Relief Society president, working part-time at Westside, and learning first-hand what it feels like to be in a pinball machine! Danny was a senior, so I was probably watching him perform in choir, band, jazz band, dance, a capella, drama, d'males, or something else.
So far this year I took down the Christmas decorations, fixed about sixty dinners, washed about a hundred loads of laundry, worked every day at Westside, teaching kids how to add and subtract two numbers, how to tell time, and how to count money--and a few other things. I was released as RS president and called as a primary teacher and member of the activities committee--and I organized the ward's Valentine's dinner-dance. I've driven hundreds of miles --mostly back and forth between Springville schools--and listened for hundreds of hours to people I love. I've read Coraline to Andrew and The Host to myself and I made a baby quilt for Elena. I've snuggled my granddaughters, and talked to my grandsons on the phone, written emails and letters, and driven my parents to doctor appointments and hair appointments. I've shopped and paid bills and even tried kickboxing and yoga a couple of times!
Yesterday I went to work, did a load of laundry, chaperoned Julie & Malachi, fixed a lousy dinner (sorry family), wrote 1000 words, and had FHE. I also taught Andrew long division just for fun.
Today I went to Andrew's spelling bee, then to 7-11 for gas, then to work, then to the high school, then to Sunroc, then to Andrew's Blue & Gold Banquet where he received his Bear and I received my pin. Then I went grocery shopping, back to Sunroc, and then home again. Between driving, I wrote 300 words, did the dishes, and helped Andrew make cookies for Scouts tonight. I also helped Andrew find his scout shirt, which was no small task. It was in the toy box, covered with toys.
Tomorrow I plan to write, go to work, pick up Julie, make visiting teaching appointments, take care of Elena, and go to Julie's New Beginnings. I also need to find time to give Grandpa a haircut and I want to watch American Idol.
This year I hope to finish my book and submit it to a publisher, learn to love primary, get my house completely organized and in order, scrapbook, lose weight, and enjoy a perfect summer with Danny back home again!
Twenty years ago I was living in Payson with five children, ages 9 months to 8 years, and I was very heavily into 24/7 parenting. Danny had just had tubes put in his ears, and we were in the middle of putting together the ward's road show. I was serving as RS secretary in our ward.
Ten years ago I was working at Mt. Loafer elementary as a Skill Building coach and within a month of delivering Andrew. We had moved back to Springville, and Jenny was a senior in high school. And yes, I was serving in the RS presidency, this time as a counselor.
Five years ago I was at home full-time with Andrew (who was almost five). I was doing a neighborhood preschool with him. Jenny was married, Eric was in Venezuela on a mission, and Christy had just announced her decision to serve a mission. Amy was a senior, Danny was a sophomore and Julie was in 7th grade. I was heavily into teenagers, and was probably making a dress for Amy for some dance!
Three years ago we had just returned from our trip to Guatemala and I was a first-time grandma, mother to a married daughter, three young single adults, two teenagers and a first grader! I was serving as Relief Society president, working part-time at Westside, and learning first-hand what it feels like to be in a pinball machine! Danny was a senior, so I was probably watching him perform in choir, band, jazz band, dance, a capella, drama, d'males, or something else.
So far this year I took down the Christmas decorations, fixed about sixty dinners, washed about a hundred loads of laundry, worked every day at Westside, teaching kids how to add and subtract two numbers, how to tell time, and how to count money--and a few other things. I was released as RS president and called as a primary teacher and member of the activities committee--and I organized the ward's Valentine's dinner-dance. I've driven hundreds of miles --mostly back and forth between Springville schools--and listened for hundreds of hours to people I love. I've read Coraline to Andrew and The Host to myself and I made a baby quilt for Elena. I've snuggled my granddaughters, and talked to my grandsons on the phone, written emails and letters, and driven my parents to doctor appointments and hair appointments. I've shopped and paid bills and even tried kickboxing and yoga a couple of times!
Yesterday I went to work, did a load of laundry, chaperoned Julie & Malachi, fixed a lousy dinner (sorry family), wrote 1000 words, and had FHE. I also taught Andrew long division just for fun.
Today I went to Andrew's spelling bee, then to 7-11 for gas, then to work, then to the high school, then to Sunroc, then to Andrew's Blue & Gold Banquet where he received his Bear and I received my pin. Then I went grocery shopping, back to Sunroc, and then home again. Between driving, I wrote 300 words, did the dishes, and helped Andrew make cookies for Scouts tonight. I also helped Andrew find his scout shirt, which was no small task. It was in the toy box, covered with toys.
Tomorrow I plan to write, go to work, pick up Julie, make visiting teaching appointments, take care of Elena, and go to Julie's New Beginnings. I also need to find time to give Grandpa a haircut and I want to watch American Idol.
This year I hope to finish my book and submit it to a publisher, learn to love primary, get my house completely organized and in order, scrapbook, lose weight, and enjoy a perfect summer with Danny back home again!
Sunday, February 17, 2008
Beauty comes in all different packages
Best Weekend Ever!
First there was the dinner-dance Friday night, and aside from a few minor blips, it was a huge success! High moments included watching Amy & Ryan tap dance, Eric & Briana cha cha, Kyle Dugovic break dance and Fawn Killpack fast dance! Dancing my favorite dance, the West Coast Swing, with Eric also has to be at the top of the list, as well as dancing with my forever sweetheart.
It was great to see it all come together (i.e. everybody else do their jobs!) with the decorations, cooking the food, bringing desserts by the trillions, and just showing up dressed to kill! People even stayed after the closing prayer and kept dancing until the guy came for his equipment! And--we had several "singles" come, which pleased me greatly. It definitely was "an evening to remember" and people in the ward are asking about another one. (I think we'll call it "Another evening to remember.") I've had a couple of nights sleep, so I'm up for it :)
It was great to see it all come together (i.e. everybody else do their jobs!) with the decorations, cooking the food, bringing desserts by the trillions, and just showing up dressed to kill! People even stayed after the closing prayer and kept dancing until the guy came for his equipment! And--we had several "singles" come, which pleased me greatly. It definitely was "an evening to remember" and people in the ward are asking about another one. (I think we'll call it "Another evening to remember.") I've had a couple of nights sleep, so I'm up for it :)
Saturday was a great day to lay around and not do much. Knowing that Monday was coming (and another day off) I didn't even have to feel guilty about the lack of doing. Dad and I spent some time listening to music (including "our song" which Dad had found, but didn't play Friday night) and flying "A" dog.
Saturday night was Mr. Springville: another fun night
watching Julie announce and "her man" perform. They both did wonderfully.
And Sunday is always good, but especially so because 1) we went to Ben's homecoming, 2) we went to 1st ward to hear Dad's amazing talk, 3) I didn't teach primary--i.e. no small children tried to stick my fingers in their mouths! and 4) I am anticipating an evening with my children, eating yummy food and playing games--without even having to clean up or fix much of the food! Thanks Briana!
And tomorrow is another day full of great possibilities--including, and not to be underestimated--being able to sleep in and reading Danny's email!
Life just doesn't get better than this!
Monday, February 4, 2008
Soapbox speech for all those who are raising the next generation
This year at work I have been given a unique perspective which has made me pretty passionate about teaching kids the basics. Let me explain. My job title is Title One Technician (and playground supervisor, but that's food for another diatribe on another day!). What I do is tutor kids. Reteach stuff they didn't get the first time. Mostly I teach math, and I work with students in almost every grade, 1st through 5th. I've also been part of the team which tested every student in the school in reading.
So here are my observations:
The first few years are so important. Kids learn to read in first and second grade. If they don't get it then, it's unlikely that they'll ever catch up. An interesting statistic we were given was that prisons are planned and built based on the illiteracy rate of second graders! When we tested every student in the school, I learned that there isn't that much difference between a very fluent second grader and a sixth grader. It's like--they either have it, or they don't.
As for math, it's absolutely critical that they master the basic skills. The last few weeks, I've been teaching 5th graders graphing and order of operations. But you know the challenge? Why they are at the bottom of their classes? Because they can't add 8 + 2 without using their fingers. When they see 3 x 3, they draw circles and put dots in them to figure it out. Fifth graders are learning long division and manipulating decimals and fractions. How can these students possibly move forward? And the point is, they don't. They've mastered the ability to avoid doing the work--yet their lives would be so much easier if they would just buckle down and memorize!
But it doesn't start in 5th grade. The last couple of months I've been working with 3rd graders on learning their multiplication facts. Sometimes their teachers show them "tricks" to help them learn. But I fear that sometimes those tricks can become crutches which will later paralyze them. The simple fact is, they just have to do the work of memorizing. It's been interesting to walk directly from working with the 5th graders to the 3rd graders--seeing what will happen two years down the road if they don't get it now.
But it doesn't start there either. I also work with first graders who can't count past ten, and with second graders who can't add 3 +1 without drawing lines on their paper and then counting them.
So from this perspective, I offer a few humble suggestions to the keepers of the next generation. And these are things that every parent can do.
I probably don't need to remind any of you to read and read and read and read to them. Help them to see that there are wonderful worlds to be found within the pages of a book! Of course, you're teaching them the alphabet and the sounds letters make. And when they start to read, keep reading with them.
Some of the early math skills may not be so obvious. Here are some suggestions. Of course, you're teaching them to count. When they've mastered counting their blocks, try counting the blocks by twos. Let your kids play with money. Help them count it. Show them that four quarters equals a dollar. More than any other early math skill, it is so obvious which kids have handled money and which ones haven't--and those who haven't, really struggle to learn how to count money. Counting dimes and nickles and pennies (two at a time) will also help them learn to count by tens and fives and twos. Talk about time with them. Have a regular clock someplace and ask them which number the big hand is pointing to. Introduce them to adding and subtracting and, as they become older, help them become automatic with number combinations. These simple things can make a huge difference!
Okay, now I'll climb off my soapbox. Thanks for listening.
So here are my observations:
The first few years are so important. Kids learn to read in first and second grade. If they don't get it then, it's unlikely that they'll ever catch up. An interesting statistic we were given was that prisons are planned and built based on the illiteracy rate of second graders! When we tested every student in the school, I learned that there isn't that much difference between a very fluent second grader and a sixth grader. It's like--they either have it, or they don't.
As for math, it's absolutely critical that they master the basic skills. The last few weeks, I've been teaching 5th graders graphing and order of operations. But you know the challenge? Why they are at the bottom of their classes? Because they can't add 8 + 2 without using their fingers. When they see 3 x 3, they draw circles and put dots in them to figure it out. Fifth graders are learning long division and manipulating decimals and fractions. How can these students possibly move forward? And the point is, they don't. They've mastered the ability to avoid doing the work--yet their lives would be so much easier if they would just buckle down and memorize!
But it doesn't start in 5th grade. The last couple of months I've been working with 3rd graders on learning their multiplication facts. Sometimes their teachers show them "tricks" to help them learn. But I fear that sometimes those tricks can become crutches which will later paralyze them. The simple fact is, they just have to do the work of memorizing. It's been interesting to walk directly from working with the 5th graders to the 3rd graders--seeing what will happen two years down the road if they don't get it now.
But it doesn't start there either. I also work with first graders who can't count past ten, and with second graders who can't add 3 +1 without drawing lines on their paper and then counting them.
So from this perspective, I offer a few humble suggestions to the keepers of the next generation. And these are things that every parent can do.
I probably don't need to remind any of you to read and read and read and read to them. Help them to see that there are wonderful worlds to be found within the pages of a book! Of course, you're teaching them the alphabet and the sounds letters make. And when they start to read, keep reading with them.
Some of the early math skills may not be so obvious. Here are some suggestions. Of course, you're teaching them to count. When they've mastered counting their blocks, try counting the blocks by twos. Let your kids play with money. Help them count it. Show them that four quarters equals a dollar. More than any other early math skill, it is so obvious which kids have handled money and which ones haven't--and those who haven't, really struggle to learn how to count money. Counting dimes and nickles and pennies (two at a time) will also help them learn to count by tens and fives and twos. Talk about time with them. Have a regular clock someplace and ask them which number the big hand is pointing to. Introduce them to adding and subtracting and, as they become older, help them become automatic with number combinations. These simple things can make a huge difference!
Okay, now I'll climb off my soapbox. Thanks for listening.
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