Tuesday, January 20, 2009
David & Tyler's Big Adventure
David and Tyler have taken their thoughts and ideas to their own blog. Track the adventures of David & Tyler at http://davidandtyler.blogspot.com. They will be keeping you up to date on the things that matter most to them.
Thursday, January 1, 2009
Keeping Myself Accountable
I'm going to try to track my progress on the goals for 2009, month by month.
January - Books I've Read
Ghost Hunting by Jason Hawes & Grant Wilson
Synopses of the ghost hunting cases researched by TAPS. Many of the cases I recognized from the TV show Ghost Hunters that airs on SciFi. Davy and I love this show! Some cases mentioned in the book were new, and I enjoyed reading the more personal takes on the investigations. And, yes, I do believe in ghosts.
Devil Bones by Kathy Reichs
If you are a fan of the FOX tv show Bones, this is a must-read. Actually, Kathy Reichs does an excellent job of blending science and story telling, so start with her first Tempe Brennan book Deja Dead. I don't want to give away too many details because we know that suspense is essential to a good thriller. Enjoy. Let me know what you think!
How to Differentiate Instruction: Curriculum, Instruction, Assessment by Robin Fogerty & Brian Pete
This book is a great intro to differentiating instruction in the classroom. It's comprehensive, yet easy to follow. It also offers practical insight as to how to apply the strategies in the regular classroom of all ages.
The Lucky One by Nicholas Sparks
Well, all I can really say is that I was ready. I was curled up on the couch with a brand new box of tissues. But... didn't need them. Am pretty blah about this particular book. Is it my mood or is he losing his touch?
The Tales of Beedle the Bard by J. K. Rowling
This was a cute book of the tales that young witches and wizards were told to learn lessons and morals. It could be a great resource for lessons with students in grades 4-6.
32 Third Graders and One Class Bunny by Phillip Done
Great reading for an educator - young or, umm, experienced. Inspirational. Hilarious. Heartfelt.
What Does It Mean to be Well Educated? by Alfie Kohn
February
You Haven't Taught Until They Have Learned by Ronald Gallimore and Swen Nater - The principles of John Wooden applied directly to the classroom
The World Is Flat by Thomas Friedman - a must read. This book chronicles the history and influence of technological innovation in the 21st century
A Whole New Mind by Daniel Pink - This book presents an interesting look at the need to develop right-brained qualities in a world that has always focused on left-brained skill. I highly recommend this book!
January - Books I've Read
Ghost Hunting by Jason Hawes & Grant Wilson
Synopses of the ghost hunting cases researched by TAPS. Many of the cases I recognized from the TV show Ghost Hunters that airs on SciFi. Davy and I love this show! Some cases mentioned in the book were new, and I enjoyed reading the more personal takes on the investigations. And, yes, I do believe in ghosts.
Devil Bones by Kathy Reichs
If you are a fan of the FOX tv show Bones, this is a must-read. Actually, Kathy Reichs does an excellent job of blending science and story telling, so start with her first Tempe Brennan book Deja Dead. I don't want to give away too many details because we know that suspense is essential to a good thriller. Enjoy. Let me know what you think!
How to Differentiate Instruction: Curriculum, Instruction, Assessment by Robin Fogerty & Brian Pete
This book is a great intro to differentiating instruction in the classroom. It's comprehensive, yet easy to follow. It also offers practical insight as to how to apply the strategies in the regular classroom of all ages.
The Lucky One by Nicholas Sparks
Well, all I can really say is that I was ready. I was curled up on the couch with a brand new box of tissues. But... didn't need them. Am pretty blah about this particular book. Is it my mood or is he losing his touch?
The Tales of Beedle the Bard by J. K. Rowling
This was a cute book of the tales that young witches and wizards were told to learn lessons and morals. It could be a great resource for lessons with students in grades 4-6.
32 Third Graders and One Class Bunny by Phillip Done
Great reading for an educator - young or, umm, experienced. Inspirational. Hilarious. Heartfelt.
What Does It Mean to be Well Educated? by Alfie Kohn
February
You Haven't Taught Until They Have Learned by Ronald Gallimore and Swen Nater - The principles of John Wooden applied directly to the classroom
The World Is Flat by Thomas Friedman - a must read. This book chronicles the history and influence of technological innovation in the 21st century
A Whole New Mind by Daniel Pink - This book presents an interesting look at the need to develop right-brained qualities in a world that has always focused on left-brained skill. I highly recommend this book!
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Welcome 2009
OK, so I’ve never actually made New Year’s Resolutions before. I’m usually a person who decides I want something and goes after it. There’s no waiting until a particular time of year to make a commitment. “Get it done” is more my style, but this year I’ve been thinking (dangerous, I know).
There are things that I keep hoping to do, but for some reason or another I don’t necessarily follow through. Call it procrastination. Call it exhaustion. Frankly, I call it laziness. So, this year I figured that I would put these things out there for all the world. It’s a bit harder to back out of a personal commitment when the world knows what you are supposed to be doing. We can count this as public and personal accountability, but here goes… My goals for 2009.
1. Say NO more often. This year, I would like to commit to less so that I can commit more of myself to the things about which I am most passionate. While I love learning and doing in all areas, I want to start to narrow my focus more.
2. Build my PLN. In the past few months, I have become an active part of an amazing PLN on Twitter. (Feel free to join in @kellyhines) Every day I get access to some of the best minds in education who have common interests, goals and aspirations for the development of global education. My goal is to continue to seek out the network of people that will enhance my abilities to serve my students, my own children and my school. I only pray that I can help others as much as I have been helped.
3. Build in one-on-one time with each of my kids each day. I don’t have grand thoughts as to an hour a piece because we all have busy schedules. My boys are growing up, and they are growing up fast. While we used to do so much together, they are developing even more distinct interests and personalities these days. I want David and Tyler to each be proud of who they are individually, and I want them to know that they are each special in their own way. As twins, they get “lumped together” enough. 15 minutes. That’s my goal.
4. Read more. I love to read, but it usually becomes a race for completion on vacations (last summer I read over 2o books). I want to focus on reading more “for fun” throughout the year. One per month is my goal. I’ll definitely keep track so you can keep me accountable. Do you have any suggestions for me?
So… here it is. My list for 2009. Think I can do it? I’m going to post this on my professional blog as well, hoping to capture the nagging of all my PLN and readers.
Help me out. Leave a message of encouragement or a book suggestion or an idea of who to stalk (oops, I mean follow) on Twitter or elsewhere to enhance my learning!
There are things that I keep hoping to do, but for some reason or another I don’t necessarily follow through. Call it procrastination. Call it exhaustion. Frankly, I call it laziness. So, this year I figured that I would put these things out there for all the world. It’s a bit harder to back out of a personal commitment when the world knows what you are supposed to be doing. We can count this as public and personal accountability, but here goes… My goals for 2009.
1. Say NO more often. This year, I would like to commit to less so that I can commit more of myself to the things about which I am most passionate. While I love learning and doing in all areas, I want to start to narrow my focus more.
2. Build my PLN. In the past few months, I have become an active part of an amazing PLN on Twitter. (Feel free to join in @kellyhines) Every day I get access to some of the best minds in education who have common interests, goals and aspirations for the development of global education. My goal is to continue to seek out the network of people that will enhance my abilities to serve my students, my own children and my school. I only pray that I can help others as much as I have been helped.
3. Build in one-on-one time with each of my kids each day. I don’t have grand thoughts as to an hour a piece because we all have busy schedules. My boys are growing up, and they are growing up fast. While we used to do so much together, they are developing even more distinct interests and personalities these days. I want David and Tyler to each be proud of who they are individually, and I want them to know that they are each special in their own way. As twins, they get “lumped together” enough. 15 minutes. That’s my goal.
4. Read more. I love to read, but it usually becomes a race for completion on vacations (last summer I read over 2o books). I want to focus on reading more “for fun” throughout the year. One per month is my goal. I’ll definitely keep track so you can keep me accountable. Do you have any suggestions for me?
So… here it is. My list for 2009. Think I can do it? I’m going to post this on my professional blog as well, hoping to capture the nagging of all my PLN and readers.
Help me out. Leave a message of encouragement or a book suggestion or an idea of who to stalk (oops, I mean follow) on Twitter or elsewhere to enhance my learning!
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Awwww
Yesterday in the car, David calls from the backseat. "Mommy, Christmas is not even about giving. It's about loving."
I am thankful for those moments when I feel like I'm doing something right as a parent.
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
On Christmas
Another year has passed so quickly. It's hard to believe. David & Tyler are 5. They were reading stories to us this year. Where has the time gone? It's especially hard to believe since Wes is celebrating his first Christmas with us this year, already at 4 months old. It reminds of the fact that my boys were that small. While it seems like only yesterday, it also seems like so long ago. Watching the boys open their presents and light up at watching Santa on Norad has been a treat this year. The wonder and excitement with which they live leaves me filled with awe and inspiration, and even a bit of remorse. I'm adding some pics of our family time together, if nothing else as a reminder of what Christmas really means to me. Happy birthday Jesus. Thank you for my beautiful family.
Sunday, December 21, 2008
Christmas Time Is Here
Tonight our church held an impromptu Christmas Pageant. No rehearsal. No assigned parts. It was perfect. With a narrator telling the story of the first Christmas, little kids and grown ups joined the story as it unfolded before us. It captured the heart-felt confusion of the time and the joy and wonder, as you watched children staring into the manger at the baby in complete awe. Songs were a capella and rang through the church like the voices of the angels themselves. We wrapped it up with a birthday party for Jesus. I couldn't ask for anything better!
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