The same student that I mentioned before walked by me in the hall today and said "What up, girl?" I told him that he can't call a teacher "girl," which he felt bad about; he honestly doesn't understand what he's saying.

I have an observation tomorrow and one on Thursday. I'm so nervous because I haven't had much time to prepare.

My Classroom
I went a little crazy with my camera on Friday. For everyone who wants to see one of my classrooms- or if you're looking for decorative ideas for a bus-stop entry room:)- here are some pics of my 3rd grade room at school:










We have a word wall with every new word we've discussed from the weekly stories, separated by parts of speech. My Chinese dragon is above our "new word" reading strategies (so the students learn how to figure out a word when they're reading alone). Above the white board are our four Reciprocal Teaching reading strategies, which we just starting practicing last week...the students came up with the replies to each statement or question, for example:
"Will you help me figure this out?"
"Sure. Why not? Let's figure it out together: teamwork!"
On the right side of the board is our theme of the week and new vocabulary that the students requested help understanding.










Our Teamwork mural, inspired by "Detroit Industry" by Diego Rivera. We had to spend a lot of time brainstorming words to use when talking about teamwork, but now they bring it up all the time. We worked on prefixes and suffixes at the beginning of the year, and we brainstormed a list of plural and singular adjectives. Finally, on the bottom is our influential immigrants wall. My students saw an article on the table one day about Elaine Chao (the US Secretary of Labor) that I had ripped out of a magazine. I explained that she moved to the United States from Vietnam and had to learn English, too, and now she has a very important job that helps many people. They got so excited to learn more about other former ESL students. It was so hard to find biographies of successful Guyanan-Americans!

The heat is my room is so mixed up. It's below zero until 8:30, when the doors are finally closed. Then the heat turns on and it goes up to 80 degrees. Layering is a must:)

Two stories and an evaluation
I know that kids stories can get trite, but these were funny:
*One 3rd-grade boy walked by me in the hall, slapped me lightly on the back, and said "Hiya, Teach!" wth:) Where did he pick that up? It was completely something out of a Mickey Rooney movie, when students wore knee socks.
*A second-grade boy, who is in one of my reading groups, has the most amazing ability to make connections from the text to his life. We were reading a story about a horrible dog today. He looked at one of the pictures showing the chaos that the dog had created in the back yard and said "A dog can't turn on the sprinkler...he doesn't have opposable thumbs!" Then he explained that humans and apes have them, but he wasn't quite sure what opposable meant. Apparently, he learned about this on the TV show "Jimmy Neutron, Boy Genius."

I was observed and evaluated by my mentor and the head of staff development for our school district. It went amazingly well! They were so nice- it completely made my day; especially when my mentor said, "It's obvious that you do a lot of work." Oh my gosh, thanks, yes, yes I do! Whew. All the work is only worth it if it shows in the students' improvement:)

The New World
I went to see it tonight and I loved it. I read a review that said that you can love it or hate it but nothing in between. And I definitely realize how someone might die of boredom during the millionth silent walk in the woods. What touched me, though, was the romance. Terrence Malick has a way of capturing the subtle glances between two people just as well as he exposes the captivating beauty of unaltered nature. I started to get a leaden weight in my chest at all scenes of silence in the forest: I miss New Hampshire so much. And I was so jealous of the characters running around the pine trees. That something, so primative, has been missing from my life for a while. It almost feels like a spiritual absence. Even before we moved to New England, I was enchanted with having some sort of natural freedom. I made my mom drive me to an overgrown lot in Rochester, New York, so I could pick wildflowers, while wearing a flowing skirt, and put them in a wicker basket (I was quite a precocious 6-year-old). Even 13 years later, I still feel that longing for a quiet forest. I'm such a city girl now, I'm not sure I would make it, even just to visit nature today. I'd probably run into some Minnesota-specific natural danger, like hidden thin ice, or some bizarre indigenous animal. Anyway, The New World was a beautiful movie; it was almost more like a PBS history special than a narrative story. I loved it, though. Anyone who wants to drive to the woods with me sometime and run around:), please let me know.

The traditional romance in the movie was serene, too, but also extremely lustful. Words sometimes ruin everything, don't they? It's much better when you can't understand each other and might as well not talk. (Cynical laughing...) I very much miss romance. I won't actually say how long it's been since I was really romanced, but he had an accent, and that's much too long ago.

So, and my friends agreed, an evening watching Colin Farrell and Christian Bale run around the woods was very nice, but no substitute for being in the woods myself.

My Favorite Music
In honor of the fact that I've learn about so much good music this year (through my friends at Radio K ;), here is my top 20 for 2005 (but without caveats, because I don't mind disagreement):
Original of the Species by U2
Emmanuel by Chris Botti
You're Beautiful by James Blunt
Use It by the New Pornographers
Tired of Being Sorry by Ringside
The Autumn Sweater by Yo La Tengo
The Comeback by Shout Out Louds
Diamonds from Sierra Leone by Kanye West
Brighter Than Sunshine by Aqualung
Gravity by Embrace
Wires by Athlete
Ashes by Embrace
Contigo (With You) by Federico Aubele
Goodnight Goodnight by Hot Hot Heat
Take It Easy (Love Nothing) by Bright Eyes
Lover I Don't Have to Love by Bright Eyes
Blower's Daughter by Damien Rice
Cannonball by Damien Rice
Cathedrals by Jump Little Children

I made the bad choice of going to the Humane Society on Monday, just to visit the animals. I am so sensitive about pretty much everything everything (except people who cut me off) and I saw a cat who was so cute that I couldn't just leave him there. It was an impulse buy! :) His name is Oliver, like Oliver Twist, because he was orphaned when his owner was taken to prison (the police brought him to the shelter. He's so adorable.

A strange thing I heard on the Fox News Channel:
*When interviewing the "Vampire" gubernatorial candidate in Minnesota, a reporter said, "Well, you worship Satan, which could be hard to overcome, but your education plan is good."

This is such a diverse state! Just when I think I understand Minnesota life, something bizarre pops up. I think I'll always be a New Hampshire native...although I guess I never completely understood "Live free or die."

My Favorite Things

Days off from working,
and freshly cleaned tables,
Urban Outfitters,
and sesame bagels,
beds from Ikea,
my Tibetan ring,
these are a few of my favorite things.

Fa-la-la lattes,
and fresh, springtime breezes,
a plate of triscuits with sharp cheddar cheeses,
New York Times' Op-eds,
and Dickens' writings,
these are a few of my favorite things.

In staff meetings,
or hot airplanes,
other times I'm mad,
I simply remember my favorite things,
and then I don't feel so bad.

My week...

*Five of my students who don't speak any English- and whose parents don't speak any English- did not understand the field trip forms that were sent home only in English. So I spent one morning running around the school, arguing that all forms should be sent home in Spanish as well and desperately trying to get my students permission to go. I worry so much about them: one girl cries everyday because the days are so short! And I can't imagine what they daydream about during the hours of school when they have no idea what's going on. I printed 10 new Spanish books for them last night...but that's not enough at all.

*Kwadwo walked across the 2nd grade room to say "You look nice today, Miss Walters." It was so sweet, after my morning of running around talking to parents liasons and the principal.

*My classroom looks so colorful now! I put up photos of influential immigrants- there are so many more than I thought, including the Secretary of Labor, Elaine Chao, Sen. Mel Martinez from Florida, and Betty Nguyen from CNN. My students were so excited! I should have thought of that before. It must be so hard when there are so few role models of English language learners.

I need a drink tonight...does anyone want to go out?

The Japanese word "chokuegambo" describes the wish that there were more designer-brand shops on a given street.

Reading this on Cecily's blog made me wonder: what words have Americans created that somehow hint at cultural predispositions?

Well, "super-size" (verb) is one...

Since I always need to have the tv on while I'm working at home, I decided to do a double-feature today. I just remembered how much I adore the movie "Babe." There is tendency for me to anthropomorphize all animals anyway, so it just saves me the trouble. Plus, it looks like the little piggy is wearing a toupee...there's nothing cuter than that.

A Psychological Diagnosis
In honor of the new medical diagnosis page in the New York Times magazine, which is so interesting, here is an inconclusive diagnosis of my listening problem.

Symptoms:
An inability to recall oral directions, especially multi-step instructions with no visual modeling. Cannot remember heard comments in passing. Attempts to compensate for the problem include excessive usage of post-its. Acted as secretary of a group in college, but could not type and listen to the dialogue at the same time (which led to some confusion). However, has great difficulty focusing on a task in silence: there must be noise for her to study. Without background noise, she becomes increasingly distracted by tangential thoughts and becomes philosophical. (For example, cooking in silence leads to her standing still, licking a spoon in a trancelike state, contemplating what it would be like to attend Le Corden Bleu in Paris- how much French would I need to know to follow the cooking directions?). She feels that the louder the background noise when she's focusing on a task, the more she has to contintually refocus her attention on that task, which actually increases her capacity for productivity.

Family History:
Grandfather has limited audio recall as well- especially when listening to directions when not accompanied by a visual guide. Maternal aunt was diagnosed with audio dyslexia (which means she has difficulty maintaining the order of words when listening?)

Diagnosis: Hmm...I think I have audio ADD. I need constant audio stimulus or I start to have the most random thoughts! I don't watch a lot of tv, but I almost always have it on at home because the noise keeps me focused. I also need to write down every single instruction or note at work. Which is why I'm addicted to sticky notes (of all sizes) and making lists. I can't just ask myself what I need to do, because I don't trust my memory:)

I'm really sorry if there are times when it seems like I haven't been listening to my friends! I stopped telling people about my listening issue for a while because of the way the teacher in my student-teaching placement treated it. Whenever I made a mistake, like not remembering some random and inconsequential information, she would say "I know you have your problem, Nicole, but you're going to have to get over it if you want to be a teacher..." Her tone was so mean that I'm always afraid that people will think I'm making it up or I can't compensate for it. But I usually can;) Isn't that bizarre?

Our school is so diverse in languages, economic situation, and emotional needs. It makes me question what I know about my students every day and makes me feel so grateful to have had the childhood that I did. Today I had to talk a student out of biting himself- actually cutting the skin on his arm with his teeth- and try to stop him saying that he hates himself and deserves it. And it was just a moment during the day. I didn't have time to process it until now. The little boy has developmental and emotional disabilities and he kept saying "I'm stupid because I can't stop talking and I always have to leave the room." I can't stand that any child feels that way. The problem was soon taken over by his own teacher, and our amazing social work and psychological staff are probably addressing it, but it's such a horrible thing to see...

There are also things that I can't assume about any of my students. I can't ask them to do research for homework, because almost none of them have internet or computers, or encyclopedias. Today, I gave a few students postcards to color (they missed the activity before vacation). But all of them told me that they don't have anything to color with at home. I can't imagine a 8-yr-old who can't color! How can I teach them to be independent and creative thinkers when they can't find the answers to their own questions or express themselves artistically at home? Although I'm sure they all find ways, and I in no way pity them, I still wish I could give them everything my parents gave me, all the things I ignorantly expected that every 8-year-old girl was entitled.

So, I've decided to write to Oprah:) My students represent a new generation of immigrants in American history. All of our ancestors came to American in some capacity and in some way relied on the kindness of strangers (like Blanche Dubois!). Why have we forgotten that? My grandparents spoke Polish and Russian as first languages. Neither went to college, but they fought and struggled, in ways I can't imagine, to support their children to success in this country (although my grandpa didn't receive a warm reception as a Polish man in the army in the 40's). And all of my Dad's siblings went to college, three had PhD's and two have Master's Degrees. Not all of my students have parents who have the time to support them to that extent...but they deserve every opportunity.

If you are ever in a restaurant that has free crayons for kids, please swipe some for my students! I'm going to start a collection:)

1. What did you do in 2005 that you'd never done before?
I got my teaching license, a full-time job, and my own parking space. 

2. Did you keep your New Years' resolutions, and will you make more for next year?
I never make them. I usually make changes during Lent.

3. Did anyone close to you give birth?
No.

4. Did anyone close to you die?
No, thankfully.

5. What countries did you visit?
OMG, I didn't even go to Canada.

6. What would you like to have in 2006 that you lacked in 2005?
A nice big bed, a new car (which I'm getting this Spring!), a lesson-planning schedule for work, and a brilliant and sweet man (Anderson Cooper's been too busy).

7. What date from 2005 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
Two: March 6, because our extended family changed irrevocably, and it still doesn't make sense to any of us; and August something, when I finally got a job, a week before I had to either start substitute teaching (and live with my aunts) or move home.  

8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?
Getting a job! It's my first actual job.

9. What was your biggest failure?
Losing touch with my ESL friends, because we're all so busy with our new jobs. We're starting a book group this year.

10. Did you suffer illness or injury?
I had the worse cold of my life last week. For 4 days, everytime I coughed, I couldn't stop until I started drinking water or ate a cough drop. I had a horrible tickle in my throat that would even wake me up in the middle of the night.

11. What was the best thing you bought?
I don't know. I love buying books for my students, especially ones that give them confidence by showing their culture. I finally found an Arabic-English picture dictionary at the Arab-American Museum in Dearborn, MI, which makes me so happy, especially after starting to look for Arabic books in Minnesota through kind of sketchy stores. I love my mini-sharpie too; it's cute and resourceful!

12. Whose behavior merited celebration?
Wow, my family. They are so sweet and supportive. Papageorgio got me a digital camera so I can tape my students' presentations! Hermano, who takes care of me like a big brother, even though he's only one in stature:) And my friends, who always make me laugh.

13. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?
All of the people involved with not helping after Hurricane Katrina depressed me. And I was appalled when one of my students was asked to interpret for his family when they received their eviction notice. People who don't have sympathy for immigrants and children's sensitivity make me so mad.

14. Where did most of your money go?
Surprizingly, to food. I love grocery shopping! But almost half of the food I bought went bad before I had time to eat it. I'm going to start making a weekly plan, so my cart isn't bigger than my stomach. 

15. What did you get really, really, really excited about?
Going to Chicago for my grandparents' anniversary! It was such a needed break from work.

16. What song will always remind you of 2005?
"Contigo" by Federico Aubele. I really liked Brazilian techno/tango music this summer, which sounds a bit strange, but it reminded me of Barcelona, and I listened to it while I ran.

17. Compared to this time last year, are you:
i. happier or sadder? I honestly can't remember how I felt last year. I think I was stressed out by my coursework. But Christmas was so much fun.
ii. thinner or fatter? Thinner.
iii. richer or poorer? Richer, which isn't saying much since I was living off loans last year. I'm going to have to start paying back my loans this month :(

18. What do you wish you'd done more of?
Spent time with friends, volunteered, gone to church (now that I finally found a nice one).

19. What do you wish you'd done less of?
Obsessed about my job.

20. How did you Christmas?
With all of my mom's family, as usual. It was so crowded though, that next year is going to be different.

22. Did you fall in love in 2005?
No.

23. How many one-night stands?
There's no graceful answer to that question...

24. What was your favorite TV program?
Extreme Makeover: Home Edition. It's so altruistic and sweet, even if it's a bit forced. And I like Grey's Anatomy. I watch so much CNN, though.

25. Do you hate anyone now that you didn't hate this time last year?
I don't really hate anyone. There are some people who have such different interests that I don't want to hang out with them, but that's fine.

26. What was the best book you read?
Paris to the Moon, by Adam Gopnik. I miss Paris and my life would be perfect if they spoke Spanish there, because then maybe I could justify going again.

27. What was your greatest musical discovery?
Ringside, the New Pornographers, and Embrace.

28. What did you want and get?
A job! After the torture of job-searching this summer, I'm so lucky that it all worked out in the end.

29. What did you want and not get?
A classroom to teach in, a guy to have fun with, and a dog.

30. What was your favorite film of this year?
I can't remember. I almost stopped going to movies because I don't have much time. I liked the new Pride and Prejudice- the acting was so good.

31. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
I took two Praxis exams (education tests for licensure) and had dinner at Aunt Ali's.

32.What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
I want to find a fun and fulfilling volunteer position. I'm not going to do Habitat for Humanity again, since I have minimal construction skills:) So I'm still looking. 

33. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2005?
It's all about dressing against type: I don't want to look like a teacher! So I wore a lot of nice button-down shirts and tweed skirts. My favorite work-clothes store is Ann Taylor. But, it was fun on the weekends to wear my inappropriate clothes, which is pretty much all of them.

34. What kept you sane?
My students' enthusiasm kept me dedicated to my job.

35. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?
Anderson Cooper for brains, but Clive Owen for brawn;)

36. What political issue stirred you the most?
The aftermath of Katrina.

37. Who did you miss?
hermano, my grandparents, ECM

38. Who was the best new person you met?
My radio friends are the best, because it's nice to have guy friends that I can count on. Chris even offered to chaperone when my sketchy relative was hitting on me!

39. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2005.
Rudeness usually has nothing to do with you and kindness actually works better in fixing it. It's also shown me that hyper-peppiness can sometimes be a manipulative tool (in a positive way) while working at a school.

40. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year.
"Oh, simple thing, where have you gone? I'm getting old and I need something to rely on"- Keane

Happy New Year...especially to you:)