End of the School Year

Wow! I can't believe the school year is over after today. It always goes so fast, and I never get to everything I planned. Each year I revamp my lessons and activities in order to create a better classroom environment. It will be sad to see this group of students leave; they've all become important people in my life. That is probably the best part of being a teacher; being able to create memories with so many different kids. I hope that some will remember me and come back to visit.
The other day one of my students from the past came back to say hello. She decided after her 8th grade graduation she wanted to stop by to say hi. I could not believe how much this student grew and matured. It was absolutely wonderful being able to see her again and wish her luck in the big leagues (high school). She told me she really enjoyed 5th grade and being in my class (things like this make teaching worthwhile).
I know I'll miss the kids, but summer will be a much needed rest. Also, I know next year I'll meet a whole new crop of students and create new memories.

Movies

I'll be succinct. I love movies (all different types). If you share the same thoughts, you should check out this really cool movie search engine I just found called nanocrowd. I think I'll use it to help me pick a flick to watch this weekend!

Music

Right now I'm listening to my ipod and doing school work. It's amazing how music can aid in the speed at which I accomplish my work. Occasionally I will play music using pandora.com or grooveshark.com for my students. Sometimes I will play "Kagan's Music for the Mind" when my students are reading & writing.
Personally, my music taste is quite eclectic. I'll listen to anything, and normally it depends what type of mood I'm in; I listen to everything from Jack Johnson, Green Day, Less than Jake, the Beatles, Metallica, Nickelback, Dave Matthews, and so many more artists. The world would be bleak without music.

Fun with Poetry

Recently I had my students rewrite songs using their own words, but keep the rhythm of the music.  The class was really excited and the lesson turned into a huge success.  Students created some humorous parodies, and I've posted some below.

May is here!!

           Hooray, May is here!  I don't know about you, but the month of May sure is busy.  My calendar is filled with so many things: weddings, baby showers, birthdays (mine), etc... How do I keep track of it all?  I use the website www.rememberthemilk.com .  For gift ideas I often search using google shopping or worio.com.
           The school year is finishing up and there are so many things I still have to accomplish.  But, it is also imperative that I take a moment to sit back, relax, and enjoy the beautiful weather.  You should stop and smell the roses too!

Spring Break

     Wow! I can't believe the break is over.  I did nothing over the break, and it was wonderful.  My batteries are recharged and I'm ready to go back to school.  Actually, I did get the opportunity this past week to sleep late, read a novel, watch some movies ("Slumdog Millionaire" was really great, but "Seven Pounds" was pretty awful), relax with my wife, and take my dog on ridiculously long walks.  I discovered a website called pizzashare, which enables the browser to search for good pizza locations wherever they might be in the US.
     I'm really excited to go back to work tomorrow, because my students are about to begin my favorite social studies project.  They will be researching life during colonial times, coming up with a family name (based on real census date from that period), pretending to open up a shop that focuses on a specific trade, and make skits for "Ye Olde Colonial Faire!"

Poetry

Currently my English class is studying poetry.  I heard about this poem from a workshop I attended and felt like sharing it with everybody.  Feel free to leave comments.

"Booger Love" by Brod Bagert (taken from his book Giant Children)


I love this little booger,
All shiny, green, and black.
You can hold it for a minute,
But I want my booger back.

It stays right where I put it,
It sure knows how to stick.
And if it gets too dry...?
It just needs a little lick.

I can hold it on my finger,
I can flick it in the air,
I can stick it underneath a desk,
Or underneath a chair.

I can make a ball and roll it
Just to see which way it goes.
I love this booger anywhere...
Except inside my nose.

Here is a great poetry website:  http://ettcweb.lr.k12.nj.us/forms/newpoem.htm