Online Games

I enjoyed playing the online games, although it is not something I see myself doing a whole lot. It was easy to access and fun. I had no problems with it. My students love these online games. Sometimes when we are in the lab, after they get done with their work they will play these games. I see why people like them.

Pandora

I absolutely love pandora. I listen to it all the time, especially when I am grading papers in my classroom. Also, my 3rd block class consist of 11 AP senior girls. They are very quiet and smart, of course. When they are writing they love to listen to music, so I play it in that class because it works for them. I couldn't get away with it in my other classes. I love how you pick a station and it plays songs like that artist. It is a cool way to find new artists as well.

Jing

Jing was quite easy once I was able to listen to the tutorial, which was very helpful. I see this as a beneficial site for teachers to use in their classrooms, especially if they can post videos on their blogs. You could maybe use it for students who miss class, and place a video of missed assignments. I like it and think I might try and see if I can utilize it. P.S. I thought it was so cool that I could talk during the video capturing. I could definitely see myself using this in my classroom.

You Tube!!

I love You Tube! Mostly I love it for its ridiculously hilarious videos. They are a great "time waster." I have also found that you tube can be a great tool to use in the education system. The kids, especially teenagers, really relate to it. If you can, as an administrator, encourage your teachers to use You Tub, say once a week, the kids would respond well. You might even use it as a tool in staff developments. There are so many useful videos. For new teachers, you can easily access the Harry Wong videos; he is amazing to watch for new teachers. The funny thing is that at our school you tube is a "blocked" website, so we have to find sneaky ways to even use it at school. I definitely understand why it is blocked, but I do wish there was some way to make it accessible only to teachers and administrators. There is, however a site called "teachertube" that has numerous educational videos.

I posted a video link to my cheerleaders' nationals performance last year. They went to the big show and placed 4th! It was on ESPN and everything. I was quite proud :)

The Cycle

Today is an odd sort of day. I am feeling apprehensive about turning 25 this week. It's not that I am not excited; my car insurance will go down and I can now rent a car! The thing that is scary is that I can remember just turning 20 like it was yesterday. Time goes so fast, too fast. What happened to those carefree days of my existence? I know that I have so much to look forward to, a wedding, finishing grad school and children (eventually). I just don't want to forget anything or leave anything out of my life.

I started pondering this mostly because today I have to attend a memorial service for the husband of a co-worker who just lost his short, but gruesome battle with cancer. I worry for Jana and her children, who I know are struggling with his all to early departure.

On the other hand, my best friend of almost 19 years, is having a baby today!! I get all emotional when I think about it because I still see us as naive high school students or reckless college kids. How did we get to the point where we are having children and getting married?! None the less, I am ecstatic for her and proud to be a new Auntie! Today is truly a day that shows the cycle of life and death. I suppose in an odd sort of way, it is a beautiful process. God seems to have a way of working things out. Until we meet again, dear reader...

The First One

I was prompted to set up a blog by my grad school professor, Dr. Luck. To be honest, I have always considered creating a blog, but know that I may have trouble keeping up with it. I hope I can surprise myself. I also think that I really like the idea of using this as an outlet for my students. Maybe I can generate some heavy discussions about the literature we read in class...oh wait, they have to actually read it first :)

Well dear reader, I am sure that you are longing to know a little bit about me in order to decide if this blog will be to your liking. I dare to say that I am the busiest I have ever been in my almost 25 years of life. I am teaching high school students (mostly AP seniors currently), trying to complete grad school so that I can one day become a principal and make a little money in this business, coaching cheerleading for roughly .40 cents an hour (I did the math) and planning a rather large wedding. I am also thinking about getting a part-time job very soon. Does that make me crazy??...Possibly. (Thanks Gnarles Barkley. )

Like I said, I am not sure how I want to use this blog. Maybe I will post funny things my students say or do everyday. Maybe I will focus on venting some days. Maybe I will get on a soap bow about certain topics. However I choose to use it, I hope it will be interesting for you, dear reader.