Saturday, December 6, on the buses again! The nine buses with police escort are on the move again! We are going outside Ashun City to a small village. We will visit the school there. The bus ride is two hours and we stop at a gas station for a rest stop. We see a lot of the countryside and learn about how the farmers live.
When we arrive outside the village we have to leave the buses behind. The road is too small for the buses and the village is not a big as nine buses. The scene is beautiful. We see a small stream with people fishing and lots of ducks. As we walk down the road, we hear music. The whole surrounding area turns out for our welcome. There are drummers, dancers, and people costumed from the local opera lining the road. It is amazing!!! We make our way through the village. It is a very poor village. The houses are very old and chickens are everywhere. The path leads to a very small school. All of the students greet us there in their best clothes. The students do a small performance for us. So, do the local women with a scarf dance, the drummers with a drum dance and the local Chinese Opera. It is amazing!! It brings tears to our eyes. We take a very brief tour of the school. The school is very small with only a few rooms. It is a two story school with rough benches for the students and small desk.
The whole visit ends with the American delegation teaching the Chinese students the “Hokey Pokey”. It is so much fun and magical. Village people watch from over the walls of the school and enjoy the scene.
We walk back to the buses and go to Anshun City for lunch. Again a turn at the lazy susan and lots of new food to try for lunch. I still haven’t adjusted to fish with faces, chickens and ducks with heads and feet on the tables for lunch.
We load the buses and head for Yunfeng Tunpu (Forest Village). It is a fort built in the 14th century by Emperor Zhu Yanzhang. It reminds you a little of St. Augustine. The fort is built of stone and is on a small stream. The fortress is very old and the Han ethnic group lives here. These families have lived here since the 1300’s. The women still wear traditional clothes, there is an old Buddhist temple and fortress still holds ancient arms.
Again to the bus, for a long trip back to Guiyang. The bus drivers are almost like amusement ride drivers. We never know how close we will be to another car, bus or motor bike. It is the ultimate thrill ride!
We will have another dinner with the lazy susan. This is Farwell Dinner of the formal part of trip. We all say good- bye and share experiences of the conference. I have been lucky to make many new friends. Tomorrow we are going many different ways. Some of the delegates will head back to the USA and others to tour to Xi’an or Shang Hi. I will head with the group to Xi’an to see the Terra Cotta soldiers. I am sooooooo excited!!
Sunday, December 14, 2008
Pizza and a walk on the streets
We end the day, Friday December 5 at the Howard Johnson in Guiyang. We are responsible for our own dinner plans. My room is very cold and the heater isn’t working. The view outside is nice but the air is very polluted here. The apartments have water catchers on the roofs and I can see them form my 10th floor window. I decide to join friends for dinner at the hotel. The staff here speaks very little English and makes ordering a challenge. Many people are ordering western food and the cooks are trying to keep up with the demand. One of my friends orders pizza. We are surprised when the pizza is about 3 inches think. The pizza is stuffed with vegetables! Yes, vegetables under the cheese! I tried for dumplings. The waitress said they were out so I ordered noodles. So, I end up with noodles and dumplings!! We had fun!
After dinner we walked the street outside and created a stir. People are stopping and staring at us. We are very different to the citizens here. One short redhead, a short African American, and a tall blond, not the normal Guiyang group of people to see on the street here and we laugh about our stares from people. The people in the south of China are short and the taller people are in the north of China. We return to the hotel to prepare for a great trip tomorrow.
After dinner we walked the street outside and created a stir. People are stopping and staring at us. We are very different to the citizens here. One short redhead, a short African American, and a tall blond, not the normal Guiyang group of people to see on the street here and we laugh about our stares from people. The people in the south of China are short and the taller people are in the north of China. We return to the hotel to prepare for a great trip tomorrow.
Shang Yi Primary School
We move on to the next school. It is Shang Yi Primary School. We go there after a lunch at a local restaurant. Since there are 180 people in our delegation anywhere we go is like an invasion. At the restaurant, we learn to be careful turning out lazy Susan and not spilling drinks as the wheel turns. This lunch we only lose three drinks as casualties of dishes on the lazy Susan.
The buses are escorted by the police everywhere and all the traffic is stopped in each intersection as we pass through. We look very impressive as we travel the roads in Guiyang. Our buses divide up into twos as we move to the next school.
Shang Yi Primary School is 2.5 acres big with 2,200 students and 112 teachers. There are as many as 60 students in a class. The school was built in 1058 and redone in 1998. The school color is yellow and the students have on yellow warm up suits as school uniforms. It is not heated, so the students have sweaters on under their jackets.
When we drive up to the school, there are many students out front in colorful dresses and outfits. We are greeted in English. The boy who greets me is in sixth grade and has spoken English for three years. He speaks very well and we have a polite conversation of “hello, how are you?” and then he adds several times he can’t believe I am so tall. He is also tall with glasses and looks like many of my students in the past.
We are lead to a room upstairs to meet the principal and see a power point of the school. The pictures show children like children at home, playing basketball, jump rope and bound ball. Each teacher only teaches one subject. So, the students have several teachers all through grades 1-6.
We are then lead to a large classroom with a class in session. The children are sixth graders studying ethnic culture of Guiyang. The students are studying masks to ward off evil spirits. The teacher is giving examples and showing scary masks. The students are using spoons to create small examples of masks. The spoons are large and look like large soup ladles. The children all greet us in English and smile. But one child speaks out saying “meet you glad” and the class laughs. The teacher continues class with a mike on. We sit on small stools in the back of the room watching the lesson. Some spoons are already painted and line the window sill. The teacher asks us to join the students with their painting. The four students I sit with teach me how to use their paints. We do all of this with out speaking. We are having the best time laughing and painting. While we are painting, the local TV station talks to me about my visit to Guiyang. We are all having a great time. The students decide I show take my spoon with a mask and show it to the teacher. The teacher shows my mask to the rest of the class and says I am doing a good job. We all giggle! The students give me their spoons as gifts after class and I have my picture taken with them. It is so much fun.
After the students are gone, we stay and have a discussion with the teachers. There is one student who doesn’t want to leave. He hangs outside the door until his teachers run him off! He is very cute! After the discussion we leave the schools with children waving everywhere.
The buses are escorted by the police everywhere and all the traffic is stopped in each intersection as we pass through. We look very impressive as we travel the roads in Guiyang. Our buses divide up into twos as we move to the next school.
Shang Yi Primary School is 2.5 acres big with 2,200 students and 112 teachers. There are as many as 60 students in a class. The school was built in 1058 and redone in 1998. The school color is yellow and the students have on yellow warm up suits as school uniforms. It is not heated, so the students have sweaters on under their jackets.
When we drive up to the school, there are many students out front in colorful dresses and outfits. We are greeted in English. The boy who greets me is in sixth grade and has spoken English for three years. He speaks very well and we have a polite conversation of “hello, how are you?” and then he adds several times he can’t believe I am so tall. He is also tall with glasses and looks like many of my students in the past.
We are lead to a room upstairs to meet the principal and see a power point of the school. The pictures show children like children at home, playing basketball, jump rope and bound ball. Each teacher only teaches one subject. So, the students have several teachers all through grades 1-6.
We are then lead to a large classroom with a class in session. The children are sixth graders studying ethnic culture of Guiyang. The students are studying masks to ward off evil spirits. The teacher is giving examples and showing scary masks. The students are using spoons to create small examples of masks. The spoons are large and look like large soup ladles. The children all greet us in English and smile. But one child speaks out saying “meet you glad” and the class laughs. The teacher continues class with a mike on. We sit on small stools in the back of the room watching the lesson. Some spoons are already painted and line the window sill. The teacher asks us to join the students with their painting. The four students I sit with teach me how to use their paints. We do all of this with out speaking. We are having the best time laughing and painting. While we are painting, the local TV station talks to me about my visit to Guiyang. We are all having a great time. The students decide I show take my spoon with a mask and show it to the teacher. The teacher shows my mask to the rest of the class and says I am doing a good job. We all giggle! The students give me their spoons as gifts after class and I have my picture taken with them. It is so much fun.
After the students are gone, we stay and have a discussion with the teachers. There is one student who doesn’t want to leave. He hangs outside the door until his teachers run him off! He is very cute! After the discussion we leave the schools with children waving everywhere.
Sunday, December 7, 2008
First school in Guiyang/experimental school
Today we are up and out early. After a great breakfast, we climbed on the buses and headed for two schools. The first school was the Experiment Middle School. Middle School here means 9-12 grades. The school I was at accepted the highest scores on testing for high school. In China, you have to past a test to be able to go on to grades 9-12. The school is new and built in 2004. It is a boarding school. It is a public school and most of the students go home for the weekend. They had 10 minutes between classes and no lockers. The school also doesn’t have heating.
When the bus pulls up to the school, the students are waving out the windows to greet us. It was so exciting to see. Once we load off the bus we took a tour of the school. We walked to the sixth floor first to see an exhibit of student projects. It was great to all kinds of science, technology and electrical projects. The students also have game rooms. They have a puzzle room, Mah Jung and Chinese chess room and study room. The school is really nice.
The students can to see us during their break. We were able to talk to a lot of the students. They start learning English in the third grade. The students spoke very well. One student played piano for us. He was amazing! He sounded like a concert pianist. We were astounded.
Next, we went to a History class. The teacher was great. He used music and pictures and a power point. The teacher had a great voice with lots of inflection. The students sit at desk for two with all of their books, reference books, globes and water bottles. They stay in the same desk in the same room all day except for the 10 minute breaks every hour. The student I sat by explained the lesson to me and showed me his books. The students answer some questions in unison and others by raising their hand. The harder questions are answered by raising your hand. The students are supposed to read the entire lesson before they even come in the room.
The lesson ended with eye exercises and the students moved out doors to do a series of exercises. It was amazing 2000 students in unison and no one playing or being asked to follow directions. All of the students here wear red and white warm up suits as school uniforms. They quietly file back to the room. A few if the girls stop to talk to me. They wanted to practice their English. They were so cute! One of the girls wants to be a doctor and none of them minded being at a boarding school.
Following this we went to talk to the teachers. The teachers have standards and use the same methods we use in the US. We found out teachers at the school had to take a test and apply to be at this school. The teachers come from all over China to teach at this school. The teachers were really great! I liked them very much. The teachers work hard, do extra duties, mentor students just like US teachers. They are given more respect. Teacher as a job here is a government job. The teachers here are very proud of their school.
Yeah!! On to lunch!
When the bus pulls up to the school, the students are waving out the windows to greet us. It was so exciting to see. Once we load off the bus we took a tour of the school. We walked to the sixth floor first to see an exhibit of student projects. It was great to all kinds of science, technology and electrical projects. The students also have game rooms. They have a puzzle room, Mah Jung and Chinese chess room and study room. The school is really nice.
The students can to see us during their break. We were able to talk to a lot of the students. They start learning English in the third grade. The students spoke very well. One student played piano for us. He was amazing! He sounded like a concert pianist. We were astounded.
Next, we went to a History class. The teacher was great. He used music and pictures and a power point. The teacher had a great voice with lots of inflection. The students sit at desk for two with all of their books, reference books, globes and water bottles. They stay in the same desk in the same room all day except for the 10 minute breaks every hour. The student I sat by explained the lesson to me and showed me his books. The students answer some questions in unison and others by raising their hand. The harder questions are answered by raising your hand. The students are supposed to read the entire lesson before they even come in the room.
The lesson ended with eye exercises and the students moved out doors to do a series of exercises. It was amazing 2000 students in unison and no one playing or being asked to follow directions. All of the students here wear red and white warm up suits as school uniforms. They quietly file back to the room. A few if the girls stop to talk to me. They wanted to practice their English. They were so cute! One of the girls wants to be a doctor and none of them minded being at a boarding school.
Following this we went to talk to the teachers. The teachers have standards and use the same methods we use in the US. We found out teachers at the school had to take a test and apply to be at this school. The teachers come from all over China to teach at this school. The teachers were really great! I liked them very much. The teachers work hard, do extra duties, mentor students just like US teachers. They are given more respect. Teacher as a job here is a government job. The teachers here are very proud of their school.
Yeah!! On to lunch!
Friday, December 5, 2008
What an amazing welcome!!
Wow!! I can't even describe what happen today! I will try to attach some pictures to help you understand.
We had a breakfast buffet at the hotel. It had western and chinese food. You have to cross a small bridge to get to the resturant from the elevator. Under the bridge is about a four foot long salamander. I have never seen a salamander this big!
After breakfast we loaded the 9 buses to get us to Guizhou Normal University. We were all excited about the event. But I didn't know how big this event really was!
As we got off the bus we were told to head towards a street. We could hear music as we came upon the street. There was the beat of chinese drums and an instrument called a lusheng. Students lined the street on both sides in various local traditional dress. There were hundreds of them. The students were all smiling and dancing. It was unbelievable! Yes, I cried! We cut a red ribbon and begin the march to the Concert Hall. Before we could cross the ribbon, we had to drink from a horn as a welcome. We were lead to a red carpet and up the stairs to the Concert Hall. Flowers, students, people, music and so many sights to see, one can't describe it all. Again, it was the "Rock Star" treatment. We were given a welcome package and small tranmitters for translations. Students are still everywhere in their traditional dress. I did enjoy the fact the students had on their regular shoes with most of the costumes. The shoes like converse high tops looked funny sticking out under dresses and pants.
The Sino- US Education Formum had begun. There were many speakers. All speeches were translated on our earphones. I felt like I was at the United Nations. I did enjoy all of the officals had on white socks with their suits. It made me think of my husband,he does the samething. The event was so impressive. The Speakers all talked about how it took 30 years for this event to happen.
We left the Concert Hall for the campus cantine for lunch. Yes, we had to make a bathroom stop. The bathrooms on campus are not western. It was a different experience.
Next, was a discussion with Chinese teachers. We all discussed our subjects, teaching styles and school requirements. It is amazing how much our skills and standards are alike. Their books are not as interesting as our books, they are only black and white with a few pictures. There are no colors or graphs. They are also not as thick as our books.
The day was amazing. We returned to the Concert Hall for a closing Speech. It was an amazing day. I know I keep repeating amazing but it is hard to describe this experience in words. We soon loaded our buses and headed for the Hotel were we change for a Formal Reception. The food was great again and the entertainment super!
But I was glad to retreat to my room and go to sleep!
We had a breakfast buffet at the hotel. It had western and chinese food. You have to cross a small bridge to get to the resturant from the elevator. Under the bridge is about a four foot long salamander. I have never seen a salamander this big!
After breakfast we loaded the 9 buses to get us to Guizhou Normal University. We were all excited about the event. But I didn't know how big this event really was!
As we got off the bus we were told to head towards a street. We could hear music as we came upon the street. There was the beat of chinese drums and an instrument called a lusheng. Students lined the street on both sides in various local traditional dress. There were hundreds of them. The students were all smiling and dancing. It was unbelievable! Yes, I cried! We cut a red ribbon and begin the march to the Concert Hall. Before we could cross the ribbon, we had to drink from a horn as a welcome. We were lead to a red carpet and up the stairs to the Concert Hall. Flowers, students, people, music and so many sights to see, one can't describe it all. Again, it was the "Rock Star" treatment. We were given a welcome package and small tranmitters for translations. Students are still everywhere in their traditional dress. I did enjoy the fact the students had on their regular shoes with most of the costumes. The shoes like converse high tops looked funny sticking out under dresses and pants.
The Sino- US Education Formum had begun. There were many speakers. All speeches were translated on our earphones. I felt like I was at the United Nations. I did enjoy all of the officals had on white socks with their suits. It made me think of my husband,he does the samething. The event was so impressive. The Speakers all talked about how it took 30 years for this event to happen.
We left the Concert Hall for the campus cantine for lunch. Yes, we had to make a bathroom stop. The bathrooms on campus are not western. It was a different experience.
Next, was a discussion with Chinese teachers. We all discussed our subjects, teaching styles and school requirements. It is amazing how much our skills and standards are alike. Their books are not as interesting as our books, they are only black and white with a few pictures. There are no colors or graphs. They are also not as thick as our books.
The day was amazing. We returned to the Concert Hall for a closing Speech. It was an amazing day. I know I keep repeating amazing but it is hard to describe this experience in words. We soon loaded our buses and headed for the Hotel were we change for a Formal Reception. The food was great again and the entertainment super!
But I was glad to retreat to my room and go to sleep!
Thursday, December 4, 2008
Hi Again!
The flight to Guiyang was interesting! There were many large Americans and the seat belts didn't fit for some of us. The airline gave out seat belt extentions and still had two people left. The airline moved them to first class but still no luck. The flight was held up for an hour. I was so glad I didn't need an extention!! The airline finally moved the two ladies to another flight. The People to People delegation is large and there are 180 people in the delegation. The American teachers here are amazing! I feel honorered to be among them.
Landing here was uneventful and we collected our luggage heading for the bus.
Things change once we were in the bus. Beijing was very modern and new. Much of Beijing was torn down and redone for the Olympics. In Guiyang, you see a different China, you see the real China. The city here has a mix of old buildings and new. Its not as clean as Beijing, with smoggy brown air. Guiyang is in the middle of a large mountain range. The air gets caught in the valley and can't move. Buses of people move by us and the students here wear warm ups for their school uniform.
We went to the city square ( people's square) to see the Mao statue. It was huge!! The people in the square were not used to westerners. It was an experience! As soon as we got off the bus they started to follow us around. Crowds of people stopped their Mah-Jong games, card games and chinese chess to follow us. We looked like the Pied Piper and company. They wanted to touch us and say Ne Hou. The faces were great. They were very worn and weathered. The people here are not Han majority but Bui. It was like being a rock star! We finally climbed back on the bus and headed for the Howard Johnson. Everyone on the street waved at us. Even the other city buses waved and waved as we passed by them. We were met at the hotel by Minnie, Micky and Kung Fu Panda.It was amazing!
We loaded the buses back up to go to a Chinese resturant. The resturant had a big neon sign in front welcoming "People to People" delegation. The dinner was very good and the food better than the last resturant. The food dishes are served on a big lazy susan, so you can just turn the lazy susan to get to the dish you would like. We are becoming very good with chop sticks. Nothing really strange on the menu like bugs!
The arrival in Guiyang has been overwhelming, but nothing like what will happen tomorrow!!
The flight to Guiyang was interesting! There were many large Americans and the seat belts didn't fit for some of us. The airline gave out seat belt extentions and still had two people left. The airline moved them to first class but still no luck. The flight was held up for an hour. I was so glad I didn't need an extention!! The airline finally moved the two ladies to another flight. The People to People delegation is large and there are 180 people in the delegation. The American teachers here are amazing! I feel honorered to be among them.
Landing here was uneventful and we collected our luggage heading for the bus.
Things change once we were in the bus. Beijing was very modern and new. Much of Beijing was torn down and redone for the Olympics. In Guiyang, you see a different China, you see the real China. The city here has a mix of old buildings and new. Its not as clean as Beijing, with smoggy brown air. Guiyang is in the middle of a large mountain range. The air gets caught in the valley and can't move. Buses of people move by us and the students here wear warm ups for their school uniform.
We went to the city square ( people's square) to see the Mao statue. It was huge!! The people in the square were not used to westerners. It was an experience! As soon as we got off the bus they started to follow us around. Crowds of people stopped their Mah-Jong games, card games and chinese chess to follow us. We looked like the Pied Piper and company. They wanted to touch us and say Ne Hou. The faces were great. They were very worn and weathered. The people here are not Han majority but Bui. It was like being a rock star! We finally climbed back on the bus and headed for the Howard Johnson. Everyone on the street waved at us. Even the other city buses waved and waved as we passed by them. We were met at the hotel by Minnie, Micky and Kung Fu Panda.It was amazing!
We loaded the buses back up to go to a Chinese resturant. The resturant had a big neon sign in front welcoming "People to People" delegation. The dinner was very good and the food better than the last resturant. The food dishes are served on a big lazy susan, so you can just turn the lazy susan to get to the dish you would like. We are becoming very good with chop sticks. Nothing really strange on the menu like bugs!
The arrival in Guiyang has been overwhelming, but nothing like what will happen tomorrow!!
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
CISV information
Hi everyone!I am forwarding a memo from our CISV president notifying of an upcoming informational meeting on Saturday morning. We are currently recruiting for all sorts of wonderful program opportunities all over the world! Come and learn more about CISV this Saturday morning at 9:30 at the home of Val Chritton. If you do not have a child between the ages of 11 and up (really there is no age limit, as one can be a leader as an adult!) but perhaps know about another nice family who does, you could pass on the information or give them my number or email. (373-6100/alixestam@yahoo.com).Thanks in advance for looking into this wonderful organization that is all about global peacebuilding and friendship making!Alixe StamatogiannakisPlease come learn more about CISV programs:Where: The home of Val and Kirby Chritton 913 Saratoga Drive Jacksonville, FL 32207When: Saturday, December 6, 2008 9:30 to 11 amCISV is an organization whose mission is peace through understanding, cross-cultural exchange and the development of children into peace leaders. Both my children (now 19 and 22 years old) have participated in CISV Villages (one in Brazil and one in Sweden) and CISV Interchanges and served as adult and junior leaders for CISV programs. In fact, Kirby Chritton attended a CISV Village in Guatemala when he was 11."Village" is CISV's flagship program. It is a 4 week camp for 11 year olds. Participants have to be 11 sometime during the period June 1 and August 31 of the summer they participate. CISV Jacksonville sends delegations of four 11 year olds, two boys and two girls, with an adult leader to Villages all over the world. In 2009, we will send delegations to Villages in Dallas, Texas, Newcastle, England, and to our local Faces of Jacksonville Village. The Jacksonville Chapter of CISV is currently recruiting youth ages 11 thru 18 and adults 21 and older for Villages, Summer Camps and Interchanges during the summer and winter of 2009.If you are interested, there is a lot of information on our website (www.jax.cisvusa.org), including recent newsletters and an informational video. There are also national and international websites (www.cisvusa.org and www.cisv.org, respectively).There are only 22 chapters of CISV in the United States and we are lucky enough to have one of them in Jacksonville. The application deadline for next summer's programs is December 31, 2008.Please call (398-5749) or email me (valerie.chritton@hklaw.com) if you have any questions about CISV.This is truly a unique opportunity for your child and your family. Please let Val Chritton know if you know someone who will be able to attend this Saturday.Feel free to use this email to encourage people to attend.In CISV,Tom
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
Beijing, China and the Great Wall
Today was very busy! We had a breifing on China in general and Guiyang where the conference will be held. There are 200 hundred American Educators here for the conference. It is amazing!
After the briefing, we were on the bus for lunch at a Friendship Government Shopping area. On the way we saw the Bird's Nest Olympic Stadium, the Tennis venue and for my swimmers the Swimming Cube, Phelp's land!!
We moved on to the Great Wall! Wow!!!! What a climb! The staires are very uneven and hard to climb. Just ask Mrs. Sargent-Wells. She has been there! I never knew it would be such a climb. I did survive getting to the top and back down! I had Bambi legs after my climb! It was easier than climbing Ayer's Rock( Ularue) in Australia.
Back on the bus to Dinner and Tian'anmen Square! wow! The Square and Forbidden Palace were amazing.
Dinner was fun it was peking duck with scorpions. Yes, I tried the scorpions. They are very crispy and don't have much flavor! I write in more deteil later. We leave tomorrow for Guiyang. The city is very small and is excited we are coming there. They have all kinds of gifts , dancing, programs and students waiting to see us. This is an area has had very few Weaterners as visitors.
After the briefing, we were on the bus for lunch at a Friendship Government Shopping area. On the way we saw the Bird's Nest Olympic Stadium, the Tennis venue and for my swimmers the Swimming Cube, Phelp's land!!
We moved on to the Great Wall! Wow!!!! What a climb! The staires are very uneven and hard to climb. Just ask Mrs. Sargent-Wells. She has been there! I never knew it would be such a climb. I did survive getting to the top and back down! I had Bambi legs after my climb! It was easier than climbing Ayer's Rock( Ularue) in Australia.
Back on the bus to Dinner and Tian'anmen Square! wow! The Square and Forbidden Palace were amazing.
Dinner was fun it was peking duck with scorpions. Yes, I tried the scorpions. They are very crispy and don't have much flavor! I write in more deteil later. We leave tomorrow for Guiyang. The city is very small and is excited we are coming there. They have all kinds of gifts , dancing, programs and students waiting to see us. This is an area has had very few Weaterners as visitors.
Plane trip to China
I got to the airport early in case of a problem. I was there too early. I had to wait for the check in desk to open. I got a coffee and waited and waited and waited. Finally, the desk was open and I could check in. I was still very early to wait for the plane. I read a bit of my book and ate a small pizza. The plane check in was very efficient for so many people. The plane is a 747B. I was in the fourth from the last row with two other ladies from "People to People". One was from Mississippi and the other Denver. We worked well together for the whole flight of 14 hours. As you all know, I can't sit for 10 minutes. Can you imagine 14 hours!! We were served a dinner as the flight began. We flew up towards Alaska over to Japan and finally Hong Kong! I did get up and wander around the plane, but my seat was very sore! I did eat conge chicken for breakfast. Conge was very much like water down chicken grits. The flight was uneventful until, the lady from Mississippi threw up, she did well to confine it to her area. However, when the stewardess cleaned up, she spilled it on my seat! Yuck!! So, I continued the trip with many blankets on my seat! We landed in Hong Kong and found our next flight to Beijing. People followed me thinking I knew what I was doing. At least ,I lead them in the right direction.We only had an hour between flights and were soon on our way to Beijing. Another three hour flight!! I did watch many movies on both trips and was very glad to arrive in Beijing. Customs was very easy, bags were collected and we were soon on our way to the Hotel. I couldn't wait to take a shower! I did leave at 12:00am on Nov.30 and landed on December 2! What happened for me to lose a day?
Monday, December 1, 2008
More of San Francisco Day
I was sitting at an outside cafe'( Fisherman's Grotto #9) on the wharf in San ,when I took these notes to help you see the wharf area better. I got here by taking a cable car. It was really fun! The car was pack with people hanging off the sides. The driver was very funny and was telling silly jokes. We did stop at Lombard Street, I didn't get off to take pictures. This will prove to be a big mistake later!!
As I sit here eating crab legs, people roll by on a segway tour, a man in a van with a huge Afro singing out his windows and a Museum called "Musee' Mecinque" keeps sending creepy
clown laughter out it's doors. There are many fake cable cars rolling by full of tourist and one car only has one older lady all by herself, sitting very proudly! The sea gulls are as big as chickens and everywhere!! Suddenly everyone starts screaming. I couldn't see why they were screaming!! Then, I realize one of the birds ,I was watching was under the tire of an SUV. The traffic is very busy, so I guess this bird was a test for Darwin's theory. The bird didn't try to get away from the car. One man in the crowd, has the driver of the SUV roll his car back to see if the bird can be saved. It is too late and everyone avoids the spot until the garbage truck comes by and scoops up the bird. Everyone continues on tour the area. You can hear a jazz sax in the distance. Little three wheel yellow Go-Cars drive by and many people on rented bikes to see the Wharf. Well lunch is done and time to move on.
I go on a trip around the Bay. They have earphones so you can hear a narration. It is very windy on the front of the boat so I have my coat and gloves on. We go by the famous candy maker, military bases, cemeteries, and even a special pet cemetery for military pets. The Marina district, place of the most damage from the 1989 earthquake and finally the Golden Gate Bridge. It is beautiful. It was built on the bay entrance called Golden Gate. The Spanish gave this entrance to bay this name, so this is where the name Golden Gate came from. The Spanish sailed by on the Ocean for a long time before they found it was an entrance to the bay.We have now gone by an island called the "Ellis Island of the West". We are going by Alcatraz the famous prison. It is very huge and on a big rock. I have a friend who grew up there. He was the warrant's son. They would take the boat from Alcatraz to San Francisco every day to go to school. I would like that better then a school bus! The trip is over so I head to Pier 39. This is where the Sea Lions have taken over the marina docks. There must be hundreds, barking and playing in the water, pushing each other off the dock. The seem to be having lots of fun!
Time to leave and the line for the cable cars is really long. I learn Lombard street" the crookest street in the world" in only a few blocks away. I decide to skip the wait in line and walk to Lombard Street. Remember I told you I made a big mistake earlier. I start the walk to Lombard Street it is straight up!!!!!!!!! Not one of my better ideas. I didn't think I would make it!! I did get to see great views of the Bay as I rested between blocks! I finally made it and took many pictures of the cars slowly driving down the street.
Finally back to a cable car and the hotel. I reclaim by bags and head for the BART. It is a subway system. I take it to the airport. I did meet a danish couple on the BART and we helped each other get to the airport. Time to leave for China!!
As I sit here eating crab legs, people roll by on a segway tour, a man in a van with a huge Afro singing out his windows and a Museum called "Musee' Mecinque" keeps sending creepy
clown laughter out it's doors. There are many fake cable cars rolling by full of tourist and one car only has one older lady all by herself, sitting very proudly! The sea gulls are as big as chickens and everywhere!! Suddenly everyone starts screaming. I couldn't see why they were screaming!! Then, I realize one of the birds ,I was watching was under the tire of an SUV. The traffic is very busy, so I guess this bird was a test for Darwin's theory. The bird didn't try to get away from the car. One man in the crowd, has the driver of the SUV roll his car back to see if the bird can be saved. It is too late and everyone avoids the spot until the garbage truck comes by and scoops up the bird. Everyone continues on tour the area. You can hear a jazz sax in the distance. Little three wheel yellow Go-Cars drive by and many people on rented bikes to see the Wharf. Well lunch is done and time to move on.I go on a trip around the Bay. They have earphones so you can hear a narration. It is very windy on the front of the boat so I have my coat and gloves on. We go by the famous candy maker, military bases, cemeteries, and even a special pet cemetery for military pets. The Marina district, place of the most damage from the 1989 earthquake and finally the Golden Gate Bridge. It is beautiful. It was built on the bay entrance called Golden Gate. The Spanish gave this entrance to bay this name, so this is where the name Golden Gate came from. The Spanish sailed by on the Ocean for a long time before they found it was an entrance to the bay.We have now gone by an island called the "Ellis Island of the West". We are going by Alcatraz the famous prison. It is very huge and on a big rock. I have a friend who grew up there. He was the warrant's son. They would take the boat from Alcatraz to San Francisco every day to go to school. I would like that better then a school bus! The trip is over so I head to Pier 39. This is where the Sea Lions have taken over the marina docks. There must be hundreds, barking and playing in the water, pushing each other off the dock. The seem to be having lots of fun!
Time to leave and the line for the cable cars is really long. I learn Lombard street" the crookest street in the world" in only a few blocks away. I decide to skip the wait in line and walk to Lombard Street. Remember I told you I made a big mistake earlier. I start the walk to Lombard Street it is straight up!!!!!!!!! Not one of my better ideas. I didn't think I would make it!! I did get to see great views of the Bay as I rested between blocks! I finally made it and took many pictures of the cars slowly driving down the street.
Finally back to a cable car and the hotel. I reclaim by bags and head for the BART. It is a subway system. I take it to the airport. I did meet a danish couple on the BART and we helped each other get to the airport. Time to leave for China!!
Saturday, November 29, 2008
San Francisco
Hi!I am currently staying the the Westin Inn St. Frances on Union Square. When I arrived at the hotel, they had just finished the city tree lighting at Union Square,in front of the hotel. It was very crowded. The hotel is very old and historical. The United Nations has met here,Eleanor Roosevelt was here, and President Reagan hosted a dinner for Queen Elizabeth here. They even honored Capt.Roald Amundsen in 1906. Ansel Adams photographed the hotel in 1939. Do you know who these people are? Maybe it's time to Google them.
The cable cars run by the hotel. Tomorrow, I plan to take the cable car all around town. The cable car goes through Nobb Hill to Fisherman's Wharf. I am so excited!!
For all of the shoppers reading the blog, I am surrounded by Macy's, Saks, and various designer shops! Too bad, I haven't any room for good bargains!
Well, time for bed!! It is 9:30 here so what time is it in Jacksonville? I am tired!
The cable cars run by the hotel. Tomorrow, I plan to take the cable car all around town. The cable car goes through Nobb Hill to Fisherman's Wharf. I am so excited!!
For all of the shoppers reading the blog, I am surrounded by Macy's, Saks, and various designer shops! Too bad, I haven't any room for good bargains!
Well, time for bed!! It is 9:30 here so what time is it in Jacksonville? I am tired!
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
Planning,planning, Planning
Hi everyone!
I wanted to blog one more time from school before I leave for China. Planning for this trip has been very time consuming. I have a great sub- Mr. Dunbar. Mr. Dunbar started out this year helping Mrs. Hubbard with her students. He is very familiar with our rituals and routines at Julia Landon. I have left plans and the lessons will be great. Like all teachers I worry about my students while I am gone. I know Team C is fabulous. The teachers are very professional and supportive.
I will try to blog from China. I am taking my computer on the trip. I will be in a conference with teachers, professors and other education professionals from all over the US and China. we will meet in Guiyang for a conference and visit many schools in the rural area outside the city. After the conference I will travel on to see the Terra-cotta soldiers. It will be wonderful to see something we have studied in World History for years!
I have finished all of the progress reports on Monday. The grade should agree with the printout sent home on Monday. Many students are upset they can't turn more late work in before you see their report. Hmmmmm....... late work???
The lessons for the next week are:
12/1-12/5
Mon- Draw and label timeline on p 76 and map Master on p 77. The questions should also be done
Tues- Map skills- do practice and apply the skill p 95, create map
Wed-Outline p 96-100
Thurs-voc p 96 ques p 100,1ab,2ab,3ab write complete answers restating questions
Fri- Review Key terms p 101, write out answers
Comprehension questions p 102, 8abc,9abc,10abc,11abc,12abc
Map master questions p 102
12/8-12/12
Mon- Review p 101-102, vocabulary quiz
Tues-Test Chapter 3 with out notes
Wed-Outline p 106-111
Thurs-Key terms p 106 copy, p 111 questions 1ab.2ab,3ab
Fri- Outline p 114-118
12/15- Mrs Fails-Hayden returns
Key terms p 114 questions p 118
12/16 lesson on History Fair
I hope everyone has a great Thanksgiving!!!
I wanted to blog one more time from school before I leave for China. Planning for this trip has been very time consuming. I have a great sub- Mr. Dunbar. Mr. Dunbar started out this year helping Mrs. Hubbard with her students. He is very familiar with our rituals and routines at Julia Landon. I have left plans and the lessons will be great. Like all teachers I worry about my students while I am gone. I know Team C is fabulous. The teachers are very professional and supportive.
I will try to blog from China. I am taking my computer on the trip. I will be in a conference with teachers, professors and other education professionals from all over the US and China. we will meet in Guiyang for a conference and visit many schools in the rural area outside the city. After the conference I will travel on to see the Terra-cotta soldiers. It will be wonderful to see something we have studied in World History for years!
I have finished all of the progress reports on Monday. The grade should agree with the printout sent home on Monday. Many students are upset they can't turn more late work in before you see their report. Hmmmmm....... late work???
The lessons for the next week are:
12/1-12/5
Mon- Draw and label timeline on p 76 and map Master on p 77. The questions should also be done
Tues- Map skills- do practice and apply the skill p 95, create map
Wed-Outline p 96-100
Thurs-voc p 96 ques p 100,1ab,2ab,3ab write complete answers restating questions
Fri- Review Key terms p 101, write out answers
Comprehension questions p 102, 8abc,9abc,10abc,11abc,12abc
Map master questions p 102
12/8-12/12
Mon- Review p 101-102, vocabulary quiz
Tues-Test Chapter 3 with out notes
Wed-Outline p 106-111
Thurs-Key terms p 106 copy, p 111 questions 1ab.2ab,3ab
Fri- Outline p 114-118
12/15- Mrs Fails-Hayden returns
Key terms p 114 questions p 118
12/16 lesson on History Fair
I hope everyone has a great Thanksgiving!!!
Monday, November 17, 2008
History Fair and updates
All of the students reviewed History Fair information today. We discussed the different types of categories, process paper, note cards,exhibits and research paper.
The homework for then next few weeks is as follows:
11/17-11/21
Mon- How to use note cards- no homework
Tues- P 86-87, assessment and draw pyramid page 83-Video Egypt
Wed-Write in hieroglyphics,make pyramid
Thurs- Nile river project
Fri- Outline p 88-93
11/24-11/28
Mon- voc. 88 questions p 93
Tues-Quiz
Wed-Friday-Holiday!!!!
Saturday- Mrs Fails-Hayden leaves for China
12/1-12/5
Mon-Draw Map p 77 with questions, Timeline p 76 with questions
Tues- Draw map p 95, practice skill and draw your own map
Wed- Outline p 96-100
Thurs- voc p 96 questions p 100
Fri-
six week progress reports for Mrs. Hayden will be done on 11/25 turn in work. I will do them before I leave for China.
The homework for then next few weeks is as follows:
11/17-11/21
Mon- How to use note cards- no homework
Tues- P 86-87, assessment and draw pyramid page 83-Video Egypt
Wed-Write in hieroglyphics,make pyramid
Thurs- Nile river project
Fri- Outline p 88-93
11/24-11/28
Mon- voc. 88 questions p 93
Tues-Quiz
Wed-Friday-Holiday!!!!
Saturday- Mrs Fails-Hayden leaves for China
12/1-12/5
Mon-Draw Map p 77 with questions, Timeline p 76 with questions
Tues- Draw map p 95, practice skill and draw your own map
Wed- Outline p 96-100
Thurs- voc p 96 questions p 100
Fri-
six week progress reports for Mrs. Hayden will be done on 11/25 turn in work. I will do them before I leave for China.
Monday, November 3, 2008
New nine weeks
The new nine weeks has begun. There are not enough grades to do a progress report the week of 27-31 October. There probably not going to be one for 3-7 November.
Here are the assignments for 3-7 November.
Mon-p 54-55, Practice and Apply Main Idea
Tues- Quiz 2-5, review for test Chapter 2
Wed- Test Chapter 2, Outline p 68-73
Thurs- video Egypt, voc p 68 questions p 73
Fri- Ideas about History Fair topic and pack of 100 5x7 or 3x5 index cards in quartsize zip lock bag. Outline p 74-79
Week 10-14
Mon-Quiz 3-1, voc p 74 questions p 79,1abc,2abc
Tues-holiday
Wed-Quiz 3-2, Draw map with questions p 67
Thurs-Outline p 80-85, index cards
Fri- voc p 80 questions 85,1ab,2ab,3a,b
4 sources
I will put more on the blog about history fair. The final project is not due until Jan 20 and the whole project's grade will be in the 3rd nine weeks grade
Here are the assignments for 3-7 November.
Mon-p 54-55, Practice and Apply Main Idea
Tues- Quiz 2-5, review for test Chapter 2
Wed- Test Chapter 2, Outline p 68-73
Thurs- video Egypt, voc p 68 questions p 73
Fri- Ideas about History Fair topic and pack of 100 5x7 or 3x5 index cards in quartsize zip lock bag. Outline p 74-79
Week 10-14
Mon-Quiz 3-1, voc p 74 questions p 79,1abc,2abc
Tues-holiday
Wed-Quiz 3-2, Draw map with questions p 67
Thurs-Outline p 80-85, index cards
Fri- voc p 80 questions 85,1ab,2ab,3a,b
4 sources
I will put more on the blog about history fair. The final project is not due until Jan 20 and the whole project's grade will be in the 3rd nine weeks grade
Friday, October 24, 2008
Peace, War Peace
What a great simulation game! We played the simulation game Peace, War, Peace. This simulation game is used in international children's camps all over the world. The students spent two days working in groups to use the knowledge they gained this nine weeks, learning about early civilizations. They did a wonderful job and create some master pieces. DR. C-D's castle between the Thacker and Minerva rivers was a great hit! This civilization has move to DR. C-D's office and is very happy there. It was saved from the wars that came to the other civilizations. Most were attacked by the Assyrians and were forced to rebuild. Many of the students were upset about the loss of their lands and the task to rebuild. Many of them thought about the Babylonian proverb: He who takes another's land is sure to lose his own land. The circle of life.
It was a good experience and great learning tool. We did debrief about what happened and how they felt about the simulation game. Many were surprised war could be so quick and devastating. However, rebuilding was very difficult.
The homework involved in this simulation game is as follows:
The students will write a four paragraph essay to answer the following questions:
1. What did you create and how did you feel about your project?
2. What happen next and how did you feel about it?
3. Could you repair your project? How did this make you feel?
4. What did you think was the purpose of the game? And did you like the game?
Next week will be busy with a screening test on Monday. Yes, you still have homework!
Tuesday will be a library day. Yes there is still homework! The schedule for History Fair will be given out on Wednesday. Yes you still have homework!!
I am not sure what day the report cards will come out next week. Our grades were due Friday morning. The next school wide progress report is November 7. We will start having detention on Thursdays for students who are having problems with Team rules. ( yes, especially gum chewing!!). The Social Studies Progress reports went home Thursday with the final grade. Please remember to take Timelines HOME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I hope you are all having a great weekend!
It was a good experience and great learning tool. We did debrief about what happened and how they felt about the simulation game. Many were surprised war could be so quick and devastating. However, rebuilding was very difficult.
The homework involved in this simulation game is as follows:
The students will write a four paragraph essay to answer the following questions:
1. What did you create and how did you feel about your project?
2. What happen next and how did you feel about it?
3. Could you repair your project? How did this make you feel?
4. What did you think was the purpose of the game? And did you like the game?
Next week will be busy with a screening test on Monday. Yes, you still have homework!
Tuesday will be a library day. Yes there is still homework! The schedule for History Fair will be given out on Wednesday. Yes you still have homework!!
I am not sure what day the report cards will come out next week. Our grades were due Friday morning. The next school wide progress report is November 7. We will start having detention on Thursdays for students who are having problems with Team rules. ( yes, especially gum chewing!!). The Social Studies Progress reports went home Thursday with the final grade. Please remember to take Timelines HOME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I hope you are all having a great weekend!
Thursday, October 16, 2008
History Fair/Creat-a -civilization
History Fair!!!
The students were shown how to use the www. NHD.org website. The students also learned the different types of projects available and many,many topics. They were given several assignments due Monday.
1. letter with parent approval of group or not group
2. Choose a topic
3. Copy rule book and get two homework passes( 27 pages)( this is extra)
4. turn in index card with one thing the student learned from the website
The next two weeks work schedule is:
10/20-10-24
Mon- Start Civilization Project
Tues- Project Civilization
Wed-Present project
Thurs-project completion
Fri-Planning Day
Mon-voc p 48 questions p 53,1a,b,2,a,b,3,a,b,
Tues--Outline p 56-60, quiz 2-3
Wednesday- voc p 56,questions p 60,1,a,b,c,2a,b,c,
Thursday- Quiz 2-4, Review p 61,1-14 p62 questions 15-18
Friday- review
The students were shown how to use the www. NHD.org website. The students also learned the different types of projects available and many,many topics. They were given several assignments due Monday.
1. letter with parent approval of group or not group
2. Choose a topic
3. Copy rule book and get two homework passes( 27 pages)( this is extra)
4. turn in index card with one thing the student learned from the website
The next two weeks work schedule is:
10/20-10-24
Mon- Start Civilization Project
Tues- Project Civilization
Wed-Present project
Thurs-project completion
Fri-Planning Day
Mon-voc p 48 questions p 53,1a,b,2,a,b,3,a,b,
Tues--Outline p 56-60, quiz 2-3
Wednesday- voc p 56,questions p 60,1,a,b,c,2a,b,c,
Thursday- Quiz 2-4, Review p 61,1-14 p62 questions 15-18
Friday- review
Monday, October 13, 2008
Fertile Crescent
We were currently working on the "Cradle of Civilization". It is also know as the Fertile Crescent.
Last Friday's assignment was changed from Welcome to History Fair
Vocabulary p 38 questions p 42
This week's assignments are :
Monday-Outline p 43-47
Tuesday-vocabulary p 43 and questions #1 a,b,c and #2a,b,c
Wednesday - Outline p 48-53
Thursday- intor to History Fair
Friday- nine weeks exam FL pages and Chapter 1, Read p 35-36 and do questions
Please remind all students who have presented their time lines to take the Time lines home.
We will start the History Fair information on Monday October 20,2008
Please check http://www.nhd.org/ for information.
Last Friday's assignment was changed from Welcome to History Fair
Vocabulary p 38 questions p 42
This week's assignments are :
Monday-Outline p 43-47
Tuesday-vocabulary p 43 and questions #1 a,b,c and #2a,b,c
Wednesday - Outline p 48-53
Thursday- intor to History Fair
Friday- nine weeks exam FL pages and Chapter 1, Read p 35-36 and do questions
Please remind all students who have presented their time lines to take the Time lines home.
We will start the History Fair information on Monday October 20,2008
Please check http://www.nhd.org/ for information.
Monday, October 6, 2008
Timelines
Hi Everyone!
The timelines are due Wednesday. Please remember it is a time LINE. I have a few with wonderful pictures and no timeline!
The field trip to King Tut was cancelled. We didn't have enough time to get all of our forms approved. Thank you for your quick response to our request.
I will present the History Fair with a tour of the website on Friday. Please feel free to look at the website. http://www.nhd.org/ It has such good information. Please have your student think about people new and refreshing. It would be great to learn about people who have created change in Florida and Jacksonville.
Here is this week's assignments:
10/6-10/10
Mon- Voc( key Terms) page 30 questions p 35,#1a,b#2a,b#3a,b (video Mesopotamia)
Tues- Draw, color and label map p 29 and two questions Identify and Apply
Wed- Timeline is due and Quiz Chapter 2 section 1, use outline
Thurs-Outline p 38-42
Fri- Progress report from Mrs. Fails-Hayden, Welcome to History Fair
The students are given about 10-15min in class each day to start their homework/classwork
The timelines are due Wednesday. Please remember it is a time LINE. I have a few with wonderful pictures and no timeline!
The field trip to King Tut was cancelled. We didn't have enough time to get all of our forms approved. Thank you for your quick response to our request.
I will present the History Fair with a tour of the website on Friday. Please feel free to look at the website. http://www.nhd.org/ It has such good information. Please have your student think about people new and refreshing. It would be great to learn about people who have created change in Florida and Jacksonville.
Here is this week's assignments:
10/6-10/10
Mon- Voc( key Terms) page 30 questions p 35,#1a,b#2a,b#3a,b (video Mesopotamia)
Tues- Draw, color and label map p 29 and two questions Identify and Apply
Wed- Timeline is due and Quiz Chapter 2 section 1, use outline
Thurs-Outline p 38-42
Fri- Progress report from Mrs. Fails-Hayden, Welcome to History Fair
The students are given about 10-15min in class each day to start their homework/classwork
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
Time of My Life
Hi Everyone!
We have been busy. We are getting ready for a test on Chapter 1. It will be Thursday,October 2.
History Fair information will be soon coming your way. You can find out about History Fair and the Topic this year at http://www.nhd.org/ The website is great and has lots of information.
Ms Shabazz has scheduled a Field trip on Monday, October 6. It will be to Florida Theater for " The Mystery of King Tut". They will go to the Landing's Food Court for Lunch. The cost of the trip is $10.00. This is for the bus and the show. Lunch is extra. Ms Shabazz suggest $6.00 for Lunch but I would send $10.00, if possible.
The rubric for the "Time Line of My Life" has been sent home. Here is copy if you need the Information. I hope this will help you.
Timeline of “MY Life” Rubric
The students are to create a timeline of their life.
The timeline should start with their birth or it may start before this date.
The student needs to divide the timeline into at least 11 segments for each year of their life.
They need to choose events in their life, they feel are important. They are to represent this event with a photo, drawing or magazine cut out of this event.
It can not be on notebook paper.
They have until October 8 to complete this project.
A= 20 events and pictures
B= 18 events and pictures
C= 16 events and pictures
D= 14 events and pictures
F= 12 event and pictures of less
0= if not turned in at all
The students have also been given a rubric for Outlines.
Next week's assignments will be posted later this week.
Look for those weekly progress reports!!
We have been busy. We are getting ready for a test on Chapter 1. It will be Thursday,October 2.
History Fair information will be soon coming your way. You can find out about History Fair and the Topic this year at http://www.nhd.org/ The website is great and has lots of information.
Ms Shabazz has scheduled a Field trip on Monday, October 6. It will be to Florida Theater for " The Mystery of King Tut". They will go to the Landing's Food Court for Lunch. The cost of the trip is $10.00. This is for the bus and the show. Lunch is extra. Ms Shabazz suggest $6.00 for Lunch but I would send $10.00, if possible.
The rubric for the "Time Line of My Life" has been sent home. Here is copy if you need the Information. I hope this will help you.
Timeline of “MY Life” Rubric
The students are to create a timeline of their life.
The timeline should start with their birth or it may start before this date.
The student needs to divide the timeline into at least 11 segments for each year of their life.
They need to choose events in their life, they feel are important. They are to represent this event with a photo, drawing or magazine cut out of this event.
It can not be on notebook paper.
They have until October 8 to complete this project.
A= 20 events and pictures
B= 18 events and pictures
C= 16 events and pictures
D= 14 events and pictures
F= 12 event and pictures of less
0= if not turned in at all
The students have also been given a rubric for Outlines.
Next week's assignments will be posted later this week.
Look for those weekly progress reports!!
Thursday, September 18, 2008
Hunters and Gathers
The new topic is hunter and gathers! We have started on Chapter 1 p 6-9. We have done an outline,vocabulary, questions and the students were able to use the outline they created on today's quiz. Many students were amazed about how easy the quiz was today. They were surprised how an outline can help you study. The only class that didn't take the quiz was sixth period. Sixth period is about half a class behind. They will take their quiz tomorrow(9/19) with their outline.
The students will be given their quizzes to take home tomorrow. The grade will be on the weekly reports for all periods except sixth period. These reports will also have Introduction to Geography test. All students will be given a progress report tomorrow from Social Studies only.
Please remember the six week progress report will be coming out September 29.
Here is the updated schedule for the end of this week and the beginning of next week.
Thursday,September 18- take quiz on Chapter 1 Section 1, make word cards for classroom
Friday, September 19-Create outline p 12-17
Monday, September 22- review outline p12-17, vocabulary p 12, questions p 17,#1 a,b,c#2 A,b,c
Tuesday, September 23- quiz Chapter 1 Section 2, give out information for Timeline project*
Read p 10-11, Do skills practice and Apply the skill
Wednesday, September 24- Outline p 20-24
Thursday, September 25-vocabulary p 20 Questions p 24, #1,a,b#2a,b#3a,b
Friday, September 26- quiz Chapter 1 Section 3, read p 18-19, Restate and answer questions p 19, Describe and Infer
9/29-10/3
Mon-Draw and color map p 15, do questions Identify and Predict
Tues- Do Key terms p 25, write out, p 26 Comprehension and Critical Thinking #7,a,b,c,;#8a,b,c#9A,b,c,#10, a,b,c draw map and answer 1-6 Map Master
Wed- Review
Thurs- Test Chapter 1, Section 1-3
Fri- Outline p 30-35
* more to come on the Time Line of My Life Project
The students will be given their quizzes to take home tomorrow. The grade will be on the weekly reports for all periods except sixth period. These reports will also have Introduction to Geography test. All students will be given a progress report tomorrow from Social Studies only.
Please remember the six week progress report will be coming out September 29.
Here is the updated schedule for the end of this week and the beginning of next week.
Thursday,September 18- take quiz on Chapter 1 Section 1, make word cards for classroom
Friday, September 19-Create outline p 12-17
Monday, September 22- review outline p12-17, vocabulary p 12, questions p 17,#1 a,b,c#2 A,b,c
Tuesday, September 23- quiz Chapter 1 Section 2, give out information for Timeline project*
Read p 10-11, Do skills practice and Apply the skill
Wednesday, September 24- Outline p 20-24
Thursday, September 25-vocabulary p 20 Questions p 24, #1,a,b#2a,b#3a,b
Friday, September 26- quiz Chapter 1 Section 3, read p 18-19, Restate and answer questions p 19, Describe and Infer
9/29-10/3
Mon-Draw and color map p 15, do questions Identify and Predict
Tues- Do Key terms p 25, write out, p 26 Comprehension and Critical Thinking #7,a,b,c,;#8a,b,c#9A,b,c,#10, a,b,c draw map and answer 1-6 Map Master
Wed- Review
Thurs- Test Chapter 1, Section 1-3
Fri- Outline p 30-35
* more to come on the Time Line of My Life Project
Friday, September 12, 2008
Wow !! What a test!
The students have been studying for a test on pages FL38-FL55. All of the classes took it but 6th period. They were in shock! It was not a fill-in the blank test, multiply choice or matching. They had to really write about the information, many were shocked! So, you will not hear my name used well tonight! However, their homework was "Have a good weekend".
Sixth period will take their test on Monday. They didn't get a good review on last Monday, so I re reviewed with them today and they will have the test Monday.
Weekly progess reports went out. Again, many were very happy with only a few sad ones! Work is improving!! Yeah!!!!! The students can make up any redo's or zeros by Thurday.
Next week we will tackle outlines!! I will post examples on the blog, if any students (or maybe a parent) needs a review!
Please remember to write complete sentences and restate or rephrase questions in the answer.
Have a great weekend!!
Sixth period will take their test on Monday. They didn't get a good review on last Monday, so I re reviewed with them today and they will have the test Monday.
Weekly progess reports went out. Again, many were very happy with only a few sad ones! Work is improving!! Yeah!!!!! The students can make up any redo's or zeros by Thurday.
Next week we will tackle outlines!! I will post examples on the blog, if any students (or maybe a parent) needs a review!
Please remember to write complete sentences and restate or rephrase questions in the answer.
Have a great weekend!!
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
Answering questions and a new update
I hope everyone is finding this blog helpful!
I have a few questions to answer:
1. I will be continually updating and posting the upcoming work on this blog.
* Update!! The students will have two worksheets to do tomorrow in class. Their homework is to finish these worksheets at home and study for quiz on FL 38-FL55, in the front of their books.
2. The best way to reach me is by email: Failse@duvalschools.org
I will be glad to help you with any problems or questions.
* I have will return your emails as soon as possible.
The students will have a Sub teacher tomorrow. I have been asked to be on The Foundations Committee for Landon. I was on the same Committee at Darnell-Cookman. I will have to attend a meeting tomorrow off campus, so I will have a sub. I know your children, my students will be wonderful!! : )
I will be sending home the weekly progress report from my class on Friday. It will have all the work I have received as of Wednesday night. Thursday's work will not be included.
I hope this has answered some of your questions. Have a great day!
I have a few questions to answer:
1. I will be continually updating and posting the upcoming work on this blog.
* Update!! The students will have two worksheets to do tomorrow in class. Their homework is to finish these worksheets at home and study for quiz on FL 38-FL55, in the front of their books.
2. The best way to reach me is by email: Failse@duvalschools.org
I will be glad to help you with any problems or questions.
* I have will return your emails as soon as possible.
The students will have a Sub teacher tomorrow. I have been asked to be on The Foundations Committee for Landon. I was on the same Committee at Darnell-Cookman. I will have to attend a meeting tomorrow off campus, so I will have a sub. I know your children, my students will be wonderful!! : )
I will be sending home the weekly progress report from my class on Friday. It will have all the work I have received as of Wednesday night. Thursday's work will not be included.
I hope this has answered some of your questions. Have a great day!
Monday, September 8, 2008
ah ha! Missing blog!!!!!!
I have composed a blog and lost it! I just realized I had written a blog last week with this week's homework and an explanation about the progress reports I gave out on Friday. Annnnnnnnddddd............. it's not posted! I checked my old drafts and still can't find it! SOOOOO... Due to operator error here is most of the information again!
On Friday, 8 September 2008, I gave all of your children print outs of their grades. I will do this every Friday, unless a storm, holiday or other unusual problem or event.
They are to check this progress report against their graded papers. They are to let me know if I have made any mistakes and we can correct them. You will know a graded paper by my stamp. If, the paper doesn't have a stamp I have not seen it. The students are to correct any redo papers and turn them in to get full credit. Any papers they have missed during the week also need to be turn in before the next report. This lets them know what work they owe me. The students all have a copy of the rubric for their questions and vocabulary in their notebooks. Here is a copy if you need one for home:
Home Work Rubric-vocabulary and questions
3-outstanding
Student has written paper in cursive or used the computer. Underlined vocabulary words and written the complete definition from the book. Restated the questions in the answer and written complete sentences. Work is capitalized correctly. Spelling is good with very few or no mistakes. Paper is neat and organized with correct answers. Maps are correct and neat
2-satisfactory
Student has underlined vocabulary words and written complete definition. Restated questions and written complete sentences. Capitalization is correct in sentences. Organized and readable writing used when answering questions, spelling is good. Student tried to get correct answers. Maps are with paper
1-needs improvement
Student didn’t complete questions or definitions. Paper is messy and unreadable. Incorrect answers. Student wrote “I don’t know” as answer and shows no effort. Map not included with paper.
0-make up
Teacher has never seen paper. Paper doesn’t have teacher stamp.
I realize students need a place to make mistakes and relearn. Homework is the place for this. They can correct any mistakes and turn the paper in again. I am looking for correct answers and writing skills. This is help them prepare for the FCAT writing in 8TH grade.
On Friday, 8 September 2008, I gave all of your children print outs of their grades. I will do this every Friday, unless a storm, holiday or other unusual problem or event.
They are to check this progress report against their graded papers. They are to let me know if I have made any mistakes and we can correct them. You will know a graded paper by my stamp. If, the paper doesn't have a stamp I have not seen it. The students are to correct any redo papers and turn them in to get full credit. Any papers they have missed during the week also need to be turn in before the next report. This lets them know what work they owe me. The students all have a copy of the rubric for their questions and vocabulary in their notebooks. Here is a copy if you need one for home:
Home Work Rubric-vocabulary and questions
3-outstanding
Student has written paper in cursive or used the computer. Underlined vocabulary words and written the complete definition from the book. Restated the questions in the answer and written complete sentences. Work is capitalized correctly. Spelling is good with very few or no mistakes. Paper is neat and organized with correct answers. Maps are correct and neat
2-satisfactory
Student has underlined vocabulary words and written complete definition. Restated questions and written complete sentences. Capitalization is correct in sentences. Organized and readable writing used when answering questions, spelling is good. Student tried to get correct answers. Maps are with paper
1-needs improvement
Student didn’t complete questions or definitions. Paper is messy and unreadable. Incorrect answers. Student wrote “I don’t know” as answer and shows no effort. Map not included with paper.
0-make up
Teacher has never seen paper. Paper doesn’t have teacher stamp.
I realize students need a place to make mistakes and relearn. Homework is the place for this. They can correct any mistakes and turn the paper in again. I am looking for correct answers and writing skills. This is help them prepare for the FCAT writing in 8TH grade.
Hi Everyone!
Progress Reports have gone out and some students are very happy and some are very sad. I would like to apologize for not posting this week's work ahead of time. I usually post two weeks work at a time. I will do this again. I have had a request to post the entire nine weeks work at once. I would love to be about to do this, but things I can't control will not allow me to do this. My first schedule was interrupted by a storm and I haven't gotten back on track yet. I had planned to give a quiz tomorrow, but now we have to do benchmark testing in homeroom. This will cause the schedule to change for the next three days. Here is the current schedule:
9/8-9/12
Mon- Review for quiz FL38-FL55, PowerPoint
Tues- Benchmark testing- voc p 6, questions p 9
Wed- Map testing Social Studies ( pre test to learn what do you not know)
Thurs- Benchmark testing- Review PowerPoint again
Fri- quiz p FL38-FL55
9/15-9/20
Mon- review voc p 6 questions p 9
Tues- How to do an outline
Wed-outline p 6-9 on your own
Thurs- quiz p 6-9, outline p 12-17
Fri- Check outline, voc p 12, questions p 17
9/23
This week a project will be assigned about time lines- more to come
This schedule can change due to storms, testing and reteaching! : )
The gifted schedule is the same as the Advanced schedule
A parent asked if you can contact me. Yes, I am best at email failse@duvalschools.org
I am a terrible phone person ! : (
I am used to schoolnotes.com and it has a connection to email. So, I will adjust to blogging yet! There is hope.
Progress Reports have gone out and some students are very happy and some are very sad. I would like to apologize for not posting this week's work ahead of time. I usually post two weeks work at a time. I will do this again. I have had a request to post the entire nine weeks work at once. I would love to be about to do this, but things I can't control will not allow me to do this. My first schedule was interrupted by a storm and I haven't gotten back on track yet. I had planned to give a quiz tomorrow, but now we have to do benchmark testing in homeroom. This will cause the schedule to change for the next three days. Here is the current schedule:
9/8-9/12
Mon- Review for quiz FL38-FL55, PowerPoint
Tues- Benchmark testing- voc p 6, questions p 9
Wed- Map testing Social Studies ( pre test to learn what do you not know)
Thurs- Benchmark testing- Review PowerPoint again
Fri- quiz p FL38-FL55
9/15-9/20
Mon- review voc p 6 questions p 9
Tues- How to do an outline
Wed-outline p 6-9 on your own
Thurs- quiz p 6-9, outline p 12-17
Fri- Check outline, voc p 12, questions p 17
9/23
This week a project will be assigned about time lines- more to come
This schedule can change due to storms, testing and reteaching! : )
The gifted schedule is the same as the Advanced schedule
A parent asked if you can contact me. Yes, I am best at email failse@duvalschools.org
I am a terrible phone person ! : (
I am used to schoolnotes.com and it has a connection to email. So, I will adjust to blogging yet! There is hope.
Tuesday, September 2, 2008
Team plans
Hi Everyone!
I know the other teachers on the team plan to get online as soon as possible. We are still learning the blogging technic. I am used to schoolnotes.com and doing a blog is very different. We will al get the hang of it soon. Most of us are new to the school
Thursday, August 28, 2008
Homework and rubric
We are back to school! We were only in our regular classroom for two days and it was too hot without the air conditioning. We have moved across the hall to a cooler room. We hope to be back in our regular room soon.
I am still posting homework on the board every day in the front of the room. It is also posted on a chart in the room. The chart has two weeks of homework posted. It had to be updated with new dates after the storm. Here is the current posting:
8/19- FL38-39,#1-2
8/26-FL40-41,#1-2
8/27-FL42-43,#1-2
8/28-FL44-45#1-2
8/29-FL46-47,#1-3
I gave every student a copy of the Homework Rubric to hole punch and put in their notebook. The Rubric tells every student my expectations and how their homework will be graded. Here is a copy:
Home Work Rubric-vocabulary and questions
3-outstanding
Student has written paper in cursive. Underlined vocabulary words and written the complete definition from the book. Restated the questions and written complete sentences. Work is capitalized correctly. Spelling is good with very few or no mistakes. Paper is neat and organized with correct answers. Maps are correct and neat
2-satisfactory
Student has underlined vocabulary words and written complete definition. Restated questions and written complete sentences. Capitalization is correct in sentences. Organized and readable writing used when answering questions, spelling is good. Student tried to get correct answers. Maps are with paper
1-needs improvement
Student didn’t complete questions or definitions. Paper is messy and unreadable. Incorrect answers. Student wrote “I don’t know” as answer and shows no effort. Map not included with paper.
0-make up
Teacher has never seen paper. Paper doesn’t have teacher stamp.
Everyday the students have a bell ringer to answer, when they come in the room. They will turn them in together every Friday. These will be graded as one assignment.
I hope this helps everyone.
I also gave the students my curriculum paper. Please ask them about the paper.
Students received a schedule today for their parents and reminder about Open House on Tuesday. They also should have a copy of the application for SAC committee.
I hope this helps everyone!
I am still posting homework on the board every day in the front of the room. It is also posted on a chart in the room. The chart has two weeks of homework posted. It had to be updated with new dates after the storm. Here is the current posting:
8/19- FL38-39,#1-2
8/26-FL40-41,#1-2
8/27-FL42-43,#1-2
8/28-FL44-45#1-2
8/29-FL46-47,#1-3
I gave every student a copy of the Homework Rubric to hole punch and put in their notebook. The Rubric tells every student my expectations and how their homework will be graded. Here is a copy:
Home Work Rubric-vocabulary and questions
3-outstanding
Student has written paper in cursive. Underlined vocabulary words and written the complete definition from the book. Restated the questions and written complete sentences. Work is capitalized correctly. Spelling is good with very few or no mistakes. Paper is neat and organized with correct answers. Maps are correct and neat
2-satisfactory
Student has underlined vocabulary words and written complete definition. Restated questions and written complete sentences. Capitalization is correct in sentences. Organized and readable writing used when answering questions, spelling is good. Student tried to get correct answers. Maps are with paper
1-needs improvement
Student didn’t complete questions or definitions. Paper is messy and unreadable. Incorrect answers. Student wrote “I don’t know” as answer and shows no effort. Map not included with paper.
0-make up
Teacher has never seen paper. Paper doesn’t have teacher stamp.
Everyday the students have a bell ringer to answer, when they come in the room. They will turn them in together every Friday. These will be graded as one assignment.
I hope this helps everyone.
I also gave the students my curriculum paper. Please ask them about the paper.
Students received a schedule today for their parents and reminder about Open House on Tuesday. They also should have a copy of the application for SAC committee.
I hope this helps everyone!
Saturday, August 23, 2008
Storm
HI Everyone!
Well, the first two days of the storm were boring and the last very exciting! We lost power on Thursday and don't have it back yet. There are about 20 trees down on the island. The cat did his usual and hide under the bed for two days!
I can't wait to get back to school. I was just getting to know you and............. then three days off.
Please don't forget you have homework. If you have a book at home, is it page FL38 amd questions p FL 39, #1-2. Please answer the questions in complete sentences and rephrase or restate the question in each answer. Read you answer to your parents, if they don't understand it ,rewrite it until they do.
I hope all of you are well and dry!
Well, the first two days of the storm were boring and the last very exciting! We lost power on Thursday and don't have it back yet. There are about 20 trees down on the island. The cat did his usual and hide under the bed for two days!
I can't wait to get back to school. I was just getting to know you and............. then three days off.
Please don't forget you have homework. If you have a book at home, is it page FL38 amd questions p FL 39, #1-2. Please answer the questions in complete sentences and rephrase or restate the question in each answer. Read you answer to your parents, if they don't understand it ,rewrite it until they do.
I hope all of you are well and dry!
Saturday, August 16, 2008
Ready, Set, Go !
I have been working all week to get the room ready and lessons lined up. I am so excited to meet all of you! I am learning your names as I write them on name tags, seating charts, and my grade book.
Here are some things to help you get started on Monday:
1. Go to your homeroom first, if you are in my homeroom, you will have an assigned seat.
2. Remember to wear your school ID.
3. You will receive a name tag, in homeroom, to wear all day with your name already on it.
4. You will get new schedules in Homeroom. Do not use your old schedule.
5. You will also receive a packet to take home to your parents. Please have them read the information and return the proper forms Tuesday.
6. You will walk as a group to you first period class.
I hope this helps you get a good start. I am going to" begin with the end in mind". I will get all of my books, papers, lunch, and other schools thing together and put them by the front door, so I will not forget them. I am going to pick out my clothes to wear and try them on. Then, I will lay them out for Monday. I began with the end in mind, so Monday morning should go smoothly.
Hope you have a great weekend!
Here are some things to help you get started on Monday:
1. Go to your homeroom first, if you are in my homeroom, you will have an assigned seat.
2. Remember to wear your school ID.
3. You will receive a name tag, in homeroom, to wear all day with your name already on it.
4. You will get new schedules in Homeroom. Do not use your old schedule.
5. You will also receive a packet to take home to your parents. Please have them read the information and return the proper forms Tuesday.
6. You will walk as a group to you first period class.
I hope this helps you get a good start. I am going to" begin with the end in mind". I will get all of my books, papers, lunch, and other schools thing together and put them by the front door, so I will not forget them. I am going to pick out my clothes to wear and try them on. Then, I will lay them out for Monday. I began with the end in mind, so Monday morning should go smoothly.
Hope you have a great weekend!
Thursday, August 14, 2008
Welcome to Landon Team C
Welcome!!
I am so excited about the new school year! I bet you have already heard jokes about my name!
It is great to be a teacher named Fails! Did you know my name is a complete sentence? Noun-verb, subject -predicate My motto is " My job is to make your life miserable". OH! No! A teacher named Fails, who says she likes to make life miserable. What does this mean? My job is to make sure your parents and I work as a team. We want you to do the best you can do. So yes, there will be homework and projects. The scary part maybe you will love World History.
Can wait to see you!!
I am so excited about the new school year! I bet you have already heard jokes about my name!
It is great to be a teacher named Fails! Did you know my name is a complete sentence? Noun-verb, subject -predicate My motto is " My job is to make your life miserable". OH! No! A teacher named Fails, who says she likes to make life miserable. What does this mean? My job is to make sure your parents and I work as a team. We want you to do the best you can do. So yes, there will be homework and projects. The scary part maybe you will love World History.
Can wait to see you!!
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