Technology in the classroom

I am a very big fan of technology in the classroom. Problem is, I don't have the money to fund it, so I have to rely on my school to do so. I have to say, I think I am pretty lucky this year. I am getting (along with my science teammate) 20 TI-84+ graphing calculators. I teach one class of Algebra and three Pre-Algebra's at my school's 8th grade. For the past couple of years, I've used my own personal stash a couple of times with the students, but I only have a few and it's hard to get a feel for them without actually touching them (in groups smaller than 5). Next year, I need to make a big push to really use them in a way that will make the argument for me that I can use more technology than I have in a way that will really benefit my students. Unfortunately, that translates into better test scores - don't get me started on that rant. It will come in a few more weeks when state testing begins.

This weekend starts the real countdown to baby #2, due the beginning of April. I am very excited, but as I look around the house, I realize how much I need to do to get ready. And that doesn't even include the baby's room!

I am also getting interested in the presidential race. For the first time that I remember, the candidates may actually be interesting. Granted, we are limited by the two parties and have to settle for the minor differences between them, but there is an energy building that I don't remember from any of the races before. Who knows? Maybe change is an actual possibility this year. Or, it may be mere naive hope.

Goodbye February, this snow falling at this moment may be the lion bringing in March.

Confidence

I've figured out how to get rich. All I have to do is figure out how to get 8th grade girls to be confident and comfortable with their abilities in math and write book about it. This is such a key time in their lives and it's almost a conscious decision that they make. So far, I'm not sure how good a job I'm doing.

On a separate note, I've been watching the Showtime series, Weeds (Netflix rocks, by the way). I'm on season two now, and it's really funny (with a very dark sense of humor).

A Caddyshack moment

No one told me that one of the joys of parenting during potty training would entail visions of Spalding snorkling in the pool as a Baby Ruth floats towards him. This must be the 3rd or 4th time my daughter has been nice enough to poop in the tub and the exclaim "Poop!" with glee.

Fast forward an hour and I'm chasing a cat around the living room after I hear the dreaded precursor to puking sound and he begins to spray bits as he runs.

I'm not sure, but I don't think life gets more glamorous than this.

Dreary Day

There are some days (weeks...months) that just seem to pile it on and make keeping a positive outlook difficult. I wish more people in the community knew what all the kids in schools have to deal with on a daily basis. It breaks my heart to hear about the broken families, abuse, and difficulties that kids face. The best equipped do well, but only because they have some sort of support network in place. Unfortunately, most don't have that support network. I think we've forgotten, as a society, that kids are kids. They are not mini-adults, and should be treated as such or be expected to act as such. Kids need everyone's help. Sometimes, all it takes is a caring ear to listen. Think of it this way. How can I expect homework done on time when my student is wondering where s/he will get to sleep tonight?

First Post

Well, here's my first post on a blog. I don't have a real good reason for anyone to read what I have to say, but being in a classroom with about 100 8th graders passing through a couple times each day leads to some interesting stories. I'll change or omit names to protect the not-so-innocent and see how this goes. Let me know what you think.