I had anticipated not being at school the week before Easter, so I created an interactive web page that laid out the two days of instruction. It went like planned, except I was there. I had been rather impatiently awaiting the arrival of my second child. He however was willing to wait. It was interesting using the web page to deliver my instruction. The kids seemed to get a kick out of it too. I mean there I was sitting at the front and they were watching a video of me explaining the day's activities.
We left for break on Thursday, and I chose not to work Friday. My daughter left Thursday with her Mimi and Pappy to go to PA for Easter. They were on standby to get her when we went to the hospital to have the baby. Since the baby didn't seem to want to come, Maggie went off on a grand adventure, and my wife and I were transported back to right before Maggie was born. We were free to go out to eat and linger. We could do a little shopping without Mags asking when we were going home or what she was getting...it was fun. I also got to work in my shop. I made some craft type items to be sold at the school yard sale.
Easter came and went without a baby...but Monday, April 13th a new baby would arrive! Zayden Alexander Miller was born at 11:02. He was a healthy natural born baby weighing in at 9lbs 10oz and 22in long. We got a CECHS visit on Tuesday then it was off for home. Maggie was supposed to come home Monday, but we had to settle for a visit at the hospital and then getting her back yesterday. She got to spend some time fussing over her brother. She's going to be a great big sister. She told her brother yesterday that he was so lucky to have a big sister like her!
I hope everyone had a great Easter and continues to enjoy spring break!
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Sunday, April 5, 2009
Well Prepared! Maybe too Well!
We'll as the arrival of our second child draws near, I've made preparations so that I would be ready to go out at a moments notice. I used a special tool that captures my screen and audio and recorded last weeks directions for assembling our short story animations. And for this week I created an interactive web page in lieu of lesson plans. I hadn't had my hopes up until Stacy, my wife, went to the doctors last week and he said that Zaden would more than likely be here by Saturday. Well, it's Sunday evening, and I have a new prediction. April 20th! Just back from break...I think that's the winning date!
As for class, we had a weird week. We had adjusted our schedule on Wednesday and Thursday so we could see "My Heart in a Suitcase". The play was rescheduled and off we went Thursday morning to arrive at a quiet and empty civic center. Apparently there was a break down in communication somewhere and while we were informed of the rescheduled date, the play was not rescheduled. So we went back to school and continued on our way!
The first part of the week we focused on getting as many pictures taken as possible. Some groups were finishing boxes and sets. The second part of the week we went over instructions for creating the movies in movie maker. All groups have recorded their audio and most have a good start or are finished working on their pictures. Check out the pictures, and depending on your internet speed, you can play the slide show and get an idea what their movie might look like. You can also listen to their audio on my website. Finished movies will be due the week after spring break. I can't wait to see them!!
Friday was a rough day. We found out that one of our students had lost his father in a car accident Thursday night. It made for an emotional and trying day in our close knit family. We started the day working on an Algebra quiz and short story animations before heading to the theatre to hear a couple Caldwell County Musicians perform.
I can't remember the first performer's name, but he played country and a little bluegrass. He plays regularly at Woodlands Barbecue in Blowing Rock (I want to say Wednesday and Saturday night). He talked a lot about how he learned to play from his father who played more blue grass to his country and southern rock. The last song he performed was about seeing his father in himself more and more everyday. He didn't know it, but that song had a very special meaning to all of us!
The second performance was from "Pop" Ferguson and his son, Clyde Ferguson Jr. They played and taught us about the history of The Blues! The two of them together were funny enough. Mr. Ferguson had to unplug "Pop" a time or two to keep him from playing right over the history lessons. It was a very enjoyable experience. There was a really cool article about "Pop" in the News-Topic not too long ago.
I really enjoyed both performances immensely. From there we went to lunch. The afternoon was tricky. We split the freshmen into two groups. While the first group went up to the third level to work on MAP testing, the other group had a chance to talk to some counselors about how to best handle the loss that occurred Thursday night. We all had a chance to make cards and write letters to show our support. We flipped the groups halfway through the afternoon. As students finished they worked more on their animation and Algebra test.
It was a busy and emotional week! I image this week will continue to be that way!
As for class, we had a weird week. We had adjusted our schedule on Wednesday and Thursday so we could see "My Heart in a Suitcase". The play was rescheduled and off we went Thursday morning to arrive at a quiet and empty civic center. Apparently there was a break down in communication somewhere and while we were informed of the rescheduled date, the play was not rescheduled. So we went back to school and continued on our way!
The first part of the week we focused on getting as many pictures taken as possible. Some groups were finishing boxes and sets. The second part of the week we went over instructions for creating the movies in movie maker. All groups have recorded their audio and most have a good start or are finished working on their pictures. Check out the pictures, and depending on your internet speed, you can play the slide show and get an idea what their movie might look like. You can also listen to their audio on my website. Finished movies will be due the week after spring break. I can't wait to see them!!
Friday was a rough day. We found out that one of our students had lost his father in a car accident Thursday night. It made for an emotional and trying day in our close knit family. We started the day working on an Algebra quiz and short story animations before heading to the theatre to hear a couple Caldwell County Musicians perform.
I can't remember the first performer's name, but he played country and a little bluegrass. He plays regularly at Woodlands Barbecue in Blowing Rock (I want to say Wednesday and Saturday night). He talked a lot about how he learned to play from his father who played more blue grass to his country and southern rock. The last song he performed was about seeing his father in himself more and more everyday. He didn't know it, but that song had a very special meaning to all of us!
The second performance was from "Pop" Ferguson and his son, Clyde Ferguson Jr. They played and taught us about the history of The Blues! The two of them together were funny enough. Mr. Ferguson had to unplug "Pop" a time or two to keep him from playing right over the history lessons. It was a very enjoyable experience. There was a really cool article about "Pop" in the News-Topic not too long ago.
I really enjoyed both performances immensely. From there we went to lunch. The afternoon was tricky. We split the freshmen into two groups. While the first group went up to the third level to work on MAP testing, the other group had a chance to talk to some counselors about how to best handle the loss that occurred Thursday night. We all had a chance to make cards and write letters to show our support. We flipped the groups halfway through the afternoon. As students finished they worked more on their animation and Algebra test.
It was a busy and emotional week! I image this week will continue to be that way!
Sunday, March 29, 2009
Light at the End of the Tunnel
I finally saw the light at the end of the tunnel this past week for my National Boards. I successfully finished and shipped my portfolio on Wednesday (it was ready to ship Tuesday), and now all I have to do is take the assessment portion. It was quite a relief to finally mail the portfolio. It had to be post marked by March 31st. I managed to ship mine a week early and right on time according to my schedule. It was a grueling process, but not many things worth doing are easy.
It did seem like a long week and there are two reasons for that really. The first was that we had student led conferences on Monday and Tuesday. I was at school both days by 7:30, which isn't unusual for me. Monday I was on my way home close to five. Tuesday, however, was a late night, and I didn't head home until after six. Nevertheless, I felt the conferences went really well. I felt better prepared, the parents seemed better prepared, and as a rule the students were better prepared.
The second reason this has been a long week has everything to do with me being a control freak with a need to be busy. I regularly over plan for the time I have because I want to know what we'll be doing every minute of class. When I'm out, I tend to leave very detailed plans complete with a time line. But this past week has been out of my hands more or less.
We began the first part of the week with a journal about the CECHS Book Club. I wanted them to tell me about their book, as well as, how they felt collaborating online and with the juniors. (On a side note, I've added video tutorials to help groups with their wiki.) So far about half of the groups have created their wikis. Of those, several have been very active and have a great start on the project.
After the journal, it was time to work. The second part of the week, I made some announcements, and it was right back to work. The light at the end of our animation tunnel is growing brighter. Most groups have their audio recorded; I'll try to post them this week on the podcast page of my website. I did post pictures from one group that is a little ahead. The sets and characters are coming together, and I'm excited to film this week.
Of course, my wife is convinced that the our baby will be arriving this week. I doubt it only because I am completely prepared for him to show up this week. I've prerecorded lessons for this week, just in case we do have the baby, and I'm out when it's time to put our movies together. That way someone will only have to push play and pause and we can still finish our short story animations this week.
Time will tell, but the house is filling with baby stuff, and he'll be arriving soon that's for sure!! And we will be finishing our short story animations this week, so I'm looking forward to a fun and exciting week either way!
It did seem like a long week and there are two reasons for that really. The first was that we had student led conferences on Monday and Tuesday. I was at school both days by 7:30, which isn't unusual for me. Monday I was on my way home close to five. Tuesday, however, was a late night, and I didn't head home until after six. Nevertheless, I felt the conferences went really well. I felt better prepared, the parents seemed better prepared, and as a rule the students were better prepared.
The second reason this has been a long week has everything to do with me being a control freak with a need to be busy. I regularly over plan for the time I have because I want to know what we'll be doing every minute of class. When I'm out, I tend to leave very detailed plans complete with a time line. But this past week has been out of my hands more or less.
We began the first part of the week with a journal about the CECHS Book Club. I wanted them to tell me about their book, as well as, how they felt collaborating online and with the juniors. (On a side note, I've added video tutorials to help groups with their wiki.) So far about half of the groups have created their wikis. Of those, several have been very active and have a great start on the project.
After the journal, it was time to work. The second part of the week, I made some announcements, and it was right back to work. The light at the end of our animation tunnel is growing brighter. Most groups have their audio recorded; I'll try to post them this week on the podcast page of my website. I did post pictures from one group that is a little ahead. The sets and characters are coming together, and I'm excited to film this week.
Of course, my wife is convinced that the our baby will be arriving this week. I doubt it only because I am completely prepared for him to show up this week. I've prerecorded lessons for this week, just in case we do have the baby, and I'm out when it's time to put our movies together. That way someone will only have to push play and pause and we can still finish our short story animations this week.
Time will tell, but the house is filling with baby stuff, and he'll be arriving soon that's for sure!! And we will be finishing our short story animations this week, so I'm looking forward to a fun and exciting week either way!
Sunday, March 22, 2009
Staying the Course
We are staying the course! This past week everyone wrote a journal about the short story that will be made into an animated version. The rest of the week we were hard at work. I had 100% of the groups turn in both their storyboards and scripts on time, so we're on track. I'm hoping to have finished movies by the first week of April...we might be pushing it!
We launched the CECHS Book Club this past week too! I'm very excited about it. We're going to try and get everyone together for the first and probably only official meeting on Monday. Then from there on out it will be an online collaboration.
I'm nearly finished with my portfolio for National Boards! I'm very excited about that box getting mailed! Oh and I made a couple new slide shows.
We launched the CECHS Book Club this past week too! I'm very excited about it. We're going to try and get everyone together for the first and probably only official meeting on Monday. Then from there on out it will be an online collaboration.
I'm nearly finished with my portfolio for National Boards! I'm very excited about that box getting mailed! Oh and I made a couple new slide shows.
Sunday, March 15, 2009
On Schedule!
So far, we're on schedule! This past week we focused on getting to know our stories for the short story animation project. At the first of the week, we wrote a journal about our story and then got to work. Later in the week we used qwizdom to practice some EOC type questions, and then it was back to work.
At this point most groups have a good start on either their story board or their script, both of which are due at the end of this coming week. Most groups have started creating backdrops and decorating their boxes, which will serve as sets when it's time to film. Some groups have started using clay to create characters or props. Overall, I'm pretty pleased with the work that's been done so far. I'm hoping for another good week!
This week we'll get started with a joint project with the juniors. We're starting a book club!
At this point most groups have a good start on either their story board or their script, both of which are due at the end of this coming week. Most groups have started creating backdrops and decorating their boxes, which will serve as sets when it's time to film. Some groups have started using clay to create characters or props. Overall, I'm pretty pleased with the work that's been done so far. I'm hoping for another good week!
This week we'll get started with a joint project with the juniors. We're starting a book club!
Sunday, March 8, 2009
What a Weird Week!
Today while I lounged in a hammock, laughing at my daughter in her own hammock, I was struck by how weird this week was. We started off by missing Monday and then a three hour delay on Tuesday because of snow, and by Friday we didn't need coats. It turned into a short compact week, but we still got a lot done.
When we got to school on Tuesday, we had a limited amount of time before college classes. Nevertheless, we made the most of it and took care of some MAP testing that needed done. I also collected FOUND POEMS! I was a little discouraged by how few I got. It's the last major grade of the 3rd 9 week grading period. I'm going to have to make some phone calls this week to get the missing poems turned in before grades are due. Otherwise, several students will have an incomplete for English.
During our one class, we focused on animation projects. You can see examples (not all good) of last year's short story animations on my website. If anyone has not seen the poetry podcasts from the beginning of the year, there's a link to them on that page as well. I left the story selection up to impartial and incorruptible chance. I wrote down the 20 stories from our text book and put the numbers 1-20 on slips of paper. Each class got to pick from a randomly selected group of 5 numbers. Interestingly enough, all of the stories pose their own unique challenges and come with their own advantages.
I'm looking forward to seeing how the short stories make their way into clay/stop action animated shorts.
When we got to school on Tuesday, we had a limited amount of time before college classes. Nevertheless, we made the most of it and took care of some MAP testing that needed done. I also collected FOUND POEMS! I was a little discouraged by how few I got. It's the last major grade of the 3rd 9 week grading period. I'm going to have to make some phone calls this week to get the missing poems turned in before grades are due. Otherwise, several students will have an incomplete for English.
During our one class, we focused on animation projects. You can see examples (not all good) of last year's short story animations on my website. If anyone has not seen the poetry podcasts from the beginning of the year, there's a link to them on that page as well. I left the story selection up to impartial and incorruptible chance. I wrote down the 20 stories from our text book and put the numbers 1-20 on slips of paper. Each class got to pick from a randomly selected group of 5 numbers. Interestingly enough, all of the stories pose their own unique challenges and come with their own advantages.
I'm looking forward to seeing how the short stories make their way into clay/stop action animated shorts.
Sunday, March 1, 2009
Allusions, Baseball, and Service!
This has been a good week. We started off with a fun class all about Allusions. We used Billy Joel's song "We Didn't Start the Fire". The song is filled with allusions from his birth up to the time the song was written, 1949-1989. The first time through, I had them work with a group to identify as many of the references that were alluded to as they could.
Then I let them see the video of the song and try to clarify any of the misconceptions they had. Then we went online to a wikipedia article about the song to check our answers. It was interesting to hear what they thought certain things alluded to, for example one group thought that "Buddy Holly" referenced the song by Weezer instead of a rock-and-roll legend. We then moved from the song to creating a timeline of allusions for their lifetime. Again it was interesting to see what they thought to be the major events since 1993 or there abouts.
The second class of the week, we played more literary baseball on Qwizdom. It seems to working. It helps us review literary elements, grammar, and EOC type editing. It's a lot more fun than taking quizzes. When we finsihed our game, we created groups. I had them split to the corners of the room by their shape. Then they joined groups with different shapes. They'll use these groups for their short story animation projects. We spent some time talking about how that project was gong to work. I'm excited!
Friday was another day of service. I drove the lenoir bus and stayed at West Lenoir Elementary School. It was a good day. The kids on my bus all seemed genuinly excited at the end of the day. Some had better experiences than others, but I think they all found something good from the day.
I'm looking forward to a good week getting started with the animation projects!
Then I let them see the video of the song and try to clarify any of the misconceptions they had. Then we went online to a wikipedia article about the song to check our answers. It was interesting to hear what they thought certain things alluded to, for example one group thought that "Buddy Holly" referenced the song by Weezer instead of a rock-and-roll legend. We then moved from the song to creating a timeline of allusions for their lifetime. Again it was interesting to see what they thought to be the major events since 1993 or there abouts.
The second class of the week, we played more literary baseball on Qwizdom. It seems to working. It helps us review literary elements, grammar, and EOC type editing. It's a lot more fun than taking quizzes. When we finsihed our game, we created groups. I had them split to the corners of the room by their shape. Then they joined groups with different shapes. They'll use these groups for their short story animation projects. We spent some time talking about how that project was gong to work. I'm excited!
Friday was another day of service. I drove the lenoir bus and stayed at West Lenoir Elementary School. It was a good day. The kids on my bus all seemed genuinly excited at the end of the day. Some had better experiences than others, but I think they all found something good from the day.
I'm looking forward to a good week getting started with the animation projects!
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