What was I thinking?

This is the thought that kept running through my head as I spent every free moment this week (and some that were not so free) reading about, writing about and thinking about Educational Psychology...and this is only the first week! I'm hoping, while the next week will not be any lighter in course load, that I will at least be somewhat used to the online aspect of learning.

It has been 10 years since I was in college and as much as I like school, I am definitely out of practice. Sitting down at my computer this past weekend, in an effort to finish a couple of reports, helped me to better understand the actions of my first graders during their independent seatwork time. I lost track of the times that I got up to get something to drink, find a snack, or use the bathroom. I would sit back down and in a few minutes, start the cycle of wandering all over again...you name it and I was distracted by it. In several moments of distraction I was able to get the huge stack of cds beside my computer finally imported into itunes! Hooray for my inability to focus on the task at hand!!

So I will start next week (minus our Monday off, what a blessing!) with a new understanding for my constant pencil sharpeners, bathroom users and window gazers. And maybe I'll take some pointers from some of my more disciplined students. At this point I'll take any help I can get. : )

Snowflake 101

In response to a couple requests on how to make the snowflakes from my previous post, I made another snowflake today and took some photos to help ya out Ang.

1. You will need 6 square pieces of paper (if its 8 1/2 x 11 do the little thing where you cut off the extra part). It seems like the colors could be varied and played with to make them more fun but I only had white available. All of these directions will need to be done to each piece. Fold each square diagonally into a triangle. Then fold it over into a smaller triangle.


2. Begin cutting lines starting at the folded edge, going parallel to long side of the triangle (the unfolded edge). You can cut straight or curvy lines and you can vary the number of lines that you cut.


3. After you're done cutting the lines, open up the square, it should look something like the first picture. Then take the corners of the inside shape, bend them back and use a glue stick to attach the corners (see second picture). Moving out from the center take the next strips and bend them the opposite way of first one and attach the edges in the same way using a glue stick. Continue folding the strips, alternating the direction with each new set until all have been glued. Repeat until you have six designs that look similar to the third picture.




4. After all six pieces have been glued, staple them in a hanging row. (Hey Ang, like my tattoos?)



5. Wrap the shapes around until the two ends meet, secure with a staple. Arrange the inside points (sometimes they swirl on their own and sometimes they take some adjusting) and staple to secure them.



Oh, on top of my maniac snowflake making, I FINALLY registered for classes in a master's program that I was accepted to a year ago. My classes start next Monday! Nothing like waiting till the last minute. Seriously, I made my decision when I opened up my email and saw an email titled "Registration deadline is today, January 4th". Better late than never. Happy snowflake making!

Let it snow,let it snow,let it snow!

One of my son's classmates came to school with one paper snowflake for each of the teachers. He had spent an entire day of his vacation making them. I thought they were a great classroom decoration so I spent my free time today making 6 more! And thank you to my wonderful friends who gave up part of their afternoon to help me decorate my room. You made a daunting and dreaded task, quick and enjoyable!!