So, just when I think life is going to settle down a bit and I will have a chance to breathe - I start taking Exceptional Child and Knowledge Management. Exceptional Child has a LOT of assignments. We only have to read half of the textbook, but this is one that qualifies as instructional with all that implies. Then there are five abstracts to do with a powerpoint to highlight one of them. We also have to observe a minimum of six hours with at least four different exceptionalities and then we have to do a ten minute oral presentation about our observation. There are four different lesson plans to do and we have to present one of them, and to top it all off there is a research paper for our final exam. We will also be looking at IEP and that does interest me, even though I don't know whether I as a librarian will have much to contribute.
Our knowledge management class is really interesting so far. We have been talking about how different personality types react. One of my classmates made a point that knowing the personality types of the teachers will help you to collaborate with them because you can guess at the type of lesson they would want. I do think that should be taken with a grain of salt, because sometimes they are coming to the library to try something new so maybe having three alternatives of style (out of the box, traditional, technological) will allow them to pick their comfort level and still work with the librarian. I do think that knowing the type of teacher they are will help you to talk with and interact with them in a more patient way.
I think both of these classes are going to be very beneficial to my growth as a teacher, but I am so ready for a month off. But once I get to June, I will have three classes going at the same time (two masters and the Exceptional Child) and I am thinking a meltdown will be imminent;-) Then we will have our exit assessments in July while I am taking one masters class and two education classes (every day during the day)- YIKES!!!
Please send ideas for stress relief
Friday, May 2, 2008
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
6th grade - interesting
I was fortunate in having an opportunity to teach a dictionary skills lesson plan to a sixth grade class. It was a bit of a bumpy start, but I do think I made an impression. The hardest thing is when teaching styles are different in an elementary school. The kids get used to one style and when they have someone different, they just don't know how to react. High schoolers get over that fairly quickly since they move from person to person so much in a day, but I'm sure it can be a shock.
I do think this is the first time I have had any real "I'm too cool to learn" to deal with. I usually am able to get everyone interested or I can ignore them while they ignore me;-) and by the end of the forty minutes, I had gotten them past that. Giving them the opportunity to stand up was the key. A stroke of luck for me, but it worked. Maybe I can do this teacher thing after all;-)
I do think this is the first time I have had any real "I'm too cool to learn" to deal with. I usually am able to get everyone interested or I can ignore them while they ignore me;-) and by the end of the forty minutes, I had gotten them past that. Giving them the opportunity to stand up was the key. A stroke of luck for me, but it worked. Maybe I can do this teacher thing after all;-)
Friday, April 18, 2008
the life of a teacher
Well, I have had an interesting week. I proctored the TCAP test at an elementary school in Pulaski for third grade on Monday through Thursday. I was fortunate to be in the same room all four days so I was really able to see the differences in students and the differences in the same students on different days. Only one student didn't finish one test over all four days of testing. I think the thing that bothered me the most was that the students couldn't read after they finished each section. Knowing as I do that the more they read, the better they score on these kinds of tests, I am surprised that the state won't allow them to read in between sections. Instead most of them fell asleep from boredom and that can't have helped the grades on the second test of the day. I also wondered if playing classical music would help the students to focus more and handle the stress of the test better - not to mention helping them with the time factor. I know it would help with the noise factor as there would be less of a shock when a pencil or booklet fell off a student's desk;-)
My Friday was spent in emergency substituting for english at LCHS. The substitute who had been hired to finish out the year for the pregnant teacher just walked out the door when she realized that she wasn't going to get teacher pay for the job, but only substitute pay. My sister called me at 8:15 and I rushed up there instead of spending the day on homework - I am such a procrastinator.
Well, time to get something accomplished today.
My Friday was spent in emergency substituting for english at LCHS. The substitute who had been hired to finish out the year for the pregnant teacher just walked out the door when she realized that she wasn't going to get teacher pay for the job, but only substitute pay. My sister called me at 8:15 and I rushed up there instead of spending the day on homework - I am such a procrastinator.
Well, time to get something accomplished today.
Thursday, April 10, 2008
I think I begin to understand
why kids hate to go to the library. Constantly being shushed, even when talking about books, has got to be tiring and irritating. I wouldn't want to go there either. I have spent the day observing at another elementary library and I am so sad at the potential that is going to waste. There is so much that a librarian has to offer and teach - but silent reading seems to be the order of the day. I know reading is very important, but if the students don't have the techniques to understand what they read and why they should read it - does it really help for them to have the opportunity to read?
If the library is stuck with the kids for forty-five minutes every week, then why not use that as an opportunity to teach them library skills or research skills? Even giving them fifteen minutes to look for a new book would still leave thirty minutes for learning. It doesn't have to be something huge and since they will be there every week, it is possible to build on the lessons as the year progresses. Second graders need to know the different parts of a book and the type of information you can expect to see in an index or a table of contents. Sixth graders need to understand how Dewey is organized and how that helps to find books about what you are interested in. Eighth graders have to understand the organization of a research paper and the step necessary in doing research.
If the library is stuck with a non-flex schedule - there has to be a way to make that work for the librarian as well as the teacher.
If the library is stuck with the kids for forty-five minutes every week, then why not use that as an opportunity to teach them library skills or research skills? Even giving them fifteen minutes to look for a new book would still leave thirty minutes for learning. It doesn't have to be something huge and since they will be there every week, it is possible to build on the lessons as the year progresses. Second graders need to know the different parts of a book and the type of information you can expect to see in an index or a table of contents. Sixth graders need to understand how Dewey is organized and how that helps to find books about what you are interested in. Eighth graders have to understand the organization of a research paper and the step necessary in doing research.
If the library is stuck with a non-flex schedule - there has to be a way to make that work for the librarian as well as the teacher.
Thursday, April 3, 2008
Work, work, work, work, work, work, work
This has been one of those blah weeks where you just do your homework, and then do some more homework, and then finish up an assignment or so and turn around to do some more. I have just felt that I haven't really accomplished anything. It always takes me so much longer to do things than I think it should and I am ready for some time off. Oh well, August is just around the corner.
I just had to take time out of my day today to stand on my front porch (covered) and watch it rain. It was real rain. There was no wind, or thunder, or lightening - just honest to gosh rain falling straight and steady. It was so musical and relaxing I was able to get back to work and I actually finished my chapter summaries and my automation review.
Now to put the webpage to bed since my personal pity party is finished and then put the polishing touches on the collection analysis. Saturday, here I come;-)
I just had to take time out of my day today to stand on my front porch (covered) and watch it rain. It was real rain. There was no wind, or thunder, or lightening - just honest to gosh rain falling straight and steady. It was so musical and relaxing I was able to get back to work and I actually finished my chapter summaries and my automation review.
Now to put the webpage to bed since my personal pity party is finished and then put the polishing touches on the collection analysis. Saturday, here I come;-)
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
The most important thing I learned from my day of teaching......
I need new shoes!!! My feet were killing me and it has taken two days for them to recover. The real downside is that I detest shoe shopping with every fiber of my being.
My set induction fell flat and it was very hard to get the kids to talk, much less laugh. I can see that is going to be the hardest thing for them to adjust to - a librarian that actually encourages laughter and doesn't ssshhhhh all the time. Other than that, it actually went well. They enjoyed using the computers to spice up their cover page and poem and I was able to teach importing graphics and using the border option on Word. I actually TAUGHT! The teacher said he considered it to be a very valuable lesson and he thinks they enjoyed the lesson. He plans to post the poems in his room for those that actually turn them in;-)
On the technical disaster side: the United Streaming videos I had that were so cool I couldn't play since the school system doesn't allow that and I didn't have time to get it approved, but I had come prepared with an alternative ( I read two humorous poems myself to help them to understand the importance of using font and graphic to capture the spirit of the poem). Then the lamp in the projector blew after the first period and they didn't have a replacement so I couldn't demonstrate it for the entire class. It was good in that it made me choose descriptive words and talk slowly, but it always is better to model new actions before having the students attempt them.
I found all of the classes to be enjoyable and I didn't have any problems with the students at all. I think I really will love collaboration - once I buy new shoes;-)
My set induction fell flat and it was very hard to get the kids to talk, much less laugh. I can see that is going to be the hardest thing for them to adjust to - a librarian that actually encourages laughter and doesn't ssshhhhh all the time. Other than that, it actually went well. They enjoyed using the computers to spice up their cover page and poem and I was able to teach importing graphics and using the border option on Word. I actually TAUGHT! The teacher said he considered it to be a very valuable lesson and he thinks they enjoyed the lesson. He plans to post the poems in his room for those that actually turn them in;-)
On the technical disaster side: the United Streaming videos I had that were so cool I couldn't play since the school system doesn't allow that and I didn't have time to get it approved, but I had come prepared with an alternative ( I read two humorous poems myself to help them to understand the importance of using font and graphic to capture the spirit of the poem). Then the lamp in the projector blew after the first period and they didn't have a replacement so I couldn't demonstrate it for the entire class. It was good in that it made me choose descriptive words and talk slowly, but it always is better to model new actions before having the students attempt them.
I found all of the classes to be enjoyable and I didn't have any problems with the students at all. I think I really will love collaboration - once I buy new shoes;-)
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
Teaching day
Well, I did my observations and I survived. I really understand why most teens think the library is boring now.
On the plus side - I will be able to do my teaching assignment on Monday!!! The class I was observing was the freshman English class as they were introduced to the reference collection in order to do a paper on a poet. I just happen to have a poetry notebook lesson plan already done for one of my education classes and a modification to that lesson plan and viola! I can teach these students how to present their paper for a good grade that uses technology. I need to come up with a pre/post test and do the modifications to the lesson plan since they won't actually be doing a poetry notebook, but that shouldn't take toooooo much effort;-)
I am excited and scared to death so yet again ya'll are gonna have to wish me luck. Breathe.
On the plus side - I will be able to do my teaching assignment on Monday!!! The class I was observing was the freshman English class as they were introduced to the reference collection in order to do a paper on a poet. I just happen to have a poetry notebook lesson plan already done for one of my education classes and a modification to that lesson plan and viola! I can teach these students how to present their paper for a good grade that uses technology. I need to come up with a pre/post test and do the modifications to the lesson plan since they won't actually be doing a poetry notebook, but that shouldn't take toooooo much effort;-)
I am excited and scared to death so yet again ya'll are gonna have to wish me luck. Breathe.
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
Observations - yeah!
I am spending the morning at LCHS doing one of my required observations. I have to do one more at another middle school and I have a call in to Leoma to invite me when the librarian is doing something with the seventh or eighth grade and that will finish the easy observations. I now need to do a ten hour observation at a 7 - 12 school library that allows me to do a lesson plan and eight hours at a elementary school library that also allows me to do a lesson plan. yeah.
I understand why observations are important. I just wish it was easier to schedule them. Well, wish me luck as I go off to face the teens;-)
I understand why observations are important. I just wish it was easier to schedule them. Well, wish me luck as I go off to face the teens;-)
Friday, March 14, 2008
I did it!!!
Okay, I have been preparing and working on doing a presentation for the student teachers at Martin for the past two months. I wanted to let them know that the school librarian of the past is no more and that the librarian of the 21st century has more to offer than dusty books.
My husband asked me why I was doing it. I wasn't getting a grade on it, so why bother. My response? I don't need a grade to do the right thing. There is no point in going to school and learning new things if I can't use them. The only way I can be sure that I get to use them is to make friends and influence people. I consider a new batch of teachers to be the most easily influenced AND most eager to also make friends. Letting them know the possibilities will make it easier for whatever librarian they come in contact with to collaborate, share, and enrich student's lives.
To me, there is no reason to NOT do something that will benefit so many people. We are taught, in a roundabout way, to advocate for our libraries. This was my advocacy and I am very proud of it - though it drove me crazy;-)
My husband asked me why I was doing it. I wasn't getting a grade on it, so why bother. My response? I don't need a grade to do the right thing. There is no point in going to school and learning new things if I can't use them. The only way I can be sure that I get to use them is to make friends and influence people. I consider a new batch of teachers to be the most easily influenced AND most eager to also make friends. Letting them know the possibilities will make it easier for whatever librarian they come in contact with to collaborate, share, and enrich student's lives.
To me, there is no reason to NOT do something that will benefit so many people. We are taught, in a roundabout way, to advocate for our libraries. This was my advocacy and I am very proud of it - though it drove me crazy;-)
Saturday, March 8, 2008
Spring Break - NOT
Well, this week has been spring break. No classes to go to at all. My day class was on spring break and my independent study class doesn't meet. My night class was supposed to meet, but the professor went to Hawaii for the holiday. The master's class wasn't scheduled to meet at all - which was a good thing because there was three inches of snow on the ground Saturday morning;-) It was gone by noon, but at least we didn't have to worry about driving in it or attempting to head anyone off at the pass.
But this lack of class meeting did not herald any time off for me. Instead I spent Monday doing all the filing I have been ignoring for the last month or so and then figured out every assignment I had due in the next two weeks. I tried to guess at approximately how much time each assignment would take and then I broke that down into 90 minute blocks. That took my morning so I had some bagels for breakfast to celebrate;-)
I managed to deal with several errands in my 'other' category this week as well as finishing:
ALL of my EDU101 assignments for the next two weeks which means I read a chapter, did the two deep thought questions on the chapter, wrote a 3 - minute speech, created a poster about my teaching philosophy and did an essay about that philosophy.
ALL of my EDU313 assignments for Monday - not interested in getting ahead until I know more about how the class is going to work. This entailed reading three chapters, pulling out the one sentence in each chapter that struck a chord with me, and answering 15 multiple choice questions on each chapter.
4 1/2 out of 13 projects in EDU421 - this is the class with the Shakespeare unit;-) But all I accomplished was 4 1/2 deep thought questions. What would you want your students to read in your English class? I'm stuck because there are so very many, but I am trying to limit myself to what we would actually have time to cover. Not fun.
For my masters: Webpage setup and organized with all supporting links, credit page done, and oodles of graphics ready to input as my team feeds me the info, my question done, my escan done, and my shelf list done. I also started the text activities- not fun. This means that I have to do the collection analysis this week, but since everything else is out of the way, it shouldn't be hard. Why does the quote famous last words just spring into my mind?
In the other category, agriculture census is done (yeah - farmer girl too), got all of my internet bookmarks re-organized so I should be able to find the things I know I have seen, and I have the power point for next week's presentation 85% done. Thanks so much to everyone who gave me input to make it better. It really helps to have a second (or third, or fourth, or fiftieth) set of eyes on something like that. I really do hope I can make that an annual thing. Now to decide what the handout should be;-)
So, I am ready to go back to class and rest.
But this lack of class meeting did not herald any time off for me. Instead I spent Monday doing all the filing I have been ignoring for the last month or so and then figured out every assignment I had due in the next two weeks. I tried to guess at approximately how much time each assignment would take and then I broke that down into 90 minute blocks. That took my morning so I had some bagels for breakfast to celebrate;-)
I managed to deal with several errands in my 'other' category this week as well as finishing:
ALL of my EDU101 assignments for the next two weeks which means I read a chapter, did the two deep thought questions on the chapter, wrote a 3 - minute speech, created a poster about my teaching philosophy and did an essay about that philosophy.
ALL of my EDU313 assignments for Monday - not interested in getting ahead until I know more about how the class is going to work. This entailed reading three chapters, pulling out the one sentence in each chapter that struck a chord with me, and answering 15 multiple choice questions on each chapter.
4 1/2 out of 13 projects in EDU421 - this is the class with the Shakespeare unit;-) But all I accomplished was 4 1/2 deep thought questions. What would you want your students to read in your English class? I'm stuck because there are so very many, but I am trying to limit myself to what we would actually have time to cover. Not fun.
For my masters: Webpage setup and organized with all supporting links, credit page done, and oodles of graphics ready to input as my team feeds me the info, my question done, my escan done, and my shelf list done. I also started the text activities- not fun. This means that I have to do the collection analysis this week, but since everything else is out of the way, it shouldn't be hard. Why does the quote famous last words just spring into my mind?
In the other category, agriculture census is done (yeah - farmer girl too), got all of my internet bookmarks re-organized so I should be able to find the things I know I have seen, and I have the power point for next week's presentation 85% done. Thanks so much to everyone who gave me input to make it better. It really helps to have a second (or third, or fourth, or fiftieth) set of eyes on something like that. I really do hope I can make that an annual thing. Now to decide what the handout should be;-)
So, I am ready to go back to class and rest.
Thursday, February 28, 2008
Night classes
Tonight is my first night class. I will be doing night classes on Monday and Thursday night until sometime in June as of right now. There are three more classes to take after that, so there may be more at night later.......
This will make four classes I am taking at the same time for the next month - or two. Please be very nice to me. Cupcakes are always welcome;-)
This will make four classes I am taking at the same time for the next month - or two. Please be very nice to me. Cupcakes are always welcome;-)
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
deep breath
Seriously, every time I look at angel and start going over the assignments so I can create a schedule - I start hyperventilating. There is just so much and we are only doing one online weekend in this class instead of our normal two so that should have been a hint, I'm thinking. Three different textbooks and actually doing chapter summaries and then add in escans, chapter activities, and discussion questions and I haven't even mentioned the projects we have to do.
Deep breath.
I know it is possible to do it because others before me have done it. I am just very curious as to HOW they have done it. Right now, I don't see a way because yet again I have to find a real library and this time they need an automation system. Though to be honest, the only libraries I have been in that didn't have a system are the two baby libraries in Lexington and Minor Hill. Those two libraries put together would fit inside my basement and I would still have room left to walk around and browse the shelves;-)
So, time to make some phone calls and remember:
deep breath
Deep breath.
I know it is possible to do it because others before me have done it. I am just very curious as to HOW they have done it. Right now, I don't see a way because yet again I have to find a real library and this time they need an automation system. Though to be honest, the only libraries I have been in that didn't have a system are the two baby libraries in Lexington and Minor Hill. Those two libraries put together would fit inside my basement and I would still have room left to walk around and browse the shelves;-)
So, time to make some phone calls and remember:
deep breath
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
4 things
Linda shared this with the class and I copied my answers over here because I think they are good questions. I am one of those massively curious people (there is a reason cats and I get along) and I always want to know things about people. I like knowing why they are the way they are. I know I am weird and after almost forty years on this planet, I'm okay with that. So read on if you haven't already, and if you have - well, read again;-)
FOUR JOBS I HAVE HAD IN MY LIFE
1. radio DJ (air personality as we were called at the time;-)
2. worked in the UNA library
3. Inventory Control for a international manufacturing firm
4. Administrative assistant to a Cost Accountant
FOUR PLACES I HAVE LIVED:
1. Minor Hill, TN
2. Loretto, TN
3. Rittman, OH
4. Minor Hill, TN (yes, I am back home again - literally)
FOUR TV SHOWS THAT I WATCH:
1. NCIS
2. CSI
3. Sarah Connor Chronicles
4. Stargate Atlantis (come on - I had to do SOME sci-fi;-)
FOUR PLACES I HAVE BEEN:
1. Cleveland, OH (Great science museum and Rock & Roll Hall of Fame)
2. Washington, D.C. (placed 9th in the nation in a management competition)
3. Huntsville, AL (Space and Rocket Center ROCKS)
4. Flint, MI (family reunion)
PEOPLE WHO EMAIL ME REGULARLY
1. Linda
2. my husband, Tim
3. Marti
4. About.com guy with internet freebies;-)
FOUR OF MY FAVORITE FOODS
1. Krispy Kreme doughnuts (yum)
2. milk chocolate (of any kind including hot)
3. chicken (pretty much any variety)
4. brownies
FOUR PLACES I WOULD RATHER BE RIGHT NOW:
1. Visiting with my sister
2. Visting ChickMaster and seeing my friends there
3. On a Caribbean Island listening to the surf (too good an idea not to keep)
4. staying home with enough money to remodel it
FOUR THINGS I LOOK FORWARD TO IN THE NEXT YEAR
1. Completing my MLIS degree
2. Getting a job as a librarian
3. Going to the BPW state convention and attending TASL for the first time
4. watching my son play football
FOUR JOBS I HAVE HAD IN MY LIFE
1. radio DJ (air personality as we were called at the time;-)
2. worked in the UNA library
3. Inventory Control for a international manufacturing firm
4. Administrative assistant to a Cost Accountant
FOUR PLACES I HAVE LIVED:
1. Minor Hill, TN
2. Loretto, TN
3. Rittman, OH
4. Minor Hill, TN (yes, I am back home again - literally)
FOUR TV SHOWS THAT I WATCH:
1. NCIS
2. CSI
3. Sarah Connor Chronicles
4. Stargate Atlantis (come on - I had to do SOME sci-fi;-)
FOUR PLACES I HAVE BEEN:
1. Cleveland, OH (Great science museum and Rock & Roll Hall of Fame)
2. Washington, D.C. (placed 9th in the nation in a management competition)
3. Huntsville, AL (Space and Rocket Center ROCKS)
4. Flint, MI (family reunion)
PEOPLE WHO EMAIL ME REGULARLY
1. Linda
2. my husband, Tim
3. Marti
4. About.com guy with internet freebies;-)
FOUR OF MY FAVORITE FOODS
1. Krispy Kreme doughnuts (yum)
2. milk chocolate (of any kind including hot)
3. chicken (pretty much any variety)
4. brownies
FOUR PLACES I WOULD RATHER BE RIGHT NOW:
1. Visiting with my sister
2. Visting ChickMaster and seeing my friends there
3. On a Caribbean Island listening to the surf (too good an idea not to keep)
4. staying home with enough money to remodel it
FOUR THINGS I LOOK FORWARD TO IN THE NEXT YEAR
1. Completing my MLIS degree
2. Getting a job as a librarian
3. Going to the BPW state convention and attending TASL for the first time
4. watching my son play football
Thursday, February 14, 2008
Happy Valentine's Day!!!
I hope everyone is having some fun today and has a chance at least for a touch of romance. I spent my morning interviewing Mr. Daniel for one of my EDU assignments. It was so much fun to have a chance to talk with him. He has been a principal for so long and he has seen so much that is good and bad. I think the most astonishing thing that came out of the interview was his attitude towards teen romance. He strongly advocates for teachers to take the romantic relationships into account when determining behavior issues because those relationships are vitally important to the teens. I personally prefer to avoid drama and I have a hard time connecting to people who live on the extreme outside of their skin so this may be a bit of a challenge.
He also discussed the difference between being a librarian and a keeper of books and how important a good librarian is since the library is the center of the school - and not just in the geographical sense. It is a real shame that he is retiring. He sounds like the administrator that you want to have in your corner.
He also discussed the difference between being a librarian and a keeper of books and how important a good librarian is since the library is the center of the school - and not just in the geographical sense. It is a real shame that he is retiring. He sounds like the administrator that you want to have in your corner.
Thursday, February 7, 2008
I do be t.i.r.e.d.
I have spent the day observing at the Lexington school (Lexington, AL). I watched two kindergarten classes as they reviewed the twelve fairy tales they have learned this year before they start nursery rhymes. I also watched two first grade classes learn about Norman Bridwell (author of Clifford).
I enjoyed the experience. It was interesting to note how the style of teaching and the actual lesson was different for each class based upon the student interaction. Basic lesson was the same, but the method was completely different.
And I also got the information I needed for my pathfinder, did my observation time I needed for two education classes and completed an interview for one education class. I was a busy girl, but since I was there from 7:45 until 2:30 there was plenty of time.
One cool thing that I learned was from the librarian's aide. She has been an aide for 28 years and she has watched the world of the library change. She was very positive about the changes, but mentioned that the teachers haven't been as willing to change;-) She loves the advent of flex because she felt that the students were not really benefiting from one visit to the library a week.
Now, I'm off to soak my feet and read a book - ya'll remember what those are - right???
I enjoyed the experience. It was interesting to note how the style of teaching and the actual lesson was different for each class based upon the student interaction. Basic lesson was the same, but the method was completely different.
And I also got the information I needed for my pathfinder, did my observation time I needed for two education classes and completed an interview for one education class. I was a busy girl, but since I was there from 7:45 until 2:30 there was plenty of time.
One cool thing that I learned was from the librarian's aide. She has been an aide for 28 years and she has watched the world of the library change. She was very positive about the changes, but mentioned that the teachers haven't been as willing to change;-) She loves the advent of flex because she felt that the students were not really benefiting from one visit to the library a week.
Now, I'm off to soak my feet and read a book - ya'll remember what those are - right???
Sunday, February 3, 2008
Flabbergasted
I had the most wonderful surprise yesterday in class. I got a birthday party;-)
Now this may shock most of ya'll, but I have never had a birthday party with anyone except family in my entire life. It was the most fun I have had in such a very long time. The food was excellent and it was so much fun to watch as people talked and laughed and enjoyed themselves. I had been so very stressed and went to see that comedian Friday night - oh, the library joke.
You know those people at the fair that write your name on a grain of rice? Yeah, law library books have the same publisher.
I felt so relaxed and it didn't even matter that my needs assessment wasn't nearly as complete as I wanted/needed it to be. I am going to create something for the wiki, but who knows whether it will work and then I am going to finish that toolbox and enjoy the day we get off in between classes;-) I have heard of getting a jump start on things, but WOW!
Oh, wasn't it amazing how much information Prilla knew and remembered about all those different databases?!?!?! I am really going to miss her as a professor.
Okay, that is probably enough rambling. Thank you very much for listening and I look forward to seeing all of you again on the 23rd. Now BLOG!!!!
Now this may shock most of ya'll, but I have never had a birthday party with anyone except family in my entire life. It was the most fun I have had in such a very long time. The food was excellent and it was so much fun to watch as people talked and laughed and enjoyed themselves. I had been so very stressed and went to see that comedian Friday night - oh, the library joke.
You know those people at the fair that write your name on a grain of rice? Yeah, law library books have the same publisher.
I felt so relaxed and it didn't even matter that my needs assessment wasn't nearly as complete as I wanted/needed it to be. I am going to create something for the wiki, but who knows whether it will work and then I am going to finish that toolbox and enjoy the day we get off in between classes;-) I have heard of getting a jump start on things, but WOW!
Oh, wasn't it amazing how much information Prilla knew and remembered about all those different databases?!?!?! I am really going to miss her as a professor.
Okay, that is probably enough rambling. Thank you very much for listening and I look forward to seeing all of you again on the 23rd. Now BLOG!!!!
Monday, January 28, 2008
and breathe
I know there are many people (Carolyn;-) who are having a much worse time than I am right now. I however, am having an extremely difficult time finding a real library for my needs assessment. "Oh, you mean the one due in less than a week? Yes, that one."
I am worried about getting this completed - especially since I haven't even been able to get it started! Martin did not work out because they are in the middle of their SAC evaluation and have been doing assessments over every aspect of the college all year. No real need for an amateur to play there. Pulaski public felt they were too small to give me the kind of experience I needed. I didn't want to attempt any elementary libraries since I am not currently a teacher. Loretto High already had Priscilla and the Lawrence County High was not very welcoming when I did interviews. Linda had a suggestion, but since there was no feedback today, I am afraid that is also not going to pan out. I am going to try the Lexington (AL) Public library tomorrow afternoon. I don't know if it will work out and part of me is tempted to just pick an area and do an interview and ask for the information I need without discussing that it is a "needs assessment".
I have gotten such negative reactions to that phrasing. I can understand. No one wants a person that doesn't know the situation to waltz in and tell them what they are doing wrong and "oh, by the way this is how you fix it." I have tried this in person, over the phone, and by email and I have struck out every time. I keep reminding myself that it is not personal, but someone please smack me if I am ever that unresponsive to someone who needs my help.
This is perhaps even more funny because we are studying customer service as much as reference tools. I am really starting to understand why Dr. Speer is trying so hard to drive home the point that the patrons need to be listened to and helped - no matter how insane the question sounds at first. It is not a case that anyone has been outright rude, it is just that I have gotten the impression that I had nothing to offer and I wasn't wanted in their playground. Yikes! Elementary school all over;-)
Okay, enough about me. Hopefully tomorrow will go well and I will get the information I need to do a needs assessment.
I am worried about getting this completed - especially since I haven't even been able to get it started! Martin did not work out because they are in the middle of their SAC evaluation and have been doing assessments over every aspect of the college all year. No real need for an amateur to play there. Pulaski public felt they were too small to give me the kind of experience I needed. I didn't want to attempt any elementary libraries since I am not currently a teacher. Loretto High already had Priscilla and the Lawrence County High was not very welcoming when I did interviews. Linda had a suggestion, but since there was no feedback today, I am afraid that is also not going to pan out. I am going to try the Lexington (AL) Public library tomorrow afternoon. I don't know if it will work out and part of me is tempted to just pick an area and do an interview and ask for the information I need without discussing that it is a "needs assessment".
I have gotten such negative reactions to that phrasing. I can understand. No one wants a person that doesn't know the situation to waltz in and tell them what they are doing wrong and "oh, by the way this is how you fix it." I have tried this in person, over the phone, and by email and I have struck out every time. I keep reminding myself that it is not personal, but someone please smack me if I am ever that unresponsive to someone who needs my help.
This is perhaps even more funny because we are studying customer service as much as reference tools. I am really starting to understand why Dr. Speer is trying so hard to drive home the point that the patrons need to be listened to and helped - no matter how insane the question sounds at first. It is not a case that anyone has been outright rude, it is just that I have gotten the impression that I had nothing to offer and I wasn't wanted in their playground. Yikes! Elementary school all over;-)
Okay, enough about me. Hopefully tomorrow will go well and I will get the information I need to do a needs assessment.
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
Advocacy
I have an exciting opportunity that I wanted to share with everyone (well, those that read my blog;-). I will be giving a presentation to the current group of student teachers at Martin. I am going to tell them all about how we are being trained now to help teachers integrate technology into their lesson plans and encourage them to be open for collaboration opportunities.
If anyone has an example for me I would appreciate it very much. I think being able to give them real life examples from local areas would encourage them to be open to the possibilities. I also want suggestions for things that I should include in the presentation because I don't want to forget anything important.
Wish me luck!
If anyone has an example for me I would appreciate it very much. I think being able to give them real life examples from local areas would encourage them to be open to the possibilities. I also want suggestions for things that I should include in the presentation because I don't want to forget anything important.
Wish me luck!
Thursday, January 17, 2008
homework.....
Wow, this is a lot of homework. I have almost finished the reading assignment. Very valuable resource book but slow reading. I already know that this is one that will be staying on my desktop in easy reach because there is no way I will ever be able to remember all of this information.
Has anyone else started their needs assessment? I was hoping to use the Martin library, but I don't think that is going to work out. I am going to try the Pulaski Public and see if they will be a better match for me and maybe I can get the research done this next week. I understand the need for it to be a real library, I just wish that was easier to find.
I can't wait for class Saturday. It is always fun to actually be with everyone in class and talk and share stuff. I am needing the boost this week. I seem to have either the winter blahs or the "I'm getting old" blahs from the approaching birthday. Only time will tell which it is;-)
Has anyone else started their needs assessment? I was hoping to use the Martin library, but I don't think that is going to work out. I am going to try the Pulaski Public and see if they will be a better match for me and maybe I can get the research done this next week. I understand the need for it to be a real library, I just wish that was easier to find.
I can't wait for class Saturday. It is always fun to actually be with everyone in class and talk and share stuff. I am needing the boost this week. I seem to have either the winter blahs or the "I'm getting old" blahs from the approaching birthday. Only time will tell which it is;-)
Sunday, January 13, 2008
one of THOSE days
Have you ever had one? I was bored, but I had a ton of stuff I needed to work on. I have several games on my computer (ten) to play, plus the gamecube - Animal Crossing is one that I fully intend to get everyone hooked on, and there were movies to watch, books to read, etc.
I was actually worse than the 15 year old;-)
I get into these fits sometimes and I do know the cure, but sometimes I just don't want to. The cure is very simple - do something, anything. The physical act of moving is always enough to fix the problem and I have had these moods often enough that I know what I am supposed to do, but there is a part of me that was just ready for a pity party. That is out of the way now so I should be okay for a couple of months. The sad/great thing is that my menfolk recognize, understand, and help when I am in one of these moods. They pity me and take pity on me - the only time when I am guaranteed to be able to sit down and read a book uninterrupted;-)
So, life can now go back to normal.
I was actually worse than the 15 year old;-)
I get into these fits sometimes and I do know the cure, but sometimes I just don't want to. The cure is very simple - do something, anything. The physical act of moving is always enough to fix the problem and I have had these moods often enough that I know what I am supposed to do, but there is a part of me that was just ready for a pity party. That is out of the way now so I should be okay for a couple of months. The sad/great thing is that my menfolk recognize, understand, and help when I am in one of these moods. They pity me and take pity on me - the only time when I am guaranteed to be able to sit down and read a book uninterrupted;-)
So, life can now go back to normal.
Friday, January 11, 2008
I am insane
It is official - I have passed the mark - I am now insane. I cannot believe that I am actually going to a college campus and taking classes with kids that are half my age. I felt completely stupid the first day while I was walking to class. Everywhere I looked, there were KIDS. Seriously no one looked a day over 12. I know I look younger than I am, but I am so not young any more. Men don't look at me the same way so I know I am now officially a hag;-)
I started to panic - was the teacher going to be younger than me too?!?!? Fortunately, he wasn't and he has the same attitude towards teaching I do - have fun first. We are also using livetext in his class so I might share anything we do interesting.
Two classes down and we will watch three movies during class over the coming months. I do think it is going to be interesting, but I am so glad I am going to be a librarian;-)
I started to panic - was the teacher going to be younger than me too?!?!? Fortunately, he wasn't and he has the same attitude towards teaching I do - have fun first. We are also using livetext in his class so I might share anything we do interesting.
Two classes down and we will watch three movies during class over the coming months. I do think it is going to be interesting, but I am so glad I am going to be a librarian;-)
Tuesday, January 8, 2008
Life as a student
Well, so far so good. It is really nice to be able to go back to bed after I put my son on the bus at 6:15 in the morning;-) Wake up around 8 and have a nice, leisurely breakfast and then sit down at the computer and do homework. If I can just solve the whole stiff neck after three hours, I will be doing pretty good.
Today I got my personal toolbox started and did my section of the internet tools. I can see where the entries will have to be edited to fit our individual formats, but I think I am going to wait and do that after I get everyone's entries. Then I can do mass changes for font and size. (yes, I am lazy;-)
My first official class at Martin Methodist is tomorrow. Wish me luck!
Today I got my personal toolbox started and did my section of the internet tools. I can see where the entries will have to be edited to fit our individual formats, but I think I am going to wait and do that after I get everyone's entries. Then I can do mass changes for font and size. (yes, I am lazy;-)
My first official class at Martin Methodist is tomorrow. Wish me luck!
Saturday, January 5, 2008
*picks herself up off the floor*
I can't believe I actually had two (count them: 1, 2) people to make a comment on my blog. It is thrilling! Now on to my blog;-)
Okay, I am going to be spending the next eight months in school full time. I am mostly looking forward to it and hopefully I won't go crazy. Then I will student teach this fall which means I don't get to graduate with ya'll;-( I won't graduate until December of this year, but at least I will be able to graduate this year.
I also think I am going to do student teaching in Giles and Lawrence so I have two school boards that might want to hire me. I have loans and I need a job;-)
Ya'll just keep a close eye on me and if I start to drool or mumble then take me aside and fix me so I can keep on doing all of this homework and WOW at the homework in our current class. I am going to do my internet sites Monday morning while I am doing phone calls and on hold and then attempt to start putting together my tool kit.
I am going to try and work something out with the Martin Methodist librarian and see if I can use their library for the needs assessment. Maybe there is a problem or issue they just don't have time to deal with and I can investigate it for them. I am such a wonderful person, ain't I???
I can't believe I actually had two (count them: 1, 2) people to make a comment on my blog. It is thrilling! Now on to my blog;-)
Okay, I am going to be spending the next eight months in school full time. I am mostly looking forward to it and hopefully I won't go crazy. Then I will student teach this fall which means I don't get to graduate with ya'll;-( I won't graduate until December of this year, but at least I will be able to graduate this year.
I also think I am going to do student teaching in Giles and Lawrence so I have two school boards that might want to hire me. I have loans and I need a job;-)
Ya'll just keep a close eye on me and if I start to drool or mumble then take me aside and fix me so I can keep on doing all of this homework and WOW at the homework in our current class. I am going to do my internet sites Monday morning while I am doing phone calls and on hold and then attempt to start putting together my tool kit.
I am going to try and work something out with the Martin Methodist librarian and see if I can use their library for the needs assessment. Maybe there is a problem or issue they just don't have time to deal with and I can investigate it for them. I am such a wonderful person, ain't I???
Tuesday, January 1, 2008
Happy New Year!!!
Well, I hope everyone is either recovered from their hangover or well rested from a good night's sleep;-)
I slept heavenly and I have been busy all day organizing and making lists and actually marking things off of the lists (something that almost never happens;-) I have a huge list of "MUST BE DONE" things for tomorrow, but at least my homework for the week is all done. I hope all of you read angel and are working on your escans. I am tempted to send out a "Don't forget" email to everyone late tonight since ya'll still have vacation this week while I am stuck working for yet three more days.
I understand that it was done to help me out with unemployment because I have now posted earnings in four quarters - but I am so ready to start concentrating on school work instead. After seeing our schedule for this class, I am really thinking that there is no way to accomplish it all while holding down a job. Good Luck;-)
I slept heavenly and I have been busy all day organizing and making lists and actually marking things off of the lists (something that almost never happens;-) I have a huge list of "MUST BE DONE" things for tomorrow, but at least my homework for the week is all done. I hope all of you read angel and are working on your escans. I am tempted to send out a "Don't forget" email to everyone late tonight since ya'll still have vacation this week while I am stuck working for yet three more days.
I understand that it was done to help me out with unemployment because I have now posted earnings in four quarters - but I am so ready to start concentrating on school work instead. After seeing our schedule for this class, I am really thinking that there is no way to accomplish it all while holding down a job. Good Luck;-)
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