I have come to fall in love with teaching in Catholic schools. What are YOU in love with?...

"Nothing is more practical than finding God, that is, than falling in love in a quite absolute, final way. What you are in love with, what seizes your imagination, will affect everything. It will decide what will get you out of bed in the morning, what you will do with your evenings, how you will spend your weekends, what you read, who you know, what breaks your heart, and what amazes you with joy and gratitude. Fall in love, stay in love, and it will decide everything." - Pedro Arrupe

Sunday, March 13, 2016

Is it spring break yet?

March has started off as a pretty darn busy month, and spring break is still two weeks away. The kiddos are definitely on edge, looking for any opportunity to push each other's buttons just enough to get someone in trouble or cause a commotion. (AH!)


Trying to keep the kids focused, engaged, and productive is quite the challenge for all of us teachers around the country. Whoever knows the magic formula, please share.

My students are working on a variety of units and projects, including Greek mythology in Language Arts, Catholic vocations in 6th grade religion class, and Acts of the Apostles in 8th grade religion class. Here are a few things we've been working on:

Greek myth character traits (internal/external) graphic organizer

student blog posts on choice reading book (online too!)

student projects on the Sacraments

up close - student sacraments cross project
  


So, yes, just a few things we've been working on - more to come in the coming weeks.

Lots of grading ensued to wrap up before the end of our second trimester a couple weeks ago, but even in the midst of the busy craziness, it's important to take time to enjoy some of the wonderful culture that Chicago has to offer, including a trip to the Lyric to see "Romeo and Juliet":



Amazing!

Ok, off to get some work done on this overcast, rainy day before I meet up with my sister and a few friends for an early birthday brunch. Let the celebration begin! 30 is going to be a great year!

Monday, March 7, 2016

You can learn a lot

You can learn a lot from watching yourself (or, in my case, others) in action.

That's what the second year ACE teachers just did and submitted - videos & related analyses of their teaching from paper to practice. What went well? Who needed help? Where are areas for improvement.

Sometimes I kick myself for signing up for another thing to do, but I found that watching the ACErs' videos and reading through their unit plans and analyses was very insightful. There are definitely a few things I plan to take away, especially in regards to getting students' attention, not talking over students, and use of more movement & student talk.

And we march on. So much to do, but it's all part of life. We just can't let the life part get away. This week I'm heading to see the opera "Romeo and Juliet" with my sister and a friend, and I have my Lenten prayer group on Thursday. This weekend is St. Patrick's Day festivities in Chicago, but I'm planning to keep it low key with a few fun "projects" and a birthday brunch on Sunday.

Have a great week, everyone!