The Mystery Box

This year our Science/Social Studies schedule is a little different. Instead of the traditional A/B schedule we see A day for 4 1/2 weeks and then B day for 4 1/2 weeks. The philosophy is that if students see us everyday they will understand and retain the content better. Friday was the last day for B day before second quarter. We were done with all of the Earth's atmosphere content. I decided to dedicate the day to "spooky science". Next quarter's content is the human body. I cooked up some "body parts" and put them into three different shoe boxes. I had the kids stick their hand in the box through a small hole in the lid. I told them a story of a man who was last seen alive in his office. All that was found were these remains. The government wanted them to identify the body parts. They were not allowed to look at the body parts. Most did not ask why! They had to list the "body parts" they found and place them into the correct body system (I created a chart for this) It was a great pre-assessment to see what they already know about the human body systems. It was hilarious to see their faces as they stuck their hands in the box. There were some shrieks and squeels! I'm pretty sure they enjoyed it and are a little more excited about studying the human body next quarter! Twelve year olds are the best!

Here are the body parts!

Carrots=fingers
Tortillas=skin
Blanched tomato=heart
Spaghetti=veins
Grapes=eyes
Small beans=teeth
Marshmallows=pieces of intestines

I put most of the food in oil before hand so it was extra slimy!

In Training

 

My husband officially started training today. The cool thing about CMPD is that you are hired first and then you go through the academy. We are both a little nervous and excited about this new season of life. I don't do change very well and this is a big change for our little lives. I'm nervous about what his schedule will be like because it's not the same everyday. At the same time, I'm excited because we have seen God provide this job. Applying to CMPD is a long and difficult process and Bradley made it though the process smoothly. It is truly a blessing. Please pray for us as we enter this new season!
Things to pray for:
That we will adjust to the new schedule
Bradley has the strength he needs for the physical training
That he retains the information he learns in class
That will will glorify our Lord in all that he does

A Chance...

My second year of teaching has been very different from last year. First of all, I was pretty sick the week school started and didn't feel prepared at all. Second of all, I feel like my kids are different in many ways from my students last year. Their behaviors are different as well as their performance in the classroom. I feel like I am a drill sergeant most days. As teachers, we take on many roles. We are teachers, counselors, nurses, even mom to some of the kids. Last year and this year, I have had students placed in my classroom in order to keep them out of trouble. At first I had the attitude of "Why me?". I am just a second year teacher and do NOT have the skills that many veteran teachers have. However, these students bless me each day. When I see them behave and give 110% on their work, I feel like jumping for joy. When they do well on a quiz and defeat the odds, it gives me warm fuzzies! A teacher gave me an article today from the Charlotte Observer called "The keys to a child's success". One point the author, Kay Mspadden, made was that children who are nurtured and comforted by adults are more resourceful and show self control. Some children are exposed to constant stress at home and they feel the need to continue the stress at school in order to feel normal. Their growing bodies are in a constant fight or flight mode. These children have no idea what it feels like to be nurtured of comforted. Children need to feel attachment to an adult.  This is truly a sad reality. The Lord really spoke to me through these words. Some scripture came to mind:

"Those who give to the poor lack nothing, but those who close their eyes to them receive many curses." Psalm 28:27

"As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead." James 2:26

"In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead." James 2:17

"Give generously to them and do so without a grudging heart; then because of this the Lord your God will bless you in all your work and in everything you put your hand to."  Deuteronomy 15:11

"We remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labor prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ." 1 Thessalonians 1:3

As a teacher in a VERY large school district, I see children who are hungry. Yes, some are hungry for food but many are hungry for love. We as teachers have the opportunity to love as Christ loved. We can nurture and comfort our students. I am not writing this to say that teachers are the greatest thing in the world. It's to encourage the teachers who read this. SO many teachers feel discouraged each day at work and are ready to call it quits. I know because I hear it everyday. You can read the facebook statuses! We as teachers have the last chance to make a difference. We have a chance to love. To glorify God. Stand firm in your calling and love in a mighty way.