My arms are too small

Today was the first day of teaching a class I'm teaching this Fall.  This course is dramatically different from the one I taught last Fall.  I have 29 students (so far) and have yet to learn all their names in spite of receiving top notch advice from several friends via Facebook...THANK YOU ALL!!!

In fact, I'm going to post them here for easy reference for future classes I teach or in case any of you are in need of strategies.  What great resources we have at our fingertips by sending out a plea via Fb!!

Ok teacher friends, now that most of you have started (or are about to start) a new year: I need advice on how to quickly learn & remember 30+ names. What works for you??

I have an icebreaker activity planned and will learn the names then but I don't think my usual method of having the students make name cards to keep on their desks in front of them for a couple days will work due to the set up of the classroom (I won't be able to see the rows in the back..).

Thanks in advance for sharing your ideas! Happy Back to School Week to you all! — feeling determined.

 

I think of one visual cue to go with each name so heather's last name is (dishware sounding name) so we always called her hearing heather dishware or your hair reminds me of nutmeg so i woould remember you are meg with nut meg hair

 

I print out my faces (blackboard has option to do so for your course), and memorize them!

 

I'm not a teacher, but I am the son of a teacher and a librarian. My suggestion is to have the students sit in alphabetical order at the beginning of the school year.

 

I make a classroom diagram and write their names where they sit. Then when they introduce themselves I write down 2-3 words that will help me remember them.

 

I spend the entire first day (high school class period) letting them do one of those "find someone who..." Worksheets. I spend that time talking to each student. I ask them to tell me something unique about themselves and I make notes. At the end of the period I turn around and ask them to switch seats. And I rattle off their names to their amazement. By the end if the day I have memorized all 140-150 of them.

 

Seating chart - and get to know them. I usually learn all of my students names in about 3 class periods - and that is over 200!

 

I use sticks. Names on one side, nick names on the other. I make a "chart" out of them on the desk and rearrange them frequently.

 

Just when they raise hands to ask a question/say something say "remind me of your name again" "first tell us all your name" and when they say it just repeat it aloud like "thank you bob, and what were you going to say" ... they will stick quicker than you think! and the placards on their desk may not be visible from one point, but if you move around the class a lot they'll still be a help!

 

I don't think any of my professors knew my name, unless I went to them for something! Good for you for even trying! Also, I have no advice...I get the names of the kids mixed up!

 

If there are 20 or so this is ideal. You and everyone else will know each other within 30 minutes. Add an adjective to your name with the same first letter; e.g. Big Bill, Amazing Amanda, Jumpin' Joe... One person starts. The second person has to repeat the first person and add her own name. The third person says both and adds his. Each person repeats every name before them then adds their own. So you hear them all over and over. They are amazed when the last person names everyone. Then we do random order. Works every time!

 

Walk through your house in your mind. Assign a name to each piece of furniture you have as you walk by. Take the same path every time when you call roll and you will have an association of a person with a thing. *Sounds crazy, but it works.

*(Only if you have enough furniture)

 

I have them stay in the same seat for a few days...once I see them in the same spot, I can remember easier.

 

I do something a little similar to what Bill does. We all stand in a circle. Each person must say his or her name and provide dome type of signal. The next person has to repeat the previous person's name and signal and provide one of his or her own. By the time we get to the end, it can get tricky to remember everyone's information, but they all seem.to like it. I've even done it with seniors, but anymore I just use it with my 7th graders.

You should have everyone wear name tags. Its easier!

 

My response to these fantastic responses from my pals:  OH MY WORD!!! You guys are all awesome! I definitely learned a lot from these suggestions/posts and in fact, am compiling them for easy reference in the future!!! THANK YOU so much for being willing to share your ideas!!! I wish I could say I know all 29 of my students after this morning's class but I don't (yet). I went with the trusty old placard idea since I was pleasantly surprised to find out we were in a different classroom than what I expected!! I can't wait to try these strategies out soon though!

 

After teaching this morning, I was starving by the time lunch rolled around but had neglected to pack and bring one today.  So, I dug deep into my bag and found an old bag of Stauffer's animal crackers.  As I tore open the bag and munched on the crackers, bittersweet feelings came over me.  This was the final package of animal crackers that remained from my dissertation proposal defense meeting that was held back in April.  You can see the snacks in the center of the table in this picture.

 

 

I had brought York Peppermint Patties and Stauffer's Animal Crackers for my committee to snack on since both snacks are made in York, PA where I had planned to conduct my dissertation study (cute right?).  I had snapped this picture as I prepared for my defense shortly before my committee members entered the room.  This was before the defense fell apart and the meeting ended so horribly...and to be honest, I've not fully recovered from the defeat I felt during this meeting.  If anything, I've been sinking deeper and deeper into the bottomless pit of worry, anxiety, & fear as I moved along with revisions and currently in data analysis despite the façade of cheerful confidence I strive to put on at school.  The way I feel about the dissertation process right now is a bit like when you walk into a dark room before your eyes have adjusted to the darkness and you tentatively feel your way through the void afraid you're going to stumble but still creeping along bit by bit. 

 

Going back to school to work on my doctorate would be no walk in the park.  It was going to be filled with challenges and pushing myself to be better.  I knew this going into it.  What I wasn't prepared for though were the politics, mind games, and dynamics of working with certain individuals in the context of a committee; particularly of working with clashing personalities and headstrong individuals.  Call me naïve but I wasn't prepared for that at all. 

 

They say you should embrace your cross and struggles with a grateful heart.  Tonight, at dinner, while talking about all of this with a new friend, I was reminded of the story of a saint who was quoted as saying she welcomed hardships and trials since she could "offer it up"....I'm all for suffering (to an extent...what can I say, I'm human!) and have never shied away from hard work or proving wrong others' doubts in me (just ask my parents sometime). 

 

 

But sometimes I just feel like my arms are too small for this darn cross. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Yet I know we're not given what we can't handle. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

So, I'm going to keep on trudging on...ironically, as I typed this last sentence, Delilah started playing this song, one that holds a lot of meaning for me.  This is a Godincidence I needed to hear tonight as I return to schoolwork....

 

 

 

 

 

 

In closing, I glanced up and drew inspiration from these little gems I've picked up along the way that are hanging up on my filing cabinet.  Ha!  I knew there was a reason I placed them on that drawer...they are eye level from my primary working spot.  We all need reminders from time to time no?

 

Wow, just now, as I was about to publish this post, Delilah shared these words on the radio: 

If someone is making you feel insecure or inferior.  Don’t listen.  God made you wonderful.  It’s true no one can make you feel that way.  You have to buy into it.  Stop buying into it.  Life’s too short and you have choices.

 

 

Amen...now I just need to believe it!

 

 

Cousins & Babies

Several months ago, I was asked which decade of the Rosary best describes my personality.  Here was my response:

Hmm, I would probably say the Visitation from the Joyful Mysteries!  I've always loved the story of Mary going to Elizabeth when she found out she was with child and Elizabeth knowing instinctively that Mary was also expecting!!  Since I didn't have any sisters growing up, I imagined that having one would be much be like how Mary and Elizabeth interacted.  Even though Mary and Elizabeth were cousins, they shared a close bond that I imagined I would share with a sister had I had one.  This is one of the reasons why I chose Elizabeth as my Confirmation Saint as I've always been drawn to that name and saint.  Then, my twin brother grew up and married an Elizabeth, a woman I'm close to today.  The Visitation relates to my personality because I love to travel to see and visit with loved ones!

Today is the Holy Day of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary.  During Mass today, we heard the story about Elizabeth greeting Mary which reminded me of the above response.  As I reflected on the sorrows and joys of Mary's life, I couldn't help but again realize how much I need to grow in embracing the challenges set before me (rather than feeling frustrated/paralyzed with fear/angry) and to persevere in faith in spite of it all as Mary so beautifully did.  During his homily, Fr. Tom asked what the dragons are in our lives that bring us confusion and chaos instead of peace.  Yes, this current school year....and the dissertation process......and committee confusion has thrust me into a state of chaos and never ceasing worry but there are moments of peace scattered throughout these days.  They come in the form of a caring advisor who takes time out of her terribly hectic and busy day to check in or simply shoot a smile my way.  They occur when I feel the little arms of my older niece and nephew wrapped around my legs begging me to not leave for school that morning (ok, that doesn't sound peaceful but knowing they care enough to want me to stay home with them is pretty nice).  Comfort is felt in the warmth of a small furry puppy tangled up at my feet as I write late into the night.  Moments spent reading a note sent through the mail help to calm the always churning thoughts.  The moments just before sleep comes spent talking with God help to give me hope that tomorrow might be a little bit more productive, and if not, then that's okay too.  

Today's feast day also marks half of the month meaning I have exactly six weeks to get Chapter 4 written, which at this very moment seems like an impossible task.  I can't wait to come back to this blog posting on October 1st and think to myself, huh, what were you so worried about, you got it done after all!  

Positive thinking, eh?! 

So, sitting in the pew this morning, reflecting on the things that bring us chaos/confusion versus peace, made me think of the hard working moms (and dads) who are trying to "do it all", who after working all day (or night) have to then be "on" for the children and be a parent throughout the chores, events, activities, etc.  Please help them to grow in peace and achieve some sense of calmness in spite of the hustle and bustle of daily living.  Really, that prayer could be said for us all, even those of us, without children.  Let us all grow in understanding and love for one another, rather than talk negatively or tear down others with our words and actions.  After Communion, I noticed a couple at the end of the line.  The gentleman went ahead of the woman to receive Eucharist but rather than walking back to his pew as is custom, he stepped aside and bowed his head down in prayer.  His wife received Communion, then turned to husband who was patiently waiting for her.  The two walked hand in hand back to their pew where he let her in to her pew before he took his seat.  No words were exchanged and the whole interaction took less than five seconds but it made a profound impact on me.  I know I have blogged on here in the past about gentlemanly actions versus independent women but there was something beautifully inspiring about that simple act of waiting for and accompanying one another back to the pew.  If we could all be a little more charitable and demonstrate such kindness to one another, think of how happy we could make others with such small random acts of kindness.

Later in the day, when I returned to my phone, I had a message from my cousin asking to call him.  We spoke for a few minutes before he asked if I would serve his wife and him the honor of being godmother to their baby daughter!  How neat to receive this request on today of all days and when I had heard a reading about two loving cousins visiting one another over baby business.  Now, I get to plan a trip to Pittsburgh in September (making for three back-to-back weekends in my home state....how in the world will I pull this off money and time-wise?!) to meet my cousins' baby girl and become her godmother!  How sweet of my cousins to ask me and I can't wait to share in Sadie Jo's special day and see my Pittsburgh family!

Billy & Richele's wedding day...my how time flies !  I remember this wedding weekend as being my first weekend after classes in the PhD program had started which meant that I had to spend the whole way up to PA and back to NC reading and doing homework as my brother drove.

My newest goddaughter...isn't she just precious??!

Proud new godparents!  My cousin, Mikey, will be Sadie's godfather.  :)

 Now, I must get going so I can get back to data analysis/drafting Ch. 4....with all these fun events happening in PA in September, I have a lot to do to try to stick with my Sept. 30th deadline!

Annual Babysitting Photo!

On Thursday night, I went off duty from babysitting.  This marked the end of my sixth consecutive summer of helping with my NC niece and nephews!  Last summer, I shared the annual photos in a blog posting that you can see here.  Last year's photo was made extra sweet when my friend, Michaelann, added a touching saying about Aunts to it. 

Here is this year's photo!

Baby steps

I had another small victory last night! 

After spending several days working on organizing my coding by hand for the dissertation study, I figured out how to organize it through the computer software.  This saved me at least a month's worth of work and I can now move on to the next step in coding and still try to make the Sept. 30th deadline!! 

Somehow with the click of a few buttons, I was able to create a 196 report that I will now use to move on to the next coding step.  Whew! 

What a way to kick off the start of this new school year.  Today is my last official day of summer.  I am so not ready to return to long days/nights on campus but it has to be done...and hopefully more items will get checked off on my to-do list as my colleagues and I move toward the completion, or nearing completion, of several research projects.

As I mentally prepare for this crazy busy semester that is about to start, I have to chuckle over this comic a friend sent me the other day. 

Amen!  To all of you who are returning to work/school/in-service this week, good luck and have a great school year!  To those of you who are starting a new work week this week, hope it's a good one! 

Go out there and live it up today as we wind down this summer!  The sun is shining (for now) and life is good!  Thanks be to God!

I left my heart...

...(well part of it) in San Francisco at the start of this summer.  I have been thinking of that trip a lot lately..is it because I listen to "A Little Bit of Everything" by Dawes every time I drive somewhere?  Is it because summer is officially over with In-Service Orientation coming up on Monday?  Is it because I am still waiting on my revisions being accepted by my committee (the meeting had been held the day before I departed for CA)?  Or maybe it's because I can hardly believe that four months have gone by since I was on the West Coast and I still haven't found the time to write about the incredible fun that was had there by my best friends from college and me.  Ashley did though so enjoy her blog posting and pictures!



Maybe within four months, I'll have gotten around to posting my pictures as well! We shall see!

Wise Words

 

"All of your dreams lie on the other side of your fears." --Unknown

174 pages!

This past summer has flown by in the blink of an eye.  I can hardly believe it is August 1st already!!???

While I've made strides in several research projects with my colleagues, and plodded along on the ol' dissertation, I have managed to squeeze in a little bit of fun between deadlines, meetings, and endless schoolwork.  I apologize to those of you I've not sent thank you notes to yet and emails I've not responded to yet....please bear with me as I try to "catch up" on the social front over the next few months.  Of course, today marks the start of my 4 month race to write Chapters 4 and 5 while also teaching and continuing to work on other projects...and search for a job....yikes!!  Ok, let's go back to one day at a time here so I can keep from hyperventilating.

Check out this beautiful blue pile of papers.   And no, I did not plan to wear the bright blue striped shirt I'm wearing to work today to match this beautiful blue pile--ha!

What is this you ask?

Why it is my dissertation data.  I chose to print out the data on this bright blue paper since I will be spending a L-O-T of time working with this information.  I figured I might as well enjoy the color that the information is on since I will be sleeping, eating, breathing, living this data from now until mid to late January 2014.  

I also have to express my sincere thanks to my family yet again.  For my birthday this past year, they all chipped in and purchased me a year's student membership to a qualitative software program.  Over the last several weeks, I have been trying to teach myself how to use the program and watched too many to count online tutorial videos to try to learn how to navigate my way around the software.  After many futile attempts, I threw in the towel last night and resorted to working on transferring the codes to a Word Document by hand.  After a grueling 45 minutes of doing this last night, I had 20 pages to show for it and was not even 1/8 of the way through the task at hand.  So, I turned back to the software program and by luck, with the click of one or two buttons, I somehow created the report I so desperately needed and within seconds had generated the 174 page report you see in the picture above...don't ask me how I did it though!  

Now, I can move forward with analyzing the data and seeing just what it is that I found in my ten interviews I conducted this past summer!!  Yippee!!  Well, that is once I hear back from my committee...!  Today is the day I had asked them to provide feedback on my revisions that I submitted on June 30th but I've not heard a word yet...then again, it's only 11:11am (ooo, make a wish!).  

Who would have thought a 174 page pile of papers could make a gal so happy?!