love 2 learn

This site is chalk full of English grammar teaching resources, some of which are online and interactive, others are for printing out for use in the classroom.

http://www.englishbanana.com/

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QHm1u4p9XjA[/youtube]

With the vastness of the internet open to virtually everyone, a whole new world blossoms.  There is so much information to be learned; so many avenues for discovery and exploration.   Besides the array of educational sites  at our fingertips, there also looms the “entertainment” side of the world wide web, tempting to everyone who simply wants to find a long lost relative or childhood friend, get a laugh from some home-made digital video, or make new friends from other parts of the world.  But what are we getting into when we log in to sites such as Facebook, My Space, and You Tube?  Is there such thing as privacy?

“Cyberproof” is an excellent site to get some answers.  Rod Oickle runs a workshop in Ottawa and has assembled a few key points and videos for workshop participants.  The notes and features are a great starting point for talking to colleagues, students, and parents about keeping safe on the net.

When I am building in the block room, please don’t say I’m “just playing”.

For you see, I’m learning as I play, about balance and shapes. Who knows, I may be an architect someday.

When I’m getting all dressed up, setting the table, caring for the babies, don’t get the idea I’m “just playing”.

For, you see I’m learning as I play; I may be a mother or a father someday.

When you see me up to my elbows in paint or standing at an easel, or molding and shaping clay, please don’t let me hear you say, “He is just playing”.

For, you see, I’m learning as I play. I’m expressing myself and being creative. I may be an artist or an inventor someday.

When you see me sitting in a chair “reading” to an imaginary audience, please don’t laugh and think I’m “just playing”.

For, you see, I’m learning as I play. I may be a teacher someday.

When you see me combing the bushes for bugs, or packing my pockets with choice things I find, don’t pass it off as “just play”.

For you see, I’m learning as I play. I may be a scientist someday.

When you see me engrossed in a puzzle or some “plaything” at my school, please don’t feel the time is wasted in “play”.

For, you see, I’m learning as I play. I’m learning to solve problems and concentrate. I may be in business someday.

When you see me cooking or tasting foods please don’t think that because I enjoy it, it is “just play”.

I’m learning to follow direction and see differences. I may be a cook someday.

When you ask me what I’ve done at school today, and I say, “I just played”, please don’t misunderstand me.

For you see, I’m learning as I play. I’m learning to enjoy and be successful in my work. I’m preparing for tomorrow.

Today, I am a child and my work is play.

When I am building in the block room, please don’t say I’m “just playing”.

For you see, I’m learning as I play, about balance and shapes. Who knows, I may be an architect someday.

When I’m getting all dressed up, setting the table, caring for the babies, don’t get the idea I’m “just playing”.

For, you see I’m learning as I play; I may be a mother or a father someday.

When you see me up to my elbows in paint or standing at an easel, or molding and shaping clay, please don’t let me hear you say, “He is just playing”.

For, you see, I’m learning as I play. I’m expressing myself and being creative. I may be an artist or an inventor someday.

When you see me sitting in a chair “reading” to an imaginary audience, please don’t laugh and think I’m “just playing”.

For, you see, I’m learning as I play. I may be a teacher someday.

When you see me combing the bushes for bugs, or packing my pockets with choice things I find, don’t pass it off as “just play”.

For you see, I’m learning as I play. I may be a scientist someday.

When you see me engrossed in a puzzle or some “plaything” at my school, please don’t feel the time is wasted in “play”.

For, you see, I’m learning as I play. I’m learning to solve problems and concentrate. I may be in business someday.

When you see me cooking or tasting foods please don’t think that because I enjoy it, it is “just play”.

I’m learning to follow direction and see differences. I may be a cook someday.

When you ask me what I’ve done at school today, and I say, “I just played”, please don’t misunderstand me.

For you see, I’m learning as I play. I’m learning to enjoy and be successful in my work. I’m preparing for tomorrow.

Today, I am a child and my work is play.

“It is common to hear teachers conveying feelings of tiredness, frustration and being spread too thin.  Teachers are in constant need of rejuvenation, relaxation and reconnection. If we felt able in openly cherishing these small, spiritual moments we find during our day to day lives as teachers, I believe that we would feel better!” (Amanda)
I think that you make an excellent point, Amanda. Teachers are in a profession where there seems to be so much that needs to be accomplished, and so little time. “Work” is not confined to nine to three-thirty, weekdays, and the months of September to June (with a month off for Christmas and Easter vacation). This brings me back to a familiar tune that is probably playing, non-stop in all of our heads since the first week of class, “I’m in a Hurry…” There remains little time to slow down and enjoy the moment, to possibly recognize the spark of fire within. “Rejuvenation, relaxation, and reconnection” are replaced by reevaluating IPPs, returning library books and lab equipment, reflecting upon and improving lesson plans and student outcomes, etc. I think that since teachers spend so much time “getting things done” in their extra time, when we do get a minute to ourselves, we find ourselves looking around for a composition to grade, or a pattern box to reorganize. Perhaps it is in these moments, however, filled with the betterment of our classrooms and assistance of our students, that we can begin to see that candle burning brightly within. The magic of a well-designed IPP that allows a lost or troubled student to excel, the beauty of the written word, often so perfect for inspiring students to create their own masterpiece, the intensity of a science experiment that illustrates a surprising point, and that lesson plan that leaves a look of gratitude on the faces of students peering back at us, may just be those spiritual moments to recognize and embrace when time is not in abundance.

“It is common to hear teachers conveying feelings of tiredness, frustration and being spread too thin.  Teachers are in constant need of rejuvenation, relaxation and reconnection. If we felt able in openly cherishing these small, spiritual moments we find during our day to day lives as teachers, I believe that we would feel better!” (Amanda)
I think that you make an excellent point, Amanda. Teachers are in a profession where there seems to be so much that needs to be accomplished, and so little time. “Work” is not confined to nine to three-thirty, weekdays, and the months of September to June (with a month off for Christmas and Easter vacation). This brings me back to a familiar tune that is probably playing, non-stop in all of our heads since the first week of class, “I’m in a Hurry…” There remains little time to slow down and enjoy the moment, to possibly recognize the spark of fire within. “Rejuvenation, relaxation, and reconnection” are replaced by reevaluating IPPs, returning library books and lab equipment, reflecting upon and improving lesson plans and student outcomes, etc. I think that since teachers spend so much time “getting things done” in their extra time, when we do get a minute to ourselves, we find ourselves looking around for a composition to grade, or a pattern box to reorganize. Perhaps it is in these moments, however, filled with the betterment of our classrooms and assistance of our students, that we can begin to see that candle burning brightly within. The magic of a well-designed IPP that allows a lost or troubled student to excel, the beauty of the written word, often so perfect for inspiring students to create their own masterpiece, the intensity of a science experiment that illustrates a surprising point, and that lesson plan that leaves a look of gratitude on the faces of students peering back at us, may just be those spiritual moments to recognize and embrace when time is not in abundance.

Witnessing the deep desire for change in our neighbor to the south and the promise of that change by leaders who seek to inspire and lead from the heart truly is an exciting experience.   As I read through Doetzel’s dialogues regarding spirituality, I am hit with the realization that no matter if one is a candidate for president of the the United States of America, or a teacher on the prairies, we all want to be effective leaders.   Characteristics are the same.   Airjordan (Doetzel, p.131, 2006) talks of a willingness to step out and take risks.   Luv (p. 132) discusses the opportunity for all members to feel meaningful and purposeful, respected, appreciated, and purposeful.

It is Habs who strikes a chord when he states, Effective leaders help light the fire of others and keep the fire burning even when others believe the fire has no more wood to burn…   Leaders no longer are the boss, to speak of, but are someone to help direct others in the right direction  (Doetzel, p.133, 2006).   Leading is not about taking over and getting things done.    It is guidance.   That guidance is often inspiring and motivational, awakening spirit from within and causing a ripple among the group.   If the leader is effective, that ripple can grow to a wave of change and betterment of the group.

I think that Obama’s New Hampshire speech is a wonderful example of inspiring leadership relating to spirituality in leadership.   Political agenda aside, his leadership has captivated artist, will.i.am who produced this song to share his new found inspiration and how he had been moved.   Enjoy…   www.yeswecansong.com

Doetzel, Nancy. (2006) Cultivating Spirituality in Leadership: Synergizing Heart and Mind. Detselig Enterprises Ltd. Calgary, Alberta, Canada.

The following activity is from Hot Chalk’s Lesson Plan Page.   It is a great page with several useful lessons for that first day back and the days to follow.   I recommend it!

Title - Talk Time!
By - Joan M. Diez
Subject - Language Arts, Other
Grade Level - Grades: 3-5
To get students to talk during the first few days is far from easy. At a later stage, the really difficult thing is to keep them quiet! Anyway, let’s begin at the beginning…

This teaching activity revolves around four major topics: a) The Home, b) School Life, c) Jobs and d) Spare Time. By answering a few simple questions and carrying out some easy tasks, students will get to know one another in a comfortable and co-operative environment. There is something for everyone and -hopefully- all of the students will have something to say.

Just ask your students to say a number between 1 and 40 and read the corresponding question. Do not ask for perfection right now. Building up everybody’s self-confidence is much more important -and will prove more useful in the long run- so make sure that everybody joins in the talking.

A) The Home

1) Design the ideal home. Tell your classmates about it.
2) Describe your bedroom. Your classmates should be able to produce a detailed plan of the place, according to your description.
3) You have won 25,000 dollars in the lottery. How would you
redecorate your living room?
4) In groups, design the house of the future. Show the results on a poster.
5) Draw a plan of your neighborhood, show where your house is and explain how you go to the following places: a) the baker’s, b) the supermarket and c) your favorite disco or pub.
6) Compose an advertisement to sell your house.
7) Give 3 reasons why you like/dislike your house. Write a story about a house. Use between 120 and 150 words.
9) Would you rather rent a house or buy one? Discuss.
10) Write a list of the housework to be done in a house. Say who does each thing at your place.

B) School Life

11) In pairs, list the qualities of the perfect teacher.
12) Say what your favorite school subjects are. Give reasons.
13) Are you a “good” student? Explain why/why not.
14) Design a suitable timetable for your class. Show it to your
classmates.
15) Homework is necessary. Discuss.
16) Plan the activities for a special “Cultural Events Week” at your school.
17) Suggest an itinerary for an end-of-term trip.
18) Devise a short English exam. Try it and see what happens!
19) Tell your classmates a funny story/situation that has taken place in your school.
20) Imagine what a small child would write about his/her first day at school.

C) Jobs

21) Write a short paragraph about your present/past/future job. Read it out and aloud.
22) Tell your students 5 things you would do if you were not forced to work..
23) Write a list of 10 machines/devices that make people’swork
easier these days.
24) Tell your classmates about one job you would NOT like to do.
Explain your choice.
25) Would you work if you were a millionaire?
26) Think of 3 people you admire because of their jobs.
27) Would you like to be a policeman/policewoman? Why? Why not?
28) Many people have not got a job. Suggest some solutions to the problem.
29) Think of one job. Let your classmates ask you questions about it (i.e. “Do you work indoors?”, “Is your job interesting?” etc.) You
may only answer “Yes” or “No”. Can they guess the job you are
thinking about?
30) How many different jobs can you name in 1 minute?

D) Spare Time

31) Summarize the plot of a book you have enjoyed. Can your
classmates guess its title?
32) Tell the class about the worst TV program you have ever seen.
33) Are you sports-mad? Briefly describe the rules of your favorite sport.
34) If you could travel round the world, what countries would you visit?
35) Write a short paragraph about your favorite singer/band. Use about 70 words.
36) Tell your classmates about the (computer) game you like best.
37) Do you like reading comics? Which are your favorites? Why?
38) Think about your favorite radio program. Tell your neighbour, adding reasons why you think s/he should listen to it.
39) In groups, make a poster about your favorite singer/band.
40) Write the titles of the 4 best films you have ever seen.

Everyone needs to take proper care of themselves. When we do not, we begin to drag, becoming ineffective in what we do and what we say. At the end of the school year, when teachers have such a high stress rate, take the time to complete some of the following…

1. Take a 10-30 minute walk every day and while you walk, smile. It is the
ultimate anti-depressant.

2. Sit in silence for at least 10 minutes each day. Buy a lock if you have
to.

3. Buy a TiVo (DVR), tape your late night shows and get more sleep.

4. When you wake up in the morning complete the following statement, “My
purpose is to___________ today.”

5. Live with the 3 E’s — Energy, Enthusiasm, Empathy, and the 3 F’s–
Faith, Family, Friends.

6. Watch more G movies play more games with friends and read more books than
you did in 2006.

7. Make time to practice meditation and prayer. They provide us with daily
fuel for our busy lives.

8. Spend more time with people over the age of 70 and under the age of six.

9. Dream more while you are awake.

10. Eat more foods that grow on trees and plants and eat less foods that are
manufactured in plants.

11. Drink some green tea and plenty of water. Eat blueberries, seafood,
broccoli, almonds & walnuts.

12. Try to make at least three people smile each day.

13. Clear your clutter from your house, your car, your desk, and let new
energy into your life.

14. Don’t waste your precious energy on gossip, energy vampires, issues of
the past, negative thoughts or things you cannot control. Instead, invest
your energy in the positive present moment.

15. Realize that life is a school and you are here to learn, pass all your
tests. Problems are simply part of the curriculum that appear and fade away
like algebra class but the lessons you learn will last a lifetime.

16. Eat breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince and dinner like a college
kid with a maxed out charge card.

17. Smile and laugh more. It will keep the energy vampires away.

18. Life isn’t fair, but it’s still good.

19. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone.

20. Don’t take yourself so seriously. No one else does.

21. You don’t have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.

22. Make peace with your past, so it won’t mess up the present.

23. Don’t compare your life to others’. You have no idea what their journey
is all about.

24. Burn the candles, use the nice sheets, and wear the fancy lingerie (not
you guys.) Don’t save it for a special occasion. Today is special.

25. No one is in charge of your happiness except you.

26. Frame every so-called disaster with these words: “In five years, will
this matter?”

27. Forgive everyone for everything.

28. What other people think of you is none of your business.

29. Time heals almost everything. Give time, time.

30. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.

31. Your job won’t take care of you when you are sick. Your friends will.
Stay in touch.

32. Get rid of anything that isn’t useful, beautiful or joyful.

33. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.

34. The best is yet to come.

35. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.

36. Do the right thing!

37. Call your family often.

38. Each night before you go to bed complete the following statements: “I am
thankful for __________.” “Today I accomplished _________.”

39. Remember that you are too blessed to be stressed.

40. Enjoy the ride. Remember that this is not Disney World and you certainly
don’t want a fast pass. Make the most of it and enjoy the ride.