Kids these days....

Why on earth would someone have a picture like this on their blog? Let me tell ya. In fifth grade our standards say that students should be knowledgeable about the human reproductive systems. The Unit is called Family Life however, we aren't allowed to go to in depth about intercourse. Basically, men make the sperm, women make the egg they meet in the uterus and a baby is made (very quick version).

Yesterday and today we spent a LOT of time on the female system. My students hardly knew anything about the uterus. They asked so many great questions, they were so inquisitive. But it made me think, what are these parents teaching their children- NOTHING!

Today we discussed the umbilical cord for 15 minutes. They'd never heard how the cord forms the belly button. They were shocked how its actually still connected to the mom during birth and its cut.

If you're reading this and have kids, thinking about kids, or might possible just maybe have a kid. Be practical, sex ed is a part of life. Teaching your child about their body doesn't have to be embarrassing. If how its taught and the content. I realize you have to be a certain age for certain topics, but don't put it off and wait for the teacher to do it. You're the parent- be the parent.

Okay, I'm officially getting off my soap box and going to play outside with my little man.

Its the end of the year as we know it.....

Being that I'm still in my first year of teaching, the students aren't the only ones doing the learning. We are at 6 weeks left of the school years, actually less than 30 days with students. The kids are getting a bit chaotic, not rude or completely out of line, but definitely off. I had to remind a few today that in six weeks they'll be sixth grader, not second. It worked for a bit.

In the wedding world, umm, actually nothing has really changed. Crazy school/ work life this weekend. I actually worked on about 5 online applications this weekend and put together things for 2 mail in. I really wish someone would just call and say, "Hey, I heard you wanted a teaching job for next year. YOU'RE HIRED!" I know, I'll just keep dreaming. At least the man, is getting the idea that I will be doing a lot of driving most likely for a job. Which stinks, but its a JOB!!

If anyone is ready this and they live in southeast MN, feel free to hire me for teaching of course :)

Two days down, three to go!

Those who have been in the public schools within the last 10 some years probably remember standardized testing. Flash forward to today, STILL testing. Being on the other side as the teacher, there's so much crap to these things.

First off, these tests are all still paper. Mind you these aren't thin tests either, our grade level test book is well over 50. Answer sheet is about 20. I can't tell you exactly because we are sworn not to go though tests, which I DIDN'T!! This info is part of the directions.

Second, do you know how many resources are involved with all the planning? So many school districts are going through budget cuts and laying of teachers. Still kids are given food, snacks, pencils, highlighters, new calculators, this is just in our area. This is just infuriating sometimes!

These are the times I remind myself of all the other times when I love teaching and the school that I'm in. Also when I remind myself to find other ways of testing kids!

Did anyone else just HATE standardized tests?

Day of Reckoning

Next Tuesday starts our state required testing. Two whole days of reading assessment this week, two more days the following week of math testing add another random day of science testing. Besides growing up with similar testing I had the "pleasure" of student teaching during this same time last year. Luckily with my grade level there isn't has much script or directions to give but they're still annoying. I actually have to attend a training tomorrow to learn how to give the science test. This just seems wrong: take the teacher from her classroom that she should be instructing to sit in a room to learn how to tests students for a test that will last an hour. URGH!!

While I love my job, LOVE, LOVE it. This part stinks.

But I am excited for the weekend! Saturday I'm helping throw a baby shower for my cousin. So I'll get to see lots of family. That same night we're having an Easter dinner with the Man's side. Sunday we'll only have my side and the Man's other side of the family. Should be great, maybe even time to slip in some wedding prep.

Short hiatus!

So it's been awhile. I had originally planned to post at least every other day. But alas, spring break happened. I didn't work on much of my Master's work (even though I should have) so I didn't have too much of a reason to procrastinate.

Anyway the trip to meet my sister was amazing!! We absolutly love her. She fits in so well. The best times that we have were jsut spent sitting at her house watching the kids the play and talking. She's so down to Earth and just real. She's a smartass just like me, we both use sarcasm frequently but it works for us without being rude. This is a picture of the two of us together.

Once coming back I went into Wedding mode. I had the Man even involved. A lot of what we're doing are DIY projects, which I love. We bought all of our paper then put the invites together. I really wanted to have a pocket for all the additional paper so we ended making our own after I couldn't find exactly what I wanted.

This weekend we finished attaching all the face sheets to the invites and stamping flowers on the inside. The picture shows all the completed invites laid out on our pool table. Hence why the Man was invloved. No getting the pool table back until completion. We also put together sute little flowers that I'm afixing to the guest bags. I'll have to include those pics as well.

Tomorrow is back to teaching and the daily grind. Hopefully my students aren't too crazy!!