Ah, high school prom. Is their anything more romantic during those four years than a night of evening gowns, tuxedos and loud music?
Some schools are beginning to think that while their may not be anything more lovely, their may be something much safer and more cost-effective.
A local school in my area has changed their prom from its traditional Saturday night slot, to a mid-week time. In this school's case, prom will be held on a Wednesday night. The prom committee claims that the food prices and banquet hall rental fees on a weekend in the posh suburban area near the school are outrageous. Switching prom to a less-busy time, like a weeknight, brings down the rental and food prices by more than half. In addition, schools claim that far fewer after-prom parties occur, since students have to be in class at 7:30 the next morning. The school also claims that fewer students drink for the same reason that they forgo the house parties. Again, in the very unfortunate event that teens chose to drink and drive, they will have far fewer drunks on the road to contend with.
What's your opinion on this new prom idea? Will it catch on? Does it ruin what is supposed to be a magical night earned by the upper-classmen? Or, is it smart - a good way to keep easily-tempted teens out of trouble? Let me know... post a comment. I can't wait to hear your thoughts!
The Perfect Prom?
If you need a cheer-up, follow up!
Some times you just don't get the job you thought you wanted--the job your skill set matched perfectly and whose mission meld so well with your own that you couldn't imagine yourself any where else.
After the crisis of identity when you wonder if you have absolutely no handle on who you really are and what you want, pick yourself up and call the other jobs that you had moved to the back burner.
Yesterday, after I ended up not being offered the job I had been so excited about for weeks, I started making calls. At worst, they could have told me that the positions had been filled, in which case I could stop thinking about them and throw them out (creating more space on my hypothetical stove for new recipes that were waiting in my inbox). At best (and thankfully, this is what happened), they told me they were glad I called and were hoping to meet with me one more time. Yesterday ended with 2 more interviews scheduled (and -2 papers finished which happen to be due tomorrow--yes, i'm procrastinating again).
Following up with job opportunities that you haven't heard from in awhile remind the employer that you exist and are still interested, and hopefully, it reminds *you* that you are a capable, desirable potential employee.
Test Taking Skills
Well, it’s that time of year again… final exams - whether you are still in school or teaching in one – are upon us.
Take a break from studying and jot down your answers to this quiz, which I borrowed from Grace Fleming, a famed teacher, speaker and writer. The good news – it's just 10 questions, their are no right or wrong answers, and none of it affects your GPA.
Study Skills Assessment Tool
From Grace Fleming
Discover Your Strengths and Weaknesses
Good study skills can make a big difference in your school performance. Even if you find a particular subject difficult to understand, you will find that being organized and knowing how to tap in to your natural strengths can add valuable points to your scores.
Use the assessment tool below to determine your score. Mark each topic with a score from 1 to 5, with 5 meaning "strongly agree" and 1 meaning "strongly disagree."
1 (low) <-------------> (high) 5
1. I have a specific study space.
Score _____
Students are different. Some need a completely quiet room free from interruptions when they study, but others actually study better listening to quiet music in the background or taking several breaks. Either way, you should establish a regular time and place for studying. Take the time to assess your real needs and establish a clear routine.
2. I know my best learning style.
Score _____
Do you learn better by seeing, hearing, or acting out the information you receive? In other words, are you a mostly visual, auditory, or kinesthetic learner? Actually, everybody learns by mixture of methods, but one method or type is usually dominant in each person. By determining your dominant learning style you can improve your memory and your grades.
3. I use a student planner.
Score _____
"The paper was due today?"
We've all been there at some point. Somehow, that assignment due date just slipped right up on us without our noticing. That is why organizational skills are so important to school performance. Who can afford to score a big fat "0" on a paper, just because we got lazy and didn't pay attention to the due date? By using a student planner, you can avoid costly mistakes like this!
4. I maintain healthy sleep habits.
Score _____
According to a study by sleep expert Mary Carskadon, PhD, teens should receive more than nine hours of sleep every night. That's a great thought, but is it possible? Think about it--do you ever sleep that long?
5. I always eat breakfast.
Score _____
If you're facing an important test, this might be a good time to change your eating habits. Studies have shown that eating a good breakfast can actually enhance your performance on a test. One study in particular shows that "Breakfast consumption has a short-term effect in improving selected learning skills, especially work memory."
6. I use color to stay organized.
Score _____
When you organize your homework, you can improve your study habits and your grades. One way to do this is to use color-coded supplies, like folders, highlighters, stickers, and flags of various colors. Simply assign a certain color for each specific class, and stick to the rules you establish!
7. I have a handle on procrastination.
Score _____
Do you procrastinate? Most of us put things off from time to time, like studying for a test or starting on lengthy research papers. But giving in to diversions can really hurt us in the long run. Do you recognize the signs of procrastination?
8. I remember my homework every day.
Score _____
I left my homework at home! How many times have you said this? It's a terrible feeling to know you're going to get a failing grade on homework after you actually did the work. It seems so unfair! There are ways to prevent this dilemma and others, but you must be willing to prepare ahead of time to save yourself from future headaches.
9. I study for every test.
Score _____
Believe it or not, some students never study before a test. Do you study effectively for every test? If you're looking for a good way to study, try this tip: Next time you're facing a big exam, try concentrating on essay topics. Essay questions are based on themes and overall ideas. Teachers like to use essay questions because they give students the opportunity to express everything they've learned over the weeks or months, using their own words. Essay test answers reveal more than the bare facts, though. When submitting essay answers, students are expected to cover lots of information in an organized, sensible manner.
10. I'm always prepared for test days.
Score _____
The key to battling test-day jitters is thorough preparation! But full preparation means more than knowing the test material. It's important to prepare your mind and body for the experience of working under pressure.
Now add up all your scores for a total. How did you do?
A total score of 30-50: You have very strong study skills. Congratulations! You know your strengths and use them! You also have great organization skills.
A total score of 20-29: You use some of your strengths, but you could improve your performance by sharpening some of your skills!
Below 20: You may not be performing up to your true potential! By learning to get organized, or by learning more about your personal learning style, you could improve your grades!
more interviews...
Now it's out of my hands. On Thursday morning, I had my third and last interview for this particular education-support job that I've fallen in love with over the last few weeks.
This one wasn't as warm & fuzzy as my earlier experiences. She asked tough questions like (get a pen & paper--take these down and think about them!):
"Talk about a time you failed"
"Tell me about a time you received really harsh feedback"
"This is a rigorous job; do you think you can handle it?"
Of course, the moment i hung up the phone, i thought of brilliant ways to handle all those questions (just not when we were actually talking...). A friend of mine who is familiar with this company's particular process assured me they were "throw away" questions--just to see how people react to being asked tough questions like that. I still think it's not a bad idea to have some answers ready!
I'll find out by Friday (having an offer under my belt would definitely make me feel better about giving advice about interviews!)
making history
Last weekend, I was in Williamsburg (as my last post mentioned). There, I remembered how much i loved history. When i was little and we visited Colonial Williamsburg, I dressed up in colonial garb and wore my green raincoat as a cape. I immersed myself in the old world.
Revisiting my childhood haunt reminded me that history isn't boring. For the last few years in college, dry lectures and never-ending reading assignments have jaded my inquisitive mind, at least when it comes to history.
I'm afraid this disenchantment with the world that came before started in high school--in my American History course. My teacher became so bogged down by forcing tables and lists and chronologies in our heads that we all lost sight of the wonder of progress and the value of respect.
So many of the facts I remember about American History didn't come from textbooks or teachers at all, but from my addiction to historical fiction novels. They even came in handy while studying the Amish in my U.S. Religion class this semester. Reading for pleasure in elementary and high school is another way of promoting just the learning-in-disguise that Rachel is talking about. When you get caught up in the story, you don't realize that you're learning about Amish social customs or the make up of the colonial militia; it's only when questions come up on tests or in papers that you remember facts you never thought you knew.
Reading is really one of the most valuable skills to teach a student.
Phone Interviews
In our ever-more-global society, often initial interviews for jobs will take place over the phone. I had one such 90-minute interview on Tuesday morning. Phone interviews are a doubled edged sword; you can look @ your resume and at relevant materials to form your answers, but the interviewer can't put a face with your name at all, which means your personality has a harder time shining through.
I dreaded the "60-90 minute interview" scheduled for 10:30 am; I had no idea what we could find to talk about for an hour and half, let alone the fact that i *hate* phone conversations.
It turned out to be a pretty typical interview set up for this particular company (it's in the education field, but i wouldn't be teaching in a classroom--i'd have more of a support role): lots of questions about the exact steps I took to solve a problem or accomplish a long-range task. It's helpful to keep a copy of your resume handy when you're conversing with potential employers--they probably have a copy in front of them too. This interviewer had also sent a few website links to look over before the interview--i had them open in my browser, which helped when she asked more specific questions testing my knowledge of the position and the mission of the company.
Though phone interviewers allow for a degree of comfort in that you can have some pretty obvious cheat sheets around, it by no means divests you of the duty to prepare by reviewing any links or materials sent before the phone conversation, and it always helps to keep that list of skills or accomplishments close at hand (those 2 or 3 things that you want the interviewer to remember about you that are especially strong and unique).
This is my weekend off from job-searching; i'm indulging my American-history-buff side and heading to Williamsburg! Up next week, i think Rachel has some big plans for the blog...
Where In the World - Finally!
Forsyth Park & Fountain - Savannah's GemI hope that you enjoyed seeing the sites with me this past week, as much as I enjoyed showing you around.
You probably didn't even realize how much you were learning. That's our job, sometimes - us teachers - to disguise learning. One of the most effective ways is with a field-trip. With tighter budgets, both for school districts and families, these educational get-aways are becoming less and less common.
Don't let it discourage you though. Get creative! When you can't take your students on a field-trip, bring it to them. That's what I did for all of you last week. I took you with me, to... SAVANNAH, Georgia!
Whether you are an aspiring elementary, history, art, geography, math or English teacher, I hope you found some sort of inspiration. Grab your camera and bring Somewhere, Educational back to your classroom.
Please share your stories of favorite (or disastrous) field-trips, or similar experiences to what I've described this week, by commenting on this post!
Want to see more of Savannah? I highly recommend either of the following sites, which both provide great information about the city, its events, history, accomodations and much more:
1. http://www.savannah-visit.com/
Where In the World
So, did you guess it? Before I give it away, here's a little run-down of the answers to the clues and pictures. If you haven't already made your guess, these answers might help you make sense of everything.
Tuesday - this famous cemetery is where many of the city's most notorious residents are laid to rest. It was also disturbed when the Union army camped on its interred during a march through the South in the Civil War. The Union army made a mockery of the city's famous, and ordinary, citizens by knocking over tombstones in order to set-up tents. They also took their swords to many of the markers, changing dates of death, birth, names and epitaphs. When the area was cleaned up after the war, it was impossible to tell where the scattered grave markers belonged. They were carefully placed along the walls in order to continue to pay homage to the graves they once stood watch over.
Wednesday - some of the city's streets, alleys and avenues are made of tabby. Tabby is the affectionate local-name for a street-paving material made of cement and crushed oyster shells. Since the city is surrounded by rivers, lakes and oceans, oyster shells are abundant. In addition to convenience, in the right light, the tabby gives off an opulent, translucent sparkle under foot.
Thursday - SCAD is the acronym for the city's art school. Once a year it hosts a wonderful art contest featuring creations in sidewalk chalk. Visitors can see everything from reproductions of famous pieces to student-inspired memorials to one-of-a-kind originals.
Friday - Though the city is home to many famous restaurants, such as the historical The Pirate House, (where it is said that Robert Louis Stevenson got his inspiration for "Treasure Island") and Mrs. Wilkes' Boarding House, Friday's picture shows what is probably its most-famous, at least as of late. The Lady & Sons is the flagship eatery of Paula Deen, one of the city's most beloved daughters. Her Southern hospitality, and "down-home cookin'," has been the cornerstone of her establishment since it opened. Many tourists opt to go on one of several trolley tours that take her fans past all of the city-sites related to her.
So, does any of that help? Know the answer yet? Before I tell you, there's just one more thing...
Where in the World - Friday
Where in the World - Thursday
Where in the World - Wednesday
Where in the World - Tuesday
Think you've seen this place before? It's no ordinary cemetery. Something very eerie took place here. If you know where it is... respond below!
For all of the history teacher's out there - here's your challenge!
Clue No. 2:
This cemetery has grave markers up on a wall,
But, just who, made them fall?
Post your guesses by commenting below...
Where in the World - Monday
I'm on vacation this week, far from the great, but still thawing-out, state of Michigan. See if you can guess where I am. I'll be sending you pictures and a clue everyday this week. The clues might help you to figure out the pictures. Hopefully, the clues will get easier and easier as the week goes on.
Today's first clue is in homage to all of the English teacher's out there.
Clue No. 1:
A novel and a movie were made out of the events that transpired in me.
See if you can guess where I might be.
Respond with your guesses...
Math Month
April is Math Awareness Month.
Here are some ideas on how to make math more fun. For your math lesson plan:
- Take it outdoors
- Take it to the bank
- Take it overseas
- Take it to Pisa
- Take it out to dinner
- Take it to the mall
- Take it across the Iditarod
Miss Guided
Perfecting my procrastination skills this afternoon, I stumbled upon a new ABC show, "Miss Guided."
A young woman returns to the site of her high school glory days (the typical, braces-clad, eye-glass wearing, awkward teen) as the guidance counselor. I've only watched the first episode, and while it's supremely mediocre as a television series, its plot lines are simple and sweet; it reminded me of the Q&A post awhile back--how important guidance counselors are to the healthful functioning of a school.
If you're interested (or perfecting your own procrastination skills), catch it Thursdays @ 8pm (or Fridays online at abc.com)
Public Schooling
At the public high school I attended, classes like economics, or financial principles, weren’t available. The deepest that we were allowed to delve into the financial world was “Basics of Accounting.” Sad to say, the more people I talk to, the more I believe that it is a national trend, and not just specific to my high school.
When I hit college and took the basic economics classes – you know them, micro- and macro- economics – I was blown away! Why didn’t I know any of this stuff earlier? The principles behind the stock market, the idea behind inflation and the dollar value, and so much more basic knowledge that I should have been equipped with! At the least, it certainly would have furthered my comprehension of the Great Depression and its resulting banking policies.
So, with all of the economic changes being proposed in today’s world, I started thinking. I wonder how many people can really understand what the president is proposing with his Fed program changes. How many really know what is happening with the value of the dollar and inflation or the stock market? With all of the millions of dollars paid out to authors explaining basic money-handling concepts, it is apparent that the public really wants to understand this better.
I think it’s time to re-think our curriculum. Are public schools trying to graduate kids so that they can go right to work or do we want to improve their choices for the rest of their lives?
