Presenting a Lesson

Friday I presented my first lesson to 16 wonderful 1st Graders! The lesson lasted 30 minutes and was about inventions. It was a follow up to Mrs. Groom reading the book "Great Inventions" the day before and discussing inventions with the class. We reviewed the vocabulary words and I made a power point with pictures of inventions on a time line from how the first invention was to how it has been improved upon over the years. I was so excited that the students really got into it. They were so excited when I would change the slide to see what the next invention was and they wanted to talk a lot about what they noticed the new invention improved.

The most exciting part - I brought a "dial" phone that we have here at the house. I plugged it in and drew names for one student to hold my cell phone and one student to use use the dial phone to call my cell phone. They loved to listen in the old phone and see how it sounds different and all were really excited.

The best part was that at the end of the lesson everyone was excited and thought they could be great inventors!

Most encouraging part - As I was leaving I got big hugs and one little girl asked me if I could teach some more! It just doesn't get any better than that!

THE GRASS IS ALWAYS GREENER

When Bella came to live with us we washed up Domino's old cat bed and put it out for her to sleep in. Well, Roxie was constantly laying in that bed. As Roxie got bigger and bigger this was obviously not comfortable but she continued to try to fit in it. Whoever got to the bed first was the one who got to sit in it.

So, for Christmas Roxie got her own comfy bed that was just her size. We thought this would solve the problem as they would each have their own special bed. BUT, this is what happens now:

NASA DOWNLINK

Today was an awesome day! Mueller Elementary along with WSU College of Education had a live downlink with three astronauts on board the NASA Space Center. 275 students (3rd - 5th graders) came to exploration place and were able to talk to these astronauts live. The astronauts answered their questions and I felt so privileged to be there.

After the download the students toured the 30 "Discover Centers" prepared and presented by WSU COE students. My partner and I had a "Comet" center and the children were able to make a model of a comet to take home with them. Most students seemed like they really enjoyed the activity and were interested in the information.

As we were walking to the car we passed by some boys waiting in line to board their school buss and they yelled out "thank you for the comets!". That made my day!

One thing I was surprised by is that other people also came through and asked questions about our Discovery Centers. I had been under the impression that it would only be Mueller Elementary students there. Had I known they allowed others to come in I would have called my homeschool friends and let them know to come. The kids would have really enjoyed and benefited from visiting all the discovery centers.

I feel sure after today that I have chosen the right profession. What a great day!

P.S. - Bad news is . . . forgot my camera. BOOOOOOOOOO! :-(

ONE SPECIAL DAY!

I totally forgot to post about my most wonderful girlee day with some of my favorite girls. One evening my SIL, Lorrine, called and asked if I would like to have a girlee day with her and my 16 year old niece, Haleigh. Of course I said "YES!" right away. A day or so later I was with my other SIL, Noel, and I asked her if she and my 13 year old niece, Paige, would like to join us. Unfortunately Noel was unable to break away but Paige was able to join us.

We were able to go to Xenon School of Hair Design and enjoy manicures, pedicures, and facials. Haleigh and Lorrine also got haircuts. We all felt like royalty!

I had never had a facial before and let me tell you, it will not be my last! I felt like I was in heaven! From the dim lights, the soft music, the warm towels, the fantabulous face, neck, and shoulder massage . . . . . . ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh. If she would have left that room for even a second I'm sure snoring would have ensued. PURE BLISS!

After all that special treatment Lorrine took us to On the Border and treated us to a great meal and dessert. Great food and and a super fun time just hanging out there visiting. I think this should be a new tradition!

Here are a few pictures from that day . . . . .