My School Day Family

Since I often talk or complain or vent about my school day. I thought I would share some pictures of my  some  of my great students.  That is the best thing I have going this year, they are almost always great cooperative kids!  My classroom is considered a Cross Categorical Resource room.  I work with students who have been diagnosed with one or more of the disabilities:  SLD (Specific Learning Disability),  ADHD/ ADD ( Attention Deficit Hyperactivity/ Attention Deficit Disorder), Mild CD (Cognitive Disability formerly referred to as mentally retarded),  Sp/L (Speech Language),  OHI (other health impaired), and EBD (Emotional Behavior Disability).  Three years ago the district hired a full time elementary EBD teacher so that has helped. She has the severe EBD students with her. 


Each student has an IEP which is an Individualized Education Program.  Depending on their need and area of disability they may receive language arts (reading, written language, spelling) and/ or math instruction as an alternate curriculum in my room.  We also provide support for their general education class such as science or social studies.  Often we will read tests orally to the students when the tests are measuring their academic knowledge not their ability to read or write.  We will also scribe the answers dictated to us by the students.  I have one SLD student who is an auditory learner.  He is able to get B's on tests when we are able to provide the accommodation of reading his tests/worksheets to him. My CD student is unable to participate in gen. ed academics so she receives her science and social studies in my room also.

The students are in grades 3-6.  However, their abilities range from PrePrimer to 3rd grade reading levels.  Math levels will also range from primer to 4th grade levels.   It isn't often that we are able to take the time for fun days.  There is so much to try to teach.  Currently there are seven reading levels,  five math levels,  six spelling levels, and written language is worked in at the spelling levels.

We are working on the State WKCE (Wisconsin Knowledge and Concepts) mandatory testing.  It is so frustrating for the students.  Even though a student may be in 5th grade and their reading level is at 2nd grade they are still required to take the 5th grade test.

This morning we knew we would be having most of the students in our classroom from 8:30 to 9:30. So my educational aide brought in a pumpkin for everyone that her husband had grown.  It is great listening to the student talking together, laughing, just being relaxed and not under the pressure of "learning". They don't realize that social skills is part of learning. 

I hope this insight shows that "most" of the time I do like my job.  When I am able to spend time actually teaching and not attending IEP meetings and completing the mountains of required paperwork.  My rewards are not measured with huge gains--but when a student is able to open a book, read to me without errors and they are actually enjoying what they are doing that is my reward. 

So when there are times when I am venting or complaining remember I really do like my students and my job.  There are just times I become frustrated.  That is one reason I learned to quilt and a reason I so very much appreciate my blogging friends.

After looking again at the picture--It has been "Red Ribbon Week" at school.  Everyone was to wear red today.

Finally Two Finished Projects

School is settling into a  very busy routine.  I didn't receive any additional help.  Two of my sixth grade students are spending an hour a day at the Junior High Sped classroom. We are using it as a transition for next year.  It is working well and occupies one hour of the day were they would be sitting in my room doing seatwork.  My  students are not having all their needs met and I am pulled in too many directions.  When the end of the day arrives I am exhausted.   I haven't been able to spend nearly the time I would like to with my projects. 

However, I have managed to complete two projects. In August when I posted  pictures of my summer projects on facebook,  one of my cousins made the comment asking if her name was on any of the runners or toppers.  I thought--if I had a chance I would make one for Julie.  When our local orchards were out of apples I called Julie because there are several orchards in their area about 85 miles south of us.    She went to the orchard and picked up 2 1/2 bushels for me.  I finished the table topper and added a label for her.  DH met Julie's son at WITC in Rice Lake to pick up the apples and sent the topper home with him.

Saturday afternoon I have a baby shower.  The new dad is a fan of the University of Michigan, Minnesota Twins, and the Minnesota Vikings.  I tried finding Minn. Twins fabric and it is not available any longer. I was able to find U of Michigan fabric.      I couldn't bring myself to sew a Vikings quilt!  (GO PACKERS- The season is 1/2 way to being totally successful-The Packers beat the Vikings!!!)  This way when "Jax Thomas" arrives in a few weeks he will be able to cuddle with his dad and his quilt to watch the Wolverines together!

Have you ever wondered????

One more of the little differences between men and women!  I don't know about your house but, when I am putting quilting colors together all DH sees is the colors on the right!
Happy Saturday!

Breakfast at Tiffany's

There once was a movie called, "Breakfast at Tiffany's".  I remember watching it on the late shows when I would babysit late at night in jr. high or high school.  Actually, I always loved watching Audrey Hepburn.

Green Fairy Quilt's is giving away a fat eighth from the fabric line, "Breakfast at Tiffiany's."  I don't know if there is any connection between the movie and the line, -but I do like the fabric's also. 

So check out Green Fairy Quilt's blog and be  sure to let her know that I sent you!!

More later,

Saturday Morning Accomplishment

This morning I started at 6:00 cooking apples for applesauce.  My mom,  DIL-1, Kasey and Cole came over later to help.  We started with two bushels of #2's from a local orchard and ended up with 13 quarts and 45 pints of applesauce.  Plus some left over to eat fresh. This morning's work is for DIL-1 to take home.  Next Saturday DIL-2 will be off work so it will be a repeat performance for her.  Neither of their mother's canned so it is their first experience.   I did hold out enough apples to make an apple pie later today.  Right now I have an oven full of squash cooking. Tonight DH said he would help grind them up for me to bag and freeze.
Umm --I just thought--applesauce spice cake sounds good also.

Thursday night when DIL-1 and the kids arrived home, I went to pick up Kasey to take her pick some pumpkins that Papa's planted for her, Conner, and Tatum.  She was disappointed she wanted, " Where's a little one just Kasey's size?".  So looked until she  found three  that weren't too big.

This afternoon when I finished processing the applesauce I took lunch to DH who was working in a field. Most of the leaves are off the trees.  This is unbelievable weather for us.  All farmers and anyone with work to do out side is appreciating it and taking advantage of each day.

Poky Little Puppy Quilt Top

Tatum isn't the only one who loves the Poky Puppy quilt top.  Kasey and Cole were with me Sunday afternoon while Marie attended a baby shower. 

 Sunday morning, Marie and Kasey had decided to leave blankie home to watch the three new fish in the little aquarium on Kasey's dresser while they went to church.    That was fine with Kasey.

Until--It was nap time at grandma's.  She saw the quilt top on the table.  She wanted the puppy blanky. When I told her I needed to finish it,  she said, "Let's sew it now."  I said we would finish it another day, but she could cover up with it now.  When I covered her up she took it and cuddled in. 

The next time I am able to have Kasey I think we will be sewing on the puppy blanket.  This Poky Puppy quilt may be a quilt to have at grandma's house  for when someone needs a blankie! 

Fall Harvest & Working on Christmas Gifts

I arrived home in time to snap these pictures on Tuesday afternoon when DS -1 was combining the small field of soybeans across from the house.  We have been dry the past couple of weeks.  The beans have dried down so they are combining well.  They are so dry that there  is a huge cloud of dust behind the combine.  The yield is good for our area.

 After the hopper on the combine is full it is unloaded into the grain cart.  Combines are now equipped with computers that measure the moisture content of the beans and the yield per acre.  It shows what areas of the fields have higher yields,  what the moisture level is and weight.

The past week the guys have been combining until 10:30 one, night 11:30 another, and last night they came home around 11:00.  DS-1 is able to take time off from the John Deere dealership where he is the AMS consultant for NW Wisconsin.   

I was able to find the fabric I needed to finish this top.  It is ready to be sandwiched and quilted.  Tatum took a look at it and wanted it immediately.  I am not sure of what she said--but she jabbered away pointing to the puppies. 

This is the sixth time I have used this pattern.  I am not sure of the gold--it went with the collection--but is a little bold. 

This runner and table topper are from the "Northern Botanical" book.  This first is called "Sweetly Simple".  It was definitely simple.  I think once I applique on the holly leaves and do the quilting. It will be simple-but nice.  It will be my first attempt at applique. The second on is called  "Table Grace."    I have one more  runner cut out and started from this book called, "Star Light, Star Bright."

 

I will work on them at night this week.  

I just received the call telling me the guys will be combining late again tonight and they need supper.

Have a great day!!

 

Happy Birthday To ME!

  I decided to celebrate my birthday by having a giveaway for my blogging friends!!! 

Since eight friends entered--You are all winners!
How about that--eight friends entered for my birthday on the 8th!

I don't know how to do the High Tech way of drawing numbers,  I just used the 

- "print out the comments--put them in a hat and draw out the winner" method.

 

And the First Winner is...

 Janet- She likes the idea of "Let's Do Lunch."  I just may travel to South Dakota next summer to take her up on the idea!  Enjoy your Chai Chocolate.




Cindy won the "Dealer's Choice" book.  She also likes the Atkinson Designs.

I have other books  or charm packs that I am sending to everyone else! I would pick up an item, reach in the hat and draw a name! The perfect way to spend my birthday--sharing with friends.


One blogging person emailed directly  rather than leaving a comment to say that my blogs were too depressing and personal.  They are supposed to be fun and exciting.  Maybe that's why only eight people responded.  Oh Well! Life is both--If we didn't have valleys we wouldn't appreciate the mountains!!

I do greatly appreciate all eight of you!!!!!!

The Mystery Object is:

The mystery object is Tigger's Tail.  Conner was so excited when we finished sewing it.  He stuffed one end in his back pocket and started bouncing around the room.  Then he stopped.  Twisted the tail, stood one one foot and took off!  It didn't matter the it didn't "really" work like Tigger's.  His imagination took over! Almost 4 years old is a great age.

I will be back tomorrow with the winners of the giveaway!

I am the real winner with my great blogging friends!

Let's Do Lunch with a Giveaway

 

To my blogging friends,

You  have become such great long distance friends and I do appreciate your support and encouragement.  So  to thank you I am having my first  "giveaway."    I will draw from your comments on Friday , October 8.  Nothing complicated.  No hoops to jump through,  just comment on which book you would prefer.  They are both by Atkinson Designs. 

One is "Let's Do Lunch" --It is described as "Tote Bags and Table Runners for every occasion. 

The other is "Dealer's Choice." Described as "Winning strategies for choosing color....." 

While you are looking through your new pattern book, you may enjoy a cup of "Chocolate Chai"!! It is delicious.  I will send  you a 12 oz bag with your pattern book.  The description on the bag reads, "Refresh your body and soul.  Enjoy a creamy blend of honey, Dutch Chocolate, black tea and exotic spices."  It is SOOOOOO good.  It will be like we are sitting have a cup of chai together.

If you send your friends to join in,  please ask them to let me know that you sent them.  You will have an extra chance to win the pattern book of your choice! There will be something for you if your friend is the winner!

A Mystery Object!    Do you have any idea what this may be?  It was something Conner wanted me to make for him after watching a movie yesterday afternoon.  We went upstairs and found a scrap , added some batting, and  sewed it up.  He was thrilled. If you would like to make  a good guess it will count as a bonus entry!!  It has something to do with the phrase, "Whoopty-Dooper Loopty-Looper Ally-Ooper."  I will disclose the  answer to the mystery object  on Friday night!!!

Once again,  thank you for being here for me!

In Memory

 

 Saturday, October 3, 1981

Todd 19 months and Travis 4 years 2 months

Five hours later our world stopped and 

changed our lives forever.