I'm totally geeking out today due to a google form I made after school. Because I'm so slap-happy-pumped about it, I'm going to tell you about it. **Note: unless you love education and/or special education, the following will make no sense and/or be completely pointless.**
Prior to beginning the writing of an IEP, SPED teachers are to gather information from the student's regular teachers. There are a billion ways to go about this, and I've been longing to use google forms for such a task. So today I made a form and sent it out...and I've been thinking about it ever since. Nerd. Alert.
And because I'm so crazy-ecstatic about it, I made a sample to show you. (I know, I'm a hot mess.)
So, please, go to this link and take the survey. I thank you in advance.
Heidi's Pointless Survey of Awesomeness
September 27, 2012
September 23, 2012
randamach: it's Irish
Oh my heavens, it has been awhile. Since we last chatted, there have been a few more "happenings" in the Carlson casa or the ol' school house. Let's dive in.
- One of the kiddos I work with is on the autism spectrum and I adore him more than life itself. He brings me immense amounts of joy. A few weeks ago, I saw him in the hallway before school and we were both wearing blue-striped shirts. So I said, "Hey look! We're practically twins!" To which he responded, "Um, not really," and promptly turned and walked away. He wasn't being rude, he was just telling it like it was. Then, since he had nothing else to say, he saw it as an appropriate time to exit my presence. Love him.
- Another kiddo had been giving my para and I grief for awhile, so I instigated a behavior plan last week. And, what do you know, it's been working marvelously. I can't wait to see if what we're doing will actually impact him positively in other areas of life.
- Yet another student I work with daily has seemed, as of lately, to be much less intelligent than I earlier thought. However, after getting to know him better and visiting with his instructional manager, I came to find out that he actually is quite bright but his self-esteem is so low that instead of trying and maybe doing something wrong, he just assumes that everything he does is wrong. It has been my absolute joy to pour into him and try to show him that he is capable of doing much more than he ever thought.
- I tripped on a pencil while walking through the halls during passing period a few weeks ago. Yes, a pencil.
- Dans and I are doing Dave Ramsey's Financial Peace University right now. We're getting all fired up, so beware... If you ask us (well, me in particular) any financial-related questions, I will promptly get on my Dave-Ramsey-Soapbox. This is your fair warning.
- We caught one of the lizards outside. He is now in the classroom of one of our teacher friends.
- Dans saved up and bought himself a used riding lawn mower. Perhaps now our lawn will look less overgrown now.
- I've been taking less pictures as of lately. I'm considering doing 2013 in pictures like I did in 2009. I loved that project.
- The gals in my small group from church gathered a few weeks ago to make some freezer meals. And our system was awesome. Perhaps I will tell you about that later this week. So great.
September 5, 2012
Year 1 of Year 3
Let me explain. This is my third year of teaching, but it is my first year of teaching special education. And I love it. I really do. Dansie kept waiting for me to have my "beginning of the school year meltdown," but it never happened. Serious hallelujah.
So, because at least a dozen people have asked me how it's going and/or how it's different than my last two years, in no particular order, here is a list of the top 8 reasons why I'm enjoying what I'm doing from 8-3.
1. I have administrative tasks to do. Don't laugh. I love that part. I love feeling like a "manager" over the 14 kiddos on my caseload. I love chasing them down, chatting with them, and being their laison. I love it.
2. I'm in my home classroom only 2 hours of the day. Yes. And I love it. My day flies by. I walk probably 1.5 miles every day because the classroom where I go 3 hours of the day is all the way across the building (and our building is ginormous).
3. I can really focus on individualizing the curriculum for specific students with very specific needs. Part of what stressed me out about the general classroom was the fact that, at any given time, 30 students would be demanding my full attention. Yikes. In my new position, my stellar co-teacher can handle the class while I grab a few students who need excessive amounts of attention.
4. I'm forced to think about what I'm teaching my babes. In my previous position, the curriculum was pre-determined by the district (which is awesome...especially for a new teacher). However, it's causing me to exercise different "muscles" as I'm attempting to figure out what I want my tiny class of 6 (yes, friends, 6!!!) to learn by the end of the semester/year. I love the planning aspect of teaching, so I'm happy to continue doing that.
5. I feel like I know fewer students, but those I know, I really know. You know what I mean?
6. I co-teach with a good friend. So fun. Every day. And even when the kiddos don't think we're funny, we think we're funny. It's so good.
7. I'm loving my new department. Loving the support and the relationships I'm building.
8. I have a para (or co-teacher) in every class. That extra adult in the room is excessively helpful.
So life is good. Still extremely challenging and frustrating at times, but, for me, this was the best career move I could have made. I'm incredibly thankful for the 2 years I spent in the general classroom, but I'm just tickled pink to be where I'm at. And to think that in my initial interview with my district, when my head principal asked me if I would be willing to teach special education (since they were trying to fill a few positions and knew that I was certified in SPED), I vehemently said, "No." Ha.
Friends, SPED is not scary. Different, but definitely not scary. So many people stay away from it because it is different and, thus, apparently terrifying. It's not. Sure, it's not for everyone, but it is a beautiful part of the school.
To end this "several people have asked so I want to indulge everyone" post, I'll leave you with a brief, but enlightening, story. In chatting with one of my girlies (who has mild disabilities but pretty major social disabilities) yesterday, she told me about her sister who is 28 and about to get divorced for the second time. My gal seemed pretty disheartened about it, but after chatting for a moment, she all of a sudden said, "But it's okay. We're having pizza tonight!" Simple minds are beautiful.
So, because at least a dozen people have asked me how it's going and/or how it's different than my last two years, in no particular order, here is a list of the top 8 reasons why I'm enjoying what I'm doing from 8-3.
1. I have administrative tasks to do. Don't laugh. I love that part. I love feeling like a "manager" over the 14 kiddos on my caseload. I love chasing them down, chatting with them, and being their laison. I love it.
2. I'm in my home classroom only 2 hours of the day. Yes. And I love it. My day flies by. I walk probably 1.5 miles every day because the classroom where I go 3 hours of the day is all the way across the building (and our building is ginormous).
3. I can really focus on individualizing the curriculum for specific students with very specific needs. Part of what stressed me out about the general classroom was the fact that, at any given time, 30 students would be demanding my full attention. Yikes. In my new position, my stellar co-teacher can handle the class while I grab a few students who need excessive amounts of attention.
4. I'm forced to think about what I'm teaching my babes. In my previous position, the curriculum was pre-determined by the district (which is awesome...especially for a new teacher). However, it's causing me to exercise different "muscles" as I'm attempting to figure out what I want my tiny class of 6 (yes, friends, 6!!!) to learn by the end of the semester/year. I love the planning aspect of teaching, so I'm happy to continue doing that.
5. I feel like I know fewer students, but those I know, I really know. You know what I mean?
6. I co-teach with a good friend. So fun. Every day. And even when the kiddos don't think we're funny, we think we're funny. It's so good.
7. I'm loving my new department. Loving the support and the relationships I'm building.
8. I have a para (or co-teacher) in every class. That extra adult in the room is excessively helpful.
So life is good. Still extremely challenging and frustrating at times, but, for me, this was the best career move I could have made. I'm incredibly thankful for the 2 years I spent in the general classroom, but I'm just tickled pink to be where I'm at. And to think that in my initial interview with my district, when my head principal asked me if I would be willing to teach special education (since they were trying to fill a few positions and knew that I was certified in SPED), I vehemently said, "No." Ha.
Friends, SPED is not scary. Different, but definitely not scary. So many people stay away from it because it is different and, thus, apparently terrifying. It's not. Sure, it's not for everyone, but it is a beautiful part of the school.
To end this "several people have asked so I want to indulge everyone" post, I'll leave you with a brief, but enlightening, story. In chatting with one of my girlies (who has mild disabilities but pretty major social disabilities) yesterday, she told me about her sister who is 28 and about to get divorced for the second time. My gal seemed pretty disheartened about it, but after chatting for a moment, she all of a sudden said, "But it's okay. We're having pizza tonight!" Simple minds are beautiful.
 |
| My 21st first day of school. Dan's idea. :) |
August 24, 2012
Friday Funnies: Year 3
Friends. I only have a few school-related funnies, but let's go ahead and get started.
1:
Let me set up the scenario. Two days ago, I wore skinny black pants to school. It's important to know that I wear these at least once week and I've had them since last fall. They're dang comfortable and they're black, so they go with everything. I've never, in my dozens and dozens of times of wearing them, had a student make a comment in regards to their style/fit. I suppose there's a first thing for everything. What follows is the dialogue between a female student and I:
Female Student: Mrs. Carlson, are those skinny jeans?
MC: Yes.
FS: I bet you feel like you're in high school again when you wear those.
MC: Well, skinny jeans weren't around when I was in high school.
FS: It's only a matter of time before you're walking in the hall and a boy comes up behind you and is all, "Hey girl, how you doin?"
MC: Thankfully that hasn't happened yet.
End of conversation.
2:
I walked into school this morning at approximately 6:50 am (I'm a morning person, just let me be). And what should my wandering eyes see?
A hostile mob of parents? No.
The marching band? No.
A stray cat? No.
A million construction workers? Yes, but that's not the point.
A suspicious bookbag? No.
A snake? Yes.
YES!!!!!!!!!!!!
People, I do not lie to you. One of satan's own was on the freshly scrubbed tile. Thankfully a student was only a few feet ahead of me. I literally froze in my tracks when I saw it. Enter dialogue:
MC: Is that a snake?
Male Student: Yes.
MC: Are you afraid of snakes?
MS: No.
MC: Will you please remove it from the premises?
MS: Yes.
I stuck around long enough to see said male student pick up said spawn of satan. Then I bolted to my classroom, keeping watch over every crevice where another spawn might live. Nasty.
That's all I have for now. Come back later...there's sure to be more.
1:
Let me set up the scenario. Two days ago, I wore skinny black pants to school. It's important to know that I wear these at least once week and I've had them since last fall. They're dang comfortable and they're black, so they go with everything. I've never, in my dozens and dozens of times of wearing them, had a student make a comment in regards to their style/fit. I suppose there's a first thing for everything. What follows is the dialogue between a female student and I:
Female Student: Mrs. Carlson, are those skinny jeans?
MC: Yes.
FS: I bet you feel like you're in high school again when you wear those.
MC: Well, skinny jeans weren't around when I was in high school.
FS: It's only a matter of time before you're walking in the hall and a boy comes up behind you and is all, "Hey girl, how you doin?"
MC: Thankfully that hasn't happened yet.
End of conversation.
2:
I walked into school this morning at approximately 6:50 am (I'm a morning person, just let me be). And what should my wandering eyes see?
A hostile mob of parents? No.
The marching band? No.
A stray cat? No.
A million construction workers? Yes, but that's not the point.
A suspicious bookbag? No.
A snake? Yes.
YES!!!!!!!!!!!!
People, I do not lie to you. One of satan's own was on the freshly scrubbed tile. Thankfully a student was only a few feet ahead of me. I literally froze in my tracks when I saw it. Enter dialogue:
MC: Is that a snake?
Male Student: Yes.
MC: Are you afraid of snakes?
MS: No.
MC: Will you please remove it from the premises?
MS: Yes.
I stuck around long enough to see said male student pick up said spawn of satan. Then I bolted to my classroom, keeping watch over every crevice where another spawn might live. Nasty.
That's all I have for now. Come back later...there's sure to be more.
August 6, 2012
Summer 2012
A farewell to summer 2012 and space phone pictures:
You were fun, my sweet summer.
You were full and wild.
You put paint in my hair.
And made me feel like a child.
Much food was consumed
While a symphony was heard
It only would've been better
To have the view of a bird
We camped in the desert
And got a terrible sun burn
While it made a good memory
I said, "No more!" very stern
With bats in the attic
Huzzie knew just what to do
So he donned a ridiculous suit
And the space is good as new
Lots of time with friends
And lots of belly laughs
Memories made all around
And only a few social gaffs
Challenges to the heart
Not to be taken lightly
God's doing a new thing
We only need to move slightly
Hours of prepping, priming, and painting
And gallons of paint washed off my hands
Summer, you knew this was a heckuva project
It's done! I now watch the Olympics from my couch (aka: grand stands)
Vacation, vacation,
You have such a sweet tone
Especially with a fam
Who is super to the bone
Daniel even wore red pants
But only for a short bit
Would have totally bought them
If they were a better fit
And last but not least
We celebrated these two
Adorable twinsies
Before them, what did we do!?
Summer, you were kind
But you went so dang fast
Please come again
And let it not be your last.
Love,
Heidi
You were fun, my sweet summer.
You were full and wild.
You put paint in my hair.
And made me feel like a child.
While a symphony was heard
It only would've been better
To have the view of a bird
And got a terrible sun burn
While it made a good memory
I said, "No more!" very stern
Huzzie knew just what to do
So he donned a ridiculous suit
And the space is good as new
Lots of time with friendsAnd lots of belly laughs
Memories made all around
And only a few social gaffs
Not to be taken lightly
God's doing a new thing
We only need to move slightly
And gallons of paint washed off my hands
Summer, you knew this was a heckuva project
It's done! I now watch the Olympics from my couch (aka: grand stands)
You have such a sweet tone
Especially with a fam
Who is super to the bone
But only for a short bit
Would have totally bought them
If they were a better fit
We celebrated these two
Adorable twinsies
Before them, what did we do!?
But you went so dang fast
Please come again
And let it not be your last.
Love,
Heidi
August 4, 2012
Freezer Cooking 2: Feeding the Masses
Greetings, fellow freezer-cooking friends! Here are two incredibly easy recipes that will feed a crowd. One is for breakfast and the other is perfect for when you're hosting a gazillion people OR for when you want to serve it tonight and have plenty for leftovers. In regards to the breakfast recipe, don't be freaked out by the fact that you will be freezing eggs and milk. It really is fine. Just stick it in the freezer right after you make it and you'll be golden.
Sausage and Egg Casserole (serves 6-8)
1 (6-8 oz) box croutons (the seasoned kinds are awesome - make for a great flava-flave)
1 pound sausage - sauteed and drained (or bacon or ham or whatever meat you like)
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
10 eggs
2 cups milk
Salt & pepper to taste
1/2 t. dry mustard (I don't always do this and it is still super delish)
Here's where you have some awesome options. Either make 1 9x13 pan OR make 2 8x8 pans (you could freeze both or serve one today and freeze the other). I prefer to make 2 smaller pans since our fam is teeny-tiny.
Spray pan(s) with non-stick spray. Spread croutons over bottom of pan. Cover with meat of choice, then cheese. Beat eggs, milk, and seasonings together and pour over. Cover and refrigerate for 8 hours or overnight. Bake uncovered at 350 for 1 hour.
If freezing and baking later, allow at least 8 hours (no more than 24 hours) to thaw in the refrigerator. Then bake uncovered at 350 for 1 hour (check at 45 minutes).
Other modifications you could make:
This next recipe's a classic Sheree Glanzer meal, friends. Entirely perfect for the Sunday when you invite a billion friends over for lunch or for a football game. Like the breakfast casserole recipe above, it's also perfect for separating into smaller portions. So mix once and dump into 2 or 3 freezer bags. And who doesn't love cooking once and eating thrice!?
Stuff Over Fritos (serves 12-15)
2 lbs. ground beef - browned
1 15 oz. can tomato sauce
3 sm. cans tomato paste
40 oz. water (5 cups - add this when you're ready to cook it, not pre-freezing...the water will totally weigh down your freezer bag)
2 t. oregano
2-3 t. chili powder
2 t. salt
2 t. cumin
1 chopped onion
Garlic salt to taste
2 cans beans of your choice (I use one can of black beans and one can of red beans)
After browning meat, combing all ingredients. If serving immediately, allow to simmer at least one hour on the stove OR cook in crock-pot 8-10 hours on low.
If freezing and serving later, mix all ingredients (except the water), place in desired amount of freezer bags, and freeze flat. Allow 1-2 days to thaw in your refrigerator before placing meal in crock-pot.
Serve over corn chips, lettuce, chopped tomatoes, grated cheese, sour cream, black olives, and salsa.
Make these items today and feed your people for the next week. They'll love it. I've gotz lotz more recipes to share. Let me know if you want them for your freezer repertoire!
Sausage and Egg Casserole (serves 6-8)
1 (6-8 oz) box croutons (the seasoned kinds are awesome - make for a great flava-flave)
1 pound sausage - sauteed and drained (or bacon or ham or whatever meat you like)
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
10 eggs
2 cups milk
Salt & pepper to taste
1/2 t. dry mustard (I don't always do this and it is still super delish)
Here's where you have some awesome options. Either make 1 9x13 pan OR make 2 8x8 pans (you could freeze both or serve one today and freeze the other). I prefer to make 2 smaller pans since our fam is teeny-tiny.
Spray pan(s) with non-stick spray. Spread croutons over bottom of pan. Cover with meat of choice, then cheese. Beat eggs, milk, and seasonings together and pour over. Cover and refrigerate for 8 hours or overnight. Bake uncovered at 350 for 1 hour.
If freezing and baking later, allow at least 8 hours (no more than 24 hours) to thaw in the refrigerator. Then bake uncovered at 350 for 1 hour (check at 45 minutes).
Other modifications you could make:
- Be vegetarian-friendly and substitute the meat with veggies.
- Instead of using the suggested pan sizes above, make individual portions using ramekins. Perfect if you're cooking only for yourself or if you want a handful of yummy, single-portioned breakfasts in the freezer.
This next recipe's a classic Sheree Glanzer meal, friends. Entirely perfect for the Sunday when you invite a billion friends over for lunch or for a football game. Like the breakfast casserole recipe above, it's also perfect for separating into smaller portions. So mix once and dump into 2 or 3 freezer bags. And who doesn't love cooking once and eating thrice!?
Stuff Over Fritos (serves 12-15)
2 lbs. ground beef - browned
1 15 oz. can tomato sauce
3 sm. cans tomato paste
40 oz. water (5 cups - add this when you're ready to cook it, not pre-freezing...the water will totally weigh down your freezer bag)
2 t. oregano
2-3 t. chili powder
2 t. salt
2 t. cumin
1 chopped onion
Garlic salt to taste
2 cans beans of your choice (I use one can of black beans and one can of red beans)
After browning meat, combing all ingredients. If serving immediately, allow to simmer at least one hour on the stove OR cook in crock-pot 8-10 hours on low.
If freezing and serving later, mix all ingredients (except the water), place in desired amount of freezer bags, and freeze flat. Allow 1-2 days to thaw in your refrigerator before placing meal in crock-pot.
Serve over corn chips, lettuce, chopped tomatoes, grated cheese, sour cream, black olives, and salsa.
Make these items today and feed your people for the next week. They'll love it. I've gotz lotz more recipes to share. Let me know if you want them for your freezer repertoire!
August 2, 2012
Freezer Cooking: Breakfast Burritos
Breakfast burritos are great for everything. Seriously. Breakfast, brunch, lunch, snack, dinner, friends, family, neighbors, pets, etc. etc. You should make this recipe right now, feed your family in a flash, and freeze the leftovers. Your breakfasts for the next 2 weeks will be off the charts.
Freezer-friendly Breakfast Burritos
18 eggs
1/2 cup milk
1/4 cup butter
1/4 cup green pepper
1/4 cup onion
2 cups cheddar cheese
1 lb. sausage (or bacon or ham or whatever you prefer)
20ish tortillas
Brown sausage and set aside in a ginormous bowl. Saute onions and peppers. Whisk milk, butter, and eggs and then scramble eggs over medium heat. When eggs are cooked, add to browned sausage. Add cheese, onions, and peppers. Wrap 1/3 to 1/2 cup of mixture in a tortilla (make sure you wrap it like a present, not a taco...that way the filling will stay in the tortilla). Wrap tortilla in small paper towel and put in freezer bags. When ready to reheat, microwave burrito (still wrapped with a paper towel!) for 2 minutes, flipping at 1 minute.
People, I can't explain to you how easy and awesome these are. But please please please use a non-stick pan to scramble your eggs. Or be like me and use a regular skillet and then scrape it for 15 minutes a day for the next week. Not even kidding.
Enjoy!
PS: Do you need any other freezer-friendly recipes? Always happy to share! :)
Freezer-friendly Breakfast Burritos
18 eggs
1/2 cup milk
1/4 cup butter
1/4 cup green pepper
1/4 cup onion
2 cups cheddar cheese
1 lb. sausage (or bacon or ham or whatever you prefer)
20ish tortillas
Brown sausage and set aside in a ginormous bowl. Saute onions and peppers. Whisk milk, butter, and eggs and then scramble eggs over medium heat. When eggs are cooked, add to browned sausage. Add cheese, onions, and peppers. Wrap 1/3 to 1/2 cup of mixture in a tortilla (make sure you wrap it like a present, not a taco...that way the filling will stay in the tortilla). Wrap tortilla in small paper towel and put in freezer bags. When ready to reheat, microwave burrito (still wrapped with a paper towel!) for 2 minutes, flipping at 1 minute.
People, I can't explain to you how easy and awesome these are. But please please please use a non-stick pan to scramble your eggs. Or be like me and use a regular skillet and then scrape it for 15 minutes a day for the next week. Not even kidding.
Enjoy!
PS: Do you need any other freezer-friendly recipes? Always happy to share! :)
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