1. Bought another teacher a pepper kept fresh container
I know, again the oddness. However, this particular teacher loves to bring peppers to eat at lunch time. I personal do not like the taste of peppers, but she loves them. So I thought that this would be a thoughtful gift so that she can keep her lunch fresh from school day to school day.
2. Helped another student by carrying their instrument while they carried their books
Something easy to do to help out another student in order to make it to their orchestra class on time.
3. Complimented another teacher because she looked really nice in a similar outfit to mine.
Sometimes at school we have these 'spirit days' where we are supposed to dress like someone else and we call it 'Twin Day.' Well, today was not one of those days - but still we looked similar. She is a really stylish dresser so I was pleased that I looked similar to her - needless to say that she is also very beautiful. Both inside and out.
4. Complimented the art teacher based on an activity that she was doing with her students
If you ever want some really good out of the box thinking ideas - please go see an art teacher. The one in particular at my school have the students doing amazing activities that is both educational and fun. Most importantly, there is a lot of cross curriculum elements within all of her activities. So this one in particular was an activity with the 6th grade students in designing reflection journals. They can use these to sketch ideas, write personal thoughts, doodle stuff, etc. Anything that they want that will express themselves in a positive manner. Fantastic!
5.Cleaned up the teacher's workroom and refilled the copiers with paper for the next morning.
The two times of the day that the copiers are use most frequently is before school and after school. It did not surprised me when I checked on the copiers that both were basically out of paper. So I just figured that it will help those that are planning on using the machines in the morning.
Sunday, June 19, 2011
5 Pennies - Day 60
1. Bought a movie poster for another teacher to use in his classroom
So, there is great Language Arts teacher in my building that collects various movie posters for his classroom. Well just any movie posters, but any that his students are reading. This is such a great idea of merging popular culture with his content. His students are really receptive because it gives them a common ground for communication and relationship building. I know that it is simpliment a piece of paper with a picture on it, but it is how he is using the tool to capture the attention that I find as fantastic. By the way, the poster is of the new "Whimpy Kid Diaries."
2. Advised another parent about what she can do in regards to a bullying situation with her son and his school
So I was at the doctors this morning for a check up and she noticed that I was a teacher. Before long she was telling me about this situation with her son at school and how upset both him and her felt. I told her about the various programs that her son's school may offer and gave her the names of particular administrators to talk to (the one Assistant Principal used to work at my school). Advised her on the right questions to ask in order to help her son and feel better about the situation. The odd thing was that even though I was there for her services, it seemed like she needed mine more.
3. Handed silverware to another person while putting together my own lunch
I noticed that this other person completely forgot their fork and napkin. It was just a simple thing to do because the materials that they needed were right in front of me. Again, simplicity.
4. Helped pick up books for another student
So I was always one of the kids that carrying about 5 extra books than what I needed to for any given class while I was in middle school. At any time my arms became spastic and the books went everywhere. Now when I see kids that have the same mannerism, I always think about how I wanted someone else to help me during this time of awkwardness. So, it has become something that I often do in the hallway during class changing time. The nice thing is that when a student sees this, they often start helping to, and then another helps, and another - then you get this wonderful ripple effect.
5. Got someone some extra napkins because they accidentally made a mess while eating a snack
There are some kids that desperately need to an extra snack in my classroom by the end of the day. I dont' know if it is because of they eat lunch too early, don't eat enough, or low blood sugar, or any other reason - but I always keep extra snacks in my room for these students. For many, it does help with behavior and focusing - which makes my teaching life better. However, for this particular student and for this day - the snack idea became a messy situation. Nothing that a couple of extra napkins couldn't fix though.
So, there is great Language Arts teacher in my building that collects various movie posters for his classroom. Well just any movie posters, but any that his students are reading. This is such a great idea of merging popular culture with his content. His students are really receptive because it gives them a common ground for communication and relationship building. I know that it is simpliment a piece of paper with a picture on it, but it is how he is using the tool to capture the attention that I find as fantastic. By the way, the poster is of the new "Whimpy Kid Diaries."
2. Advised another parent about what she can do in regards to a bullying situation with her son and his school
So I was at the doctors this morning for a check up and she noticed that I was a teacher. Before long she was telling me about this situation with her son at school and how upset both him and her felt. I told her about the various programs that her son's school may offer and gave her the names of particular administrators to talk to (the one Assistant Principal used to work at my school). Advised her on the right questions to ask in order to help her son and feel better about the situation. The odd thing was that even though I was there for her services, it seemed like she needed mine more.
3. Handed silverware to another person while putting together my own lunch
I noticed that this other person completely forgot their fork and napkin. It was just a simple thing to do because the materials that they needed were right in front of me. Again, simplicity.
4. Helped pick up books for another student
So I was always one of the kids that carrying about 5 extra books than what I needed to for any given class while I was in middle school. At any time my arms became spastic and the books went everywhere. Now when I see kids that have the same mannerism, I always think about how I wanted someone else to help me during this time of awkwardness. So, it has become something that I often do in the hallway during class changing time. The nice thing is that when a student sees this, they often start helping to, and then another helps, and another - then you get this wonderful ripple effect.
5. Got someone some extra napkins because they accidentally made a mess while eating a snack
There are some kids that desperately need to an extra snack in my classroom by the end of the day. I dont' know if it is because of they eat lunch too early, don't eat enough, or low blood sugar, or any other reason - but I always keep extra snacks in my room for these students. For many, it does help with behavior and focusing - which makes my teaching life better. However, for this particular student and for this day - the snack idea became a messy situation. Nothing that a couple of extra napkins couldn't fix though.
5 Pennies - Day 59
Happy Labor Day!
1. Bout a Mrs. Potato Head Breast Cancer doll for my mother to take to work
My mother is a wonderful school teacher that has recently become an even more wonderful administrator for a medium size child care. She has often talked about how the 'Mr. / Mrs. Potato Head" series is one of her fond memories of being a kid and developing the imagination that is so needed in today's society. Anytime that she can afford to buy basic toys for her various classrooms - this is always at the top of her list. Anyway, with October and the Breast Cancer Awareness events only a month away - this was an ideal gift for her.
2. Bought son a race car snack carrying case
Yes, my son is 4 - anything and everything has to deal either with a superhero or racecars. We were meeting up with his grandparents and their family later on today - so again, this was an ideal and practical gift to get him.
3. Helped a wheel-chair bound woman navigate through the check out line
Even though the line said that it was wheel-chair accessible, the process of getting in the line and going through it was another circumstance. I moved boxes of other store items, abandonded carts, stuff on the floor - anything to let it easier for this woman to move and be independent.
Note - Stores of various kids, I know that you are trying to sell your items - but making the isles and walkways nearly impossible to move does not help the customer. Please keep this into further consideration.
4. Was friendly to casheir to make her smile for working on a holiday\
Again, if you learn anything from these pennies - start to learn the names of the people that service you. By calling someone by their name and sincerely thanking them, it makes a difference - it brings humanity back to reality, sharing back to shopping, compassion back to cash, etc. One of my closest friends, who is also an educator, visited a school where their motto was "Be Nice" - how simple, but yet an important message that we are forgetting to teach our kids, ourselves, and society in general.
5. Helped set and clear the table for a distant realitve after lunch.
In an above penny I mentioned that we were going to see Grandparents and other relatives for a special Labor Day Gathering. Since they were hosting the food, I felt that it was just common manners to at least help them prepare and clean up. Simple.
1. Bout a Mrs. Potato Head Breast Cancer doll for my mother to take to work
My mother is a wonderful school teacher that has recently become an even more wonderful administrator for a medium size child care. She has often talked about how the 'Mr. / Mrs. Potato Head" series is one of her fond memories of being a kid and developing the imagination that is so needed in today's society. Anytime that she can afford to buy basic toys for her various classrooms - this is always at the top of her list. Anyway, with October and the Breast Cancer Awareness events only a month away - this was an ideal gift for her.
2. Bought son a race car snack carrying case
Yes, my son is 4 - anything and everything has to deal either with a superhero or racecars. We were meeting up with his grandparents and their family later on today - so again, this was an ideal and practical gift to get him.
3. Helped a wheel-chair bound woman navigate through the check out line
Even though the line said that it was wheel-chair accessible, the process of getting in the line and going through it was another circumstance. I moved boxes of other store items, abandonded carts, stuff on the floor - anything to let it easier for this woman to move and be independent.
Note - Stores of various kids, I know that you are trying to sell your items - but making the isles and walkways nearly impossible to move does not help the customer. Please keep this into further consideration.
4. Was friendly to casheir to make her smile for working on a holiday\
Again, if you learn anything from these pennies - start to learn the names of the people that service you. By calling someone by their name and sincerely thanking them, it makes a difference - it brings humanity back to reality, sharing back to shopping, compassion back to cash, etc. One of my closest friends, who is also an educator, visited a school where their motto was "Be Nice" - how simple, but yet an important message that we are forgetting to teach our kids, ourselves, and society in general.
5. Helped set and clear the table for a distant realitve after lunch.
In an above penny I mentioned that we were going to see Grandparents and other relatives for a special Labor Day Gathering. Since they were hosting the food, I felt that it was just common manners to at least help them prepare and clean up. Simple.
Saturday, June 18, 2011
5 Pennies - Day 58
1. Cleaned outside church benches from bird droppings
Aaahhh - the trouble of having an outside service - the nature catches up with the humans.
2. Prepared outside Children's Service gathering area
So in an an earlier post I talked about cleaning up from a Children's sermon, but today I wanted to start from the very beginning in the help. So I brought out the rug, pillows, microphone, and other supplies for the sermon leader. Something easy to do to help out another person.
3. Set up extra music and service bulletins for other praise singers
This particular person was going to come into the service late because she offered to take care of snacks after the first service. Since she was going to be nice to someone else, then I wanted to be nice to her. So that when she arrived she had everything that she needed and didn't have to hurry around to prepare.
4. Took pictures for a family that sat in front of me & my son at a baseball game
So was able to get free tickets from my step father for an Orioles baseball game. I'm not much into following sports, nor do I have a favorite team - but I love seeing professional sports game in real life - not on the tv. There is something about the senses hearing & seeing things - a new perception thing. Anyway, there was 2 fathers and their 2 sons that sat in front of us. They were each trying to take pictures of their family while they were having a good time. I just wanted to provide an opportunity for all of them to be in a picture. I rarely have a picture of myself and my son - so I wanted to make sure that these sons had that opportunity. It was a special moment between a father and son.
5. Let another woman and her son go to the bathroom in front of me.
Similar to someone going ahead of her in the grocery store line - I had a spare 5 minutes. Plus, she had a small boy that obviously really needed to go to the bathroom. I remember the days of trying to potty-train my son, any extra help I greatly appreciated it.
Aaahhh - the trouble of having an outside service - the nature catches up with the humans.
2. Prepared outside Children's Service gathering area
So in an an earlier post I talked about cleaning up from a Children's sermon, but today I wanted to start from the very beginning in the help. So I brought out the rug, pillows, microphone, and other supplies for the sermon leader. Something easy to do to help out another person.
3. Set up extra music and service bulletins for other praise singers
This particular person was going to come into the service late because she offered to take care of snacks after the first service. Since she was going to be nice to someone else, then I wanted to be nice to her. So that when she arrived she had everything that she needed and didn't have to hurry around to prepare.
4. Took pictures for a family that sat in front of me & my son at a baseball game
So was able to get free tickets from my step father for an Orioles baseball game. I'm not much into following sports, nor do I have a favorite team - but I love seeing professional sports game in real life - not on the tv. There is something about the senses hearing & seeing things - a new perception thing. Anyway, there was 2 fathers and their 2 sons that sat in front of us. They were each trying to take pictures of their family while they were having a good time. I just wanted to provide an opportunity for all of them to be in a picture. I rarely have a picture of myself and my son - so I wanted to make sure that these sons had that opportunity. It was a special moment between a father and son.
5. Let another woman and her son go to the bathroom in front of me.
Similar to someone going ahead of her in the grocery store line - I had a spare 5 minutes. Plus, she had a small boy that obviously really needed to go to the bathroom. I remember the days of trying to potty-train my son, any extra help I greatly appreciated it.
5 Pennies - Day 57
1. Wrote a note to the bank tellers thanking them for working on the Labor Day Holiday weekend
I was in the drive thru line at the bank and was a last minute decision. But it was well worth it because I saw the particular band teller smile through the tv screen then saw her step away and show her boss. If it wasn't for that smile to begin with, I was really afraid that they were going to call the police on me.
2. Picked up papers that were blown around the lobby at the bank
So I have a separate account for my son's college funds in a different bank. Yes, I know that this may seem odd, but on the birth of my son - some of my relatives went and started a bank account, but didn't know what bank I used. So we just have different ones and as awkward as it may be - at least I know that if one bank goes down - I don't lose all of my money - I have the other to use in emergency.
3. Gave extra money to a charity at the bank for both myself and the customer behind me
So it was an extra dollar to support the Heart Foundation because that the main push in September. With prices like that, it was just easy to treat the person behind me. Besides, everything earned went to a worthy cause.
4.Picked up lawn chairs that were blown over at the park
Since it was Labor Day weekend, I decided that this was probably one of the last warm days to take my son to the park - and it was certainly busy. So there was a family that was having a picnic and then decided to go on a stroll through the park. In my hometown, we have this really nice beautiful park - its not enormous, but there are several sections that are nice to walk about. Anyway, when the left a whip of wind knocked over their lawn chairs - I just simple when over and set them back up. Easy
5. Thanked the worker who was attending to and managing the barrel ride at the park
I know that in an earlier post, I've talked about the barrel ride- my son loves this ride. There was only one person managing, driving, and collecting money for it - he was doing several jobs and deserved an extra & sincerely thank you!
I was in the drive thru line at the bank and was a last minute decision. But it was well worth it because I saw the particular band teller smile through the tv screen then saw her step away and show her boss. If it wasn't for that smile to begin with, I was really afraid that they were going to call the police on me.
2. Picked up papers that were blown around the lobby at the bank
So I have a separate account for my son's college funds in a different bank. Yes, I know that this may seem odd, but on the birth of my son - some of my relatives went and started a bank account, but didn't know what bank I used. So we just have different ones and as awkward as it may be - at least I know that if one bank goes down - I don't lose all of my money - I have the other to use in emergency.
3. Gave extra money to a charity at the bank for both myself and the customer behind me
So it was an extra dollar to support the Heart Foundation because that the main push in September. With prices like that, it was just easy to treat the person behind me. Besides, everything earned went to a worthy cause.
4.Picked up lawn chairs that were blown over at the park
Since it was Labor Day weekend, I decided that this was probably one of the last warm days to take my son to the park - and it was certainly busy. So there was a family that was having a picnic and then decided to go on a stroll through the park. In my hometown, we have this really nice beautiful park - its not enormous, but there are several sections that are nice to walk about. Anyway, when the left a whip of wind knocked over their lawn chairs - I just simple when over and set them back up. Easy
5. Thanked the worker who was attending to and managing the barrel ride at the park
I know that in an earlier post, I've talked about the barrel ride- my son loves this ride. There was only one person managing, driving, and collecting money for it - he was doing several jobs and deserved an extra & sincerely thank you!
Friday, June 17, 2011
5 Pennies - Day 56
1. Bought a scented bag decoration for the secretary
She loves this type of stuff. Little knick-knacks that reminds her that she is loved and someone finds her special. I am glad to provide this for her.
2. Gave another teacher a pencil pouch for her safety binder
So in an earlier post I mention that I wrote a thank you note to a teacher who shared some ideas of what to do with students to entertain them in an extended fire drill. Well, I was thinking that I should use this information and put together a simple pencil pouch that included these ideas and basic supplies for my own safety binder. When I went to go buy the pouch, there was a 2 for 1 deal and instantly knew that I should give the extra pouch to this other teacher. Since she shared her idea, I would share a supply.
3. Put a trash bag in the trash can of the 8th grade teacher work room
A custodian accidentally forgot this and I didn't want them to either get blame for not doing their job correctly or have to do extra work. So it was simple to take care of this - all of 10 seconds - if that.
4. Cleaned up paper towels off of the floor in the girls bathroom
Yes, I am a stickler about how a bathroom should look - but that is my OCD talking. It was simple to do, showed respect towards others, and helped a custodian out later on.
5. Emailed a student and her family a "Thinking of You" card because there has been some family health issues.
I have this wonderful band student, who is always prepared and ready to learn everyday - regardless of what is happening in her life. Well, let me back up - I had her brother a few years ago. He was extremely shy and quiet, but I knew that there was something special about him just beneath the surface. So I really worked with him on his musicianship skills, but more importantly I tried to work with him on his day to day skills. Recently he earned his Eagle Scout - I'm so proud of him for this accomplishment. So now I have his younger sister and she is just as special. She is full of life and a budding teenager that is just as self conscious as her brother. But again, there is something special about her. Anyway, I recently heard that there is a family health issue that is going on and I was worried - not that she would fall behind in class - but just worried for the family. So their family is added to my personal prayer list and I just wanted to let them know that I was thinking about them.
She loves this type of stuff. Little knick-knacks that reminds her that she is loved and someone finds her special. I am glad to provide this for her.
2. Gave another teacher a pencil pouch for her safety binder
So in an earlier post I mention that I wrote a thank you note to a teacher who shared some ideas of what to do with students to entertain them in an extended fire drill. Well, I was thinking that I should use this information and put together a simple pencil pouch that included these ideas and basic supplies for my own safety binder. When I went to go buy the pouch, there was a 2 for 1 deal and instantly knew that I should give the extra pouch to this other teacher. Since she shared her idea, I would share a supply.
3. Put a trash bag in the trash can of the 8th grade teacher work room
A custodian accidentally forgot this and I didn't want them to either get blame for not doing their job correctly or have to do extra work. So it was simple to take care of this - all of 10 seconds - if that.
4. Cleaned up paper towels off of the floor in the girls bathroom
Yes, I am a stickler about how a bathroom should look - but that is my OCD talking. It was simple to do, showed respect towards others, and helped a custodian out later on.
5. Emailed a student and her family a "Thinking of You" card because there has been some family health issues.
I have this wonderful band student, who is always prepared and ready to learn everyday - regardless of what is happening in her life. Well, let me back up - I had her brother a few years ago. He was extremely shy and quiet, but I knew that there was something special about him just beneath the surface. So I really worked with him on his musicianship skills, but more importantly I tried to work with him on his day to day skills. Recently he earned his Eagle Scout - I'm so proud of him for this accomplishment. So now I have his younger sister and she is just as special. She is full of life and a budding teenager that is just as self conscious as her brother. But again, there is something special about her. Anyway, I recently heard that there is a family health issue that is going on and I was worried - not that she would fall behind in class - but just worried for the family. So their family is added to my personal prayer list and I just wanted to let them know that I was thinking about them.
5 Pennies - Day 55
1. Bought Breast Cancer pencils in another teacher's mailbox
So in an earlier posting, I discussed how I bought my mother a pack of these special pencils. Well, I actually bought 2 packs - there was a deal - 2 for 1. I didn't want to keep them because they were too special and would use them. Yes, I have a whole drawer of pencils that I can't bring myself to using because they are special - given to me by kids, by other teachers, in honor of certain events, etc. Yes, I know what you are thinking - it is a pencil it is meant to be used. But to me, different knick knacks and artifacts - I just can bring myself to using, because once it is used - then what memory do I have of it. I'm going to be a senile old woman one day. Anyway, this particular teacher does the Breast Walk every year in her area (which is different from where she teaches). I have always admired her of this annual community service.
2. Cleaned up the coffee pot after everyone was finished
No I really cleaned up this contraption. I noticed that it wasn't brewing as quickly as normal and it could use a really good cleaning. I hope that this helps.
3. Helped another student finish his history assignment
So during my planning time today I was welcomed with a visit of one of my favorite students. He is a unique kid that loves music - something we share. I am always burning him disks of various music and he is always challenging me to listen to knew sub-genres. Well, as music as he likes music, he does not like to do 'regular academic work.' He believes that he can't because he doesn't have the memory that is required. I believe that he can, but he lacks the self confidence and drive. So my plan is to periodically help him with his regular work, gain his trust, and start to build his confidence. He will be going to high school next year - so I have only this year to achieve this goal. We shall see.
4. Gave students extra treats for doing an extra music ensemble work
I have a regular school band - and then sometimes I have kids that come to me wanting to create an extra after school ensemble. I am a sucker when it comes to this because even though I have my own work to do, if these kids want to put in some extra time - then I find the time for them. Anyway, I needed some musicians to help in providing some background music for me at a last minute event. It was easy to talk some of my students into it because they are so eager to please. The treats - well that is just a simple way to say thank you. Some people consider this a bribe - but really, I can't pay these students money like regular musicians get for doing a gig - so it is food/candy.
5. Bought special treats for my son's preschool class
Both him and I really love his teachers at his preschool. They do a fabulous job in working with him and rarely ask for any help in supplies. Being a teacher myself, I am always welcoming parent participation. However, I can't always provide in person volunteer because of my regular job - so it is my goal these next several months is to provide his class with special treats and supplies. Just to give them an extra educational opportunity because the teachers do so much.
So in an earlier posting, I discussed how I bought my mother a pack of these special pencils. Well, I actually bought 2 packs - there was a deal - 2 for 1. I didn't want to keep them because they were too special and would use them. Yes, I have a whole drawer of pencils that I can't bring myself to using because they are special - given to me by kids, by other teachers, in honor of certain events, etc. Yes, I know what you are thinking - it is a pencil it is meant to be used. But to me, different knick knacks and artifacts - I just can bring myself to using, because once it is used - then what memory do I have of it. I'm going to be a senile old woman one day. Anyway, this particular teacher does the Breast Walk every year in her area (which is different from where she teaches). I have always admired her of this annual community service.
2. Cleaned up the coffee pot after everyone was finished
No I really cleaned up this contraption. I noticed that it wasn't brewing as quickly as normal and it could use a really good cleaning. I hope that this helps.
3. Helped another student finish his history assignment
So during my planning time today I was welcomed with a visit of one of my favorite students. He is a unique kid that loves music - something we share. I am always burning him disks of various music and he is always challenging me to listen to knew sub-genres. Well, as music as he likes music, he does not like to do 'regular academic work.' He believes that he can't because he doesn't have the memory that is required. I believe that he can, but he lacks the self confidence and drive. So my plan is to periodically help him with his regular work, gain his trust, and start to build his confidence. He will be going to high school next year - so I have only this year to achieve this goal. We shall see.
4. Gave students extra treats for doing an extra music ensemble work
I have a regular school band - and then sometimes I have kids that come to me wanting to create an extra after school ensemble. I am a sucker when it comes to this because even though I have my own work to do, if these kids want to put in some extra time - then I find the time for them. Anyway, I needed some musicians to help in providing some background music for me at a last minute event. It was easy to talk some of my students into it because they are so eager to please. The treats - well that is just a simple way to say thank you. Some people consider this a bribe - but really, I can't pay these students money like regular musicians get for doing a gig - so it is food/candy.
5. Bought special treats for my son's preschool class
Both him and I really love his teachers at his preschool. They do a fabulous job in working with him and rarely ask for any help in supplies. Being a teacher myself, I am always welcoming parent participation. However, I can't always provide in person volunteer because of my regular job - so it is my goal these next several months is to provide his class with special treats and supplies. Just to give them an extra educational opportunity because the teachers do so much.
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