Come on in twenty thirteen...

As the new year begins, 2013 will be a year of new beginnings in many ways.  We will welcome our daughter to the world in the next three months, a moment that will knowingly change our lives forever.  I have so many hopes for myself as a mother, for us as new parents and for our little girl to come.

I hope to enjoy the moments before THE moment of her birth.  To embrace the ups and downs of the last trimester.  To enjoy the quiet and simplicity of life before we begin growing our family.  These moments are rare and life will be changed forever sooner than later.

I hope to learn as I go.  In no way do I have this whole parenting thing figured out, nor do I expect to!  I hope to be prepared, knowledgeable  and educated; without expecting to make perfect steps along the way.  I am learning to accept that it is okay to make mistakes and learn as we go.  I hope our daughter will learn this lesson from her parents as we mess up, find grace, and move forward in life.

I hope to find the balance between work and family.  Moving from pouring my identity into my occupation toward balancing both my calling, passion, and love.  I hope to balance my time and use each moment wisely during the work day and make my time at home priority.  & if it doesn't work out perfectly, to be okay with that as well.

I hope to embrace this gift.  Being a mother is a gift and I hope to enjoy each moment, including the pregnancy weeks to come.  I hope even in the wee hours of 2 am screaming baby, tired mom, no sleep coma, I hope to appreciate the moment and the opportunity to be a mother and to have that screaming baby in the middle of the night.

What a year it will be!! Come on in twenty thirteen... 

the hunt for jeans

Some girls love jeans.  They can dress them up or down, they just throw them on and look great.  Me, on the other hand, I do not love jeans.  I never have and probably never will.  I want jeans to fit perfectly and to be less than $50.  Hard to find.  Add my beautiful preggo belly, this hunt just intensified ten times!

My pre-pregnancy jeans of choice were a random super clearance skinny crop pair from Ann Taylor Loft.  I could wear them in the summer/spring and winter with boots.  Golden.  My splurge faves were Paige Premium and Citizens, both which I had to have altered for being shorter than most.  Don't get me wrong, I have over 10 pairs of jeans in my closet, but I always come back to those 3.
photo credit: 6pm.com

So, now we come to the pregnant version of me.  I made those jeans last as long as possible with the Be Band from Target.  Thank goodness to whoever invented that thing!  This weekend, I reached my max, my regular jeans just aren't making the cut anymore at 23 weeks.  Some women can wear their regular jeans all through pregnancy and feel great and look great, and I am more than happy for you (aka secretly jealous), but that is not me.  I embrace it, I love it, I just needed some jeans!

My hunt- I started with my 2 go tos for maternity.
Stop 1: Old Navy. Huge fail.  I tried on maternity skinny, curvy, boot cut, regular, you name it.  All awful.  Painful, in fact, to even attempt!  They may be $20-40, but not happening.

Stop 2: Target.  Just looking at the rack stressed me out.  2 pairs. Really, target?  One pair is the "low panel" version that makes me feel sick looking at it.  The other pair looked too mom jeanish and I didn't even try them on.  Both around $40.

Stop 3: Motherhood Maternity.  Sometimes Motherhood comes through for me, especially with the work clothes.  Online, the jeans were overwhelming.  Too many choices and I needed to try on before.

Stop 4: A Pea in the Pod.  Normally, I avoid this store like the plague unless I'm willing to spend $100 or up, but I did my research first.  They have a store named brand, maternity + petite!  I even called our mall's store to be sure they carried these, AND they were on sale post black friday.  Winner.

My sweet trooper of a husband went with me to stop by Pea in the pod, which we jokingly call, pee in the pond. I tried on one pair and a nice buy one get one top, and I felt like a million bucks.  There is something to be said for comfort, style, and nice quality clothes- especially when you are very pregnant.  I did a little dance in the dressing room and walked out to the counter and said, "Strange request- can I wear these clothes out and buy them now?"  I clearly am not the first person to ask, these women went into action.  One cut off my tags, the other had a bag for my other clothes that didn't make the cut to wear home.  I was in and out in a good 15 minutes.  Check for great customer service! This was the pair I ended up with.  And no, I will not be pairing them with 4 inch black heels, ever- much less now :)

photo credit: apeainthepod.com

After weeks of making those favorite pre pregnancy jeans barely/hardly/kindof work, I am glad to say the hunt is over.  Even if I need another pair in the next 4 months, I will probably buy online now that I know the size and fit that works.  I hope for other pregnant ladies out there, you have much more luck than I did.  It was a painful hunt, glad it is over!

Confessions of a No I'm not having Twins pregnant woman

Pregnancy is absolutely wonderful, beautiful, terrifying, and miraculous all at the same time.  I knew to just give my body and mind away to the growth of our beautiful baby girl, what I didn't know was how others would respond to my growing body.  Being a teacher includes even more strange, shocking and inappropriate comments from both adults and adolescents.

Some of the best, coupled with my inner dialogue that tends to come out more and more these days ;)

"Are you sure you're going to make it to March?"
No, I'm not sure, but your comments on how large and round my belly is isn't making this easier, unnamed coworker. 

"Oh, you're having twins!"
No... just one.

"What if Mrs. N has her baby right here in the classroom on the floor?"
I. will. never. ever. ever. deliver my child on the floor of any classroom. 

"Can I touch your belly?"
Um, no, okay, too late.

"Mrs. N is having her twins in a few months."
No, still not having twins. Thanks.

"Just wait, it gets worse."
Really?? I just thought it was blissfully perfect!  

It truly amazes me the permission people believe they have to comment on my belly, body, unborn child, parenting, you name it!  I believe in giving people the benefit of the doubt, however, lately, giving the eye and a snarky smile seem more manageable than revealing my inner dialogue in response to these crazy comments.  With all of this said, I am fortunate to have mostly wonderful people who laugh and smile through my pregnancy with me. Many of my sweet friends who have had children or who just like me are patient, caring, and encouraging.  Words of advice: next time you see a pregnant lady, just smile and be kind.  It's for your own benefit, trust me. :)

Primary Secondary Sources

Hello my lovely students!

click on this link  to follow along as we learn about primary & secondary sources. 

What went wrong with those research projects?

Last Spring, I fumbled my way through a research project with my 6th graders.  It was a train-wreck, to say the least.  It lasted 2 weeks longer than expected, it was disorganized and for some reason my students did not know what I wanted from them.  Luckily, we learn from our mistakes.  Common Core emphasizes research and public speaking skills, especially in grades 6-8.  Knowing I had to attempt research projects again, I reconsidered last year's mistakes.  We are in our second week of a unit focused on child slavery.  They seemed very concerned and appalled at the number of child slaves in the world, especially those trafficked into the US.  I thought this would be a great opportunity for students to create a PSA about the topic.  I figured this would be the right time to revive the dreaded Research Project.

Thought I'd share my past mistakes and this year's fixes because I wish someone would have told me beforehand!

Problem last year: I gave students free reign on their choice topic.  This made research and expectations hard to define.

Solution this year: Focusing the project within one focus topic.  We have read multiple narrative and informational texts about child slavery.  They have a sufficient amount of background knowledge prior to starting research.  The topic and expectations are clearly defined.

Problem last year: Students did not know how to navigate through the Internet to find reliable, significant research.

Solution this year: I found a great site that lets you preselect websites for students to visit, Sqworl.com Create a free account and just add the sites you want.  I chose 6 to provide enough options, but to not overwhelm.

Problem last year: Students did not know the steps in order, they relied on me to tell them what to do next.

Solution this year: I am providing each step with details to allow students to become more independent. I used the Word doc from another teacher's PSA project and made it my own.  I've attached my step by step instructions here.

Problem last year: I asked students to keep paper copies and index cards with research.  Papers were lost, messy, or incomplete.

Solution this year: We're going digital!  All documents will be available on Google Docs, final products will be submitted online.  

Of course, we encounter glitches in every plan, but I feel more prepared this year to tackle a research project that is relevant, meaningful, and based on 21st century learning.

Ready, Set, Research!  I'll let you know how it turns out!

Digital literacy vs. tangible books

This summer, I was challenged with an incredible summer course in young adult literacy, thank you Dr. Pendergrass!  We explored adolescent issues and the best ways to teach students through literacy.  Dr. P reminded us "We do not teach literature, we teach students.  We use literacy to teach students."

Given a list of 30ish young adult novels to choose from, I debated whether to buy the hardcover books or purchase them on my ipad.  Being the cheapskate that I am, I went for the cheaper option.  The paperback versions were usually cheaper, (especially on Half.com) but some newly published novels were priced the same on the ipad.  (Check out the Vandy summer YA lit list!)

Now that our course is complete, I am left with the question- which is better? Digital books or tangible books?  My benefits list for each:

photo from wired.com

Digital books: 
- Forget the big box of books! It is all digital, easy to carry
- Easy access: thanks to the iCloud
- Highlighting text couldn't be easier
- Lights up!  No need for a flashlight to read in bed
- Always there, it lasts as long as the ipad is around
- Easy to reference, I love selecting the notes and all the highlighted or bookmarked pages pop up
- Trendy, digital, modern, sleek

Real books:
- There is something special about a new book- the smell, the cover, the pages (Okay, yes I am a nerdy reading teacher.)
- You can pass it along.
- Easy to share. That is part of the joy of reading when you can pass on (literally pass on) a great read to someone else.
- Sticky notes, bookmarks, highlighters, underlining- a good reader interacts with the text.  This seems natural with a real book.
- The fact that I call it a real book shows I may be a bit partial.
- Cheaper?  Usually paperbacks can be found used for a few dollars.
- Bookshelves! are beautiful and make for great home and office decor


So I ask, which is better?  Where will the idea and act of reading be in 5, 10, 15 years?  How do we as teachers prepare our students for the digital generation to come?  I'd love to hear (read) your thoughts! :)

To teach the love of reading, I must first love reading

I must share the summer course reading list.  (The list was compiled by Dr. Hundley and Dr. Pendergrass at Vanderbilt Univ.) These titles are YA lit and are mostly geared toward middle/high school students.  Some include racey topics, always read before recommending to students.  The best lesson I have learned this past year: To teach the love of reading, we must be readers.  I often used the lack of time as an excuse not to read.  This summer forced me to literally Drop Everything And Read!  Once I made time to read frequently, I found myself in love with reading again.  I found myself immersed in the plot and talking about characters like they were friends of mine.  It is worth it.  Read!  Read for fun and for learning.  Then, teach others to do the same!

Happy Reading! and may the odds be ever in your favor...
(I have marked my personal favorites)

** 13: Stories That Capture the Agony and Ecstasy... - James Howe (short stories)
** Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian- Sherman Alexie
The Arrival- Shaun Tan (graphic novel, immigration)
American Born Chinese- Gene Luen Yang (graphic novel)
** Beastly- Kyle Kingson (modern day Beauty & the Beast)
Dark Eden- Patrick Carman
Drums, Girls, Dangerous Pie- Jordan Sonnenblick
** The Fault in Our Stars- John Green
** Forest of Hands and Teeth- Carrie Ryan (zombies, sci fi)
** Getting Away With Murder- Chris Crowe (non-fiction, civil rights)
Marcelo in the Real World- Francisco X
Mississippi Trial- Chris Crowe (realistic fiction based on title above)
Out of the Dust- Karen Hesse
Hey 13- Gary Soto (short stories)
** Holes- Louis Sachar
** Homeless Bird- Gloria Whelan (historical fiction, Indian culture)
** Hunger Games- Suzanne Collins (dystopian lit)
Inexcusable- Chris Lynch
The Lightning Thief- Rick Riordan
Locomotion- Jacqueline Woodson
** Mockingbird- Kathryn Erskine (autism, school shootings)
My Name is Not Easy- Debby Dahl Edwardson
No More Dead Dogs- Gordon Korman
** Okay for Now- Gary Schmidt
Probably Still Nick Swanson- Virginia Wolff (special needs)
Raised by Wolves- Jennifer Lynn Barnes
Riot- Walter Dean Myers (NY riots, historical fict)
Rot and Ruin- Jonathan Maberry (zombies)
** Skeleton Creek- Patrick Carman (horror for middle school, video diary online to pair with reading)
So B. It- Sarah Weeks
Speak- Laurie Anderson
Watsons Go to Birmingham- 1963- Christopher Paul Curtis
** Who Am I Without Him?- Sharon Flake

Middle/High school teachers out there, which pop culture lit titles would you add to the must read list?  

Are there any of the above that you love and/or love to teach?

This year, I'll be starting the year with a unit using short stories with 13- Howe.

photos from amazon.com 

Depth

I am taking a break from my summer class prep, reading book upon book, to write a bit!  Reading and writing are connected, right my fellow literacy teachers?  I always have this middle of the night great idea for a blog and then when I wake up, I forget them.  During the school year, my brain is too busy.  In the summer, my brain goes into slow motion mode.  Instead of a brilliant idea, I find myself sharing what I talk about with friends and my sweet husband who entertains my talking.

Topic of the month: depth.  I think in the summer is when I have time to talk about things, such as depth.  This is when I stop and draw back from my crazy busy life and think about what matters.  I am one of those people who thrives on conversation and relationship.  I have realized and been thinking about the depth of my friendships and relationships.  How often do we (individuals, teachers, wives) walk in, get the job done, walk out... come home, eat supper, watch TV, read, go to bed... I know for me, this happens far too often.  I want to stop and actually get to know people and allow them to know me.  In this depth of relationship, there is risk.  Without risk, there is no depth.  I strive to know and be known by the Lord through prayer and quiet time.  I desire to know and be known by my husband, to carve out intentional time for us to talk deeply about life, hopes, and dreams.  I want friendships that are a balance of laughter and joy, along with sharing life's ups and downs.  Of course not all conversation is deep and meaningful and serious, but I don't want life to solely be about a checklist of events year after year.  As in all things, I am sure there is balance.

Now that I've reflected and pondered, back to reading I go... :)

A plug for a great book about community:

"This is why knowing and being known go to the core of life.  You cannot be fully loved if you are not fully known.  You can only be loved to the extent that you are known.  You can only be completely loved if you are completely known." John Ortberg, Everybody's Normal Till You Get to Know Them


* shoutout to our old small group from Ridge with this one! :)

Don't forget about the middle school teachers!

Lately, I find myself in conversation about the lack of middle school teacher resources online.  Of course there are some great blogs with cutesy elementary fun activities and ways to decorate the classroom, etc.  Why is there not a central online resource with lessons, activities for middle school students? (Free of course!)  I am hoping to see more of this, or perhaps I'll start one myself?

Middle school teachers are often forgotten.  Elementary is fun and the kids are usually sweet.  High schools are mini adults and can think and reason.  Middle schoolers are their own breed.  They are not yet young adults but are no longer children.  Their cognitive skill is still being developed, but they must be constantly challenged.  If middle school students are not entertained, they will create their own entertainment.  As an urban teacher, we attempt to educate students with challenges that extend far beyond the walls of a classroom.  My goal is to defy these odds and make learning fun and relevant.  To give the one key out of poverty...

At the end of a school year, relevant and fun learning is a hard goal to reach!  This year, I have given in to the film study bandwagon in my building.  For years, I was told not to just show movies at the end of the year, which I still agree with.  I now see the benefit of analyzing film from a reader/writer's point of view.  I first sent home a parent letter for an option out of the PG13 movies, (cross all your Ts!) for The Pursuit of Happyness and Freedom Writers.  I started google searching for existing study guides to find... practically nothing.  There are some guides out there but they are meant for high school and up.  So I created my own.  I'll post them below.  Each movie is approx. 120 minutes, perfect to stretch across 3 days for about 40 minutes.  I would give students guidance before the movie and time to complete portions of the study guide after the film each day.

So, here is my effort to put out there what we all want and need as teachers- more resources premade to pass along.  I'm hoping to upload more this summer and keep this going as my time allows!
(A general overview below, see linked attachments for student resources.)

The Pursuit of Happyness- click for study guide 
Guiding Question: What is the American Dream?  How does this relate to ancient civilizations' social classes?
Show first 5 minutes of 20/20 interview with Chris Gardner *Stop at 4:21
Previewing Activity questions on study guide
3 segments of movie time
Review/Closure: Connection/Reflection questions

Freedom Writers- click for study guide
Guiding Question: Would racism exist if everyone were blind?
Show movie trailer
Previewing Activity questions on study guide
3 segments of movie time
Review/ Closure: Connection/Reflection questions
Participate in the Line Game as seen in the movie
More questions/writing prompts (mostly higher level)

Balance?

I'm stuck at home sick this week with ginger ale, tea, tamiflu, and TV.  Sometimes it takes the flu to make me stop and take a break and consider the idea of balance.  I am involved in conversations everywhere I go about balance. This year, more than ever before, I am constantly forced to choose how to invest my energy and time.  My busiest days of the week include a full day teaching middle schoolers, sometimes 1-2 hours spent in meetings, 3 hours in grad class, leaving 5 total hours to spend with my husband, eat dinner, let the dog out,... the list goes on.  Every teacher I know asks, "How do I balance my obligations at school and my personal life?"

I tried to achieve such balance using several tactics.  First, I tried to schedule my week down to the minute of every obligation, want, and desire for my day.  I believe the schedule itself became more stressful than the potential outcome.  Next, I tried having someone else hold me accountable, encouraging me to leave at a certain time, asking if I spent quality time with my husband, etc.  That works for awhile, but then when I fall short, I felt like a failure.  Like I not only let down myself, but also this other person.  Both of these attempts fed into my perfectionism.  The thought that everything must be just so for my life to work out.  Most recently, I believe I found the way that works best for me.  I make a goal time to go to work, to leave work, to eat dinner, and then I have a goal of nothing time.  Time to not plan the second, to just enjoy life on my own or with Sam.  With a goal instead of a strict schedule, if it doesn't happen, the world doesn't end.  This is my way to bump up against my perfectionism.  To let go of the strenuous schedule and enjoy day by day.  And if my schedule doesn't work out, I just try better the next day.  

Lately, my goals look something like this:

-spend 10 hours max a day at my work place

-Get at least 7 hours of sleep, even if the work is not done

-approach of grad school work one week at a time and finish it well

-allow about 2-3 hours of school work at home (life of a teacher)

-make dinner 3 nights a week

-spend at least 1 hour of uninterrupted, quality time with my husband every day

-have one date night a week, solely devoted to Sam

-have at least 1 afternoon or night spent with friends (usually this overlaps with teachery/grad school, hello there social capital!)

-spend an hour a day reflecting, in prayer, and thanking my God for this precious life

-Go to the gym or sweat 3 times a week

Again, these are goals! I don't think I have ever reached all of my goals within one week.  That's what makes it work.  Do I have this balance thing perfected? Of course not.  What I have learned is that I allow myself grace when it comes to my schedule and doing this phase of life just right.  I do the best I can, come home to my husband, and enjoy life. It's as if finding balance is a constant choice, constant forgiveness, and continuous change.  

So I ask you, how do you find your balance?

*photo credits: various blogs, Pinterest

Dinner: healthy, quick, a hit!

The first semester of living in Nashville, teaching middle school, and tackling grad school lead to neglected dinners at the Nelson home!  My poor husband suffered many nights of cereal, box mac & cheese, and frozen pizzas for the past 6 months.  


Among my many new 2012 beginnings, I added eating fresh dinners with my husband as frequently as possible. 


I found this great blog from Pinterest (I told you it has all things great!) 
http://mamaandbabylove.blogspot.com/2011/04/freezer-cooking-with-slow-cooker.html 

photo credit: mamaandbabylove.blogspot.com

The premise is bake ahead for the month.  Except you're not actually baking, you just combine and freeze!  The freezer bags are portioned and ready for the crock pot.  The slow cooker liner bags make clean up simple and quick.  The best part is everything is fresh.  It does take time on the front end, but it is so worth it!


My favorite meal so far is the BBQ chicken from the mama and baby love blog.  

Healthy Mama Barbecue Chicken

3 medium unpeeled sweet potatoes, cut into 1/2 inch pieces

2 large green pepper, cut into strips

1 large red pepper, cut into strips

1 zucchini, chopped

1 medium onion, sliced

1 tablespoon quick cooking tapioca

2 pounds chicken thighs or drumsticks

1 8-ounce can of tomato sauce

2 tablespoons packed brown sugar

1 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce

1 tablespoon yellow mustard (I wasn't sure if this meant actual mustard or the spice so I did a little of both)

1 clove garlic, minced

1/4 teaspoon salt

Dump everything into two gallon freezer bags, shake it up, seal, label and put in the freezer.

Tonight, I made a modified Teriyaki chicken: (By made I mean cut up, threw in a bag, and put in the freezer)


1 red onion
1 squash
1 zucchini
1 green pepper
minced garlic
5 chicken tenderloins
Dump in a freezer bag, label/date, pour Teriyaki sauce generously on top of everything at the end
Ta da! 


I plan on preparing meals ahead of time and using my crockpot often this year!  Let me know if you find any other successful freezer/crockpot meals to add to my recipe list. :) 

Fig Lang !

For our 6th grade figurative language scholars! 

Lyrics

Chorus
Sometimes what you mean is not exactly what you say
That’s figurative language, using words in different ways
Personification, alliteration, assonance, hyperbole
Onomatopoeia, metaphor, and simile

Verse I
When Sally seems to sit somewhere separate from Sonia,
Or Caleb calls Chris ‘cause he’s coming to California
It’s called alliteration: that’s what occurs
When you got the same sound at the start of every word
But when you’ve got a vowel sound that keeps sounding the same
That’s a figure called assonance, yeah, that’s its name
It’s what I’m trying to define by providing this example
But I cannot deny that assonance can be a handful

Chorus

Verse II
A simile is something that you use to compare
Two unrelated things with an element that’s shared
My mind is like an ocean; it’s as smooth as jazz
But it’s only a simile if it uses “like” or “as”
A metaphor is similar, but watch out!
Be careful ’cause you’ve got to leave “like” and “as” out
My mind is an ocean; my words are a river,
So keep your ears open as I continue to deliver

Chorus

Verse III
Now if the sun’s smiling down, or the boat hugged the shore
That’s personification, nothing less, nothing more
But with a buzz or a ding or a hiss or a roar
That’s onomatopoeia that we’re using for sure
Hyperbole: man, that’s like a million times harder!
Take something true, then exaggerate it way farther
Now you’ve heard this song from beginning to the finish
Now you’ve got some tools to draw your literary image