Prepare for Flight

“Often, it’s not about becoming a new person, but becoming the person you were meant to be, and already are, but don’t know how to be.” -Heath L. Buckmaster

This is the purpose of formal education.  Students are in school so that they can become the person they meant to be potentially.  As educators we are merely giving our students the equipment necessary to take them the direction choose.  With the basic knowledge gained in k-12 grade they are able to forge a path all their own.  We are preparing them for their 'release date', as animal rehabilitators do.  After this it is their turn to fly.

Google Earth and Fly To

I love the feeling of typing in a place name and "flying" all of the world on Google Earth.  I think the graphics and rapidity with which the world turns in the program certainly gives you a feeling of flying.  And to relate to the quote, the "fly to" function enable students to keep throwing themselves at the ground and eventually they will miss.  Because Google Earth does not have in depth views of all places on Earth, they are apt to "miss" from time to time, however, with enough "throws" at the ground, they'll find something, and they will certainly fly!

Quote Image Citation:  http://www.lushquotes.com/quote/douglas-adams_MTY1MTY2.html

Tomorrow

We have no control over what happens in our daily lives.  We can only control our feelings and how we react to the things that happen in our lives.  I think it is important to end the day with a positive thought.  It helps ease the mind, body, and soul.  Although it is difficult, I tell myself to let go of all the negative things.  If I wasn't able to complete a task, it's okay. There is always tomorrow.  However, there are some things that can't wait until the following day.  I always remember to say "I love you" to my children.  Also, I have taught them to not go to bed angry.  If you have done something wrong, apologize.  If someone has wronged you, forgive. It will make tomorrow a better day.

On another note, I've been having difficulty with some of my course requirements and been having mental blocks.  If I haven't figured it out by the end of the night, then I just have to let it go and wait for tomorrow. 

https://www.facebook.com/lessonslearnedinlife

Google Earth and Perspective.

Well, as I continue to finagle my way through different tools on Google Earth, I appreciate the multitude of perspectives this tool gives.  I have discovered the "street view" perspective that is applicable for many popular areas.  I may end up adding this in to my assignments for my students, they will have to explain how their view of a landmark (such as the Eiffel Tower), changes from the overhead satellite view to the street view.  They will have to answer questions such as:

How would a French person see the Eiffel Tower?  An astronaut?  A tourist?

These types of questions force them to consider different views and perspectives and get them thinking higher up on Bloom's Taxonomy.   Who knows, thinking about perspective could change their life! Thanks Google Earth!

ImageQuote Citation:http://chrysaliscoaching-canada.com/testimonials.html

You want me to?

This was shared from DiAnn Singleton Ervin's Facebook. I thought I would share with all of you.



After being interviewed by the school administration, the prospective teacher said:

'Let me see if I've got this right.

'You want me to go into that room with all those kids, correct their disruptive behavior, observe them for signs of abuse, monitor their dress habits, censor their T-shirt messages, and instill in them a love for learning.

'You want me to check their backpacks for weapons, wage war on drugs and sexually transmitted diseases, and raise their sense of self esteem and personal pride.

'You want me to teach them patriotism and good citizenship, sportsmanship and fair play, and how to register to vote, balance a checkbook, and apply for a job.

'You want me to check their heads for lice, recognize signs of antisocial behavior, and make sure that they all pass the final exams.

'You also want me to provide them with an equal education regardless of their handicaps, and communicate regularly with their parents in English, Spanish or any other language, by letter, telephone, newsletter, and report card.

'You want me to do all this with a piece of chalk, a blackboard, a bulletin board, a few books, a big smile, and a starting salary that qualifies me for food stamps.


'You want me to do all this, and then you tell me......

I CAN'T PRAY?'

This was nominated for email of the year - DE

“Dripping water hollows out stone, not through force but through persistence.”
― Ovid

“In essence, if we want to direct our lives, we must take control of our consistent actions. It's not what we do once in a while that shapes our lives, but what we do consistently.”
― Anthony Robbins

Lately, I've been at my wits' end trying to fit everything into the 24 hours available daily. Persistence and consistence will prove to be key tools in accomplishing everything. At times wondering what all this is for, then I remember that long term goals will see snags along the way. I must remember that short term defeats or moments of despair should not make longer term goals appear out of reach.

Do what we do well and use these tools to get us through difficult or seemingly difficult times in order to reach our long term goals.

Quotes courtesy of http://www.goodreads.com/quotes/tag/perseverance
Photo couretsy of http://www.meetbethallen.com/the-power-of-perseverance/

Google Earth!

I love Google Earth!  It is exhilarating to research places, use the place marks, and fly to locations all over the planet.  I have enjoyed analyzing the satellite pictures as well, it certainly allows you to view both your home and other places with a bird's eye view, and allows you to ask questions and simply wonder out loud ,"Why is that there?"  Wondering out loud is exactly what we want our students to do.  The more they wonder, the more they will seek the answers to their own questions.  As teachers, it is our job to promote student wondering.   Overall, I think Google Earth is a great tool for having students change their perspective, and explore the Earth from a satellite perspective as well.  


Quote/Picture Citation:  http://www.thequotefactory.com/quote-by/hermann-hesse/everything-becomes-a-little-different/63488