It is that time of year again. Where homework is the grudge on my shoulder and my thoughts are worth lots and lots of time and money.

I spent most of the evening cooking, and wrapping presents which was as far away from schoolwork as I could be = glorious.

Lipstick rules.

Broken thoughts are better :).


I have been panicking on whether or not elementary education is the "right" thing for me. It's mainly the same feeling as when I was about to be married. I am absolutely terrified because of the massive commitment I am making. As I think about it more, I realize that it is okay to be scared and more than likely I'll never be "ready" for anything. Being prepared is one thing, but being scared is really only telling me that I have looked at what is ahead of me and I am beginning to understand the sincerity and time and effort and money and compassion and I realize how BIG of a deal it is. And it is beautiful. And as I lay back and close my eyelids over my weary eyes I say to myself, "This is it; this is what I am called to do."
- and that my friends is how cool God is in showing us what we can do for Him.

You all should check Aaron Mitchum's album out on itunes, it's amazing, changes lives and will be released sooooooon. Not too mention Mark plays guitar in it. Woot woot.

I have come to the conclusion, that not all of us (people) take hearing, seeing, smelling, tasting, and learning for granted.

Here is one small piece of evidence: I was listening on Mark's huge headphones the Fur Elise on the Charlie Brown Christmas movie and the piano only came through in on the right side. I was so upset. My left ear was thoroughly saddened.

As far as taste buds go, if you are over indulging then of course you will not know the glory of things such as disappearing marshmallow brownies.

In other news: The National Geographic magazine I have subscribed to has made my life just that much more amazing. Just the same - the Intellectual devotional. Everyone should get a copy.

I had a nightmare that I was a failure of a fourth grade teacher. I hope that does not come true.

There is light at the end of the tunnel.

One of my favorite words is lunch. What's yours?

I said BRRRRR

DANG man, it's cold outside! I cannot believe we get slapped with 65 degree weather and it's down to 38. WTF? Good music, warm apartment, cute husband, precious dog, Christmas tree glowing: ingredients for an amazing Thursday evening.

I finished teaching, I am exhausted and I have a Math exam tomorrow. Awesome.

I am READY for TURKEY DAY WOOT WOOT

I'm teaching tomorrow and for the first time, I feel slightly confident.
HAHA that will leave when I step in the classroom.

You all (readers) should complete my survey on the side about your favorite dessert

After partially completing part two of a unit, I'm not sure that I will make it.

Confession:
My attitude is not so good right now.

I'm glad however that I made chilli and cinnamon rolls tonight. oh yes.

Here are just a few websites I think are some of the most beneficial for a classroom, or a teacher.

http://www.brainpop.com/educators/lesson_plans/

Awesome website for teachers - many, many lesson plans.

http://www.learn4good.com/kids/

Another great site for students and teachers.

http://www.smithsonianeducation.org/students/index.html

This one is really cool for students.

I made a voice link thread... check it out. I only had a few minutes to mess with it, so have fun!

It's down below

My Resume - Be impressed. or... don't be?

Rebekah Wampler

OBJECTIVE

Seeking employment for the 2009-2010 school year, K-6, where I can practice my love for English and establish a will and desire for learning in all students.

EDUCATION

Kansas State University in Manhattan, KS
Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education, area of concentration in English
• Anticipated Graduation Date May 2009
o GPA 3.63

University of the Nations in Los Angeles, CA January 2006- June 2006
• Studied geographical locations
o Focused on learning names and locations of countries from around the world.
• Exercised creativity through activities
o Created a journal with reflective writing using a variety of materials.
• Served Hurricane Katrina victims
o Worked in Katrina’s Kitchen cooking and serving meals and cleaned damaged homes in preparation for repair.

RELEVANT
EXPERIENCE

Practicum Experience, Ogden, KS August 2008 – present

• Developed lesson plans with a 5E model for social studies, language arts, and reading
o Worked with a partner to instruct a fifth grade classroom.
• Assessed students and their varied abilities
o Used multiple assessment tools to gage student’s developmental levels.

Clinical Experience, Morris Hill Elementary, Ft. Riley, KS January – May 2008
• Developed lesson plans with a 5E model for mathematics and science
o Worked in a team of three to complete a three math and science lessons.
• Facilitated discussion in science lessons
o Guided students in a discussion about levers and the conclusions of their data.
• Investigated various teaching strategies
o Used the district’s resources to develop accurate teaching processes.

Early Field Experience, Northview Elementary, Manhattan, KS January – May 2007
• Supported second grade children in reading, science and social studies
o Guided the class in questioning during a study of a meal worm life cycle, cultural studies and reading.
• Maintained various classroom duties for the cooperating teacher
o Graded addition and subtraction worksheets and constructed learning centers for the classroom.
• Analyzed classroom behavior and teacher response
o Observation notes were taken during the classroom instruction and communicated with the teacher while the class was in art.

Volunteer, Andrew Murray Center, Capetown, South Africa April-June 2006
• Examined African culture and traditions
o Traveled to an Afrikaans monument created after the apartheid, and spent time in the shantytowns and inner city public schools.
• Coached English programs for children and other activities
o Went into remote villages to work on language development.
• Developed and used small Afrikaans vocabulary, plan to use this in the future
o Helped tend to children in an AIDS orphanage.

Day Care Assistant, YMCA, K-6, Olathe, KS August 2004-January 2006
• Organized physical activities
o A thirty minute time was allotted to have physical activity, in which we would play games.
• Addressed behavioral issues with parents
o Communicated bullying issue with the parents of a student in the YMCA after school care.

VOLUNTEER
EXPERIENCE

Catechist, Seven Dolors Parish, Manhattan, KS August 2007-Present
• Facilitated class discussions
o Encouraged students to think deeply about religion and daily living through questioning.
• Addressed classroom behaviors and expectations
o Began the semester with expectations and classroom conduct.
• Enjoyed developing and instructing lessons
o Worked with a specific lesson book to conduct classroom teachings.

Volunteer, Oasis, Hollywood, CA January-April 2006
• Stimulated the youth in various activities
o Interacted with the youth through sports.
• Counseled a variety of youth
o Held personal conversations with individuals.
• Encouraged continual growth in the students and their commitment to the center
o Role modeled time well spent in a healthy environment.


*Addresses, references and phone numbers have been deleted for obvious reasons.

The Tight Rope Tree

I am the only girl of four
and strong as formidable can be.
For even as I am four feet tall
the boys cannot beat me.

And even when it is arctic outside
I wear my KU coat.
Since winter has got the best of me
I feel that I should not boast.

I saw the boys swinging from the tight rope tree
so I figured I would try,
but about halfway across the water
it stone broke and made me cry.

Now I’m cold and very wet
but honest can’t you see?
That I am the only girl of four
and as cold as bone-chilled could be.

Is it possible to miss such a precious face. Sometimes the biggest regret is moving away from this little lady and her big sister.





I feel that today is a day of reflection.

It could be a response to the genre of music I am listening to. Copeland - I've got my life in a suitcase... Ray Lamontagne...
oh so gooood.




and this face.


Ha, all I want to know is what happened to the effect that I have no head. It's disappearing into the light.

Well I called it when I said mathematics is not my forte.
My goodness, throw me a friggin' bone people.

Why is it that in order to be an elementary teacher you have to be a rocket scientist? Why is it that people tell me I am getting a cut and paste degree? You know what I want to say to that. I'm sorry, I'll try to remember that when I am teaching your child about ancient civilizations. jerk.

I am worn down, low down.

and no. I don't want to listen to the beat of your heart - you know who you are. :)

Train Whistle

Like Johnny Cash sang,

I hear the train a comin'
It's rollin' 'round the bend,
And I ain't seen the sunshine,
Since, I don't know when...


Let me tell you. I was lying awake listening to who knows how many dad-gummed trains.
Needless to say I'm a little sleepy today.