Native American Unit

This past Monday I started a unit on Native Americans in the Southwest. I'm so excited because I have been talking about this unit with my students since January (we had to go through the necessary curriculum to get here).

The first day I brought in a R. Carlos Nakai c.d. (flute music) to set the mood for Native American stories. It was really interesting to see the reactions from the students. I usually introduced the lesson with a story.

The rest of the week the students worked on a reader's theater on four different Native American creation stories. It was originally going to be quite simple, but it became elaborate- with costumes and scripts. I must say that my class is so awesome, they are very creative and the entire play came together beautifully. We even got to perform for the second and first grades.

They had two days to write a script rough draft, final, make costumes, and memorize their lines. Believe me, they put so much effort in, I was amazed at the outcome. Not too shabby for 2 days, I was so impressed!

On Thursday I gave an impromptu lesson on Native American music and the different stories behind flutes. I played my Native American flutes (key of A and C) for the class and gave the background info. Not wanting to leave out my buddies, tin whistle Eb, C, and F, I played them for the class also and had them compare and contrast the two different instruments. It was so fun.

This week I have a lot planned. I want to get to a little game called "The Moccasin Game." The caveat is that it's supposed to only be played in the winter. Winter is about gone, but I think I can do a quick game on Monday.

Happy Valentine's Day

We have big plans today. Nothing, just being lazy and going for a stroll at the Renaissance Faire.

Last night we watched Friday the 13th, it was good. I'm glad the movie was based on the original story and had some elements of the other movies. Needless to say, I was pleasantly surprised.

This morning we went to Petco. Cookie went on a stroll and enjoyed strangers fawning over him. He started to get a bit crabby when he saw 2 dogs in the grooming area. (Can't say I blame him)

Happy Valentine's day!! Tell those you love (and those you don't) how much you love them.

Love,

Dawn, Jack, Cookie, Piddles-Gayle, Chomper, and O-Ren

My Shirt is Made in Hanes

Today I did a lesson on trading (think Middle Ages). I had the students look at their t-shirt tags to find out where they were made. Luckily (or not) they were made in other countries-to get my point across. (Only one student had a t-shirt made in America)

So I had them create a map on the different countries, based on their labels, in relation to the U.S. They were to look at a map AFTER their map was done to see how their maps compared to a professional one.

One tired looking boy said, "Miss Cadman! I looked and looked for my country and I can't find it! I give up! HELP!!"

I said, "Okay, tell me where it is and I can point you in the right direction."

He said, "My shirt is made in Hanes."

Brilliant

Accountablity at its worst ;)
http://hamptonroads.com/2009/02/chesapeake-parents-take-stand-over-teens-grades

High Roller..

Today I got a check in the mail for my jury duty mileage. A whopping $2.67! I am officially a high roller making the big bucks! ;)

You Don't Have an Earache, Just Severe TMJ

I went to the doctor for an excruciating earache that had persisted for more than three days. I couldn't sleep and laying my ear on a pillow. I had an earache prior so I was convinced this was the same. I went to an ear nose and throat (ENT) doctor and he saw me for about 4 minutes and said, "You have swelling and a bit of infection in your ear, but it isn't an earache. You have TMJ really bad. How do you even eat?"

I was so surprised because I thought this was for sure an earache. The doctor basically said 'I can't help you, go to the dentist for a "bite."' (A bite is like a retainer, but it fits over the teeth-usually to help stop grinding/clenching/biting)

I took Ibuprofen twice a day and tried to relax my mouth (I chew the insides of my mouth-gross, I know) and tongue. In two days, the pain was letting up.

I gave up gum (sort of) when I was originally diagnosed, so I thought I was in the clear. Apparently, the doctor says I secretly grind my teeth and clench my jaws a lot. By a lot, I mean A LOT. He said there's "evidence" of this.
(Jeez, alright already. I seriously can't help it)

I'm thinking of wearing my braces retainer all day from now on (to stop my mouth activity), but I can't speak coherently with it in my mouth.
Hmmm, what to do???


P/S: Why is it that when the doctor is late for my appointment (30 minutes) he says, "Oh, I'm running late, sorry." But if I were to be thirty minutes late I would get charged a fee and/or asked to reschedule.