Rancho 3M Video I Made

I figured out how to create a video slide show complete with music! Here is one I created with some pictures from my trips to Rancho 3M in 2007 and 2011. They include pictures of us, the kids, and even some projects we did. As an update on fund-raising for this year's trip; I have received $300 out of the needed $750! I am very grateful. We have met the first deadline; the next one is the beginning of June and by then I will need $250 more, and the final deadline is late June I believe ($200 each due). Alexandra needs a bit less than that. Even if you cannot support us financially please be praying; prayer is free, and God has no limits! We could also use prayer for safety,that nothing would prevent our going, for the situation in Mexico, and for the Ranch itself, and that we would be able to be a huge blessing to them! Enjoy the video!

Teaching Day

Last Friday was my day to plan and teach at the ODU Child Study Center for a classroom of 4, 5, and 6 year old children. I had to plan and prepare for each of the centers as well as plan and teach the lesson and read the stories during their circle times. The unit for the week (which the head teacher had already chosen) was Olivia, a series of children's books about a pig. I chose to read the books "Olivia Saves the Circus" and "Olivia and the School Carnival" so my theme for the day was Circus!

 

 For my math center I found an idea online; jumping off of that idea I created math snow cones (or ice cream cones) by cutting out triangular shapes as well as circles out of construction paper. On the "cones" I wrote various math problems, and on the ice (or ice cream), aka the circular shapes, I wrote solutions. The students' job was to match the math problem to the correct answer. They had little pigs as well as mini animal shaped erasures available to use as counters if the needed/wanted them.

 For the fine motor center, the students created finger puppets by cutting out circus characters and coloring them. The teacher working with that table taped the strips of paper on the back to create the loop to put their fingers in.

For the language center I had created a word search using some various circus and carnival related words which the students had to find and circle.

For the art center (not pictured) the student used markers to draw/color a clown. I had strips of paper which said "Clowns are part of the circus" for them to glue onto their drawing.

For the first (and longest) circle time I talked to them about the circus showing them some pictures and various toys as visuals. We sang a "Let's Go to the Circus" song towards the very beginning. I also read "Olivia Saves the Circus." The students got to walk a "tightrope" (tape on the carpet), count horses, participate in talking about the circus, etc. All this and more was part of the first circle time.

At the last circle time at the end of the day I asked about what each of our 5 senses might find at the circus (What might you see/smell/taste/feel/hear at the circus?). I showed them the book we were going to read ("Olivia and the School Carnival") and briefly stated some differences and similarities between a circus and a carnival before reading the book. We then attempted to play a circus themed Simon Says (without including the "Simon says..." part) and changed to a charades sort of game, but this did not work out quite well as the kids were somewhat distracted and many were being picked up by this time.

All in all, I think that the day went pretty well. The students are so sweet, and it is neat to see how much they enjoy learning and contributing their own thoughts, ideas, memories, etc. I have two more teaching days that I have to do at the Child Study Center. I will try to remember to take and post some pictures of those centers as well.

He is risen!

"Let no one caught in sin remain

Inside the lie of inward shame

We fix our eyes upon the cross

And run to him who showed great love

And bled for us

Freely you bled, for us

Christ is risen from the dead

Trampling over death by death

Come awake, come awake!

Come and rise up from the grave!

Christ is risen from the dead

We are one with him again

Come awake, come awake!

Come and rise up from the grave!

Beneath the weight of all our sin

You bow to none but heavens will

No scheme of hell, no scoffer's crown

No burden great can hold you down

In strength you reign

Forever let your church proclaim

Christ is risen from the dead

Trampling over death by death

Come awake, come awake!

Come and rise up from the grave

Christ is risen from the dead

We are one with him again

Come awake, come awake!

Come and rise up from the grave

Oh death! Where is your sting?

Oh hell! Where is your victory?

Oh Church! Come stand in the light!

The glory of God has defeated the night!

Oh death! Where is your sting?

Oh hell! Where is your victory?

Oh Church! Come stand in the light!

Our God is not dead, he's alive! he's alive!

Christ is risen from the dead

Trampling over death by death

Come awake, come awake!

Come and rise up from the grave

Christ is risen from the dead

We are one with him again

Come awake, come awake!

Come and rise up from the grave"

So much to do. So little time

Spring is here! I have been enjoying the nicer weather and the gorgeous flowers. Not enjoying the congestion, scratchy throat, and itchy eyes, but thankfully those are only minor.

This semester has been crazy busy. These last few weeks seem especially so; I have lots of homework assignments, four weeks to go in the Child Study Center, a little less than 25 hours to finish in my public school practicum (including 3 hours of teaching), taxes to file, and all the miscellaneous errands that come up. It's been pretty stressful to say the least especially since I am struggling a lot with procrastination. Coffee has been pretty frequently appearing in my life.

If you think of it, prayers would be much appreciated for me to handle the stress (or better yet for it to go down) and finish out these weeks (and beyond) well. I could also use prayer that I would make better use of my time and stop procrastinating all the time.

Really looking forward to summer. Planning on not taking any classes, but just taking a break and completing at least some of the state testing I have to have for my teaching license. I am also attending the Next conference and planning on going on a missions trip to Rancho 3M in Mexico (see my earlier post if you are interested in more information or in learning how you can support me in prayer or financially for the missions trip).