Ugh

Lesson learned. I am home today for my first release day. You know, the one I was supposed to get back in November but didn't cause it wasn't put in until 1:05 on the afternoon I was supposed to be out. Yeah, that one. Well, I sat down, got my to-do list created, got my schedule made out for the day (work 90 minutes, break for 15, repeat with 45 minutes in the middle of the day for lunch and a shower) and then got onto my computer to watch my videos (here's the lesson part) and I can't watch either one from here because they didn't get fully copied onto my e-mail. I shoulda brought the tapes home as well, just in case this happened. I'll bring them home next week and load directly onto my computer here. At least I can still spend the day learning my standards and really getting to know my entries, etc. Won't be nearly as fun and varied as what was planned, but it needs to be done so I'll make good use of my time.

My Entry 2 is focusing on delivering instruction and features my bestest PreK/K class. My Entry 3 is focusing on demonstrating and developing musicianship and features one of my 4th/5th grade classes. I guess I can reflect on the lesson for Entry 3 that I did on Tuesday without the video after re-reading what is required in the entry itself.

Tonight is a Christmas party with our playgroup from last summer. Should be a load of fun to see all of the new babies who have been born and the bellies of the mamas who are still working on growing number 2. It will be a nice end to the week.

Two Down

Two to go. I did my second video taping session today. It went well. I only need about 3 minutes from the 20 recorded that show how I use my musicianship skills to help my students improve theirs. This was a group of 4th and 5th graders, only two of whom did not return their release slips and so spent their music time copying song lyrics for our program in their classroom (their teacher said they could stay there and not be in my room!) I sent home 10 release slips yesterday to students who did not return the original ones a month ago or more. I also used our district's mass-calling system to alert the families of these students that the forms were coming home and to please sign them and return them to me today.

I get my first release day on Friday. I'll be spending the time watching my two videos and preparing what I'll write for my entries. Owen will be at daycare all day, then we're going to a friend's house for a playgroup Christmas party. A nice reward for a day of exhausting (mentally at least) work.

I won't be doing another video tape session until January or February, and that one will be for my unit lesson highlighting planning. I'm using my best group in the entire school for that one.