Teaching a new dog old tricks
May 10th, 2006 at 10:36 pm (Randoms)
My life continues in much the same way as it has been going since February this year. Some highlights and lowlight of the past months follow, for those who thirst for information and updates about the life of Lorien:
- School holidays were absolutely lovely. A few days spent in Caves Beach, an overnight stay in Blackheath, a trip to the city with my sister, time to hang out with my brother and sister-in-law to be, time to sleep in, draw, clean and relax were much needed diversions from the routine that school has become.
- I graduated! Now I’m a Bachelorette or something. Goodbye sweet and sour days of uni and holidays without end. Goodbye concrete walls, green carpet and pink hand rails. Graduation is fun because you get to wear pretentious clothing and pretend to be all medieval and academic.
- Term 2 has started with a bluster of wind, and consequently most of my kids have been off their proverbial rockers. I’ve had to use my cranky voice far too much and my throat is beginning to protest.
- However, a few of my students have made noticable progress in some areas since the beginning of the year, and I am proud to have had something to do with that…it makes teaching feel more worthwhile. I had my one day in power today, having been left in charge of the unit, while my supervisor was away, but I didn’t let it go to my head.
- Last Friday Ben and I and a couple from church went up to Wentworth falls to sit on a freezing cold rock for several hours, look at the amazing stars, roast marshmallows over a butane stove, and try to stay wam. We spent the night in Blackheath and drove home on Saturday morning. It was a great mini-holiday to celebrate the end of week one at school!
- I’ve been exercising, which is part of my new and improved ‘healthy lifestyle’ which hopefully will lead to painless and remarkable weight loss. I’ve been doing cheezy American aerobics videos coupled with my Bollywood workout video religiously for the past three weeks, but so far I can’t see much change in my appearance. Perhaps watching ‘The Biggest Loser’ has given me unrealistic expectations of how quickly one can lose weight. I’ll keep trying.
- I’m tired. Thank goodness this is only a nine week term.
Tim Haynes said,
May 11, 2006 at 5:46 pm
I think there are a few things that motivate teachers to be persistant despite children being off their respective rockers:
1. Holidays
Teachers need them more than the students (arguably). Even if most of this time is taken up planning for next term it is still productive and relatively relaxing. Good to hear Lorien that you were able to do some non school stuff.
2. Seeing progress
I wasn’t able to experience it greatly last year but I’m sure if I was given another year I would have seen some great progress with my students. I believe this is the drug to which teachers get addicted. To see that you have made a difference in a life must be fantastic, especially in your area Lorien, as they are starting behind most children their age.
Another thing, The Biggest Loser is a bit unrealistic as they are locked in a house full of gym equipment and have an exercise Nazi screaming in their ear. If you need a drill seargent I could be of assistance
Haoran said,
May 15, 2006 at 2:46 pm
Exercise is good! Persevere!
I think it’s important to be slave to neither scales nor tape-measure nor mirror. Exercise is good as an end to itself. The fact that you feel better when you exercise, and crappier when you don’t is enough motivation. Huzzah for endorphins!
Sarah said,
May 16, 2006 at 1:59 pm
Glad to know you’re going well !
I always found excercise videos too distracting. Especially since my normal mode in front of the television is sitting/lying. Jumping around in front of it seems way too unnatural..
Will Allison said,
May 26, 2006 at 10:07 pm
Here are my two cents
Cent one “Graduation is fun because you get to wear pretentious clothing and pretend to be all medieval and academic.” Just one addition, there is also the bonus of wearing a silly hat which is always a source of hours of amusement.
And Cent two “Perhaps watching ‘The Biggest Loser’ has given me unrealistic expectations of how quickly one can lose weight. I’ll keep trying.” I shall second the other comments made to this end. Excercise is fantastic (Haorun) and its great that you are motivated to do it no matter what means. Shows like the biggest loser need to end on the cutting room floor and should (in my opinion) never be aloud to go to screen. Due to the potentially negative psychological effects that particular program could have on its audience.
Here endeth my two cents. In summary good job keep it up on both fronts.
will