Summer thus far...

I have to admit, I wasn't exactly looking forward to going to summer school for 5 weeks this summer.  Although I appreciate the knowledge and ideas I gain through attending classes, I was actually really dreading a few things about it.

1) I didn't want to interact with a group of people.  How horrible is that?!  As mentioned in a previous blog, I absolutely hate being in a big crowd of people.  I usually shut down and people comment that I'm so quiet; meanwhile, all I'm thinking in my head is... "gosh Millie, why ARE you so quiet? What should I say to turn it around? Say SOMETHING!  Isn't it too late now, I'm already the "quiet" person in the room..." and so on.  It's really my biggest challenge and I've struggled with it all my life.  I prefer small-group or one-on-one interactions so I don't have to fight to add my own comments.  Honestly, I much prefer to listen to others than to be heard. 

HOWEVER... I absolutely love the people I have been working with so far.  Maybe it's because I'm working with a group of teachers and teachers are typically welcoming and friendly... maybe it's because I have my nerdy love of science in common with all these other teachers and we all came together with at least one interest in common... maybe I have just come in contact with some really special people at the perfect time.  I feel some friendships budding and hope they don't end at the end of the 5 weeks.  There are some very interesting people here (people from around the country and even from outside of the country! It makes things so interesting!)


2) I dreaded getting lost.  I am horrible with directions if I have to be urgent about it.  Driving on freeways in Seattle requires urgency.  I was so nervous my first day of driving to campus and even finding my way around campus.  So far, I have not gotten lost and am actually feeling comfortable about exploring a little.  Today after class I ventured to one of the libraries on campus, and here I am sitting at one of the computers!  Now I have to wait until about 5:45 to drive home so I don't sit in traffic all evening. See, I am figuring these things out!  :)

3) I didn't want to go without the internet.  Well, I don't believe I've been on the internet since Sunday morning before I traveled over here.  Collin's grandpa, who I'm staying with, doesn't have internet access or a computer.  With how much I'm attached to technology, I was not looking forward to being completely removed from it.  However, I'm coming to like the slow pace of life right now.  Yesterday, I came home from class totally energized, so I ran a mile straight (in 9 minutes, for my own record) in the neighborhood.  This was after a 20 minute conversation about flowers and food with grandpa (I think he likes having me, as he always catches me with a conversation when I'm just about ready to go do something else... I joke about this, but I actually think it's cute that he does that.  It reminds me of my own grandparents).  After my run, I sat in the kitchen and watched TV while grandpa started preparing dinner.  I asked what I could help with, but I think he prefers to be useful and just do everything himself for other people.  Grandpa whipped up a delicious salad with homegrown green onions, and some tomatoes and olives, some grilled chicken, and a baked potato for each of us.  One of my favorite things about him is that he is such a gentleman that he serves me first and makes sure I have everything I need.  (I've been thinking, how can I train Collin the way Marion trained grandpa?! haha.. jk Collin...maybe)  After dinner and some conversation over the news, we watched Jeopardy, then he washed and cut up some homegrown strawberries for about an hour.  Soon after this I went to bed- it's so comfy!  This was a long story, but boy does it illustrate the laid-back life I'm having outside of class right now.

4) I didn't want to be away from home... AKA Collin.  After doing a couple years of long distance during college, I knew 5 weeks wouldn't be impossible, but it certainly wasn't ideal.  Collin has been staying home and just got a job as the clubhouse attendant at our apartment complex.  He will be managing the pool & fitness area and game/community rooms.  He will also be taking some online summer courses very soon.  Although I miss him, I feel like I'm growing a lot with other professionals, and I honestly feel like I'm hanging out with him when I hang out with his grandpa.  :)  That's a good thing.

I am happy to reflect that the things I dreaded most actually haven't been that bad.  Although I'm not relaxing to my fullest potential, as I would dream of doing in the summer, I am happy.  I'm not bored either, and I probably would have been if I had just stayed home.  I am already considering doing this again for 2 more years!  I guess we'll wait to make that decision next year... it may be a little early to think about that!

Thanks for reading! 

Roxy Kitten Needs a Home

Collin's family has 2 adorable marbleized-color kittens that still need homes.  I have attached a cute video and picture of my favorite one- who has taken on the name Roxy.  I wish we could keep her.  I even tried to sneak her into the car but couldn't get away with it.  She is a cuddly but playful runt.

Fundraising Project: Tech Tools for 4th Graders

After reading the following information, if you are able to support my cause, please follow this link:

http://www.indiegogo.com/Tech-Tools-for-4th-Graders

*About Me*

Hi there! My name is Millie, or Mrs. Craig. I am a teacher wishing to change the world, one 4th grader at a time! I am just completing my first year of teaching 4th grade at Michael T. Simmons Elementary School in Tumwater, WA. I earned two degrees through Central Washington University- Elementary Education and Middle Level Mathematics & Science Education.

I absolutely love incorporating technology in every way possible. As a new teacher, I am full of ambition to provide my students with the best tools and resources that will help them succeed. YOU can help me do that.


*What is My Project?*

My goal is to raise enough money to purchase a Mobi View Interactive board for my classroom.

Mobi View is a handheld interactive whiteboard (created by eInstruction) that I can control from anywhere in the classroom with the touch of a finger. Mobi View not only allows me to engage students through technology, but gives me mobility. I am not the type to be sitting at the front of the room all day, but my whiteboard restricts my freedom to move about the room and reach individuals who need the most assistance. The Mobi View would allow me to move freely around the classroom and interact with all students. The Mobi View allows me to write any sort of question on the handheld device to be projected on the screen at the front of the room. I would also have the ability to pull up any webpages, notes, or documents for student viewing. Did you know that the Mobi View even allows me to take pictures of student work and store it in the Mobi View's memory, to be transferred to my computer? What a wonderful way to collect evidence of student learning!

*Why should you help me fund raise for the Mobi View?*

Have you heard about WA state's budget cuts? Education has been hit hard. Under the new agreement, pay for K-12 teachers will be cut 1.9 percent and for school administrative staff by 3 percent over the next two years, saving $179 million. Other cuts to K-12 education include suspending two initiatives dealing with teacher pay and class sizes worth $1.2 billion. An additional $215 million is saved by eliminating other money to reduce K-4 class sizes.

As a first year teacher, my meager salary is being cut to the bone. Due to these changes, students will not be receiving the same quality education. By implementing more technology in my classroom, I can better reach all students.

Have I mentioned how much I love technology? In fact, I would like to earn my Master's Degree in technology. Implementing technology in my classroom now will provide me with more experience and resources to share with colleagues currently as a teacher, and in the future as an expert in the field of education technology.

Michael T. Simmons Elementary does not have a media specialist. There is no instructional time in the day for technology. Therefore, students do not acquire basic technology skills under teacher influence in our K-6 school. The Mobi View will equip my 4th graders with technology skills, which are essential in today's ever changing world.

Thank you supporting my project. My fourth graders and I appreciate your contribution to their success!