My Pinterest Project

I loved the cinder block and 4x4 beams bench I saw on Pinterest.  So, obviously, I had to make it.  As with all Pinterest projects, they never turn out quite the same.  But, that's okay.  It's my opportunity to tweak it to make it my own.  Our store didn't carry the more expensive bull-nose blocks so I went with the .92 cent ones.  Once I had them in my possession I got to thinking, 4 beams is an awfully wide seat.  So, my tweak was to make a foot rest.  I really like it.  Now, I will admit after this pic was taken the kids pointed out that they sit mainly on the 2nd, or middle, beam and with more people it might actually break.  So, I pulled that beam out and using another cinder block and a half cinder block made a middle section for the that 2nd beam to run through.  I could've done exactly what I did on the ends but that'd require  more blocks and more paint.  IF I have time I'll use my Cricut to make a template and put some cute decal on the front of the red blocks at each end.  Ultimately, though, it's way far back in our yard and we'll mostly use it at night when there's a fire - so, who other than myself is really going to care if it looks 'pretty?'  I am pleased with it.  Now, I think I need to do another on the other side of the fire pit.  A little run down of prices - I spent $48 on 4 4x4x10 beams, about $14 on blocks, and when it's said and done about $18 on paint (I could've gotten away cheaper but I just bought, in total, 4 cans of spray paint because it's quicker and dries very fast).  All in all, I have a comfy 4 person, possibly 5 person, bench for $80.  Frankly, that's a lot cheaper than buying one that only seats 2 or 3 people.  Yeah, I see myself making another one before too long.  :)

 

 

My Thoughts on the Common Core Standards

Okay, regarding CCS, I've read two internet pages.  One was an article out of California about the implementation of the program (apparently, CA doesn't have to make the switch to CCS because they are going to lose some state funding anyway.  They elected not to tie teachers to their student's test scores.  I have mixed feelings on that which I will elaborate on later.).  It was a very well-written and thorough article and what I took from it was that the CCS focus will be more on depth vs. breadth;  Meaning fewer topics may be discussed but the ones covered will go into a lot of detail.  I kind of like that and it reminds me of the quote:  "Jack of all trades, master of none."  Okay, so which is better?  Frankly, I go with the latter.  From my understanding, in some other countries, children are groomed toward careers in which they exhibit strengths and that they begin gravitating toward those strengths naturally near a certain age.  So, when gravitational interests start to emerge their curricular path is laid out based on those gravitational interests.  Ultimately, I think about age 12/13 the children may no longer find themselves in the same classes as other students their age.  If everyone was educated based on their strengths so many more of us would be successful.  I am reminded of another quote by Albert Einstein, "Everybody is  a genius.  But, if you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree it will live its whole life believing that it is stupid." 

Moving on, the CCS basically teaches the kids there are multiple ways to arrive at an answer.  What's important, however, is not how YOU got your answer (provided it's the right one) but that you understand and can explain to others how you got your answer.  It also teaches students to listen and try to comprehend the paths others took to also get to the correct answer.  I can't find anything wrong with that.  Not only does it teach children to focus on their abilities but it teaches them to be patient and understanding and accepting.  That's good business practice!  Which is a good lead into the fact that CCS is based on international standards and is preparing students not just for college or the work force, but for the global economy.

I have read, and my mom has pointed out (I think this is her main argument) that the CCS doesn't teach kids the basics or foundation for which learning occurs.  I don't think that you need a foundation because it's an ever-evolving step that can easily be integrated into the teaching.  No doubt, the CCS really make the teachers work for their money.  If I were a teacher, I think I'd enjoy the challenge.  The teacher's that pull off teaching the CCS well and with great success measured by student's comprehension will be the best and sought after, in my opinion.  This is a good thing. 

One thing I'm not sure if I like or not is the testing.  I believe it's computer based and adaptive.  It reminds me of the NCLEX (test for nurses).  You get one right you get a harder question.  Get one wrong, you get a slightly easier question.  The more questions you answer, right or wrong, generally indicates how well, or not how well you're doing.  The more, the poorer you did - but it doesn't mean you'll fail.  The less you answer, means you got the majority right.  So, I gather that the aim is to measure what you know.  Let's underline you.  I think then, it's makes it nearly impossible for one to fail and as such, teachers shouldn't be worried about their career based on student's test scores.  But, I have a feeling I have assumed too little about the testing and how it reflects on teachers.  I admit I will have to look further into that issue. 

Now, there are some drawbacks, admitted by websites I've visited - but they don't weigh much with me.  Mainly that CCS can't be tailored to all the diversities of knowledge throughout this country.  We have so many poorer students, generally localized but found throughout every state, and many non-English speakers for whom learning in English is generally more delayed and educational achievements a little bit more difficult.  You can't expect everyone to learn at the same rate and pace, regardless of background.  That is why I think, if it is true, that determining a child's curricula based on gravitational interests is a better way to go.  But, with the CCS, once it's developed here and has become less of a debatable issue, it will be easier to instigate that step in the future.  But, that is me inserting my own ideas and speculation about furthering the CCS.

Another thing I don't like is that the federal government has told schools that if you don't adopt this program you will lose any funding from the federal government.  If the program is so good - they could've presented it in a much better way rather than bullying the school districts to accept.  So, right off the bat the government created opposition.  Too many people will not do their own research or form their opinions based on such and will hear only how they're being forced to change or else - and regardless of the positives the CCS offers, it will now be a battle of wills. 

I will admit the transition will be hard.  And, as our school district has already implemented the CCS I have witnessed the difficulty.  Joshua came home crying uncontrollably struggling to exclaim how much he hated math because it was so different from last year - we're talking from 2nd grade to 3rd.  I remember talking to his teacher about CCS and I told her it sounds to me like about three years down the road it might actually be a great thing. 

So, I am for the CCS and as I continue to learn more I will update my thinking behind the program either for or against. 

Dance Magic 2014

This was Joshua's first year dancing and this was his first competition, ever.  Dance Magic was in Wausau at East Wausau High School.  It was super crowded with a basket ball game going on, SAT testing, plus Dance Magic 2014.  The school is lovely and well-designed for dance competitions.  Things I'd do differently next year - wear tennie's and comfy clothes!  I did a lot of running trying to help him get changed between dances (they did two) and trying to watch their performances from the auditorium.  It was crowded but not ridiculously so.  Joshua, A, and J did a fantastic job and I was super-proud!  And, I'd like to add I didn't encounter any 'dance moms' of the likes you see on TV.  Everyone is so nice and friendly and helpful - and encouraging and congratulatory to everyone.  It was a great experience!  Prior to arriving I'll say Google Maps was apparently 'having fun' with me.  We got to a stop sign just prior to an enormous hill.  But GM had me go left, then right, a left again, and another left - before arriving right back at that huge hill - GM said go left (down the big hill) - Joshua looked at me and we looked at each like, 'what the heck!'  Then, we laughed.  Needless to say - I had a great time and Joshua did, too! 

Helping Mama Look For A Hat



I went into Younkers to buy Joshua's dress pants for a dance number he's doing and first thing - I ran into my good friends, Kimber & John & Devon!  Too funny seeing as how we had just hung out the night before at Family Fun Night.  She told me Younkers was having a good sale and about all the great things she bought.  Apparently, Sunday was the boys' turn shopping (although, I think she found more!).  They are such fun people!  I had left Tyler in the vehicle (he's just about 13, y'all) and told him we'd be "in and out.  20 min. max."  LOL!  Once Joshua and I checked out from the kids dept., dress pants and two golf shirts later, we headed downstairs where I proceeded to look at shoes, then purses, and finally - hats!  Joshua seemed to like all the pretty hats, too.  That's my boy!  I love that he's so okay to be silly and have a little fun.  I did purchase a hat, not pictured, a wrap, and a $8 pair of Gloria Vanderbilt jeans!  While standing in line I got a call from Tyler, "you do realize your 20 minutes has been like an hour, right?"  ME:  "They were having a sale!"