You may view my final product for Project 1 at:
http://tamiste.googlepages.com/home
Sunday, February 10, 2008
Runnng out of W's..............
Wrapping, Waving, Wishing.........................
As I complete the last phases of my inquiry project, I find myself again thinking of my 5th graders. How would they feel at this phase? Relieved? Accomplished? Encouraged? Ready to do it again? I would hope that they would choose the latter, because that is where I'm finding myself. (No, not this very moment............maybe at the end of the semester, or when I'm completely through all of my courses.) It is a feeling of accomplishment. Once the logistics of the entire model are completed, I do feel that I've learned something new and that I'm still not complete in my watching or wondering in this area. There is more to be discovered.
I've been most impressed with this project in its ability to move into areas of learning that are not typically approached in most learning settings. As Harada and Yoshina (2004) point out, "This type of learning moves away from activities and tasks at the recall level to projects requiring the application of concepts and the synthesis, interpretation, and evaluation of information." My students need this. With state testing, remedial testing, basic curriculum evaluations, etc., they would welcome this sort of learning. The kids are tested out..........
As I planned my project, I wanted to reach an audience that I found, through my webbing, wiggling, and weaving, was a bigger audience than I had anticipated. I was shocked to see the vast array of information available for those who feel overwhelmed and buried. What does that say about our society today? For those who have the answers and can actually deliver the help sought by so many....you should definitely have no concern about job security. You are needed. For those who need help and are so overwhelmed that they don't even think to seek help; I'm concerned.
I had earlier realized and was again convinced at the wishing phase how very valuable a visual tool can be. Though we are all educated and advanced, (we'd like to think anyway....) a child-like picture still says a thousand words. Each time I would return to this process, to blog or to simply plan my next step of attack, I would begin at my Inspiration 8 web plan to find my bearings. I will use this or something similar in the days (and projects) to come. I've finally given myself permission to "think in cartoon!"
In assessing my progress and attempts, if I were to start again on this topic, I would narrow it down a bit. This subject was larger than I first viewed it to be. If you refer to my earlier blogs, you will recall my comments and surprise at the fact household organization is more than eliminating clutter and getting your closets straightened. There is so much more involved from a psychological standpoint. Your home and surroundings are a reflection of your life and its condition. To attack this beast, I think that an optimal place to begin would be time organization. Time must be created to simply be able to look around, think, listen, contemplate, and feel. After this is achieved, I believe that the rest will fall into place.
As I complete the last phases of my inquiry project, I find myself again thinking of my 5th graders. How would they feel at this phase? Relieved? Accomplished? Encouraged? Ready to do it again? I would hope that they would choose the latter, because that is where I'm finding myself. (No, not this very moment............maybe at the end of the semester, or when I'm completely through all of my courses.) It is a feeling of accomplishment. Once the logistics of the entire model are completed, I do feel that I've learned something new and that I'm still not complete in my watching or wondering in this area. There is more to be discovered.
I've been most impressed with this project in its ability to move into areas of learning that are not typically approached in most learning settings. As Harada and Yoshina (2004) point out, "This type of learning moves away from activities and tasks at the recall level to projects requiring the application of concepts and the synthesis, interpretation, and evaluation of information." My students need this. With state testing, remedial testing, basic curriculum evaluations, etc., they would welcome this sort of learning. The kids are tested out..........
As I planned my project, I wanted to reach an audience that I found, through my webbing, wiggling, and weaving, was a bigger audience than I had anticipated. I was shocked to see the vast array of information available for those who feel overwhelmed and buried. What does that say about our society today? For those who have the answers and can actually deliver the help sought by so many....you should definitely have no concern about job security. You are needed. For those who need help and are so overwhelmed that they don't even think to seek help; I'm concerned.
I had earlier realized and was again convinced at the wishing phase how very valuable a visual tool can be. Though we are all educated and advanced, (we'd like to think anyway....) a child-like picture still says a thousand words. Each time I would return to this process, to blog or to simply plan my next step of attack, I would begin at my Inspiration 8 web plan to find my bearings. I will use this or something similar in the days (and projects) to come. I've finally given myself permission to "think in cartoon!"
In assessing my progress and attempts, if I were to start again on this topic, I would narrow it down a bit. This subject was larger than I first viewed it to be. If you refer to my earlier blogs, you will recall my comments and surprise at the fact household organization is more than eliminating clutter and getting your closets straightened. There is so much more involved from a psychological standpoint. Your home and surroundings are a reflection of your life and its condition. To attack this beast, I think that an optimal place to begin would be time organization. Time must be created to simply be able to look around, think, listen, contemplate, and feel. After this is achieved, I believe that the rest will fall into place.
Thursday, February 7, 2008
Beginning to Wind Down
As I continue to work on my final product, I decided to pause to look at IN State Standards to see where this all fit in. I teach 5th grade, so I'm fairly familiar with them and thought that might be something to look at since I'm now becoming more and more conviced that this type of a project could easily be accomplished by a fifth grader. I wasn't convinced before this, but now I see how the pieces and parts that are expected within an open inquiry are actually some of the standards that are expected.
Language Arts Stds.
5.2 Structural features of informational and technical materials. (Lots of graphs, illustrations, diagrams, format, and organization)
Comprehension. (Main idea, inferences, conclusions, generalizations, etc.)
Distinguish among facts, supported inferences, opinions
5.4-5.5 Writing Process and Applications. (Take the information and process it into a workable solution)
Language Arts Stds.
5.2 Structural features of informational and technical materials. (Lots of graphs, illustrations, diagrams, format, and organization)
Comprehension. (Main idea, inferences, conclusions, generalizations, etc.)
Distinguish among facts, supported inferences, opinions
5.4-5.5 Writing Process and Applications. (Take the information and process it into a workable solution)
Sunday, February 3, 2008
Weaving and Wrapping May Go Hand in Hand
I feel as if I’m beginning to reach the metacognition phase, “thinking about thinking”.(Stripling, 2003) Taking a brief few moments to reflect on those questions that you have created, and determine if they are doing the job that they need to do for you is imperative, and simply, a smart-working timesaver. If you're not on the right track, don't continue, readjust your journey.
Upon re-reviewing the AASL Standards for the 21st Century Learner, I was amazed at how many of these standards that I am addressing within this project. Using these models seems to pull the entire process together making it seem so much more user friendly and not so intimidating. Each level of the Skills Standards seemed as if they were written precisely for this project. (vice versa?) The Dispositions in Action Standards (The 2.2s) made contact with the thinking process that I’ve had to go through to get to this point in my inquiry.
Just this morning my 19-year-old son who is in his freshman year in college, spoke with me about an assignment in his English class. They are required to draw up a plan for a research project of their own choice. They were given no guidelines, but were expected to come up with a list of keywords to include in their search and an outline of a “plan”. He had never been given this sort of an open inquiry project in high school and didn’t even know where to start. I assured him that he had come to the right place. I introduced him a few of the many models that we’ve been looking at in this course. You could see the relief on his face. Just goes to prove, a guy will always need his mother!
I’ve graduated from the Webbing and Wiggling phase and have found that the internet, and a great book that I found at the local library have been a great help. I’ve also enlisted the help of my sister whom I have mentioned in an earlier blog. The internet offers so much in the way of general tips, to personal coaching via the telephone or web. Most of the coaching options are for a fee, but many of the question and answer sites with online experts are free and ongoing. A trip to Home Depot also offered lots of insight in the organization area. Employees there were very helpful. Overall, I’m taking a sampling of what fits my needs at this time. If I were to re-visit this in a year (and I will) I would probably focus on different areas or some of the same areas in more depth. For example, the financials for our home and family could be better organized, and that is do-able. Our 3,000 acre farm business is a different story. My husband controls most of that and I feel that I need to become better versed in that area. It bothers me that I don’t know that much about the farming operation, especially since my parents farmed and my dad died unexpectedly when I was 8 years old. My mother knew NOTHING about the farm finances and her name wasn't attached to that first document or bank account. Talk about a painful crash course. I really need to know these things. (One of my procrastinations that I need to prioritize!)
I am beginning to synthesize my newly found knowledge into the Weaving phase. I’ll be going back to my Inspiration 8 web and adding to its content. Keeping the information in these categories has helped tremendously. This tool is a great deal of help to me as I’m a visual person and need to see things laid out before me. I went to the Think Tank site, which is a tool that intends to help you to organize topics and subtopics. Not really that impressed, but I’ll go back to it to look further, maybe I’m just not using it to its fullest.
Just so I’m not running too close to my deadline for Project 1, I will begin to create my product. I’ve decided on a PowerPoint, simply because I have had comments from class peers and my own friends that they would like to see the final, so this sort of product would be one that would be accessible and allow me to provide explanations, tips, website links, etc. Household organization, I’ve found, is a need for many. (I thought I was the only one!)
Online Coach (Free and for Fee)
http://cherylmillerville.com
ThinkTank (Organize Topics and Subtopics, etc.)
http://thinktank.4teachers.org
Home Management, Organization
http://home-organization.suite101.com
Upon re-reviewing the AASL Standards for the 21st Century Learner, I was amazed at how many of these standards that I am addressing within this project. Using these models seems to pull the entire process together making it seem so much more user friendly and not so intimidating. Each level of the Skills Standards seemed as if they were written precisely for this project. (vice versa?) The Dispositions in Action Standards (The 2.2s) made contact with the thinking process that I’ve had to go through to get to this point in my inquiry.
Just this morning my 19-year-old son who is in his freshman year in college, spoke with me about an assignment in his English class. They are required to draw up a plan for a research project of their own choice. They were given no guidelines, but were expected to come up with a list of keywords to include in their search and an outline of a “plan”. He had never been given this sort of an open inquiry project in high school and didn’t even know where to start. I assured him that he had come to the right place. I introduced him a few of the many models that we’ve been looking at in this course. You could see the relief on his face. Just goes to prove, a guy will always need his mother!
I’ve graduated from the Webbing and Wiggling phase and have found that the internet, and a great book that I found at the local library have been a great help. I’ve also enlisted the help of my sister whom I have mentioned in an earlier blog. The internet offers so much in the way of general tips, to personal coaching via the telephone or web. Most of the coaching options are for a fee, but many of the question and answer sites with online experts are free and ongoing. A trip to Home Depot also offered lots of insight in the organization area. Employees there were very helpful. Overall, I’m taking a sampling of what fits my needs at this time. If I were to re-visit this in a year (and I will) I would probably focus on different areas or some of the same areas in more depth. For example, the financials for our home and family could be better organized, and that is do-able. Our 3,000 acre farm business is a different story. My husband controls most of that and I feel that I need to become better versed in that area. It bothers me that I don’t know that much about the farming operation, especially since my parents farmed and my dad died unexpectedly when I was 8 years old. My mother knew NOTHING about the farm finances and her name wasn't attached to that first document or bank account. Talk about a painful crash course. I really need to know these things. (One of my procrastinations that I need to prioritize!)
I am beginning to synthesize my newly found knowledge into the Weaving phase. I’ll be going back to my Inspiration 8 web and adding to its content. Keeping the information in these categories has helped tremendously. This tool is a great deal of help to me as I’m a visual person and need to see things laid out before me. I went to the Think Tank site, which is a tool that intends to help you to organize topics and subtopics. Not really that impressed, but I’ll go back to it to look further, maybe I’m just not using it to its fullest.
Just so I’m not running too close to my deadline for Project 1, I will begin to create my product. I’ve decided on a PowerPoint, simply because I have had comments from class peers and my own friends that they would like to see the final, so this sort of product would be one that would be accessible and allow me to provide explanations, tips, website links, etc. Household organization, I’ve found, is a need for many. (I thought I was the only one!)
Online Coach (Free and for Fee)
http://cherylmillerville.com
ThinkTank (Organize Topics and Subtopics, etc.)
http://thinktank.4teachers.org
Home Management, Organization
http://home-organization.suite101.com
Monday, January 28, 2008
(If you find that you have trouble reading the labels on this web organizer, you might want to switch your text size to "large" or download this cool magnifying glass at http://www.halley.cc/stuff/dragnifier.html
It really comes in handy!)
Here is an Inspiration 8 web of my brainstorming process that I'm still trying to work through. Putting my thoughts into pictures really gives a different view of what I'm trying to do. As I mentioned in my last post, I've realized that household organization isn't just having organized drawers. To have an organized household, many aspects of your life need to be in order, or at least somewhat organized.
Sunday, January 27, 2008
Next on the Agenda
I've been busy working on my web organizer (Inspiration 8). Attempting to narrow down my inquiry has been a task. Household organization is such a broad topic, and I'm finding through my Webbing that it doesn't just involve my house, it involves me AND my personal organization AND my thought processes AND my habits AND my wellness AND well, simply me. Household organization, in the physical sense, might just be a reflection of who I am and what's going on in my life. Oh no, is this going to turn into a therapy session? Will my mother be involved????:)
Questions and topics that I need to ponder....
Clutter-Clear your space, clear your mind
Kitchen-The HUB of the house. Easy, difficult, congested, welcoming?
3 Teenager's Rooms-I won't dare...that's for another inquiry assignment. Go ahead and call me a coward.
Time-As always, not enought....How to streamline...How to free up?
Procrastination-I'm the queen, the matriarch, the Grand Poobah of Procrastination.....what am I afraid of or avoiding?
Delegation-What's that?
No, no, a thousand times, NO!!!....When to say it, how to say it (nicely), why to say it, consequences of saying it.
When to wave the white flag and call for help--When is it time to employ a coach?
Questions and topics that I need to ponder....
Clutter-Clear your space, clear your mind
Kitchen-The HUB of the house. Easy, difficult, congested, welcoming?
3 Teenager's Rooms-I won't dare...that's for another inquiry assignment. Go ahead and call me a coward.
Time-As always, not enought....How to streamline...How to free up?
Procrastination-I'm the queen, the matriarch, the Grand Poobah of Procrastination.....what am I afraid of or avoiding?
Delegation-What's that?
No, no, a thousand times, NO!!!....When to say it, how to say it (nicely), why to say it, consequences of saying it.
When to wave the white flag and call for help--When is it time to employ a coach?
Friday, January 25, 2008
Moving On to Wiggling
After much thought, I've decided that my household organization would be the one place that would be most beneficial to me if my life right now. I've done searches on the net, gone to the library, the book store, and even considered contacting one of those people who actually organize for a living. In no time, I found that there are lots of specialists out there, lots of advice, and way too many things to be organized in this world.
Because of the overwhelming amount of information that I've found, I've realize that I will need to narrow my inquiry, for now anyway, and focus on just a few areas. The others will have to come later.
To begin, clutter has to take the lead. In 24 years of living in one house, a person can accumulate lots of STUFF. I've always felt that I've done a pretty good job of keeping up with the STUFF, but in reality, we all have more than we need. I'm looking into methods of eliminating, sorting, and redirecting STUFF and am narrowing in on a few. Anyone remember George Carlin's piece on people and their STUFF? Oops! Showing my age again.
Purposeful storage is another area that I need to hit. My sister has been a Home Ec teacher for 30 years, and was always the one to contact when you were building a new home, remodeling your kitchen, etc. She had a scientific/strategic placement for everything in your kitchen. For example, you're right handed? Then your potholders should go in the drawer to the right of your oven/stove. Where is your mixing area? Where is your "quick fix" area? How long should one keep a bag of flour before you throw it out? How long should one keep a dish rag?.....Aren't all rags old? That's why you call them rags. I'm going to have to call her.
Lots to think about.
Because of the overwhelming amount of information that I've found, I've realize that I will need to narrow my inquiry, for now anyway, and focus on just a few areas. The others will have to come later.
To begin, clutter has to take the lead. In 24 years of living in one house, a person can accumulate lots of STUFF. I've always felt that I've done a pretty good job of keeping up with the STUFF, but in reality, we all have more than we need. I'm looking into methods of eliminating, sorting, and redirecting STUFF and am narrowing in on a few. Anyone remember George Carlin's piece on people and their STUFF? Oops! Showing my age again.
Purposeful storage is another area that I need to hit. My sister has been a Home Ec teacher for 30 years, and was always the one to contact when you were building a new home, remodeling your kitchen, etc. She had a scientific/strategic placement for everything in your kitchen. For example, you're right handed? Then your potholders should go in the drawer to the right of your oven/stove. Where is your mixing area? Where is your "quick fix" area? How long should one keep a bag of flour before you throw it out? How long should one keep a dish rag?.....Aren't all rags old? That's why you call them rags. I'm going to have to call her.
Lots to think about.
Monday, January 21, 2008
Getting There
I've narrowed my "Watching and Wondering" a bit. Italy is out for now....there are more pressing things. I still debated with the Oils or the Organization. When I finally asked myself, "What do you think about more?" My answer was clearly organization.....or lack thereof. So, for that simple reason, I think I will go that direction. I'm still looking into the "wellness living" as a possibility too. I feel that if I become my own "specialist" in organizing my life, I should feel less helpless and more "in control". I'm finding lots of helpful websites and even browsed the bookshelves in Barnes and Noble the other day. There seem to be lots of professionals out there, but it may take some searching to find what fits for me, my family, and our needs. I'm actually quite excited about this assignment, because it's about me. I'll bet this is how the students feel when given an assignment such as this! I will admit though, I do feel a tiny bit anxious about having so much freedom. Will what I produce for my product be "wrong"? :)
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
Watching, Leading into Wondering
I'm beginning my "Watching" phase of my inquiry. There are 3 that I'm seriously considering, but as I spend more time with each of them, I am beginning to narrow my topics. The difficult part of this is that every project that I've considered is related to education or my classroom in some way. As a wife and mother, sadly, it is difficult to think about yourself and what you enjoy. I guess this is something that I need to practice more often.
Possible Topics:
Essential Oils. Over the years, I have used essential oils in my home for medicinal and household cleaning purposes. I believe in their possibilities and am always amazed to learn of new oils and their uses. The problem is that I know just enough to be dangerous. There is so much more to learn from a chemistry, as well as a daily use standpoint.
Italy. I'll get there someday. I like to read novels based in Italy and definately love the cuisine. The history and architecture are amazing. This would be a great inquiry to plan my travels and learn more about the country.
Household Organization. This one is definately calling my name. This is one that stands in the way of so many things, such as free time, clear mind, and sanity in general. In my searches, I often see the term "wellness living".....I think I'll look at that one too.
Possible Topics:
Essential Oils. Over the years, I have used essential oils in my home for medicinal and household cleaning purposes. I believe in their possibilities and am always amazed to learn of new oils and their uses. The problem is that I know just enough to be dangerous. There is so much more to learn from a chemistry, as well as a daily use standpoint.
Italy. I'll get there someday. I like to read novels based in Italy and definately love the cuisine. The history and architecture are amazing. This would be a great inquiry to plan my travels and learn more about the country.
Household Organization. This one is definately calling my name. This is one that stands in the way of so many things, such as free time, clear mind, and sanity in general. In my searches, I often see the term "wellness living".....I think I'll look at that one too.
Monday, January 14, 2008
Testing, testing, testing..........
January is always an interesting time for me. I love the cold as it allows me to ski with my family and play in the snow with my dogs. I like to watch our horses stand in a snowfall, allowing the flakes to accumulate on their backs. The trees in our woods are especially fun to watch as they change shape with their battle against the ice and the weight of the snow. Any way you look at it, winter is gorgeous.
Winter reminds me of spending time with my friends while growing up. We all had snowmobiles and would spend hours driving our "sleds" everywhere. We were even allowed to ride them to school with our parents' permission. I came to love that sound of the snowmobiles and the smell of the engines. It was especially fun when you had that special someone riding along.........
My friend had a huge pond behind her house. She lived on the edge of town and this would be a great gathering spot for all of our friends. Day or night, of course with a campfire, someone would be there on the ice. Most of the girls would just ice skate, with Dorothy Hamill in mind. (Of course, we had the haircuts!) The boys would take the far end of the pond and set up goals to accomodate their hockey games. We would spend hours and hours outside and I never remember getting cold.
Winter reminds me of spending time with my friends while growing up. We all had snowmobiles and would spend hours driving our "sleds" everywhere. We were even allowed to ride them to school with our parents' permission. I came to love that sound of the snowmobiles and the smell of the engines. It was especially fun when you had that special someone riding along.........
My friend had a huge pond behind her house. She lived on the edge of town and this would be a great gathering spot for all of our friends. Day or night, of course with a campfire, someone would be there on the ice. Most of the girls would just ice skate, with Dorothy Hamill in mind. (Of course, we had the haircuts!) The boys would take the far end of the pond and set up goals to accomodate their hockey games. We would spend hours and hours outside and I never remember getting cold.
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