Life Long Learner

August. When I make my mega to do list at the beginning of August I am always overwhelmed. School things begin to creep on to my list, and the carefree summer day countdown begins. So, last Monday, instead of being responsible and crossing things off our list we decided to spend the entire day having fun. (Oh, and did I mention we had a showing from 3:30-4:30, so I wasn't going to let the kids touch the house after breakfast anyway?) We climbed in the car by 8:45 and headed to the doctor's office to have my arm checked for TB. The kids both held my hand and told me to be brave, just like I do when they go to the doctors. (Routine test for my new job!!!! I will be working at a Middle School this year!!!) Then, we drove over the Walt Whitman Bridge towards the Philadelphia Zoo. We parked at the zoo, did sunscreen and set out for a day of fun with our friend Emily and her 39 week pregnant Momma. We checked out the monkeys, then it was snack time. After snack we saw the crocodile

Last week I took a course on Experiential Education and Facilitation. It was a fantastic week where I learned many new games and activities to do in the classroom with my students. I created a list of activities that I wanted to share on my blog. I will be adding to this list throughout the year. Please let me know if you have anything to add! Activity Purpose KeyPunch – using ABCs Teambuild; have students work as a group to accomplish a common goal Moonbounce Hit ball around circle; discuss how to get better; parts of speech, vocab words, part of a story, prefixes/suffixes Balloon Train Communication, lead from behind, interdependence, “my success depends on your success” Name Animal most like you Write it in journal/partner/circle Name Weather condition most like Write it in journal/partner/circle Name Instrument most like you Write it in journal/partner/circle

I never thought I would rely on my stroller as much as I do. It fits snugly in the trunk of my Camry, and unfolds to to bring us to so many places both old and new! As I was strolling along I made this list of questions I would ask my stroller if given the chance. How many miles have we walked? Where have you been? What is your favorite place to stroll? Do you like when the kids talk or would you rather it be silent? Do you prefer morning or night rides? Do you like cold weather? When we go to the zoo do you mind how often the kids jump in and out of you? What questions would you ask your stroller?

A few months ago I sat next to a colleague at an Inservice. As we were sitting listening to the speaker I noticed a book on her lap. I gave her a nudge, pointed to the book, and practically stole it off her lap. She then whispered she saw the authors at a recent Teacher's College Reunion Day. I flipped through the book, and at the next break she clued me in on a very well kept secret...Repositionable Glue. Have you ever heard of it? Have you ever used it? Where do you even buy that stuff? Well, let me fill you in - repositionable glue can be bought at any Office Supply Store. Apply this glue to paper, wait 1 min, and you instantly have post-it note type stickiness! In the world of teachers this is earth shattering! I have been using this glue on posters around my room. I also used it to word sort with the kids this week. I just applied to their papers, then gave them words, and BINGO! they were able to sort and stick without the messiness of glue and without the slightest g

Wow, I could write so much about this title... I thought of it this morning while I was crouching down and "twisting my lowest ribs to shine towards Haddon Ave." This morning, the assistant in my yoga class held on to my feet during this pose. What a huge difference this made in my stretch. All of the sudden, I was able to stop worrying about my quivering shaking legs and start concentrating on the twist, my entire body opened up and I finally was able to feel the exhilirating opening in my body. It is important to remember that people are put into our lives for a reason. Today I challenge you to be a good assist to someone who needs it. Assists come in all shapes and sizes. Think about someone you can help today and just do it!

The school year is over for me, which is always a bittersweet feeling. I must admit, I don't think I've ever made it through the last day of school without shedding at least 1 tear. This year was no different. The tears are happy and sad. So, today, let's focus on the happy. Now I am completely focused on being a mother to my awesome children. My kids are such a gift to me - they bring me joy, and I love spending so much time with them. Most of all, I love to watch them interact as brother and sister...the hugs, the fights, the laughter, the mischief! Last summer I really liked the Literacy Challenge I set for myself. This summer my goal is to keep my shelfari shelf up to date with all the books we read on a daily basis. What? You don't know shelfari? Well, check out my digital bookshelf at the bottom of this page! Go to www.shelfari.com and start making your very own digital bookshelf! I hope to write a short review of select books. Check out my shelf if you are looki

As I wake up this morning I am filled with gratitude and joy. Even though today is the day Hallmark deems "mother's day" I believe Mother's Day is celebrated all year long. My children have their own little ways of showing appreciation, and these little acts fill my heart and keep me striving to be the best mom I can be all year long. Yesterday was a perfect day..I began the day with a play date with my college friends. Even though our friendship started before motherhood I am happy to be raising my kids with these awesome women. It is interesting to watch the next generations' friendships blossom, and share parenting troubles and triumphs together. Then, we celebrated my niece's First Holy Communion with my family. Again, I had the opportunity to spend time with my own mother, nieces,  brothers, and their fantastic wives. When I looked around the room yesterday I felt rich. I am surrounded by women who are all role models to me. My day continued with a very s

Monday I had the wonderful experience of taking my daughter to have her cast removed. I didn't even think about how casts were removed until I picked up Shannon from "school." Lynda, (her teacher) asked, "So do you know how they take casts off?" I replied, "I haven't even thought about it." I was so excited to get this pink fiberglass cast off her foot that I didn't even give a thought as to how in the world casts come off. For those of you that don't know...It involves a huge machine. It involves a huge, loud machine. It involves a huge, loud, ultrasonic saw machine that would scare me if it came near me. Needless to say Shannon freaked out. The saw master had to stop his sawing and call out to the hallway for the reserves to come in to help hold Shannon. The most ironic part was that the saw master kept saying, "Don't worry. This won't hurt you. See it tickles." Tickles????? A you completely out of your mind? This saw w

Tuesday began like any other day. Kevin had court, which meant I had both drop off and pick up duty. We got the kids in the car, said our goodbyes and I headed to Lynda's house. I pulled in her driveway, quickly unbuckled Pat, and grabbed Shannon out of her seat. We walked in and I lowered Shannon down. She wouldn't go. This never happens. Shannon is not clingy. Shannon is a social butterfly. I gave her another squeeze and went to let her ago again. She clung. Then, I noticed she was pointing her toes so she wouldn't put any weight on her left foot. "Seriously, Shannon? Can't you stay healthy for 1 week?" I though as I sat down with her and pulled her shoes off her feet... So, my double duty day turned drastically different. Here are the highlights... -went to work for all of 20 minutes. Called the doctor at 9:00 sharp and got an appointment for 9:45. -picked up Shannon (tenderly explained to Pat that Shannon had to go to the dr. and he couldn't come)

This morning while I was tutoring a high school student I saw another former student walk by in the hallway. I waved to her and continued on with my tutoring lesson. Next thing I knew this young lady was stretching her arms out exclaiming, "Mrs. Birkhead!!!! You're Back!!!!" We embraced, and I explained to her that I come once a week to the high school to work with a student. She went on to tell me about how successful she has been in school, and that, thanks to me, she loved to read and has moved from self-contained English to inclusion English. This little story is the reason I teach. I want to make a difference in the world, and I know I can do that by teaching students how to read, and how to positively contribute to society. I taught this young lady English in 9th grade 2 years ago. I no longer work at the high school. Yet, when she saw me this morning SHE stopped what she was doing. SHE turned around, SHE entered the library, SHE walked all the way to the back room

The nebulizer has become a regular part of our days and nights around here. Shannon has never been a fan of the nebulizer. In fact, last June when she had to get a treatment in the hospital the Respiration Tech stopped and claimed she was the worst neb patient ever. I've tried to brainstorm creative ways to distract her during treatments this time around. I really hope this helps other parents with children who refuse to use the nebulizer. We do not use the mask...I just hold it up in front of her nose and mouth. 3. Watch a movie, or youtube clip on a computer, tablet, or phone. It is impossible to hear the regular tv over the noise of the nebulizer, but if the device is in close proximity to the child it tends to hold their attention better. Allow your child to hold a favorite toy or blanket. 2. Sing songs together. This works well for an active child because you can bounce them up and down and swing their head from side to side. Again, hold hands which keeps the hands awa

(FRIDAY) The alarm sounded at 5AM this morning and I hit snooze...5 more minutes! When it rang again I sprung from bed, put on my workout clothes and headed out the door to yoga. I love to begin my day with yoga, and find on the days that I practice in the morning I am more centered and peaceful. I've often thought about how incredible it is that so many people wake up early to come to yoga, or to work out. It's like an entire different universe of people who are up before the sun - ready to start their day on their terms rather than on the typical hustle and bustle that fills our lives. This morning just as class was beginning one of the other ladies jumped up from her mat and said, "Ok, plan B today. The first teacher overslept, and I'm going to be teaching class this morning. I recognized this lady right away - she is another teacher at the studio, so it wasn't just a random person. But, then I thought, she came this morning for herself, and when she found out

Read with a flashlight! Children are fascinated by flashlights. And, if you have a smart phone you can download the flashlight app. It is so much fun to read by flashlight. So, tonight (or tomorrow night hopefully!) give it a try. Snuggle in bed, pull the covers up and shine your flashlight on a favorite book. If your child is a little older, play "I spy" and shine the flashlight on parts of the picture.

In 10th grade I decided to switch high schools. Initially, I was a bit nervous to make the move, but the moment I walked into Upper Dublin I knew it was the right move for me. The music, athletic, and academic programs were top-notch. But, most of all, the people I met at Upper Dublin were welcoming, kind, and caring individuals. There was one girl I knew that even back in high school when you are easily influenced, was not afraid to be herself. I remember on one of my first days as a new student she welcomed me and asked if I needed any help. Really she always went out of her way to chat with me. I would say in high school we were acquaintances. After high school I lost touch with her. But, she reappeared at my cousin's wedding. One of her best friends was marrying my cousin. Weird. But, it was nice to reconnect and check in on how life was going for her. The next year, she began teaching Special Ed in Central Bucks School District. I remember looking around the auditorium and s

There is nothing better than a great happy hour after a long week of work. During my first years of teaching, I would frequent happy hour with my colleagues up in Doylestown. Happy hour started and would run right into a regular Friday night out. I cherished the time spent with my teacher friends talking about school, then our business friends would join us and slowly our conversations would shift from school life to personal life. I still keep in contact with many of my first group of professional friends. Since having kids, I have not made it to many happy hours. Actually, I have made it to one. After a long week of work I really want nothing more than to pick up my children and take them somewhere fun. After all, they have also survived a long week away from their mom! I'll let you in on a secret...the hot spots like My Little Adventure and Jellybean Jungle that are mobbed in the early morning and afternoons are less busy during dinner hour on a Friday night. I have tested my t

Ok, so it hasn't been quite a Happy New Year for my little family. I'm not complaining, I am just proposing to put off my New Year's Eve til Saturday. Here are 3 reasons why... 1. Both my children are sick. Shannon has her 4th ear infection in 4 months. I feel horrible for her. She is a real trooper, though. Every time she gets an ear infection, she gets a TERRIBLE diaper rash, which then requires a different ointment to get rid of it. She doesn't sleep well, and she is irritable all day long. Poor baby girl. Patrick is also sick. He has a cough and fever. And, I haven't felt good for 3 weeks. The doctor told me it was allergies and an ear infection. So, on Christmas Day, we took down our Christmas tree. I thought I felt better, and maybe I did feel better for a couple days before feeling worse. Now I am so congested I feel like I am in a tunnel. I am hoping by Saturday we will ALL feel better! 2. We decided to eat healthier in the fall. We did great with it unt