In planning my new term, I have decided in the first week to get my class to write Haikus based on their Christmas holidays. A Haiku is a 3 line poem containing 17 syllables. The line/syllable distribution is a rather wonderfully palendromic 5/7/5. Here is an example I wrote exactly a week ago, on Christmas Eve:
Christmas Eve is here
Tomorrow we open gifts
I simply can't wait.
And here is a Haiku which explores more of the true meaning of this marvellous festival we have just enjoyed:
Jesus came to Earth
Laid in a humble manger
Died to save the world.
My blogging slow down has been due to two main factors:
1) Mountains of planning and preparation for the new term which is at present, 5 days away... yikes!
2) A Nintendo DS which Santa kindly left 'neath the tree for me. I have been training my brain, blowing up rival worms and playing lots of little card and board games against Mr 'CPU' whoever that is? Charles Patrick Utworthy? Cecil Peter Ullington?
Happy New Year to all, see you in 2009!
Wednesday, 31 December 2008
Monday, 22 December 2008
Homeschooling - an interesting debate
Through aimlessly wandering on facebook as a way of avoiding the tedium of medium term lesson planning, I came across this link. I have transcribed it below.
I can't tell if it is serious or a joke, the reasons seem to be a mix.
http://www.scrappleface.com/?p=23
It is an interesting debate, with many friends and families in my church opting to do this. I think my ultimate 'stand' on the subject is that if you choose to do it, that's ok, but don't preach it to others or put others under pressure to do the same.+ Ultimately, I think school is the better option (but as a teacher I recognise that impartiality is not something I can claim).
Anyway, enjoy...
(2002-08-26) — In an effort to increase the public drumbeat for criminalizing homeschooling, California Deputy Superintendent Joanne Mendoza has distributed a memo containing the top 10 reasons why public* schooling is better than homeschooling.
Here is an excerpt from that memo:Why Public* Schooling Is Better Than Homeschooling
Most parents were educated in the underfunded public school system, and so are not smart enough to homeschool their own children.
Children who receive one-on-one homeschooling will learn more than others, giving them an unfair advantage in the marketplace. This is undemocratic.
How can children learn to defend themselves unless they have to fight off bullies on a daily basis?
Ridicule from other children is important to the socialization process.
Children in public* schools can get more practice “Just Saying No” to drugs, cigarettes and alcohol.
Fluorescent lighting may have significant health benefits.
Publicly asking permission to go to the bathroom teaches young people their place in society.
The fashion industry depends upon the peer pressure that only public schools can generate.
Public* schools foster cultural literacy, passing on important traditions like the singing of “Jingle Bells, Batman smells, Robin laid an egg…”
Homeschooled children may not learn important office career skills, like how to sit still for six hours straight.
* For English readers: This article is American. Public School means the same as 'state' school in England. For once, the American definition makes more sense. In England 'Public School' is the same as 'Private School'. What is that about?
+ For those who feel this blog post promotes school education in a way in which I previously said that homeschoolers shouldn't, I apologise.
I can't tell if it is serious or a joke, the reasons seem to be a mix.
http://www.scrappleface.com/?p=23
It is an interesting debate, with many friends and families in my church opting to do this. I think my ultimate 'stand' on the subject is that if you choose to do it, that's ok, but don't preach it to others or put others under pressure to do the same.+ Ultimately, I think school is the better option (but as a teacher I recognise that impartiality is not something I can claim).
Anyway, enjoy...
(2002-08-26) — In an effort to increase the public drumbeat for criminalizing homeschooling, California Deputy Superintendent Joanne Mendoza has distributed a memo containing the top 10 reasons why public* schooling is better than homeschooling.
Here is an excerpt from that memo:Why Public* Schooling Is Better Than Homeschooling
Most parents were educated in the underfunded public school system, and so are not smart enough to homeschool their own children.
Children who receive one-on-one homeschooling will learn more than others, giving them an unfair advantage in the marketplace. This is undemocratic.
How can children learn to defend themselves unless they have to fight off bullies on a daily basis?
Ridicule from other children is important to the socialization process.
Children in public* schools can get more practice “Just Saying No” to drugs, cigarettes and alcohol.
Fluorescent lighting may have significant health benefits.
Publicly asking permission to go to the bathroom teaches young people their place in society.
The fashion industry depends upon the peer pressure that only public schools can generate.
Public* schools foster cultural literacy, passing on important traditions like the singing of “Jingle Bells, Batman smells, Robin laid an egg…”
Homeschooled children may not learn important office career skills, like how to sit still for six hours straight.
* For English readers: This article is American. Public School means the same as 'state' school in England. For once, the American definition makes more sense. In England 'Public School' is the same as 'Private School'. What is that about?
+ For those who feel this blog post promotes school education in a way in which I previously said that homeschoolers shouldn't, I apologise.
Friday, 19 December 2008
..by the skin of my knuckles (aka yet another rant about public transport)
It was the duck's fault.
More specifically, a red duck made of thin bauble-like glass which had decided to break free from it's sellotape shackles below the picture frame.
In my actions of clearing up the broken glass to prevent unaware toes from unexpected pain, I made myself a little later for leaving than I would have liked, but still to stand across the road and see a 49 minutes past sail away at 47 minutes past was annoying.
More annoying, however, was the almost 25 minute wait at the nearby bus stop for a different bus, missing 2 buses out (and then of course 3 came at once oh yes). So it was 6.12. My train to Eastbourne (to get to a dinner with new employment on time) was at 6.32. How was I going to do this?
Much muttering and moaning under my breath later (at people's dithering when getting on and off), the bus did manage to get to st Peter's Church by 6.25 somehow.
I ran up Trafalgar Street, not caring what I looked like, and arrived at the station at 6.27 (either I ran darn quick or our timepieces are not entirely aligned).
For complicated and boring financial reasons, I could not pay by card. I only had a £20 note to buy a ticket with. Those waiting for an amusing description of a £20 note being inserted 48 different ways without success, will be disappointed as it accepted it first time, but it did have no excuse, however, for giving me £12.10 change in 12 x £1 and 1 x 10p coins. Still rushing madly, desperate to catch the train, while retrieving all of my change, I scraped my hand several times on the flappy thing on the change/ticket collection point. As I burst through the barrier and reached my train, I noticed a thin trickle of blood working its way down the back of my right hand.
Still puffing and panting, I fell onto the train, a mess of quite literally blood, sweat and tears.
More specifically, a red duck made of thin bauble-like glass which had decided to break free from it's sellotape shackles below the picture frame.
In my actions of clearing up the broken glass to prevent unaware toes from unexpected pain, I made myself a little later for leaving than I would have liked, but still to stand across the road and see a 49 minutes past sail away at 47 minutes past was annoying.
More annoying, however, was the almost 25 minute wait at the nearby bus stop for a different bus, missing 2 buses out (and then of course 3 came at once oh yes). So it was 6.12. My train to Eastbourne (to get to a dinner with new employment on time) was at 6.32. How was I going to do this?
Much muttering and moaning under my breath later (at people's dithering when getting on and off), the bus did manage to get to st Peter's Church by 6.25 somehow.
I ran up Trafalgar Street, not caring what I looked like, and arrived at the station at 6.27 (either I ran darn quick or our timepieces are not entirely aligned).
For complicated and boring financial reasons, I could not pay by card. I only had a £20 note to buy a ticket with. Those waiting for an amusing description of a £20 note being inserted 48 different ways without success, will be disappointed as it accepted it first time, but it did have no excuse, however, for giving me £12.10 change in 12 x £1 and 1 x 10p coins. Still rushing madly, desperate to catch the train, while retrieving all of my change, I scraped my hand several times on the flappy thing on the change/ticket collection point. As I burst through the barrier and reached my train, I noticed a thin trickle of blood working its way down the back of my right hand.
Still puffing and panting, I fell onto the train, a mess of quite literally blood, sweat and tears.
Monday, 15 December 2008
Scolar ha ha ha ri!
Metro's back page was simply hilarious today: Big Phil talking about suffering from Kidney Stones:
"I am in a lot of pain". Scolari said. "They say it is more pain than when you have a baby but I don't know as I have not had one. It is not possible."
Bet that was devastating news; finding out he couldn't have a baby...
"I am in a lot of pain". Scolari said. "They say it is more pain than when you have a baby but I don't know as I have not had one. It is not possible."
Bet that was devastating news; finding out he couldn't have a baby...
Saturday, 13 December 2008
Perspective...
3 status updates that greeted me on Facebook this morning. Made me think about the different ways people approach Saturday mornings. I have starred out the first two names for privacy reasons.
***** ****** not sure 3 days is long enough to get over a hangover1.5 seconds ago
- Comment
***** ******** is feeling sick, has a horrible headache and is meh.about a minute ago
- Comment
Write a comment...
Tom Blanckensee has been made righteous by the Holy God who alone is righteous.4 minutes ago
***** ****** not sure 3 days is long enough to get over a hangover1.5 seconds ago
- Comment
***** ******** is feeling sick, has a horrible headache and is meh.about a minute ago
- Comment
Write a comment...
Tom Blanckensee has been made righteous by the Holy God who alone is righteous.4 minutes ago
Friday, 12 December 2008
Yet another farewell...
I finished work at Olivet today, and it was very emotional as I said goodbye to students, some of whom I have been teaching for the past 11 weeks. Although I have an exciting (and scary) new job, I will miss this time. This Autumn has been a brilliant time.
As part of the afternoon Christmas Party, students of different nationalities shared with everyone how to say 'Merry Christmas' in their language.
German - Frohe Weihnachten!
French - Joyeux Noel!
Italian - Natale allegro!
and my personal favourite...
Japanese - Melly Chlistmas!
As part of the afternoon Christmas Party, students of different nationalities shared with everyone how to say 'Merry Christmas' in their language.
German - Frohe Weihnachten!
French - Joyeux Noel!
Italian - Natale allegro!
and my personal favourite...
Japanese - Melly Chlistmas!
Monday, 8 December 2008
Very Amusing Turmoil...
I was in Eastbourne today after gaining an idea of how feasible bussing it to work will be after Christmas - early signs discouraging, but anyway.... I found myself walking past Primark, and as I spent 4 years working there part time while studying, I always find a natural curiousity about other branches.
On first impressions, it looked the same - gondolas (I know they are boats in Venice - don't start me) full of messed up clothes, the same wheelie tables with a pile of rubbish on the little tray underneath, (50% staff junk and 50% litter cheekily dumped by the public). The look of boredom and hopelessness on the face of a jumper refolder-er as she realises it is 1 step forward and 5 steps back...
... but wait... something incredibly surprising and unusual is evident...
Let me explain. You know the deal with "....99p?" You know, where £1.99 sounds cheaper than £2.o0. Well it works, even when you know what they're doing.
Well Primark have never bothered with this, seeing as the stuff is dirt cheap anyway.
Let's be open, honest. It's 2 quid! Wow.
The real reason they do this? No faffing around with coppers, giving pennies in change. Transactions move quicker, customers through quicker, more money made, faster queues and happier customers. Also means no complex maths skills needed...
But alas this system has been ripped apart by Mr Brown's VAT antics as there are lots of individual signs displayed around the store for £4.76 £1.96 etc etc
(Prices loosely based on author's memory and intended only to make the point).
Made me chuckle anyway...
On first impressions, it looked the same - gondolas (I know they are boats in Venice - don't start me) full of messed up clothes, the same wheelie tables with a pile of rubbish on the little tray underneath, (50% staff junk and 50% litter cheekily dumped by the public). The look of boredom and hopelessness on the face of a jumper refolder-er as she realises it is 1 step forward and 5 steps back...
... but wait... something incredibly surprising and unusual is evident...
Let me explain. You know the deal with "....99p?" You know, where £1.99 sounds cheaper than £2.o0. Well it works, even when you know what they're doing.
Well Primark have never bothered with this, seeing as the stuff is dirt cheap anyway.
Let's be open, honest. It's 2 quid! Wow.
The real reason they do this? No faffing around with coppers, giving pennies in change. Transactions move quicker, customers through quicker, more money made, faster queues and happier customers. Also means no complex maths skills needed...
But alas this system has been ripped apart by Mr Brown's VAT antics as there are lots of individual signs displayed around the store for £4.76 £1.96 etc etc
(Prices loosely based on author's memory and intended only to make the point).
Made me chuckle anyway...
Wednesday, 3 December 2008
Tuesday, 2 December 2008
Sleeping buddies
For the last few nights, I have found an increasing number of random things in my bed, probably a result of sorting out lots of rubbish in my room.
Last night I found (in no particular order): a sandwich box, my bible, a conker and a Comic Relief 'Tomato' Car Nose from whatever early 90s year that was.
I left them there; they weren't doing me any harm huddled in the corner. There's room in a double bed for all of us.
Last night I found (in no particular order): a sandwich box, my bible, a conker and a Comic Relief 'Tomato' Car Nose from whatever early 90s year that was.
I left them there; they weren't doing me any harm huddled in the corner. There's room in a double bed for all of us.
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