If you're here just to talk

[teach]

Hi Ilived,

What kind of out-of-doors stuff do you like to do? I can't say that I'm fond of yard work..yuck (although I do like the outcome), but I enjoy camping, fishing, hiking. I like participating in some sports, slowwww-pitch softball, cycling.
What movies are you into?

 

[Vortex]

Hey, I like tech manuals lol. I never had much of an interest in fiction, preferring to read items which provide some knowledge which I don't already have. There was a great deficit of access to non-fiction in the school environment I grew up in, so the only items I had access to were encyclopedias. I prefer, though, books of subject.

The last movie [modern] which I saw, was "Waterworld". I saw it a week ago, and it was a great disappointment as I find most modern movies are! I prefer the classics definitely.

You don't expect your students to read their textbooks? That's interesting.

Hate to say it, Vortex, but tech manuals....yuck! I'm an avid reader, sometimes called a book lush, as opposed to a beer lush as I use reading as my vice rather than drink (fewer carbs). I will read most anything, as long as it has a good story line and plot. That does leave out manuals. I don't even like reading my textbooks, so I never really expect my students to do so.

What was the last movie you saw?

 

[DutchGirl]

Hey, I like tech manuals lol. I never had much of an interest in fiction, preferring to read items which provide some knowledge which I don't already have. There was a great deficit of access to non-fiction in the school environment I grew up in, so the only items I had access to were encyclopedias. I prefer, though, books of subject.

The last movie [modern] which I saw, was "Waterworld". I saw it a week ago, and it was a great disappointment as I find most modern movies are! I prefer the classics definitely.

You don't expect your students to read their textbooks? That's interesting.

Hello Vortex,
Do you really think fiction can't provide you with additional knowledge? By the way, I am a "techie", at least that's what I'm often (teasingly) called by a lot of people.

Teach, coming back to you on music. Have to listen to some of the artists you mentioned.

 

[Vortex]

Hey Dutch,
No, I mainly don't view fiction as a way to gain knowledge. It could be, perhaps, that I prefer my knowledge delivered in a more organized manner, or that my definition of knowledge is based purely on what's factual. I don't mainly see how anything fantastic could provide factual knowledge.

Hello Vortex,
Do you really think fiction can't provide you with additional knowledge? By the way, I am a "techie", at least that's what I'm often (teasingly) called by a lot of people.

Teach, coming back to you on music. Have to listen to some of the artists you mentioned.

 

[DutchGirl]

Well, I guess we disagree on that. Fiction isn't always organised, but reading it, it will give you sometimes a view of history, how certain circumstances in life and society affected people and their behaviour. It will give you insight in why our world is as it exists right now. I don't think that all fiction is worth reading, don't get me wrong.

 

[Vortex]

No, I don't believe that we disagree at all. I can clearly see your point.

Well, I guess we disagree on that. Fiction isn't always organised, but reading it, it will give you sometimes a view of history, how certain circumstances in life and society affected people and their behaviour. It will give you insight in why our world is as it exists right now. I don't think that all fiction is worth reading, don't get me wrong.

 

[DutchGirl]

No, I don't believe that we disagree at all. I can clearly see your point.

Well, I guess we disagree on that. Fiction isn't always organised, but reading it, it will give you sometimes a view of history, how certain circumstances in life and society affected people and their behaviour. It will give you insight in why our world is as it exists right now. I don't think that all fiction is worth reading, don't get me wrong.

Sorry Vortex, I must be sounding like a know-it-all (I don't know the right English word). I didn't mean that. I just tried to express what I feel.

 

[Vortex]

No, you don't sound like a know-it-all at all. Your expression was superb, and I appreciate the enlightenment, thank you.

Sorry Vortex, I must be sounding like a know-it-all (I don't know the right English word). I didn't mean that. I just tried to express what I feel.

 

[DutchGirl]

You are too kind.

 

[teach]

You two are too cute.

If I went into my classes with the expectation that my students read their textbooks to get their knowledge, it wouldn't happen. Our texts aren't written in a usable form, except for those independent learners. I do have them, on occassion, read a bit, with the expectation that I will quiz them on context the next day, but that's about it. I read instructional books, just don't enjoy them very much. I think it goes with any type of book I read, even fiction books. I like a good plot. If there isn't one, or if there is a bad plot, it's hard for me to read.

WaterWorld, with Mel Gibson. I liked that movie, the first time. It's not one I can watch repeatedly.

 

[lilyelk]

Hi. Actually, I think Waterworld was with Kevin Costner which says a lot and I about died laughing when Vortex called it disappointing. That is a bit of an understatement...but I agree; the first time is really only the best time on that movie.

I am currently reading Seabuscuit. I am not a teacher, although I always wanted to be. My Dad was pretty against it. Since then I looked into it again and realized the cost and the schooling wasn't going to work with even a lower salary than I am at now. So that is not in the cards for me.

I am living alone now for 8 months after the end of a 10 year relationship. Some days move along and then some moments just feel awful.

 

[lilyelk]

Darn it! I hate when I spell something wrong...for the world to see!

That would be Seabiscuit...not to be confused with Seabuscuit...

 

[teach]

You're right, I do tend to get their faces mixed up!
Hi Lilyelk. There are many states in desperate need of teachers, so at least keep the idea on the back burner. There are also many ways to become certified, depending on the state.
I'm sorry about your relationship. You're definitely in a good place here when you need to reach out and talk.

 

[lilyelk]

Yah, the state I am in I actually sat in on a teaching informational session about a month ago and the reality is we don't actually have a teaching shortage in the K - 8 range so what I am hearing (and witnessing) is people retraining like I would have to and then they are certified and no jobs (unless they want to leave the area). Schools are generally going to hire an experienced teacher over a newly certified one around here.

I do keep it in mind though. I figure there is probably a different way I can make an impact when it comes to children and education. I was a tutor all through college actually.

Thanks, I am still sort of trying to get the "feeling" of these boards...and their personalities...

 

[teach]

Wow, great to hear there's not a shortage! My state estimated a shortage at nearly 6000 certified this year. It's not that the positions aren't filled, but they are being filled by substitutes, retired teachers hired to stay on a while longer, emergency-certified teachers, etc. I'm guessing that you're in the North/North Eastern area. I'm in the South.

 

[lilyelk]

I am actually on the West coast. I think it is a new situation out here after a significant push for teachers in the 1990s. I agree with you actually though, teachers retiring will great shortages again. What happens out here is that the newly certified teachers end up taking substitute jobs for awhile or having to move out of the main city (and higher paying) areas.

 

[teach]

That makes a lot of sense. Do you enjoy what you're doing now? If so, keep with it. Being that a person spends most of their day at a job, it's highly important that you actually like being there. If you have that little bug about teaching and think you may have the "I wonder if...", give mentoring a try. Most schools have a mentoring program, not necessarily a tutoring, just a buddy program. You may have seen something like that while you were in college.

Outside of work and education, what else do you like to do?

 

[lilyelk]

Well. Truth be told; I don't much like my paying job at all. But I don't LOATH it. I didn't think about the mentoring thing. I do agree you should like being there (at your job) but I also have to make a living. I also think in my case I might do better simply changing the job if I have to keep doing the same thing anyway...you know the environment might help a lot actually.

I love to quilt. I am a very avid hiker. Really one of those persons that needs to be out doors.

And you?

 

[teach]

I'm a hiker, if I have a buddy. I grew up in the mountains, nice park areas to hike. Now, I just walk my dogs. Not great with crafts, but did get into beading for a while. I'm a bit ADD when it comes to crafts. Probably the same reason I'm unable to just lie out and sunbathe. I have to be doing something.
Having just finished some summer classes, I've not being doing much of anything these last couple days. I do love to cook. I just finished making a really yummy batch of peanut butter cookies.

 

[lilyelk]

I hear you on the ADD and crafts. I knit too...but it must be in front of the TV or if I am a passager in the car or if I am at a family gathering I would rather not be at...you know; multi-tasking.

Quilting can drive you crazy like no other craft has ever done for me. What is amazing is that hours will go by and you will not have done much. If you put the ironing board, the sewing machine and the laid out quilt far apart from each you would be surprised how much up and down you have to do!

I tried beading for awhile - now that I couldn't get into.

Good for you for taking the summer classes. Are they for you as a teacher or more of a personal interest.