Reflect This (developmental periods)

It is depressing that by age 20, an age in which life experiences are at a potential maximum, three-fourths of the life span periods are already in the record books; enjoy life with the mindset of a child so that everything is fun, the physical development of an adolescence so that anything is possible, and the wisdom and knowledge of an adult so that everything and anything are worth it. Experience life.

Reflect This- High Quality Literature

Thoughts about Reading and Using High Quality Books

    Having limited exposure to literature growing up concerns come to the mind more quickly than the benefits of having high quality literature in the classroom. First, what criteria is needed in order for a book, or piece of literature, to be considered “high quality?”  Most books are thought to be considered “high quality” depending on the individual experience one has with, or from, a book. A “high quality book” is one that would provide a higher quality, more eventful, more worth remembering life experience to its page turner.
    Secondly, just as news journalists from around the world wait for the “appropriate” moment to unleash their true thoughts on some of the worlds most controversial topics, age “appropriate” books wait in libraries to be found; to be found by a child that has yet been exposed to some of those topics deemed “appropriate.” What makes the topics “appropriate” and who decides at what age it is a child is to be exposed to these more controversial issues.
    Lastly for concerns would be that in the form of advocacy for a higher quality of literature in the classroom. An individual should not have to wait 29 years into his/her life before understanding that there is a higher quality of literature out there. Learning about the different reasons books are given awards provides a much clearer path to higher quality books than does the sometimes wasted felt effort in reading and then deciding. A way to make the concept of “high quality reading” universal to parents is a must for advocacy of reading high quality literature.
    For some, literature is the only form of experience they may have. To ensure that that these experiences are worth-wild and in the end will benefit society in some way, shape,or form, high quality books with life learned lessons must be presented. Some moral questioning and placement should take place after reading a higher quality book; something should be learned that was worth learning.
    In order to keep ones attention, higher quality books must also keep the attention of the reader. Story lines must be relevant and relate-able to the reader or an association will not be made.
    Reading does improve the imagination. Most things that benefit civilization were not just found in the world as it is. Ideas were thrown around, sometimes by means of literature, to be tweaked and fine tuned until the full benefit could be felt. Readers will continually build off of the imaginations of others. A higher quality book can be thought of as the motivational launching pad that may boost a child's imagination to the next world cure-all.
    The name of my favorite childhood author is Maurice Sendak, writer/illustrator of Where the Wild Things Are (1963); which is also my favorite childhood book mainly because this is one of the few memories I have of my childhood; this experience can leave one to think that the process (the sitting with momma as she reads a loud) is more important than the act (cognitively reading for ones self) of reading. Through experiences comedy and fiction novels have most often found their way into my hands. My favorite adult authors are David Sedaris (my non fictional choice), a Grammy Award nominated humorist, and mother-daughter duo P.C. and Kristin Cast of the House of Night series (a fictional representation of how the world may work with vampires). My favorite book by Sedaris is titled When You are Engulfed in Flames (2008); this is a collection of humorous non fictional experiences, more about his attempts at quitting smoking than anything else. The entire House of Night series follows the fictional character of Zoey Redbird, a human turned vampire high princess, and all of the troubles that may follow a typical female teen-aged vampire princess.

Reflect This (Currahee)

I have recently returned from an experience that I am glad I decided to do. I got to meet up with some of the guys that were, as I was, forever changed by the often un-thought of exposure to war. I now know that am not alone with my thoughts and reflections. Often times it difficult to fathom just what we did during the "Battle of Ramadi." The thought that scares me most: seeing one of these brothers in arms giving up when he has already been through so much. As of right now though most all of the "Outlaws" are either still doing what they do across the ocean or are pursuing some type of professional degree in college. Individual memories were shared and new ones were made. Embracing was a must because the fear of never knowing when we will meet again is always in the back of our heads. These are men that I have a bond with; a bond like any other; a bond that will never be matched. We saw death together and in a way played God together. I can easily recall one memory of each and every man I served with; I have taken a part of all of them with me and am happily satisfied with the camaraderie obtained and the person I have become through the means of bonding on a level with people that not all get to experience. Other than my wife I feel that these are the only people in the world that have the RIGHT to hold me accountable for anything. We became and will always be our own individually specific band of brothers no matter where we are in life. Many became one by doing something bigger than themselves. CURRAHEE! 

Reflect This- My Better Half

     The describer "my better half" when referring to ones spouse is a phrase that is more often than not thrown around with little to no thought behind it. How is it that the "other half" in a marriage is most often the better half; is the half of the marriage that talks less automatically deemed the better half because his or her "other half" is  speaking of his or her "better half" more frequently? See how this can get confusing!? So here I sit on day two of my school break compelled to voice, by means of written language, why my "better half" is truly THE BETTER HALF. First and foremost my better half has too been to war; she too has been forced into this world of never ending nightmares, swerving vehicles in avoidance of things that are no longer there, and the acknowledgment, understanding, and acceptance that my mind has forever been altered to experience the world and life through a much darker perspective. My "better half" takes care of most all financial responsibilities. My "better half" openly worries about me and hands-down it feels good to know that I am being thought of. My "better half" OFTEN gives me back massages. My "better half" makes my favorite meals. My "better half" makes me smile, laugh, and love. My "better half" makes my life experience easier and more enjoyable than I ever imagined. My "better half" makes me want to be a better person. My "better half" takes an interest in things I enjoy just to be around me. My "better half" would be OK with experiencing the rest of life with me alone and that in my mind is an unbelievable example of love. My "better half" has opened me up to experiences I would have never known had our paths not crossed. My "better half" always wants whats best for US. My "better half" is not better at spending money; this fact still astounds me; my preconceived cognition that all females do not understand how NOT to spend money is proven wrong on a daily basis by me handing her a plethora of receipts. My "better half" enjoys me for the goofy, silly, stubborn, difficult individual I can often be. My "better half" wants and needs me just as much as I want and need her and that is an amazing feeling, experience, and thought to dwell on. My "better half" openly talks to me about some of life's most intimate and moral thoughts and experiences. My "better half" educates me. My "better half" cares about herself in such a way that maximizes our time and experiences together by quitting smoking (which is easily one of society's hardest and most sought after accomplishments) and working out (which is easily another one of society's hardest and highly sought after goals). My "better half" leaves me little notes that sometimes make my entire day. My "better half" is not a sucker for cheesy business entrepreneurship's. My "better half" enjoys all types of good music; actually this can be applied to art in general. My "better half" cares about humanity. My "better half" is worth it. My "better half" means the world to me and I would do ANYTHING to keep my life just the way it is. My "better half" loves me in every way, shape, and form for the imperfect me I am. My "better half" is worth more than these words to me. My "better half" is mine and in my mind my "better half" is better than yours. Enjoy your "better half"<period>

:)

Reflect This

THANKSGIVING WEEKEND

     Attempting to think of where to begin about this past, experience filled weekend is like playing one of those claw machines that are often found in Wal-Marts and laundry-mats; its tough deciding which fluffy goofy looking animal or flashy expensive looking watch is worthy of 50 cents, and in my case which experience is worthy enough to be a beginning. So I have decided to begin with... well the beginning. It would humor me to see my mother-in-law not hold her tongue as much as she says she does, however, when the experience presents itself the comments are often very down to earth, blunt, and hilarious; we learned that some people enjoy having candles, 10 to 20 seems to be the understood preference, lit and warming the dining environment because it simply feels like there is fire around. Um... that's because there is! I love my down to earth, matter of fact, clever, sometimes unknowingly funny mother-in-law; As my wife would say "She makes my heart smile."

  My wife and I decided to visit with a friend of mine from high school whom I have not seen since I left for the military, 11MAR2004 (funny I'll never forget the day that changed my life, but that's another story). It was really fun to catch up with someone that has shared a part of my past. I love knowing what people from my past are doing these days. I am often fascinated with running my hamster wheel of a brain towards thoughts of who has turned into the have, the have nots, and more commonly found the have not changed one single bit. Its hilarious how many people from the area where I graduated high school say the same thing when asked whats  new: "Oh you know... its East Tennessee, not much happening round here... I got a kid now (that seems to be the thing to do when a female resident of E. TN is tired of being a stripper)." Yeah, I know, and I know that's why I will never be moving back to the other side of the state; I like change, I like exciting, I like experiencing, living, and learning life way too much to be consumed with a smaller town life. The small town life is enjoyable, but just not for me. I can find satisfaction just outside the city limits, or the general publicly accepted center of town. Anyways the friend I visited did have a rather interesting story. I learned that sometimes females too can become addicted to video games... for 4 to 5 months. Its good to know that there are other people out there willing to put forth the effort to be a "Rock Band" legend or a true "Guitar Hero". Drum away girl, and the next time we meet we will run up the high score of every song on that game. Learned my wife is a pretty darn good singer too; 95 to 100 percent accuracy was commonly shown on her score card. Good job babe, and way to growl it out on that heavy metal genre; there may be a hidden freak inside you ; )

     

     I got to spend some time with my nephew. I learned I love that little guy a whole lot. He is quite the character and I am very interested in being involved in his life and watching him grow up. Thinking about my brother here a bit and how I wish he could see that a simple small change would make the world of difference. Without a change, the same results will continue to follow. Love you brother and I hope you are getting your stuff together in there.

     Somehow, and I can't remember how, I talked my wife into checking out every NFL stadium; this year the experience took place in Atlanta Georgia. Wow, is all I can really say. What do you call two white Packer fans in a post-game tailgate party in the dirty south underground predominantly filled with black Falcon fans? One would think dead meat (would say not literally but it was Atlanta), or the laughing stock, however, somehow we were like the token white guys (definitely not literal) that everyone wanted to hangout with. The experience was grand to say the least; great food, good beer, and awesome company. Hell, we even met a couple that will be passing by around Christmas time that would like to get together again for a night on the town of Nashville. That's whats up!!! I learned that even in the mists of being surrounded by what most would call at first glance Falcon thugs, or hoodlums, speakers pumping bass so hard the heart could have possibly skipped a beat, and being the only white couple that just so happen to be Packer fans on a day the Falcons beat the Packers my wife and I still decided to show off our dancing skills. The experience was worth it; from that point on there was not a single moment when I was not in conversation with someone. Thanks Atlanta for the experience. I learned peoples superficial appearance deserves a chance. For if a chance is not given, an experience may be wasted.

     To conclude... since it is Thanksgiving I shall state what it is I am thankful for. I thankful for the way my life is, and all those that are involved. Every person I have met has in some way, shape, or form helped mold me into the man I am today. It has been a life learning experience of mine to consciously take something from every individual I meet and apply what I have learned from the experience to my life. Sometimes this is something simple, and sometimes the applied is life changing. Either way there is something to learn from every social encounter. I am thankful for all my brothers, friends, and family. I learned that my wife is beginning to apply some of my beliefs to her life, and I think that she is enjoying the experience and that makes my heart smile; she deserves so much more than this imperfect world and I can only try to help her enjoy her life experiences. My wife is very special to me for many reasons, but one above many is the fact that she has experienced so much of life with me; "not in front or behind, but side by side". (lol... I feel like something manly needs to be inserted here. So, remember I just got back from a football game... yeah! CAUSE I'M A MAN!!!! )

Reflect This

Take some from all, but leave all for all. One should take all they can from another when the topic communicated between the two deals with the betterment of ones life; the more life experiences one has the more another can learn from him/her. The individual that has life experiences should share as much as they can. Kind of goes along with the old saying "... two ears, one mouth..." I have learned many important life lessons simply through listening. Lending an ear is a lesson learned.

Reflect This

Manual Communication Board

When it comes to difficulties with communication the manual communication board is an excellent option to go with, and if can be highly economical if need be. A manual communication board is something that a student may use to communicate with; it does not need batteries so it is always available and in most cases is a good start point when introducing alternative/augmented communication devices to individuals for the first time. A manual communication board made only from drawings on a piece of paper is as simple as it can be, although, it should be noted that advancing technologies have brought about communication boards that are also speech synthesizers. Either way one wants to go with it communication between the teacher and the student with communication barriers is a must that a manual communication board ensures. Funny how the simplest things are still the most reliable. One should enjoy what technology can do for him/her, but he/she must also remember how to use things in there simplest form too.

Reflect This

"the invisible rope" - still one of the best pranks I have ever seen. This is such a fun social experiment to watch. Another great prank show, for the more grim, is Scare Tactics, but hey 90210's Shannon Doherty used to be the host; now it is Tracy Morgan. I enjoy social experiments; its such a learning experience to see what people do in different, sometimes drastic, situations. Be afraid... be very afraid if some how I one day become a writer for Scare Tactics. Final thoughts on pranks; one shouldn't dish out what one cannot take.

Reflect This

     Even though one cannot always control the environment one is in, one may always control how one interacts with that environment. Always take a moment and think about which part of the environment the self can control and then act upon it. Do nothing and nothing will change; this can be applied to the many different aspects of life.

Reflect This

"Reflect This" is going to an enjoyable personal test of commitment that includes at least a single, sometimes multiple, topic reflection on something having to do with anything I feel has been learned within a 24 hour, sometimes longer, period. Enjoy the daily thoughts of experiences I deem as worthy of remembering; the mind of just another dude looking in the mirror. (see what happens when you click the light bulb)

 ReFlEcT tHiS

I learned that I will always be a kid at heart; this may be the reason I feel so inclined to work with children; either as a teacher or as an occupational therapist. It means a lot to me to be able to be a teacher, a learner,a healer,a problem solver, and a friend of children. What better way to ensure a successful future than to work with those that will one day run it.

Thing # 23

Creative Commons or Final Thoughts on 23 Things

    I was gotten again here... and because its just the type of guy I am I must comment on both of these subjects.

     Creative Commons is a web site that gives out various copy-write licenses to individuals that would like to have their originals ideas protected. It is an awesome idea... the web site and the idea of doing it. It makes it a lot easier to share information on the web. Rights to originality is something that I will bestow upon my students.  The site is easy to use and navigate around.

   23 Things is an invaluable experience <PERIOD>, but since this is for a class and I know that wont cut it... let me explain. Before 23 Things, and my instructional technology class, I often left technology alone... it confused me sometimes and I often ended up more frustrated than when I began. Now, I am a lot more confident, and I have realized that yes there were things I didn't like, but there were many things I did. These tools, skills, and experiences will be shared for as long as my blog stands and forever in those individuals lives that cross paths with mine. LOOK OUT!!! Real blogging here I come... in no way does this mean that 23 Things was not real blogging, for it was truly a real experience that I am glad I had. Happy Readings:), and don't forget to comment to make the world go 'round.

Thing # 22

PODCASTS UGHHH...

    Wow... ever thought you had something down and then BAM!!! that something let's you know real quick that you never did have that something in check. Well, that something for me is podcasts... and I may seriously need some help. Not only did I get frustrated because I couldn't figure out why I couldn't hear anything... I was stumped for several minutes by this colorful event. Now, my wife may be the only one that knows just how mad I can get at technology, and I am sure she was glad to be out doing something, but boy did I get hot. One couldn't even call what came out of my mouth "bad words"... is more just growling gibberish ... GRRR!!!!

 So needless to say I did not listen to anything, and I do not believe that I will be sharing my ignorance with a future class. Maybe I got to used to listening to live streams and thought that's what an podcast was. All the directories were easy to use to find specific things it was just the whole need for some audio input thing that through me off. Good luck and good riddance of "Thing 22".

-this was definitely one of those experiences I am glad to be done with, and just in case yes speakers were plugged in and on : )

Thing # 21

Animoto

      Animoto is not a Japanese Steak House, it is a tool that automatically produces unique video pieces from personalized photos. I will admit it was fun... probably spent a bit too much time on this one, but it was a good time. What a great way to tell a picture story for a class. The process was very easy and... very addicting:) All I had to do was upload pictures from my computer. Now, since my wife is the one that usually messes with pictures on the computer (job and hobby) I did not feel like playing through those so... I used my go go gadget brain and uploaded them from my facebook account to my desktop and then downloaded them to Animoto from the desktop. Easy, peasy<----( it will be interesting to see how many people know where this reference came from). Anyways, once the pictures are decided on, music is the next decision to be made. Easy too. Music... good music... good popular music is provided by Animoto right there. A very quick and very easy process. The finalizing kind of threw me off; the computer screen read "click here"... I clicked, a few moments later my video clip was playing. I couldn't believe that it was that easy. Now, yes... only being ablt to play with 30 seconds was kind of a let down, but this a tool I will definitely look into using for the classroom. Enjoy my video easily peasily made using Animoto; the direct link to share this on my blog was a huge bonus too.

Create your own video slideshow at animoto.com.

Thing # 20

YouTube as an Escape or Education

     YouTube is a great way to find video information. There is nothing really negative to say about how YouTube is ran. Featured videos are on the homepage, and anything else is a search and click away. I decided to search for the comedian Josh Blue. Josh Blue is a stand up comedian that has Cerebral Palsy; he is a huge disability advocate. Most of the material that Blue uses stems from his disability; his interaction with what he calls "condescending people"; he explains in a comic twist how his disability has effected his life. A Josh Blue clip is a prime example of how YouTube can be used as an escape or as education. If one just wants to laugh then he/she can enjoy Josh Blue for that reason, and if one wants to be educational this is a great way to introduce the disability Cerebral Palsy to a group (classroom) of individuals. YouTube is already something I use on a regular basis for both personal entertainment and for educational purposes, and will continue to do so. One can search for anything and become bombarded with a plethora of videos pertaining to only what was searched for. I picked the clip below because laughter is best enjoyed shared. Sit back a listen to life from the perspective of Josh Blue.

Thing # 19

Social Networking Beyond Facebook and Myspace

     Does Myspace and Facebook rule social networking??? Yes, but there are many other options out there and if one cannot find a social network that he/she likes than he/she may create his/her own social networking site with specifications built only to his/her standards. Social networking has become just as important as going to work and providing a living for some, and others do not do it at all. The truth is the world is moving to a form of socialization which is almost entirelyy online, and learning how to navigate through the online jungle is a huge benefit to any member of society... especially a teacher; which is why I am a member of the pre-service and in-service social networking site TeacherPop which is a place where teachers can collaborate and share ideas.

                                                       got teacherpop?

(The S on my chest)

    
     I am already a member of a couple social networking sites; myspace, facebook, teacherpop, and pretty soon maybe the site Gather. I feel that I may already be stretching the social networking a bit; sometimes I feel that I have no more time in a day to socialize on any other site without giving up physical interaction which is something I am not willing to do, but Gather did catch my interest. The main reason why gather caught my eye is because it is described as an outlet for National Public Radio listeners like myself. I also like how the site asks questions that may be debated, a way of almost forcing social interaction online. The key to social networking is the interaction; leave comments... no one knows if his/her work/ideas/posts/blogs is being looked at if no one leaves comments. I really liked playing around on Gather, and will probably end up completely swapping my Myspace account for a Gather account.

Thing # 18

Facebook and Myspace

     I have both a facebook and a myspace. I was actually surprised to see that myspace is more popular than facebook. I use my facebook account a lot more than my myspace account. I enjoy "facebooking", what the action of being on facebook is sometimes referred to as, mainly because I no longer live in the town where I grew up, or in the same town as my immediate family so it is nice and easy to keep up with them via facebook or myspace. Facebook also has a plethora of games, or extras one can fill his/her time with; it is an easier and more entertaining site to use. For a teacher to understand the what and how a social networking page works is highly valuable if used the right way. A teacher does not need to have posted too many too personal photos and/or information posted to his/her facebook/myspace page knowing that a student may access it which usually happens; this is another way in which knowing a social networking page could prove to be valuable.A teacher may seem "cool", or "with it" if he/she is ale to talk the talk of the student which just so happens to include a heavy interest in social networking. A teachers social networking page should be strictly business or strictly set to private so that not anyone in society may take a look into his/her life. There already are school sites for social networking; through my experiences these have mainly been found at the college level (hence APSU involvement), but I don not know how they would workout in elementary, middle, and high schools. A cause for concern may be that not every student has Internet access outside of the school, but a teacher could use such a site for posting homework assignments, getting feedback from the students via messaging, etc. Come find and friend me on facebook, but play nice or you may be de-friended.

Thing # 17

Del.icio.us

     Del.icio.us is social tagging network that allows one to keep things of interest in one nice little spot; on his/her Del.icio.us page. When one is on a page he/she likes he/she can tag the page and share it to his/her Del.icio.us account. Comments can also be left; so using such a program could be highly beneficial to teachers and their peers. This way a teacher may be able to share a link to any specific information and write an analytical review for whatever it is that he/she reads. This way other teachers can see if something is even worth their time. Same concept could work with a summer reading program too; the students share readings and make comments on them. An individual (student or teacher) could also use this tool to benefit while doing research. Researchers can use common tags or highly tagged articles to find high points of interest; this way research information is always up to date with current events. Del.icio.us seems to be a beneficial tool for research and this is probably where I will use the tool most often. There is a lot of things out there on the web that can collect all the information an individual needs, and adding one more would just confuse me, but none-the-less give it a try; happy searching.

Thing # 16

     I decided to go with iGoogle because it was most appealing and truthfully the easiest. I like how one is able to customize a web site that fits their needs. I had fun playing with and adding different widgets until the page was to my specifications, it passed all of them. It is fun has only information I care about, and from it some can see that I am a little bit business, a little bit fun, and a Green Bay fan. Yes, I will make this my home page. Now, when I am in a hurry I wont have to click through 20 million different things to get the two cents of sometimes needless information that I feel is all too important to go on without knowing.
     I have already been using an online calendar to keep me updated on when I have appointments or when school projects are due. What I like best about the calendar is that is synced to my phone so I can add and delete things as needed on the go, or I can sit down at a computer input the needed information and my phone will alarm me at the time entered on the computer. Great, great tool to use. This method of keeping a schedule is also highly preferred by speech/language pathologists.
     Online to-do-lists may be a good idea for long trips or field trips for the classroom, but on the fly I would rather just jot down my own to-do-list instead of having to log on to a computer and print it out. However, the calendar and an iGoogle class page are great ways to manage a classroom, and a great way for the teacher and student alike to keep up with the schedule. This way students are never caught off guard and teacher will have more time to actually teach.

Thing # 15

WIKI's

This little youtube clip gave me some great ideas on how a wiki could be used in the classroom. This could be exactly how a class puts together a list for who's bringing what to the winter party, or it could also be used for a class project and/or field trip. This past summer I planned a military reunion, and boy were the e-mails back and forth forever long and confusing, At one point I had really wished that I had not of gotten the idea to have a reunion, but none-the-less the reunion was a blast and next time I WILL be creating a WIKI to coordinate with everyone interested. I really like that when the content is changed it shows one who changed it.
 I tried to edit the the 23Things wiki, but it would not let me... even after I created the account. Any help with that will be much appreciated:)

Thing # 14

I decided to set up a mind map account with mindmeister. The account set-up was as easy as changing the face of a Mr. Potato Head, and not time consuming at all. I attempted to use mindmeister with a project in which I will be creating a podcast explaining the five different subtypes found in the Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD); the results are as follows:The building of the mind map was very easy and this will also help me conduct my podcast for a later assignment. I really enjoyed making the mind map; it is a great way to brainstorm when one is stuck with nothing but blanks. I decided to share this on my blog because this is such a great way to generate thoughts. The downside as one can tell I could not for the life of me figure out how to get a full sized view mind map displayed on the blog. I spent enough frustrating minutes trying to figure this one out; so, any help will be much appreciated with this aspect. A link to the web page is as follows for a full viewing of my podcast mind map on the Autism Spectrum Disorders: http://www.mindmeister.com/maps/show/65672858 . I decided to create a flowchart using Giffy. I did not find the experience nearly as easy, or as enjoyable as working with mindmeister. None the less though I have seen flowcharts used effectively in the classroom before. I have added a flowchart idea for the classroom. The teacher could either handout the flowchart by means of printed copies, or he/she could project it on a screen. This way the students know exactly what is to be down and when it is to be done.