Awesome Videos

Mr. W... And not our American "W" - George W. Bush
This is one of the best!

What do you think?

World Cup 2010 in Review...

They are not just pretty faces, athletic bodies, shorts and sweat. They are not just smellly men, either. Some, if not many, are probably awesome, dreamer guys, with one goal in mind since they were probably 2 years of age. (I remember being 16... That was a good year... And, I've always liked the Netherlands. You know? I even like the color orange. My favorite combination!! BLUUUE and orange.) ^-^

Lifetime Objective: To go, do their best, represent their country, and WINning!!!

For some, it becomes a reality. For others, it remains a frustrating mirage in their life. Some come from humble upbringings, some are more affluent, others with a very privileged background, and some... as I've discovered this summer through some brief research, do not have any college education.

Hmmm.... It makes me think.

In school, we're always pushing the kids to think higher and strive for college. But in reality, they look up to these "role models" who sometimes have a hard time putting sentences together to speak. I don't know... I just wish that education was pushed even more within athletics. It's great to be an athlete, but it is also good to exercise your mind and not just your body. Don't take me wrong, physical fitness IS important... but a good education is priceless. You open doors wherever you go...

I say: Good job to those who value a good education within the sports world!!! Oh, and those that also don't have kids all over the place with various people, spreading a bit of themselves all over the place. (I'm not talking about Christiano Ronaldo, Rafa Marquez, wait your turn, please!!)

The End to a FANTASTIC! School Year with Donna Lewis & the Globe Trekker Crew

I even worded it that way on my end-of-the-year evaluation because I meant it. :)

In my years of teaching, (I sound like I have 35 years experience, hahaa..) I can honestly say that this was a great batch of kids. I knew I was going to miss them, so I created a Photostory for them. My kids loved it!!! And, I'm so glad because I wanted them to remember this year as a GREAT one!

You'll see pictures of our classroom, colleagues of mine, and some personal moments, since the kids are always asking personal Q's...

As for me, every teacher knows that having the freedom to teach and explore... and reach new heights with your kids, is the best thing that could happen in your job as an educator. That's how it was for me. I felt the freedom (thanks to our principal this year) to reach the stars and I reached the sky.

Spring Semester School Projects

The power of interactive learning.

It was second semester... The month of May to be exact. The kids were tired (so was I), in need of something different, but still willing to learn which is not very often that we as teachers see this at the end of the year.

Thanks to my wonderful friend and school librarian, we ended up making a corner of the library a U-shaped classroom as the kids explored iTouches through a project I ended up creating. It was the perfect opportunity for my students to explore all the applications in them, especially World Wiki (applicable to my subject area), and get a good sense of technology nowadays. After all, this is how the future looks like... Working together as a group, too. Meaning, everyone in the group was to be responsible for everyone because all would get a "group" grade.

So, how did my students do at the end of the year, after so much standarized testing, and things to do? Check the picture below. The engagement level even as the pictures were taken describes it best. To say the least, I was proud of my students for "getting into it" and displaying excellent behavior as we shared the library with 3 or 4 noisy and different classes...

What do you think? :)

Martin Luther King, Jr. Day

On every third Monday of January, the United States remembers the birthday of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Civil Rights Leader and Activist.

Today, Monday, Jan. 18th of 2010, I didn't go to work because I had the option of being off if I had all my "professional development" hours. Do I have these? Yes, I have met and exceeded the amount of hours needed for me to enjoy a day away from work.

What makes this possible? A federal holiday, MLK Day.

However, this day is a regular working day for most people, and those that are off, usually don't remember the real reason for this holiday because we're all tired and busy planning life stuff.

Some questions ponder in my mind: What if Dr. King was still alive today? How would things be?? How would history be different??? And if he could come back, what would he think about American society today???

A couple of years ago, I remember watching part of a cartoon that made me remember Dr. King's efforts and goals... and it just really made me think... a whole lot.

Although some might feel offended, please look at the bigger picture of the clip below. I think it attempts to answer at least one of my questions: What would Dr. King think of society today if he could be here for just one day? It is not meant to insult or destroy anyone with words, images, etc... Completely the opposite. The intention of the creator of this cartoon, Boondocks, was to pay respect to Dr. King and make us all, (yes, all of us) think about how we are contributing to American society. Are we being responsible members? Do we bring goodness with our actions?? Are we doing all that we can to live good lives???

My motive as a Social Studies teacher and rookie in the blogging world is to hopefully bring awareness to society (meaning my students), as I work with them on a daily basis, encouraging them to be their best, rise above current circumstances, and remain with a grateful attitude at all times.

Unfortunately, we (society as a whole) have lost that vision of living up to the dream that many people who came before us, like Dr. King, worked very hard for. That's just my humble opinion. Trying to find acceptance, wanting to build a better tomorrow so that it could be shared with our coming generations, etc... It's our duty to bring that dream back... that one dream that Dr. King had and worked for until his last day of life in order to see it reality in everyone. But as we think on this today, there are good news: The opportunity remains available. It is up to us as individuals if we are going to make it happen... and once we decide to go for it, we must hold on to it like dear life itself.

In this episode, things are so sad here in the U.S. that Martin Luther King Jr. decides to move to Canada instead. He dies at the age of 91, in Vancouver, B.C. ......Deep... and I'm so glad I get it.

In Memoriam... Here's to you, Miep Gies ~

"From the left to the right: Paul Gies, Fritzie Frank-Markovits, Jan Gies, Miep Gies and Otto Frank. Basel, 1971" (Click on pictures for source)

Yes, Miep Gies, the wonderful woman that helped the Frank family "survive" up until they were discovered in 1944... by bringing food, supplies, magazines, etc... has passed away today.

She was 100 years old.

Absolutely remarkable.

It is truly a blessing to live long and have blessed others in your life.

Survived by her son and three grandsons, all I can think of is: What a legacy.

Thank you, Miep, for having served as a kind reminder to humanity of what is important: To love each other as one loves thyself... and actually live and show that "brotherly" love, agape love.

May God bless your descendants, legacy, and of course, the sweet, kind memory of you!

With tears of gratitude, a girl that says thank you for helping Anne Frank and her family, and showing that unconditional, true love... thank you, God, for Miep. May she rejoice in your presence. :) Amen.

With all due respect and admiration, sincerely yours,
Carranza

(Reminder: I'm a 28-year old woman and now teacher, touched by Anne Frank's diary and the events of the Holocaust in 8th grade, spring semester, age 13).

If you think you're having a bad day...

Watch this.

It will help you put everything in perspective.

What's up?

A lot since my last post :)

1. In October, reminisced about the year 1999 as I ran into a live, TV concert performance of the Backstreet Boys. Yes, you can laugh but they did define my junior and senior year of high school. I graduated back in May of 99. They also came out with a new CD on October 6. FYI in case you're wondering :)

2. I'm enjoying teaching my group of kids this year. I couldn't ask for a better year! :) In spite of the "busy-ness", meetings, more work and expectations, and less time to sleep and rest, I've had some great new lesson ideas on this great school year. Most of my students (like 93%) this year are sweet, smartER, caring, polite, and good-hearted. This formula = success.

3. Enjoyed a very happy Thanksgiving :)
Thankfully evaluating all the blessings I've received this year: New house, new car, new attitude for and @ work, and a new outlook on life. Aw, refreshing... and worth the wait :)

Source: Here.

4. Been using my acitvboard and loving it! Especially the speakers... Great sound! It makes grading papers, lesson planning and organizing your classroom OK when listening to music with surround system on those long afternoons.

5. Busy being a new homeowner :) And spending lots of $ on paying bills :(

6. Watching a kitten "grow up" (Vivo - check out one of my early posts) and become as big as his mamma, already!! And he's not even 5 months old yet until Dec. 18th. The awesomeness of life :)

7. Countdown to my birthday as December started! I'll be 28 soon... Yikes!!!

8. Watched an episode of strict parents on MTV, accidentally, and I'm glad to report that I'm on my way to good parenting! LOL :) Seriously, these parents were both coaches. It was cool and hilarious to hear the things I tell my students on TV!! At the same time, it was touching to know that care, going the extra mile, and redirecting children's behavior often and as needed, in order to help them stay on task or on the right track - pays off. Well, sometimes. Especially for the kid. And that is what it is all about when you become an educator. Helping kids change their lives, one child at a time, one day at a time.

OK. Enough nostalgia and perfect world thoughts.

9. The little and simple things make me happy. I attended a grade-level team meeting this week where our 6th grade AP had breakfast for us (yogurt, various kinds of donuts, fresh fruit, granola bars, and!!! chocolate and a candy cane on each one of our seats). I was excited to just be @ work! Hahahaaa... and was ready to listen to what he had to tell us. At the same time, with him being a guy and all, I was impressed at how sometimes people do try to make an effort to plese you and make you happy. And that is great to have, at work and in life.

10. Snow day! and early release at school @ 12:30 today because of the snow. It was exciting. Super fun. The kids had a blast. It's moments like these that remind us that working with kids is fun... Well, good kids that is :) Days like today are much needed. We even celebrated a colleague's birthday during lunch. You could see the snow storm happening before our eyes since my classroom is sorrounded with windows on two of the four walls... For a couple of hours, my class turned into a science lab :) At dismissal, I played with the snow, made snow balls, threw them at another teacher friend and the sorrounding areas... Froze my hands as I removed all the snow from my car before driving off, and walked in the snow and freezing rain as it was coming down my face :) Driving in the snow was a first for me. When I got home, went outside in the cold for like 20 min. looking for Vivo's mom - Minni, who finally came back inside after her adventure today... And as I waited for her, the neighbor's cat also showed up at the same time in our backyard. Yes, I fed him too.

After work today, I've been hanging out at my parent's house since we live 2 min. away from each other! lol and I'm staying here tonight.

11. Even the Weather Channel covered our story: Snow in Houston!? They sent their best, Jim Cantore, to report on the happenings all around the Houston area. When a city with an average temp of 67 degrees around this timeof year hits freezing conditions and 1 in. of snow at Hobby Airport (more than NY and Chicago, per the news media) - You bet it's news!!!

Vacation @ Work

When needing a vacation from "work" @ work, consider this:

• Signing up for the computer lab,
• Visiting the library,
• If you have an outdoor classroom available at your school, use it!
• And if everything fails, switch your classroom for a day with another teacher... Especially if you have access to a classroom portible.

Life is lovely, as it should be, when you get to escape your every day routine outside of your classroom. How do I know? I'm at the computer lab all day today finding statistics on countries in Latin America. Yes, a wonderful demographics project that helps with benchmark concepts, use of technology in the classroom, and motivates students to learn in a different way than regular class... In other words, everybody is a winner with this plan! It's my first time @ the lab this year and this is what I have accomplished so far today with 1.5 hours still to go until the end of the day:

• Checked email
• Signed up for a mandatory ActivBoard training
• Signed up for a substitute for that day...
• Entered grades...
• Checked today's assignments...
• It's like I suddenly disappeared from the school, completely invisible... great feeling...
  
• In every class period, taught a mini-lesson
  
• The kids are "into it" :) and quiet!
• Kept myself hydrated by drinking lots of water
• Jammed to "Wait for Me" by Rebecca St. James - background music only, no vocals, as I've worked...
• and wrote this post in my blog.

After a rough start to my Monday... Auditorium duty and unexpected parent conferences, this was the perfect "planned" lesson/day.

In conclusion, the lesson today is:
Sign up for the computer lab OFTEN !!! :)

And enjoy your stress-free, drama-free, noise-free, and interruption-free, very productive & successful day! Yes, I feel like life is beautiful right now... :) The grass is always greener at the end of the rainbow, and yes, that pot of gold is waiting for you @ the other side of the bridge... And so on... You get my point. Cloud 9 below... :)

World Studies: Cuba

Cuba in a nutshell...

When people think of Cuba they most likely think dictatorship, Fidel Castro, Guantanamo Bay, Cuban cigars, Miami, and yes, Desi Arnaz (Lucy's husband, Ricky, in I Love Lucy). But there's actually more to Cuba... Way more.

Although the land is only 90 miles away from Florida, it's a completely different world. It's kind of like going back in time... to a place that stopped 60 years ago. In the following list, I intend to bring more awareness of this unique island nation.

1. This is the land of the guajiro, a Cuban from the countryside but a popular expression in conversations with others...
2. Cafecito (expresso coffee) is always good at anytime...
3. A guayabera for men is a must in every closet (a popular man's shirt)
4. The people that make it to the U.S. don't forget about their families back home... and try their best to bring everyone to freedom.
5. Awesome arroz con frijoles negros (rice with black beans) and yuca
6. La Guantanamera (remains a classic, Cuban folk song)
7. The Cuban people that become Christians are like the Great Wall of China - Solid, firm, and never down... And lasting for thousands of years. After living to "resolver" with a painful history and present, I can see why all the Cuban ministers I've met have a strong faith in a very powerful God.
8. Roots of one of my favorite sayings, "Viva Cuba Libre."
9. There's no place like El Malecon de la Habana or Cuba's Seawall in Havana.
10. And yes, check out this video (hilarious! at first)... Watch the last scene... I think it says it all: Culture, passion, love, greatness, romance in more than one way, pride, family, unity, talent, happiness in the midst of adversity, and true beauty.

Thank you DJHazElCubanoo for uploading this classic and memorable video back on YouTube... :)

Muchas gracias a DJHazElCubanoo por volver a poner este video clasico y memorable en YouTube para el deleite de todos nosotros que crecimos en una familia como la de Los Pena. :)

Animoto :)

It's been a while since I've been here... I've been soooo busy trying to move to my new place... and balance life with work. What a task!

We're now being tested every 1.5 weeks or 2, sometimes... It seems like there are 5 new things this year in my school, and particularly true in my department:

1. Eduphoria
2. E-portfolios
3. Benchmarks described above...
4. ActivBoards soon to arrive in October...
5. and a new attendance/grading system soon to come as well...
6. In addition to construction on both sides of our school: A SPARK park and roof rennovations...

Yes, all very lovely :) and stress free (my joke of the day)

Do you see why it is impossible to leave my job at 3:55 every day - and taking "work" home is not an option... :(

I only have Monday (tomorrow) to review my kids on 3 days worth of lessons where I didn't get to teach or "touch on" globalization... but I will tomorrow. I knew I needed something real good and to the point because we don't have time... as always. Soooo, last night, the idea came to me: I could use Animoto to teach Globalization!!! :) Problem solved.
Check out my vid and let me know what you think... Have a great week! :)