Hello Monday

      Happy Tuesday

Today I'm joining Holly and Sarah, and a few other bloggers, for today's Hello Monday link-up, where we say Hello to Monday with a look at what's going on in our lives at the moment. However, I'm a day late. No big surprise there :) 

Anywho - On with the post...

 So what's on my mind?

A lot. But 'tis the norm with me, I suppose.

Things like...

Senegal - There are so many parts I miss. Lately, I've been so homesick for Senegal. And let me clarify... I do still know, without a shadow of a doubt, that I'm where I'm meant to be. And I also know that even though I do definitely miss certain parts of Senegal, I also don't want to go back. ...which perhaps sounds harsher than I mean it. But I think that's part of God's confirmation that I am, as I said earlier, here which is where I'm meant to be. 

Lesson Planning/Prep - It's kicking my tail this year.  I knew it'd be hard. But I also didn't think I'd be doing as much as I am either, so there's that too... At any rate, it's hard y'all. It takes so very much time. I'm a Self-Contained Special Education Teacher. I teach 13 students and that means, I'm responsible for them but also for 11 more in another class. So I plan for all 24. These kids are in Kindergarten - 5th grade. Some are doing regular grades/classwork, some are receiving modified grades (so the same subject but working at a lower level), and some are working on Alabama's Alternate Standards.  I have a 40 minute planning period each day (if things go according to schedule which they rarely do). So I have no choice but to spend time planning/prepping either before/after school and on the weekends, as well. Anywho - It's a lot. And even though I love it and I love my students, it's still a lot.

Visual Schedules - Figuring out a system for my friends to have a Visual Schedule has been a bit tricky. Normally, you'd print it off and have it either stuck on their desk or in their binder/folder OR on the wall. However, I have a couple friends whose life mission is to peel any stickers or posted things off of desks/walls. So, since I'm going broke in paying for laminating film in my classroom and velcro dots and hot glue, I went for an electronic version. And y'all... I think I've finally found what will work. Yay!

Canva - I've used Canva a bit in the past, but just for invitations or flyers or something. Nothing big... But now - I use it a LOT! It's such a helpful tool in education. I'm able to easily make slideshows, interactive activities for my students, visual schedules (like I mentioned above), handouts/flyers, worksheets, and more. Seriously, I love it!

ASL - I signed up to take an 8-week ASL (American Sign Language) course. Tonight will be our 4th class. I knew a little before starting. And thankfully, more and more is coming back and I'm learning lots of new signs/phrases too. I'm enjoying myself and I'm grateful for the opportunity to learn more about this beautiful language and about Deaf Culture, as well.

Lemon/Ginseng Tea - I used to drink this tea in Dakar and I loved it. So when I saw it the other day at Aldi, I grabbed a box. Call it nostalgia - I don't know. I just know it made me smile. And I've definitely been enjoying having a cup here or there in the evenings (or in a travel mug to take to work every now and then.

 

Working by the Water - I miss it. When I was in Dakar, I'd periodically go to a restaurant overlooking the water on Saturdays and do lesson planning/prep. It was like a 15ish min drive and it was so nice. There's just something so peaceful/relaxing about looking out at the water, hearing waves crash, etc. Anywho - I haven't been able to find somewhere close enough to do that here. And I miss it. Anyone local know of somewhere? If so, please let me know :)

Happy Tuesday - If you're reading this post and made it this far, thanks for reading and Happy Tuesday!

And that’s about it for my scattered brain today. 

What about you?

 What’s on your mind today?