Sunday, June 23, 2013

Wow, ten days later ...

... and I am still learning all the ins and outs of knitSpeaker. No, it is definitely not that hard to learn. I put the pattern for my second Basics, Basics, Basics swatch on it in about five minutes, including my learning curve mistakes. It is more that I was just so fascinated with the app I wanted to know everything it could do. So, I dissected the app, the Instructions, and the free patterns that came with the app! It's a beautiful thing; I am definitely in love.

Well, I really have to get back to basics (pardon the pun) and get Lesson 3 back to Arenda this week. The sooner I finish the Basics class, the sooner I can start the Level 1 Masters Class. Actually, I don't think there is anything magic that is keeping me from just starting the Masters Class, except my own thinking. I think I will decide to think about it differently and just get started!

Mark is doing so well in his studies. He has completed three classes now with all A's. That's my man! He finally quit his second job, but not before he started physically breaking down. He developed neuropathy in his feet and legs. Now we have back to back appointments with my wonderful neurologist. We asked for a family discount, but no can do. Doctor says he is barely getting by with insurance system now. Oh my. Maybe I can take some canned food on my next visit.

Well, time to get off the computer and back to the real world. Hmmm ... what to do next?  House work? Knitting? I know, I think I will eat!

Wednesday, June 12, 2013

Inspiration from Rita Pierson at TEDEducation

 In addition to knitting, one of my other passions is education. I can't get enough for myself and I can't stop advocating it for others. I don't care what the subject matter is; it feeds your soul! The following are some quotes from a lifelong educator who spoke at TEDEducation. If you have never connected with this online community, give it a chance. There is lots to choose from and it is all good.

This is what Rita Pierson tells her students the first day of each new term -

You were chosen to be in my class because I am the best teacher and you are the best students. They put us all together so we could show everybody else how to do it.

Next, she has the students recite this statement every day, because she believes that if you say it often enough, you believe it, and if you believe it, you will achieve it.

I am somebody. I was somebody when I came. I will be a better somebody when I leave. I am powerful and I am strong. I deserve the education that I get here. I have things to do, people to impress, and places to go!

This is an example of how Rita turns negative classroom results into positive opportunities for motivation.

A student missed 18 out of 20. Student asked, is this an F, and I said yes. And when we review you can do better, can't you. He said YEAH. Minus 18 sucks all the life out of you, but +2 lets you know you can do better!

This is Rita's basic philosophy about being an educator.

Every student deserves a champion, an adult who will never give up on them, who understands the power of connection, and insists that they become the best that they can be.

This is one of Rita's inspirational quotes that frames her philisophy.

"No significant learning can occur without a significant relationship."
       James Kerner

 In Rita's own words ...

Kids don't learn from people they don't like!
Well, now I am working on the last lesson for Basics, Basics, Basics. Dare I say, when this lesson is finished it is on to the Lesson One for the Master's Class? Yes, I will say it!

I discovered a new app for the iPhone called "knitspeaker" that reads your pattern to you while you knit. Now this was made for me. Like anything else in life, it takes effort and commitment to get back what you need from the thing, but I think it will be worth it long term. Of course, right now my OCD has kicked in and I have stopped in the middle of Lesson 3 to learn the program. Not good. Must knit. Must knit. Oh, and must do laundry and must load dishwasher. Yuck! All of these musts. That's one of the bad aspects of OCD. That non-stop self-chatter of MUST, MUST, MUST. Of course, the good aspect is that you do get things done; just not always in priority order.

Later ...