Thursday, August 13, 2015

Learn: Five Minute Friday

Another week, another chance to write on a one-word prompt for only five minutes. We set timers, type quickly, and let it flow without criticism. Then, we link-up our posts so we can read others' posts and they read ours and we have a community that grows from one word each week.
Five Minute Friday.

Go!

This week's prompt is "Learn". I've been journeying through the book of Proverbs this month. (31 chapters, 31 days. It's so easy!)
This morning's highlight was Proverbs 13:10.
"Where there is strife, there is pride,
    but wisdom is found in those who take advice." (NIV)

 I stated in my summary, "Pride has many faces. Thinking we know everything and not being willing to listen causes strife. Respect will lead to peace. We have two ears and one mouth. Perhaps if we used them in that ratio, we would have less fighting."

Guess what we are learning at our house?

Most of us don't master skills immediately. We learn from our attempts.
Taking advice is being willing to learn. Even if you think you know a lot, perhaps there is a different avenue. Today I took on a new job. You are looking at the new 7th and 8th grade math teacher.
I have a lot to learn before I can teach. I have three weeks to prepare. I really enjoyed being the substitute teacher for these students in math last year. I LOVE math. It's logical, and the answer is always predictable. (Why are people so complicated?!)

Anyway, one thing I discussed with our principal is the fact that not all students will learn the answer from the same process. I have to be able to learn a new way to teach so that they will learn and comprehend the concepts of Pre-Algebra.

I'm asking many questions and gleaning all the input the former teacher is willing to share. It's going to be new and wonderful but I'm terrified at being the one in charge. I've never had a failing grade, let alone given one to somebody. I'm really hopeful that I'll be able to make connections and comprehension flow so that I can keep my non-failing streak!

And? God is teaching me to become a nobody on Earth so He can be glorified through me. If I can let go of my need for achievement and accolades and acclaim, I can be content in all things. Then if He somehow has a large Earthly mission in which to use me, I won't want to take His praise away from Him.

I don't think I'll ever be done learning!!
~Tammy
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19 comments:

  1. Tara UlrichAugust 13, 2015 at 8:56 PM

    Tammy, you will be a great teacher!! I would have loved to have a teacher like you when I was in 7th/8th grade. How is the bike riding going? I hope they are learning! I'm parked in the #12 spot again this week.

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    1. TammysincerityAugust 14, 2015 at 5:23 PM

      Thanks Tara!
      our main struggle is us setting aside the time to work with the girls instead of on other projects in the evenings. :) They seem to be doing well.
      I would have loved to have you for a student!
      Love,
      Tammy

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  2. AndrewAugust 13, 2015 at 9:09 PM

    You, a nobody? HA!

    Yeah, people are complicated. But so is math...I used to teach Theory of Elasticity, and that was all about using various transforms to put an equation into a 'math-space' where it COULD be solved...and then running it through the transform in reverse.

    I still have nightmares about that.

    #9 at FMF this week!

    http://blessed-are-the-pure-of-heart.blogspot.com/2015/08/your-dying-spouse-43-learning-to-let-go.html

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    1. TammysincerityAugust 14, 2015 at 5:24 PM

      Andrew,
      a nobody "on Earth"...wanting to be focused on my mansion instead of my human shell and abode. :)
      And you are definitely not a nobody. So, there.

      I would have loved to take that class! I really should have been an engineering student.

      ~Tammy
      P.S. So glad you're here!

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  3. UnknownAugust 13, 2015 at 9:22 PM

    I love this! I think you will make a fabulous teacher, because you have already shown the desire to never stop learning. Good for you!

    Hugs,
    Melinda
    (visiting from FMF)

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    1. TammysincerityAugust 14, 2015 at 5:25 PM

      Melinda, thanks so much! I believe you got to go to the FMF retreat??
      Thank you for the compliment. I really have been teaching since 2004, but on a private piano scale, or as a substitute. I've never been the "real" teacher in a classroom before!

      Thanks for the encouragement!
      ~Tammy

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  4. Rachel LundyAugust 13, 2015 at 9:30 PM

    Hello there Five Minute Friday neighbor! Congratulations on the new job! That is exciting. I'm so glad there are teachers like you who like math and can make the class enjoyable for students. Keep learning and serving the Lord right where He has put you!

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    1. TammysincerityAugust 14, 2015 at 5:26 PM

      Oh thank you Rachel!
      I so enjoyed your post and I appreciate your encouragement too. This FMF group has been such a blessing!
      Love,
      Tammy

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  5. DeniseAugust 14, 2015 at 2:44 AM

    you will do great.

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    1. TammysincerityAugust 14, 2015 at 5:32 PM

      Denise, thank you so much! :) I always appreciate your feedback!!!
      Love,
      Tammy

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  6. Ruthie GrayAugust 14, 2015 at 5:51 AM

    Wow! Math, huh? I'm so awful at it. But happy for you and your new undertaking! You will do great!
    I liked your spin on the Proverbs verse and how you wove it throughout. We can never be done learning.
    But even if we do fail, God can teach through that as well. He has His own plans and reasoning, which we will never fully grasp. But, we can trust!
    I pray your year goes well and you can get those math concepts across to your 7-8th graders!
    Oh, and the bike pics are so cute! Ahhh I remember that stage at our house....
    Love you, Tammy!

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    1. TammysincerityAugust 14, 2015 at 5:32 PM

      Ruthie,
      thank you for your encouragement. And the ahhh on the bike pictures.
      I do feel like this is God's timing. All the substitute teaching I did with these middle schoolers last year helped prepare me to be their "real" teacher this year.
      And, my youngest is old enough for all-day preschool at the same school, so we'll all be there together.
      Thank you for your prayers-a well-received gift to me!
      Love,
      Tammy

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  7. SusanAugust 14, 2015 at 9:17 AM

    Tammy - you will be an awesome teacher. Math, my worst subject. You will be wonderful. xo

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    1. SusanAugust 14, 2015 at 9:17 AM

      #40 at FMF

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    2. TammysincerityAugust 14, 2015 at 5:29 PM

      Susan,
      I've heard that for most people, they either excel in English or Math. I'm strange in that I really enjoy both of them. My engineer husband enjoys creative writing, but I don't think he loves math. He DID have one class shy of a math minor from all his engineering coursework, though.

      Looking forward to reading yours. Xo back at you!
      Love,
      Tammy

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  8. AnonymousAugust 14, 2015 at 10:27 AM

    Tammy, teaching is such an amazing, humbling, exciting place to be. And math? My hats off to you, girl. I taught elementary school, and that math was enough for me. :)

    We should always put ourselves in a place of learning. Whether in the classroom, or in life.

    Building relationships with your team will be really helpful as you embark on your teaching adventure. I'm sure your students will love having you!

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    1. TammysincerityAugust 14, 2015 at 5:30 PM

      Jeanne,
      thank you. Having the chance to substitute teach for them last year gave me a chance to meet the students and work with them already, so I'm really excited. Just nervous about being the teacher in charge for the first time. And grading and homework and etc... :D

      Loved your post too!
      Love,
      Tammy

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  9. AmyAugust 14, 2015 at 8:56 PM

    Congratulations on your new job and the new school year!! Looking forward to hearing all the things you learn through the process!

    ~Amy (fmf)

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    1. TammysincerityAugust 15, 2015 at 3:57 PM

      Oh thank you so much Amy! I'm hoping I found you correctly as the right Amy. All the lucky wordpress bloggers can instantly follow to the original post. Blogger is more limited, so I try to post my linkup number for the week.
      I'm sure my learning will be huge this year!
      Love,
      Tammy

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