Halloween - The School Hallway

Pin It I'm proud of the work I've put into the hallway thus far.



I'd use the smoke machine again this year, but last year I set off the fire alarm.

Yeah, lesson learned...

Oh, Halloween...

Pin It

Special thanks to Andrea, Lydia, and Yanet for allowing me to post images of their spawn...

This + That = Oops

Pin It It was a gloriously wonderful idea.

It was so fantastic that I went out immediately and bought the fog machine from my local Walmart. You see, I was going to turn my classroom into a perfect graveyard of buried hopes and dreams for the school Halloween parade.

It would be simply brilliant.

I arrived early and plugged the fog machine in. In just a few minutes, beautiful plumes of ashen fog began to waft about the room.

That’s about the time the fire alarm was triggered; the warning bell screamed in the hallways and classrooms like an air raid siren.

The office immediately tried to turn off the alarm. For some reason, the number 4 button wouldn’t cooperate on the master control panel, therefore, the alarm continued to scream throughout the school and playground.

The fire trucks arrived.

Ah, the death of a brilliant idea.

Lesson learned.

I’m just glad that I tried my idea before the Halloween parade…


Oh, and don't forget that tomorrow is the last day to order your very own Joey Dosen't Like Kittys shirt.

Media of the Week - What You Should Know

Pin It I found this little gem on YouTube a week ago.

Can I just tell you that I love it?

Since there are nearly 300 episodes, you'd probably be hard pressed to find something which doesn't floats your boat.



Could I just say that this one was pretty informative as well?



A few of my other favorites (that I've had the chance to view...I still have plenty go go) are this one, this one, this one, oh, and this one, too. I'm sure that I'll get others once I get the chance to view them all.

Autumn Fire

Pin It

As I drove home this evening, the gray clouds hung about the eastern mountains like the smoke around mount doom. My eyes traveled up the steep slopes to the fireworkian display gracing the mountainside. Like lava flowing from the volcanic depths, the bushes and trees near the top of the mountain emitted shades of deep maroon, rich amber, and pumpkin orange as they seemed to spread the changing of the seasons one to another, flowing down the mountain in a lava-ish landslide of rich, burnt color.

I felt the fresh air billow about me in shimmering folds as I cranked the stereo, and the strains of Jars of Clay wafted through the early evening air, breathing in the smells which spelled autumn.

Autumn is my favorite time of year. I can’t tell you just how much that I look forward to the onset of Halloween and Thanksgiving. I love fresh pumpkin pie, dressing in costumes, leaves falling in a myriad of rainbow showers, and crisp mornings that invigorate the lungs and mind.

There are times that I wish the season would last a few months instead of being so brief, but unfortunately it is not to be. It just makes me appreciate the time I have all the more.

The tinder has been set, and the tree outside my kitchen window has already begun to spark, the green in one small patch has turned to bright, sunny yellow. This is just a precursor to what is yet to come.

I look forward to the onslaught of autumn, and the entire forest igniting into flames.

Musings of an Early Morning

Pin It The whistle of the train sounds from the distance over the sleepy city as I lie awake, listening. It’s a bit funny, really. Lately I’ve been tired, and getting up in the morning has been a challenge.

But not today.

Maybe is it because it’s the first day of September, a day usually marking the transition from summer to autumn. Perhaps it’s because of carefree sun-filled days readying to turn themselves to amber leaf canopies and crisp mornings.

Perhaps.

School started a week ago. Judging from the photos and a few posts I’ve written, you’ve probably already figured that out. I have a new Joey this year. He’s awesome. He has already started giving me plenty of fodder, now I just need to get into the mode of writing it all down as it happens; far too many moments slip away because I’m in the midst of teaching and don’t have anything handy to write on.

I wanted to write a post about my Joey from last year. I wanted to write about how he showed up in my classroom at Back to School Night last week. I wanted to write up the interaction between us. You would have laughed. I wanted to tell you all how much I missed having this boy in my classroom. I’d have told you how he finds me in the school at recess, lunch, or after school and makes it a point to give me a hug, or simply let me know that he is still awesome—but sixth-grade awesome.

He’s also humble.

Did I ever mention that I was on crossing duty last year?

I hated crossing duty.

I lied to myself, put on a smile, and pretended that it everything was great.

But secretly? I hated it. I’d stand there with a handheld stop sign and tick off traffic when I allowed students to cross through the intersection. I always felt like an idiot.

Really.

This year we were allowed to sign up for what job we’d like to have for the year. I signed up for the bike rack area at the back of school.

It’s quiet.

I don’t see too many parents. There’s no vehicular traffic. I get to talk to the kids a lot more than I did last year. There’s not as much pressure associated with the area. It kind of reminds me of the desert. The rows of corn in the field beyond the chain link fence are readying to turn. Before I know it, there will be a harvest and the stalks will be hewn down.

I wish they’d planted pumpkins again this year. Pumpkins always seem to make me feel happy, they remind me of Halloween.

I went to the grocery store yesterday for razorblades and yogurt – almost sounds like the name of a band, doesn’t it? I found myself drawn to the aisle filled to capacity with Halloween candy, decorations, and costumes.

I love Halloween.

The clock now rolls over to 5:43 and I have finally caught up on my blog reading. My alarm clock will sound in just a little bit, offering up a lame attempt to wake me – I take that back, it’ll play a Dustin Christensen song which I’ve found really helps to get me going during the mornings. The regular alarm sound just wasn’t working out for me.

There is goes again – the train whistle sounding; I can also hear the telltale sounds of traffic starting up. From out the window, the sky is a deep blue and the world is just coming to life.

I will now join it.

Halloween clones

Pin It When I entered my classroom yesterday morning for our Halloween festivities, one would have thought that it was the set for Invasion of the Body Snatchers. As I strode across the classroom, I found myself facing not only one or two, but three young men sporting similarly-familiar spiked hair, dress shirts, ties, slacks, and name tags indicating who they all were.

Remember that old expression which says that it is our actions which speak far louder than our words ever will?

These boys’ actions spoke not only loudly, but clearly as well.

I’m still flattered.



As an additional holiday treat, click here. Just know, it's probably inappropriate, but that's why I love it.

A Little Talk with Teachinfourth

Pin It Subject: The Par-tay.

Let’s have a conversation together, shall we? I feel that we have never really had the chance to just talk, you know? Sure, comments can be left behind in one’s passing wake, but these are telltale marks, much like instant messages read hours or days after the event has taken place. This is not the same as actually having a real conversation, is it?

I thought not.

So, here’s how it’s going to work…I’ve provided a script, and I’ve recorded a phone ‘conversation’ for you as well! I know what you’re probably thinking…Wow, technology has come so far, hasn’t it? You’re right, it has!

Whenever you’re ready, simply click the ‘play’ button below this message and then start your side of the script…be sure that you do your part well, okay? I’m forever telling my class to read with expression…what I’m asking you is to simply act like this is really real. In other words, have a conversation with me.

Don’t worry, it’ll make sense.

Now, you have a line after every one of mine…I’ll make it easy for you too, I start off with the word “Hello” after I pick up the phone, okay?

Ready, set, go!



Part YOU:

You: Hi, this is (insert name here), is this really you?

You: Well, you just sound different than I expected you would.

You: Exactly.

You: Teachinfourth, I’m bored…I've got nothing to do on Wednesday...

You: Unfortunately, no.

You: Wait, what did I just plan?

You: What? You mean that movie is returning to the theater after nearly fifteen years?

You: Well, how can I come?

You: Yeah

You: The password?

You: That’s it?

You: Well, should I bring something? You know, Halloween treats? Stuff like Cobweb Cookies or Harry Potter Punch?

You: What if nobody shows up at your little shindig?

You: How do I find your place, Teachinfourth?

You: Rock on, Halloween!

You: Can I tell you something, Teachinfourth?

You: Yeah, I want to tell you my deepest, darkest, secrets.

You: (You have approximately 15 seconds to share your deep secrets).

You: Well, yours IS my favorite blog, you know.

You: I wouldn’t lie about something like that.

You: Anything for you, Teachinfourth. You just name it.

You: You got it.

You: You, too.

You: (Ad lib here; you have approximately 12 seconds).

You: Catch you later, Teachinfourth, thanks for chatting

You: See ya.

You: Bye.


Hope to see you all on Wednesday…

October Photoshoot #2

Pin It

On Halloween night I was invited to a friend’s haunted house to take come photos. When I got there I was blown away by the sheer ‘awesomeness’ of their home. I immediately began to take photos when the crowd would thin from time to time. Needless to say, this neighborhood was teeming with activity long after many others were ‘dead.’ It was solely due to the efforts of Gerb and her family.

These are a few of the images I particularly liked. I told Gerb that I wouldn’t ‘scoop’ her but I did give her copies of the photos 24 hours ago. She still hasn’t posted any of them so I feel an apt amount of time was allotted and now it is fair game for me to post a few of them.

I can’t wait to see what they have next year.

Just a little Hocus Pocus...

Pin It Teachinfourth, I've got nothing to do on Thursday...

What? You have no plans?

Unfortunately, no.

Well Congrats! You’ve just made some!

Wait, what is it I just planned?

The Thursday night 6:00 “Hocus Pocus” big screen event!

What? You mean the movie is returning to the theater after nearly fifteen years?

Yes, it is. To the Teachinfourth Underground Cinema to be exact.

Well, how can I come?

Well, hopefully you’ll drive…oh, you mean to get in?

Just knock on the door...and say, “Halloween rocks!”

That’s it?

Yep, we’ll let the digital projector and home theater system do the hard part.

Should I bring something? You know, Halloween treats? Stuff like Cobweb Cookies and Harry Potter Punch?

If you want to. However, remember that this is an invitation, not an expectation.

What if nobody shows up?

Well, then I'll be watching the movie all by myself.

How do I find the place, Teachinfourth?

Well, if you don't already know the address, mention it in the comments section and I'll be sure to email you the coordinates so you can look it up on Google Earth and find your way from there. It'll be just a few seconds before you'll be clicking your heels and you and Toto will be right here.

Rock on, Halloween!

See you on Thursday.

Probably inappropriate, but oh well...

Pin It This is probably completely and absolutely inappropriate.

If you think you might be offended, please do not click on this link.

Seriously.

I am not kidding...

However, it makes me laugh.

Chilled morning

Pin It I awoke this morning feeling a distinct chill in the air of my bedroom. I’d left the window open the night before in order to capitalize on the coolness of the evening, and to give the AC system a break.

It was so cold this morning I had trouble getting out of bed. Climbing into a warm shower was like a blessing from heaven itself.

When I was ready to leave, I emerged from my home, and the bite of the morning air greeted my nostrils with more intensity than it had while I’d been inside. I fully expected to see frost covering the long blades of grass of the front yard, like carpeting shards of broken glass. It made me think reminiscently of Halloween, and felt that I should have seen decorations festooning the neighborhood and people emerging from their homes shrouded in costume.

They weren’t.

It was at this moment that I was reminded just how much I love Halloween. It is, I would have to say, one of my absolute favorite holidays.

That, and National Corn-Fritter Week.

The best Halloween costume

Pin It No, it isn't this one...


Halloween has always been one of my favorite holidays of all time. I can remember being a kid on Halloween and looking forward with anticipation to the night festivities…AKA: trick-or-treating. When I was little, my mom had me dress up as Andy, from Raggedy Ann and Andy because she’d made the costume. But, as a kid, I didn’t mind…after all, what is there that a kid won’t do for a great, big bag of candy?


When I turned 9 years old, I began to pick my own costumes and one of my favorites was dressing up as Zorro. There was something amazing about dressing up as a guy who defies a tyrannical government and who could single-handedly take on an entire army of villains and come out on top. Plus the fact that I’d get to wear a mask and carry a sword were always perks to being Zorro as well…not to mention that since my last name started with a Z, I could always leave that mark of his on my papers at school, claiming it as my own.

Costumes come and go, and as they do I would find myself choosing them much more carefully than I had when I was younger. Who would I want to be this year? Lately, a personal favorite costume of mine is Professor Severus Snape. Since I am elementary school teacher, dressing up as Snape makes school much more fun, considering the fact that I black out the windows, have thunder and rain sound effects playing, and very little lighting in the room…it’s amazing just how you can make a bright and cheery classroom feel so much like a dungeon. All of this plus the fact that I can be a ruthless character whom the kids absolutely love to have as a sub.

This year I decided to not only dress up as Snape, but in a few other costumes as well. It started off last year with the thought that it would be fun to be two different characters. So, I was Snape to start off the morning, and then after morning recess was a military commander whom I’d named, Sir Yessir. It was fun for the morning hours and as my class went to lunch I heard a few of them comment to each other with things like, “I can’t wait to see who’s going to be here after lunch!” Well, I hadn’t thought about being anybody else so the class had to content themselves with only two teachers that year.

Well, wanting to have a little more fun, I spent quite a few more hours preparing for Halloween this year. Not only did I have to get the classroom ready, but I had to get the costumes ready as well. It was at 12:30 on the eve before Halloween that I found myself driving home from the school and it was at about 1:30 that morning that I finally got to sleep.

When my alarm clock sounded a few hours later I thought that it was much too early…after all, it had just seemed that I had put my head to my pillow when it was time for me to go to school again. I rolled out of bed and quickly got ready…gathering up a large bunch of costume props which I needed for the day and headed out to school.

The beginning of the day was great. Playing Snape is always a lot of fun…especially considering the entrance I make when I have this ominous song for my entry and I turn off the lights so that only the dim lighting in the classroom I’d set up before is now noticeable. It’s strange too…for some reason, the kids absolutely love it when I would take points from their “houses” and mostly from any student dressed up as a character from the Harry Potter books (this year it was Lilly Evans).

After first recess my class was surprised when the next character arrived. A military commander who made them run obstacle courses on the playground, made them listen to patriotic music, and profess his love of America. I have to admit, last year I was much more brutal as this character (whom the kids still loved). This year, Sir Yessir had mellowed quite a bit from what he’d been in the past.


After lunch I was a character whom I decided to simply name, “Captain.” This was merely from the fact that I was supposed to be Jack Sparrow, however, my sister was unable to finish the costume so I was just a pirate captain instead. This was a fun character who gave the entire class pirate names like, Worm Gut and Ugly Pete.

A bit later I came in as “Earl.” Earl is an employee of Wal-Mart who is the host of multiple personalities whom would all surface at various times of his visit to our classroom. My favorite personality he housed was Blanche—a 50 year-old lounge singer whose voice had deteriorated into a gravely quality.

At the end of the day I had chosen to be a Jedi…a pretty cool costume which is a lot of fun to wear. In all, it was a fun Halloween.

A lot of work? Yes.
Fun? Yes.
Would I do it again? Not sure.

The reason I would not want to repeat my Halloween costume fest is mostly from the fact that it was an amazing amount of work which took far too much time in the end.


On a different note, however, I did get a little pleasant surprise before the day was through…do you remember what I said before about imitation being the most sincere form of flattery? Well, imagine my surprise when I found the 8 year-old boy across the hall dressed up in HIS Halloween costume.

Now, I can only wonder…did his mom make him dress up that way? After all, he’s only 8.