Bye, Bye Reading Rainbow.

I read this story about the show Reading Rainbow today. READING RAINBOW It made me ever-so-sad. I truly believe this show is one of the main reasons I feel in love with books as a child...and still love them to this day. I remember, so clearly, watching episodes of reading rainbow in Elementary school and then racing home to tell my Mom about the book on the episode. Without fail, she would take me to the story and buy me the book and I would tear right into it. As a educator I believe children to need know HOW to read (obviously) but also children need to be encouraged to love to read. I believe this program was one of those things that did it.

Alright. I'm off my education soap box...for a while at least!

--Mandy

Season for Change

Just thought I'd share a bit of news...

This week I was offered not one, but two jobs! :)

I will be working for the school corporation here in Columbus. My first job, which I will be working 15 hours a week, is coordinating a volunteer reading program called book buddies. My second one, which will be 25 hours a week, will be coordinating an after-school program. Both jobs will be at the same school. I'm so happy for the opportunities!! I know it's going to be challenging and a lot of work...but a lot of fun as well. I'm thrilled to be getting back to a "normal" work schedule and working with both adults and kids.

--MMR

What Do Teachers Make

This is one of my favorite "forwards". Take a read. It describes EXACTLY why I became a teacher...

WHAT DO TEACHERS MAKE

The dinner guests were sitting around the table discussing life.

One man, a CEO, decided to explain the problem with education. He argued, 'What's a kid going to learn from someone who decided his best option in life was to become a teacher?' He reminded the other dinner guests what they say about teachers: 'Those who can, do. Those who can't, teach.'

To stress his point he said to another guest; 'You're a teacher, Bonnie. Be honest. What do you make?'

Bonnie, who had a reputation for honesty and frankness replied, 'You want to know what I make? (She paused for a second, and then began...) 'Well, I make kids work harder than they ever thought they could.

I make a C+ feel like the Congressional Medal of Honour.

I make kids sit through 40 minutes of class time when their parents can't make them sit for 5 minutes without an iPod, Game Cube or movie rental. (She paused and looked at each and every person at the table.)

'I make kids wonder.

I make them question.

I make them apologize and mean it.

I make them have respect and take responsibility for their actions.

I teach them to write and then I make them write. Keyboarding isn't everything.

I make them read, read, read.

I make them show all their work in math. They use their God given brain, not the man-made calculator.

I make my students from other countries learn everything they need to know in English while preserving their unique cultural identity.

I make my classroom a place where all my students feel safe.

I make my students stand, placing their hand over their heart to say the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag, One Nation Under God, because we live in the United States of America.

Finally, I make them understand that if they use the gifts they were given, work hard, and follow their hearts, they can succeed in life.'

(Bonnie paused one last time and then continued.)

'Then, when people try to judge me by what I make, with me knowing money isn't everything, I can hold my head up high and pay no attention because they are ignorant.... . You want to know what do I make?

I MAKE A DIFFERENCE. What do you make Mr. CEO?'

--MMR

Indiana State Fair

We attended the Indiana State Fair Sunday afternoon/evening. We had a great time. We were both surprised at how nice and clean it was. It was packed with people...and very hot out (90+ degrees and HUMID). We walked around and saw lots of interesting things/people. We even saw a street performer perform that we had seen in Key West, FL when we were there. We also ate lots of good, junk, fair food. In the evening we attended the Heart and Journey concert (both classic rock bands). It was awesome...and very fun. Journey is my favorite band so it was neat to see them preform.

Us at the fair!

Pigs in the Mud: Chocolate covered bacon. MMM

Deep fried Brownie. Absolutely DELICIOUS!

--MMR

Saturday Night Dinner through pictures.

This evening we made a Minnesota delicacy, Walleye (A freshwater fish native to Canada and Northern US). It was a huge score to find it here in Indiana and we paid a large amount of money for it. Oh well, it was worth every penny...

New Potatoes with Green Peppers, Onions, and spices ready to put on the grill

After Grilling

Abhay taking the skin off the fish. YUCKY job!

Walleye, egg/milk mixture, and flour dredge

Finished fish!! MMM.

--MMR

Chicago Friends :)

We had a lovely weekend with our friends Rajat and Shruti that came to visit us from Chicago. Rajat and Abhay went to undergrad college together in Pune...so they are good buddies. Shruti is Rajat's wife, and she and I have become fast friends. We're very thankful for them!

They came into town late yesterday afternoon. We gave them a tour of the town and then out for Indian food. After stuffing ourselves silly we came back to our house. We enjoyed chatting, playing Wii, and eating dessert I had made.

This morning we got up and decided to do some outdoor exploring. We ended up in Brown County State park and did some hiking...which is a beautiful place. It was crazy hot, 92 degrees + humidity, so we all worked up a sweat (litterally). After our hike we headed into Nashville (Indiana NOT Tennesse) and had some tasty pizza and went around to some of the shops. A great time was had by all.

Abhay, me, Shruti, and Rajat

--MMR

Brothers and Sisters Wednesday!

Me and my big brothers Bryan and Brad

Abhay and his big sister Gunjan

--MMR

Fun with Friends!

We enjoyed a wonderful weekend with friends. Friday evening after work Abhay and I hopped in the car and traveled 5.5 hours to Moline, IL (quad cities) to see our friends Carrie and Josh. I met Carrie while living in Bemidji. She's been a amazing friend over the past few years. We had a nice relaxing weekend...enjoyed the company of great people, relaxed, and ate good food. Perfect way to spend a weekend!

Carrie, Josh, Abhay and I at a Vietnamese restaurant :)

--MMR