Why I Love it So

This week, in school, I have been giving a math test to each student. It is an interesting test that is supposed to tell us how students will perform in math in the coming years. It requires students to think beyond what they have been taught and use strategies to solve various types of problems. Most of the questions are difficult for the students but with some thought, many of them come up with the correct answer. The test can be administered by aides or by the teacher. Since I currently have a "Teacher-Candidate" (as BYU-I calls them) I have been able to give the test. It is one on one and takes about 15 minutes per student. I have learned so much by watching them test.

Two particular questions have stumped most of the students. (Since it is a state test I would NEVER use the actual problems, so the numbers have been changed to protect the identity of the original numbers.) So one problem went like this: "Are both sides equal?" and the problem looked like this 44+35=43+36. Most of the students said, "No!" One student said, "Mrs. Grant, I don't even know what the heck the word equals means!" I just laughed and laughed. Another problem was "What should I add to the blank so that each side has the same amount?" It looked like this 23+4=___+5. One of the students thought about the problem FOREVER. Then she answered "Well it has to be 27 and that 5 is just WEIRD!" Again I laughed and laughed. I love these kids.

Teaching about the equal sign is so important. We'll start that when I begin teaching again.

Life is Good - especially in this 2nd grade room.

Chicago - Yes Again!

Now you may think, "Didn't you just post about Chicago last November?" and I will answer, "Yes I did." And again, Trent and I have gone to Chicago. Actually we went in October but it has taken me this long to remember my username and password to blog about it. Trent and I had a marvelous time. If you haven't been to Chicago just for fun then you oughta go. It is a great place.

We just happened to land on a very rainy day. We took the "L" into the city and luck would have it that one of the stops on our line was having a fire and so we had to transfer. We opted to take a bus to another line. The bus was so crowded and I don't think anyone was appreciating our luggage. Forever long later and a million conversations in foreign languages overheard, we arrived at the Red Line and got to our hotel. It was a perfect location.

For two days the weather was horrid. Winds were so strong that boats in the harbors were dashed to bits, skycrapers were closed, trees were knocked down, streets were closed, and people were asked to stay inside. We couldn't stay inside so we made the best of it by going to the Broadway production of Mary Poppins and The Blue Man Group. They were both AWESOME!!!! I could totally get hooked on Broadway shows.

Trent then had two days of a conference and I was left alone to fend for myself. I survived and learned to read a bus schedule and train route. I took a lot of pictures and did a lot of window shopping. I touched my first $600+ pair of shoes (purple Kate Spade) and looked at my first $2300 pair of shoes. I bought neither. I moseyed on over to Payless and bought a more comfy pair of shoes than the ones I was wearing. I also walked into hair salon and got my hair cut because I was having a bad hair day. And finally, I took a kayaking architectural tour.

As always, I was ready to come back but Trent wasn't. So, the offer is open - Anyone want to go with him? He'll leave tomorrow.

Making the most of a yucky day at the Picaso.

Normally the waves don't crash over the breakers. This was after the terrible storm.

Looking toward the northeast from the Willis Tower Observation Deck.

Trent demonstrating how cold it is out at Navy Pier.

Me - freezing. Stopped to buy gloves earlier. Sweatshirt right after.

Looking straight down from the Willis Tower. Kinda freaky!

This is one of my favorite shots of Chicago - from Millennium Park.

I can't even explain this. 108 headless giants walking. Hmm?

Famous Chicago Theater sign. Love this theater district.

The Bean or Cloud Gate , as it is officially named. LOVED IT!!! Lots of smiles here.

These are some pictures from my kayaking trip. The water was disgusting. Thank goodness there was no possibility of falling out. I bet just touching that water could cause cancer or burn your skin off.

This is Trent's dream home. He'd love to live in one of these.

This was the largest barge I have ever seen. It was making its way to the Mississippi.

Isn't that a lovely view. Never see that while kayaking our rivers.

Two sand barges being pushed along by the tug. We had to wait for it. Very SLOW!

My guide. He kayaks everyday all year long. Jealous? Sorta.

I love this building. It is curved just like the river.

If I put every picture in that I took then this blog would be so long. I had such a good time with Trent. I'm glad he shares his love of this city with me. Thanks Buddy!

Life is Good - even in Chicago.