#MTBoSBlaugust Friday Fun Day - 15 random things

Friday Fun day ... 

15 things ... random and otherwise ... 

1. Someone mentioned that I am short … I rarely notice it.  Early in my teaching career, I invited my students to write short jokes … the favorite one was … “you are so short you can play handball against the curb.” I don’t play handball so I don’t need the curb … it’s all yours!  I can actually get lost among students in the classroom if we are up and about doing math!

2. I love the beauty of mathematics … I especially love seeing the patterns and the way various strands in math overlap. I see angles in the trees, spirals in flowers, and numbers all around.

3. I saw that my sister wrote her husband is the best  on Facebook … well he’s cool and all that … but MY husband is the best! Actually the two of them are trying to attain to the high standard my dad has set!

4. My sons are smarter than I am … how does that happen?

5. As a teacher, a principal once told me I would not make a good principal; it was never my goal in life to be a school administrator; I was sure I would never leave the classroom; God is full of surprises!  I had 12 amazing years as an administrator - wouldn't trade those at all! Learned much from my teachers, parents, and students!

6. I use … ellipses … too much … in my writing.

7. I’m not into sports, not really “outdoorsy” but I love wandering through the woods or walking on the beach. It’s how I decompress the best!

8. In high school I sang in our school’s madrigal group … I miss choral singing.  I wish my church had a choir!

9. Growing up our family went camping every summer - first in a tent, then in a popup camper, and then a cottage at the beach!   I miss camping but I've come to love creature comforts!  The best hot dog I’ve ever eaten was just a bit sandy after having been grilled at the beach.

10. This is the 14th home in my married life … moved way too often!  I had the opportunity of being the new teacher on staff way too many times!

11. I don’t like to talk on the phone … I rarely call anyone. So don’t be offended that I haven’t called you. I’ll gladly email you, DM you on Twitter … or message you on Facebook.

12. I love my grandsons!  I'm blessed to live within a mile of them - we get to play often!  And now I have two more grandsons on the way!  Can't wait :)

13. I’ve taught every grade from grade 5 to grade 12 … every subject from reading, ‘riting, ‘rithmetic, to health, science and PE. Can you imagine me … teaching basketball skills to boys in middle school?

14. My family dubbed me the birthday cake baker … I don’t do “fancy” cakes … I think the family makes a big deal over them to get me to make another cake!

15. I spent 35 years as an educator. I retired in June!  Do I miss teaching?  Yes and no!  I don't miss the getting up, going, and exhaustion!  I DO miss interacting with students and colleagues!  I've decided to stay active on this blog and on Twitter ... until the passion for teaching runs out :)

#70Days - Fun Math Facts and More!

39/70

We are out of town ... visiting family and friends.  Today was particularly sweet - had the opportunity to meet up with a teacher friend and chat for a couple of hours.  She is an amazing primary teacher with a varied background in education.  Loved the quiet moments of conversation!

Internet time is short ... just time enough to make notes about a few resources ... 

This year I want to list a fun math fact or interesting math note at least weekly.  I found these sites:

Did you know ...     This is an interesting list of math information - each point has a link to more information.

Math Fun Facts     Each fun fact is a puzzle or a short article to enrich the classroom.  You can also get a URL for a random math fact to post on the class website!

Math Facts             This is a short list - less than 15 facts - 

Math Facts for Kids  This site has quotes, jokes, teasers, historical facts, information on mathematicians, and other number facts.

Do you have a way to organize the peripherals - like quotes, fun facts, jokes, drawings - that make your classroom interesting?