Testing (not a blog post)

testing 123

My Journey:The Flipped Class and Small Group Instruction

A group of our students at work

I can definitely say that I'm learning a great deal about instruction and how to meet the needs of individual students in the classroom. The great dilemma in teaching: How do I teach all of the students while at the same time meet each child's individual needs? This is no small feat. It takes time, thought, and lots of planning. The ongoing desire to be a better teacher than I was the year before led me to the path of the flipped classroom. My sole purpose was this: How can I make the most use of my instructional time while the students are with me during the school day?

During the summer of 2012 I searched for ways to be better at managing my time. I felt that so much time was being lost during the school day but I really couldn't tell where this time was going. So one day I sat down and mapped out a typical daily classroom schedule. What I came to realize was that although the schedule said things like 60 min for math and 90 for reading, most of that time was spent with me at the front of the class teaching. This wasn't necessarily bad teaching. I mean, most of what I was able to incorporate in my teaching were considered to be good practices. Using approaches like I Do- We Do-You Do, Think Time, Think-Pair-Share, and other Kagen Strategies resulted in good class averages and good evaluation scores. However, these methods usually benefited the students right in the middle the most. The outliers weren't getting all that they needed. You know the kids I'm talking about. The ones that needed an extensive amount help and the ones that were far beyond where I was teaching.

The flipped classroom seemed to offer the best solution to my problem. I was able to remove the lecture from the classroom completely or almost completely and focus my efforts on facilitating learning within the classroom. While I am far from and expert on flipping, I can truly say that it has made a tremendous difference in how I view teaching and learning. I'm finding my own way within the flipped model. I facilitate the learning in my math class through small group "instruction". I'm perfecting my ability to meet with all students everyday and guide them at their level of need.

I am grateful for the on-going support that I have received from students, parents, my team, and admin. However, I must commend my PLN (Professional Learning Network) on twitter. What great group of educators! Shout out the Jon Bergmann, flipped class pioneer, who encouraged me and helped me get this going at my school. I have often said that I am a work in progress. This holds true for every area of my life and teaching is no exception.

Live, Laugh, Learn

Celeste Clemons

Flipped Madness...Follow Up

As it turns out, only two students did not watch the first flipped class video of the original 5 previously mentioned. Two of the five watched from a mobile device and one watched in after school in the computer lab. The remaining two students didn't watch due to a language barrier in the home and lack of technology in the home. Both of these issues have been resolved. Thanks to my wonderful teaching partner who speaks spanish fluently, we were able to communicate with the families and take care of the tech issues they were experiencing. Now 100% of the students are able to watch flipped class lessons for homework. Yipee!! Stayed tuned for more insight into our class. 

Live, Laugh, Learn

Celeste Clemons 

Flipped Madness

So today my kids experienced their first flipped class video from home. It was a crazy first attempt for them when they tried to view the video. Before I get into that, let me describe how today went. 

The kids were paired up and used the desktop computers or laptops in the classroom so that I could introduce Edmodo and how they would use it to view tonights math video. The kids were very excited. They've been waiting all week to test out Edmodo. The kids used photo booth to take and upload pictures to their Edmodo profile. Everyone was attentive and followed directions well. They shared, took turns, and helped each other out. Two thumbs up for helping 44 kids navigate Edmodo. 

Now, on to the madness! Picture this, eager faces exit the classroom ready to begin their new adventures with math. Anxious hands long to access an interesting way of learning. Finally at their destination, curious bodies connect to the world wide web. The Edmodo guys greet them with a warm welcome. Clicking mice and finger taps gravitate towards the lesson. Wandering eyes watch the screen only to see ABSOLUTELY NOTHING!! 

At 3:10 I had about 15 emails/Edmodo messages and 3 kids (that found me after school) all saying the same thing "Mrs. Clemons, we can't see the video!" OMG! Literally that's what I said. So I immediately log on and guess what? The video plays perfectly for me. I even show the 3 waiting kids. They went straight to the computers in the classroom and the video is not working. As I'm working on a solution I get about 15 more emails/Edmodo messages "video not working". So I respond to my parents and kids by sending them the direct link to the video. Did that work? Are you kidding, of course it DID NOT! I continued to trouble shoot and figured out that there was a settings/preference error that I needed to correct. Finally, voila, the video works. Altogether I received about 45 emails/Edmodo messages. 

Whew! What a crazy start to the flipped classroom. Despite this crazy start, as I reflect on this experience a few things come to mind:
1. The kids were determined to watch the video, (really kids desperate to do homework!) 

2. Even though I said that we would not be using Edmodo to talk to each other for this assignment but just to watch and post a response to me, the kids began to try to problem solve and help each other out (really, the kids wanted their friends to be successful and do their homework too!) 

3. Out of 44 kids 39 watched the homework video. I have to come to terms with this number. I am always pushing for 100%. (100% of the kids learning and doing the work 100% of the time). I'm wondering what happened to the other 5? What was hindering them from being able to do the work? How can I help to make sure they do it next time? Ahhh next time, music to my ears. I'll get 'em for sure next time. 

Overall, I count today as a success. Are there things that need to be worked out? Absolutely. The great thing about being a teacher is that I am a student first, always learning. And I wouldn't have it any other way!

Live, Laugh, Learn

Celeste Clemons 

Nehemiah: Building With One Hand and a Weapon in the Other

In Nehemiah 3 we learned that the work of the Lord is not solo work. The vision God has given us is not ours alone. It will take the help of like minded people to get the "good work" done. Our diligence today can have everlasting effects tomorrow. 

Nehemiah 4 Facing the Opposition 

Nehemiah faced opposition right from the get go. I believe that he would have had even more trouble if he hadn't had the foresight to ask the king for the two letters (you can read more about that here...Neh 2:7-9).  

Sanballat and Tobiah, remember them? Well, their back. So the mockery and ridicule continues. They hurled insults at the Jews calling them feeble, weak. At one point Tobiah even says that the wall they were building would not hold up. It would break down even if a fox climbed onto it. So what was our good man Nehemiah going to do this time? Pray of course. Nehemiah's first response was to pray. Then he went on building. Let's follow Nehemiah's example. Take it to God and get back to work (Pastor Scott Hunter). Wow! I admire Nehemiah so much, help me Lord to reach this point of maturity in You, cuz that's not what I would've done! (just saying). 

When we are doing the "good work" for the Lord, everyone is not going to support us but the right people will. We need to trust God to handle our Sanballat's and Tobiah's. After Nehemiah prayed, the people worked more fervently than ever. Nehemiah was their constant reminder of the goodness of God. 

The more work they did, the more opposition they faced. The more work they did, the angrier Sanballat and Tobiah became. They plotted to kill Nehemiah and the Jews. Again, Nehemiah prayed. Then he stationed workers with weapons all around the wall. So they essentially worked with one hand and held a weapon in the other! Our "weapon" against the enemy is the Word of God. We continue to do God's work with our "weapon" in hand. 

Therefore, we give due diligence to His Word. It's just like taking an exam. If we have not studied the required material, chances are, we are not prepared. When we are not prepared, we have not given ourselves the opportunity to achieve the desirable outcome. The Word of God prepares us and gives us the opportunity to respond rightly in the face of opposition. 

Regardless of what the Lord is asking us to do in obedience, we must have a response to the opposition. Because when we step out in His name, the attacks will come (SRT). Let's let no one put an end to the work we are doing for His Kingdom. In spite of the opposition the work must go on.


Lord, help us to hold tight to your Word. Let it penetrate our hearts as we turn our face towards you. We need your help to remain faithful to reading your Word daily. In Jesus name, Amen. 

*image from praying.kansasbob.com

Nehemiah: Builders of the Wall

image from terrainplanning.com

In Nehemiah 2 we learned the importance of being patient and what action steps to take when moving forward with the call that God has placed in our heart. We also learned how to respond rightly to opposition.

Now on to Nehemiah 3. I have to admit, upon first glance I wasn't really excited about this chapter. It's basically an overview of who repaired what part of the wall. This gate was repaired by so and so. This section by so and so. Next to him was so and so, and so and so. You know, just the basic mundane building of a wall. Right....wrong! So wrong!

Man, I had to stop dead in my tracks. Isn't this exactly what was supposed to be happening! The people were fulfilling the call that God had placed in Nehemiah's heart. They were supposed to be building the wall section by section, gate by gate, side by side. Generations of family members, neighbors, friends, leaders, and priests helped to rebuild the wall. They were doing the "good work". The day-to-day grind of life using whatever skills they had.

The vision had been written and made plan for all to see and understand. Every great and powerful move of God, from rebuilding walls, planting churches, or leading a bible study requires work. There comes a time when we have to GET UP, STOP TALKING, STOP VISION CASTING, and START WORKING (SRT). Putting down beams one at a time using whatever skills and talents we've been blessed with. The "good work" may not  always be "glamorous" work or give us goose bumps, but it is part of the necessary work to carry out the plan of God. 

What are you supposed to be doing to help get God's "good work" done? What am I supposed to be doing to help get God's "good work" done? What is God asking us to do within our day-to-day grind that is going to help towards God's 'good work'. We have to remember that the vision that God has giving us is not ours alone. It is not going to get done by us alone. It isn't going to come to fruition by us alone. It's going to take the influence of God on our lives, to influence others, to see a need and be willing to get down in the trenches with us, doing whatever it takes, using whatever we have to get the work done. 

Check this out: In Nehemiah verse 15 we meet a guy by the name of Shallun. What's so special about him? Well I'm glad you're curious. The bible tells us that Shallun repairs the wall of the Pool of Siloam*. Fast forward to John 9:6 where Jesus is on the scene healing a blind man with mud made from saliva and dirt. Guess where Jesus told him to go wash it off; in the Pool of Siloam. We never know how the work we do today will impact the lives of others tomorrow. Let's go build some walls! 

Lord, help us to remember that we need you and each other as we take on the task of building the section of the wall that you've called us to build. In Jesus name, Amen.



 (SRT) = She Reads Truth an online community of women with a heart for God.
 *Pool of Siloam or Shelah= There are also other places in the bible where this pool is significant.

Nehemiah: Just Do It

image from highsnobiety.com

Nehemiah 2:9-20

In the first part of Nehemiah Ch 2, we learned the importance of patience and waiting on God’s timing. Today, let’s take a look at Nehemiah’s action steps as he prepares to rebuild the city of Jerusalem.

Nehemiah was careful not to share what God had given him to do with everyone right away. No one knew what he was up to when he reached Judah. He took some very crucial steps before exposing the plan God had placed in his heart.

1)    Nehemiah was inconspicuous (Neh 2:11-12). He was in Jerusalem 3 days before going out into the night with a few men. He did not draw attention to himself, he remained under the radar. We should hide the things of God in our hearts and wait for His perfect timing, sharing with only a few that are closest to us spiritually.

2)    Nehemiah conducted an inspection (Neh 2:13-15). He needed to see first hand what he was dealing with. He examined the ruined walls and gates. We should examine our motives, check ourselves, and deal with our own brokenness.

3)    Nehemiah then gathers the people of Jerusalem together. He reminded them of the shame and disgrace the ruined Jerusalem brought to their people and their need to rebuild (Neh 2:17).  We should repent, recognize that we are full of shame and disgrace and are ruined without Christ.

4)    Nehemiah told the people about the grace of God and how God’s grace led him to find favor with the king that supported his work. The people responded and agreed to help with re-building. Nehemiah gave them hope. So they began what the bible refers to as “ the good work”. We should embrace God’s forgiveness and grace. Move forward with the call of God on our lives with the people of God willing to help us succeed.

5)    Nehemiah faces and responds rightly to opposition (Neh 2:19-20). Nehemiah and his people were mocked and ridiculed. Tobiah and Sanballat, Nehemiah’s number one enemies led the charge. Just like Nehemiah when we are doing God’s work, the naysayers try to discourage us: “That will never work.” “Are you sure you heard from God?” “This is too much, you are way in over your head.” “You need to pray some more.” “What is that church up to now, what are they talking you into doing?” Let’s respond like Nehemiah: “The God of heaven will give us success. We are His servants and we will rebuild this wall (we will stand on His word). You have no share, no claim, or historic right to it (in other words- leave us alone, this is not your call, not your jurisdiction, not your inheritance, and no one asked you to share in the work to get it done!) We should rely on God when faced with adversity and be confident that He will strengthen us to complete the good work He has called us to do.

Dear Lord, help us to put our trust in your ability to help us succeed in the work you've called us to do. In Jesus name, Amen.

Nehemiah: Patience

image from sharefaith.com

 

Nehemiah 2:1-8        
   
In Nehemiah 1, we learned that Nehemiah was in great distress over Jerusalem. He mourned for days and fasted, prayed, and confessed. 

Nehemiah was cup bearer to King Artaxerxes. As cup bearer, Nehemiah was responsible for tasting the wine before it was given to the king to ensure it had not been poisoned. Nehemiah had a job that put him in a unique position, he had access to the king. 

Nearly 4 months had passed since hearing of the news before Nehemiah encounters the king in Ch 2. The king senses that something isn't quite right with Nehemiah and asks "Why are you sad?" Now, as cup bearer it was important that Nehemiah have a pleasant demeanor in the presence of the king. But because of his grief, he was unable to pretend to be happy. Although Nehemiah was grieved and afraid, he responded boldly to the king. He realized that God had finally allowed for this moment to come. "May the king live forever!" "Why shouldn't I be sad when my hometown is buried in ruins and its gates destroyed by fire?" The king asks the million dollar question, "What is it that you want?" Nehemiah prayed before answering, "If it pleases you (If I please you), send me to Judah where my ancestors are buried so I can rebuild it." And BOOM...just like that, the king grants Nehemiah's request.  

Nehemiah was an ordinary servant who would do extraordinary things, but he did them by moving with God. Not running ahead but walking beside. Nehemiah's reliance on God is first displayed in this chapter by his willingness to wait. (SRT)

He was willing to wait on God's timing and not take matters in his own hands. Nehemiah waited 4 months before God moved on his behalf. Guess what Nehemiah was doing in the meantime....praying. Nehemiah was a man of prayer. How many times have we become impatience in our waiting? Let's learn to pray while we wait. Let's be resistant in our need to move ahead of God. What ever it is that we are asking God for, let's remember to pray and wait! 

Nehemiah's willingness to pray and wait put him in the very place God had prepared for him in advance. Ephesians 2:10 says,  For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. (NIV)

Dear Lord, thank you for your words today. Help us to remember to pray while we wait. In Jesus name. Amen!

Yours Truly~Freedom

Nehemiah: Heart Broken

image from mentalhealthnews.org

Nehemiah 1:1-11

Nehemiah receives word that the walls of Jerusalem were broken down and the gates destroyed by fire. The people he loves- his fellow Israelites with whom he and his family go way back- are in great trouble and shame. (SRT)

The people of Israel are God's chosen people and the city of Jerusalem is the chosen city. To know that the walls and gates of the city had been destroyed was an embarrassment to the Jewish people and contrary to everything that God had promised. This once great and powerful nation had been weakened and exiled.

Nehemiah is heart broken. He weeps and mourns for days upon hearing this news. He fasted, prayed, confessed on their behalf. Nehemiah confesses the sins of the Israelites as well as his own. He reminds God of his promise to redeem the Israelites if they are faithful and turn their hearts back towards Him.

Nehemiah responds with a compassionate heart towards his people. Even though he is about 1000 miles away, his heart breaks for the people he loves. Let’s follow Nehemiah’s example and pray for lost and hurting souls.

Lord, rend our hearts for the hurting today. Let us not allow our own comforts or safe distance from pain prevent us from seeing and loving others as you see and love them. Move us. Break us. And build us back up for your glory. (SRT)

Yours Truly~Freedom

Getting Started

photo from 123rf.com

My experience as a Christ follower comes with many ups and downs. I've had some "high, highs" and some low, lows". But through it all, I am convinced that God has proven to be faithful time and time again in my life. I have decided to document my handwritten journal entries as an addition to my blog over the next few weeks and months. This is my personal endeavor into the Word of God.

I am a part of an online community (since the summer of 2012) called She Reads Truth (SRT). This community has been a welcomed addition to my life as I dig deeper into God's Word. We have completed a study on the book of Nehemiah. While wrapping up the study with my online group, my church announced that we would be starting a message series called "Change Your World in 52 Days: The Story of Nehemiah". I've learned a lot about Nehemiah. His story has absolutely changed the way I view myself as a follower of Christ. I have gained great knowledge and valuable insight from studying Nehemiah's life. This old testament book and SRT has been my motivation to share my insight about the Word of God and ways it applies to our daily life. 

I will always try my best to give credit where credit is due. Most of what I write will be my very own thoughts, or applications from the bible, or revelation, all of which I hold up against the Word of God for truth and understanding. However, as I study the Word, I have also found helpful insight from other sources. This could range from pastors/church leaders, bible studies, bible commentaries, fellow Christ followers and life itself. Just the basic, ordinary day-to-day grind of life can offer valuable insight into who God is, how He loves, and how He is at work in our lives. 

Lord, today I pray that if what I have to say blesses anyone's life in any way that all glory be given to you. In Jesus name, Amen. 

Yours Truly~Freedom