Dreary, rainy, cold day. I didn't run again...I'll try to get it tomorrow.
My friend adopted their baby boy from China. I'm so happy for them, he's a cutey.

I only had 2 students come to class today; last week's students didn't show. Hopefully, it's because of the weather. The students liked the laptops, but I felt inadequate. Somehow I need to reach students on their wants/needs and not what I think they need. I'm trying to reach more into the community by promoting the program in the stores, business, and letters to students that have not been to class for awhile.
Well, I'm off to tonight's class, this class is working on several different projects at once.
Tommiann

luv 2 run

Myspace Countdown Clocks at WishAFriend.com

I didn't run again today...I should, but it's still really cold. Normally I don't mind, but the weather was sooo incredibly nice this past week that I got spoiled!

Tomorrow I will bring laptops to my ESL morning class and hopefully word will get out and more interest will be generated. My ESL program was quite large and because of the new immigration laws/scare, students are afraid.
I love teaching ESL to adults; it's my passion. I learn more from my students than what I can teach them. I also teach GED to the Spanish speakers; this is also my passion. Since I went full time this past July, I do not teach GED anymore, only to the Spanish speakers. I absolutely love teaching all subjects, especially math. I love the "aha" moment....since my program is in trouble, I worry that I will not be able to teach my passion. I wish there was an easy answer to all of this, but there isn't. I know all across the state, the ESL program has decreased dramatically in students.
I hope that this trend reverses.
tommiann

Just finished running a 6 mile trail run; it's beautiful outside. It was a nice ending to a long work day. My lab loved it; he kept running into the lake.

I am looking for grant money because my ESL program needs software. I have no monies in my budget to purchase software. I'm looking at Reading Horizons which teaches literacy to adults. I put in an interest letter to a local agency; hopefully, they will send me an application so I can apply for the money. They won't make a decision until this fall.
I have a strong curriculum program, but my software is not as good. I have Rosetta Stone which is ok, but it builds too quickly on reading skills. I needs something that builds more slowly, and adults learn contextually...so the software has to have that component in order for it to be effective.

Began teaching a computer class tonight, only 3 students came. I was really disappointed in the turnout. My ESL program is struggling, and I am having a hard time seeing all of my hardwork not going anywhere. I have to focus on the few students that are regulars and know I'm making a difference.

I ran 5 miles before teaching an ESl class tonight. It was interesting, a few students studying economics (in Spanish)..I taught percentages, and then gave a writing assignment. At this time, all of my students are Spanish speakers. Tomorrow, I begin a computer class; they are excited about learning how to use a computer. This is my favorite class to teach, because their children are using computers in school, so I always hear from my students that they want to learn too. Sometimes, I feel inadequate in meeting all of my students needs, tonight was one of those nights.
tommiann

ESL

I started a new ESL class today but only 2 women came. Hopefully, more will begin next week. Since most of my students are men, I have high hopes that this morning class will have more women. I am going to intergrate computer with lessons; this should help encourage all levels of English. My night class are advanced, but these students have been with me for a long time. My other class sites are struggling, witht the new immigration laws, potential students are scared. I love what I do, but am getting discouraged with sporatic student attendance.

This article is for those who want to train for their marathon..it helped me.
http://www.runnersworld.com/article/0,7120,s6-238-244-255-11938-0,00.html

The registration is open for www.breastcancermarathon.com in Jacksonville Fl...this was a wonderful experience! I recommend this marathon to anyone who has been affected by breast cancer.
tommiann

My mom and I ran the Jacsonville Fl. Breast Cancer marathon...it was a wonderful experience. I really enjoyed it!
tommiann