Hello Friends!! I'm here today to post my lesson plans from week two of summer school. Yes, we did just wrap up week three, but I've had a bunch of computer issues, along with a

During a month trip to Kenya with Camps International we played a game we called ‘Human Cluedo’ to keep us entertained during down time. Human Cluedo is a game that can last anything fr…

Hey friends! I've got a picture-heavy post for you today, so grab a cup of coffee or a glass of wine and settle in.So, for years... basically since I started my career, I've been teaching

The Empowered Educator - Children's Cardboard X-ray 'Tablet'

I am a sucker for handmade posters in my classroom. From inspirational quotes to anchor charts for ELA and math, my room is full of them!Some of them I hand drew on poster board or

Happy Saturday, Friends!! Have you had spring break yet?!?! Here in NJ, we have not!! And, we've got another four weeks until it gets here!! Can you even!?!? I know that by the time it

So, are you itching for winter break to get here or what?!? I am drowning here, people! Between report cards, conferences (for my students and my own kids!), shopping, baking, parties, wrapping... DROWNING!Don't get me

Mark Orwig is the writer of the Genealogy Explained website, and he has created a neat graphic to explain the answer to the question posed in "Do Siblings Have the Same DNA?" I encourage all of my readers to read the entire article because the science is interesting and the "deck of cards" example is familiar to most of us. The graphic is: Pictures are always better than many words, and this graphic shows why siblings (assuming they aren't identical twins) may not have the same ethnicity estimate even though they have the same parents. In the graphic, there are four grandparents who have perceived ethnicities of: * Paternal grandfather: 50% Scottish, 50% Irish * Paternal grandmother: 100% Italian * Maternal grandfather: 100% German * Maternal grandmother: 50% Italian, 50% Irish Based on the percentages, one would expect the ethnicities of the parents to be: * Father: 50% Italian, 25% Scottish, 25% Irish * Mother: 50% German, 25% Italian, 25% Irish Based on those percentages, one would expect the ethnicity of a child to be: * 37.5% Italian, 25% German, 25% Irish, 12.5% Scottish. However, the graphic shows that the two children have significantly different ethnicity estimates (based on a DNA test) than the expected ethnicity based on the expected ethnicity of the parents. This occurs because of the random nature of admixture - how the DNA segments are passed down to the next generation. For me, I have noted that the six different ethnicity estimates I have received are completely different, and do not match my perceived ethnicity based on classical genealogy research. See Comparison of My Autosomal DNA Ethnicity Estimates. I understand better now that I need to test my two brothers and both of my daughters to get a better handle on the ethnicity estimates for my family members. Unfortunately, I did not have the opportunity to test my parents (who died in 1983 and 2002) and grandparents (who died in 1942, 1962, 1976, 1977). Like I said - Read the entire post! Thank you to Mark for permitting me to use the graphic in this blog post. ============================================== The URL for this post is: http://www.geneamusings.com/2018/07/genealogy-explained-do-siblings-have.html Copyright (c) 2018, Randall J. Seaver Please comment on this post on the website by clicking the URL above and then the "Comments" link at the bottom of each post. Share it on Twitter, Facebook, Google+ or Pinterest using the icons below. Or contact me by email at [email protected].

Ladies and Gentleman... we officially have the first week down in the books!! And what an AMAZING week it was!! #BestFirstWeekEver!! My kiddos are just awesome. We learned a lot and laughed a lot! My own children also had a great week (aside from a quick bout of a stomach bug that kept one home for a day!). My oldest, Drew, started 1st grade. My middle, Quinn, started Kindergarten. And my toddler twins, Addy and Chase, began two-mornings-a-week preschool. Additionally, Mr. Musings from the Middle School (my husband Dennis), started a new school year, too! Phew!! My head is spinning! Anyway, I hope everyone is having a great weekend and recovering from this busy time of year. This post is mainly a pictorial of some of the goings on in my classroom this week. As we settle into our routine, I'll be back with more "meaty" posts (and hopefully some new videos, too!). One of my favorite activities from the week was this Growth Mindset lesson that I adapted from here. Basically, the kids had to create the image on top using just a piece of paper and scissors. It was NOT easy... but that's exactly the point! As the kids worked, I wrote down some of the comments I heard. Things like, "this is impossible," and "I give up!" After I let them struggle for a while, I brought them back together and discussed the activity with them. It was eye-opening to see their words. They all agreed that their attitude was too negative so of course they would never have been successful. Then we read the Growth Mindset posters hanging in our room and discussed what each one meant. I closed with this video from Khan Academy. It was a fun and powerful lesson. One of the BEST purchases I made from TpT for this school year is the Icebreakers that Rock bundle from Cult of Pedagogy. This product contains three PowerPoint activities that allow students to talk to each other in an easy, comfortable way. What is great about these is that you can use them as one, big activity, or you can break them up, showing just a few slides here and there, as "brain breaks" through out the day. That is how I used them. So, on the first day, I did a big "Find Someone Who" activity with them. This allowed all the kids to learn each other's names. Next, I assigned them all their lockers and we practiced opening the combination locks (super-stressful for these first time locker users)! After that, we did a few slides from Icebreakers that Rock. Then, we went over the syllabus. Next, a few more Icebreakers that Rock slides. After that, I handed out and went over all the paperwork that had to go home and be signed (oh, the paperwork!!!). Then, a few more slides right before lunch. And then a few more right after lunch. Next up, a tour of the building. Then a few more slides before trying our lockers again. Finally, another slide right before dismissal. It was the perfect break/filler/attention-getter/distraction to use throughout the day... actually, I used the slides throughout the whole week! Run to TpT and pick this product up today! Totally worth every penny. (Some of the slides can be done silently. I LOVED these slides!!) Of course, we had to number our notebooks to get ready for ELA next week. I always tell kids that this is the easiest, most difficult task that we do all year :) I really the love smell of a Mr. Sketch anchor poster in the morning! This year, I'm starting with Reading Nonfiction: Notice and Note Stances, Signposts, and Strategies. My thinking is that it will really help with getting started with Article of the Week. Here is one of several of the posters I'll be using to teach these strategies. I'm jumping on the #ObserveMe bandwagon! Read more about it here. I'll keep you updated on how this goes throughout the year! Okay... that is enough for now! The beach is calling my name... nothing beats September here at the Jersey Shore! Hope the back-to-school season is treating you well! I'd love to hear how your school year is going so far. Happy Teaching!!

A couple months ago, I was asked to answer a writing prompt in my creative writing class. Each student were to come up with a short prompt to be randomized and passed on for another student to answer. When I received mine, I wore an uneasy smirk. My prompt was a bizarre- ahem… creative prompt. […]

Hey Friends!! It's been a minute!Let me just start by saying that I've had such a great summer. I had intended to do a lot of work, but I just couldn't. I needed a little

Musings from Humans was created from a love of fun and funky wall art. Each print is custom designed by a graphic designer with over 10 years of experience in typography and illustration. From cheeky and playful to classy and minimal, new prints are added every month, if not every week. If you have an idea for a print or would like a custom piece designed, please reach out and I'd be happy to help :) 🪩 THE MIRROR BALL PRINT 🪩 A funky black and white print with a halftone disco ball graphic. Cute glimmers add a touch of sparkle. This is a digital art download which has been formatted into 5 different aspect ratios. Perfect for a fancy bar cart or in a living room for a 70s vibe. A groovy piece of art for any room. ✽ INSTRUCTIONS ✽ After your purchase, an email will be sent to the address you have associated with your Etsy account with a link for your download. The download will include 5 JPEG images at 300 DPI. Each file is a different aspect ratio, giving you 20+ options for frames and printing. For more help see this article: https://www.etsy.com/au/help/article/3949 You will receive 5 high resolution JPG files: ＋ 2:3 Ratio: 8x12, 10x15, 12x18, 16x24, 20x30, 24x36 (in) ＋ 3:4 Ratio: 9x12, 12x16, 15x20, 18x24, 27x36 (in) ＋ 4:5 Ratio: 8x10, 12x15, 16x20, 24x30 (in) ＋ ISO (A1, A2, A3, A4) ＋ 11x14 (in) ✽ PRINTING ✽ → Print Shop: Upload to an online print shop such as Shutterfly, Printify, etc. Or use a local copy shop such as Kinkos, Walgreens, Staples, etc. → At Home: Depending on the size you'd like, use your printer at home. → Use a heavy weight paper, cardstock or photo paper. → If you're having any issues printing the files or you’d like a different size or ratio, please reach out to us. ✽ PLEASE NOTE ✽ This purchase is solely for PERSONAL USE. No physical product will be shipped. Frames are not included. Image colors may differ slightly due to individual monitors/printers. Printing larger than the dimensions listed will risk the print turning out blurry or pixelated. If a larger size is needed, reach out and we’ll see what might be possible. © Copyright 2023 MusingsFromHumans. All Rights Reserved. More fun wall art is coming soon, check out the Etsy store: www.etsy.com/shop/musingsfromhumans

I have embarked on a new adventure. I started a new job this week. It is something completely new, something I have never done before. I took a job as a part time radio operator and on…

A blog about teaching middle school ELA and math.

I love free printable activities - great for rainy days or when the kids are getting board or antsy, so here is a round-up of 13 different ...

Every once in awhile I find a project that makes me so giddy I can't stand it! And this was one of those projects! An artist at the Trini...

I recently asked for advice for new SLPs on my Facebook page and the response I got was AMAZING. The feelings I have after starting this new job have been crazy. I love it, but it can definitely feel overwhelming at times! I still sometimes feel bad for the clients who get assigned to me […]

Explore the inspiring journey of Soula Baily at The Block Agency, a powerhouse in women's fashion. Discover her story today.

I am very thankful to live in a time where I know that the vast majority of my medical issues can be resolved. I also appreciate that I can easily search the internet for just about any random fun fact that I can imagine and know the answer in seconds. But to be honest, what I really want is to live in a world where my toilet cleans itself, and I never have to receive a piece of junk mail ever again.

Thoughts and impressions about musicians, composers and their music

These preschool human body printables will teach your kids about the human body. Learn the body organ's functions and locations with these!

**Update 12/28/2022 **Update 02/20/19 - I only lasted on my PHS experiment for about 2 weeks, it wasn't time yet to go this extre...

W. B. Yeats (William Butler Yeats) was an Irish poet, dramatist, and prose writer.- William Butler Yeats Quotes

The mistake is thinking that there can be an antidote to the uncertainty.

2017 is almost here... Time for some reflection and new ideas! I Can See Clearly Now, 44 x 44 What's it all about? That question sums up the painting journey for me. And it has been about many different things: learning to capture the subject matter visually; finding my own approach to expression in paint; evolving the IDEA; growing bored with myself and my ideas; finding new inspiration; and finally, continually working to release limitations! This is funny because it is so TRUE. Many of us limit our best instincts with too much self-critique, surely the invisible "fence" in the studio. In my workshops, I am able to verbalize these painting frustrations, but often don't follow my own advice to escape them (i.e., use big brushes, set a timer, paint more, care less, socialize more, get outside, get away from have-to's, discover want-to's). SO ... 2017 will be my year of putting joy and happiness on the canvas. No longer will I paint roses, or children or Paris street scenes, but instead light and joy and color will be my subjects. I'm going to push it, exaggerate the light, and savor the experience. Painting alla prima (in one session) is the ticket for the likes of me. Otherwise, it's a private journey into hours of corrections, over-thinking and often over-working -- UGH. Meanwhile, 2016 has been a stellar year...fun painting trips to Maine and Provence, lots of workshops with many fabulous and inspiring participants, and personal growth in my own work. 2016, alas, was also the year that the art community lost Charles Movalli, a painterly painter who inspired me and many others with his work and his wisdom. "It can't look like you've worked hard and long, even if you have. A painting should be done quickly with both your intellect and your nerves. When they give out, stop," Charles Movalli Charles Movalli, Villefranche "The greatest temptation and danger is to rely on previous solutions and thus paint the same picture for the rest of your life, " Charles Movalli I'm sending along a petite gallery of paintings done since I last blogged, and lots of great wishes for a Happy, Healthy and Prosperous New Year! Blondie, 10 x 8 A Glimpse of Les Murets, 12 x 9 Of Petals from Some Magic Rose, 48 x 36 Yes Way, Rose´, 9 x 7 Workshop Demo, 14 x 11