Chris Wondra . com

School teacher, dad, homeowner turns superhero but has to learn his powers along the way

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Entries from December 2007

Student Work: Now That’s Creative Writing!

December 31st, 2007 · 2 Comments

My students have to write every day in a journal/planner that I’ve developed for them. Most of the time I don’t care what they write about, as long as they do it. I always give them a prompt in case they can’t think of a topic, but rarely do I require them to […]

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Tags: Creativity

Because: The New Magic Word

December 22nd, 2007 · 4 Comments

. . .but still not as magical as the “P” word (no not “please”, the other one).

We’re in the middle of a unit on persuasion right now. I love this unit because it’s so rich–it’s a great topic from which to teach so many cool things. Yes, students learn persuasive techniques so […]

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Tags: Teaching

Visitor Leaves Anonymous Comment. Shares Wisdom, Peace.

December 20th, 2007 · 2 Comments

You probably wouldn’t know it by reading this blog, but I think I do a lot of reflecting about personal growth and spirituality. I don’t often blog about it because, quite frankly, I really don’t think I have anything new to say about it. In short, I can’t explain stuff like that when […]

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Tags: Growth

Football: A Metaphor for Spit Wads

December 19th, 2007 · No Comments

I’ve mentioned before that, in an effort to keep kids writing and thinking, I’ll often have them request things of me (change of grade for example) in writing. Obviously, logical reasoning and compelling details are more effective. In short, if you’re a kid that’s going to play the percentages–you’re going to come with […]

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Tags: Humor

Direct Buy Makes Contact

December 18th, 2007 · 106 Comments

Sometimes, having a blog seems like a lot of work. Sometimes it’s wicked fun. And every once in awhile something jumps up and bites you in the ass (er, I mean, surprises the heck out of you).
This was the case this fall when out of the blue, I got an email at my school address […]

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Tags: Money · Home Improvement

Paradigm Shift Ahead: Learning Just Got Heroic.

December 17th, 2007 · 5 Comments

I started a Masters program this fall and have to tell you–it’s a blast. I’m learning so many cool things! Recently we were asked to revisit our “Philosophies of Education.” So I got to play around with this the other night.
I’ve mentioned stuff like this in passing before. But I’ve […]

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Tags: Learning · Growth · Creativity

Priceless

December 3rd, 2007 · 3 Comments

Doctor’s Visit:
$100
Chest X-Rays Illustrating You Have Pneumonia:
$350
Co-pay for Antibiotics:
$5.00
Doctor’s Visit For Your Wife:
$100
Chest X-Rays Illustrating She Now Has Pneumonia:
$350
Pneumonia Resistant Antibiotics:
$5.00
Emergency Room Visit:
$400
Chest X-Rays Illustrating Her Pneumonia Has Spread:
$350
E.R Treatment (I.V. Antibiotics, Fluids, Inhaler Treatment, Blood Cultures):
$750
Combination Of Two “Powerful” Antibiotic Courses:
$10.00
Missed Work:
Um . . . $100/day (I think)
Knowing Your Supervisor And Colleagues Support You […]

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Tags: Around the house