News from the Chappell House

Why I don’t blog much right now.  It’s because I feel like I have to get caught up on my past blogging.  Well, I can’t.  Too much to say, I guess, so I’m just moving on.   I’m sure that you haven’t enjoyed this revelation nearly as much as I have, but I already feel better.

Adam and I have been extremely busy these last few weeks.  Adam started his job as Glenn Middle School band director, and he is so happy with it!  He works soooo hard, but he feels so fulfilled.  He also has Friday nights free which was a huge deal to us both.  He’s had some dealings with parents already and has handled them wonderfully, so we really are positive that this Head Band Director gig at a middle school is where he is supposed to be!

My job has been really taxing.  I have kids in my class that have struggled with reading all of their lives.  It’s incredibly hard to get them invested into “another reading program” but this one is amazing, and they are fairly excited about it (which is huge!).  I’ve got lots of confidence in this program and the kids, but many of them are discipline problems so it takes all my energy to stay on top of everything!

The program requires 90 minutes of instructional time so since we only have fifty minute class periods, I have the kids double blocked into my class.  I teach whole-group for 20 minutes and then the students are split into three different groups (all based on their Lexile levels).  Those groups rotate to three stations: computer zone, teacher zone, and reading zone.  In the computer zone, there is a narrator type guy that tells them what to do.  They can record their readings, practice spelling, watch videos, and play vocabulary games.  In the reading zone, they pick a book and curl up on my couch or shag rug to read.  In the teacher zone, I get some very coveted small group time with them to explain concepts like main idea, summary, etc.  The last ten minutes of the day, we all come back together and discuss some of the concepts learned, questions about their book or the software, and generally just wrap up our day.

I’m sure you can tell that getting those procedures in place so that I can be teaching the small group while other things are going on was very hard.  But, I have lots of confidence that by maybe the end of October (Thanksgiving break at the latest) my kids will be transitioning smoothly and improving their Lexile levels drastically!

On another note, Adam and I had a fantastic time last night at the Deadhorse.  We had never been there and really liked it as their happy hour lasted until nine!  We had a good time hanging out, and we even met a couple of bands: one from Philadelphia and another from somewhere in Cali.  It was fun talking to both bands about life on the road.

Tonight Adam plays with Section 8 at Miss Hattie’s and I’m really looking forward to it.  Adam’s mom and dad are coming into town (yea!!) and are going to get to see him perform.  Then, we’re going to Abilene to listen to Steve preach at his old church.  It’s something like the hundredth anniversary of the church, so they’re having preachers that have served there formerly come back and do a sermon.  It’s really neat, and what makes it cooler is that Adam and Sheri are going to perform some special music as well: her on the piano and him on his trumpet.  Can’t wait to see y’all, Chappells!  It’ll be great to visit Abilene and see J.T. and Ginger as well!