This post is just another one of my opinions. Please comment with yours as I would love to learn from you. I feel inspired to blog because of the following tweets: I challenge you to have NO DESKS facing the front of the room this year. — Alice Keeler (@alicekeeler) August 2, 2015 @alicekeeler my best classroom ever had no desks at all. Zebra-print chairs, butterfly chairs and bean bags. — Marie Duke (@mrsmduke) August 2, 2015 While I understand what these folks are trying to do, I can’t help but wonder why we continue to focus on extremes in education. You know – “NO MORE WORKSHEETS” or “PAPERLESS CLASS” as if we have to be one way or the other – but never in the middle. Full discosure – I tried the paperless gig and it wasn’t for me. I truly believe in a balance. I also stopped using my teacher desk because I saw others doing the same last year. I’m not those teachers – I need the desk for many reasons. Why does ditching my desk make me “progressive”?
I’m putting it back. It’s a shared workspace. As for student desks, some kids might want one. I see the desk as a great workspace for many – maybe not all kids – but I’m not ready to throw them all out to be “progressive” – instead I will let them choose with my guidance about what I – and they – think is best. Similarly with testing and grades. Until we have a system wide reboot – tests should continue for those who are heading into professional academia. I feel strongly that not testing certain students is a disservice as they are heading to a world of testing. I’m not a fan of testing – I am merely speaking from a systematic standpoint. Tests still exist and the skill of writing one should be taught. Hmmm. Test taking as a competency. Now we are onto something #CompetencyBasedLearning. As for #ditchingthefrontoftheroom, I think Alice is spot on, but it is the front of the room I have issues with – not how the desks face. If you have four walls, you should have four fronts – each with it’s own unique purpose.
I feel better about this tweet and what others think with respect to standing but I wonder why we are replacing desks with tables? It’s like replacing a computer lab with a mobile cart lab. @LaurieAnastasio @alicekeeler Get rid of half the desks. Find a couple coffee tables and tall tables. Ss decide if they sit or stand. — Kara Weber (@lovinafarmboy) August 2, 2015 Our four intermediate classrooms will all have desks in the hall on the first day of school in September. We will build the setup together. Some desks will remain, some will go. My challenge to you is not #DitchTheFrontofTheRoom but to re-define the front of the room. I also challenge you to #GiveStudentsChoiceAndVoice. Please don’t think I am picking on anyone, I mean no offence. I am just questioning the “extreme” decisions we often make in education without considering all angles and sides.Home / Health & Beauty / Home Spa / How To Make A Microwave Heating BagHow To Make A Microwave Heating Bag 275 Comments Print EmailInstead of using electric heat pads & blankets or hot water bottles for your aches and pains, these microwaveable packs are just the ticket!
They’re known by a few different terms such as: bed buddies, stress busters, rice or magic bags, corn cozies–but they’re basically all the same thing.These serve a dual purpose as you can also keep them in the freezer to use has a cooling pad or freezer pack when needed.If you’d like to learn how to make them, you’ll find a tutorial below along with tips for different kinds of fillers to try and directions for using them.Introduction:No pattern is necessary, simply cut two pieces of cloth in the size/shape you wish (leave a seam allowance about 1/2″). More detailed instructions are found below.Some prefer regular square shapes, others prefer tubes or more rectangular shapes. Experiment, whip up a few different sizes and shapes to try.These are really easy to whip up as well as cheap!Filler OptionsUncooked riceWheatFeed cornBuckwheat hullsBarleyOatmealBeansFlax seedCherry pitsYou can also add the following to the above for a soothing, fragrant sack: Spices, herbs, essential oils.
Ideas: lavender, rose petals, ground cloves, nutmeg, ginger, rosemary, cinnamon, peppermint oil, crushed mintIf using: Mix herbs, spices and essential oil with choice filler (such as rice) and let sit in a sealed container for a few days (occasionally stirring). This will help set and distribute the fragrance a bit.Fabric OptionsCotton: (plain, prints, flannels, denims)Alternate ideas: old socks (sew or knot end closed), washcloths, old towelsYou can also make cozy, removable & washable outer pouches, this is especially nice to do when giving as gifts.Fabric Ideas: use old towels, fleece, velour knits, pretty fabric prints and flannels (don’t microwave anything other than cotton fabrics). The softer & fluffier & better!InstructionsCut and sew the fabric in the size and shape you want (usually a large washcloth size works well).Leave an inch or two open on one side so that you can fill pouch with your choice of filler (about 1/2 to 3/4 full, more or less as you prefer). You don’t want it too full though, the sack should be able to mold itself around your body when you apply it.
Once it’s full, sew opening closed either by hand or machine (keeping filler pushed to the opposite side of bag while sewing).If wanting a removable cover, just sew a “pillowcase” idea with your soft, plushy fabric by making it a little larger than your pad and leaving an open end (make sure to finish off ends by sewing a hem). Or you can add a strip of velcro to close it. Careful: Make sure to never microwave this cover unless its content is full cotton. Remove cover to wash as needed.Filler Suggestion For Headache SoothersRice (or other grain listed above) and a mix of:Dried lavenderMarjoramBetonyRose petalsClovesRosemaryDirections For UseHeat for 1 to 3 minutes, depending on size. Do not leave unattended “just in case” the filler smokes or starts on fire. As a precaution, you can set a cup of water inside along with it to add moisture or spritz sack lightly with water first. If you add spices and herbs, this is a good idea to do.If You’re In a Pinch:If you need something “now” and don’t have time to sew one, try filling a ziploc freezer bag (use the microwaveable kind) 3/4 full with uncooked rice, seal shut.