My kids love working in groups, but they don't actually do the work. So I'm using that sparingly.

I have acquired construction paper and markers! Successfully overcame my burst of jealousy of kindergarten teachers by reasoning that yes, they get all the cool colorful stuff, but they don't get to teach algebra. Also, I have chocolate. You may not see me for a couple days.

Come, mon chocolat doux...

I am now not allowed on the computer at all while the DH is home

??? "Not allowed"? In, like, a Jerry-Springer-my-husband-doesn't-allow-me-to-have-friends way?

ION, as much as I have big appreciation of Lloyd Dobbler, there have always been things about the movie that I dislike intensely, which make me more disinclined to watch it and prevent me from having a pure and fierce fangirl love. (1) I totally get that the fact that Diane and her dad have a really unhealthy relationship is necessary to the movie, it's a big part of what drives the plot. That said, it squicks me fiercely, AND I have a knee-jerk hatred reaction to any story involving parental manipulation of their kids. (2) Ione Skye is NOT attractive. In any way. She always looks like she's about to barf.

emily - I think you need to combine the Algebra with chocolate.

Probably. But what about the geometry?

Having committed myself to the construction paper, I only then figured out that actually, this is going to be a not-insignificant amount of work. Which means that of course I can use it as an excuse to put off doing, for instance, my philosophy of education (beat em with a ruler until they larn like they oughta).

Do we think the (high school) kids will feel talked down to, or will they appreciate having manipulatives?

I just had a longish office cooler conversation with a co-worker on this subject the other day. We were talking about video tutorials for computer programs and how damned boring they are. They don't have to be. But somehow our society equates "mature" with "mind-numbingly sober". I remember how disappointed I was in 7th grade that no one played kickball anymore because that was "kid's stuff". I think Americans would be in far better shape if adults had playgrounds too.

People have different learning styles so not everyone will be into manipulatives. But a lot of people will, especially when it comes to something as abstract as many people find math to be. Hell, I wish we'd had more practical math classes. For instance, taking numerous field trips with surveyors to find out how trigonometry is used in the field. Balancing checkbooks, figuring out percentages for loans, etc. But somehow people think of that as a "dummy" way to teach math.

So good on you for having the idea of bringing something kinesthetic into class.

Manipulatives are becoming a pretty big thing, and they seem like a natural bet for geometry. I just hope they don't mind my shoddy hand-made construction paper manipulatives. But I'm feeling okay about it, actually. Just really nervous about taking over and stuff.

You're going to be fabulous, Emily.

Announcement: This morning Hec, with no prompting from me AT ALL, just up and totally reorganized and cleaned the entire living room, kitchen, and bits of the bedroom, and also went through the entire fridge and removed all its either decaying or reanimated inhabitants. And by removed, I mean not just "dumped in the kitchen trash can," but "took all the way out to the building trash can safely two floors away where the stench cannot reach us." Now he and Emmett are off wandering downtown, and I have the whole (clean! so clean!) apartment to myself for at least another hour.

Analysis: Best. Motherfucking. Husband. In. The. History. Of. Anything. EVAR.

JZ, how very, very nice! Lucky you!

Oh, JZ, do you have a sec to jump on IM? If not, no biggy...I'll just e-mail you.

I just had a lovely dinner with my friend, J. Now I'm all full and sleepy. I think I may go to bed soon.

Trapped in the Closet Under the Stairs - yes, it's a Harry Potter parody of the... brilliant? psychotic?... R. Kelly music videos.