I first learned about Camp Gladiator two years ago, right before our wedding. I received a postcard for a teacher appreciation deal and decided to give it a try. A year and a half later, I signed up for their 9 year Birthday Deal and went Bold after that 4 week camp. (Going Bold means you've signed up for at least a year instead of just a 4 week camp. There's a shirt and everything!)
Since September I've been making time to get to camp 2-3 times a week, along with running. I'm at 89 check-ins at this point and hope to hit 100 before school starts. I'm choosing to stick with Camp Gladiator because I believe it really helped me to train better for the half marathon I ran in February. I only ran 2 days a week, did CG 3-4 times a week, and ran faster than my previous record by 11 minutes!
Every few months they run a special program called CG Fit. There's a fee to join and it depends on your Bold status. I also used points that I acquired by checking in to workouts since September so I didn't have to pay the full price.
I was skeptical at first. I didn't understand what I was paying for, but I wanted to use the body composition scale, be serious about meal planning, and increase weights at camp. So, I signed up.
I was really surprised with my first body composition test. I know I need to lose fat, but I thought my percentage was lower than the scale showed me. As I get older, I'm finding it increasingly harder to lose the weight I need to lose. My body just wants to make sure I always have a cushion-like seat with me everywhere I go!
I really wanted CG Fit to meal plan for me because my husband and I were in a food rut. We were tired of making the same things every week and feeling like our options as vegetarians were small. You can purchase planned meals from an outside company through CG Fit, but I can't afford that on my teacher's salary. So, I did lots of research online (Pinterest, mainly) and found several recipes to try. I printed them all, added them into MyFitnessPal, and wrote down their macro nutrient content. I printed a meal planning page and wrote down what I would be eating at every meal, including snacks.
CG Fit advised that if I wanted to lose fat, I needed to increase my protein intake. That was the super challenging aspect of meal planning. Even when I wasn't a vegetarian, I found it difficult to get 40% of my calories to be protein instead of carbs. If I worked out that day, I didn't beat myself up about going over on carbs.
The end of the school year is so tough, but I'm glad I signed up for CG Fit to make me stay on track. That doesn't mean that I didn't skip happy hour on the last day of school, but I considered it to be balance. Yes, I need to lose weight, but I also need to train my body to learn what balance feels like. I didn't exclude treats, but I made sure to eat in moderation during CG Fit.
I was concerned about paying for the program, but I felt it kept me going knowing that I did pay for it. If I ever felt like quitting, I told myself it would be a waste of money to do so. I paid for it; I better see results!
Overall, I lost 7 lbs and increased my weights at camp. I didn't run as much as I would have liked because it's so damn hot here in the summer, but I know that will change when temperatures cool in the fall. That being said, I would love to do CG Fit again because it keeps my results so I can compare to different points throughout the year. It also forced me to find new recipes and sit down to really meal plan for nutrition instead of just for a shopping list.
Now that CG Fit is over, I need to create new fitness goals to carry me through the rest of the year. I know I will be running the Wurst 5 Miler in November, but I want another longer race to train for this winter.
Thanks for reading about my experience with Camp Gladiator and their CG Fit program! If you follow me on Facebook you may be tired of hearing about it! If you are interested in trying it out, I have a code that will give you the next three weeks free. If you sign up to be a Bold member, ask me for my email address; I can't "level up" from Bronze to Silver until I get 2 referrals. :)
Cheers!
Kasey
Other dieting things I like or have tried:
Diet Bet: Find a game, pay your part of the pot, lose 4-6% of your body weight, and win! I played a game led by Chris and Heidi Powell and won $40, which gave me a $6 profit. :) If you play with higher pots and less people, then the payout will be greater, though!
MyFitnessPal: This is my favorite calorie counting tool to use. I mainly use the app on my phone to scan and add foods I eat throughout the day. It breaks it down into macro and micro nutrients, as well. I used the website on my computer to copy and paste recipe links to load into my database so when I ate that food for dinner, all of the ingredients were already there in the recipe title. Super easy!
Nike Run Club app: Before I got my Garmin watch, I loved using the Nike app to track my runs. Great data break down and I could see my pace on my phone. I stopped using it because I didn't want to use phone data, but it's still a great app!
Recipes We Liked:
Pinch of Yum: Spicy Sofritas Veggie Bowls
This was really spicy (we added a 2nd pinch of sugar the third time we made it and it wasn't so bad!) but we LOVE putting this stuff on rice with pico, guac, cheese, etc. It's like Chipotle has come to your kitchen!
One Pot Cheesy Mexican Lentils, Black Beans and Rice - Recipe Runner
Delicious, chili-like meal that's full of protein and very filling. We cooked the lentils and rice ahead of time to cut the cooking time down.
Greek salads:
I created a greek salad with seasoned tempeh, lettuce, black olives, cucumbers, and italian dressing.
Taco salads:
Taco seasoned tempeh, tortilla strips, red bell pepper, and cilantro-avocado dressing.
And greek yogurt as a snack for protein!
Sunday, July 8, 2018
Friday, July 6, 2018
My Running Playlist
Do you run with headphones? Do you listen to music, podcasts, or books? Personally, I need to have music playing, and I rotate out my playlist every few months to keep it fresh. There are a few songs that I've kept on my list for the last 9 years, like "Just Dance" by Lady Gaga, but for the most part I need to have a good beat to keep me going.
Below is my Running List from Spotify; this is my time to listen to those guilty pleasure pop songs that make you move! Enjoy, and happy running!
As always, safety should be your number one priority when you're out running, so make sure the volume is low enough for you to hear your surroundings. Or you could purchase fancy Aftershokz headphones so you can still hear your music and surroundings. Maybe if I make enough in my side gig I can splurge on those!
Cheers,
Kasey
Below is my Running List from Spotify; this is my time to listen to those guilty pleasure pop songs that make you move! Enjoy, and happy running!
As always, safety should be your number one priority when you're out running, so make sure the volume is low enough for you to hear your surroundings. Or you could purchase fancy Aftershokz headphones so you can still hear your music and surroundings. Maybe if I make enough in my side gig I can splurge on those!
Cheers,
Kasey
Monday, June 25, 2018
How I Fell in Love With Running
For those of you who know me, you know that I am a runner. I plan my life around races. Seriously. I have a second job to help pay for running gear and races. (Did you know that half marathons are around $100?? It's nuts.) However, I didn't know I loved running so much until I actually did it, 9 years ago.
I was living in Phoenix, Arizona, with my parents after not finding a job after graduate school. Summers in Arizona are scorching hot, so I honestly don't know why I thought this was a good time to start. But looking back on it, if you are going to do anything that's hard, you might as well do it when it's REALLY hard. Like in the Arizona summer heat. I found myself tired of looking at a computer screen applying for jobs, tired of being stuck inside in the air conditioning, so it really was a Forrest Gump moment for me. I just felt like running!
I bought new tennis shoes (not even RUNNING shoes!) and a new sports bra. I loaded some songs on my click wheel iPod, and I told myself I would make it to the light post around the block and back. I did it, and it was HARD, but I did it. The next day, I told myself I would make it to the light poll two blocks away. Every day I pushed myself a little bit further. I did walk, don't get me wrong, but I covered the distance I set out to do every night.
Almost immediately I could feel a difference in my lungs and overall sleep. I fell asleep faster, felt like my lungs were clearer, and with a new goal to hit every day, I was motivated to do more.
I didn't have a GPS watch, so I used MapMyRun.com to map out a route with a specific distance around our neighborhood. Pretty soon I was covering a 2.5 mile distance every night and it felt awesome!
I ran my first 5k in October of 2009 after only a few months of running and it wasn't timed, which was for the best! I felt so awesome being able to cover that distance. I'm competitive by nature, so I continued to challenge myself to go further and faster.
I'm not going to sugar coat it: running hurts. Even for someone who is in shape, it hurts. But those are the runs that make you better. Learning to push past the minor pain and discomfort makes you a better runner, and makes your body better.
Running isn't everyone's cup of tea, but even if you cover a couple of miles a day you will notice a difference in your overall health. And who knows; maybe you will find something that gives you your "You time", something you will make time to do just for you. Because you deserve it!
Cheers!
Kasey
I was living in Phoenix, Arizona, with my parents after not finding a job after graduate school. Summers in Arizona are scorching hot, so I honestly don't know why I thought this was a good time to start. But looking back on it, if you are going to do anything that's hard, you might as well do it when it's REALLY hard. Like in the Arizona summer heat. I found myself tired of looking at a computer screen applying for jobs, tired of being stuck inside in the air conditioning, so it really was a Forrest Gump moment for me. I just felt like running!
I bought new tennis shoes (not even RUNNING shoes!) and a new sports bra. I loaded some songs on my click wheel iPod, and I told myself I would make it to the light post around the block and back. I did it, and it was HARD, but I did it. The next day, I told myself I would make it to the light poll two blocks away. Every day I pushed myself a little bit further. I did walk, don't get me wrong, but I covered the distance I set out to do every night.
Almost immediately I could feel a difference in my lungs and overall sleep. I fell asleep faster, felt like my lungs were clearer, and with a new goal to hit every day, I was motivated to do more.
I didn't have a GPS watch, so I used MapMyRun.com to map out a route with a specific distance around our neighborhood. Pretty soon I was covering a 2.5 mile distance every night and it felt awesome!
I ran my first 5k in October of 2009 after only a few months of running and it wasn't timed, which was for the best! I felt so awesome being able to cover that distance. I'm competitive by nature, so I continued to challenge myself to go further and faster.
I'm not going to sugar coat it: running hurts. Even for someone who is in shape, it hurts. But those are the runs that make you better. Learning to push past the minor pain and discomfort makes you a better runner, and makes your body better.
Running isn't everyone's cup of tea, but even if you cover a couple of miles a day you will notice a difference in your overall health. And who knows; maybe you will find something that gives you your "You time", something you will make time to do just for you. Because you deserve it!
Cheers!
Kasey
Thursday, June 14, 2018
Tips for Running with Your Dog
Let's face it: dogs are the best! If you are a runner, they can be your best running buddy. I got our dog, Daisy, with the idea that I would train her to be my running buddy and she really is the best there is! It didn't start that way, however. You do need some time, patience, and helpful gear to train your dog to run with you. You won't regret it!
Tips for Running With Your Dog
1. Start off SLOW! When we got Daisy, she was a tiny little 6lb baby, so we definitely started from the beginning. Our mailbox is a community box two blocks away so I would take her there and back to get her used to the leash. (We never check our mail that much, lol!) As she grew, we took her out for longer walks, always in the same route so she gets used to smells. Our neighborhood makes a perfect mile loop so that worked out great for training her. Soon, all of my neighbors knew me because they would stop to pet her! There are several studies that say to wait at least a year before you run with your little pup because they are like human infants whose bones are not fused together just yet. They need to grow into their skeleton, and running can cause injuries. (Links to reference articles are below). So, when she turned 1, we finally went out for a run. By that point, she was wearing the harness pictured because she was pulling too much on her collar around her neck, and the harness offers more control from me. When you start running, go shorter distances, just like you would for yourself. Remember when you started; each time increase your distance with your dog. I've gone 8 miles with Daisy and she loved it!
2. Get the right gear. As mentioned before, harnesses are better for running. They don't pull at their neck and offer more control. I purchased this one at Petsmart because it matches her collar and leash, but you can find one that works best for you. I also purchased a doggie bag holder from Amazon that has velcro that attaches to the back of her harness. Gotta pick up after your doggie! (And let me tell you-- running is a catalyst for poop!) After about 6 months of training her on the same routes, I purchased a hands-free leash that clips around my stomach. I was nervous about this at first, but she is a champ on this thing! She runs in front of me so I can see her and make sure she is ok, and if we need to turn, I just pull the leash like reigns on a horse. It's awesome to have hands free while running with her. When we run in the summer evenings, I purchased little lights that clip on the front of her harness from Amazon. (Really, Amazon is just the best!) They come in a 6 pack of different colors. I have the green one on her harness and it's lasted for two years now. They have different types of blinking modes, as well. I just wish she had saddle bags to hold the filled poop bags when we are not near a trash can. Running with a bag of poop is a bit awkward...
3. Be aware of your running environment. I live in the south where it gets extremely hot in the summer, so I need to make sure my dog is ok while we run in the heat. I always carry water in a Nathan's water bottle and let her drink from it every mile and a half or so. She has the tendency to slow down and lick me when she's thirsty, too! Be careful of the heat on the pavement in the summer. You may not feel in through your shoes, but the dog can feel it on their pads. Touch the pavement before you head out. Would you run barefoot on it? If not, then don't take your dog on it. I have seen little booties you can put on your dog's feet to protect them (good for rocky trail running, too) but honestly, I don't think Daisy would let me put those on her! It breaks my heart when I see someone out with their dog at 4pm when it's 100+ degrees outside. Poor doggie! On that note, you also need to watch for broken glass or anything on the road or trail that could hurt your dog's feet. I see broken glass a lot (so sad!) so I steer her away from it as much as I can. I'm always looking at the sidewalk ahead of us to make sure it's clear for her (and me!).
4. Have fun!! Sometimes I can get caught up in making sure I complete certain training workouts, but they don't always happen. A lot of the times, I get out there because I know she wants to. Daisy knows where my running clothes are and gets excited, and it's the best thing!
There are so many benefits to running with your dog. You both bond on these outings, you both get healthier, and your dog could make you a faster runner! I know that she has increased my relaxed pace over a minute per mile faster since we started running together. The vet comments on her body weight and composition when we take her in for a check up. We're better together!
I hope these tips were helpful for you so you can take your dog out on your next run and find a new running buddy!
Cheers!
Kasey
References and Links:
Wednesday, June 6, 2018
Global Running Day: My Favorite Running Gear
1. Brooks Ghost. My first pair of shoes that I bought when I started running came from Kohl’s and were ok for the short distance and time I was covering at the time. When I realized I wanted to run more, my friend suggested I check out Brooks running for shoes. I went to a running store and they fit me with Adrenaline. I loved those shoes! They carried me through my first 10k and half marathon. When I realized you need to replace your shoes more often than I thought, I tried Brooks Ghost. I’m hooked! I wait very impatiently for them to go on sale at the beginning of every summer. Good running shoes are important; they can prevent injury and keep your posture and form strong. If you cover long distances, getting the right shoes is imperative.
2. Spotify. When I first started running, I created a playlist in iTunes and imported it to my click wheel iPod and I ran with it in hand with headphones attached. Now, I use Spotify to create a running playlist that I can download on my phone to save data from streaming. I also strap my phone to my arm so I can have a free hand. As a woman, I will never run without my phone. But that’s another blog entry.
3. Garmin Forerunner 230. I am obsessed with data. I loved the Nike Running app when I first started running and loved seeing my pace, elevation, etc. However, I didn’t want to use phone battery and data to track runs, so I got a new Garmin watch. In 2010, my parents got me a Garmin and I can’t remember the model, but you needed to add a foot pod to your shoe and then plug it into a computer. The screen and function was so archaic that I just stopped using it when I downloaded the Nike app. Technology has changed in leaps and bounds. I love the look of this watch and the functions are much easier to control. I love that I can download different faces, track steps, see weather, see my calendar, as well as emails and texts. The coolest feature is you can download speed workouts and it will tell you when to speed up and slow down. This is super helpf
4. Hippie Runner headbands. My sister-in-law bought me my first handband and I was so happy that it stayed on my head after a run that I bought 5 more! My head is shaped weird; headbands tend to ride up and off, but not these! They come in all kinds of patterns and colors with different slogans, too.
They recently added a bunch of new designs that I have yet to get my hands on but I can’t wait to order some for the summer.
5. Old Navy running capris. If you haven’t tried any of the athletic gear from Old Navy then you are missing out! I find it’s good quality stuff for half the price of most big name running brands. I’ve had a pair of their running capris for several years and they are still going strong! (Girls with thighs, you know this is a big deal!)
I only buy my running capris from Old Navy; most places have cute ones but they are totally see-through when you stretch them over your butt. How embarrassing! Old Navy also makes cute tops and durable socks.
6. Brooks sports bras. I am well-endowed when it comes to busts, so I bought two of the Juno bras two years ago and was hooked! I loved how this bra fit from the start. However, I bought two of the newest Juno model and I’m not that impressed. The band is a lot wider and I need to use the last hook, which means I don’t have room to wear them out. The band also rolls up, which is really annoying. Good sports bras are hard to come by and are rarely affordable. If you have a favorite, leave it in the comments!
7. Nuun hydration tablets. I'm a vegetarian and not a fan of sugar so these tablets are perfect for making sure I have electrolytes after long runs, or summer running. I go through a lot of them in the Texas summer months. Sometimes I'll add one to my water even if I'm not working out that day! My favorite flavor is Strawberry Lemonade.
And of course, I have to have sunscreen before those summer runs, as well as an old visor and some sunglasses. I hear Goodr makes excellent sunglasses for running, but I have yet to try them. Maybe I will buy a pair as the summer goes on.
I can't wait until the sun goes down so I can head out the door with my dog, Daisy, for our #GlobalRunningDay run!
Cheers!
Kasey
5. Old Navy running capris. If you haven’t tried any of the athletic gear from Old Navy then you are missing out! I find it’s good quality stuff for half the price of most big name running brands. I’ve had a pair of their running capris for several years and they are still going strong! (Girls with thighs, you know this is a big deal!)
6. Brooks sports bras. I am well-endowed when it comes to busts, so I bought two of the Juno bras two years ago and was hooked! I loved how this bra fit from the start. However, I bought two of the newest Juno model and I’m not that impressed. The band is a lot wider and I need to use the last hook, which means I don’t have room to wear them out. The band also rolls up, which is really annoying. Good sports bras are hard to come by and are rarely affordable. If you have a favorite, leave it in the comments!
7. Nuun hydration tablets. I'm a vegetarian and not a fan of sugar so these tablets are perfect for making sure I have electrolytes after long runs, or summer running. I go through a lot of them in the Texas summer months. Sometimes I'll add one to my water even if I'm not working out that day! My favorite flavor is Strawberry Lemonade.
And of course, I have to have sunscreen before those summer runs, as well as an old visor and some sunglasses. I hear Goodr makes excellent sunglasses for running, but I have yet to try them. Maybe I will buy a pair as the summer goes on.
I can't wait until the sun goes down so I can head out the door with my dog, Daisy, for our #GlobalRunningDay run!
Cheers!
Kasey
Sunday, May 13, 2018
Hang in there, teachers! We got this!
I wanted to post more on this blog throughout the school year, but of course, after working 10 hours a day plus random weekends, working out, training for a half marathon, and keeping up with my household I just didn't find the time.
And now it's the month all teachers dread: May.
May is such a touch time of the year for teachers, students, and administration. We are on the home stretch, the finish line is in sight, but we have a huge hurdle called testing to jump over. But once that's cleared, what do you do with anxious students for three weeks when you are exhausted yourself?
In the fine arts world, May is filled with end of the year plays, concerts, and trips. We are the reason students come to school, and rewarding them with fun trips is one of the best parts of teaching. But not when you are just plain exhausted!
If you teach middle school like I do, you know the struggle is real right now. All year long we ask students do to the same thing over and over again, and have they learned? Probably not. "Take your gym clothes home." "Sit down when the bell rings." "This is your 12th tardy of the 9 weeks and it's the end of the school year. You know your schedule by now." "Walk in the halls." They still exhibit the same behaviors at the end of the year as they did in August, and it's frustrating as teachers to be on repeat this late in the year. Lucky for me, I get some kids three years in a row, and you know what? These behaviors don't change after three years, either. Hang in there!
State testing in Texas starts up again tomorrow. No more last minute tutoring; no more cramming; no more notes and emails sent to parents about their child's performance in class. What these kids do in the next four days determines if our school is good enough; if our teachers are good enough; if the kids are good enough. It all comes down to this.
But does it? These tests don't see what I see in these kids. When I look up their test information to get an idea of their reading level before assigning monologues and scenes, it really surprises me sometimes. The results don't match up with what I see from these kids on a daily basis. There are so many victories in our public schools are not tied to testing.
Like the little 6th grade girl who was too shy to perform her monologue in front of the class in September, so after some tears, she performed for me and her best friend one morning before the first bell. She grew so much in the last year that she competed at the spring speech contest and was cast in two roles in our spring show. Where does that victory belong?
Like the girl who was so shy in 6th grade that I was happily surprised that she came to audition for the musical. She was cast as an ensemble member, and the rest is history. She went on to win several plaques and ribbons at speech contests and acting awards for one act play in her 7th and 8th grade years. Where does that victory belong?
Like the little boy who doesn't seem to talk much, but when he does, it's amazing. When I first met him, his parents did all of the talking, then when he left the room, his dad told me to go easy on him because he's shy. Of course I deal with shy kids all of the time, so I treated him like any other student in my room. I held him to the same expectations as the rest of my students and he rose to meet them time and again. And would you believe that this child, who's parents do nearly everything for him, including talking, is excellent at impromptu speaking? Where does that victory belong?
Teachers, don't let the results of this week determine your self-worth as an educator. You do more than drill them with math facts and reading strategies. You mentor these young people to think for themselves, solve problems on their own, and create. You nurture their emotional health because God knows middle school is a roller coaster of emotions from day to day. You are the parent that is absent. You mean more than test results.
As summer is approaching, I find myself too tired to go out and enjoy life on the weekends. I just want to sleep, eat, then take a nap. I'm feeling the end of the year exhaustion as I know you are, too.
Hang in there. It's all worth it in the end.
Cheers,
Kasey
And now it's the month all teachers dread: May.
May is such a touch time of the year for teachers, students, and administration. We are on the home stretch, the finish line is in sight, but we have a huge hurdle called testing to jump over. But once that's cleared, what do you do with anxious students for three weeks when you are exhausted yourself?
In the fine arts world, May is filled with end of the year plays, concerts, and trips. We are the reason students come to school, and rewarding them with fun trips is one of the best parts of teaching. But not when you are just plain exhausted!
If you teach middle school like I do, you know the struggle is real right now. All year long we ask students do to the same thing over and over again, and have they learned? Probably not. "Take your gym clothes home." "Sit down when the bell rings." "This is your 12th tardy of the 9 weeks and it's the end of the school year. You know your schedule by now." "Walk in the halls." They still exhibit the same behaviors at the end of the year as they did in August, and it's frustrating as teachers to be on repeat this late in the year. Lucky for me, I get some kids three years in a row, and you know what? These behaviors don't change after three years, either. Hang in there!
State testing in Texas starts up again tomorrow. No more last minute tutoring; no more cramming; no more notes and emails sent to parents about their child's performance in class. What these kids do in the next four days determines if our school is good enough; if our teachers are good enough; if the kids are good enough. It all comes down to this.
But does it? These tests don't see what I see in these kids. When I look up their test information to get an idea of their reading level before assigning monologues and scenes, it really surprises me sometimes. The results don't match up with what I see from these kids on a daily basis. There are so many victories in our public schools are not tied to testing.
Like the little 6th grade girl who was too shy to perform her monologue in front of the class in September, so after some tears, she performed for me and her best friend one morning before the first bell. She grew so much in the last year that she competed at the spring speech contest and was cast in two roles in our spring show. Where does that victory belong?
Like the girl who was so shy in 6th grade that I was happily surprised that she came to audition for the musical. She was cast as an ensemble member, and the rest is history. She went on to win several plaques and ribbons at speech contests and acting awards for one act play in her 7th and 8th grade years. Where does that victory belong?
Like the little boy who doesn't seem to talk much, but when he does, it's amazing. When I first met him, his parents did all of the talking, then when he left the room, his dad told me to go easy on him because he's shy. Of course I deal with shy kids all of the time, so I treated him like any other student in my room. I held him to the same expectations as the rest of my students and he rose to meet them time and again. And would you believe that this child, who's parents do nearly everything for him, including talking, is excellent at impromptu speaking? Where does that victory belong?
Teachers, don't let the results of this week determine your self-worth as an educator. You do more than drill them with math facts and reading strategies. You mentor these young people to think for themselves, solve problems on their own, and create. You nurture their emotional health because God knows middle school is a roller coaster of emotions from day to day. You are the parent that is absent. You mean more than test results.
As summer is approaching, I find myself too tired to go out and enjoy life on the weekends. I just want to sleep, eat, then take a nap. I'm feeling the end of the year exhaustion as I know you are, too.
Hang in there. It's all worth it in the end.
Cheers,
Kasey
Friday, March 3, 2017
How to Run a Drama Club (When You Already Have a Full Plate)
Finally, an update. I have had ideas for my blog all year, but it hasn't been a priority compared to other things I have going on. Veteran teachers, you know what I'm talking about. First year teachers, you may feel like you are barely swimming, but keep going! We are one week away from spring break, and almost at testing season. Once that's over, the pressure is off and we can relax and enjoy our time with our students.
How many of you are usually the last car in the parking lot, walking out when the sun is going down or already down? We don't have windows in our classrooms or auditoriums, and we don't see the sun when we leave, either. Don't let the lack of vitamin D get you down! Remember the tips from the previous entry about survival. We can do this!
My campus is always looking for ways to get disenfranchised students involved, even though we have a great fine arts program where many students are already involved. How can you get more students interested in drama? Have an official Drama Club! Some teachers use an official honor society, which is great for your dedicated kids who come to every audition. I'm talking about involving those kids that are flat out afraid to audition, or they can't commit to staying after school every day. Yeah, those kids. Here is what I require of my Drama Club:
1. Every September club members submit permission slips and membership dues for the entire year. Many districts require paperwork and a procedure for collecting money, and collecting dues up front saves time before events throughout the year. This year I charged $20.
2. Benefits of joining Drama Club: t-shirt, field trip to see a play, Christmas movie party, and Mystery Dinner party at the end of the year. At the first meeting, members design and vote on the year's t-shirt, and vote for officers.
3. Students vote on what Christmas movie to watch for the party and what play they want to go see.
4. Before the field trip, I collect a $5 fee to ensure that students will follow through and show up. Every year I have students who submit their permission slips for the play, I buy tickets, and they don't show. It also helps pay for those unused tickets or a bus if you need one.
5. I use www.nightofmystery.com for our Mystery Dinner Parties. I teach 6-8th grades, so I can use the same parties on a three year rotation. I like to play along, but this will be my fourth year doing them so I know the killer now. :) I cater in Zio's, they get character information in their invitation, and we have a blast. It's like a banquet, but more fun!
6. We hold one monthly meeting where we discuss the next upcoming event. I would love to include a service project, but with all the contests we have going on, I am finding a hard time to plan and execute one. Maybe something as simple as picking up trash along the roads to school. Still in the works!
I hope this helps you generate ideas to get more students involved in theatre. I have 60 kids in the Drama Club, and not all come to auditions for plays. They get to be a part of theatre without testing their fear of performance.
I'm hoping to add more to the blog and more to my store over spring break and in May! :)
Cheers!
How many of you are usually the last car in the parking lot, walking out when the sun is going down or already down? We don't have windows in our classrooms or auditoriums, and we don't see the sun when we leave, either. Don't let the lack of vitamin D get you down! Remember the tips from the previous entry about survival. We can do this!
My campus is always looking for ways to get disenfranchised students involved, even though we have a great fine arts program where many students are already involved. How can you get more students interested in drama? Have an official Drama Club! Some teachers use an official honor society, which is great for your dedicated kids who come to every audition. I'm talking about involving those kids that are flat out afraid to audition, or they can't commit to staying after school every day. Yeah, those kids. Here is what I require of my Drama Club:
1. Every September club members submit permission slips and membership dues for the entire year. Many districts require paperwork and a procedure for collecting money, and collecting dues up front saves time before events throughout the year. This year I charged $20.
2. Benefits of joining Drama Club: t-shirt, field trip to see a play, Christmas movie party, and Mystery Dinner party at the end of the year. At the first meeting, members design and vote on the year's t-shirt, and vote for officers.
3. Students vote on what Christmas movie to watch for the party and what play they want to go see.
4. Before the field trip, I collect a $5 fee to ensure that students will follow through and show up. Every year I have students who submit their permission slips for the play, I buy tickets, and they don't show. It also helps pay for those unused tickets or a bus if you need one.
5. I use www.nightofmystery.com for our Mystery Dinner Parties. I teach 6-8th grades, so I can use the same parties on a three year rotation. I like to play along, but this will be my fourth year doing them so I know the killer now. :) I cater in Zio's, they get character information in their invitation, and we have a blast. It's like a banquet, but more fun!
6. We hold one monthly meeting where we discuss the next upcoming event. I would love to include a service project, but with all the contests we have going on, I am finding a hard time to plan and execute one. Maybe something as simple as picking up trash along the roads to school. Still in the works!
I hope this helps you generate ideas to get more students involved in theatre. I have 60 kids in the Drama Club, and not all come to auditions for plays. They get to be a part of theatre without testing their fear of performance.
I'm hoping to add more to the blog and more to my store over spring break and in May! :)
Cheers!
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