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Not-So-Speedy Dressage

From Endurance to Dressage

A Different Kind of School

10/23/2014

10 Comments

 
I teach 5th grade; no news there. I did change schools this year however, same grade, but it feels like I changed professions. I haven't been this happy at work in a very long time.

When all we do is give, give, give, we grow resentful and tired. After 20 years in the classroom, I had arrived at curmudgeonly and cranky. I didn't particularly enjoy my job, and I was focused on the countdown. I recognized that I needed a change.

Fortunately, I teach in a large enough district that changing schools is not really a big deal. I was also lucky enough to time my need for a change for a year where big boundary changes were already happening. My current school brought in about 10 new teachers this year from around the district. I am sure this has a lot to do with why I feel so energized. With so many new staff members, the school got a good shake up which seems to have refreshed everyone.

I say all of this because I once again feel my creative juices flowing. Instead of feeling that I am giving, giving, giving, I feel like I am receiving. With so much positive feedback from my students and their parents, I find myself looking for ways to spice up my classroom and make it as fun a place to be as possible. Not that I ran a sweat shop before, but seeing new faces in a new building encouraged me to shake the dust off and sweep away some cobwebs. 

So, here are some pictures from my classroom demonstrating the ways that I've brought my equine passion to my other passion.
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My class mascot is a stallion - surprised? :0)
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Our banner from the Jog-A-Thon.
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My husband's company donated the iPads (Pandol Bros. - you rock!)
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The kids always ask if those are MY horses. Uh … no. :0)
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There is a photo of Speedy on the top shelf. I need to bring one in of Sydney. Can you see Speedy's old horseshoes next to the book basket?
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I draw a name each week (no tardies, absences, or conduct changes) to see who is our weekly B.O.S.S. - Best of Sweaney's Stallions.
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A fun way to repurpose old show ribbons.
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The BOSS gets to sit in the center of the room with a box of supplies and an awesome view of the board. The BOSS can also invite friends to join her/him at the table. The BOSS also gets to sit in a cool chair that swivels and rolls. :0)
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Another repurposed show ribbon for the BOSS ...
I have one more equine inspired thing that I did new for this year, but it's so cool that it deserve a post of its own. Look for it next week.
10 Comments
Judy
10/22/2014 10:32:04 pm

You are such an awesome Teacher! Your students are so lucky to have you!

Reply
Bakersfield Dressage link
10/23/2014 11:18:18 am

Sometimes I get it right, other days … maybe not so much, but my heart is in the right place. :0)

Reply
Lauren link
10/23/2014 12:31:15 am

Love this so much! I came very close to being a teacher (high school english) but choose another path. Sometimes I regret it, and posts like these make me wish I was in education!

Reply
Bakersfield Dressage link
10/23/2014 11:19:27 am

For a while there, Lauren, I was wishing that I was doing anything else OTHER than teaching. Cleaning toilets at the Holiday Inn was looking pretty good. I am really happy where I am right now. :0)

Reply
jenj
10/23/2014 04:02:40 am

Love it! What a fun thing to bring to your students!

Reply
Bakersfield Dressage link
10/23/2014 11:20:20 am

They find most of it pretty fascinating. Today we had a long talk about how the farrier NAILS on a shoe. They just couldn't believe that it doesn't hurt (usually).

Reply
Tracy link
10/23/2014 04:02:45 am

So cool! I wish I'd had a teacher that loved horses :D

Reply
Bakersfield Dressage link
10/23/2014 11:20:52 am

Me too! How cool would that have been?! :0)

Reply
Val
10/23/2014 08:34:47 am

I have one of the same horse posters! My librarian gave it to me after the book fair.

The BOSS idea is great. I may have to think of a way to implement it in my science classroom. Borrowing is the highest form of flattery, right?

Reply
Bakersfield Dressage link
10/23/2014 11:24:12 am

All of the posters are from the book fair, even the one of Jimmy Johnson. The kids like to buy them for me. Our annual book fair begins in the next two weeks so I am hoping they have some new ones.

And please, you're welcome to the BOSS idea. Preferential seating is certainly not my invention, but the kids do enjoy the opportunity to get picked. Since you teach science, you could do something like the Best of Science Studies, or student, or some other "S" word. :0)

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    About the Writer and Rider

    ​I am a lifelong rider. 
    I began endurance riding in 1996 where I ultimately completed five, one-day 100 mile races, the 200-mile Death Valley Encounter, and numerous other 50, 65, and 75 mile races. I began showing dressage in 2010.
    ​Welcome to my dressage journey.
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    Photo by Lori Ovanessian

    About Speedy G

    ​Speedy went from endurance horse to dressage horse. After helping me earn a USDF Bronze medal in the summer of 2020, he is now semi-retired. Speedy is a 2004, 15'1 hand, purebred Arabian gelding. His Arabian Horse Registry name is G Ima Starr FA.
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    July 2020 (PC AJSK Photography)

    About Izzy

    Izzy was started as a four-year old and then spent the next 18 months in pasture growing up. I bought him as a six-year old, and together, we are showing at the lower levels. He is a 2008, 16'3 hand warmblood gelding. His Rheinland Pfalz-saar International (RPSI) name is Imperioso.
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    March 2021 (PC Tess Michelle Photography)

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    FOR THE SMALLER EQUINE ATHLETE
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    National Rider Awards

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Site Designed and Managed by: Karen Sweaney

Among other things, Karen is a Wife, Friend, Reader, Writer, Rider, Traveler, and Dog Lover
Contact her at bakersfielddressage@gmail.com
  • Home
  • About
  • My Horses
    • Horses
    • Imperioso
    • G Ima Starr FA
    • Sunshine
    • Nakota and Gideon
    • Corky
    • Sassy
    • Montoya DSA
    • Mickey Dee
    • Sydney
  • Show Results
    • 2022
    • 2021
    • 2020
    • 2019
    • 2018
    • 2017
    • 2016
    • 2015
    • 2014
    • 2013
    • 2012
    • 2011
    • 2010
  • Dressage Organizations
    • Dressage Organizations
    • Memberships
    • 2019 Dressage Tests
  • Local
    • Shopping List
  • Home