I was going to post last night and then I didn’t. I wrote two different posts and then erased them. I just wasn’t feeling it. Does that ever happen to you?
Yesterday was our Staff PTT Day (just a reminder: I think PTT stands for Professional Teaching Time. But it could also mean you Poor Tired Teachers). To answer some earlier questions (in comments), our PTT Day is every Wednesday and it’s always early dismissal. When I say early dismissal, I just mean the kids get out one hour earlier than usual. This should not be called Early Dismissal. This should be called Kids Get Out A Little Bit Sooner But Not As Soon As You Would Like Because It’s Still The Afternoon. To me, early dismissal means students come to school, do a little bit of work, and then go home, have lunch at their home, and we’ll see them tomorrow. Now that’s EARLY DISMISSAL. Early is in the MORNING. I’m just saying.
So yesterday was our day with the whole staff for PTT.
We had another guest speaker.
However, this guest speaker was special. This guest speaker was a teacher in our district. Not a teacher on special assignment, either, Nope. This was a real, live, actual teacher who has a classroom and teaches IN IT EVERYDAY. I know! I don’t know where they found him! He was definitely not from the district office, I can tell you that.
He was fantastic. He spoke. He taught. He was cute. All good things, as far as I’m concerned.
But HE taught and WE listened. It was a novel idea. One that we are not used to (because mostly we are divided up into groups and have to record stuff onto chart paper and then go around the room and share what we recorded on the chart paper — it’s remarkable that in the 20 minutes we are given to discuss and record, we talk about teacher stories, reality TV, books, kids, and other random things for 18 minutes and then use the last 2 minutes for the discussing and recording. Anyone else do this?).
Guest Teacher introduced thinking maps.
Have you heard of those?
——————————————————————————–
Yep. He introduced thinking maps like it was the newest thing since . . . blogging. I don’t think he knows we exist.
Anywho, cutie patootie he explained how he uses the different maps with our core curriculum.
Say what?
What?
Wait a second here . . .
Is this a trap? Are the curriculum cops waiting just outside in the hopes of doing a raid???
Aren’t we supposed to be faithful to the core? Use only the core curriculum worksheets? Aren’t these thinking maps “supplemental”? Isn’t this cheating on the core?
I don’t get it. Especially because my principal was taking notes like a little scholar. Beaming. She loved it.
Does this mean I can use all of the cute supplemental things I find on the blogs? As long as it supports the curriculum and the standards? Isn’t this what I’ve been saying all along?
Cover your ears for a moment.
ISN’T THIS WHAT I’VE BEEN SAYING ALL ALONG?!?!?!?!?!
Now we have homework. We said we’d do it if Mr. Hot Stuff Mr. Professional Guest Teacher Speaker would come back to check our homework. We are supposed to use the circle map and the bubble map with our core curriculum and bring some samples to our next Staff PTT.
No problem, I said. (Although I am still confused by the whole situation because our core curriculum has never shown a circle map or a bubble map, unless you count the word webs and I don’t think that’s the same thing, but I could be wrong because that’s been known to happen so please don’t leave me a mean comment saying that I’m an idiot and how in the world did I earn a teaching credential. Okaythankyouverymuch.)
Here’s where you come in. He said that the kids are supposed to DRAW THEIR OWN THINKING MAPS. SHOCKER! GASP! What? You mean, let the children have control? So that circles look more like . . . paint splatters and rain puddles and dog doo-doo? Really?
I have to say that I see TEACHER CREATED thinking maps all over the blog world so I think you must be making your own, hitting print, and then copying them to pass out later. Right?
So I have to leave you with some questions if you’d be so inclined as to answer them.
1. Do you ever sit down to blog and you have no idea what to say so you just log off and go stalk blogs?
2. Do you use the allotted time allowed to discuss and record things at your PTT’s or PD’s or ABBREVIATED WHATEVERS, or do you also chit chat most of the time and get amazing thinking done in two minutes?
3. Do you create your own thinking maps so that the kids just fill them in or do you let them (GASP!) make their own?
Yikes! Your district must be super controlling about what and how you teach? Ours is to a certain extent, especially in math, but sounds like it's nothing compared to yours.
And YES we always manage to talk about everything else possibly during our "thinking time"…probably because it's such a novel situation to talk to a group of adults (and not 5 year olds) during the workday!
Kelly
Visit me at:
"Kindergarten Kel
1. Do you ever sit down to blog and you have no idea what to say so you just log off and go stalk blogs? Yes. Tonight in fact. I thought about writing about how I feel like I'm doing all the wrong things, but that seemed stupid. Plus I just found out that a parent and a principal (not mine) knows about my blog and reads it. This is added pressure I don't need.
2. Do you use the allotted time allowed to discuss and record things at your PTT's or PD's or ABBREVIATED WHATEVERS, or do you also chit chat most of the time and get amazing thinking done in two minutes? I talk more than anyone I know. I can talk about anything in record time and make people laugh and get my work done. So I do.
3. Do you create your own thinking maps so that the kids just fill them in or do you let them (GASP!) make their own? I don't really like their homemade maps, so I hand them out. I suck.
First in Maine
I was at a Thinking Maps training yesterday as well. Our trainer was a certified trainer from the Thinking Maps creators (company). He said we should let them do their own because giving them a created one stifles them. They either think they have to fill it all in or there is not enough spaces for all that they think of. He did say, for 1st grade the teacher does a lot of the filling in (as in whole class map creating). I did a circle map today on Groundhogs with my whole class and it went REALLY well!!! Hope this helps!
I think it is awesome that you had some PD that was useful…that is always a surprise!! lol
I think it is great to have kids draw their own…but then I also use some that are specific..especially since my kids are low first graders (a larger percentage than I am used to) I think there is room for both =) (just like everything…moderation. (except margaritas…the word DOES NOT apply to them) lol
Jennifer
First Grade Blue Skies
Chit chat- yes!
Thinking Maps- yes!
Initially I give students the Thinking Maps outline/blackline master and progress to them independently making Thinking Maps around Thanksgiving. For the few students that are not quite ready, I always ask permission from "that kid" to let me do theirs as an example for the class. Therefore eliminating any extra gray hairs from trying to identify what they were attempting to do.
We have been using thinking maps at our school for last 4 years. Students are introduced to them in kindergarten so once they get to 4 th grade they can draw each one in a few seconds. We use the circle map the most, mainly for brainstorming before writing. We have used the bubble map for character traits, brace map for syllables or prefixes and suffixes.
Ericashep.blogspot.com
First off, I was in such a bad mood 5 minutes ago because I had a PLC day today {meaning a whole day to plan with my team!} and we got 4 weeks of RTI (and only RTI!) planned during the entire day. Now I have 6 hours of work to catch up on. But I set my phone timer so I could veg out and read blogs for a little and your post put me in such a better mood! I laughed, I cried, I nodded my head! THIS is why I love you!!! Secondly, there is no secondly. P.S. Can't wait til Fran comments!!!!!
1. I frequently do this. But then there are other days when I feel like I could post 5 times! Like today as I was sitting in the chair ALL day wishing I wasn't sick so I could be doing super cute groundhogs day activities!
2. Last week we had an ALL day one. Sounds similar to your except the content was a bit different and they gave us nearly 2 hours to do the discussing…there was a lot of chit chatting.
3. We do them whole group since it's only Kinder.
I am not a thinking maps guru… but mainly I just make ones and we fill them out together!!
For my night ESL class, we have to read an article every week and then discuss it with our grade-level groups. She gives us 20 minutes to discuss but we never take more than like 5. So then we sit there and talk about whatever. So I feel ya.
Marvelous Multiagers!
I use Thinking Maps with my third-graders for writing almost daily, and they draw them all into their writing journals. Yes, some of them look awful, and yes, sometimes it bothers me…but hey, what matters is what they put in them, right?
I tagged you on my blog because you CRACK me up and I love your blog so much! I hope you come check out my blog and all of the details because I would LOVE to see your answers!!!! 🙂
We have early release days every other Wednesdays too. Like you said this kids only get out an hour early and we are still stuck at school! We have one next week that all of the second grade teachers are getting together at our building. We had to make the agenda and we are running the show! We have lots of awesome things planned. We shall see though… Many times these turn into a "let's complain about everything" meeting. I'll let you know how it goes!!
love love LOVE thinking maps!! I teach K, so a lot of our thinking maps the first half of the year are teacher made to get students familiar. but then the last half of the year, they start making their own. the kids love them too, and use them! I had a student at centers making a circle map of all the words she knew how to write 🙂 super sweet!
To answer your Question #1…ABSOLUTELY!!!!! All the time!
Jodi
fun-in-first.blogspot.com
Thinking Maps swept through our district 5 years ago. They are actually a good tool. Each one represents a different kind of thinking so it is nice to know that you are challenging your kids in different ways.
How exciting that you get to use thinking maps! I use copied and student made. I think by having the kids get used to making the maps they are MUCH more apt to use them on their own which is the ultimate goal. Those of us who are control/neat freaks do have trouble letting go of course. 🙂 A tip I've found is to have the kids write first the word first and then circle it. They do better than you think!
Jenn
Finally in First
We use Thinking Maps. I usually let my kids draw their own. The flow maps always turn out a little wonky, but the idea is there. They actually really enjoy using them (for the most part).
Could you please send Mr. Hot Stuff over to Michigan for me? The teachers in my district are pretty much allowed to do whatever we want (for now), but I'd still like to enjoy Mr. Hot Stuff instead of the not so hot speakers they have scheduled for us in the next two months.
Kimberly
Funky First Grade Fun
1. Ya!! Today!
2. Mostly chit chat 😉
3. I've also attended the *official* trainings and they do say to have the kids make their own. It is hard at first (kids writing too big) but it gives kiddos great "spatial writing" practice! Of course, MODEL, MODEL, MODEL. You write and have them copy so they know where to write on the paper!! Hope this helps!
I just want to confess that any time my group gets off task in our PLT (professional learning teams) or staff meetings that it is because I have the attention span of a flea and I change the subject or make jokes. They should just send me home because everyone on my grade level team would accomplish so much more without me there! 🙂
Second Grade Math Maniac
1. Do you ever sit down to blog and you have no idea what to say so you just log off and go stalk blogs?
-I try to blog when I don't have a topic but it never works for me. So I just go blog stalk or hit Etsy.
2. Do you use the allotted time allowed to discuss and record things at your PTT's or PD's or ABBREVIATED WHATEVERS, or do you also chit chat most of the time and get amazing thinking done in two minutes?
We do our work in a few minutes and then discuss other things although most of the time it is about what else we have to get done, but it is not what we are supposed to be doing.
3. Do you create your own thinking maps so that the kids just fill them in or do you let them (GASP!) make their own?
I use whatever I find out here in blog-land.
Ms. M
Ms.M's Blog
A Teacher's Plan
1.tried to blog twice yesterday…didn't until today. 2. faculty meeting yesterday have no idea what the principal said, but do know that one of the teachers is going to New York this summer, signed up for a super bowl poll, and another teacher and I planned a night out. 3. Depends on if I make it the copy machine or not. if yes they get a printed one. If no I draw- they draw. 4. your district seems to have a really warped sense of common core and teaching kids, sorry just saying:) and 5.finally pinned the daughter down and your picture is done!
Tammy
Hey Kristin!
so #1 Yes. Constantly. Sometimes I'm so determined to blog and I just can't, so my determination turns to reading and commenting and sometimes I'm so tired I just sit there in a kind of daze staring at my computer screen. If only I could type my comments telepathically! That would be ideal!
#2 We do the same, chat, chat, chat, work feverishly!
As for #3, I'm a bloggy-control-freak-teacher so of course I make everything for my students. You know I'm joking, right?!? Love your blog so much!
Kristen 🙂
Yay for you – an actual TEACHER at a "development"! That's amazing.
1. Yep.
2. We chit chat whenever we get the chance… but we are "hushed" A LOT – or, my personal favorite, spoken too like we're kids… Tootsie Roll, lollipop… we've been talking, now let's stop (do they REALLY think we will chorus in on that?) or Class Class?… yeah, I don't think I'll be answering yes, yes to that either.
3. This is by far my weakest area as a teacher. I'm a control freak and am SO bad at letting them make their own and waiting patiently for them to get things they want to be. Their spatial issues can make me shake. 😀 {I know, I know… bad teacher.}
♥ Dragonflies in First ♥
*get things THE WAY they want them to be.
I am sitting here rolling on the floor!! I sometimes think that school would be a great place to work if only the kids weren't there. We are not allowed to have "early out" days….some schools in my district have them, but I think we are not on the good list or something. Actually I don't mind mostly because I would want to use that time to work in my room and not sit through another meeting/training about whatever the latest flavor of the month is that we are supposed to so excited about. I don't know how many charts I have created, posted on the wall, and then shared and discussed. I have to say most of the time we get them made in the first two or three minutes and then do the chit chat. I have to thank my principal though…we have had more in room work time than ever and he is great about letting us cover the standards in the way we feel is best for our kids.
As for blogging….I know I would do the same thing (maybe that is one reason I haven't been brave enough to start my own, I just stalk.
I totally agree with Terri! We would be able to do AMAZING things if only the kids weren't there!!!! HA! I am kidding…I love them! As for the Thinking Maps…I have mine usually prepared ahead of time only because I don't want to take the time to draw the maps for kiddos who have spatial awareness issues. Those who are perfectionists either…they are never pleased with their maps. I have done quiet a few maps incorporating Common Core Standards so come on over and have a look around!
☏Johanna
First Grade Fanatic!
By the way…I wasn't a follower before-I can't believe I missed that! Come on over to my little blog!!!!
☏Johanna
First Grade Fanatic!
We have used Thinking Maps for about 10 years now and I honestly can't imagine teaching without them. They just have so much application to everything, and since the whole school uses them, as the kids move up through the grades, they already know them. There isn't the variation found when people are using their own graphic organizers. But Thinking Maps can be made cute, don't worry 😉
I almost NEVER make them ahead of time. The kids always make them. Even the first graders 😉 I have a few premade on my blog for the teachers out here in the blogosphere 😉 hee hee
I can't believe you are JUST getting TMs. You are in CA right? So Cal right???
~Stephanie
Teaching in Room 6
We use Thinking Maps and I do it both ways (kid drawn and fill in). I always do teacher led using my document camera and they copy and fill in. We are starting to get to the point where they can fill in themselves. Another idea is to have dotted lines and let them trace. I use a lot of what I find out there in the blogging land.
Before I answer your questions in order, I have to say I am so sorry and it made my heart hurt to hear about how rigidly they want you to follow the core curriculum, because I'm sure you would do an excellent job without it. *gasp* go the curriculum writers.
1. I do that sometimes. But I'm a big talker, so sometimes I just blog what I would be talking about if someone was there. Which means that I repeat myself sometimes. It's probably best just not to post anything.
2. We usually work pretty well during the very little time we're allowed to, but it depends. Last week we had a gripefest at first, but it ended up being kind of productive. But we only get 45 minutes once a month.
3. It depends. I usually have kids draw them (but mine are third graders. But they still don't all know how to use their thumbs) because I tend to come up with more interesting/exciting ideas off the cuff than what I had originally planned which means I don't have copies ready. But if I want them to look nice, I give them a copy of something. But usually I don't care if they look all that nice, as long as I can read the words in them. So we practice writing first, putting a bubble around it second.
Buzzing with Ms. B
1. Yes more often than not.
2. Used to when I had a harsh principal that made us follow all the rules and made us sit in a room where she could watch us. Surprise surprise now that we get treated like professional (new school new principal) where we get to go in our own classroom and discuss, we actually talk about our kids and what we can do to help them.
3. I hate photocopy machines, so yes my students almost always create there own. They way it usually works for me is that we create an example on the smartboard together, they then turn to there partner explain what they are going to do and create theirs on their own white board or paper.
Love your posts!
Yes, I have students draw graphic organizers into their journals/portfolios…I h*a*t*e worksheets that end up in the garbage or backpack at the end of the day.
In K-1, I give students small titles to get them started (it helps them create 2 or 3 columns), and a lot of 4-grids (drawing a 't')….some need help, but most get it!
Kelli
talesfromatravelingteacher.blogspot.com
1. Most of the time I sit down with bloggy block, which is why most of my posts probably don't make much sense!
2. With our former principal, yes we would discuss other things. Our current principal is really great about meetings. They are short, sweet, and to the point. She does, however, send us several e-mails daily keeping us up to date on whatever it is we need to know.
3. Most of the time I create thinking maps for my students. I guess it just depends on the group and my level of patience for the day.
Thanks for your great posts! I look forward to them!
-Megan
First Grade Magic
okay.
1. ALL THE TIME! 🙂
2. Sadly, I like to just talk instead of listen anyways! oops
3. I love to use thinking maps, especially bubble maps and tree maps. I usually make copies of the cute stuff for everyone, however, on occasion I do let them make their own! Of course this is done as a step-by-step type lesson where I draw one thing, then they draw theirs, etc…
They do like creating their own and I find them doing it during writing workshop.
**I always love when there's a speaker who's 'easy on the eyes'**
Kelly
Beg, Borrow, Steal
Several times I have typed comments to your posts (I don't have a blog) and then erased them. My comments could never be a witty or as funny as your posts, not even close. I am afraid my comments might put you to sleep or waste your time!
Our district doesn't have 'curriculum cops.' as a matter of fact, teachers within the same grade level are almost always doing something different. I think we do the same spelling list and that is it. Some use a basal, and some don't. We all follow the same curriculum, but there is a lot of freedom. Almost too much freedom if you know what I mean.
Some day can you post about Math? This is a hot hot topic in our district. We use Trailblazers, and we think it is cr*p. If you google trailblazers, you will see words like 'fuzzy math.' Hopefully next year, we will pilot new math programs and adopt one that actually helps kids learn math. What program do you use? Do you like it? Maybe you can host a linky party or something?
Love your blog girl!
And happy red day! I am wearing RED for YOU today!
I sit down to blog and can't think of what I want to say lots of times. It seems like I'll have some ideas and then won't have time to blog. Then when I have the time I can't think of any of the ideas. Whenever we have to work together as a group, it's usually the Kindergarten, first and second grade teachers together. We have one teacher who has been known to clog during the supposed sharing time.
Trainings that I've been in have encouraged teachers to work toward having the kids make the thinking maps themselves (after you've supplied lots of models – used the cute maps that teachers make) BECAUSE if you want them to apply those skills in the real world of reading and taking notes, they won't always have a map handy so they need to be able to make their own.
Hey Kristen! Well, we don't have PTT but we do have Please Don't Daydream Days (Professional Developement)and yes, we all gab during the times we're supposed to be charting. EXCEPT…(gasp!) last time, we were in a pdd day with another school and they INSISTED that we WORK the entire time! Honestly… You will LOVE the thinking maps – we're in year 2 and I just adore them. Sometimes I use the cute ones I see on the blogs but often I just let them go at it – and they're pretty good at it, which surprises me! As for blogging, oh yeah, I often don't know what to say, especially after a hard day with my crew – and my mom raised me by the rule, "If you don't have something good to say, don't say it at all." So then it's hard… 🙂 Have a great day! Lisa http://firstclasswithmrsmac.blogspot.com/
What?????? Have the students make their thinking maps?????? That is a nutty idea!!!!!! However, when I taught 2nd, the ONLY, I repeat ONLY time I would let/allow THAT to happen was for show (you know the kind I'm talking about, the kind when you are being observed or the biggies are present). Otherwise…the total control side of me just won't allow it to happen. Sheesh, who do these thinking map people think they are?
If there is a great thinking map created to go with a book or lesson I use that {why recreate the wheel}, if not, they create their own. I think it is always good for kids to try to do it on their own, but it helps that they have seen "professional" ones done,so they have some frame of reference as to what it should look like. It also depends on the kids/grade do want them to spend all their time drawing or filling in the information…cuz many of my kids spend W*A*Y too much time creating their thinking map than actually filling it in!
We gab all the time at our meetings…haven't you heard the saying "teachers make the worst students"…that is us!
I usually have more to say as comments to others than I have to say on my own blog!
Shawna
The Picture Book Teacher's Edition
I create some thinking maps and let the students create some. They need to be able to solve problems and direct instruction doesn't provide that. Hopefully noone from my district reads this. As far as anyone knows, I am following the core standards and never, ever deviating from them for any reason, oops scuse me I have to go teach about Chinese New Year shhhhhhhh
OMG, you are too hilarious!
I can always count on you for a good chuckle.
Now to answer your questions:
1. I constantly find myself sitting down to post and realize that I have about a gazillion things to catch up on reading. So, I get bogged down on that first and then lose my focus. Ah, shoot. I forgot what I was saying.
2.Oh this made me cry a little (from laughing so hard) because I had just lived this EXACT scenario! Glad we are all the same:)
3. Yes, I have my students create their own thinking maps for many different reasons. #1 being "COPIES", ughhh. But, I also like seeing what they create on their own without the confines of a printed copy.
Have a great weekend, Kristin!
Elizabeth
Fun in Room 4B
Ummmm..yeah…we chit chat for 20 minutes then get down to business for two minutes!
that should say…chit chat for 18 minutes…get down to business for two minutes!
you are hysterical 🙂 you're having too much fun with this!
❤ Mor Zrihen from…
A Teacher's Treasure
Teaching Treasures Shop
I am so with you on those "chart paper" meetings!!! Sick of them!!! Definitely chit-chat time! As to the Thinking Maps, I personally enjoy using them. I teach Kinder and I often have the students make their own (mostly circle,bubble, or tree maps) based on my model, but I also create my own or use some of the wonderful things I find in blogland. I often have them write sentences using their maps. Can't wait to see your future posts about these!!!!
1. Yes. Sometimes I can't think of anything to say. Shocking since I pretty much never shut up!
2. In our PD's we have to do PD. But we squeeze in funny stories.
3. I think the phrase "faithful to the core" should be a naughty phrase. I really means let me squash all of your creativity.
4. I let my kids do their own thinking maps yesterday and I won't lie. I hated that their circles weren't really circles. I should have given them stencils. My husband says I'm going to give them all a complex. I much prefer to make my own with neat shapes and dotted lines and cute font!
Rowdy in First Grade
I create them sometimes and let them try on their own sometimes. It basically comes down to how much time I have. If there isn't much time, I don't want them to take their time drawing/erasing/drawing until they like their circle or square.
The best is when you have them doing a flow a map and the square needs to be big enough for them to write a sentence and they can fit about one or two letters.
I am a fan of thinking maps though. You will be able to find ways to use them with HM. We use them for the comprehension skill and strategy. We also use them to introduce the new phonics sound for the week.
I am currently blog stalking. =) I wrote my blog for today but I do NOT want to do my homework. Boring, yawn, ummm… we did this already.. last week and oh yeah the week before and yep the week before that… is this class over yet??? OH YEA IT IS! NEXT WEEK! I can't wait!
I would like Mr. Cuttie Patootie to teach my next course. Think he is available?
1. I don't have a teaching blog, but I have a photography one, which hasn't been updated in a year. My team is encouraging me to start a teaching blog, but I'm quite intimidated by all of the awesome stuff I see on other blogs. I don't feel that MY stuff is that fabulous.
2. I talk about everything BUT the required topic at PD. I'm the team clown/nut who rebels against the system and doesn't like to talk about the required topic.
3. I do a combination of both. Last year, every bubble map my children used were copied. However, this year, I have taken more of an approach to let the kids do it. Who cares if it's messy..it's their work and they are so proud of it.
Love, love, love your writing! Which, I think, means "i heart you", too!
I made a text to self connection with your post. (Feel free to discuss at your next PTT.) Ready? "Your district's Central Office reminds me of The Capital in Hunger Games." Do I get an A?!
🙂ReadWriteSing
girl…if you can, use them!! I bet your admin will jump on board with them since that PTT. If they are used consistently throughout the school, they really do help!
♥ Jen
The Teachers' Cauldron
Okay don't jump all over me but these maps are not always being used correctly in blogland. But this is your lucky day cutie and I can offer up help cause I'm a trainer. Bring on the questions. This is one thing I really understand and you need to practice these with the kids all the time. Hey, I will come to your classroom. Just make sure there is tons of coffee. By first grade they need to make their own maps (practice on white boards first and model this to death) Let them work in cooperative groups to do a map together and they all share the pen.
I will now shut up but thanks for making me laugh.
Whoa…How hot WAS this guy?? Dang, I wish I coulda been there to learn all about those "thinking maps!" MAybe he can come present in MY district?? 🙂
Kerri B
teacherbitsandbobs
Fran…I would love to learn more about thinking maps. I think I use them, but don't call them that and I haven't really used them at all in Kindergarten (last year I was third grade). So here are two questions…
What is each kind used for (and how many are there)? I guess I'm asking the advantages to each and how to teach which kind to use.
How does a Kindergartener use them when they can't spell (especially if they don't know their sounds very well)?
You are a great writer.
I wish we had early dismissal days again. We have furlough days though. The kind that teachers still work, but don't get paid due to budget cuts. I like Thinking Maps, but it is hard to work them in as often as I would like!