Mrs.Golden Class

The first artifact that I want to include is my genius hour project. This project helped me learn more about a topic and dedicate time to research, l earn, and create. If I didn’t have this set of time, It would have been more challenging to commit to my goal.  During this process, I needed to deal with obstacles and time constraints.  T o be successful during this project, I set routines in which I had to complete a set of tasks. I realized that when my method was changed, it was challenging to come back to it and get discouraged. As I reflect, I learned that I needed to be flexible and accept the changes and difficulties that might arise. Having a set routine kept me on track and focused on the end product. I think there is an excellent potential to start a genius hour routine in which I give students 20% of the day for research about a topic they love. The result will be allowing students to document what they learned and shared with peers, either digitally or in per...

What was the process like? How did you learn? What will you take back into your classroom with you? My Genius Hour project was to research weight loss methods and to document my endeavor to lose weight.  My process included tracking my personal data and keeping a food journal.  The Genius Hour project taught me about how I lose weight and how I learn.   My smartwatch measures my steps, calories burnt, and time spent exercising.  Initially, I pulled this and other data from my fitness application and put it in a spreadsheet.  I spent considerable time each day on data entry and data analysis as I searched for a weight loss solution in the numbers.  In the end, it was easier to create good data (ie, to exercise) than to look at the data, as I would rather exercise than look at a spreadsheet.   Fortunately, I had another way of tracking my progress: my food journal.  As part of my Genius Hour process, I have been journaling my meals ...

Stage #1: Identify a goal that correlates to my larger goal. Becoming a healthier person by exercising and eating well. Stage# 2: I had to refocus my goal instead of looking at exercise data which was more consistent I took a look at my diet and the steps that I need to take to improve that aspect of my life . Stage#3: It was hard coming up with ideas for the meal plan and taking the time to learn and shop wholesome ingredients. At times, I felt frustrated since some of the dishes I made, the family did not enjoy. I wanted to go back to my old ways of cooking. Stage#4: Including friends and family in this journey made me more accountable. I am learning a skill that I can use to improve my health; it needs to become a habit. Stage #5: Goal was to control my eating portions and clean my diet so I can lose and maintain my weigh. At the beginning of this project, I was 135 lbs today, I am 126 lbs. My next goal is maintaining my weight by continue doing my hour of ...

After coming back from Guatemala, I was excited to see my husband and son. My mom and dad were also visiting us from Miami, Fl. I thought this was an excellent opportunity to learn more from my mom about Colombian Cusine and how to make it healthier without compromising flavor and tradition. As an adult, I have not been able to bond with my mom in the kitchen since there are 1600  miles between us.  Having her visit me for a few days this summer, it's a fabulous opportunity to learn from her. During her short visit, we were able to make a few simple and delicious dishes that the family enjoyed. We made a pan-fried chicken, avocado salad, and green plantains. The second dish was Casuela de mariscos (Seafood Stew). Avocado Salad For this recipe  4 avocados,  3 tomatoes,  1/2 cup of lime juice,  small onion,   oregano, and salt to taste.  Peel the avocado cut the tomatoes, the onions, and avocados in small pieces and mi...

Last week, I traveled to Antigua, Guatemala, for my college friend’s Wedding. I was excited to accompany my friend on her special day. Also, I was excited to visit Guatemala for the first time. I knew my journey on keeping my healthy eating habits will be a little more challenging since most of the food I will be consuming were from hotels and restaurants.  So I created a personal goal to enjoy everything in moderation and to continue exercising and walking for an hour every day while in Guatemala.   On the first day, we were scheduled to go to Finca Filadelfia for a welcome breakfast and coffee tour . This was my introduction of a very hearty Guatemalan Breakfast. The menu included appetizers: oatmeal ( Avena), Guatemalan cookies that were not really sweet, but it complemented the Avena very well. For the main dish, we had ripe plantains with scrambled eggs with onions and tomatoes, dobladitas(empanadas) de queso, refried black beans , Queso fresco(...

The first two days of the week, I planned and cooked both dinner and lunch meals. The rest of the week, we had to travel, so we had to eat out for most meals. I felt disappointed in myself for not continuing my good progress and options for dinner. When this happens, I feel like I’ve pressed the snooze button and silence my conscience an, ultimately it’s a set back for the primary goal. I feel like this when I don't have a plan or set routine. Also, I will enlist some of my friends and family to keep me on track. At restaurants, I will continue ordering dishes that contain 30% vegetables, 25% protein, 20% whole grain carbs. I am planning to visit local farmers markets in the cities that I will be attending.   One of the farmer's markets I am visiting is the Dane County Farmers Market (DCFM) located in downtown Madison, WI. DCFM is the largest producer-only farmers market in the country. I hope to get fresh vegetables and cook a delicious meal or ...