Taking A Brief Break from Technology

For three weeks, I am setting aside all technology and work related items so I can spend some time to relax with my husband, my grandchildren and friends. In the meantime, if you really want something to read, choose one of my older posts. 

 

My blog posts will return on Wednesday, July 22, 2026.

Summer Fun Using Shaving Cream

Again, I am going to deviate from the subject of math and offer a fun summer activity I do with my grandchildren. It involves a can of shaving cream, cleaning rags and lawn furniture that has set out all winter.

Were you aware that there are many unusual ways to use shaving cream besides using it for shaving? Did you know that you could...

1) Clean jewelry with it? Spray it on your jewelry and use a soft “old” toothbrush to get off the grime. Rinse with water.

2) Give chrome faucets a brilliant shine? Apply the shaving cream to a sponge and rub it on the faucet. Then wipe it off with a damp cloth.

3) Easily remove paint from your hands? Rub the shaving cream onto your hands; then rinse it off with soap and water.

4) Remove carpet stains? Blot the soiled area with a damp sponge and then spray on the shaving cream. Wipe clean with a damp sponge and let the area dry. It will also work on various clothes stains.

5) Clean vinyl lawn furniture? Spray the lawn furniture with the shaving cream and wipe the grubby areas with a damp rag. Rinse when finished.

Item #5 is what I do each summer. Our lawn furniture sets out over the winter on our patio and even though it is covered, it is filthy when summer comes. I always go to the store and purchase the cheapest shaving cream I can find. (Here, Barbasol sells for about $.89 a can. Depending on the number of grandchildren coming over, determines how many cans I purchase. This year, it was three.)  No matter their age, this is one activity that they all look forward to because it is messy!

I write the child’s name on their can of shaving cream and then assign them a piece of furniture to clean. When everyone is done scrubbing and wiping, we get out the garden hose to spray off the remaining shaving cream, and frequently we end up spraying each other.

But what happens to the leftover shaving cream? I think the pictures say it all!

A Short Tutorial on What is Growth Mindset and Fixed Mindset

At my community college, I teach a course entitled Conquering College because many of the students entering college are not prepared. They lack study skills as well as the soft skills of being on time, regularly doing homework, turning in assignments - on time, etc. This class is now required for every student who tests into developmental math and/or reading.  It has three purposes:

1. To enable students to learn and use Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID) strategies necessary for persistence and success at the college level, 
2. To develop a learning plan based upon personal abilities and goals, and 
3. To become more self-reliant in fulfilling academic goals.

During the sixteen weeks, we spend time focusing on the the growth and fixed mindset. If you haven't heard of the fixed mindset and the growth mindset, I'll summarize it this way - it is our attitudes, thoughts and beliefs about something.

Study the two charts below. In which category do you fit? Where would you place many of your students?

Carol Dweck has done a great deal of research on Growth Mindset. There is a ten minute video on You Tube which is well worth watching and sharing with your fellow teachers. It is called How To Help Every Child Fulfill Their Potential. (click on title) If for no other reason, watch it to discover what 15 years of praising children for their intelligence has done to our students. It is definitely eye opening!

Attributes that Require NO Talent

I am an instructor at a community college. Many of my colleagues have unique  posters hanging outside their doors. I found this one by a co-worker's office who teaches English. I believe it is something we can all use during this difficult time of finding the right job even though you have a college degree. In fact, these might good attributes to add to your resume.