 |
| Read more Slice of Life stories at Two Writing Teachers |
When we have our first staff meeting, our principal asks for one highlight from our summer. Last year I mentioned that I had read about 50 books. I had some great cheers from my table and amazed looks. I wasn't trying to brag (remember, most are picture books and middle grade novels), but one colleague looked over and made a face.
"I read a lot of books, too."
I responded with excitement and encouragement to her statement, but I could see in her face that she thought I was bragging and seeing myself as an "elite reader" or something.
I really just like to read.
I'm not too much into fitness, I can barely cook a meal, my house is disorganized (until I slide all the papers into the drawer), and I like to shop a little.
I really just like to read. I'm good at it and it's fun!
My plan for this year is to be part of helping my family, friends and students find what they are good at. Then I will cheer them on, wholeheartedly. I will help my developing readers figure out ways to get better at reading, even if they are wayyyy better at drawing, soccer or video games. I will coach them to use their fine motor or large motor skills to approach a book with confidence.
We all can't be great at everything (my oldest daughter begged me to stop pinning dinner recipes --- they never turn out like the picture!) but we can be awesome at something. We should share that talent with our circle of friends and colleagues in a positive way.
Now I'm going back to my book, Charlie Joe Jackson's Guide to Summer Vacation.
Happy _________ (insert what you love to do awesomely here)!
Happy cooking!
ReplyDeleteWait....I thought that I was the only one to slide my papers from my desk into a drawer! :) I can find things though.
You can COOK! You are my hero! :)
DeleteSo glad you can find the papers you slide in the drawer... sometimes I'm not that lucky.
Happy little bit of this and a little bit of that. I love variety!
ReplyDeleteToo many passions, but if I had to chooses one thankfully it is teaching!
Enjoy your book.
Happy teaching, Lynn! I also like to knit and scrapbook and lots of other hobbies. Sounds like we both like to stay busy.
DeleteHappy traveling to me! I love to go to new places and experience the life and food. Unfortunately it takes money to do this well and there is no money tree in my yard. So I save and go when I have the funds.
ReplyDeleteAs for sliding papers in a drawer, I can't they are full, but I do a nice job of stacking them so it looks neater. :-)
Oh, Elsie - the "stack" is my other method of dealing with the papers.
DeleteI so enjoyed your slices on traveling around Denmark and Iceland. Your slices are first on my to-read list - they come to my email. :) I wish commenting on my phone was easier.
Happy future travels!!
Happy dancing to me! I am ready to admit that my husband and I have become pretty awesome over the years of practice. Can't wait for the Monday lessons to start again.
ReplyDeleteEnjoy the last summer days and have a fabulous school year!
Terje, yet another talent to add to your list. So jealous that you've got your husband out dancing. My husband sings and plays piano, but dancing is not something he's comfortable with. I will keep trying!
DeleteHappy dancing!
Happy decorating to me! I need to get something on the walls besides paint!
ReplyDeleteJaana - I'm good at picking wall colors, but the rest I leave to the experts. I'm so excited that you have the flair for accessories. I can only imagine how beautiful your home is!
DeleteHappy decorating!
Happy card making. I love to be creative and give my creations away. Thanks for allowing each of us and your family and students to be aware of what they are good at and enjoy doing. Happy reading to you!
ReplyDeleteWow, Judy, I knew about your sewing and yarn crafting (do you knit or crochet?), but I didn't know about card making! What a lovely way to express yourself.
DeleteHappy card making!!
Pass the chocolate. Have you discovered dark chocolate mint M&Ms?
ReplyDeleteHappy writing. I am not so sure I'm that awesome at it, but my courage continues to grow. Thanks for not making excuses about reading 50 books. I love to read, too, but I am a slow reader. I don't often brag about the number of books I've read.
Thanks for this post. I need to get braver about saying I am a writer.
Hmmmm.....are you going to help me find my awesomeness?!? Happy pinning? Happy organizing? Happy winning prizes on Twitter? (hehehe...) Love your always positive attitude and this WILL be a great year for us. We will create AWESOME together with extra dark chocolate! :) Thanks for this happy AWESOME slice!
ReplyDeleteYay for reading! However, I love the way you transitioned from that to thinking about how different people are good at (and enjoy) different things. Your students are so lucky to have a teacher who cares about helping them cultivate (and find) THEIR passions! :-)
ReplyDelete