Go away, winter #SOL19

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Two Writing Teachers

Dear winter,

For many years, you have been one of my favorite seasons, second only to fall.  There's nothing more beautiful than a blanket of white, fluffy snow covering the yard.  I truly appreciate the reflective gleam of snow on a sunny day.

In November, you provided us a preview of what was to come.  We had our first snow day at school.  We welcomed your chill and sparkling frost.

During December, you seemed so calm.  We enjoyed 50-degree days and very little snow.  Sure, we may have complained a tiny bit about the absence of snow during the holidays.  I assure you, we didn't mean to upset you.

January was definitely your month to reign.  You brought us snow and ice storms, causing delayed starts and cancellations.  We shoveled, we scraped and we bought SO much salt to keep us safe.  You did not relent.

As February wraps up, we are wearing layers of sweaters, scarves and hats to protect us from your icy, arctic blasts.  You even sent impressive 50 mile-per-hour wind gusts to drive your point home.

Dear winter, would you consider moving north a bit earlier this March?  Why wait until the 21st? Can we suggest a lovely spot in the Arctic Circle?

Thanks for visiting.  It's truly been an experience.  We look forward to some time apart before you return later this year.

Sincerely,
Chris

Working to keep routines #SOL19

Read more Slice of Life stories at
Two Writing Teachers

We have had our share of crazy winter weather in 2019.  I expected snow days, but we've had three (unprecedented) late start days to deal with ice storms.  This is four-day week may turn into a three-days-and-a-late-start.  There's a full moon tonight.  State testing is scheduled for mid-March. 
Some Most All teachers are stressed.

I know I can't wave a magic wand (I used to have one!) and make my developing readers have amazing stamina, instant book love and grade-level text understanding.  I do think I can help my readers improve, day by day, by keeping our routines in place:

• Checking in with each other (What's new?  How are you feeling?  I like your new shoes/shirt/haircut.)
• Previewing vocabulary, text and photos (What do you notice? What questions do you have?)
• Reading (Read that part to me.  Read these sections to yourself.)
• Thinking & Discussion (What are you thinking?  What evidence can you find?)
• Writing (Summarize your learning.  What was the theme?)
• Wrap up (Choose a stopping point. Plan for tomorrow.)

We try to follow our routine every day, even if some steps are short.  I work to ask deeper questions during our discussions, but I try to push my students to lead the talks.  Some days are better than others.

I hope spring will be here soon.  I know I'm not alone.  This winter has been a roller coaster!