Challenge accepted #SOLC21

 

Whoop whoop!
The Slice of Life Challenge wraps up today!

I'm really proud of myself for a few reasons this week:

1. I wrote 31 slices this month (after taking a break since 2019) and commented on as many blogs as I could each day.
   
   
2. Today I dug out all the clothes and stuff in my closet.  I let some things go, dusted everything and vacuumed.  
   
   
3. I'm working on clearing out old leaves and grass from the yard.  So far I have filled four yard waste bags.
   
   
4. Although it's spring break, I'm trying to eat mindfully, focusing on more veggies and fruit and less junk food when I need a snack.
   
   
5. I'm only working on projects that I can start and finish on my own.  I usually bite off more than I can chew and need help or participation from the family.  Not this week (they are working).
   
   
6. I'm resting, reading, writing and trying to stay off social media.  Many friends are on trips, but I am working hard to not feel jealous about their travels.  
   

Congratulations to everyone who jumped in to this writing challenge.  Even if you didn't manage to write every day, you still participated, and I'm proud of you!

Happy April!

Clematis replant #SOLC21

 

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Two Writing Teachers

Our clematis has been an amazing plant, climbing up and over the privacy fence on our deck each year.  It blooms the tiniest white flowers each fall, and bees love to buzz around it.  Thankfully, it has served as a peace offering to our neighbor.

Our neighbor to the south is a persnickety guy.  He has definite opinions about everything, just ask him.  (Haha).  He's not all bad - he's a pet person and will talk with anyone who walks by.  

When we installed our deck in 2004, it was quite higher than his family's patio.  We realized that good fences make good neighbors.  Unfortunately, he was not thinking the same thing.

"That fence seems intimidating," he stated.  We then installed some bushes and switch grass below it.  "Hmph," was his next comment.

I can't remember if I was gifted or just randomly picked the clematis plant at the store.  I wondered if it would grow with the limited sun on the north side of the house.

Thankfully, the next fall that clematis bloomed like crazy.  It climbed up and over the fence (probably looking for sunshine) and the neighbor noticed.

"That plant is magnificent," he stated year after year.

Today I moved the clematis to the south side of our house.  We need (desperately) to replace the rotted privacy fence.  I followed directions on the internet to soak the root, and I even brought scoops of dirt from it's previous spot.

The neighbor doesn't know yet.  I'm hoping I'll be forgiven when we replace the privacy fence with something new.  

Thank you, clematis, for blooming and making the bees (and neighbor!) happy each fall.

Good day, sunshine! #SOLC21

Thanks to Two Writing Teachers
for inspiring us to write each day in March

As I look in the mirror tonight, I see a bright red nose and forehead.  The sunscreen I applied earlier in the day did a minimal job when it came to fending off the sun's bright rays, the wind's piercing gale and the glare off the lake.

I had the pleasure of visiting Lake Geneva, WI with a coworker/friend.  The weather forecast said to expect 64 degrees today, but the actual temperature when we got to the lake was 46 degrees with strong winds.

We tied up our hair and I followed Elisa on the Lake Geneva Shore Path.  I didn't know about this public path through the backyards of the homes on the lake.  Some spots were more off-road than others, but it was neat to scramble along the shore, gazing up at the lovely homes.

I was glad to have a thick sweater and socks as the wind whipped the waves across the lake.  Did the cold bother me?  Nope.  I'll take a sunny blue-skied adventure in (nearly) any temperature.   

Thankful for a great day of catching up with my friend!

Cuteness #SOLC21

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I'm easily amused by cuteness.  For example, my family knows to pause the TiVo when the first holiday season Hershey kiss commercial of the holiday season appears.  You know - the one where the kisses are ringing like bells.  I smile when the final kiss rings out a long note and then wipes its brow with its paper flag.

Soft, plushy creatures are also a trap for me.  I was an avid collector of stuffed animals as a child.  By age 8, I had a bed full of animals.  I remember lining them up by age - newest ones near me and oldest by the wall - in my twin bed every night before I went to sleep.  New additions to my collection include the Pigeon,  Elephant and Piggie (from Mo Willems' books) and a stuffed sloth my husband picked up at the airport on a trip a few years back.

Some new cuteness in my life is the show "Waffles and Mochi" on Netflix.  During last year's quarantine, I watched all kinds of cooking shows, from the "Great British Bake Off" to "Salt, Fat, Acid, Heat." Imagine my excitement when Michelle Obama teamed up with two muppets to educate families about food.  Have you seen the adorable, little plush Mochi?  SO CUTE!

From Eater article; photo cred: Adam Rose/Netflix

I'm excited for a new, light-hearted show to watch as I relax in the evenings.  I'll be on the lookout for more cuteness!

Sore feet #SOLC21

 

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Over the years, I have figured out that my feet are high maintenance.  I have a very tall arch, so those cute ballet flats and slip on loafers at the shoe store won't fit the bill.

I learned that when I spend a little more on a shoe with more features, I get more miles from them.  Yet, it's a little boring to wear brown or black sensible shoes - I yearn for a bright pair of blue kicks like Pete the Cat - but I always end up with sore feet.

Screenshot from YouTube video

This year I'm in search of some fun spring/summer shoes 

(slip on!  laced sneakers!  clogs!) 

that will keep my feet happy.

Any suggestions?

Beach theme day #SOLC21

Read more Slices at
Two Writing Teachers

We had some fun at school today!

It was a shortened schedule so teachers could have some planning time before we left for spring break.  We decided to dress in tropical shirts, sunglasses and flower necklaces to set the mood for vacation.  The kids thought it was funny and most rolled their eyes at us (#middleschool).

My team went over the top when it came to props.  Two teachers were blowing up the team group chat from the craft store last night.  We ended up with a flamingo ring toss game (fun!) and pineapple or coconut plastic cups to replace our water bottles (too funny!)

Our admin team hosted a fast-paced staff BINGO game with nice prizes.  It was great to hear "WHOO HOO BINGO!" on the faculty Zoom call from people as they won.

All in all, I'm exhausted from the many trips up and down the stairs to meet different teams at the photo booth backdrop.  The mood was overall festive, and I'm really grateful for a week of rest.

Now if I could just get the Illinois weather to turn tropical for next week - that would be a miracle!

Expectation vs. Reality #SOLC21

 

Thanks to TWT for a place to 
work out my writing muscles!

It was very clear to me today that I have not focused on response to reading in my intervention groups.  To wrap up our mini unit on making inferences, I asked students to read a short text (or listen to a recording of me reading it).  Next they had to make an inference and provide text evidence to support their inference.

Yes, it's also very clear to me that I should not be attempting this sort of individual work in the final days before a vacation (whoop whoop Spring Break starts tomorrow afternoon!)

I did receive some very clear and thoughtful responses with solid text evidence.  I also received some emojis for some answers because I asked students to submit the Google form with what they finished, and I required all the answers to be filled in.

This text face in one reply made me laugh: (∵◕◡◕∵)

I told my students, "This formative shows me what you're thinking.  It also shows me what works or doesn't as a formative.

Is your head spinning from all the new thinking and problem-solving you've done this year?

Same.

Sisters #SOLC21

 

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Two Writing Teachers

When they were younger, our girls would be mistaken for twins.  Two tow-headed little ones  sitting in a restaurant booth looked the same size and age.

"I'm the OLDEST," L would assert.

A would just sit and smile.

They have so few things in common.  I realize that just because they are sisters (born only 22 months apart) doesn't automatically make them best friends.

I find myself trying to figure out how to mold and build their relationship, then stopping cold.

They are young adults.  Their past ups and downs are written.

Oldest wanted to play everything together.  Youngest was happier playing solo.

Different interests, different personalities, different people.

It's been an interesting year to have them both here, especially since the oldest has spent time living on her own since she began college.

I guess I'll just step back and have them figure out how their sisterhood will grow and change.

Music and Lyrics #SOLC21

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I've always been a fan of music.  My parents graduated high school in the late 60's and were just 20 when I was born.  Dad started a garage band with his brother and other friends in his teenage years.  He had the latest hi-fi equipment, including 8-tracks and cassettes.  Our record collection wasn't huge, but had variety.

I grew up listening to songs by the Beatles, the Beach Boys, Neil Diamond, and Elton John.  On sunny summer Saturdays, we would take Dad's '67 Ford Mustang convertible to the store.  Mom would go into the store while my brother and I stayed with Dad in the car.  He would put the top down and let us sit on the boot, tunes blaring from the car stereo,

Lyrics were easy for me to pick up, especially in the 70s and 80s.  I learned to howl along to "I Will Survive" by Gloria Gaynor as I roller skated up and down the sidewalk alongside my best friend.  My brother and I checked out Billy Joel's Glass Houses album from the public library so we could learn every line.  At that same time, my mom started buying Barry Manilow's albums.  She threatened to hide the record featuring "Copacabana" because we played it ad naseum.

 

My taste in music were definitely influenced by my parents.  High school was a different story.  My best friend connected me to English punk (Adam Ant) and pop (Duran Duran).  The guy I seriously crushed on was into heavy metal (Iron Maiden, Metallica).  I was also working on building my classical knowledge as I played violin in the high school orchestra and a local youth orchestra.

Music feeds my brain and my well-being.  Listening to old favorites transports me back in time.  Maybe I need to build a childhood playlist and search out some of my favorite songs!

No sleep #SOLC21

 

Check out the March writing challenge at
Two Writing Teachers

Stayed up too late.

Tossed and turned.

Hot, cold, freeeezing, hot.

Overthinking.

Restless.

Sleep a bit, then wake up.

Roll over, flip pillow, sigh.

Not enough sleep makes for a long day on Monday.

I hope I'll sleep tonight!

Bunny Hunt #SOLC21

 

Thanks for the writing challenge
Two Writing Teachers

Our park district just issued a fun, new challenge.  The "hop around town" challenge is a set of riddles.  The riddles lead you to a park in the town.  At the park there's a painted wooden bunny with a letter on its belly.

I printed the instructions, thinking I would share them in my Little Free Library for the neighborhood kids.  Today, my oldest daughter invited me to go for a walk.  

"Any chance you want to try the "hop around town" challenge?"  I asked.

"Sure!" she replied.

We figured out the first park, which is an oak hollow conservation area.  I have lived in this town for 22 years, and I have never visited this area before.  The burr oak trees towered over us as we followed the trail around the marsh.  The sounds of frogs and birds was quite a cacophony.  It was a neat place to stroll, soak up the new smells of spring, and the warm (we had our first 60 degree temps!) sunshine.

Our next stop was a quick one.  We could see the wooden bunny from the street.  This park had a playground, but not path.  We decided to move on to park #3.

As we arrived at the next park, there were quite a few families at the playground.  Alas, there was no bunny in sight.  We walked to the end of the path, but still found no bunny.

"Are you sure this challenge starts this weekend," asked Lindsey.

"I think so, but maybe I got this clue incorrect," I shrugged.

I'm glad to have this incentive (even if I don't enter the contest) to get out to some new parks in our town.  My legs appreciate the exercise, and my mind and stress level appreciates the fresh air and change of scenery.

Spring! #SOLC21

 

It's the Slice of Life challenge all month!
Two Writing Teachers

I'm SO excited for spring.

Sure - there will be rain and cool temperatures and mud ... lots of mud.

But I'm excited to get the garden ready for growing vegetables and native plants, trim the prairie grass, and spread some fresh mulch.

We are focusing on fixing up the backyard this year:  build a new shed, fix up the deck, and create a walkway to the shed.

I'm ready to get started!!!

Any big plans for spring at your home?

High fives #SOLC21

 

Read more Slice of Life stories at
Two Writing Teachers

The quarter ended today, so I spent this week bouncing between the stories and strategies on my plans and helping students finish some, ANY assignments they were missing.

If you stood outside my door, you would have heard this chorus, repeated many times:

"Please share your screen."

"Click there, now there, up, down a little, THERE!"

"What do you claim?"

"Good. Evidence?"

"Agreed - now type it!"

"How does that prove your claim?"

"Make it a complete sentence."

"NOW HAND IT IN!"

"Whoop whoop!"

If you worked with me, you would know that I'm not a yeller.   I prefer the label: cheerleader.

No matter how many assignments these students were missing, whenever they completed one, I gave them a virtual (or air) high five.  

Our students (and all of us) are navigating a pandemic.  The 6th graders are still "new" and figuring out seven or more classes with assignments.  We all need someone on our side.

Now I'm heading to bed.  I'm toast.

Whoop whoop!

Quarter end #SOLC21

 

Thank you, Two Writing Teachers,
for hosting this month-long writing challenge!

Tomorrow is the last day of what felt like the longest quarter of this school year.

Yes, it was extended because our district provided us an opportunity to receive the vaccine (#grateful), but it feels like we've been in quarter three forever five-ever.

In January, we welcomed some students back to the building.  This brought a welcomed feeling of normalcy.  We weren't just talking to screens, and there was the chatter of socially distant discussions in the classrooms.

February brought us some short weeks (holidays, PD and vaccine #1) so that month seemed to go quickly.  Midterm grades were reported and students were made aware if they needed to dig into assignments.

Now we are 3/4ths through March.  Some students are excited to return to school next week for the first time since March 2020.  Others will begin to come daily (some wish they could come less frequently - learning in pajamas is comfy!).  These past two weeks have been the BIG PUSH to encourage, cajole and pressure students to finish their work!  and turn it in! so they can finish the quarter with a decent grade.

I'm looking forward to beginning the final quarter of the year.  This school year has been like no other.  We've learned SO much and adapted at every turn.  I'm hoping to try some new mini lessons and get more books (safely) into the hands of students.  Welcome, quarter four!

Lucky #SOLC21

 

Read more stories at Two Writing Teachers

Although I'm not officially Irish...today is a good day to notice and note how lucky I am.

My family is healthy (sure we have the quarantine 15), I'm fully vaccinated and my husband and younger daughter get their vaccines this week!  My parents and father-in-law are also set with theirs.

As we wrap up quarter three at school, I've managed to fit in to a new school and help my 6th graders navigate their transition to middle school while in a pandemic.

We have started sowing seeds in plastic containers in the backyard.  This summer we will grow and harvest all kinds of yummy veggies.

Most days my family sits down to dinner together and checks in with one another.  Some days there are some intense discussions, but we come back to the table each evening.

Although I want to update many things at our home (deck, driveway, porch, etc!), it's a warm, cozy place with room for the family to gather or spread out to have our own space.

I'm lucky for this challenge to ensure I stop to reflect and write and be grateful.

Mysteries #SOLC21

Thanks to TWT for hosting this month's writing challenge!

For the second half of this quarter, I've been focusing on teaching the skill of making inferences.  I have enjoyed finding texts that are interesting to my students (and me!).  When the rover, Perseverance, was sent to Mars, I found a pair of texts about rovers (nonfiction) and future life on Mars (graphic novel).

When I asked students what kinds of stories they enjoyed, many of them wanted stories with suspense.  Many of them wanted spooky / creepy / horror stories.  I obliged the 8th graders (since I only have one group of them) and bought each a copy of Don't Turn Out the Lights.  I chose a few short tales to read with them, and I pointed out the more intense (spiders coming out of heads!  plague turns neighbors into zombies!) selections to the students who wanted to read those.

In reading all these mysteries, I'm reminded of the stacks of books I would carry home from the library every other week.  My goal was to read every Nancy Drew mystery (I think I did).  Once I finished those and the Encyclopedia Brown series, I delved into Agatha Christie's books.  Later I enjoyed books by Dean Koontz and earlier Stephen King novels.  

As we read a short story today called "An Unexpected Visit,"  I wanted to point out ALL the clues in the text (because I knew the ending).  Then I stopped myself.  To truly enjoy a mystery, you need to have the satisfaction of figuring it out on your own.

Kitchen adventures #SOLC21

 

Read more slices at Two Writing Teachers

My oldest daughter, Lindsey, has developed a definite appreciation for all things culinary.  She can chop garlic and onions like a chef.  Last year she masterfully managed sourdough starter and baked beautiful loaves of bread. She has a flavor palate that appreciates a wide variety of spices, seasonings and textures.

This year we have spent lots of time at the grocery store, looking for specific vegetables, spices and new-to-me foods.  I appreciate the time and effort that goes into the curry, stir fry and shaksura eggs she makes because they are so colorful and fragrant, but I rarely eat more than a bite.  It's hard to admit that I'm not a fan of peppers or cumin, and I can't eat anything spicy.

"Just try some!" she pleads. I want to savor her latest recipe, I really do.  I want to broaden my palate just like her.

For now, I'm taking little steps to be a more open-minded eater.  We are working to incorporate more vegetables into our cooking.  This weekend we grilled artichokes (yum!) and sautéed eggplant (extra yum!).  

I'm not sure I'll ever dive into a plate of Nashville hot chicken or order a stuffed pepper (nope!), but I'm open to trying some new-to-me foods, especially when Lindsey prepares them.

Bestie Check-Ins #SOLC21

Thanks to Two Writing Teachers 
for hosting the March writing challenge!

Although my best friend Beth lives thousands of miles away, we know when it's time for a bestie check in.  Beth always beats me to the text, "Thinking of you!  We need to catch up!"

We then pick a day that week (and reschedule if needed) to check in.  We run through the usual topics:  husbands, daughters, work, pets and parents.

We catch up since the last time we talked, fill in the blanks and make sure to support the other in whatever is challenging or needs problem solving.

Some conversations are more serious, some are more light.

Friends since 1973 (I know, right?!) we are lucky to have each other.  

(But really, I'm luckier).  I'm so grateful for my BFF Beth :)

Hello, couch! #SOLC21

Read more slices at Two Writing Teachers

Ugh. 

I'm grateful!

I'm tired.

I'm hopeful!

Not much sleep, achy muscles.

I'm safer!

My stomach hurts.

I'm thankful!

Today I'm on the couch following vaccine #2.  Such a mix of emotions.  I shouldn't complain because I'm grateful for the opportunity and it helps us all get closer to "normal." But ugh, I'm not myself today.  😑 

 

Too much time? #SOLC21

 

Thanks for hosting the Slice of Life challenge,
Two Writing Teachers

This weekend I have four days of no school.  Our school district organized a vaccination clinic for all the employees. I'm so grateful for the opportunity.  We had our second vaccine today, so I'm hoping for limited side effects.

Now I have to figure out how to balance a whole lotta time off.  How much do I work on lessons for school?  How do I get enough exercise and home projects done?  And when do I nap?

Ugh.

Is my lack of executive function showing?

Today I did manage to wash all the bedding and clean bathrooms.  My daughter and I walked two miles at the forest preserve.  I did get some reading and relaxing on the couch time this afternoon.

I think I will work schoolwork for a couple hours tomorrow and Monday.  I won't leave it for the night before (I made that mistake last week and it was awful!). 

I will make a goal to get to the bookstore and finish the book I'm reading.

Come Monday, I resolve to not regret any time choices I made this weekend.

What went well #SOLC21

 

Read more Slice of Life stories at 
Two Writing Teachers

Wow it's late.  It's been a long day.

Here's what went well:

1. Interactive read alouds with my 6th grade groups (SO TIRED but it was worth it).

2. 8th graders willing to work independently because I had no voice left (and it was the plan anyway).

3. Comforted two daughters facing some struggles today.

4. At dinner enjoyed a huge hot pretzel my husband got for me at the grocery store (YUM)

5.  Remembered to slice

What's next? #SOLC21

 

Read more Slice of Life stories at
Two Writing Teachers

Our pandemic plans are going well with the 6th graders in my reading intervention groups.  We focus on a skill and choose a variety of texts and tools that will help them practice the skills.

Since it's my first year delivering middle school reading interventions, I have to admit, I'm struggling at times with the 8th graders.

Don't get me wrong - they are a great group of students.  We've built rapport and mostly do the assignments I provide.  They really like the collection of spooky stories book I bought each of them so they could have their own text to read.

As we approach 4th quarter, I'm trying to figure out what's next.  I see two of the students in person every other day, and then work with three others remotely on the opposite days.  When I shared my thinking about "what's next" today, I mentioned that I'd like to do more writing.  

"Yes," said S.  "We are always on our Chromebooks."

I mentioned this writing challenge and said I was working to write every day on whatever I choose.  I wondered out loud if that sounded interesting to them.

I got a couple of shrugs, but that won't discourage me.  As we walked back to class I replied, "We will figure something out."

That's what we will do.  We will figure out (together) what's next.

Subbing fun #SOLC21

 

Read more Slice of Life stories. Maybe even write one!
Two Writing Teachers

I reallllyyy didn't want to go to school today.  I woke up with headache and a stiff neck.

So I got out of bed, brewed a big travel mug of coffee and went to work.  I could do this.

I made it through the day, feeling a little better with each group of students.  I wasn't super excited about having to sub during my free periods, but it was fine.  

During the last period, I subbed for health class.  A few of my reading students were among the in-person group, but most of the students didn't know me.

These 6th graders had lots of feedback as I navigated the lesson:

"We played the video yesterday,"
"The notes are the second part of the slide deck."
"You should remind the class about band lessons."

I did my best to make the health lesson on nutrition as engaging as I could (it was 9th hour!).

We bantered about junk food and the five types of vegetables (no, I can't recite them!).

In the end, the students completed their work and tried to get out of class early (nice try, roomies!), and overall the class went well.

The best chat of the day made my heart sing:

"I think a lot of people have already told you this but you are legit the nicest person ever and I want you to be my sub again :)"

Half birthday surprise! #SOLC21

 

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"Stop by my room when you can!" Elizabeth wrote in our Google chat this morning.

"I'm waiting for a student on Zoom, but then I'll check in," I wrote back.

I went back to checking my class page and putting the finishing touches on my slides for the day.  When I looked up, Elizabeth was standing by my desk with a box and a card.

"Happy half birthday!  I'm your birthday buddy!" exclaimed Elizabeth.

I was shocked.  I remembered signed up for our staff birthday buddy program.  I forgot that we started after my birthday, so I wrote down my half-birthday instead.

"Oh wow!" I gushed as I opened a box full of delicious chocolates, sweet-smelling candles, tasty tea bags, a book of quotes and so many more little items of joy.

My card had the signatures of some of her ELA students, and that made my smile even bigger.

What a sweet surprise on my half-way to 52nd birthday (!!) that made my Monday SO much brighter.

Sundays with Poppa #SOLC21

 

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My father-in-law, Jim, moved to an independent senior living emporium in our town in the summer of 2019.  It was an adventure to encourage him to sell his house, distribute his extra furniture, and then help him make the transition to apartment living.

Every few Sundays, we would visit Poppa Jim (that's what the grandkids call him) to help with bills.  We'd either take him out for Italian food or join him for dinner at their in-house "swanky" restaurant (read:  cloth tablecloths and nice entrees).

This was all good until March 2020 when the whole senior village shut down to visitors.  The in-house restaurants closed.  They turned on a dime and offered room-service delivery to their hundreds of residents.  We were so thankful that Jim could remain safe in his apartment and not be worried about meals or navigating the grocery stores when the pandemic started.

Jim wasn't as thrilled (as you can imagine) about sheltering in place.  As the weather warmed up and our state moved to less restrictions, Jim started to visit our house for Sunday dinner.  We ate outside and kept our distance.  Sunday dinners have continued through the fall and winter (doing our best to keep everyone safe), and it's a weekly check in to make sure he's doing well and getting some interaction.

This week Jim enjoyed some putting practice to reduce some of his stress about filing income taxes (we did them) and other financial questions.  We hope he continues to enjoy the weekly dinners for years to come.

Bird expressway #SOLC21

 

Read and write with us all month!
Two Writing Teachers

Both of our neighbors are avid bird feeders.  One neighbor throws seed on his patio (along with peanuts for the squirrels).  The other neighbor has bird houses, a bird bath, and all different hanging feeders.  The feeders are hung with wires so the squirrels can't climb up to them.

We have two feeders, but right now they are empty and in the garage.  After a summer of dealing with a raccoon family living under our shed and chipmunks digging under our brick driveway, we are taking a break from feeding the birds.  As much as I want to feed the birds, we need to be seed-free in our yard.  

Even though we aren't feeding them, we enjoy watching and listening to all the different birds enjoy our neighbors' seed and birdbath.  They gleefully ZIP and ZOOM through our yard, diving into the evergreens or landing on the fence to wait their turn.  

Unfortunately, last weekend a hawk figured out that our backyards are full of sparrows, juncos and some cardinals.  I noticed the quiet outside and spotted the hawk on the back fence.  The hawk dived toward the neighbor's forsythia hedge and came out clutching a sparrow in its talons.  I know it's the natural food chain, but I hope the hawk will find another place to dine!

Waiting for the butterflies #SOLC21

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Two Writing Teachers

My Instagram feed is FULL of caterpillars, butterflies and flowers, and I'm grumpy!

That's what I get when I follow the hashtags #butterflygardening and #raisingbutterflies.

Too bad I live in Zone 5b and we still have snow on the ground.  Plants are still frozen and brown and crunchy.

When a coworker asked me about raising butterflies today, I got a little hopeful.  

I explained how I have swamp milkweed plants where the monarchs will lay eggs. 
I went on to talk about how I collect the eggs to raise in little containers so they have a better chance to survive.  I babbled on about how my neighbor has common milkweed plants that come in handy when the eggs have grown into full, fifth-instar caterpillars that eat through a large leaf in one day.

To feel better, I came home and ordered more swamp milkweed and coneflowers that will arrive when it's warm enough to plant them.

Back to the Instagram feed to feel a little more hopeful for spring's arrival, as I wait for the butterflies.

 

Student engagement #SOLC21

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This year is my first teaching reading groups at middle school.  I have hybrid, in-person and remote groups.  I was concerned about making the switch, but I realized that doing so during such a tumultuous school year actually has worked to my advantage (read:  we are all new to pandemic teaching).

This week my 6th grade groups (some hybrid, some remote, some in-person) explored a pair of texts that focused on the rescue of a dog floating on a piece of ice in the Baltic Sea.  

Earlier in the week, I showed pictures, maps and introduced some vocabulary.  Then I stopped talking and let them read.  It was SO difficult to sit there and stay quiet while they read one of the longest texts I've shared all year.  If there was time, we shared our reactions.  

To get student input, I created a Pear Deck (Google Slide add-on).  Students could highlight text evidence, type inferences, and answer questions.  I launched it for every group and received quite a surprise.

Nearly ALL of my students were engaged.  

Not everyone placed input on the Pear Deck, but everyone participated in some way, sharing their thinking with their voice or in the chat.  I'm still reveling in the amount of participation I've had from my students the past two days.

Are we finally in the groove of routine, expectations and conversation?  Have I built a safe environment for them to try?  Maybe the text was on the easy side and they felt some success?

Maybe I shouldn't overthink and overanalyze. Maybe I should just enjoy the "good tired" I'm feeling from this week, and go into tomorrow with a smile and satisfaction that something actually worked well for many of my students.

Dinner solved! #SOLC21

 

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I would not change the past year of having everyone in my family home.  Last March our oldest daughter returned  home and found remote work.  The youngest daughter adjusted to remote college courses and a new full-time job.  My husband has settled in to working from his basement office instead of flying around the country.

What would I change?  

Figuring out dinner.  Seven days a week.

When it was just youngest and me at home, some dinners could be egg sandwiches or pancakes.  I'd cook some random chicken dish and we'd have that for two nights.  When my husband was home on weekends, we'd eat out (before the pandemic).

I experimented with Pinterest recipes.  I tried meal prep.  I pulled out my copy of America's Test Kitchen Cooking School and attempted to learn how to cook.

We survived.  We ate.  It was fine, but this week I landed on a new miracle for dinner.

A local catering company offered a weekly meal kit.  The food is prepared (ready to heat or eat) and packaged so nicely.  I jumped on the opportunity to get one of these tasty meals every week.

Tonight was a Parisian picnic.  Next week is Nashville buttermilk chicken.

As long as I have a meal to look forward to each week, I can deal with the other days.  

I accept I may never be the diva of dinner preparation!

Choosing topics from memory lane #SOLC21

 

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I was inspired by some other slicers to look back to my first year of participating in this challenge.  I reread my post, Generating Ideas, from 2012.  My plans for one of my reading groups that day was two-fold.  I would pique their interest in writing and get some authentic ideas for what I would write about all month.

This group was one that brought me joy and frustration each week.  Out of the five students, J & A were sharp students with great attitudes, but oh my were they in competition with each other!  They constantly announced when they had exceeded the other in fluency, answering questions, who was faster at recess, and on and on and on...

J especially enjoyed brainstorming ideas for me to write about.  He did not feel the need to get a notebook or attempt writing.  Nope, not for him. Conversely, A and two other students got excited to receive little notebooks of their own to write in during the month.  They were determined to fill each little box on their calendars with writing ideas.

I often wonder how that group of students did once they got to high school (and maybe even beyond.  How old are they now?  😆).  I tried my best to meet their needs and not get frustrated by their antics.  Now that I'm in my 20th year (!) of teaching and it's mostly online, I've realized that working with actively engaged students is always more interesting than quieter groups.

During this month, I'll be exploring that calendar of ideas from 2012.  Some don't really fit anymore (there's no recess <sigh> in middle school) but there's a lot more to write about and see where the slice goes.

Routines, please #SOLC21

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It's no surprise to me that I'm back for this challenge this year.  2020 was a wild ride, so I'm grateful to be back in this supportive space, finding my writing voice again.

I've realized something very unusual this year:  I'm thriving when something is routine.  

(I know - looking at the name of my blog you would think otherwise - but I surprised myself!). 

My wake-up and go-to-sleep times, my morning routine, my route to work, and my classroom mini lessons.  When I follow the routines, I'm more calm and prepared and more likely to have success.

(If you had told younger me that I'd be thriving from routines in my 50s, I would have laughed!)

I guess my mom is right - I love having a sense of control over things.  

(I would love to have control over my family's lack of dishwasher loading...but that's for another day).  

I also think after the roller coaster of 2020, I appreciate the rhythm of routine.  When things go as expected, then I can deal with the unexpected.

So I'm excited to be off to a good start of slicing each day.  I prefer writing in the evening, after dinner, once I've changed into comfy clothes and I can put the school day behind me.

May you find a writing groove that becomes routine as we write every day this month!