Sunny Days #SOLC19

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The sun is shining in the windows today.

We need no coat.

I actually have neighbors,

sitting or walking and waving hello.

Errands aren't as bad

as I drive around,

windows down

and sunglasses on my face.

Sunny days help my brain

feel more in charge and productive.

Let's clean the car,

pick up pinecones and sticks.

How I love a sunny day

even if's it's cold.

Sunny days are hopeful

and make me smile.

Reader's Theater #SOLC19

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We were invited by the fourth graders to watch their reader's theater performances, three in all.  Last week, to help fill their brains with schema (and do something different and intentional during state testing, the fourth grade class studied Greek myths.  Jenna, their teacher, chose three scripts that helped tell the stories of Persephone & Demeter, Arachne & Athena and Pandora's box.

The fifteen students were separated into three groups of mixed abilities and genders.  The students learned about the Greek myths in small groups with the teacher.  Then they had time to practice.  Each group was allowed one prop or scenery, and no more.

Jenna is a teacher who is always thinking.  She's not brash or outspoken.  She's doesn't put on a teacher show for the kids every day.  She teaches well, and her students grow.

The students posed for pictures before the performances began.  I coached them from the audience, "Pretend you are reading.  Keep scripts down away from your face.  We don't know what words are on your script, so we won't know if you mess up!"

Our math interventionist and principal also came to watch.  We were all so excited to be part of this exciting learning experience.

I sat back and watched my intervention students read alongside their peers.  None of them stood out.  Sure, their voices tended to be quieter, but all of them were brave, fluent readers.  The students helped each other stay on track, especially when a line was chorally read by two or three students.  You could tell they had practiced multiple times.

What an amazing time we had in fourth grade today!

"We get to PICK a book?" #SOL18

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I made a point to order books from Scholastic this fall, collecting as many bonus points as I could.
I was on a mission.  A mission to get books in the hands of our 4th and 5th grade intervention students.  Books they got to choose!

My colleague, Elisa, and I handed the students book order forms back in November.  We set some rules:  less than $10, must contain a book.  The conversations with our students went something like this:
"Can I pick the origami book if it comes with paper?"
"This book has a necklace.  Is that ok?"
"Do we get to keep the book?"
"Should we bring you money?"

We let the students know that we would get an email from the company when the books got shipped.  For every school day in December, I fielded questions about "the books."
I thought the kiddos would explode from excitement.

TODAY our 4th and 5th grade intervention students (40 kids!) received their books.  There were lots of smiles and "thank you's."  Kids shared their books with each other.  They understood that they shouldn't brag to their classmates. 

It was a good day!  Now I have to make a plan to get books to 2nd and 3rd graders!

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Up and At 'Em #SOLC

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Last week a small miracle occurred on Thursday morning.

I got out of the shower and my younger daughter (19 years old) was dressed and packing a bag.

I had to take a double-take.

She is taking the first course in the early childhood track at our community college.  It's an online course, but it still requires 15 hours of observation.  Our preK teacher (a wonderful person) generously invited Allison to hang out in her classroom.  She went on Valentine's Day and had a blast, but she hasn't been back since for a number of reasons.

Back to Thursday, and I was excited to see Allison getting ready in enough time to join our Party Bus carpool.

The PreK class is known for some kiddos with spunk.  Allison's day went well, and she was proud of how much she could help out the teacher compared to a teacher assistant that was assigned as a sub.

I'm hoping this dose of fun and productivity will help Allison stay on track with school.  I would hate for her to try this class, not finish, and then be back at square one.  She has to figure out what she is good at and what she is passionate about (maybe it's the same thing, if she's lucky) and then decide how she will follow a path to employment.

For now, I'm happy she was up with the birds for TWO days last week, and she had some fun and PreK love.

Humbled #SOL17

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My friend Wendy from high school publisher her first book last week.  HOORAY!  YIPPEE!  I attended her book signing at the Barnes & Noble near my school.

Our group was a party of six:  Sue (HS friend), Michelle, Nick and Sarah (work friends).  We enjoyed dinner and drinks before going to the bookstore.  It was fun to mix a group of young (<25) and seasoned (*ahem*) and teachers and non teacher for laughs, conversation and book love.

When we arrived at the bookstore before the event.  We hugged and visited with Wendy, hoping to calm her nerves.  Mona, another friend from elementary school, was right at the entrance.  A few more HS friends came through and I snapped a few selfies (I'm really no good at them!).

It was really fun to catch up with some book-loving friends, and see Wendy at a table signing HER book.  I couldn't wait to get to school the next day.  I had told my 4th and 5th graders that I would be attending a book signing of a "real author!"  Although the book YA romance and geared to high schoolers, I promised my students I would show them the book.

The next morning I hosted a group of my fourth graders.  Usually there are four girls and one boy, but my lone gentleman was not at school.  I showed the girls the cover and Wendy's signature and note in the front.  One of the girls wanted to start reading it (yikes!) but I gently recovered the book and flipped to the back, and summarized the"About the author" information.  E asked if they could hear some more so I flipped to the acknowledgements.  I scanned and pointed out how authors like to thank their families and publishers and others that helped them with the book.  All four girls were crowded around me, and all at once.  I saw it. My name.  In the acknowledgements.

*gasp*

I have to admit, my eyes started to tear.  I was overcome with emotions. At first the girls watched me in shock, and then I explained what I had found.   They squealed.  E jumped up, "YOU'RE FAMOUS!"  We decided to show Mrs. Hernandez, our library para.  The girls had to nearly carry me.

I explained to the girls that this amazing thing had happened to me for two reasons (I think).  One, I've tried to be a good friend, and 2) I read one of Wendy's books and provided some feedback.

I'm so humbled to be mentioned.  I'm such a little speck in the writing process, and I was truly happy to help my friend by reading!!  My heart is so full for Wendy.  She faced a bunch of waiting and rejection and realized her dream.  I'm so glad to have her as a role model for the readers and the writers in my classroom, even if I don't hand them her book...yet.  (I'll make sure their high school has a copy!)

Zenn Diagram

That's a wrap #SOLC17

Today ends the Slice of Life Challenge
It's been fun to write (nearly) every day in March.
See you on Tuesdays, Slicers!
Two Writing Teachers

Today wraps up the Slice of Life Challenge at Two Writing Teachers.  I approached this challenge with my improved attitude:  do the best you can and everything will work out fine.

Today also ends the weekday portion of my spring break.  Today I'll open the teacher bag for a bit and look through the assessments I gave before break, decode the new-ish intervention program I'm using with first graders, and make some plans for next week.  Since it's a rainy, cold day, it's an easy day to curl up on the couch with my schoolwork.

This weekend I'll spend some time tending the soil in the vegetable garden plot (and get muddy!), attend two concerts, and do some grocery shopping.

I've enjoyed reading slices and writing them.  I'm hoping to keep up slicing on Tuesdays and write about more books I read!

Thanks to my readers and fellow slicers for your comments!  It's been fun!

I'm excited for April and better weather (more sunshine!!) and the warmth of spring.

So long, March!

Love #SOL17

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Love is...

• taking a late night call from your oldest to catch up on her day and provide support
• not getting mad at your youngest for swiping your conditioner from the shower
• sending your husband off with best wishes for a healthy heart checkup
• coming to teach in the morning when you reallllyyyy need another hour of sleep
• teaching your developing readers and writers how to write a kindness note
• watching them think and encourage and decorate and help each other write notes
• helping students deliver notes to pleasantly surprised staff members
• getting messages of love from your family over social media
• spending dinner with your daughter and laughing over messed up quesadillas
• browsing at the bookstore, choosing just the right books for the upcoming baby shower
• warming some milk, chocolate and cinnamon for a delicious hot cocoa
• writing a slice showing gratitude for a really sweet day

BElive in YOUrself

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Allison showed me a picture on Pinterest.  "I love this quote.  See how the BE in believe and the YOU in yourself is highlighted?  I'm going to make this for my wall."

My youngest daughter loves to surround herself with inspirational quotes and crafty projects.  She's a creative mind amid lots of practical, linear thinkers.  She needs constant reassurance that she is OK and doing the right things in life.

As much as I tell Allison and my oldest daughter, Lindsey, that they are perfect just the way they are and to celebrate their strengths, I've struggled with the my own self-esteem over the years.  My internal voice likes to remind me that I need to work harder to be organized, be leaner, be less of a talker and get things finished!

This summer I have worked on self care.  Reminding myself (like I tell my daughters and my students) that I am human.  I am a work in progress that doesn't need to be anyone but myself.  It has taken me 46 years on the planet (and a LOT of meditation) to realize that it is just fine to be who I am, quirks and all, and be passionate about what I do and what I love.

Wow.  Heavy stuff.  But not really.  I'm feeling lighter and less stressed and more grounded!
Why? How? One big help?

This summer I immersed myself back into the world of books. 

•  I downloaded a pile of YA books from the library and devoured them.
• I visited Little Free Libraries and added to the collections.
• I sat under a tree at school each week and handed books to families.
• I worked through two grad school classes for my ESL endorsement and made sure I spread book love through the class discussions (predictable!)
• I attended NErdCampMI in Parma, MI, with my new book-loving teacher-friend (Meghan Hernandez!), surrounded by thoughtful teacher leaders (Cathy Mere!), librarians, authors, and many, many book heroes.

This summer I took a deep breath.  I realized I don't need to BE anyone but ME.
Quirks (clicking pens), habits (eating chocolate), loves (books, music, family), and dislikes (broccoli!).

BElieve in YOUrself.

Little Free Library Dreams #SOL16

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I did it.

I ordered my charter sign for my Little Free Library.  

The one I plan to place in my yard.  

The one I will fill with books for grown ups and little ones and curious neighbors.

I staged a little sign for social media (I wasn't brave enough to leave it in the yard, even just for a while).  

Jeff (my fabulous hubby) promises to build me the library.  He has a workshop full of tools and a keen eye for design.  He claimed that once I got the charter sign, he would build the library around it.  Now he travels every week for work.  I have to be patient.  Being patient is not easy for me.

Meanwhile, I'm working on how I will promote the library (once it's installed) and welcome my neighbors (some I really don't know!) to be involved in taking and giving books.

Some ideas...

• ribbon cutting
• set up an info table next to my LFLibrary during our city's Labor Day festival (lots of people park on my street)
• write up a blurb for our city newsletter
• create a flyer for my neighbors' doors
• sit in my daughter's room and stare out the window at the library, wondering if I'm okay with complete strangers stopping in front of my house 
• talking about said strangers with the neighbors on each side of me (communication is key)

I really have to be patient, and thinking of lots of ideas gets me excited and nervous at the same time.  I'm glad to have the Little Free Library newsletters and website to help me out.

I also appreciate your suggestions!

Just getting started

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My coworker looked at me today.  "You're not smiling.  What's wrong?"
I wasn't crabby (tired, but not crabby), I was just deep in thought.

"You can do it, you can make it 11 more days!" she laughed.

"It's not that we have 11 days of school left, it's that I feel like I'm just getting started!" I replied.

This has been a school year of learning,
starts and stops,
rushing into groups,
finding my backbone,
stating my intentions
and remaining transparent.

I'm here to boost my students
and to help them develop as
readers,
writers,
thinkers
and cooperative, respectful citizens.

It's May and my students are just realizing their potential and finding success.
Their teachers are tired, drained and anxious about
packing up,
escalating silliness,
assessments and
data collection.

I'm just getting started in helping my students and fellow teachers
find their passion and their strengths
as they find ways to minimize their weaknesses.

"I got a BOOK!" #SOL16 18/31

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Last night was my inaugural family reading night at my new school.  Yes, I've been a raving lunatic leading up to the event (can you spell S-T-R-E-S-S?) and I appreciate all the help and support from my students and fellow teachers and staff.

Today we tallied up the punch cards turned in during the reading night.  Then we counted up the books I ordered (thanks to my principal who spends money on books!).  Yes, it was going to be an exciting morning.... there were enough books for every student who attended the reading night to receive a book to keep!

My coworker Jill and I set up the classroom like a bookstore.  Mo Willems, chapter books, books in Spanish, and nonfiction titles were spread out for easy browsing.  We had the fourth graders come first (pickiest readers - I get it!) so they had first pick.

During little commercials in the classrooms yesterday, I told students they had a chance to win a book.  Today I wish I could have snapped a picture of their faces as we told each group that all of them had won a book.  It was magical.

Kids spent time just walking around and staring at the books at first.  I then told them they should pick them up and browse - just to make sure.  Some friends made deals to read their books, then swap so they could read another new book.

Giving books to kids will never get old.

Celebrate Reading / Celebrar la Lectura! #SOL16 17/31

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We did it!  A little idea of a reading night to celebrate reading turned into the real deal.

Many staff helped before, during and after the event to make it run smoothly.

Parents and kids had smiles as we punched holes in their "reading passports," keeping track of what rooms they visited.

Read alouds, book browsing rooms, Book Flix in the computer lab, create a bookmark and become an author.

73 families attended!

My feet are sore, my cheeks hurt from smiling, but I'm so very grateful to all my coworkers and students.

The celebration finishes tomorrow morning as I pull passports from each classroom and students win A FREE BOOK!

#schooljoy

One Little Word 2016

Last week, I had it.  I knew it.  My One Little Word would reflect how I wanted everyone else to see me.

Steady

I wanted to be off the roller coaster of last year.  I wanted to be someone my daughters, husband, coworkers and friends could count on to be calm, collected and stable.  Someone who they could get advice from and always be there for them.  Not talking over them.  Listening.

I made a poster.  I made another poster.  I read a bit today.  I listened to music.

I realized I needed to find a different word.  I want to be calm and collected.  But steady didn't fit.

I listened again to Rachel Platten's Fight Song.  I especially like the power of it.  You can't help but raise a fist in the air as you sing along.  My favorite verse of this song is:

I might only have one match, but I can start an explosion. 

 It's been an exciting school year at a new school.  There's a lot of great ideas and people and students.  I've tried to be more of an observer and less of a talker.  It's mostly working, but to be perfectly honest with myself, I love to talk out ideas and collaborate with others.

I really like to help others figure out the idea that works for them.  I decided on a different OLW.

Spark

A spark is the beginning of a fire.  An explosion of ideas.  Something small that turns into something big and meaningful, or something that is extinguished when it doesn't get enough air.

When I talk with my coworkers, my family and my friends, I will be a great listener.  I will ask questions.  I will see if a conversation leads to research and more questions and ideas.  I will keep an open mind and open heart.  If a spark doesn't lead to an idea, I'll let it fizzle out.

My thanks to Rachel Platten for her awesome song lyrics.

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 I might only have one match, but I can start an explosion. 

Connections. Passion. It's all good.

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Connections.

After six days of new teacher orientation, staff meetings, unpacking boxes and learning names, I was READY to welcome students to school this week.  I joined the Car Line Crew in the mornings, and I have the opportunity to greet students as they arrive at school.  I joked that I felt like I was a footman at a gala event with a red carpet!  I grab a door handle and out pops a celebrity student who has been delivered for a day full of learning.  

My new school services preK four-year-olds through fourth graders, so the kids are adorable and excited to be at school.  They are lined up very early each morning.  The students and staff have such connections to each other - it's really a big family.   At the end of this week I received two hugs from kids passing by me as I sat in the hallway assessing other students.  They had just met me!

(Side note - I have been smiling so much that my face hurts!  I feel like Dug from "Up")

Passion.

All of the staff - returning, veteran, new and seasoned - have a passion for teaching, a driving force to help our students succeed, and a helpful attitude.  Everyone has been patient and good listeners as I tell them my goals and my background.  Even though they may not be excited about some assessment or instructional directives, they are keeping the students in mind.  It shows!

It's all good.

To take a quote from Pete the Cat, it's all good.  Students are wondering who I am, but they are quick to return a smile.  I've walked the wrong way to my classroom and passed one room twice trying to find a teacher.  I am trying to be respectful when making suggestions, realizing that the way I've done assessment, grouping and data mining may not be the only way.  I'm working extra hard to keep my former students and colleagues in my heart and off my mind, but I feel their encouragement.  I can do this.

New beginnings #SOL15

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I made a decision this winter to pursue a reading position.  To get back to my passion, and to work as a resource teacher again.  I started sending out resumes and writing essays, and I started to feel lighter and excited.

I went on a good amount of interviews.  While I was nervous, I also felt content.  I love to talk about books and reading.  I feel confident about working with teachers to help grow their craft.  I know in my heart that a resource room is my comfort zone.

Then I was offered a job.  I agreed to work at a school far from my other district.  Away from my friends and students who I've worked with for twelve years.

How am I feeling?  A mix of excitement and nervousness.  I have a million questions and thousands of ideas.  I'm sorting my books and making notes and getting excited.

I've got my friends, Michelle and Karen on Voxer, so I'll have my literacy support system at my fingertips.  I also have my PLN on Twitter and all the slicers. (right!?)

I can't wait to get started this year!

From Crazypaperfreak

Finished SOLC #31

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Finished is a word I rarely use.

I hear, "I'm done!" from my first graders way too much.  I want to say to them, 

"You're not done (because you're not a casserole), and you will never truly be finished, 

unless you give up."

To me finished means...

you stop changing

you stop growing (emotionally, socially)

you stop learning.

Finished means you have moved on and never want to return 

to this project, this person, this anything.

I prefer to use the words in progress.

I'm in progress of becoming more organized

(all right, who am I kidding)

I'm in progress of becoming a better 

mother

teacher

friend

listener

wife

exerciser

(I walked a mile today!)

eater.

I don't know if I'll ever be finished with anything

or anyone.

The Slice of Life Challenge is over today,

but the writing continues,

on Tuesdays,

or any day you care to write.

Thanks for stopping by and sharing your thoughts.  

Creativity SOLC #10

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When I play a Go Noodle brain break for the kiddos, I stay near my computer.  I have a clear view of all the dancing kiddos, and it's the few minutes of the day I'm anywhere near my desk.  My student R likes to sidle right next to me.  If she could, I think she wouldn't mind crawling in one of my pockets!

One day she noticed that I had a poster hanging above my desk with "a lot of Cs."  I read them to her:  collaboration, creativity, communication, courage (from our building) and critical thinking.  We are trying to keep these ideas in mind when planning instruction.  I explained that I could show her what these are throughout our day.

During partner work I reminded the students to collaborate.

During math she needed courage to keep trying (math is not her favorite subject).

I asked the students to use their critical thinking skills 

When students turned and talked I labeled it communication.

I realized we have been missing creativity in our first grade classroom.

Then Day 120 of school came about.  BINGO!

Today we created necklaces of 120 Froot Loops (the classroom smelled so sweet!), kids were able to build creations with our 3D shapes (triangles, hexagons, etc) and a few fantastic 120 hats were glued and stapled.

They were awesome.  They were creators.  There was minimal off-task behavior.

Yes, I will remind myself to provide more opportunities for kids to use their critical thinking, collaboration and communication skills.  I will definitely remember that this class craves time to show their creativity.

Magical Moments

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It was tough to get up on Monday.  I overindulged on the Oscars (Lady Gaga + Sound of Music = surprisingly awesome!) so I already was tired.  I really wanted to stay under the covers, but I brewed a strong cup of coffee and ventured to school.

Our day was already scattered, so I tried to keep an even head.  Specials moved to the morning, lunch time delayed by a lunch delivery dilemma.  Indoor recess, again.  I kept moving the students between the carpet and desks as we completed a writing lesson, talked science, worked through math rotations, guided reading and Daily 5 (with one major student meltdown).

Then it happened.  I introduced the essential question of the week from our reading series ... "how do animal's bodies help them?"

You would have thought that I had a classroom of zoologists.
I'm not kidding.

These first graders were tossing words like camouflage, acacia leaves, muscular legs.
Some were discussing at their tables the difference between cheetahs, jaguars and leopards.
They talked about snakes, birds, elephants, and giraffes.
I couldn't keep up with all the conversations.
I knew I had a few animal experts, but this was amazing.

At it all happened 20 minutes before we had to get ready to go home.

What an inspiring way to finish our day.  I can only guess which book basket will be empty by first bell tomorrow morning!

Stop and celebrate

We are in the second week of winter break.  Ahhhh.  I figured out it's Tuesday and I could actually get a Slice of Life post blogged for the first time in months.  Hooray!

Today I think I'll focus on the positive.  In the past I've been a glass-half-full person, but this fall I'm especially prone to the negative.  Yes, my whole world was shifted when I was moved from reading resource to a classroom.  I really wanted to be positive and think it would be easy.  It isn't.  I have high expectations for myself and I need to cut myself some slack.  I'm always telling my students and children that I have never met anyone who is perfect.  I need to listen to myself.

So... today I give myself permission to celebrate all that has been fun and exciting around here!

Cookie Baking Fest

My girls and five friends helped bake and decorate many varieties of cookies.  My husband played holiday and Broadway songs on the piano.  Everyone was laughing and making messes until midnight.  What fun!

Most Energetic and Sweetest Class

I have 19 sweet, kind and energetic students this year.  We are learning along together, every day.  One of my sprites, G, told me before break, "I told my dad that all you want for Christmas is for the kids to listen."  Yup, G, you get it!

A is one of our more reserved and gentle boys.  His favorite Friday tag line is, "I wish we didn't have weekends.  Then we could stay at school."  Maybe we are becoming the school family I hoped for!

Rest, Relaxation and Family Time Highlights

• Not one alarm clock has been set during winter break
• Only one school-related nightmare
• Family game night with my best friend from grade school and her family
• Enjoying holiday lights in our neighborhood and the arboretum
• Time to blog, pin on pinterest, and read like crazy!

Wishing you a wonderful 2015!  May we all find the positive in all situations.

Slice of Life Challenge Begins!! SOLC #1

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Write every day in March!
Two Writing Teachers

I can't believe it's March 1st... already!!!  Welcome all to the Slice of Life Challenge!

This is my third year slicing.  I try to slice year-round, but life and procrastination get in the way.  I usually can find something to write about if I'm not too hard on myself.

Writing for an audience can be tricky - you feel like your words will be wrong, misconstrued or jumbled, but that's okay.  Writing for an audience can be helpful!  Comments can make a big difference.

This year I raised my hand to be on the Welcome Wagon.  I hope I can be a helpful cheerleader for the newest members of the slicing community.  This is a great opportunity to write, read great posts and connect with others -- around the country and world.

So, here are some cheers for all of us:

Enjoy the month!
Keep writing!
Don't give up!
May technology be on your side!
Keep writing!
Share comments and ideas!
Don't give up!

You can do it!  Happy slicing everyone!