Go away, winter #SOL19

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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

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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!

Finding our way in the kitchen #SOL19

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My oldest daughter, Lindsey, has become quite the foodie over the years.  She's a power user of Yelp when we travel, finding new and interesting restaurants, including farm-to-table eateries.  My husband can be quite the chef when he's not exhausted from his work travels or uninspired by what's in the fridge.  He would really rather eat out than cook.

Recently, Lindsey has been accompanying me to the grocery store each week.  She's taken an interest in cooking like never before.  Before we can go to the store, we take a look at what's missing from our pantry and fridge, then I'm encouraged to make a plan for our weekly meals.  She provides a little feedback if there's something she wants to make.  Then I make a list (by category) and only then do we head to the store.

I have to say, I've made some tasty dishes lately, even though I'm the one who despises cooking.

I'm no longer grabbing random meat and veggies at the store, hoping to throw something together each weekday.  I've shunned throwing beef and mushroom soup in the crock pot to make a pretty awful pot roast.

I won't say I'm a budding chef, but the more I practice, the better the food is tasting.  I do appreciate Lindsey's help with the groceries (especially when there is no bagger and she jumps in to help) and her company in the store and the kitchen.

Here's a recipe that Lindsey found for Skinny Chicken Enchiladas.  I simmered the enchilada contents in the crockpot all day and WOW these were delish.  Enjoy!

Pinch of Yum: Skinny Chicken Enchiladas

One Little Word 2019 #SOL19

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Today I did a little inventory on my One Little Words that I have chosen over the years:

finish - listen - thrive - hope - spark - peace.

When I first started picking an OLW in 2011, I picked words that would encourage me to improve. (I have a hard time finishing projects; I tend to talk more than listen). Then I went through a job change and watched my daughters graduate high school and make life decisions (thrive was really survive; hope was for a new job). Spark represented all the new ideas I brought to my new school, and peace was my big goal for myself and the world.

Today I see myself as someone who juggles flaws and fabulous ideas. Someone who can spark a smile in someone who isn't feeling great. Someone who is trying to figure out how to parent young adults (so different!) while getting back to hobbies and habits I had before my husband and I became parents.

After many visits to an online thesaurus, I have decided my word of 2019 is ....

cultivate

(v) to plant, to educate, to encourage

My goals for 2019 include:

• read lots of books to cultivate my knowledge of current kid lit
• help my students find books they can & will read and cultivate their love of reading
• encourage my colleagues to refine their craft by cultivating positive relationships and learning alongside them
• cultivate new hobbies (lettering, bullet journaling) and revisit former hobbies (playing violin, knitting)
• Figure out how to cultivate an interest in exercising and continue to eat well

Sounds easy enough, right?  Happy New Year!

"We get to PICK a book?" #SOL18

Image Source

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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Dear Chris #SOL18

Dear Chris,

It's been awhile since you've typed on the blog.  I like the new layout.  Sure, the original orange background was snappy, but the new blue is soothing.

Source

It's December, and you know what that means.  Undue stress for you as you manage your expectations compared to reality.  Luckily over the years you have learned to accept and appreciate help with decor, baking and events.  You are making lists and getting started on your shopping and card writing (Thank YOU, early Thanksgiving!).  The holidays will be magical if you let them.

As far as work, your students are gems this year, even though you have thirty-five and you are using a cart to visit them in class.  You will figure out ways to share Flashlight Friday and Hot Chocolate Snowy Day Reading with the classrooms you visit.  In fact, the teachers may love the extra fun that you bring.  Be patient with them and yourself.

Dearest Chris, center yourself, collect your markers and cards as you participate in 12 Days of Love Letter Writing.  Some of the stories are heartbreaking, but you have the power to send positive messages to people who need them.  You'll also write to two acquaintances who have lost loved ones, and a family member or two.  May lots of comfort pour from your cards into their hearts, even if it's just a small gesture.

Now go and do your best.  Make sure you take time to relax and laugh and enjoy this month.

From your friend, yourself,
Chris

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Desert Botanic Garden #SOL

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We entered the Desert Botanic Garden.  Cactus everywhere

barrel

saguaro

prickly pear.

The hummingbirds hovered over the blooms.  More birds

chirped 

scurried

waddled.

The monarch butterflies sunned on plants.  Other butterflies flitted by

black swallowtails

zebra longwings

painted ladies.

We enjoyed walking amid the desert flora and fauna.  The sun

glimmered

heated

glowed.