Little Library Rebuild #SOLC19

Read more Slice of Life stories at
Two Writing Teachers

Our little library at school was delivered two years ago.  "When they asked me if we wanted one," my principal explained, "I said yes!"

The little library was simply built with a plexiglass door.  It seemed pretty solid and was painted a greenish-gray.  We decided to place it near the edge of the blacktop, near the buddy bench.

Over the past two years, I've tried to encourage its use, placing books inside after school as the car-riders waited in line.  I set up tables and bookshelves filled with books near it during our end-of-year celebration. 

"Visit the little library ANY time!" I shouted.  "Keep any book you find inside!"

Sometimes the library gets cleaned out of books and then the students start filling the inside with rocks.  Other days I find grown-up books that are clearly past their life, pages ripped out and covers torn.

This winter, the maintenance crew asked if we could relocate the little library to a new spot, away from where they plow all the snow into a gigantic pile at the edge of the blacktop.  I took the opportunity to have them load the little library into my SUV so I could take it home for some TLC.

Yesterday I tried using a scraper and sander from my husband's tool collection to scrape off some delaminated pieces of plywood.  Unfortunately my hands and shoulders are just not strong enough.

Today my husband took matters into his hands.  He spent the day giving the little library a fresh start.  He cut new wood for the roof and side, he shingled the roof with redwood pieces, and he trimmed the edge of the roof.  The library looks amazing.  I plan to paint it cobalt blue with gold trim to match our school colors.

I truly appreciate all the work my husband put into this little library.  He has so much woodworking skill and knowledge.  What a gift to the students of my school!

Push and pull #SOLC19

Read more Slice of Life stories at
Two Writing Teachers

"I need a new job!" Allison entered the room in a whirlwind.

We fixed her resume yesterday.  Her tank is empty.  My usually patient and kind daughter is on edge, anxious and feeling incompetent.

We write her cover letter ... more like I type, calling out words, as she lies on the couch covered in a blanket.  It's a coping mechanism.

When she returns from work today, she relates stories of feeling overwhelmed and frustrated.  I start her application for a new job.  She answers questions, I type.

Push, pull... I don't know what I'm supposed to do, so I just help.

Anxious Mind #SOLC19

Read more Slice of Life stories at
Two Writing Teachers

I woke with an anxious mind at 3:00 p.m.  The events of the day before played over and over in my mind.  Had I said the right things?  Was I helpful?  Did I just make the problem worse.

Digging through the drawer, I found my earplugs.  The sound of swirling air filled my ears.  Sleep came again.

When I woke, I helped one daughter rush off to work.  I made breakfast, pushing down the anxious feelings.  I tried to tell myself, the decisions are not yours.  You offered help.  

As breakfast settled in my stomach, I charged into high gear.  Cleaning, vacuuming, chatting with the bird.  Then I decided to try a new yoga routine, "For Change and Drain."

Adriene's calm words and encouragement helped me calm my anxious mind.  "Be mindful," she coached.  "Notice the tightness in your body."

I grounded myself to the earth, setting my intentions.  Breathing.  Accepting that I had done all I could in a tough situation.  I would continue to offer support.

Namaste.

Sunny Days #SOLC19

Read more Slice of Life stories at
Two Writing Teachers

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

Read more Slice of Life stories at
Two Writing Teachers

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!

Missing the Music #SOLC19

Read more Slice of Life Stories at
Two Writing Teachers

On Sunday afternoon a text came through from my uncle, "Join us at the Prairie Center if you're not busy.  Hannah is part of a mixed-age orchestra performing the New World Symphony."

Have I played that?

I was excited to see my aunt and uncle to catch up.  A free symphony performance was just what I needed.  I was extra restless this weekend (just ask my husband how much laundry I did), so a Sunday night concert was welcome.

When is the last time I opened my violin case?

The concert was an effort by the local youth symphony to promote their program.  Private music instructors, alums of the symphony and young people combined force.  They were provided their parts earlier and were to play together for only one rehearsal before the concert.  

I wonder what playing will feel like now that I've repaired my shoulder.

Our concert-going group chatted for a bit in the lobby.  News of new jobs, spring break trips, health and loss were all covered.  We decided we should find seats for the concert.

Should I think about joining the community orchestra again?

The concert was introduced.  I noted the strong number of string players and scanned the players for familiar faces.  The piece was well-played, especially due to the balance of expert and novice musicians.  My cousin produced smooth, melodic lines from her flute, leading her section with poise and rhythm.

Do I have the stamina?  Will I appreciate the new conductor?  Will anyone remember me?

As the concert finished, we applauded the full orchestra, rising from our seats for a standing ovation.  We met up with Hannah afterwards, complimenting her on the performance.  We said our goodbyes.

I think I'm missing music.  Maybe I need to consider going back to playing 2nd violin in our community college orchestra.  

Mystery Reader #SOLC19

I arrive in the parking lot and take a big breath.  I've arrived at the school I used to teach at.  My former first graders (now fourth graders!) have talked about me to to their current teacher.  She invited me to be a mystery reader.  They don't know I'm coming.

I take a minute to calm my nerves.  I haven't been back to see students in a couple of years.  My former principal has moved on to another job.  The rest of the office staff remains.

"OH MY GOODNESS!" one secretary yells.  She then wraps her arms around me.

"Look who's here!" calls out the other.  "I'll let Jaclyn know you are here."

I sit outside the new principal's office, feeling out of place yet right where I belong.  I did work here for 12 years.

Numerous former co-workers walk by, doing a double-take as they see me.  The custodian (who usually works nights) teases, "Back to teach first grade again?  I'm sure they could use your help with the plant unit!"

I'm finally given the signal that it's clear to walk down the hallway towards the fourth grade room.  As I enter, 30+ kiddos are sitting on the rug with their eyes covered.  After I'm seated in the mystery reader chair,  Jaclyn signals to them they can open their eyes.

"OH WOW!" "Look who's here!" "Hey!"  I can't figure out who said what as I see their faces light up.

It's so good to see my former firsties in these lanky, long fourth grade bodies.

I read a favorite book from first grade:  Sam and Dave Dig a Hole.  A new student wants to provide commentary as I read.  I show patience even though my students get annoyed.

We laugh, we reminisce.  A few are convinced that I don't remember their names, but I surprise them with telling them stories about themselves from first grade.  We snap a picture with the whole group of students, and then take pictures of the eight students (of my 18 original first grade class) who still attend the school.

***
This school year my students are fifth graders.  They will be leaving the school in June, bound for middle school.  I plan to contact my other friends, their fifth grade teachers, to see if I can join them for a fifth grade send-off.  I never thought this class would imprint themselves on my heart like they did.  We survived and thrived during my first and only year (of my career) as a classroom teacher.  I will not forget them.