Home #SOLC22

 

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When we bought our house in 1998, I was pregnant with our second daughter.  My husband did much of the searching with our realtor, going to appointments and doing a quick walkthrough.  When he deemed that the house met most of our wish list, we would book another visit that included me.

We were able to buy our house because another buyer's financing (or home sale) fell through.  Here we were with our 1970s ranch, with a full basement, that featured mauve carpeting, sponge painted walls in every bedroom, a dark bar in the basement, and faux brick in the kitchen.

Oooooh, pretty right? Ugh.

Over the next ten years, we managed to add on a great room with a basement workshop, and we completely remodeled the kitchen.  A door was added to our bedroom that connects to our deck.  My husband reveled in managing the large construction project alongside the foreman.  He built our deck, and we installed hardwood floors together.

Those days of decisions and demolition were lots of work, but they left you feeling satisfied as projects were finished and the house was bright and fresh.

It's now 2022 and that large project has had a few updates - new carpet, new appliances.  Some of the cabinets have bumps and bruises, and the whole house needs a paint job.

The brick driveway has sunk due to chipmunks and the weight of our SUVs.  The front porch columns are chipped but we can't remove them because the birds already built their yearly nests.

Each weekend I make plans for the next project, but the materials shortages and the difficulty in getting help from contractors has me feeling crabby and discouraged.  I know I should appreciate that I have a warm, safe home when others do not.  It's just difficult, especially following two years of being home more than away, to look past everything that's in need of repair.

I love our home.  I just want to like it more.  

This week #SOLC19

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The grownups got unexpected news and did not want to hear it.

The kids had indoor recess again and again.

The grownups prepared to give a state test.

The kids practiced taking the state test.

The grownups collected headphones and computer chargers.

The kids reluctantly left their computers at school.

The grownups are stressed.

The kids are grumpy.

What a week.

Spilled Coffee #SOLC19

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Yesterday afternoon, I helped a student by cleaning out her desk.  I wrote about it in this slice:  A Clean Desk.

This morning, the student came looking for me. 
"Thanks so much," she said as she gave me a big hug. 
"You are very welcome," I replied.  "I was happy to help."

About fifteen minutes later, I met the same student and her four classmates for reading intervention. 
I gave each student a book, and we started previewing vocabulary and activating their schema.  At this point, I knocked over my venti latte.

I was able to grab a roll of paper towels and contain the mess.  Luckily I did not end up with a lap full of coffee, and the student next to me only had a few drips on his book.

As this was all happening, my student with the freshly cleaned desk grabbed a wad of paper towels and jumped in to help. 
"Stop laughing and help us!" she chided her classmates.

The rest of the lesson was a wash, including one student's stinging remark, "I thought grownups were supposed to be responsible."

I sighed and responded, "Yes, but sometimes we are clumsy humans."

I'm grateful for the kindness showed to me by my student who I helped yesterday.
Yes, friends, spreading kindness is worth your time.

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!

Skipping #SOLC

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Today I took a reprieve from administering our state standardized tests.  Two of my co-workers took make-up test duty so I could meet with my intervention groups.

When I picked up my first group of students, one had to take a make-up test, so that left me with two third graders.  (If you had my six third graders, you'd also split them into two groups of three!)

These two are not the easiest students to work with first thing in the morning.  She likes to tell long, elaborate stories that could be labeled tall tales.  He is not an early riser, having spent long hours on his computer the night before, looking up scientific facts that his classmates prefer not to hear.

Since this is my first group of the day, I make a decision on my way to pick them up that I'm there to help and coach and not lose my temper.  It's not easy.

Today, the two walked ahead of me, as usual.  I could already feel the tension build up in my neck as I could only imagine the competition that would ensue when they got to my room.  Would the drama be over a certain chair?  Scientific fact disagreement?  Pointing out that a story couldn't be true?

Then I saw it.  You could have knocked me over with a feather.

She started skipping.  He looked over, and then began skipping along with her.  In unison.

They skipped all the way to my classroom.

Unbelievable!

Crazy for origami #SOLC

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My fellow reading interventionist, Elisa, and I are hosting a group of fourth graders for standardized testing this week.  Congratulate us - they've completed 4 of 7 assessments and we are all still friends.

I realized today that I have a pet peeve.  I didn't realize how much the sound of folding paper can unnerve me during testing.  Especially when the friends keep getting up to get more paper.

These kids have gone crazy for folding origami shapes.

They just. can't. stop.

I tried to encourage them to read or even draw quietly.  It didn't work.

They have made boats, swans, hats and "creative" items (can't call them mistakes).

This afternoon I finally gave in once all students had completed their tests...

I connected my computer to the SmartBoard and found an origami for kids website.

The kids were so excited!

Guess we will need more paper in our room.

Nearly Calm #SOL16

Write a story, read a story
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This weekend I was a soggy, weepy mess.

There wasn't a reason in particular, but I guess you could say it's been pretty stressful since August.

Lindsey (oldest daughter) went back to U of Iowa for her junior year.  She has lots of committments (RA, UISG senator, student!)

I have a new principal.  She's an instructional leader with clear expectations.

Interventions started weeks of assessment, meetings and data collection, 

Allison (youngest daughter) started freshman year at ILStU and has collected new friends and has lots of opportunities for growth (read:  oversleeps!)

Jeff started building my Little Free Library in between weekly trips to the east coast.  He's been away more than home, so the LFL is only half built.

I started a new grad class and twice! my book order was canceled.  My assignments are late.

WHEW.

Then tonight I took a walk.  My phone hasn't pinged with any "Mom help!" messages. 

The sky was a beautiful pink.  Data meetings are finished, I can focus on teaching.

I worked on the door of my LFLibrary.  I breathed.  I had a piece of chocolate (and another).

I realized that I don't need to stress. 

I just need to stretch 
and do my best.
and eat more chocolate
and breathe.

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.

It's Monday #SOL16 21/31

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It's Monday.  My students were pretty calm today.  I got some of my toughest customers to read today.  I had a great conversation with my 4th graders, activating their schema on U.S. monuments and symbols (kids were leaping out of their chairs!).

It's Monday.  My youngest daughter doesn't feel well.  She was on an emotional roller coaster yesterday.  Up early, didn't sleep.  I'm almost as tired.

It's Monday.  I got up a tiny bit late (see above), but I left the house near 7:00 a.m. and flew past two high schools, their parking lots completely empty.  The local schools are on spring break.

It's Monday.  I had to go to the grocery store after work.  Must. Get. Coffee.  I look up and see that the moon is full.  "It's a silly wives tale," you say.  Perhaps you don't work at an elementary school.

It's Monday.  A beautiful pot roast was in the oven when I got home.  MMMMMMMM.  So grateful for my Chef Jeff!

It's Monday.  My students requested books from the public library.  I spent 30 minutes browsing the non fiction section.  Who knew there were books on zombies in 001.49??

It's Monday.  I'm finished with my slice.  Now I'm off to read and comment on other slices.  Not a bad way to end a Monday!

Life's Little Problems #SOL16 14/31

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Today's slice is inspired by Amy Krouse Rosenthal's book, This Plus That:  Life's Little Equations.

From Amy Krouse Rosenthal

Alarm clock + dark = "It can't be time to get up!"

Toe + shoe + dark = ouch

Cold floor + feet = brrrrr

Warm shower + (shampoo x 2) + soap - soap = squeaky clean

Cheerios + milk = breakfast

Headlights + rainclouds - rain = foggy drive

467 students ÷ (2 buses + 100 cars + lots of walkers) = traffic

Smile + "Good morning" = coworker

Daylight savings time change + first graders = tricky

Read alouds + all intervention students = all better

Clock + 3:15 p.m. = guilty

Clock + 3:20 p.m. = over it + get in car + drive home

Husband cooking + snack break + comfy clothes = pure happiness

Defeated

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Defeated.
Unbroken.

Frustrated.
Calm.

Distracted.
Focused.

Headache.
Meditative.

Anxious.
Relieved.

Angry.
Change.

Lost.
Prioritize.

Scared.
Fearless.
...
Try.
Attempt.

Believe.
Confident.

Improve.
*****
Backstory:  I wanted to slice today, but I was feeling defeated.  I challenged two teens to reframe my thinking.  Thanks, A and E for the positive words in italics to balance my negative feelings.

Priorities (Feelings) SOLC #4

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Science kit repacking (frustrated)

Headed for home at nearly 7 (exhausted)

Talked with college daughter (uplifted)

Hot dinner in the crock pot (impressed)

Younger daughter helping friend (proud)

Laundry, garbage, kitchen duty (bored)

Planning (inspired)

Planning (stuck)

Ask friend for help (hopeful)

Planning (refocused)

Nag younger daughter to get in the shower (annoyed)

Remember to slice (anxious)

Read a comment (calmed)

Eat a mini cheesecake (satiated)

Put computer away until tomorrow (sleepy)

Power of Suggestion SOLC #23

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My parents, Allison and I visited Universal Studios today in Orlando.  We headed straight to Hogwarts Castle at the Harry Potter attraction.  Before we even considered a pint of butterbeer (I only recommend having it if you have a sweet tooth!), we got in line for the Harry Potter experience ride.

There are HUGE warning signs next to every ride at the park.  The signs let you know if there will be dark, fog, and if you should be riding or not, depending on any medical conditions.  I never asked the ride attendants about the HP ride.  We knew we wouldn't miss it.

As we secured ourselves in our individual compartments, I realized that this ride might be more than I wanted to handle.  They caution anyone with motion sickness to skip this ride.  I have anxiety about many things, but I can usually handle movement on rides because I close my eyes.  (It's a strategy.)  My eyes were probably closed for 80% of the ride.  When the ride ended, I stared at my parents in awe as we talked about the experience.

"What do you mean, you didn't close your eyes at all?" Allison asked them.

Neither of my parents had any issue with the motion on the screen and with their bodies... at least that they admit.  Allison was scared by the dementors and spiders, so that's when she shut her eyes tight.

I'm not sure what my issue is with movement, airplane rides, and car rides with my husband.  I've been accused by a few family members (Mom) that I have a control issue.  That is, I want to be the one in control of the situation.  I wonder if that's the case, or if I let my mind go too far with suggestion.

In another experience in the park, we were told (as we waited in a dim, warm closed-in space with hundreds of people) that anyone suffering from claustrophobia might not be a good candidate to stay in line.  Of course, there's no clear exit.  I started to sweat.  I didn't know what to expect.  I knew I needed to leave, but I decided to stick it out.  The experience was in three huge rooms with lots of air, but lots of darkness.  No biggie for me.

I wonder why I feel more anxious and cautious the older I get.  I may have to figure this out!

Waving the white flag SOLC #17

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Two Writing Teachers

Never in one day

have I seen

more people

over the age of 10

be

defensive

agitated

abrupt

unkind

assuming.

 I tried to

fill buckets

stay calm

carry on

smile

but 

it was 

very hard.

I am thankful

for 2nd graders

who think leprechauns 

"throw up rainbows"

and
"slide under doors"

to play tricks.

I'm so proud

of my 

5th graders

who learned

from their peers

in class

how to work politely

in partners

thanks to their

classroom teacher.

Today

I wave

the white flag

of 

surrender.

Tomorrow

I will try

again

to

stay calm

smile

carry on.