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.

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!

Second favorite teacher #SOLC19

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(DING!) 

The messaging software made my phone ding and buzz.  I got a message from my friend, and former coworker, Jaclyn, a 4th grade teacher.

(DING!)

Jaclyn wrote, "Guess who found out they are S's SECOND favorite teacher today?  ME!"

Back in 2014-2015 I taught a high-energy, creative bunch of first graders.  It was my first (and last) year in a general education classroom.  That year we learned about building a community (the hard way) together.  Through the ups and downs of that year, kids moved in and out, and we did our best to learn.  I say we because the whole rest of my career has been in reading intervention.  Small groups, all grade levels, short bursts of time spent together.

(DING!)

I wrote back, "Second favorite teacher?  You are so cool.  Who got first place?"

(DING!)

Jaclyn replied, "You did! Come be a mystery reader!"

Oh my dear S, the most struggling reader in my class who managed to make friends with EVERYONE that year.  She had a smile that filled the room and more perseverance than ALL of the other kids.  I was so touched that S even remembered me.  I had moved on to another school in a different district when my students went to 2nd grade.

(DING!)

"I would love to read to the class,"  I replied.

It's a pretty amazing feeling to be someone's favorite teacher.

March for Our Lives #SOLC

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Your voice matters.

When I sat with my coffee to watch the news this morning, I found out that my town planned to host a March for Our Lives march and rally.  

I felt immediate anxiety.  It didn't matter.  I felt compelled to go.

I wanted to go to the Chicago march, but I hadn't made plans with anyone.  This local march was my opportunity to stand up for my students, for all students.  I could march for children and teachers who fear going to school because of all the gun violence we have been experiencing.

I hopped into the shower, prepared a sign, and bundled up.  

I wasn't sure I would know anyone.  It didn't matter.  I felt compelled to go.

As I began to drive to the starting place of the march, I was met with the sight of a long line of people already walking to our village hall.  I entered the turn lane to park.  I waited through two lights for people to march by.  Tears filled my eyes.

I would not be alone, even if I knew no one.  These people shared my feelings, and I joined them.

Luckily I did find a friend, a fellow educator, to stand with.  The anxiety diminished.  I took a deep breath.

The young people who led the rally inspired me with their words.  They are poised to make history.

Homework soundtrack #SOLC18

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As I finish up my final LBS1 endorsement class (my masters is nearly complete!  Hooray!!)

I have turned to music for inspiration.

I find that I get WAY more done when there is a compelling melody.  I'm especially fond of string quartets, movie soundtracks and piano solos.

Yes, when I'm in my car, I screech along with all the latest pop hits, but nothing helps me get my homework done like my "classical for studying radio" on Pandora.

What is it about my brain that it needs so much input to be productive?  Maybe the tapping of the keyboard (especially the backspace key) isn't enough.  The music helps me keep my thoughts in order.  Maybe the teacher who told me that music = math was right?

If you have any musical suggestions for me, I'd appreciate them!  I'll be in classes until June.  My action research project is going to need an inspiring soundtrack for sure!!

Prior knowledge...activated! #SOLC17

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It was easy to get back into my small group reading routine today.  

Nearly all of my students came 

bursting into my little room, eager to get back to 

reading 

writing 

30 minutes out of their classroom to talk my ear off (otherwise known as "reading intervention").

My 5th graders were pretty chilled out due to the time change.  Our next text in the LLI red intervention kit was Six Snakes That Share Our World.

Little did I know that I have a huge snake fan in my small group, G.

G has not had the easiest time transitioning from English to Spanish, especially because our district's bilingual program currently ends after second grade.  G has great ideas, but decoding gets in his way.  He is soft-spoken and very curious.  I had no idea how a text about snakes would light up this kiddo's brain.

G started the conversation about snakes (pythons versus boas, what they eat, how they move).  Then J and C even chimed in with more facts.  We previewed the pages, and C noticed a map that noted there are no snakes found in Greenland, Iceland, Ireland, Antarctica or New Zealand.  The facts and questions and discussion was happening so quickly, I could barely keep up.

"I think Kakapos (the New Zealand bird we read about last week) are not threatened by snakes, based on this map," stated C.

WHAT?  

I looked at K, the only girl.  Even she had lots of questions for the snake crew.

"Did you hear him?" I asked her.  "I need to drop the mic!"

"Here, Mrs. Rayner," K handed me a pencil and smiled. "You can do a pencil drop!"

Here's to my students showing their genious.  Even after a week of PARCC testing.  Even after losing an hour of sleep this weekend.  Even if it took a book about snakes (ewwwww).

One Little Word? Not yet. #SOL17

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2017 started yesterday, right?  Yeesh - I'm 38 days late to that party!  Whooosh - this new year is already flying by.  Lots of excuses and reasons I haven't written on the blog or read a lot of books:

• grad school AGAIN (ESL endorsement 84% complete)
• new principal ('nuff said)
• second year at new school
• too much paperwork I keep putting off
• lots of political tweets and news and events to follow
• everything else has bumped writing out of the way

This year I'm trying something new (because I'm refining and trying strategies every day) of stopping and thinking before I jump in to:  answer for someone else, raise my hand to volunteer or help a child or adult do something that they are capable of doing themselves.

So that leaves me with the question... what IS my One Little Word for 2017??

Is it...

• stop
• pause
• mindful
• reflect
• choose

Calling all readers ... do you have some advice?  I tend to talk about being intentional with my fellow teachers, but I'm too impulsive for that one.

Thanks for listening.  It was good to write and get this out of my head.  

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.

"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.

Volunteers #SOL16 12/31

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The text message read, "I'm basically visiting for spring break!  I'm in Illinois right now!"

My oldest has a keen sense of humor.  Lindsey is traveling from Iowa to Michigan to spend her spring break in the service of others.  The U of Iowa has eight Hawkeye Service Teams across the US providing manpower to local nonprofits.  I'm proud of Lindsey for giving her time this week.  I think she will benefit from the week even more than the people she will assist.  I can't wait to hear all about it, especially the work she will do with a group who works with children to help them publish their stories.

This morning Allison and her friend, Jillian, headed to their high school to work at Cupcakes for a Cause.  The special education department holds this event each year to benefit a local foundation. As someone who is usually dragged out of bed each morning, Allison surprised me by getting up early (!!) to set up the event.

I'm very proud of these two.  They both chose to help others.  I sometimes feel like I could give more through an organization, but I can also forgive myself for taking time to know my students and figure out my new job.  Serving others comes in waves and should be one of our priorities.  So many people benefit.

(Hmmm.  Maybe I should write up my Little Free Library plans today.  I hope to set one up in my yard this summer.  More slices to come about that process!)

   

Pizza of Life Doodle #SOL16 6/31

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Yesterday I wrote about my new Sharpie pens, drawing pad and inspiration from Carrie.  I got SO much encouragement, so I started my doodle in the car on the way to my in-laws for dinner.  When we returned home, I added some finishing touches.  

For my first piece in the Slice of Life Challenge started, I wrote about slices, and how I encourage my students to create a pizza of their life for writing inspiration.  I decided my doodle would be an overview pizza of my life.  Now I think I'll make some "personal pan pizzas" of some of the slices for my next doodles.

How did I feel about doodling?  It was so much fun, but I think I need more pens!  The Sharpie pens come in five-packs, and I need some bolder colors.  (Oh darn, a trip to the office supply store, SQUEE!)

May my doodle inspire you to jump into something new and be brave.  Sure, there's lots of bumpy lines and mistakes, but that's what doodling is all about!

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. 

One Little Word

The message was received this winter, or maybe it was in the spring.

I think hope is a wonderful choice for your One Little Word**.  Hope floats.

Then my friend sent me the graphic.  Aha!

I have been clinging to the string of the balloon, keeping my chin up, continuing to push forward and follow my passions.

The balloon and my attitude kept rising up, up, up.

This summer has already been busy and I continue to be hopeful.

Hopeful for the present and the future.

Hopeful that I can do what I'm wired to do.

Hope is a wonderful choice for my one little word of 2015.
Even if it's nearly July.

Everyone needs hope.

**For more information on One Little Word, see this link:

OLW at TWT

Writer's Helper SOLC #12

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In our integrated science unit, our goal and summative task is to have students explain cause and effect of fast and slow earth changes.  The first grader l.o.v.e. talking about fast changes (tornado, hurricane, VOL-CA-NOOOOOO!).  They get a little excited about slow changes, but only when I write the word erosion very slowly on the anchor chart.

Today I had them pick a fast change and a slow change.  Then we put our notebooks away.  This afternoon, we looked at pictures, talked with our buddies and then tried to write how the fast or slow change affected the earth.

Yup.  Tricky.  But not impossible.

As I was circulating and helping, jotting and talking, encouraging writing and discouraging a few arguments, I saw a little bit of magic happening at the table.

M has blossomed into a full-fledged author.  I am not kidding when I tell her that I want the first copy of the first (and second and tenth) book she publishes.  She spends nearly every day writing.  It's really exciting to talk with her about her writing.

S has a great attitude and helpful personality, but S isn't a writer yet.  She has great listening comprehension and understands what we're talking about, but the words (and sometimes letters) don't yet flow from her pencil.

I encouraged the kids to work together, talk together and write together.  S ended up next to M.  I watched M do what I do for S during writing time:

S:  I want to write about volcanos.  They melt the trees with the lava.

M:  (writing on a sticky note).  Okay.  They melt the trees.  Here you go.

S:  Do I write that?

M: Yes.  I wrote it, now you copy it.

S: Thanks!

M:  Ok!

I think my eyes were a little shiny as I made a little gasp.  Both girls looked up.
"Thank you for working together.  My heart is full of excitement about your writing!" I exclaimed.

Ok.  I'm a drama queen.  But words couldn't express how proud I was of the girls working together to find success for all of them.

Little N next to them spoke up, "Can I get some help over here?  This is hard work!"

M and S:  Okay!

Reading room slogan SOLC #18

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Yesterday left me drained, but my 5th grade group provided some inspiration.  I am grateful to have this group!

B walked in and grabbed a piece of paper.   "You need a slogan!" she exclaimed.

"Sounds good to me!" I replied.

B thought for a minute, tried out some rhyming words, and thought some more.

This is what she wrote:

I LOVE IT!

I wonder what other slogans, writing and poetry we will see from B in the future.  She is truly a wordsmith!

Have an excellent day!