Say It's Only a Paper Moon

Tonight a friend
learned her baby
girl will be here
soon.

Tonight her heart
hopefully started
to heal from a
sister lost.

Tonight the
man in the moon
proved hope
 and love.

Tonight.
The Glorious Moon.
 

SOLC-Perfect

Tonight as I was driving home I was listening to Pink's Perfect (clean version).  Emma was in the back seat.  Singing away at the top of her lungs.  I stopped singing and began to listen to her sing...

Mistreated, misplaced, misunderstood
Miss “no way it’s all good”
It didn’t slow me down
Mistaken
Always second guessing
Underestimated
Look, I’m still around…
Pretty, pretty please
Don’t you ever, ever feel
Like your less than
Less than perfect
Pretty, pretty please
If you ever, ever feel
Like your nothing
You are perfect to me

This had real signficance for me because many people look at my daughter and see imperfection.  A genetic fluke.  A mistake.  Basically, less than perfect. As she sang these words I felt like she was saying to the world watch out here I come.

So often people cast her aside because her speech isn't clear.  Or because she has almond shaped eyes. Really it boils down to this. Many people choose to see the extra chromosome that is in 48% of her body.  It saddens me really.  The little something extra that she possesses isn't a death sentence.  If anything it forces her to enjoy life for exactly what it is.  To celebrate the joys in the little things and the big things.

Perfection nowadays is often seen as a size 0 who walks down the runway.  Long blonde hair with a swagger.  However, I beg to differ. Perfection is giving a 110% to learn how to talk and walk and never give up.  Perfection is laughing and giggling with little sister over a "tea" party.  Perfection is in the eyes of my child.  Perfection.

So next time you see a child or adult who society deems as less than worthy I challenge you to look past society's definition of perfection.   And think of Pink and think of Emma.  Perfection.

There are 22 People Missing!!

My room is ready to go.  Organized. Clean. Supplies Purchased.  The only thing missing are my 22 second graders. 

My interactive word wall is ready to go! I am so excited about this new component this year.  It is right next to my book nook which creates a perfect small group area.  So I have three effective small group areas in the classroom.  Two will be areas that are teacher directed.  One with me, the classroom teacher, and the other will be manned by my teacher's assistant.  My new assistant has a teaching degree.  This will be a wonderful opportunity for her and for my students.

The area that has my work displayed will have charts around it. These charts will help students remind them about certain parts of the workshop atmosphere.  

I sincerely hope everyone has a great 2012-2013 school year!!!

What I've Always Imagined

When Emma was born I had to adjust my dreams for her.  I still have dreams and goals for her.  They are just different now.  She had a great first day of 3rd grade!  What I love is I heard from one of her teachers that she had a wonderful day!  She saw her favorite paras and friends!!  To me that is a perfect day in 3rd grade.

One of things in life I never expected was to hear that my youngest child had language delays.  I mean this can't happen twice can it?  Instead of sweeping them under the rug. I asked for help.  Found a private school that would be able to meet her needs. Hired a speech pathologist for the summer.

 Today was astounding.  I heard about the book that was read by her teacher.  The beginning, middle, and the end.  This is the first time EVER Grace has talked about real reading at school.  I am so happy. My child received a happy face.  This mommy has a huge happy face.  SUCCESS!!! Grace was zipping around the house. Skipping and singing about loving Miss Ward and school. I wanted to weep for joy.  This is what school should be like for kids. 

This is where I want to get on my soapbox.  As constituents we need to contact our State Legislatures and let them know how class size effects how children perceive themselves and their teacher.  This has just been one day.  One day in a class that has a reduced size and my child already feels the difference.  The Dentist Baressi can't expect teachers to perform miracles in the classroom.  She needs to fund the schools at the level that is expected.  Allow the professionals to do their jobs with the money they need.  Ms. Baressi is receiving her money...allow the schools to receive theirs.

Happy 2012-13 School Year

To my two sweeties who start 3rd grade and Pre-K today. I love you!!!  May this year bring new friendships and fun learning!!

Words, Words, Words

Last night as insomnia gripped me, but really to better explain it would be the excitement of my two children starting school and my school year beginning was too much for my brain; so I began to trudge through you tube videos of Taylor Mali.  As I watched him perform his poetry I began to think about my own presentation that I knew would take place on Thursday about word study and grammar.  Then I began to Facebook.  I ran across A DIY Interactive Word Wall tutorial.

Teaching 2nd grade I want my students to interact with words.  As they study the spelling words I want them to be engaged and motivated to learn the uniqueness of the language.  English is not an easy language, but at the same time I want them to learn that "playing" with words leads to wonderful discoveries. 

So my midnight FB find turned into a task for today. I've started the process, but not finished. My teacher's assistant and I worked on many different things today.  But, my favorite is the interactive word wall.

How do your students use word walls in your classroom?

Fading

Summer is fading.  With it the memories of the best week of my adult life.  As I begin to mentally prepare for the school year, my heart is getting excited to meet my new second graders.  I am also anxious to see my newly turned third graders.

The things that stuck with at TCRWP have been percolating in my mind.  The changes I plan to make and all the things I need to to in preparation for the arrival of my little ones. 

What I am most pleased about is my renewed focus on my own writing.  Last year was an adjustment.  New school. Making new friends. Learning new curriculum.  This year I feel as if I am making my own way. I understand the way things are done at the new school, and now I can add my own special flavor to the mix.

With this reflection and new confidence for this year I am so excited to meet my 22 second graders!!  So cheers to new pens, new ideas, and learning we each have a voice!!

August is Here

Not that anyone is Oklahoma can go outside and have any fun with our 112 degree days.  When the weathermen tell us we are 11 degrees warmer than Death Valley there is a problem.  On that note, I have officially started school mode.  Getting my lists started on what I need to do and where I need to start on my classroom.  Getting excited to meet my 21 2nd graders!!!  But the first thing on my to do list is go out and buy felt tip pens for my writers, gel pens for revising and editing, and to go up to the school and start making a plan. 

Happy Planning!!

SOLC: The Parched Soul

Tonight as I watched little children play at the splash pad.  We were all trying to not dry up.  The Earth is beaten down.  We all seem to be crumbling like the leaves on the trees as the heat unmercilessly beats upon us each day.  Pounding us with no relief. No water.  Just the painful heat. 

But tonight there was relief. Whether it was in the tiniest of puddles or in the muddy depths pretending to be a GI defending his fort.  Eventually the people at the splash pad faded and we were the only ones left.

My inner child could no longer withstand the longing to be in the water.  I ran out and jumped into the water.  Giggles exploding from my throat as I raced to beat J to the water.  My skin prickling as the water hit my hot skin.  Washing away the day.  The unbearable heat. Laughter from the kids echoed in my ears.  "Look out!"  Soon we were in a water war.  More giggles!  Belly laughs all around. 

The soul needs nourishment just as the Earth does.  I've been lucky I've found my mine whether through writing, friendship, or music. My soul finds what it needs.  There are times that it is troubled.  But, I was lucky this summer.  This summer my soul found solace in a place.  It found its muse again.  To that I'm very thankful.  The last year I've felt lost and as I begin to refocus on the school year and turning "35."  And figuring out how to accomplish my dreams.  Hoping they lead me to best place for my girls and I.  To the places and people I need to be around. 

Loser

Loser, She is.

Sitting alone.

Left waiting again.

Purple dress.

Beautifully blown out tresses.

Long eyelashes.

Nerves of steel.

Tapping of the heels.

Thank goodness for Facebook.

How long do you wait?

Stood up.

Slip out,

Hopefully unnoticed.

Humilation.

Anger.

Loser, He is.