SOLC 8/31

Today is an ode to a friend at school. I absolutely love that Mrs. G will jump in when you have a technology project even if it's one you plan at the last minute which I'm afraid happens more often than I would like.  When I got my brain storm idea during my student's assessment today and then went to talk with her about it I wondered if it would even be possible on such short notice.  The great thing is by the time I got back to my room after discussing it with her, she had created a template for my students.  I love the people I work with. They have taught me how to be an effective educator.  When I look back I really "grew up" at this site. My principal hired me as a brand new teacher and here I am 10 years later. So glad that the teachers around me have help cultivate an environment where it is safe to ask questions and try new things.  So Mrs. G. this one is for you!! Thanks for being so flexible and I can't wait to get started on our technology project!!!

SOLC 7/31

Today is a type of day where I feel my life as a writer is insignificant. I wonder how  many of my writers in my classroom feel the same way on a given day.  I'm stumped. Brain is empty. I have no idea what piece of today to share, so I will share my ramblings about it.  Please note I'm trying to channel my inner fifth grader! :-)

Can't do it.
Don't make me.
I'm boring.
Life is boring.
Nothing happened.
It was a Monday
what do you expect.
Brain is tired.
It's a dreary day.
I'm cold.
Nothing to say.
Sigh.
Hmm...looks
like I wrote
anyway.

SOLC 6/31

I'm stealing my writing idea from One Sunflower. Please take a look at her eloquent words.

She lulls me into a calm state. I'm listening to my four year old explore with language as she bathes. Using the words she learns each day and putting them to nonsensical songs warms my mommy heart. Splish-splash. Bath time ends, yet the lyrically sounds continue as she rests her head to bed.

SOLC 5/31

I can do this I tell myself as I unload the sleeping bag, pillow, and overnight bag.  I turn around open Emma's car door. "We are here!!!" I screech.  Emma jumps down out of the car and begins to run up the driveway barely stopping to grab her new princess sleeping bag.

"Paige's house!"  She yells.  Gracie tags along behind her.  They run through the front door.

"I here Paige!"  Emma says with great gusto.  My heart leaps with joy as all the pinkalicous princesses come out to greet Emma and get her situated at her first sleep over.  These are great friends  as my mind relaxes with realization that she is going to do just fine.  Her friends are wonderful to her. They allow her to be herself and even give them nicknames that have nothing to do with their real names.  Great friends who are always there for Emma and understand that life moves at a different pace, but see her genuinely sweet heart. Thank you, Eddie, aka Paige!

SOLC 4/31

Beauty is where we see it.
The smile of  a friend.
In a baby's laugh.
Beauty is where we choose to find it.
Noticing it and not ignoring.
The little things.
Today beauty was
found.
In a child playing music
from his heart.
The tinkling of the keys
Furrowed brow of concentration.
Springing the chords
from his fingertips.
Simply beautiful.

SOLC 3/31

Motherhood.  We all didn't know what to expect.  Each child is different.  Each way to rear them is different.  Tonight I went to a meeting for children with special needs. I have to admit I was very excited to go.  It was about looking to their future. As I was driving toward the school I began to feel as if I  was trying to gaze into Emma's future with a crystal ball, but it was fuzzy. I know where she is at right now, but I'm not sure what happens at 16 or 20.   As the meeting progressed the coordinators, parents of adults who have special needs, and support staff really did help me see what the future might hold for my daughter. Please don't mistake me for the one who believes my daughter can't do anything. That is not what I'm saying...I'm saying the opportunities that have happened in the last ten years has grown exponentially and all that is available to her now was discussed.  Gazing into the ball made my heart quicken. Especially when things like marriage, driving, job coaches are mentioned.  I want these things for my daughter, and it all feels within her grasp.   Last night I realized how much and how many people support my daughter and me.  As she continues on her journey to the workforce, there are so many opportunities for her.  The future is scary for all of us at times. But, I don't feel scared for her. I feel at peace. I'm enjoying gazing into the crystal ball of Emma's future and predicting what I will see.  Seven years ago when she was born and we found out she had Down syndrome the future seemed so uncertain.  But, now I see her life. I see a beautiful lady who loves fries.  I wouldn't be surprised if she were to come up with some new recipe for spicy fries.  Right now I see a young lady who loves books and I wouldn't be surprised if she wanted to read to others especially little kids. Right now I see someone who loves others.  I wouldn't be surprised if she worked in a retirement home helping others during the day. Right now I see endless possibilities.  I love my crystal ball. Gazing, hoping, dreaming.

Participate in the month long writing challenge at twowritingteachers.wordpress.com

SOLC 2/31

Explaining the Slice challenge to my students was exciting!  We are wrapping up our unit of study on essays and awaiting the dreaded state writing test next week. My writers are writers.  But, today as we looked at my slices I heard what all writers want to hear, "Read more! I love your slices!"  This makes me realize that as a teacher this is what my writers long to hear.  "I love your writing. I want to read more."  This moment as I shared my writing it made me eager to write more, but more than that to take time to respond to my fellow slicers.  So to all who read mine!!  Can't wait to read yours and read more and more!!

Join fellow slicers at http://twowritingteachers.blogspot.com/