Time and Tenderness

As a grade level we believe it is important that students be independent.  Really isn't that one of the tenants of teacher?  We want our students to work effectively at a rate so that they are prepared to keep up with the stamina of the next grade.

This week one of my students reminded that with expectation of independence we also expect proficiency.  Students work at different rates.  This is a fact.  I sat the young person down to explain that the speed at which we finish tasks doesn't mean that the work is 100%.  We need to do our best on our work, not complete work at an exponential rate.

The look on the young person's face was priceless.  The anxiety lifted and work resumed.  Teachers, I implore you to remember the practices we use in the classroom may need accommodations in the classroom. Don't expect all the students to be the same because as luck would have it we are all uniquely different and gifted in our own areas.

The Very Thought of You

Today is a day that many of us will never forget. We know exactly where we were eleven years ago when we heard the news of the Twin Towers being attacked.

I was a young teacher headed to environmental camp with 300 sixth graders. It would be two days before I saw the first pictures or heard the broadcasts of what happened.

Now, eleven years later and a few months after a trip to NYC. My heart grieves as all Americans do, however, I know that New Yorkers are devoted to their city. Filled with pride, as well they should be...because this Oklahoman fell in love with the sights and culture and color that decorates the streets.

My heart is with all of you tonight as you spend tonight remembering. I know you always remember that horrific day, but you didn't allow it to take hold of you...Beautiful NYC. You survived a moment that many cities could not which is probably why so many people love NYC. She burns with such passion that she ignites it from the deepest depths of our souls. We have no choice but to heed her impulse. Her desire. Her survival.

Reader's Workshop

Establishing routines within your reading workshop is just as important. My reading time is divided between specials/lunch.  I teach my mini-lesson within my chapter book and do guided practice with the chapter book and then I allow the students time to practice independently when they return from lunch.  This saves me time and gives the students purpose during their independent reading time.

Our current focus is visualization.  Not just drawing the picture, but also writing in a few sentences what they are seeing as we are reading.  We are reading Charlotte's Web.  Today's was about the warm manure pile...lots of great pics!! However, we are still working on getting the details in our writing and sketches. 

Read, read, read!

Write, Write, Write

As we are building routine it is really important that your students understand they are to write, write, write.

We have discussed

1.  What is a small moment?
2. Writers think before they write
This led to brainstorming people, places, and heart topics

Tomorrow I am going to talk about how sometimes we come in with a story we must get down.  My story is about what happened to me on Labor Day.  I have my writing pieces written for the week, but I am revamping for the teachable moment at hand.  Let's face it...we all have stories we MUST tell. Mine involves blood, stitches, and a trip to urgent care so I am sure it will spur several other stories.

Happy Writing!

Family Time

Those of us in the Midwest have already started school and I know those in the East are starting soon. Today was a fun day of family time.  The last few weeks in my classroom have been focusing on routines and beginning assessments.  I've fallen in love with the new 22 faces in my room.  It didn't take long. So enjoy your restful day!!  Have a great work week and don't forget to document your life! Write!!

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.