Half Way There and Half Filled Up

We are officially half way through winter despite what verdict comes from Phil on Ground Hogs Day. Up north here, half way through winter is a matter of time on the calendar and but necessarily reflected in the weather.

But by ending the semester and nearing spring (come on spring...you can do it), it signifies we are half way through another year of teaching and learning. I love this time of year (at school...let me tell you that I have very different feelings about the weather) because it allows us the time to really look at how far we have come and to map out where we still need to go. As teachers, we have the chance to really reflect on what our kids need for the next half of the year and to be very intentional about how to go about meeting those needs. We are full of expectations that our kids, regardless of their struggle or higher achievement status, will take it to the next level and grow.

I've tried to embrace the "half full" philosophy as I journey through life. Sometimes I need my glass to be half full of something stronger than coffee...sometimes I've realized I might be half full of something else too. But by remaining optimistic about what is coming next, it keeps me growing.

So, as we charge on to the finish line...here's to reflecting,intentional planning and growing. And yes, hoping spring is right around the corner too!

The Gift of Time

Time. There is never enough of it and sometimes it seems to drag on slowly but it is always an issue wherever I am. At school, I hurry up and rush or don't have enough time. At the doctor's office, it seems like I am waiting FOREVER! Time off for vacation is my favorite use of time!

So, this holiday season, I decided to give my fellow teachers the gift of time...30 minutes to do whatever they need to do while I go in and have time with their students. It works out great both ways...they have a break and I get my "teaching kids" fix.

As I was crafting this idea in my head, I can across a poem by Michelle Hyde about time.

There is...
A time to write,
A time to listen,
A time to learn,
A time to play.

A time to read,
A time to see,
A time to lead,
A time to sleep.

A time to be happy,
A time to be mad,
A time to be silly,
A time to be sad.

A time to wake,
A time to stay,
A time to talk,
A time to walk.

A time for help,
A time for hurt,
A time to scheme,
A time to dream.

A time to make a difference,
A time to love,
A time to try,
A time to die.

A time to wonder,
A time to want,
A time to live,
A time to do something.

There is always going to be a time,
But will you do something when that time comes?

Thankful...

As Thanksgiving approaches, I like to take some time to consider the things for which I am thankful...

A husband who is truly my other half and supportive in ways he doesn't even know
My children...who wonder, think, laugh, play and have kind generous hearts at such a young age
Colleagues who smile at work even when things get tough
My dad...who has shown me the importance of standing up for what I believe in...even if it isn't popular at the time
My sister...who always has my back...no matter what!
Teachers who love to have powerful conversations about learning and see the importance of still growing as teachers/learners
Friends who keep close even when life gets crazy
The promise a new day brings to see the good in the world

Above all, I am thankful that the work we do as teachers, can make a huge impact on the future.

For these things...and more, I am thankful!

Unexpected Advice

"Just slow it down, Ma'am."
Five words I heard loud and clear from the officer. I had been pulled over going 10 miles an hour over the speed limit. The thing of it was, I knew that I was speeding. When I got to the stop light, I had the thought that I was going too fast. I guess I was not alone in that opinion because the red and blue lights behind me confirmed that!

There were lots of things racing through my head...should I tell him I was late picking up my kids...should I mention I had a rough day at work...should I tell him my brother-in-law was a police officer and I knew better??? All these things were true, but I couldn't do it. I knew I was speeding and I needed to own up to it! After the usual stuff...licence and registration please...wait...wait. The kind officer said, "Just slow it down, Ma'am!" No ticket...that was such a relief.

His warning really struck me though...I keep hearing it over and over. Just slow it down...so I have been. I have been slowing down to enjoy the moments with my kids at home. I have been slowing down to talk to a great colleague about an exciting idea...I have been really intentional about slowing down to think about what I am doing. Life gets busy...for all of us. The thing is, we need to slow down and be intentional...at home and in the classroom. When we slow down enough, we see things differently. That's a good thing!

Now, I am slowing down and making sure I connect with fellow staff members, kids that can't wait to tell me about their dog and my own family. That way, I am hoping I am not missing a teachable moment.

So, thank you to the officer that gave me the warning...life is so much better now that I have slowed down to savor the moments!

AH HAAAA

AH HAAAAA!! Talk about a moment of clarity! Last night, I was spending some time devoted to writing. I have been using The Writing Diner writing program with a few third grade classes this year and had made a commitment to myself that I would write whatever they were asked to write. Ideas for my stories came easily. As a mom of boys and someone who loves adventures, I have lots of potential stories that happen around me ALL the time. I worked on a piece using "binoculars" keying into my senses. I played with a piece about my 4 year old and his frogging using similes. Then...I got to a lesson that used a prompt. No problem, I thought.

The prompt, modeled to look like our state standardized test, went like this:

It is nice to have friends. It is also nice to be some body's friend.
Choose one of the following:
Write about a time when you were a good friend to somebody else
OR
Write about a time when somebody was a good friend to you
OR
Write about a time when you were not a good friend to somebody else
OR
Write about friendship in your own way

Hmmmmm....so I reread the prompt....hmmmm again. I sat there thinking about ways that I might have been a good friend...the thing was...it was harder than I thought!! I had pages written about things I wanted to write about...things I was an expert about...and then...STUMPED!

As I sat there thinking about what I was going through...it hit me. This is what our kids are going through too...and maybe even worse. If it stumped me and really made me uncomfortable, then I could only imagine how it is for a 2nd or 3rd grader to try and do.

My life lesson that I took away was simple...we need to continue to write with our kids...model what we expect. Grapple with the same tasks to become better at teaching writing. I am walking away with more insight about writing to a prompt than the stack of professional articles I have read about prompts by this simple writing experience. WOW!!

After thinking about it for quite some time...I did manage to come up with an idea. Maybe I'll post it when I am done. I am very thankful for my ah ha moment though...I love that there is ALWAYS room to grow!

Is it tomorrow today???

Each morning, my sweet little four year old asks, "Is it tomorrow today?" as he rolls out of bed.  I always laugh...what a funny little question for one who is learning about the concept of time.  But it goes deeper than that.  He is always excited for what tomorrow's learning holds in store for him...whether it is preschool or a chance to create something or dress up as someone.  I hope we are planning our units of study and our daily plans so that each of our students will ask, "Is it tomorrow today?" with the same excitement  my four year old has. 

I know that as a Mom, I have been so lucky that my kids have teachers that cause them to wonder if it is tomorrow today!  I couldn't ask for anything better!! 

Writing Challenge of 2009

Ok...after a few ah ha moments in my last staff professional development and some conversations around how challenging teaching writing can be, our lagging writing scores and how to improve...a few people brought to my attention the need for teachers to BE writers if we are TEACHING writing.  I had made that connection long ago, I would try to write with the kids...and when I am teaching writing, I do write with the kids (side by side, in front, before...).  But that day...it became more clear to me that we need to really focus on the craft of writing...by writing.  More than just studying it...we need to become authentic writers.  We need to write as adult writers and grapple with the things that our student writers grapple with each day.

Now...I want to ramp it up...I want to try and write MORE.  Not just genres we are doing in class...but writing in my adult personal life.  I think I have a lot to say (my husband would agree...maybe even have too much to say at times)...and I want to start by trying to set some time aside each day to write.   I have always dreamed of writing children's books...and having 2 young boys lends itself to lots of story opportunities!  It's time for me to stop dreaming...and pick up my pen (or laptop). 

So my challenge is on...this blog is one way I'm going to try to write more (and I am finding that now that I am back blogging, it has theraputic qualities as well).  Next step...a writing club for my like minded friends who value the importance of pushing ourselves to get better and better.  Stay tuned!

Making Mud Pies

I have a favorite professional friend (I'll call her mudpies)...she inspires me, challenges me...and really makes me think.  I love that.  We have powerful discussions and much needed vents. We laugh A LOT!   The thing I love most about her, is that she pushes my thinking constantly. I never get too comfortable with where I am in my learning.  I call her for advice, to ground myself if I feel like I am getting ahead of myself and when I want someone to just listen to my frustrations.  I would call her a mentor, but she goes farther than that.  I am so lucky to learn from her.

My son has entered 1st grade...wide eyed and ready to learn.  I feel so lucky that his first grade teacher (and blessed that his Kindergarten teacher) make him feel the same way mudpies makes me feel.  Aren't we lucky when we get a teacher that inspires us and pushes our thinking?  I wish that for everyone.

My friend, mudpies once said, "Like making mudpies, the joy of trying something new comes from the process--not from the final product."

Thanks to all the mud pie makers out there!!!  Let's keep creating and pushing each other!! 

Ok...here I go again

OK...I admit it...it has been too long since I have blogged. I guess I could use the age old...I got so busy...but we all are busy. Teachers are constantly going from thing to thing maintaining the balance. But I'll be honest, I just got a bit uninspired...but now, I am back. I am going to tweak the blog a bit and change it into more of a learning focus...broaden my horizons if you will.

I want to start the conversations around teaching and learning...I am relearning the power of having meaningful discussions professionally. I laugh because I spent a few years right before leaving the classroom as a reading consultant really working on students having meaningful discussions about literature. So, it is kind of funny that I am now switching the focus....or more like a ...duh...why didn't I connect that before? But isn't that what happens?

I had the opportunity to listen to Katie Wood Ray speak at a conference and she was discussing the importance of exposing kids to the kinds of writing we expected them to do. If we want them to write a magazine feature article...they should know what one is and have time to explore reading several. I then thought...ah ha...if we are teaching the kinds of writing we are in the classroom, shouldn't we as adults be doing that kind of writing too???

Anyway...here's to the conversations...if anyone is out there reading...what do you think? What do you want to talk about? Reading? Writing? Assessment? Web 2.0? Let's push ourselves through conversation to hold each other accountable for doing things better and better each year.

I'll be back!!!

Digging Out

As our city is nearing 100 inches of snowfall so far this year, I feel like the past few months I have been snowed in with my blog!! Time to spring ahead with this for sure!!

I have been really grappling with the sense of urgency over the past few months. My husband is in manufacturing. Things have gone from bad to worse but the underlying question (or maybe it is fear) is will it get even worse? As he was driving out to another city about an hour away, he called me to tell me what he was doing. A customer needed a problem fixed with some parts. My husband said, "I need to do whatever it takes to get this done." Wow....whatever it takes...there is such an urgency these days in the manufacturing world and when people talk economics.

So, I got to thinking...is there that sense of urgency in our schools? What about those kids that need that extra boost, a modified lesson, extra time to practice. Do we have that sense of urgency to "do whatever it takes"? Do we look closely at what we are doing and measuring it to how it impacts kids and learning? Are we starting to think...what kinds of interventions could we do...even if we haven't done them before? How urgent is our call?

It sure gives us something to think about...I know I am thinking about it...A LOT! My next step is to make sure that I am doing whatever it takes!!

Hope

During this holiday season, I can't help but notice signs of hope in such bleak times. Hope shines bright in the face of a struggling reader that has an "ah ha" moment about the book...taking his thinking to a new level by commenting, "I never thought of it that way....now I get it!!" Hope comes in the form of a story to a 3rd grade writer that hates to write...but finds her voice and tells a small moment story that brings chills to her audience.

Looking at these kids as they strive to reach goals and push themselves, I can help but see these children for the hope they are for the future...giving them the tools and courage to face the future.

Barbara Kinglover said, "Hope is a renewable option...if you run out of it at the end of the day, you get to start over again in the morning." How true that it. It is the hope for the future that keeps me going...tomorrow is another day...next year is another year...to keep challenging our kids to have great conversations about books, to connect their learning and grow their minds. It is what I hope for!!

Happy Reading...

Wiki...what a powerful tool to collaborate!

In my ongoing learning quest to use technology to help simplify my life (which so far...it seems to take double the time) I discovered a powerful web tool called a Wiki. I had been using one for a few of the Professional Learning Networks I am in and had that AH HA moment where I might create on for my school. So...I am in the process of creating a Professional Development Wiki. I am excited to develop it as a place where we can all collaborate, share ideas and have some great dialogue. It might take some time getting used to using it...especially those from my generation where we are trying to keep up as fast as we can going from our typing classes back in high school to computer use, web tools, e-mail, etc. But I am hopeful that we might use it to connect.

I have always considered myself to be on an ongoing learning quest as a teacher...as I look back, each year brings me more experience, yes, but an opportunity to measure my growth as a learner...to reflect back on how best to reach kids. Sharing and networking has been such a powerful part of that learning. So...I am taking the plunge...full speed (Internet speed I guess) ahead to keep those conversations grand!!

Happy Reading!

Mind Set

In my quest to read as many professional books to help expand my knowledge, I was introduced to a book called Mind Set by Carol Dweck. Although I haven't had a chance to read the entire book (it is on my "to get" list), I did read a powerful article summarizing her points.

Basically, after years of research on what makes people successful, she maintains that there are two "mind sets". The first being a fixed mind and the second being a growth mind.

The fixed mind set represents those learners that always get it and the answers come easily without much struggle. The growth mind set learners are the ones that work hard at things...struggle a bit even...put forth effort. Carol Dweck found that the growth mind set learners are the ones that succeed...they savor the struggle and become stronger because of it. The fixed mind set group is not able to get past failure or struggle and might just give up.

I was so intrigued by this research as there is so much more (which is why it is on my "to get" list). The more I thought about it, the more connections I was making to my role as a reading consultant...a parent of 2 boys...a wife too!!!

How we praise our kids is something to think about...do we say...great job...you're so smart! Or do we say...wow...I bet you worked hard and put some effort into that (and maybe it wasn't so easy)? Do we provide work that is easy because it is easy to teach or do we differentiate to find areas where effort is needed?

I am really looking forward to exploring more "Mind Set"...and making sure I keep a growth mind set in all of my roles!! It is definitely worth the read!!!

Happy Reading!!!

Keep...

Keep reading
Keep learning
Keep questioning
Keep thinking
Keep challenging
Keep sharing
Keep going
Keep writing
Keep pushing on
Keep working
Keep connecting
Keep building
...for the kids sake!!!!

Rolling Up My Sleeves

Now that the MEAP is over and life has settled into more of a routine, I am ready to roll up my sleeves and work with kids. Lately, that has been the part that I have been craving. I miss working with kids and seeing light bulbs light up all over the place. I miss that great discussion that sends chills up my spine because they "get it".

As I build relationships with staff, students and parents, I look forward to the work. The work that supports students to make them more confident...the work that gives them wings to discover new ideas and have powerful conversations...the work that encourages them to go forth and do great things.

Whether I am taking small groups or "pushing" in to support students learning, this is the most meaningful work! I love it!

Happy Reading!

The Stakes Are High

Ready...Set...MEAP? Just as I was on a roll...the MEAP (Michigan Educational Assessment Program) was delivered to my room and things went halt for some time. With increasing pressure to perform and meet AYP (Adequate Yearly Progress...which is in turn tied in to school funding), the three day testing becomes high stakes. As the building testing coordinator, I am feeling the heat for sure!

This summer as I was wrapping my brain around how to get kids ready for the test, my mentor and close friend Jeri, recommended that I read A Teacher's Guide to Standardized Reading Tests by Lucy Calkins. This book connected all the dots (so to speak) for me! The gist is to look at the hight stakes testing as a genre. Just like we teach them to read fiction vs. non-fiction or fairy tales. It encourages teachers to teach about the test... not to the test. By building stamina, being knowledgeable about the test and providing stategies for taking the test, kids have more power! Knowing what the kids are getting into so there are no surprises along the way. That's what we want...we want children to succeed!

So as the MEAP falls upon us next week, I am encouraged that the kids seem ready...they have the knowledge and the power...so, on your mark, get set....MEAP!!

Quotable

I found this quote...for lack of some time I thought I would just post it...it really got me thinking about our job!

"The only way to help kids become generous, responsible people and lifelong learners is to work with them to solve problems and make decisions. But that takes time. It also takes care, skill, and in some cases, courage because we have to reconsider the validity of our requests. We need to begin by thinking hard about what we're asking kids to do: Who benefits from our requests? Is there another way?" -----Alfie Kohn

Happy Reading!!

What is on the menu?

Well...after 4 weeks of meeting new faces, adjusting to the layout of the new building (who would have thought that would take awhile) and gearing up for the MEAP test (AYP pressure there), I am trying to brainstorm how to best help my fellow teachers. I decided there were a lot of choices...like going out to eat and browsing through the menu. It only made sense then to offer a menu of choices...so here is the menu. Like all fabulous restaurants, it is subject to change and feedback to the chef is always welcome! Happy reading...

Menu of Ways I Can Help

Appetizers
· Finding materials
· Gathering books
· Discussions to brainstorm ideas

Main Course
· Teach side by side with you
· Plan with you
· Teach whole group with you
· One of us teach/Other assess students and their learning
· Divide the class into groups and teach the same concept
· Differentiate the concepts for groups
· Conference with students during Reader's Workshop
· Work with students having difficulty

Dessert
· Try to find ways to fund books and ideas
· Lend an ear for support
· Have a good laugh

And We're Off...

Wow...what a whirlwind these last two weeks of school! I was most excited by meeting with each grade level of teachers! What talent and energy each person brings to the team! I can't wait to share my love of literacy with them as well as learn more from each of them. I am really excited to work with my new friends! Students at the school are so lucky to have such warm and committed teachers. Every morning as the students arrive, teachers are out in the halls greeting them and shaking hands. Smiles on the kids faces prove that they feel welcome to come and learn!!!

I am excited to continue to get to know the teachers and students! What a great start!

Suggestion Box

As I was organizing my books these last few weeks, I noticed that my library is rich with what I will call picture books. I was also aware that my library lacks a variety of chapter books. I have tons of Beverly Cleary, My Father's Dragon Trilogy (my favorite by the way)...but not much else. That is when I got to thinking I would put it out there and see if my readers (if there are any in the first place) could suggest some chapter books to enrich my library for a building that has students up to 4th grade. Let me know about those old favorites or maybe some new exciting books. Thanks for your help!!