Two Learning Journeys

Motivated, Inspired and Confirmed

2011-02-26T17:16:00.002-05:00

Wow! I haven't blogged in a very long time. I guess life just got in the way!

I just have to write about my amazing experience today, though. I have been a member of the Dublin Literacy Conference committee for the last 6 years and every year, I am in awe of what a few determined teachers, administrators, students, and custodians can do as a team.

I read Readacide by Kelly Gallager on the plane on my way to visit my parents. Although I had much on my mind (my dad's health has been declining...), I was in the "FLOW" by page 2. I devoured the book and couldn't wait to share it with my friends at school. It motivated me to continue to put engaging books in kids hands. It also confirmed what I believe...that the testing is hurting kids. Kelly was the keynote speaker this year. He was calm, cool and collected. He delivered a message that we all needed to hear. It was AWESOME!

I had the pleasure of being professional author and teacher, Patrick Allen's hostess for the day as well. I attended his two powerful presentations on Conferring with kids. He reminded us all that conferring is about the reader, not the reading.

I also squeezed in a session with Mary Lee from A Year of Reading. When Mary Lee talks about books, I melt. I want to run out and purchase them all! I am always inspired by her wealth and depth of knowledge about children's literature.

I have to run! I have a dinner date with Kelly, Patrick, Mary Lee and many more! I feel blessed to live and teach in Dublin!

Red Thread

2010-10-30T23:24:00.002-04:00

My learning journey has diverged. It has a little to do with technology, some to do with reading and writing. Mostly, it's about something that has changed my family's lives, my perspective, my writing and musings, celebrating the small moments, and making a difference.

I have big news...we will soon be a family of FIVE!!! No, I'm not pregnant. We are adopting an Eastern European princess. She has chestnut hair, chocolate eyes, she turned 3 this month, and is chromosomally enhanced. She has Down syndrome and was most likely given up at birth because of her diagnosis.

On the last day of school my RED THREAD journey began and would continue over the summer months until we committed to adoption the day before school began:) Before I began writing our story, I found this quote: "An invisible red thread connects those who are destined to meet, regardless of time, place, or circumstance. The thread may stretch or tangle, but will never break." - Chinese proverb. Then, I learned that it was a book, and immediately bought it as a keepsake for our journey. I've used this book many times when I've been asked to speak about our story. It's touching, the illustrations breathtaking, and every soul, young and old, can understand the message. Even if you are not adopting, the Red Thread message is for all life experiences. We are all connected some way, somehow.

I've read many books on adoption, orphans, and Down syndrome. Mostly, my heart has been captivated by the community of bloggers advocating, celebrating, and sharing their world through a different "lens" than you or I. Because so many stepped out of their comfort zone to write, other lives are being changed. More and more are learning about Down syndrome and stepping out in faith to adopt a special needs child. This network has reached out to us across the globe. Once the beginning of our story was written, we've received an outpouring of thoughts, kind words, promises of conversations to come, and the knowledge that all we need to do is send out an SOS email, and we'll have a plethora of responses. So much love, so much joy, so much celebration!!

I've learned more about Facebook, but needed to stop Twitter. My focus has mostly been writing our story on our family blog, continually tracking down important papers, and preparing our home for our new arrival, all the while continuing with my "school" work. We've been busy, blessed, and these last two months have gone by in a blur.

We are all on learning journeys. Some continue on a straight path. Some diverge. Some take on a whole different journey. Our mission is to travel a path, one foot in front of the other, going forward. We all have the need to learn something.

Our threads may stretch, tangle, weave, but they will never, ever break.

Broken Shells

2010-10-18T19:51:00.000-04:00

My time to read is limited, so I grab non-fiction books as my genre of choice during the school year. I picked up at copy of Chicken Soup for the Soul, Children with Special Needs at the library and have enjoyed reading some short excerpts through the family's lenses about their children.

A mother and her 4-year old were collecting shells one summer at the beach. She was meticulously searching out whole, complete shells to place in her bucket, while her son was picking up many broken ones so his bucket was starting to fill up. When she looked in the bucket, all she saw were bits, pieces, and fragments of broken shells. She stopped him and said, "Will, all your shells are broken and no good. You need to find shells like this," and showed him a complete, whole shell. Will looked, but continue to pick up one broken shell after another.

She stopped him again, with a frustrated tone in her voice. "Why are you picking up shells that are broken?" Will replied the only, honest way he could, "Mom, there are way more broken ones on the beach than perfect ones. We'll fill up our bucket faster with the broken shells." His mom thought, Okay but who wants a bucket of broken shells? "Mom, these shells are broken, but they are still beautiful," and proceeded to point out something beautiful on each broken shell in his bucket. His mother was taught the most valuable lesson that sunny, afternoon.

We are all broken in some way, but possess beauty and uniqueness beyond belief. If we take time to look closely at the broken shells, we can see beauty in their imperfections.

Debbie Jaskot

Writing In The Outdoors

2010-10-11T21:59:00.000-04:00

During an informal conversation with a parent, I learned that she and her friend began a writing workshop event for kids 2-5th grade at her farm on the weekends. Off the fly, I asked her if she'd like to come and do a mini-workshop for our class before the cold, long, dark winter!!:( Of course, she said. So, we worked out logistics, what was needed, and we anticipated for the day. (So thankful it was today and not last weekend, when we got a taste of the winter to come!!)

We made nature journals and fabulatized them, had conversations of descriptive words and adjectives, and finally today was the day. I was so thankful for the 80 degree weather!!:) The ladies created 9 different stations outside to use our senses when we thought about fictional and personal narratives. The kids had soooo much fun. There was sand and shells, tasting table, caterpillars, mud pies, woods and rocks...so many opportunities to explore, write, and sketch.

After exploring, we all found a spot on the grass and wrote. We wrote poems, thoughts, feelings...the point is we wrote. Then, we explored, and we wrote. What a fabulous day!!! They offered to come back and create another day in winter. What a blessing to have parents willing to share their passions.

We are all one with nature!!

I have a Voice...

2010-10-09T18:02:00.000-04:00

My family walked in our first Buddy Walk, promoting acceptance and inclusion of people with Down syndrome. Throughout the walk around Crew Stadium, this gallery was played on the big screen. We all have a voice...Celebrating Down syndrome Awareness Month!!!

The Big Elephant in the Room

2010-09-18T21:39:00.000-04:00

One day I was in a panic, looking for a book on responsibility. I had 5 minutes before I needed to pick up my kids, and traveled to one of my favorite first grade friends' room. My friend, Patty, was gracious enough to look through her bins and gave me 3 "possible" books for my need. The first two were a little primary, but the last one would work.
The Big Elephant in The Room was PERFECT!!!! It's written by Lane Smith, who is known for his subtle humor, with a deeper message. The two characters are having a "conversation" about the big elephant in the room. You and I know it could be an issue that is "in the room", but noone is talking about it. One of the characters is questioning all his previous "acts" that were self-centered and not at all like a responsible individual:-( There is a literal ending at the end, which brings it all together. But, fourth graders get the hidden message.

I was in need of some heart-to-heart talks with my class. We all were "talking the talk", but weren't "walking the walk!" We opened up about the "elephants" in our room that were hindering our learning and working together. Our discussion branched into other avenues that I did not even know were happening:( All in all, it was the perfect book to bring all our issues out on the "table" and discuss ways to improve our classroom. I've seen much improvement in our classroom attitude. I'm going to reread this book every month to continue working on ways to make our classroom better than the month before. I ended up ordering the book last week, and shared it with another colleague. The same conversations took place in her room and she was amazed:)
I LOVE picture books:)!!

My First Two Weeks

2010-09-03T20:17:00.000-04:00

These are the my Top Five things I am most proud of in my first two weeks of school:

    1. I am moving agonizingly slow, but am seeing the benefits from my classroom community. I have put blinders around me so that I don't start getting anxious when others are "testing" over material and I'm not halfway through.

    2. My Morning and Closing Meetings are ROCKIN' the house. We pass a stone so that whoever has the stone, has the voice. We begin the day sharing and end the day sharing. At 3:15, we pack up and sit in a circle celebrating something from our day. For the first time in "many" years, the end of the day is filled with joy, not madness. Today, we began Poetry Friday. I had my students come to the Morning Meeting and we went around the room reading a poem. I forgot to pass the stone. One of my students said, "Mrs. Archer, we didn't have a morning meeting." I, then realized that my class is recognizing our daily routine, even when I forget.

    3. Over a 5 minute conversation at recess, a fellow colleague and I came up with an idea, wrote it up at lunch, was approved by our principal, and shared with our parents at Curriculum Night. I LOVE being self-contained!!!! I LOVE my math workshop, my reading workshop, and my creation station!!! But, I can take or leave the content areas. My fellow colleague LOVES, LOVES, LOVES science, and I enjoy Social Studies. We mapped out the year, so that our classes will switch monthly for Science and Social Studies. It's going to benefit both of us, along with our kids. But, the biggest reason it will work, is we are like-minded thinkers. We both are very hands-on, project-oriented teachers and our philosophies mesh!! What a ride it will be. I shared with our class that we are the first at our school to try this, so we need to work diligently to pave the path for others.

    4. I've been taking ideas from the Responsive Classroom and making them my own. Today, we talked about how once our words are out, we can't take them back. Similar to crumpling up a piece of paper, you can never make it smooth again.    Sometimes saying "I'm Sorry" isn't enough. Today, we started a list of Apologies of Action, things to do instead of saying I'm sorry.

    5. I've made an impact on some of my "promising" students. They are recognizing I accept them where they are, and will do anything to move them forward.

All in all, a good two weeks. How have your first weeks gone?

"I'm Not A Good Reader"

2010-08-26T19:19:00.000-04:00

I've enjoyed the network of families that I've found since my children have begun elementary school. I'm no longer in teacher mode, but mother mode when discussing our children together. Addy has a very close friend who lives in the next neighborhood, so we invited their family over for a Back To School cookout the night before the first day.

I love talking with Imogen because we are honest, we trade babysitting, and we have similar likes and dislikes. Another bonus is that we both have husbands who travel extensively for work so we can identify easily with one another. I recently wrote about A in a post Not Good Enough. Tuesday evening, we were talking about our Meet The Teacher experiences and what she said hit home to me as a mother and a teacher.

A's teacher had a scavenger hunt going on when the children arrived. Mrs. P began talking to A and showed her the clues. A was taking her time reading, but Mrs. P kept telling her the words. Imogen wanted to shout, "Stop telling her the words. She'll get it. She only needs time!" But, she didn't and then A said the words that break a mother's heart and my teacher heart..."I'm not a good reader!" Here is a young second grader, whose parents have read with her and read to her since she was a baby. Here is a girl who is loved by her family and they celebrate her big and small moments. Her mom knows she will figure out the story, but it takes her longer. She is 7 and already feels behind because she cannot read as fast as the kid next to her at school.

My heart went out to the mom and I talked with her and gave her some Mom/teacher ideas. Truly, A needs time like Leo the Late Bloomer, and be given the time to blossom.

So...I'm taking this story to heart and reminding myself daily that friends in my class need Time. Time to blossom, time to feel accepted, time to learn. As you are learning about your new students, remember they may need time to blossom this year.

Thoughtful Thursday

2010-08-12T09:23:00.002-04:00

I am always on the lookout for video clips to share with my class on inspiration and making a difference. But, many of the sites are blocked, or I need to convert it at home to a file I can open at school. The system's worked for me, but tedious.

Values.com was shared by some guidance counselors at Leadership Academy. I now have my one stop shopping for inspiration and the website is not blocked at school. There are quotes, clips, good news, stories and more. It's like the Hallmark of the feel good moment, and just as sappy!! The world would be a better place if all the tv commercials and billboards were replaced with inspiration from this website.

This summer has been an awakening on many levels, and I'm heading back to school with a new sense of purpose. I wrote earlier about a parent's plea for their child:
Expect, Don't Accept.
I found a clip for that very goal: The Track Coach. Watch it and enjoy a feel good moment today!!!

"The best way to pay for a lovely moment is to enjoy it." Richard David Bach

Lessons in Life

2010-08-11T07:22:00.006-04:00

Hello Blogging Friends!

It's me, Lisa. I am sorry I haven't contributed very much over the summer...ok and the spring, but I'm back. Just like you, I've been busy living life. Unlike my amazing, analytical, organized partner, Shelly, I do not have a list of any of my summer accomplishments. However, I do have a few stories that I think you might enjoy.

In July, I went on a cruise with my aging parents. It was such a blessing to spend an entire week with them on such a beautiful ship cruising the high seas. Although I experienced some difficult, heart-wrenching moments with my father, we saw some amazing sights and met some remarkable people.

James (Jim) Kennedy was one of those remarkable people! One evening, my parents and I were seated with Jim and his delightful wife, Bernie. We exchange the normal casualties: names, home, etc. From the moment we first met, I could tell Jim was a charmer. He was caring, sincere, and engaging. He took particular interest in my father who suffered a spinal cord injury 5 years ago and is confined to a wheelchair. As we talked, I started to put some pieces of the conversation together and realized that our new friend, Jim, was the former Director of NASA who had been introduced to the entire ship in the theater on our first night. Celebrity Cruise Lines offers an educational series for the cruisers and I was eating salmon with the key note speaker! How cool is that?

Honestly, I know very little about NASA or space. I was never a "Trekkie," and I suffered through all of my science courses in high school and college. However, I literally would go to the moon with this new friend of mine, Jim. Although I missed the first class of his series, after our dining experience, I was determined to attend the last two. The next "class" started at 10 pm. During his class, he showed amazing pictures taken in space and talked about his astronaut, political, and famous friends. Jim is a storyteller and I was mesmerized. He also covered many of the technical aspects of sending a rocket ship into space. At the end of his fascinating presentation, he announced that at his last session, he would be sharing with us: "Lessons in Life and Leadership (as inspired by stories of the Good Life at NASA). Now he was talking about my world!

Jim originally created this slide show to present to high school students. It has been so well received that now travels all over the country inspiring students, teachers, professional groups, and even "cruisers" like me. He has over 50 lessons that can be applicable to everyone. With each lesson, he tells a "real life" story. Here are just a few that struck a cord with me:

Lesson #5 Go the Extra Mile: Astronaut Suni Williams ran the 26.2 mile Boston Marathon in space! Jim told us how important it is for astronauts to exercise in space because they lose a percentage of muscle mass while in space. Not only did Suni run, she also made a huge impact on a little girl who shared her name.

Lesson #11 Have Courage in Your Convictions: Jim told us about a young man who saved the space program a huge amount of money by convincing NASA to use orange foam on a fuel tank.

Lesson #27 Teachers Rock! Jim told many stories about the impact that teachers have had on his life. He shared how devastating it was when the Challenger exploded and Christina McAuliffe and the other 6 astronauts died.

Jim Kennedy inspired me with his life lessons. He reminded me that what we do every day is important. Thanks to Jim, I am going to look for life lessons in every day events and share them with my family, friends and students. His final lesson #51: Have Fun, Learn and Get Inspired.

This school year, I am going to do just that! May the force be with you!

10 for 10 Picture Book Blogging Event

2010-08-10T07:00:00.007-04:00

Lisa and I decided to combine our Top 10 books.

Lisa's Top 5...

1. Dust Bunnies by Jan Thomas: Dust Bunnies make my students (of all ages) and me LAUGH! The illustrations are simple and yet endearing. The kids love the bunnies personalities, appreciate the humor. and ask to read it over and over again!

2. If I were in Charge of the World by Judith Viorst Even though this book is OLD, I still love this charming collection of poems that eloquently describes the good. bad and the ugly days of childhood. What not to like when one of the poems is titled something like this: Thoughts of getting out of a nice warm bed on a cold dark night...followed by: Maybe life was better when I used to be a wetter.

3. Life-Size Zoo by Teruyuki Komiya There are three of these gems out now. My "promising" readers many times shy away from nonfiction books because of the vocabulary. However, these books are fascinating for children of all ages. They are "SUPER-SIZED." The real sized photographs are amazing and I find children love to read them together.

4. Fly Guy by Tedd Arnold I am always looking for books that are readable for my students and yet are sophisticated enough to keep their interest. The Fly Guy books meet these requirements. Fly Guy is a HOOT! The kids and I love the illustrations. We have had a wonderful time creating our own Fly Guy books.

5. Roscoe Riley Series by Katherine Applegate First Grade student, Roscoe Riley, starts every book off in Time Out. What kid can't relate to that? I love how the story is structured. All of the books in the series start at the end and then the story unravels. As an added bonus for my readers, some of the chapters are only 1 page long! Even children who are older than Roscoe can see the humor in his many predicaments. Kids beg to read them all...Now that is a good book series.

Shelly's Top 5...

1. Miss Rumphius by Barbara Cooney: I enjoy beginning the year with this book because it shows how Miss Rumphius followed her passion and made a difference. Throughout the stages of her life, she was thinking about her three goals: to travel, to live by the sea, and to make a difference.

2. The Scaredy Squirrel series by Melanie Watt: this series is enjoyed by every age group alike. Whether intermediate or primary, kids are inspired by Scaredy Squirrel to write their own adventures. I use it as a mentor text for text features such as diagrams, maps, and speech bubbles. Some of the craziest narratives from my students were inspired by Scaredy Squirrel.

3. We all Sing with the Same Voice by J.Phillip Miller: our first grade friends at school always do a program and end with this song. It's catchy, the message hits home, and I find myself singing after I leave school. We may look different, act different, but we all have a voice that needs to be heard. I bought this book at the beginning of the summer, and can't wait to use it as a mentor text for celebrating diversity.

4. Do Unto Otters by Laurie Keller. Another book for building community and classroom attitudes.

5. Hope is an Open Heart by Lauren Thompson: Other blogger friends wrote reviews on this book, so I ordered it. I enjoyed the brilliant photos and inspiring messages. But then, I was reading another professional book where it talked about having your students write out their hopes and dreams. This book will become my mentor text for this project at the beginning, middle, and end of the year Hopes and Dreams lessons.

Lisa's top 5 took a broader spectrum than mine. I'm deep into building my classroom community mode now, so my picks are about the beginning of school. Thanks, Mandy and Cathy to not only hosting, but pushing us to think about our favorite picture books. Check out the event at their two blogs!

Look what I found...

2010-08-08T07:00:00.003-04:00

Earlier, I wrote about painting stones for my Morning and Closing meetings. I found some stones by the railroad tracks, took them to school one evening, and painted them. I got out bright and soothing acrylic paints, and enjoyed my time thinking. The stones looked okay, would serve the purpose, but I wasn't overly excited.

Today I ran into a fun, eclectic store in downtown Powell called Shyne Inc. It's a jewelry and accessories store, and my neighbor had raved about it. I looked around and saw some potential for later purchases and gifts, when hidden on a shelf were rocks EXACTLY like I wanted. I thoughtfully chose these four because the words pack a powerful punch for sharing. I LOVE these!!!

Expect, Don't Accept

2010-08-06T21:53:00.001-04:00

Most, if not all teachers, are beginning to get in "game mode". We are thinking, planning, and mentally gearing up for that new group of young minds who will step through our threshold that first day of school. Over the summer, I began reading family blogs of special needs children. They were inspiring! They celebrated what their child can do daily, and concentrated less on what they can't. It didn't matter to them. As with all my late night navigating on the internet, I navigated over to a site written by a special ed teacher, Beth, through the eyes of a parent, Hope for Elijah. One post hit home with me as I'm getting my game face on...Expect, Don't Accept. She writes with passion, with emotion, and with conviction that we, as teachers, need to see children as who they are. Inspire and challenge children, and then you will see their potential. I would also recommend reading the speech, Paul Daugherty wrote about his 19 year old daughter with Down Syndrome, "Expect, Don't Accept!" It will get your school fires burning for sure!

As the summer ends...

2010-08-04T22:21:00.000-04:00

            I've been attending our district Leadership Academy these past few days, and was asked in one session to list an adjective that describes you at this moment...mine was PENSIVE. I love the definition: dreamily or wistfully thoughtful. I can't remember when I first heard the word pensive, but relish the way it feels in my mouth when I say it and the way it sounds. It describes my mood at the moment: dreamily or wistfully thoughtful. I'm pensive as I think about the summer we've enjoyed as a family, and the family that I will work to build in my classroom. As I was reading other family blogs this evening, I decided to make a list of my summer accomplishments. So here goes...

    1. I learned how to BRAID. My daughter has been wanting to have her hair braided for the longest time, so I made a deal with her that I would learn, but she would need to let me practice on her and be patient. We got books from the library, and she practiced on her Barbies while I practiced on her. So, now her hair can be braided in one or two braids. French braiding is on the agenda for next summer!

    2. I learned how to "Fabulatize" and "Fancify" our blogs. Other blogs I visited had these adorable backgrounds, so I practiced and played to Fabulatize ours. Sometimes I run into glitches, but I've learned how to problem-solve them. I also have had fun matching fonts, colors, and gadgets. I also learned how to embed youtube videos into blogs.

    3. I took an online sign language class and learned about the history and pioneers of the deaf community. I have figured out ways that I'm going to use some signs in the classroom to enhance my curriculum.

    4. I created a family blog to celebrate the big and small moments of our family. It's been a great tool for family members in other states and cities to catch up on our lives. It's been useful for my parents who only have learned to get on the internet, not use email or other networking tools available. At least they've learned how to bookmark the site and read it!!

    5. Facebook: I created an account in January, but didn't do a lot with it because the site was too busy for me. I wasn't able to navigate it properly. This summer, I changed my profile picture, uploaded our beach photos from the photographer, and uploaded a video. I'm working on it, but still feel like I'm lurking in one everyone's lives.

    6. I used OneTrueMedia to create a photo montage, and upload it to facebook and blogs. It"s what I call "Shellyproof" and simple. I can see huge possibilities for me to use.

    7. I read and have thought a lot of how I want to structure the first six weeks of school. Our guidance counselor is going to a week of training by the Responsive Classroom to share with our staff. I'm hopeful of good things to come.

    8. I was able to disconnect from technology for 7 days and survived, so I know anything is possible!!! I've also cut way back on my caffeine...only 1 cup a day, not even Diet Coke. I'm not certain the "new" me is as fun!!!

    9. I learned some new tools to use with the Smartboard software. I want to up my game and use it well in the upcoming year.

   10. I learned to create a sense of gratitude within myself. I'm surrounded by a healthy, wonderful family. My children are thriving, happy, and embrace life daily. I am thankful for the past two months, where I could sit by the pool and watch my children celebrate new tricks they have worked on. My husband makes me laugh and is always willing to listen to my "ideas"!!! He processes and is honest about his thoughts. He takes my children on their back to school campout weekend by himself, so I can have a weekend of pampering!! My parents and I are very close and I can call them on a moments notice to vent, celebrate, and cry if need be. I am blessed with two dear friends who knew I needed the summer to renew and refresh, and gave me space to do just that. They knew I would get back to where I needed to be, but needed to do it on my own terms. Thank you!   I've seen random acts of kindness happen to my children this summer, and celebrated them. I am choosing to live a life of gratitude, hopefulness, and love.

So I'm pensive...wistfully filled with an air of gratitude, celebration, and anticipation.

The Power of the Sharpie

2010-07-30T23:43:00.001-04:00

Every July/August, I LOVE shopping school supplies!!! There is something about the new box of sharpened pencils, the smell of a fresh box of Crayola crayons, with crisp points that have never been used. There's the choice of decorative journals and spiral notebooks, fun folders, and now my favorite...the SHARPIE. There is nothing like opening up a new package of sharpies. I LOVE the ultra fine points for writing, the fine points for outlining, and all the vibrant colors. In my classroom, I have stainless steel buckets filled with multi-colored and multi-tipped sharpies for my treasures to use. Looking at them, its a bouquet of sharpies brightening any desk, any shelf, any project, and any work of art. Sharpies make everything POP, and have a definite purpose when used correctly.

One of my first mini-lessons (besides making sure caps are on tightly:) when using Sharpies is to place scrap paper underneath because Sharpies can bleed through and leave marks. Sharpiesare meant to be permanent and cannot wash away. When I'm not careful I've been known to have Sharpie marks on my hands for days, or worse it leaves marks on the furniture. Our words are like Sharpies. Words can be teasing, hurtful, unkind, and with sarcasm that leave marks like black scribbles deep inside us. Words that build up, words that are kind, words that show us we are special...these are like the beautiful masterpieces that colorful Sharpies make. They are permanent, but we want to share with everyone. Our words change those around us and are like Sharpies. What color will your words leave?

I've been reading The First Six Weeks of School and The Morning Meeting Book from the Responsive Classroom this summer and will be working on slowing myself down, slowing my treasures down, and creating a safe, warm atmosphere in my classroom. The whole premise is to begin with predictable structures and to teach everything, routine and structures beginning on Day One. How to use a pencil, how to use sharpies, how to line up, walk in the halls, EVERYTHING!! I do many of these things, but am prone to rush into curriculum too fast! I found the Sharpie analogy on another "mom" blog I've been reading, and will use it to begin having discussions about the power of our words, and to think about the marks my own words leave on my students.

I'm also in the process of painting two sharing rocks for our Morning and Closing Meeting. The morning rock will be brilliant, with bright colors to depict the endless possibilities that we will begin to learn and share throughout the day. Each child will hold the rock,share something, and pass it around the circle before we begin the day. The Closing Rock will be colored in soothing colors like blues and purples because I've never mastered the end of the day, and it's always chaotic and CRAZY! By having a closing meeting (with a "soothing" rock), each child will go around the circle and share something they are proud of for that day. I'm excited to try a Closing Meeting and see how it works, and I will definitely be using the Sharpie analogy! What are some ideas you are going to try this year to build your community?

Wordless Wednesday

2010-07-21T10:04:00.000-04:00

I'm Just Sayin'

2010-07-17T12:19:00.002-04:00

Thoughtful Thursday

2010-07-15T16:02:00.000-04:00

"Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out and proclaiming,

'Wow, what a ride!!!'"

Changed Lives

2010-07-12T13:45:00.001-04:00

Last year at this time I was volunteering at my church's Vacation Bible School, and wrote about a friend J, who needed teachers to recognize his special gifts. Because my friend Debbie and I stopped to see how J was unique, he had a fantastic week. I realized then that by serving and giving of my time, I made a difference in that one child. It was my way of paying it forward.

It's that time of year again, and I had another one of those "special moments!"this morning at VBS. A young man, much taller than I (who isn't?!) was picking up his sister, when he smiled and said Hi. Smiling back, I heard him say to his sister, "Is that Mrs. Archer?" So, I stopped and said, Yes! I recognized him, but his name was on the tip of my tongue, but couldn't find it. My first year in Dublin, I had this young man in my class and now he is in college, running track, and made the Nationals this year. Amazing, on two levels: 1) He still recognizes me or I haven't changed since then! 2) He has come full circle and taken advantage of all life has and is making a difference in the athletic field. His twin brother, from another class then, is playing football at another university.

What a great moment when he hugged me, introduced me to his sister, and shared with me his life celebrations. Teachers, we are changing lives! We may not see the fruits of our labor immediately, but we are changing lives every day. Remember that during those frustrating, overwhelming moments in September and recognize we are making a difference.
To Whom Much is Given, Much is Expected.

I Learned Something New!

2010-07-10T19:55:00.002-04:00

Summers are all about family!! I began reading blogs of families who have made a difference and are celebrating small and big moments in their lives. One mother used One True Media to create a montage that left me teary-eyed each time I watched it. I wanted to try it myself, yet the downloading pictures and cameras are challenging for me. (Perhaps it's the way my engineer husband set up the picture files and process! Not blaming, I'm just saying:)!!) So, I haven't been sleeping, not because of caffeine(I've cut WAY back!), just cannot quiet my mind and I find myself working on the computer at all hours of the night. I began working on this a couple nights ago, had too many pages open, and closed out without uploading all the pics. That's multi-tasking for you and frustrating to say the least. Tonight, I was able to upload them, find music that I love, edited and sequenced them, and finally learned how to embed it into a blog. I'm excited about the possibilities and so proud of myself>

Make photo slide shows at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Thoughtful Thursday

2010-07-08T11:30:00.000-04:00

Finish each day and be done with it. You have done what you could. Some blunders and absurdities no doubt crept in; forget them as soon as you can. Tomorrow is a new day; begin it well and serenely and with too high a spirit to be encumbered with your old nonsense.

Ralph Waldo Emerson

I saw this quote, and then played around with the formation. While the message is strong and purposeful above, look at what happens when I add line breaks...

Finish each day and be done with it.

You have done what you could.

Some blunders and absurdities no doubt crept in;

Forget them as soon as you can.

Tomorrow is a new day;
Begin it well and serenely and with too high a spirit to be encumbered with your old nonsense.

Ralph Waldo Emerson

Powerful...something to think about...

Technically Speaking...

2010-07-07T21:53:00.004-04:00

I am on vacation, technically speaking. As a teacher, I feel so blessed to have the summer to relax and refuel. Since school has been out, I have thought, planned and toyed with ideas for the upcoming school year, but not seriously because...I am on vacation!

Tonight, however, I met at a colleague's house with some really smart teachers to talk about how to use technology in our classrooms. I was able to play with an Ipad and a Kindle. I learned more about Flickr, Imovie, and Twitter. I even visited some kid created blogs. Two smart teachers in our group each have really smart, tech-savvy kids who created cool blogs about things they care about. We talked about our summer professional development opportunities and planned for upcoming events. I learned a lot and I had fun with my "tribe" even though...I really am on vacation!

OMG

2010-07-04T02:26:00.000-04:00

After complete relaxation on a beach vacation, minus internet, blackberry, and phone connections...more on that later:(, I've found I cannot sleep once I'm home and have access to the outside world!!! It's 2am and I've been keeping up with some family blogs and saw how darn cute their layouts were. So...I explored and found a wonderfully easy site if you want to change up the layout of your blog.(I like these better than the new improved blogger changes!)

The Cutest Blog on the Block offers so many options for changing the layout of your blog, adding banners, buttons, and these blinkee things (check out below:)... all for the low,low cost of FREE. You can even change your Facebook or Twitter background if you want. There's more I want to try at a later time, but I'm liking the changes I've made. Hopefully, Lisa does too when she checks out our blog!!! Happy Creating!!

My Latest Project

2010-06-20T21:46:00.000-04:00

The end of May, I was trying to find a summer project. I always need a challenge and embrace learning something new. (I'm definitely not one to sit idle for the summer!!) I went online to look at Ashland's summer courses, knowing the class would need to be independent, a weekend, or online. My goal was not to take too much time away from my family, yet satisfy my constant desire to learn something new. Ashland had an online, self-paced class for sign language, which I decided was for me.

Becoming more proficient in sign language has been on my "bucket list" for sometime. When my children were little, I taught them basic signs, plus we bought the Signing Time videos to view and learn. By watching these 30 minute videos off and on, my children began using some signs in their day-to-day happenings.

Talking With Your Hands and Listening with Your Eyes is a must have for anyone learning sign language and wanting to incorporate signing in their classroom. It was the required text, but when it came in the mail, my son recognized it from his own classroom at school. It's a complete photographic guide to learning the language. The chapters are organized by usage, and not alphabetical. For example: conversing; pronouns, people, and relationships; actions, home & clothing, etc... Even chapters on school, geography, math, communities, and science.

I want to incorporate signing in my morning and closing meetings, learning new content vocabulary, and non-verbal community signals. Seeing, hearing, and moving to new concepts and words can help students understand better, so I'm hoping this may be one strategy to help my students. As I work on my new vocabulary this summer, why this summer did I choose to learn the language? Is there a child who I may reach by using this skill? Is this a tool that I can make a difference in the life of just one? Will someone come into my life who I may reach? I can't answer these questions. All I know is I've been given this time to learn the language.

The purpose of life is not to be happy - but to matter, to be productive, to be useful, to have it make some difference that you have lived at all. ~Leo Rosten

How Full Is Your Bucket?

2010-06-19T14:11:00.014-04:00

Attending Meet The Teacher and Curriculum Nights as a parent last year, I noticed every teacher had these books displayed at the school my children attend. The premise is that everyone carries an invisible bucket around and when random acts of kindness happen "buckets" are filled. A bucket dipper is someone who tears down another person and so they are "dipping" in a bucket. This Bucket-Fillers initiative was bought in by everyone on their staff, from the top down. The teachers, parapros, cafeteria workers, custodians, and most of all the administration emphasized being bucket fillers daily. Throughout the year, the conversations were constant, even with fourth and fifth graders. What I noticed was a community that worked together making a difference.

At home, my children began talking about bucket fillers. It became talking points at dinner about how they filled someone's bucket at school. Filling a bucket can be small and not noticeable, but you are looking out for someone. As a family, our conversations about making a difference have meshed with the Bucket Filler philosophy. The other day, we rode to the school park and took grocery bags to spend time picking up trash. As they noticed how much trash there was, Austin said, "Mama, we are filling Wyandot Run's bucket by picking up trash!" He got it!

Thinking about the beginning of the year, I'm going to use this idea for my classroom, as part of my building a learning community work in September. Filling up buckets with kindness, small or big,
WE CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE!

Puppy Place and the Pool

2010-06-10T20:59:00.000-04:00

Our first official day of summer began yesterday amidst torrential rains in Central Ohio, so we trekked to the Northwest Library (my fav!) for some summer reads. Addyson and her friend were searching for the Puppy Place series. The series centers around foster dogs that make their way into various homes for training and the struggles that arise. After searching the database, Austin found the few remaining on the shelf. We walked out the door with 9 Puppy Place books!

Today, we ran some errands and headed to the pool. Both kids threw books in their pool bags and were so excited to read them. Their friends caught on to their enthusiasm and read along with them before and during the breaks. Amazing what transpires when a series captures their interests.

Our family motto:

Readers are Leaders!

And Here's To You!

2010-06-07T21:54:00.000-04:00

Over the holiday weekend, my family traveled to our hometown where we stopped in Ollie's Bargain Outlet. It has the biggest children's selection of books in the entire town. Sometimes it can be hit or miss, but I hit jackpot that weekend. And Here's To You! by David Elliot

I love this book because it celebrates the uniqueness of all creatures in a catchy verse form. As I read it aloud tonight, I found myself speaking in an announcer's voice: "Here's to the frogs! The Singing People! Frogs! Oh, I loooooove the frogs!" After every creature's uniqueness, the voice would repeat that same phrase. David Elliot and Randy Cecil did an nice job of combining verse with brilliant illustrations. I didn't think Austin was listening until before baths he said, "And Here's To Austin" in the same voice I read!

As I'm thinking about building my community next year, and tapping into their uniqueness, I can imagine my class creating their own "And Here's To You!" poem about themselves. Each one writing a page, perhaps using keynote to create a class digital book. Oh, I looooove picture books!

Sights of Summer

2010-06-05T10:57:00.000-04:00

My children anxiously await the first backyard camp-out of the summer. They have the camping genes from their father's side, not mine! Last weekend, Andy decided Sunday night would be the "Welcome Summer" camp-out. He put up the tent and built a fire, while the kids brought out their sleeping bags, pillows, and a plethora of stuffed animals.

After the smores, Austin popped up from his chair and ran inside. "I'm going to get 'The House That Jack Built' to read," he yelled as he flew past me. A minute later, he sat in his chair, by the fire, and proceeded to read aloud his book. He made sure to show us the pictures as his precious teachers have modeled for him all year. Addyson followed suit by finding her newly acquired Skippyjohn Jones book and read it for us. Only for her, darkness quickly came and she finished reading aloud by flashlight.

My heart was filled with joy as reading is not mom, dad, or teacher initiated. It's part of who they are. They are living literate lives! Thanks to all the teachers and mentors who have touched my children this year. You have changed their lives and are better for having you as their mentor!!!

The Last Day

2010-06-04T20:51:00.001-04:00

As I'm sitting in my library typing this post, remnants of the last week of school are apparent. In one corner are baskets of picture books that I want to organize into mentor texts for the beginning of the year. Books on friendship, manners, diversity: but mostly about building a community. In another corner are gifts from students, newly purchased professional books, and my books bags from school dropped from the moment I came in. In the middle are my kids' art work, summer reading programs, and brain games they were excited to look at when they got home. My kitchen is messy, laundry is clean/not folded, and my family has dispersed to their own "getting ready for the weekend" activities. Authentic evidence of how crazy the last week can be!

Our last day tradition at school is the 5th Grade Clap-In. The entire student body lines the halls clapping, as the fifth graders walk through one last time. For the adults, it can be emotional when you see that special student whom you made a difference walk through. Today, I was already teary due to a retirement breakfast speech, so the tears flowed freely. As one particular class walked by, six students broke rank and came over to hug me, boys and girls. (At this point, I was flowing like a faucet!!) What a special moment that was! I guess it's never too cool to hug a teacher.

Later, a family I had 4 years ago was out in the hall with their two toddler daughters. An amazing family that recently adopted a toddler from the Ukraine and what a beautiful family they have. The mother has been blogging about her adoption process and bringing awareness to children with special needs. As I read it tonight, one common theme was prevalent in her writing: treat each day as a gift and live a life filled with love. I'm attaching the link to Loving Alina and Bridget's Light. Bridget and Alina's mother writes with love, with gratitude, and with appreciation for her children. Check it out. It's amazing story!!

So, now that the last student has left the building, the desks are piled on top of each other, my books have been used, I think the gift I gave my students was a classroom environment filled with possibilities!

As you begin to renew yourself this summer, live each day with love and gratitude for the gifts around you.

The End of the Year

2010-05-23T08:01:00.003-04:00

Well, it is the end-of-the-school year! With a high pitched almost tangible frenzy in the air at school, I am feeling excited about summer, proud of my students accomplishments and yet I am feeling a little melancholy as well. The older I get, the more I realize that change is hard. The end of every school year brings changes to my little world. Our school will have teachers moving to different grade levels, students shuffled into different classes, and I will have a new batch of promising readers in August...a fine mix of "newbies" and "veterans."

As I have been administering the required end-of-the-year reading assessments, I have been able to reflect about what went well this year and what I would like to improve on next year. Here is my progress report: This year I think I did a really good job of nurturing a love for reading with my students. We laughed, cried and discussed lots and lots of great books. That is good...Grade=A. On the other hand, breaking words into syllables to decode continues to be tricky for my students...Grade= C+. I diligently collected photos and video clips of my students and I will give them a digital portfolio of their reading development along with their writing journals as a gift...Grade= A. I could go on and on, but certainly I did a good job in a lot of areas and of course there is room for improvement in others.

It is hard evaluating yourself honestly, but I know it is one of the most important tools that teachers can use to promote personal growth as professionals. I would love to hear about your personal successes and perhaps areas that you could improve upon as a teacher. After all, change is hard but oh so important!

Web 2.0 Tools

2010-05-08T19:01:00.002-04:00

After my son's birthday party (wild!!!), I needed some quiet downtime, so I began "playing" online. Life has been funny these last few months because I've had little time to allow myself to "play" and find something new. I've struggled to write and struggled to find some sense of calm, but tis the end-of-the year season and that's the way it is.

My friend, Tony at Learn me Sumthin', is always inspiring me to do more. Whether he knows it or not, I come away from district meetings wanting to challenge myself after talking to him. Tonight, I typed Web 2.0 tools into google and came up with this hub called Go2Web20 . It's an index of many Web 2.0 tools and categorized for easy finding. While I haven't tried to see if it's blocked at school, I'm wondering what all could take place if our students knew of this Web Hub of applications. There's kid video sites, survey sites, art sites, educational game sites, collaboration tools, and more. What if purposeful assignments took place on a Web 2.0 tool? What if students' could not wait until they could get online to continue their learning? What if....? So many avenues to explore. I'm going to be thinking about what I can do with this site and see how to use it purposefully.

IWEB: Electronic Portfolios

2010-05-08T08:26:00.001-04:00

As the year is winding down, I've been reflecting on my purpose for having my students create Iweb portfolios. Originally, our tech specialist asked my class to experiment on this application and see what all it could do. So, we focused second trimester creating, adding, experimenting, and sharing ideas together.

When my colleagues and I had a brainstorming session, a big disadvantage was that students could not work on these at home because it was solely intranet. If we truly want students to internalize and apply classroom learning, bridging that home/school connection is a must. That's why so many Web 2.0 tools are becoming ever popular with students to explore. It matters not what platform you use, PC or MAC, one only needs access to the internet.

Now my scope has changed. The IWEB has become a centralized place to house their learning. Whether working on Pages, ComicLife, Kidspiration, or more, my students transfer their finished products to their Iweb pages. They have even imported quick movies to document their reflections and to keep book lists of all they read. My student, N, is learning how to import Garageband into Iweb. It's an application I'm playing with and want my students to try this year. The latest step was to connect our pages together and create a more website look. The last week of school, parents will be coming in to see what all they have done and we'll burn everything to a cd. As I think about next year, my goal is to begin early enough and keep adding all throughout the year.

My passion has always been primary students and their learning. The possibilities with this application are endless. If first and second graders created their portfolio with a couple pages, continue on throughout their elementary career, think about the growth we would see when they left as fifth graders!! As a fourth grader, they could look at something they created in first or second grade. It may spark ideas for other projects or new ideas. But, what an authentic Mentor Text. This is also a wonderful tool for parent/teacher conferences. I showed each students' portfolio on the smartboard to parents and they enjoyed seeing a visual snapshot into their child's learning.

Thinking about my Big Ideas for learning next year, the IWEB is going to be a place to begin learning together, and a continuum of learning throughout the year.

Learning is a treasure that will follow its owner everywhere. ~Chinese Proverb

National Poem in Your Pocket Day-April 29th

2010-04-28T19:40:00.001-04:00

Tomorrow...National Poem in Your Pocket Day. Our school literacy committee has been promoting this day. We created a "pocket" template for each student to write or copy their favorite poem on and keep it in their pocket all day. It's something to bring an awareness to poetry (National Poetry Month), an awareness to poetry analogies and books, and an awareness to literacy.

Fifth graders took flip cams around the school and shot clips of students and teachers reading their poems. They've been sharing them on the morning announcements live video feed all week. Primary and intermediate buddies got together to work on their poems for the day. At the end of the day on Friday, we're having a Poem In Your Pocket Pop! A time where the whole school is focused on reading and sharing poetry. I'm excited to see so much enthusiasm for something so little, so small, but can reap great rewards.

I've been thinking about what poem will be in my pocket and I chose bubble wrap because I LOVE popping it. We are forever receiving packages at our home because of my husband's work and my favorite thing is to lay the bubble wrap on the kitchen floor and dance on it. My children enjoy hearing the popping sound and join in. A little elementary, I know, but it makes me sooooooo happy. I laugh. I smile. I live in the moment.

Bubble Wrap, Bubble Wrap

Bubble wrap, bubble wrap,
pop, pop, pop.
Wrapped around my bottom.
Wrapped around my top.

I'm double-wrapped in bubble wrap
It's covering my clothes.
It's wrapped around my fingers.
It's wrapped around my toes.

I've wrapped myself in bubble wrap
exactly as I'd planned.
But now I'm tied so tightly,
I can barely even stand.

I'm having trouble walking.
I can hardly even hop.
I guess I'll have to roll today.
Pop, pop, pop.

Have a great Poem in Your Pocket day tomorrow!!!

The 2 P's

2010-04-18T13:32:00.000-04:00

Passion and Perseverance have been coming up in the world around me. Whether I am listening to talks or reading, these two powerful words are present everywhere.

Perseverance is a team sport that requires the giving, as well as, the receiving of encouragement. Since Spring Break, every message, lesson, and concept seems to be clicking with my treasures. The understanding of math concepts begun in December is clicking. Utilizing classroom resources for their inquiry writing is becoming ingrained and thinking about their next read is a constant. My treasures have persevered because of daily encouragement from myself, their peers, and their family. They keep on keeping on because they know someone will be there to encourage them throughout their endeavors. Springtime is when all our hard work is blossoming from the long, hard winter and we reap the rewards from our encouragement.

Passion: using your natural talent to drive your personal passion. Last year, I fell in love with The ELEMENT by Sir Ken Robinson. His entire message centers on passionate living and finding our path. If we are passionate about what we do, getting up in the morning isn't a chore; it's our destiny. For me, I need to reread his book. Not because I'm not passionate about my teaching. Teaching is my passion. Teaching is my destiny. Teaching is my love. But, because I need to keep on keeping on to renew that passion for my love of learning.

Passion and Perseverance: together they can change everything!

Spring Break

2010-03-26T05:43:00.000-04:00

Late into the night, I was finishing the last touches of my packing when I looked out the window. Imagine my surprise...2 inches of snow blanketing the ground. I'm looking forward to seeing the sun continuously and reading. Nothing big. Nothing fancy. Just me, my family, and my books. To all on spring break, Rest, Renew, and READ!!! Carpe Diem!

Ken Robinson on standardized testing

2010-03-24T21:38:00.001-04:00

Ken Robinson on standardized testing

Posted using ShareThis

Learning is not a Race!

2010-03-24T06:27:00.000-04:00

For those of us who blog and many who do not, teaching is a Passion. Learning is not a race, but a journey. It's not a line segment, but a line that continues on infinitely. We are always moving further on the continuum to help our treasures become stronger readers and writers, powerful mathematicians, and problem-solvers. And yet, those who do not teach and have never been in a classroom, write education policy and tests. They use words like value-added, achievement, standardized, Race to The Top, and common assessments, all the while throwing in 21st Century Learning ideas and thoughts. How can you measure problem-solving? How can you show all the growth of a child in one 2 1/2 hour test?

Imagine G: she is very creative and is not afraid to share what she is thinking. While it does not always come out positively, I know she is constantly thinking. In January she told me, "Mrs. Archer, for some reason I don't like the words Mentor Text. I don't like the way it sounds or feels when I say it." Last week, she shared with me that she was using another student's quilt square as a mentor text for her own. She has internalized what a mentor text is.

L: There is a reading pattern from previous years: cannot choose books or stay engaged. As of last week, he had read 22 books and can read for longer periods of time.

N: He is now taking ownership of his work and is striving to complete quality projects.

C: One of my promising mathematicians: she has recently shown a lot of growth and feels math is not a 4-letter word.

Each student spent 12 weeks creating an electronic portfolio of their writing, reading, and reflections of math and content areas.

How do you measure these celebrations with a multiple choice, short answer, and extended response test? One answer: you cannot. Ann Marie Corgill quoted Albert Einstein yesterday on her blog: Not everything that can be counted counts, and not everything that counts can be counted.
She also has a great powerpoint by Marion Brady on this message. Check it out!

So at 9:00am today, I will welcome my treasures in my room. I will close the doors and celebrate the learning that counts. The learning that cannot be measured and the unique treasures in my room. I will conference with my friends on their "How-To" projects. I will talk about their reading choices. More importantly, we will learn and celebrate our growth. When I begin to feel boxed in because of common assessment tests, standardized tests, and achievement tests, I will step back and celebrate Learning That Counts.

Spring Break Reading List

2010-03-23T11:58:00.000-04:00

I LOVE planning for vacations. Mostly, I LOVE planning what I'll be reading while I'm lounging in the Sun. I always have some ideas, but need to check out Amazon reviews and bookstores. The past two days I had Book Dates with each of my children. We head out to the bookstores and library to get our vacation reading material. For me, it's always a challenge packing. I tend to go lighter on clothes and heavier on the books. I can always do laundry!! My only goal is to keep all luggage carryon!

My Son's Reading List:

Curious George and the Pizza Party, Curious George Goes to the Chocolate Factory, a Cars book, a Nemo book, and Ranger Rick magazines. We also have a travel journal to write in because I'm taking them out of school. (Our spring breaks did not match this year!)

My Daughter's Reading List:

Fancy Nancy Poison Ivy Expert, Thumbelina, 2 Cam Jansen's mysteries, Highlights magazines, and a travel journal.

My Reading List:

The Lucky One: Nicholas Sparks (a light read)

The Friday Night Knitting Club: Kate Jacobs (strong women characters)

Magnolia Wednesdays: Wendy Wax (a quick pick-up at the store)

Born to Run: Christopher McDougall (inspiration to get back running)

Crazy for the Storm: Norman Ollestad (saw the book at Starbucks)

Drive (heard about it through morning news shows and friends)

My husband chose to stay home this year. He's tearing up carpet and putting down wood floors. He most likely won't be reading much but the internet and instruction manuals.

What are you going to be reading next week?

Sprouts of Spring

2010-03-21T15:35:00.000-04:00

My winter hibernation is over! (I read over 14 mystery/thrillers during my hibernation period!!!) I must be a daylight savings girl because as soon as the time changed, so did my willingness to exercise. I was at the gym 4 days this week. For me, I need the SUN! Not so much for heat, but for light. When the gray, cold winter air hits, I come home from school, change into my comfy clothes, and take a nap. But, Spring has Sprung.

Saturday, I woke up, had my daily fix of coffee, and went for my first pedicure since summer. (I know it's truly spring, now.) There's something about having pretty toes and shoes to showcase them in. When I came home, my kids and I went outside. Last summer, my daughter tried to ride a 2-wheeler, but continued to struggle. She used different strategies, but her confidence was shot. Finally, she gave up and used her scooter for everything.

So, we began practicing again. A year older, and a year stronger. Amazingly, she did it. She was riding past with a sense of accomplishment. We were able to go on a mile bike ride. My goal is to be able to ride to the pool (1 1/2 miles) this summer. I'll even be able to run alongside them now. Yeah, Addy!

This afternoon, I went for my first 3 mile run. There is something about running outside, seeing the flowers come to life, and listening to the birds chirp. I love Spring! Carpe Diem!

Cultural Self-Portraits

2010-03-18T20:18:00.001-04:00

As I blogged earlier, we used our People in Societies standard as a branching off point to paint our self-portraits and discuss our heritage. We glued them on 9x18 black construction paper, and then ran them through the laminator. My thinking is to keep these up all year-long (provided the fire marshall okays it) and add their writing pieces to them. The plastic bags are for their Author's Statement to reflect and share their inspiration. Currently, the watering cans are reflections of how they have grown as a writer this year. Growing Writers... imagine if these are used all throughout the year to showcase student work, what a powerful and authentic message for our Growing Writers. Thanks, Ann Marie Corgill.

Intermediate Learning Mats

2010-03-18T11:19:00.000-04:00

My friend, Cathy Mere and her teaching partner, Deb presented at the Dublin Literacy Conference on goal-setting with young learners. I am always excited to hear primary teachers talk about ideas, and then I up the ante for my fourth graders. After all, my friend Ann Marie Corgill says intermediate learners are just big primary learners.

Anyways, they shared these learning mats that each student utilizes for conferring and referencing during workshops. One side has their reading and writing goal, along with an alphabet chart for placing words they're unsure of spelling. Math "tools" were glued on the other side: a hundreds chart, math goal, and more. I simplified it for my intermediate friends and placed an area for math vocabulary and definitions. Once laminated, they have become a daily reference for all my learners. Just an idea...

The Power of One: Part 2

2010-03-13T09:08:00.001-05:00

Our discussions have led us to writing about what we could do to make a difference. After viewing the video, my treasures began focusing on what we have termed "power words." Teamwork, Effort, Perseverance, Believe, Unstoppable, Unique, Can: they each chose their power word and began webbing ideas. As Lisa and I conferenced while they were writing, a pattern emerged. While they understood the meaning of the word, they needed to work on specifics. What can they do more than encourage with quotes?

Lisa, who is the ying to my yang, spoke on passion. She shared that my treasure, G, has a passion for reading. He reads at latchkey. He's the last one to leave for related arts because he is so caught up in his book. How could G use his passion to make a difference in his part of the world? Another treasure, L, has a passion for sports. He is one of my promising readers, but has read every book on sports and loved them. What could L do to use his passion of sports to make a difference? That gave my treasures some thoughts to think about over the weekend as we prepare for the video-making process.

In the midst of a project that I love, my mind whirls with possiblities. During our discussion on power words, I thought of my new love for painting in the classroom. How could I use this? In thinking about a clip in the movie, Chrissa Stands Strong, my treasures are going to paint their power words to create a class quilt of making a difference. I'm excited about the impact it could have on those around us.

The Power of Using Mentor Texts

2010-03-07T08:13:00.008-05:00

A couple of months ago, "Tigger" (my 9 yr. old promising reader) and I went to our favorite local book store, Cover to Cover. We treasure our visits. We have a routine we follow...We browse. We flip. We build a big pile of books that must be read right there and then. After we have had our fill, we purchase just one or two must have titles.

Rhyming Dust Bunnies by Jan Thomas was a must have. My son and I giggled our way through the brightly colored, adorable tale about dust bunnies! We fell in love with all of the playful characters and their rhyming ways, but the blue dust bunny, Bob was our clear favorite. Bob doesn't always rhyme because he needs to alert the other dust bunnies of pending danger!

As a mom, I purchased this book because we both loved it! However, as a teacher, I bought it because I could see that the structure, visual layout, the story and the endearing characters would make for a wonderful mentor text for writers of all ages!

Recently I shared the book with two classes: fourth and first grades. Of course, both classes laughed out loud and begged for me to read it again and again, but the writing that came from it was powerful! The fourth graders extended the story in creative ways and the first graders...Well, take a look at the photos and see for yourself.

Mentor texts are one of our most powerful tools in our "teaching toolbox." What are some of your favorite mentor texts, blog readers???

Right To Read Week: Favorite Book Characters

2010-03-06T10:50:00.000-05:00

Alvin Ho and
Fancy Nancy

The Power of One!!

2010-03-06T09:48:00.002-05:00

Make a Difference in Your Corner of the World: the centralized theme my class has been focusing on through our read alouds. It all began with the Freedom on the Menu book in early February, and has spread like a ripple in the ocean. Youtube has some great videos on this message, and I've been converting them to share at school. This morning, I found the perfect song for my class. The Power of One blends the message of historical figures who made change and the unsung heroes of today in a music video.
Enjoy the message and become THE POWER OF ONE in your little corner of the world!!
You can make a difference!
(for those of you who've embedded the entire videos before, would you send me instructions!)

To Paint or Not To Paint

2010-03-03T22:06:00.003-05:00

I DID IT!! I managed to have a full classroom painting at the same time and I never "wigged" out until the cleanup process. Painting has always been the one medium I have feared in my teaching career. While not rational, my thoughts would run rapid of all the "what ifs" when I would introduce paint. I know learning is messy. I understand kids need to do. I recognize the need for artistic expression. BUT, what if paint got on their clothes, the carpet, all over: what would I do?!!!!

Referring to my favorite characters...Alvin Ho and Scarredy Squirrel...I devised a fool proof plan.

Mrs. Archer's Painting Preparation Process:

1. Buy paint and brushes....check
2. Secure painting area (a.k.a the cafeteria)...check
3. Spend prep time sketching portraits and tracing with crayon...check
4. Line tables with drop clothes...check
5. Make a visual aid (chart) of clean-up jobs and the student responsible...check
6. Pack multiple cleaning aids to the painting area...check
7. Bring a Diet Coke or Cup of Coffee for Mrs. Archer...I FORGOT!

As you can see, I was very detailed in my preparation. My treasures painted with precision, waiting in line for their next colors. Through their own schema, they began mixing paint to create the specific color they were seeking. It was smooth! The portraits are amazing! (Will be sharing at a later post!) Then, as with all projects, some began finishing at different times. "What do I do now, Mrs. Archer? Is it time for recess? Are we going to recess? Can I help do something?" Aghhhhhh! I forgot to plan some "what do I do when I'm done" stuff because we weren't in our classroom. Then, it went crazy
( in my head) and my treasures were everywhere. After much meandering, loitering, and dancing (yes,some of my treasures love to dance!)all the materials were cleaned up, spotless, and inspected. It went well, and I'll do it again.
But, I will always remember: to take deep calming breaths (especially during cleanup), bring a diet coke for me, and that could make all the difference!

Not Good Enough?

2010-02-27T18:14:00.001-05:00

As part of the Daisy Troop Cookie Drive, my daughter, her friend A, and the mothers sold cookies at Old Navy today. As all mothers do, we began chatting away on a variety of topics. (Both of our husbands travel extensively for work, so I've found another mom who identifies with me!!) Our conversation turned to school, and I soon became saddened by what she shared.

She volunteers as part of the school Kids Reads program, and mentors a young kindergarten child. As her meetings progressed, she felt the child was reading okay and had a conversation with the teacher. What transpired, bothered and saddened this mom. Because the school district has a high achieving clientele, the gap between those working on grade level and those above grade level is so great. This kindergarten child was one at grade level and the teacher was using the mentor to help bridge that gap. My heart cried for this young child.

This mom also shared that her daughter, A, is one of those students. Her teacher is asking her to frontload A with material at home so that she can be ready when those concepts are introduced. A is doing homework all the time. I gave the mom my favorite educational website www.gamequarium.com that A can do at home, which is more fun than paper/pencil worksheets.

All afternoon I've been marinating this notion that "on grade level" is not good enough. What are we teaching our students at the young age of 6 or 7? Where is the differentiation? If a true workshop model was in place, wouldn't kids like A succeed along their own continuum? Children need to be cherished and honored for the work they do. When I think of all the great leaders of our time, were they told they were not good enough?

Global Community?

2010-02-27T09:10:00.003-05:00

NCTE's 21st Century Framework is my GPS for moving my students into the 21st Century, but the component of sharing with a global community is one that my colleagues and I in our district are trying to achieve, while working within the confinds of our out-dated technology policy. Most of our student work needs to be password-protected and not shared with the outside world. I have even had a parent concern about placing work on our school's intranet, so for me this issue is one dear to my heart.

Listening to Tim Tyson at the Dublin Lit Conference, I was convicted that I need to find global avenues for my students to share. His students work, if the qualifications were met, was posted for a global audience. The students internalized his message, and he found global avenues for them to share. After a few days of marinating on the issue while sitting through hours of painful national testing for fourth graders, I thought of some ideas:

1. Jeni's Ice Cream came and spoke about it's business practices as a tip-off for economics. We wrote thank you letters to the speakers when one of my treasures said, "Mrs. Archer, are they really going to read them?" Ouch...everything we do must have an audience and purpose. Yes, I copied their letter on colored paper and sent them the next day. Future ideas: taste-testing 4 flavors and writing reviews to send to Jeni's. (thanks, Ann Marie Corgill) It may not be global, but the audience is in our small part of Columbus.

2. My brief Freedom on the Menu read aloud blossomed into a month-long study of those who made change. A seed was planted and through other picture books, mostly fiction, we'll tackle how my treasures can make a difference, big or small in a little piece of their world. Through painting, videos, photography,and more, my treasures will be creating a class video on making change. My thought is to burn dvd's and send them out, but I've got to tackle the parent/district paremeters first. Any other ideas?
Change the World in 5 Minutes a Day At School gave me the inspiration! (Next on my learning continuum, learning how to embed youtube videos!)

Sharing with a global community is the one facet that is limiting my treasures. Like Tony at Learn Me Sumthin' has posted, we need to move forward, even if our hand is slapped! It's easier to ask forgiveness, than permisson!

Kevin's Meadering Mind Podcast

2010-02-24T22:35:00.004-05:00

Kevin's Powerful Meadering Mind: I didn't get a chance to see Kevin Hodgson because I was in other sessions, but Tony from Learn Me Sumthin and Mary from Teaching in the Tech Frontier raved about his Meadering Mind. Mine has been working in overdrive since the conference and I flipped over to his blog tonight and listened to his podcast reflection on Tim Tyson's technology movement in his school. I'm posting the link (scroll to Feb. 22) because I cannot do it justice...all I can say is WOW and AMEN!! For those of you wanting to move faster and farther than districts will "allow", Kevin shares what it took for Tim Tyson to go up against district and technology administrators and get most of his teachers blogging weekly.
It's a must "hear" podcast for teachers, administrators, and district officials.
Enjoy! I'd like to hear your thoughts.

Ann Marie Corgill-Dublin Lit

2010-02-23T20:09:00.000-05:00

Earlier Lisa blogged about Tim Tyson and how he rocked the house with his message. My post is about Ann Marie Corgill's sessions and her book Of Primary Importance. Whenever I find a professional book that I identify and center my workshops around, the author becomes by Book BFF. When I began teaching fourth grade, Aimee Buckner was my BFF with her book, Notebook Know-How.

Of Primary Importance author, Ann Marie Corgill is my new BFF. (I even told her that at the conference. I'm a teacher paparazzi!!) I saw her at NCTE, and read her book afterwards. I'm rereading it and marking it up with my own personal thoughts. Her message is simple:

Children and their work needs to be celebrated and honored daily.

Thoughts from the book:

She believes that students succeed when teachers possess the six A's:

Analyze, Ask, Applaud, Assist, Assess, and Advocate.

The most important thing I learned is that being you, being unique, being the teacher you are while teaching what's expected and what's appropriate for children is what matters most.

If you know the why, you can invent the how to teach it.

Believe that less is more. If you cover less, you'll uncover more with your students.

Her book isn't a how-to, but more like a GPS guide to keep you moving in the "write" (no pun intended) direction.

I love her message, and I hope there is an opportunity for me to see her again. But, for now, she's my new BFF.

21st Century Learning at Dublin Literacy Conference

2010-02-21T09:25:00.005-05:00

As a committee member this year, I had the pleasure of being Dr. Tim Tyson's hostess at the Dublin Literacy Conference. Prior to meeting him, I did my homework...I read his blog, watched his keynote speech from the NECC conference, and read through the his bios. I started to think of him as my little "techno-nerd." I was nervous about meeting him. Although I am fascinated with technology and the possibilities it presents for me as an educator, I have been a slow, cautious "promising" learner when it comes to technology. I started to wonder, what would we talk about? How could I intelligently contribute to our conversations? What would he think when he soon discovered that I am a "techno-neonate?"

On Friday night, when I picked him up at the airport, my fears were quickly put to rest. He was a kind, thoughtful, reflective man who easily chatted a variety of subject ranging from our "lovely" Columbus weather to what scientific research has shown what motivates human beings...and that was just on the way to the restaurant. Over a delicious meal with other authors and committee members, I quickly realized that we, the "techno-nerd" and "techno-neonate" had a lot in common.

On Saturday morning, Dr. Tyson delivered an amazing keynote speech to start the conference off with a "techno-BANG!" As he stood up on stage, he transformed himself from a quiet, humble "techno-nerd," to an entertaining, magical "techno-WIZARD!" He waved his magic wand (ok, it was really his Ipod touch, but work with me...) and showed us numerous number of amazing applications and enticed us by showing with the possible implications for using them in the schools. The "techno-WIZARD" was on a roll! Carefully woven throughout his presentation, he urged us to to think BIG by asking us questions like...How are we, as educators, going to help our students leverage the power they have to create meaning? How are we going empower our students' so they can reach their human potential? How are we going to continue to edit and revise our thinking?

Toward the end of his magic show, I was worried. My "techno-neonate" brain was full and overwhelmed. However, I should have known, that the "techno-WIZARD" is wise to the ways of mere humans... My brain may have been full, but my heart still had room...He waved his magic wand once more, and showed a beautiful short movie created by students who also had been empowered to think BIG by Dr. Tyson. As the session ended, I wiped the tears off my cheeks, and realized that we are living during an amazing time of change. As educators, parents and citizens, it is our responsibility to use the gifts of technology to help us make our world better!

Thank you for visiting Dublin, Dr. Tim Tyson!

Small Moment in The Checkout Line

2010-02-17T20:29:00.000-05:00

I was looking at my treasures today, thinking about the next testing days and the OAT's to come. Have I done enough teaching the testing genre? Will they do well? Will they have test anxiety and not perform? I know..tests don't make the student. I hear you. You're speaking to the choir. But, it is a reality.

Rushing to Sam's afterschool for a 7lb bag of mints, I smiled and waved hello to a parent I had last year. Her son was unique and had some quirks, but he shined in technology and reading. She didn't recognize me, so she came over for a chat. Once she realized her son was in my class, our conversation took on more than a friendly fly-by. She shared with me that he is a reader now and loves it. "You brought it out in him. He wasn't into books before, but whatever you did, Thank You. You expected him to read and set the bar high enough for him to achieve." I thanked her, but it really was finding that book, that spark in him so he can thrive, succeed in the classroom. It was showing myself as a reader, working through strategies in my own practice. It was having book talks, book choice, and a devoted time to reading in the classroom.

It's these little moments that pop up when you need them most. My treasures will take with them a love for reading. Thank you, Mrs. S for sharing your son with me last year. I learned from him, also.

The Power of Rereading!

2010-02-16T13:29:00.000-05:00

Between snow and illness, I've been absent from school for 7 days. While I could do little but lay in bed, I was able to read. I had finished all the books I got from the library, so I went to my shelves and grabbed some "fun" reads again. I never tire of rereading some genres. They aren't heavy reads, but quick. I anticipate the pivotal moments. I get lost in the setting and even imagine myself there. I lose myself in the books, even if my head is ready to explode!

Throughout this past week, I started thinking about the power of rereading and my own practice. I read the same series of books every June, to acclimate myself into summer mode. My treasures need to reread, like I do. It helps their fluency. It helps their comprehension. But mostly, it's helps them enjoy and relish the book. Newsweek had an article in June, "The Pleasures of ReReading." David Gates shares some of his favorite rereads and why. We all have our reasons for our book choices and rereads.
Question: What books do you reread?

It is what you read when you don't have to that determines what you will be when you can't help it. ~Oscar Wilde

IWEB WONDER: Part Deux

2010-02-05T20:08:00.000-05:00

These past few weeks, my treasures have been working diligently creating their Iweb portfolios. They've been adding pages, graphics, and text to make this project completely personalized. Some have created movies where they've read their own writing. Others learned how to import documents they've created from other applications. There are some drawbacks, but it's something that is working for my students. All in all, it's been a learning experience for everyone, including myself.

I am grateful for our tech specialist. She is truly a gem and I am thankful for all her help and guidance. I can throw out an idea and she knows how to get it from my head to their computers. I wanted their portfolios published to the intranet and linked to mine so that I could share them at parent- teacher conferences last evening. By 3pm, we were good to go. Thank you, Laura.

I projected their iwebs onto the smart board for each conference. My favorite moments were watching the parents' eyes light up as they read about their child and what they had created. They were able to see a "Books They've Read" page, science experiment reflections, writings, and more. I shared the process, purpose, and evaluation tools of the project. I shared how we'll burn this to a dvd at the end of the year. I shared how I'm going to use this from here on out. All the parents were excited about this project.

However, some concerns were brought to my attention about the security and safety of children during one meeting and together we found some alternative ways for the child to continue. Since then, I've been doing some heavy thinking in the last 24 hours.

First, this new 21st Century world is scary and unknown for those who grew up in the 20th Century. The "what could possibly happen" in the online world, whether INTRANET or INTERNET, is a valid concern for parents that cannot be discounted by educators. If we want to be 21st Century thinkers, we also need to be prepared to find some alternatives that would serve the same purpose if parents are uncomfortable with some of our projects.

Second, I need to learn and move at the speed that works for my needs and comfort level. Lately, I've felt so inadequate with my Smartboard knowledge and other online learning tools. BUT, I am doing something that will move my students to 21st Century thinking. I may not be doing everything out there, but I am doing something.

Lastly, TRY. Some ideas may work for you, and some may not. But, be willing, open, and flexible to try. It's what we'd want our students to do.

50th Anniversary of Woolworth Sit-In

2010-02-01T19:08:00.001-05:00

This morning, I was mentally preparing myself for what my mini-lesson would be during Reader's Cafe when I was stopped by a teacher down the hall sharing with me that today marks the 50th anniversary of the sit-in at Woolworth's. She showed me this book was in our book collection. My mind began working in overdrive because earlier this month we listened to the book March On by the sister of Martin Luther King, Jr.

Here's what we'd do: I'd hook up the elmo so they could see the pictures enlarged and we'd jot our thinking and questions throughout the book. I wanted to see what information they could pull from the previous read aloud and draw conclusions on their own.

I'd never read this book before but the illustrations brought the experience to life. My treasures could see the difference between the white and black drinking fountains. They began to recognize how hard it was back then for folks of different color. Later that day, we were reading Time For Kids when the back had a timeline of the Path To Freedom. The Greensboro Sit-in was on it.

But, for them it's a topic of study as for me. During a professional development time with Lester Laminack, he was sharing how everything can be taught using picture books. He began sharing some wonderful literature about the Civil Rights Movement. He made a statement that I've been marinating on ever since...for those 40 and under, the Civil Rights Movement is a topic of study. It's not real to them. For those over 40, we lived it.
For students to understand history, they need to read about it through powerful literature and read alouds. They need to read fiction, non-fiction, and literary non-fiction. Getting a collection of books for your unit of study will make it real for your treasures. Tomorrow, a follow-up discussion. Some things cannot be planned! Live in the moment and enjoy your treasures!

"Watch out! I've got my spy book!"

2010-01-31T07:12:00.007-05:00

I love when everything goes right! This week, after over 9 months of planning, children's author, professional writer and unofficial comedian, Lester Laminack came to our school for 2 whole days. As the chair of the Literacy Committee, I helped organize this amazing event for our students and staff. This was a new, scary experience for me, but I am so glad that I took the plunge.

In preparation for his visits, our teachers decorated the hallways like Christmas was a comin'. There were beautiful displays! Little "first grade" snowmen adorn with the kids' photos were tacked up all along the main corridor to welcome our new friend, Lester. There were displays of interesting collections of 100 that included snowflake chains, 100 ways to say "Hello!", equations that equal 100 and much more. Upstairs, there was poetry written by children, life stories inspired by the author, precious "doily" snowmen and even podcasts that were done on student laptops. The school climate was electric!

Lester is a pro! During his time with our Pinney students, he established his expectations right from the start. He crouched down in front of them and looked every student directly in the eye and said with his thick, serious southern drawl, "While I am here, you will be kind to one another. That means you will not be rude! You will not try to talk over someone. You will not prevent someone else from participating. I will not tolerate rudeness!" With eyes as big as saucers, the kids, big and small, nodded that they got the message! Then, as if he had been stung by a bee, he then propelled himself into ACTION. For eight 45 minutes sessions over two days, he preformed. Sometimes he stood on one leg in a yoga pose. Other times his thin legs were turned in pigeon toed and he would sway back and forth like a young child, while he shared, entertained, acted, explained and inspired our students and staff to write!

Although it is difficult to explain his sessions, because most of the time his thinking was like his body, a blur of motion. (He explained to the children that his brain is wired differently. He has A.D.D.). One common theme was carefully, artfully woven throughout his presentations...You can write and I am going to show you how. With all the drama one man can muster up, he whispered to the children that he was going to let them in on a little secret....He's a spy and he has a spy notebook! He showed them how he keeps it in his back pocket and everyone thinks it is his wallet. In his spy notebook with his carefully concealed spy pen, he records real observations about real people. He proceeded to show us all how his spy notes allow him to record observations that he can use later to weave amazing stories.

Watch out! Our students and staff now have Lester Laminack inspired "spy notebooks and pens" (aka $.25 pads from Big Lots and Bic pens)in our pockets. But, more importantly, we have Lester's messages and memories of his visit carefully etched in our hearts.

PS He also did a hour and one half professional development session after school. I will blog about that at a later date. Of course, all I have to do is look at the notes in my "spy notebook."

All Things At Once

2010-01-29T20:46:00.001-05:00

Previously, I wrote about my avid interest in news and news media. I wake up every morning early enough to catch a hour of my favorite news show, Morning Joe on MSNBC. Since we only subscribe to the newspaper on the weekends, this is how I keep up with the current news and political viewpoints on all issues. Mika Brzezinski is one of the cohosts, so I wanted to read her new book she wrote about working moms and choices we make. While we strive to have All Things At Once, it's difficult to balance.

She writes about choices she has made and how they are right for her family. She tried staying home for a while, but her family was miserable. She cannot cook, clean, or fold laundry very well. She shares her struggles at being a woman in the media and trying to always prove herself worthy of every story, every promotion, and describes her constant feelings of self-doubt. The one line I remember when she was describing her climb and fall up the journalistic ladder was..."Keep your head down and let your work speak for itself." Her daughters realized being a journalist is who their mom is. They understand that the news stories complete her. Her daughters are seeing a strong women compete in the media world and succeed.

As a mother myself, I am constantly fighting that working mom guilt. I try to be balanced all the time between work and school, but one always wins. I even tried to make jello jigglers in the letter A for my daughter's birthday treat instead of the quick Kroger ones. A week of nightly jello making, 10 pans wasted, and we ended up buying the cutout bears at Kroger, which she wanted in the first place. The kitchen may never be where I succeed in life, yet it's not for lack of trying.

BUT, my children will see a woman leave for school everyday with books in her bag. My children will have a love for learning because they see me researching online. My children will learn from experimenting because I try my school ideas on them first. My children will have a passion for reading because their mother is always reading, going to the library, and buying books. My children will see someone who is excited for those one or two weekends where I can attend professional conferences to become better at my practice. My children are loved and know that being a teacher is who I am. While I am a wife and mother first, being a teacher is the other third that completes me. For every woman out there, All Things At Once is a motivational book to read, to think, and to celebrate your choice and place in this world.

The more you praise and celebrate your life,
the more there is in life to celebrate.

Oprah Winfrey

Making Connections

2010-01-24T08:48:00.002-05:00

Last night I finished a book that my friend gave me for Christmas. Cowboy & Wills by Monica Holloway, is a true love story about a boy and a dog. Sounds simple right? Well that is what I thought until about half way through the book. Wills, the boy, has autism and his constant companion, a golden retriever puppy, Cowboy, has doggy lupus. Can you see where this is heading? I did and I couldn't stop reading until I was finished.

It got ugly...not the book, ME! Big ugly sobs were flying vertically out of my eyes as the author described her own emotions of telling her precious son, Wills, about his beloved, Cowboy. This coupled with congestion that would put the Hoover Dam to shame, I was a hot mess and I loved every minute of it. At one point, it was down right comical. I was crying so hard that my glasses were actually fogging up, making it impossible for me to read. I tried taking them off, which helped clear the fog, but then the words on the page were so blurred I still couldn't read. I finally perfected a simple procedure of wipe, blow, wipe, etc. It reminded me of the time when I was a kid and my mom's windshield wiper broke. She had her balled-up jacket in one hand wiping the windshield as she steered with the other. Needless to say, we made it to our destination that day, and I finished the book.

This experience made me think about the powerful connections readers make with books and how important and motivating that connection is...As an educator that works with promising readers, kiddos who learning to read has not been easy, I strive to find books that children can connect with in their own lives. Many of my readers haven't had an experience with a book that compels them to laugh out loud, get mad or even, as in my case, get ugly!

Alvin Ho: Allergic To Camping, Hiking, and Other Natural Disasters

2010-01-20T20:29:00.002-05:00

He CRACKS me up!! Monday, after a delicious breakfast visit with my blogger friends, my family headed to the library. While they were looking for their choices, I was thinking of my treasures as I perused the shelves. I grabbed Alvin Ho: Allergic to Camping, Hiking, and Other Natural Disasters on the way out. (I, too, am allergic to camping!)

I began reading it that evening and was laughing hysterically. My husband (an avid camper who does not read fiction) picked it up and finished it in one sitting. He, too, found humor in this quick read. I've been raving about it to my class and will bring it to school tomorrow.

Alvin is like Scaredy Squirrel, Moxy Maxwell, and Clementine all rolled in one human form. He makes lists, plans, and thinks of the worst possible scenarios on every adventure. Alvin has an imagination that can take him to Mesopotamia during a dream, enlists his uncle for secret survival tips, and persuades his entire recess gang to go "camping" on the playground in their underwear. I can definitely see my boys and girls laughing hysterical during reading workshop. Because I think my treasures could identify with Alvin, my next read aloud may be Alvin Ho: Allergic to Girls, School, and Other Scary Things!

I'm at the point where Alvin thinks he's in a tornado, when actually it's a thunderstorm. Gotta go finish it before tomorrow! Happy Reading!

Iweb Wonder Adventure

2010-01-13T19:06:00.000-05:00

Iweb is an intranet site (I think...?) that can be viewed throughout our district and our tech specialist shared some of the possibilities with me. So Monday, my treasures and I began what I am titling, "The Iweb Wonder Adventure." She showed us what are some of the possibilities with the project, and off they went. They have already figured out how to add video and podcasts to their page.

Since I had not created my own, I was learning with them. (After all, they need to see us take risks in our learning, too!) They chose their theme, created a Welcome and About Me page, and then their own blog page. My goal is for them to write their narrative as they go through the process on the blog page, and create other blog pages for different purposes. This will be the place where their poetic literary essay will be published.

Some of the things we learned:
1. Some themes will only type in all caps. That's an issue once we begin composing and publishing authentic writing works.
2. We had some difficulty linking everyone's site together, so that will need to be worked out.

Tomorrow, I'm going to let them play and figure some things out on their own. They are definitely tech savy! Has anyone used this application? Any hints, comments, suggestions would be appreciated!

I am the Weather Goddess!

2010-01-08T14:03:00.000-05:00

Today is our very first Snow Day of the season!! They are becoming few and far between because of new state guidelines, but this was not a normal storm. Others doubted my prediction that we would have at the very least a 2 hour delay and emailed me last night that they would see me tomorrow. (I'm not naming any names, but you know who you are!) I am very in tune with the national weather, see what is heading our way, and knew that we would get a huge hit. Even when it began yesterday with early dismissals, a delay or cancellation was in our forecast. Beginning at 5:15am, I began checking online and by 5:30am, I knew that we would have a snow day!! I AM THE WEATHER GODDESS!!!

As we began our first week, my class and I started looking at recurring themes in our reading and writing. Our school will be hosting Lester Laminack at the end of the month, so I used his Snow Day picture book as a mentor text for our poetry study. We looked at various forms of poetry and began writing some of our own with a snow theme.

Our literacy committee would like for each classroom to have a display, where they used Lester's thinking for read alouds or his picture books as mentor texts. During my drives on vacation, I thought of an artistic expression piece that interweaves reading and writing. Using marbles and white paint, each student "rolled" a snow scene on blue background. Next week, they will sketch the scene with markers and use that picture as inspiration for writing poetry. So far, they have enjoyed using a theme as inspiration for their writing.

For everyone in Central Ohio off from school, enjoy your hibernation day!! I've graded some papers, put some jigsaw puzzles together, and am off to read a book. Happy Snow Day one and all!!

Tribute to Jon Scieszka

2010-01-04T07:00:00.001-05:00

A Year of Reading is kicking off a celebration to Jon Scieszka for his work as the First Children's Ambassador.

As a primary teacher, I fell in love with his take on fairy tales. From The Stinky Cheese Man to the True Story of the Three Little Pigs, the point of view he took as he crafted his fairy tales was often the one that we overlooked. I mean, seriously, did we ever think about the wolf before he wrote about him? As I moved into more intermediate grade levels, I marveled at Science Verse and Math Curse. His use of math and science concepts in a language and story form most would understand was remarkable.

But, what I most admire him about was the creation of the website, Guys Read. When I began teaching third and fourth grade, my boys were not as engaged in reading as I would have hoped. I was given some professional reading on boys and literacy to help me think through some strategies for my treasures. Through those books, I came across a website he created. It validated my boys and their interests. I understand their need for graphics, action, and a quick moving read. Jon Scieszka created a website for teachers, parents, and treasures to find books that will meet their needs. It validates graphic novels. It validates those who enjoy science fiction. It validates them.

Thanks Jon, for your work as the first Children's Literature Ambassador.

Let the Hibernation Begin!!!

2009-12-31T10:02:00.000-05:00

It is thought that hibernation was once a shared characteristic among all mammals, and then we humans lost the ability to hibernate,- but it still might be in our genes. Steven Swoap

I despise the cold! For one who has lived in Ohio their entire life, I ask you, "How did this vile contempt for the cold begin?" I believe it stems from a hypothermia incident while white-water rafting in Wyoming in my early days of teaching. That incident forever changed my internal heating system, and I now dress in multiple layers from November until late April. I am considerate in that I don't make everyone bow to my warmth issues, but I tend to come home from school and stay indoors for the rest of the evening.

I've found that the winter does provide one benefit...I read tons during the winter. Reading is a part of our household. Our anthem is "READERS ARE LEADERS!" We have a family reading time from 7-7:30 nightly. Books are plentiful, along with weekly trips to the library. My favorite genre is non-fiction, because I can read a chapter or two, marinate, and come back to it. A side benefit is that non-fiction is a genre my husband and I can share together.

But, the holiday breaks are great for reading fiction. Once the busiest of the season is over, I lay on the couch with my blanket, coffee, a blazing fireplace, and get totally lost in my book. This vacation has opened my eyes to the possibilities of reading fiction more.

During the drive down to North Carolina, I was completely absorbed in the book Sent by Margaret Peterson Haddix. Next, my aunt loves mysteries and her shelves were filled with them. I picked up Honeymoon by James Patterson, read it completely on Christmas Day. (Major rain storm knocked out their tv/cell phone service, and I realized at the end I had already read it.) She also had a book on Queen Elizabeth/Princess Di comparisons. While it was pretty dry, that topic continues to fascinate. I finished that in one day. The drive home was awful because of no reading material.

What I've noticed about myself is that when I begin reading fiction, nothing else matters except reading that book. I could be organizing my kids' rooms, my room, putting the Christmas decorations away, and more. But, my winter hibernation has begun. Tuesday, I made myself a goal. I needed to get caught up on some emails, and begin some school projects that I'm putting off before I could "have" my reward...READ. It worked! I accomplished so much and was able to finish my book. I'm going to be on the look for some good fiction to read in 2010. Happy Hibernating!!!

Great Joy!

2009-12-27T08:34:00.000-05:00

I love Kate DiCamillo! I "met" her many years ago when I read Because of Winn Dixie. Winn Dixie and Opal warmed my heart in such a way that I can still "see" Winn Dixie's doggy smile when think of him. After my first experience with Kate's book, I actively sought out her other works. She has been busy...She has a wonderful beginning chapter book series about a lovable pig named Mercy Watson that transitional readers can really enjoy.

This year I read The Tiger Rising with a small group "promising" fourth grade students. The book was the catalyst for the best book discussion with young students I have ever had. The students experience with the book was so real, so authentic, so joyful that they would come running in from recess all red-faced and winded to discuss the latest development in the story. Sistine, Rob, and Willie May became friends of ours for whom we cared deeply.

Like avid readers, when we finished The Tiger Rising, this group wanted more! Next we wanted to read, The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane. I had not read the book before, so I asked my colleagues what they thought of the book. I heard from them that the book was challenging because of the vocabulary and the story's circular framework over time. Tigger, my youngest son, and I love to listen to books on CD. I checked Edward Tulane out from the library and we listened to the amazing story in the car every day. We loved it and I knew my promising readers would as well....if they listened to it as they "read" it. I felt that we needed to keep the momentum going. I wanted to continue to give them the strong message that reading is fun, engaging...JOYFUL! They listened to the CD in their classroom during their reading workshop and we discussed, sketched, and recorded important information in our journals during our brief 30 minute lessons. It was magical!

Two weeks before Winter Break, I found another gem by Kate DiCamillo, Great Joy. This moving picture book is a wonderful story about a little girl who spots a homeless accordion player and his monkey on the street corner. She worries about them and eventually invites them to see her Christmas play performance. The man and his monkey come and stay for the reception following. It is a heartwarming story that is beautifully illustrated by the same man who did the artwork for Edward Tulane. This gem also included the book on CD and...drum roll please...a incredible interview with the author, my new BFF, Kate DiCamillo.

I shared this book with all of my promising readers as well as Shelly's fourth grade class. We carefully listened to and discussed the interview over 3 days. It was powerful. The students and their teacher took her message to heart. In order to be a writer you need to do two things: read all the time and write every day. I have the wonderful opportunity to go into this classroom every day and that is exactly what they are doing...reading and writing every day. Simple, but powerful stuff.

In thinking about my latest experience with Kate DiCamillo's books, I can't help but feel validated. As a Reading Specialist, I feel strongly that our focus needs to be on create joyful experiences with books. So many remedial reading programs focus on the skills, strategies, and levels that young readers need to have in order to read. In our efforts to "tool" them up, we forget what made us "real" readers...the Joy! Thanks Kate for creating books that bring JOY to us all.

Poetry Friday

2009-12-25T09:22:00.003-05:00

Merry Christmas!

There's nothing like the wonder and excitement of Christmas morning as children rush from their beds to the Christmas tree. One can't describe the tales and stories they weave as they try to figure out Santa's path around the globe and how he came down the chimney. Enjoy this time with your friends and family today and this week.
Celebrate those special moments, those special times.

Family Joys

Christmas is filled with special joys,
And the very best of all
Is contemplating those dear to us,
And the memories we recall.We often think at Christmas time
Of people, affectionately,
And we realize how blessed we are
To have you in our family.

By: Joanna Kunchs

Poetry Saturday?

2009-12-19T12:01:00.007-05:00

Santa came last night to the Archer household, bringing a trip instead of toys. We're heading to the Carolinas Monday(have you seen how much snow they've received!!!?) to go tubing, the Biltmore Estate, and visit relatives. Since we couldn't pack until Santa came(which I should be doing while everyone is outside making a snowman!), my husband crafted a poem to help Santa explain the trip. Addyson found it early this morning(before 7am on a Saturday!!!!!), and read it to us.

Twas the week before Christmas, and wouldn't you know
The tree was all lit, and it had started to snow.

The elves were all working away on their toys,
while Santa checked his list of good girls and boys.

A couple of kids soon caught his attention.
The ones his elf Ellie had happened to mention.

Addyson and Austin were the names of this pair,
And Santa had sent Ellie to keep an eye on them there.

At their home in Powell, on Watson Way.
Santa hoped they could stay nice until Christmas Day.

But he had reasons to worry, reasons to fret.
After all, Christmas was a week away yet.

Austin was already bored, with no school, nothing to do.
Santa heard Addyson exclaim "I'm bored too!"

Santa and Ellie worked for hours together,
to make this the kids' best Christmas ever.

A family adventure, the two had agreed,
was the perfect solution for this Christmas need.

So Austin and Addy, with parents in tow
would head out on Monday for some fun in the snow.

Some skiing, some tubing, some skating, who knows?
depends on how cold, and how the wind blows.

Or maybe some mini-golf, or bowling or wall-climbing?
Boy, Santa sure was getting tired of rhyming.

Then off to a castle, fit for a queen.
All lit up for Christmas, like nothing they've seen.

"But what about family, and time spent together?"
Ellie wondered out loud, as she checked the weather.

"So spend time with Aunt Dot," Santa was quick to suggest.
"And Uncle Steve and the horses, that would be best!"

"And bring Grandma and Grandpa Archer too."
Santa proclaimed, "That's the thing to do."

So Santa packed his sleigh early, and took to the skies.
To deliver and early Christmas surprise.

With Ellie's help, and his reindeer, all eight,
he set his plan in motion to make their Christmas great.

He left presents beneath Addyson and Austin's tree,
But the best gift of all couldn't be wrapped, you see.

For fun times together, don't need ribbon and bows,
And can't be delivered by Rudolph, with his shiny nose.

So pack your bags, kids, dress warm and get ready to roll!
On an adventure from Santa and all his elves at the North Pole.

Have fun, be safe on the snow and the ice.
And remember Ellie and Santa are watching,
So BE NICE!

Merry Christmas.

Have a Merry Christmas everyone.

Archer Accountability Plan Update: I haven't made as much progress in the book Sent as I would have liked. I'm taking it with me on vacation. However, I do have the article written, edited, and hope to send it off in January. So... I'm 50/50 on my accountability plan.
Thanks for checking!

Of Primary Importance for Intermediate Treasures

2009-12-16T18:48:00.004-05:00

Throughout the past year, I've been reading blog posts referencing Ann Marie Corgill and her book, Or Primary Importance. While at NCTE, I was fortunate to listen to her speak about an author's apprentice and mentor texts in the writing workshop. She recently moved from teaching primary to sixth graders and I embraced the one line she spoke towards the end: "I have found that whether I am teaching first graders or sixth graders, both age groups need similar structures and strategy lessons. All we as teachers need to do is "bump" it up to the appropriate level."

I went to the library, read her book, and have purchased my own to mark it up. She speaks with sincerity, as she tries to create purposeful writing experiences in her classrooms. While I am currently teaching fourth grade, I am going to use her studies as a GPS for my writing themes in the new year.

Mary Lee, from A Year of Reading, has been sharing her ideas for Literary Essay thinking. Since we both are in the same district, I've been marinating on the Literary Essay study in writing, also. I'm going to approach it through a poetry focus in 2010, while incorporating visual arts and technology. I want poetry to be a genre they are choosing to read and write throughout the year, not during poetry month. We've been studying words: how they sound, how they look, how they mean, and how they feel when we say them. Using this schema, my goal is for them to find words and themes to use in their writing. Ann Marie recommends front-loading and previewing the genre before we write, so my treasures have been sharing favorite poems. We've been using an Elmo machine to project the poems. I'm amazed at how engaged they seem when they are doing the sharing.

The first two weeks back, I'm going to share mentor texts that depict various types of poems and have them try them in their independent time. I want these texts to be touch points for my treasures to reference as they begin to craft their ideas and mold their poetry thoughts. I'm also thinking of ways to use different media as a mode of expressing their craft. Fourth graders still want to use paint, clay, and other art medium, so I want to tap into that intelligence. The technology component is the area I'm working on. Our computer time has been limited, so I'm problem-solving some ways to include this component, also. Thanks, Mary Lee, for sparking my thinking! You always do!

The Magic of Elves

2009-12-07T18:14:00.005-05:00

As a teacher, I vowed I was not going to get caught up in the elf mania when my kids got to that age. But, oh how one's mindset changes, when it's your own child asking for an elf. A has never been one to ask for any toys. She plays with the small little items, but not any specific toy. Until the Monday after Thanksgiving...

She came home spinning all these stories that her friends were telling her about the elf. As all parents do, I thought this would pass. It did not. Instead, daily she would come home from school with another way to get an elf to come. She logged onto to www.emailsanta.com and wrote a letter to Santa for an elf. She prayed at night for an elf.
Wednesday, she said, "Mama, this kid at Latchkey said for me to put my letter by the chimney so Santa may check for elf letters."

I must admit...I caved. However, I used it to my advantage. Her elf wrote her a letter giving specific instructions: cleaning her room, eating all her dinner, etc... A and her elf have been together non-stop. It has even become an authentic writing experience. She has written letters to her elf asking questions and her elf replies.

Sunday at Scramblers, she turned her placemat over, drew her elf, and then described her. "Ellie Elizabeth Archer is my elf. This is what she ate yesterday a milky way and a starbust." Authentic writing at its best. Perhaps this elf thing has some learning opportunities after all.
A little magic never hurt anyone. Merry Christmas!

Networking

2009-12-03T18:01:00.010-05:00

Eleven days ago, I returned from Philly. After hosting 22 people at my house for Thanksgiving, completing progress reports, and dealing with a raging sinus infection, my head is still spinning, but my hopes and dreams for my students are so vibrant, so clear, I can taste them. While I was there, I experienced the best professional development I have ever been a part of in my 23 years in education...I attended the NCTE conference for the first time.

One of the most rewarding parts for me at the conference was the opportunity to network with other colleagues, teachers, authors, professional writers, and poets from around the United States and beyond. My friend, Shelly, and I chose to go to this particular conference way back in May after talking to colleagues who have been attending for years. The travel time allowed for us to have an opportunity to discuss best literacy practices for our "treasures" at school. When we arrived, we immediately broadened our circle and sought out several other teachers from our district. As the conference proceeded, our circle widened once again. We went to sessions that were being presented by two colleagues from our district. After the energizing session, our network grew once again. We met authors and bloggers that we love and respect so much that we consider them dear friends (see photos). Just when I thought it couldn't get any better, our circle grew once more. We met and talked to Ralph Fletcher, Julie Andrews (Yes, my favorite movie star of all time from the Sound of Music), Lester Laminack, The Sisters, Katie Wood-Ray, Lee Bennett Hopkins, Georgia Heard and John Selznick just to name a few. I was part of "The Literacy Club." This conference celebrated literacy and learning by inviting the best in the field. It allowed me to confirm, refine, and stretch my thinking and learning with others in a unique way that I will forever treasure. The conference is in Orlando in 2010...Is it too early to pack my bags now?

Putting Myself Out There

2009-12-01T20:26:00.003-05:00

I shared with my class today how I couldn't remember what was happening in my book Sent. They brainstormed reasons why I wasn't very far when I clearly enjoy this author...not interested, sick, read at school, a lot of home stuff to do, and more. I asked them for help to keep me accountable. I promised to read a chapter every night, post-it my thinking, and share the next day.

I also did this with an article I've been meaning to write since September. Using the Elmo, I shared my thinking and notes, where I quickly write everything that comes to mind. Next, I organize it into a sequence that the reader will understand. As I was sharing my thinking, they were getting the analogy that I was trying to make. Tomorrow, I'm going to begin a shared writing experience.

My goal is for my treasures to understand that authentic writing takes time. Authentic writing is messy. Authentic writing needs an audience.

Day One: of the Mrs. Archer Accountability Action Plan. We'll see where it takes us.

Good Reading Strategies

2009-11-30T20:26:00.003-05:00

Today was my first day back after the NCTE conference and my bout with the flu, so there was a great need to check in with everyone, find their status, and review our classroom expectations. I also needed to "talk" with my treasures to find out what's been going on in their lives. During read aloud, I began by asking questions about what they found out during my absence in the book FOUND by Margaret Peterson Haddix. I was surprised by their response.

"Mrs. Archer, we don't remember. Our guest teachers didn't read with expression, so we don't remember. And we didn't chart what we found out after every chapter." Plus, many left early to begin traveling to their holiday destinations. So, we talked a little about what should we do. We can't go on when we don't understand what's happening.

They decided we should go back and begin reading Ch.4, where all the confusion began. And that is what we did. This time, we made sure to jot our findings on our anchor chart(which I still need even though I have a smart board. But that is another topic for another day.)

As I drove home and reflected on the day, I'm going to use this "moment" as an opportunity to drive home the importance of rereading and how good readers use this strategy to help them remember what has been happening. I think I'll use my own practice. I've been reading the sequel Sent, but I've been out of it for two weeks, that I need to go back to beginning because I've forgotten so much. Our treasures identify with us when we use our own strategies and findings as teaching points during our workshops. Plus, I like the fact that I will be accountable to my treasures. I'll let you know how it goes. Happy Reading!

Newbies at NCTE

2009-11-24T12:48:00.005-05:00

Last May, I was all the rage about the upcoming NCTE conference. I read on twitter the excitement brewing, the keynote speaker, Julie Andrews, and knew this was the year. I willingly dragged my partner, Lisa, along and we made our reservations.
Fast forward a few months, and we were off. Thursday, began with a wonderful session on Word Play. I learned so many new ideas to implement with my students and other ideas that I need to think how and when to fit them in. It made me excited to think about words. Think about one word that: 1. feels good when you say it 2. sounds good when you say it. 3. it makes you feel happy. Have you thought about it? My word is marinating! I love that word. Not for the cooking aspect, but the learning aspect!

Next, we went to an Elementary Get-Together, where we got to sit with....Lester Laminack. He's coming to our school in January, so we got to talk, laugh, and ask some questions to make his visit special. He is hysterical!

Friday began my downward spiral. It was that day that I began to get sick and ended up in bed the rest of the conference and for two days after. But, the highlight for me was to talk informally with Donalyn Miller, from the Book Whisperer, The Sisters, from Daily Five, Aimee Buckner, Notebook Know-How, Debbie Miller, and more in one room. All my book BFF's together. They probably thought I was crazy going up and saying, "You don't know me, but I'm your book BFF. I use so much of you in my classroom." Lisa got some pictures to share later. I was so excited! No matter how bad I felt on Saturday and Sunday(I was laying flat in a hotel room all day Saturday)I enjoyed every minute of the conference. I'll see everyone next year!!

Seasons

2009-11-15T16:05:00.005-05:00

It has been sometime since my last post and I have not been on Twitter, either. There was a three-week lapse when home computer was not opened. Between family illnesses and my husband's travel schedule, new initiatives at school, and other district commitments, I have been in survival mode for the past month. Like all seasons, change is coming!! We are all healthy!! Traveling has slowed. My school have-to's are completed.

“You must take personal responsibility. You cannot change the circumstances, the seasons, or the wind, but you can change yourself. That is something you have charge of.” John Rohn

I'd like to share a "find" with you. A friend and I always share books, so during one of our conversations she told me about a book/video for fourth graders. It's from the American Girl series, Chrissa. The main character is the victim of mean girl bullying: physical, verbal, mental, and cyber-bullying. Chrissa goes through all the steps of trying to solve the issue on her own, while finding some new friends for support.

That night, I reserved a copy at the library. My daughter and I watched it that weekend while she was sick. Amazing! It shows how to stand up to a bully, whether you are the victim or going along with the bully. The character displays leadership, perseverance, empowerment, acceptance, and more. Chrissa even has a website with some games and strategies to learn.

I went to share this with our guidance counselor and a parent had already given her the video. I'd recommend it to any parent with a young daughter and teachers. I want my daughter to be strong, secure, and assure of herself. Young girls need to see and read about strong female characters in our media today. Check it out!

Workshop Wonder

2009-10-19T20:37:00.005-04:00

After compiling all our landform video for the virtual museum, I gave the flip cam to my treasure, N. He is an absolute marvel with technology and that domain is his passion and where he shines. His face lights up and is quick to offer suggestions when I'm dealing with technology "opportunities" in my classroom. So, he was an obvious choice for my mission. His goal was to walk into the classroom with the flip cam on and capture moments of engagement during our Creation Station.

What he captured was more than I could imagine! Through his eyes, one is able to understand the workshop. He caught on film what the meaning of differentiation is. While there are have-to's in school and in life, there is also choice. Choice to let our passions shine. Choice to learn in our own way. Choice to be who we are. My treasures are Embracing Learning, Embracing the Workshop, and Embracing their Passions! Enjoy!.

Observations

2009-10-09T19:51:00.003-04:00

Today, my heart was not in my morning plans. I was leaving at noon to attend a funeral of a family friend, so sub plans and have-to's were on my mind along with the service that afternoon. Our schedule is very rigid in the mornings because Lisa (my partner) pushes in for 35 minutes to support 4-5 of my treasures in reading. She was absent, so I decided to change up the schedule.

After attendance, Reader's Cafe began. For 30 minutes, all you could hear was the environmental music in the background. All my treasures were engaged in their books. No movement except to find another book. No one was talking. As I walked around checking on their selections and notebooks, they were quick to finish our conversation and get back to their books. Today, I was a distraction. How did we get to this point?

Next, we had our morning meeting where we integrate math into weather and daily numbers. It was rainy and dreary outside. What a great day to experiment with Explore time. So, I explained that during our Explore Time, here are our choices: read/buddy read, write/buddy write, math choices(we have a math choice wall), and draw. As they dispersed to their choices, once again I watched closely at what they chose. I have many treasures who have a passion for drawing and art. I showed them how to make a "drawing book" by stapling and folding multiple papers together. Other treasures chose to go back to their books, even my promising readers. Some of my boys have a passion for writing. They have been collaborating on a story and were working on the final piece. While I was working at our "Guzik's Galaxy" table, I looked at each one of my treasures and was filled with emotion. Not once did I need to redirect. Not once did I need to have them lower their voices. Talking was minimal and quiet to respect those reading. How did we get here?

Our class is a community! We have respect for one another! We value our opinions and thoughts. Self-doubt has been my internal battle lately. I've been lacking assurance in my heart what I know about learning in my head. Today, I felt validated. Today, I was reaffirmed by my practice. Today, I recognized I am reaching my treasures in my own way. While I can't control the extraneous duties, have-tos, and meetings that are supposed to make my teaching easier, I can control the atmosphere and climate of my learning community in my room. Today, I celebrated learning!!!

Celebrate what you want to see more of.Thomas J. Peters

Landform Museum Part II

2009-10-06T08:00:00.000-04:00

Thursday and Friday, we began working with the clay to create our landforms. Many conversations took place about the different textures of the clay when everyone had the same recipe. Some clay formed great. Others were a gooey mess and not able to mold. One of my treasures began crying she was so sad her clay didn't set up. I used my personal moment from the day before and let her regroup by taking a walk. She came back and her friends loaned her some of their clay so she could participate in the inquiry time. She was going to try to make more that evening for Friday.

Of course, I forgot my flip video or camera, so I didn't capture what was unfolding. They were engaged. Conversations about the attributes of different landforms were taking place. Collaborative learning, questioning, and problem-solving were happening. Another teacher walked in and observed our time. She saw they were having a wonderful time and loving every moment, yet knew my "messy issues." It's those times I need to let go of my "control "(yes, I have issues only in Science!) and let them explore.

After we cleaned up, we discussed why some clay set up and others didn't. One variable was that some put it in the fridge overnight. A few decided to make another batch at home for Friday. The variable worked because the next day, everyone had perfect clay. Landforms were created and displayed in the hall with a "Landform Museum In Progress. DO NOT DISTURB!" sign they drew. Our goal Monday is to begin writing fact cards and speeches for our video taping.

I feel validated when my thinking and my treasures engagement mesh to create a wonderful learning opportunity. You can't quantify these moments.

Vision Therapy

2009-10-04T13:15:00.000-04:00

Tigger, my 9 yr. old son who is currently in third grade, has been in many supplemental programs in his young life...Speech Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Reading Recovery, Reading Support, and finally the latest, Vision therapy. And yet, learning to read and write has not been an easy process for him. Vision Therapy is somewhat controversial in the Educational and Medical Worlds. I know. I, as his mother, did some extensive research before we committed to it. However, I think it is working! Hold on...I'm not convinced that it is the "therapy" per se. Let me clarify.

Although we have been pretty diligent about taking Tigger down to OSU for therapy two times a month in addition to doing his therapy exercises at home 3-4 times a week, I think it is working because Tigger is ready! The vision therapy has made it really clear to Tigger that he has to look at the print in order to read. It has also made it really apparent to his parents and teachers that Tigger has been trying to read without looking. This seems obvious to most of us, but let me tell you a little more about Tigger.

Tigger is an auditory learner. He loves to listen to high level children's novels on CD from our local library when he is trying to get to sleep at night. Tigger loves stories. I have read to him since the day he was born. Many mornings and every night, he begs me to read to him. He has grown up in a rich literary environment and yet phonics are hard for Tigger. Applying letter sounds and recognizing word patterns is hard work and far from automatic for him. Tigger is busy...bouncy. It has always been hard for him to sit for long periods of time. Reading, for Tigger, is way to slow and methodical.

So, is Vision Therapy really working? Yes and no. No, because Tigger has had all of the pieces of the literacy puzzle all along, but yes, because he neglected the visual piece. Reading is a visual activity. Tigger's visual therapy brought that piece to the forefront. You have to look to read the print on the page and make meaning. Tigger has been trying to read without looking! His sense of story and knowledge of the language is so well developed that he has been trying to muddle through learning to how to read without looking. Slowly, but surely, under the watchful eye and careful guidance of his teachers and parents, Tigger is clawing his way into the the Literacy Club.

Through The Eyes of My Learners

2009-09-30T20:37:00.007-04:00

Our district has been implementing numerous technology initiatives this year, and it has not been a smooth transition. Many "special opportunities" have created huge learning curves for my colleagues as well as myself. Today, I sat in a meeting, trying to learn how to create interims on a database I have yet to understand. I listened to the instructor. I tried to follow her, but was getting lost as she continued to finish her talk in the time allotted. I began to feel completely overwhelmed. Everyone was talking at once and on different steps in the process. I was confused, unfocused, and on the verge of tears. So, I followed the defense mechanism that works for my learning needs. I left, went to my room, and closed my door. I sat at my desk with the step sheet and computer, and worked my way through the process. I am savy enough on the computer, but the past technology learning environments have not met my needs. I can't learn in a large group with everyone talking and asking questions. I don't need complete silence, but when there's too many conversations and questions going on around me, I can't focus. I need to process and reflect on my own, then ask questions as they come.

So, I realized how my treasures feel when I am moving too fast for them. There are some learners who are auditory. Some are visual. While I am a very visual learner, my daughter is auditory. I'm understanding how they learn. When frustration levels are high for my treasures, I'm going to remember this moment:

1. Give them time to regroup. Take a walk around the halls.

2. Stop tasks and come back another day.

3. Those learners may do better one-on-one or in small groups.

4. Write visual steps as well as auditory for all learners.

5. Students must "do" to understand.

Today, I walked in my treasures' shoes and that has made all the difference.

Blinkers

2009-09-26T22:35:00.006-04:00

Blinkers...the sole purpose is to inform those around you of your decision to make a new direction. We've all been sitting at a stoplight, waiting for the car to pass, when they make a turn without turning their blinker on. Or, you're behind someone, thinking they are going straight and then they turn, all without notifying you of their decision.

As a teacher, I've always been one who has her "blinkers" on sometimes, not always. I teach with the state, district guidelines in my head, but always prepared to change direction as my treasures veer in another path. I am always open to their interests, questions, and inquiry so I can weave them into the curriculum as our year unfolds.

But, lately I've had to wrap my head around the fact that the paradigm is moving into a more "blinker" approach to teaching. Where are you going with this subject? When are you teaching ____? How will you assess and grade their learning? What is your purpose for doing this? Why are you not moving along as quickly as other teachers? All these are questions I've been asked lately and I'm not certain I have the answer. I look at my students. I know if I move slow this trimester, I'll be able to move faster the next two because the routines, the workshops, the expectations will have been set. For now, I'm working on finishing my "have-to" assessments. I'm learning what each student is reading and likes to read. I know who I need to touch base with daily in writing. I have my students who I need to have small groups in math weekly. I know who have some social issues. I am learning about my students. Perhaps it's not the "blinker" approach to teaching, but if I'm asked where I'm moving forward...that's where I'm going. I'm moving to a collaborative approach to learning where they will learn more from each other, than from me.

Connections

2009-09-23T21:25:00.004-04:00

We've been working on character development and identification throughout our writing workshops this week and my focus was for them to visualize their characters, then bring their characters to life in their narratives. Each student sketched and colored their characters for a "character museum" we'll share during The WOW Factor.

As with all beginning writing workshops, I'm constantly told "Mrs. Archer, I finished my story. Mrs. Archer, what do I do now? I'm ready to publish." All within 30 minutes of beginning. B was that student today. He was sharing with me his story he wrote on recycling because he looked around the room and saw the recycling bin over-flowing. Without much introduction or development, his character began with, "You must recycle." B understood his purpose and audience, but was failing to recognize the need to bring the reader up to speed with the character's mission. He would go back and write, then ask me another question. But, I could tell he wasn't getting the character development part. He even visited our school secretary, "the resident recycling expert" to ask her questions on why laminating film could not be put in the blue bins.

Later that afternoon, he was reading Loser by Jerry Spinelli, when he came up to me. "Mrs. Archer, I'm understanding what you mean by describing the character. Jerry Spineli described a character in the middle of the book so well, I was able to picture it in my mind. I'm going to try that tomorrow in my story." He got it!! No matter how many different ways I tried to explain my thoughts, he was able to grasp it by looking at a mentor text. B placed a post-it note in the spot to share during creation station (our writing workshop). These are the shining moments! These are special times!

Landform Museum

2009-09-22T20:32:00.003-04:00

Anyone who knows me understands my apprehension for dirt, mess, and clutter. While I am not an over-the-top-Type A, I come pretty close to the mark. I understand that learning is messy. I recognize the need for play, discovery, and inquiry. I know students learn by doing. Yet, why does all the dirt, sand, and soil have to be in Ohio 4th grade Science !! We're beginning our Landform unit, and I've been thinking about ways to make it valuable for my students, yet doable for my "messy issues." I've been teaching 4th grade for three years, and very rarely do I teach the same way. So, I've thought up some ideas to make it a global project.

1. Using our textbook, landform readers, websites, and more: we're going to find similarities and differences between: mountains and hills, valleys and canyons, deltas and dunes, plains and plateaus. I created text boxes for the students to write their ideas for the landforms.

2. I was reading my last issue of Family Fun and there was a recipe for "All Natural Play Clay."

(Isn't great when the "universe" aligns with our teaching?") I'm sending the recipe home on

Friday so they can create 2 different landform colors of play clay and bring to school next week.

3. By taking a virtual tour through the Smithsonian, we're going to discuss the set-up of a museum, descriptive cards next to the museum features, and more. They are going to create 2 sets of landforms, and write descriptive placards next to their landforms with their research on it.

4. While writing this, I thought about having each group use the flip video to tape their landform ideas and talk, and then make a "virtual landform tour" to share with others in the school, home, and other classes.

I'm excited for this project to see how all my treasures stretch their thinking, their ideas, and themselves. My treasures matter.

Monday Musings

2009-09-21T22:24:00.002-04:00

Tonight as I was eating my ritual of cereal before bed (a family thing), I traveled through my news sites and moved onto some teacher blogs. I haven't navigated to Two Writing Teachers for a while, but there I was reading her Monday Musings. I enjoy alliterations, catchy titles, and intriguing words. Musings... a synonym for considerations or meditations. Musings...it falls freely off the tongue, but hardly ever used in conversations. Ruth shared her thoughts about herself, her teaching, and her goals. From her few thoughts, I recognize her frustration with change and paradigm shifts, her understanding of her "circle of control", and her thankfulness and gratitude for the life she is living. Musings...

I found myself thinking about my musings...:

*I am an all or nothing girl. I dive in with my whole head, heart, and soul, or I don't do it at all. So, much frustration, disappointment, and sadness is felt when my idea falls flat.

*I read 25 letters from my students today asking for more time to read, more time to write, and more time for math games.

*25 students are writing conversations to one another on a wiki that I introduced last week.

*I am fortunate to work across the hall from a colleague and friend who lets me process ideas to her and gives suggestions. I value her insight.

*My own children love to read and plan their book selections when we go to the library. They love math, also.

*I am filled with gratitude to the wonderful professional learning community I've found through blogs and twitter.

Musings...perhaps my word for tomorrow. What are your musings?

My Friday AHA Moment

2009-09-15T06:30:00.002-04:00

This summer, I fell in love and cherished The Book Whisperer while on vacation. I borrowed it from the library, read it on a train, took notes, and bought my own copy as a mentor text for my teaching. Donalyn Miller encompasses all I believe about reading, about passion, about doing what's best for kids, and most of all cherishing the special moments. Getting back to more reading time in the classroom, reading for pleasure, and having a purpose for a reading practice are all philosophies that come through in her writing. I found one idea of hers that I personalized and implemented in my 4th grade classroom...the Book Requirement.

Before school, I sat down with Lisa and came up with a 30 book requirement they must read and finish this year. Lofty, but doable if I commit to a 30-45 minute block of reading. I wanted it to be challenging, purposeful, pleasurable, and authentic, so I charted the requirements by genre. The chapter book choice had the most because I wanted my treasures to understand I value their uniqueness, their interests, and their favorites. Other genres only had a taste so they would try different genres. It's like trying new food. Some we like, others we don't. The important thing is we try.

Every Friday, I'm committing to meeting with each student, looking at their log, signing off on their finished books, and plotting them under the genre. This past Friday was my AHA moment. It was such that I had to walk over to a 5th grade room next door and share my findings. (She's doing something similar!)

The way the tally sheet was set up, I was able to see at a glimpse the reading patterns of my students. One student had completed his entire informational section. He loves reading about the ocean and fish. So, a brief conversation was in place to stretch his reading into a different genre. (He tried a graphic novel yesterday!) When I met with P, she had been tearing through the Bone series and realized her book choice only counted once. It was time to stretch her reading stamina into a lengthy genre. (I think this will be a year-long goal for her and I.)

My treasures are reading 30-45 minutes at a stretch. They're engaged. They're lost in their books and making recommendation to others. They'll be time soon to begin strategy lessons on responding to their reading. They'll be time to write. For now, I have a roomful of readers who choose to read whenever they can throughout the day. What a great AHA Moment!

The Power of Puppets

2009-09-12T14:19:00.006-04:00

"Gooood Mornnnin' First Graders!" This is the way Daniel the Spaniel, a 20 year old handmade puppet from my classroom days, has greeted all of his new school friends this year. Daniel says and does things that teachers wouldn't even think of saying or doing. Using his friendliest Southern drawl, he confesses to his audience that he likes "purdy girls", doggy naps and dog biscuits. But more importantly, when Daniel talks, croaks and sings, kids of all ages listen.

This year our school has about 75 new students. As a reading support teacher who comes in and out of the classrooms, I wanted a chance to introduce myself to all of the students in the school and offered to teach a mini-lesson to the class of the teacher's choice. I was surprised and excited by the response I received from the teachers. Several primary teachers who use the Daily Five approach in their literacy workshops, requested a lesson about picking just right books. One second grade teacher wanted me to talk about interesting words in books. And finally my biggest challenge was to teach a mini-lesson to a third grade group about reading a variety of "just right books."

The thought of working with a whole group of students (and their teachers) excited me but it also made my stomach flip-flop from nervousness. I knew that when I had used puppets in my classroom in the dark ages, the kids loved it so much that Daniel and several other stuffed friends became part of our daily routine. But I couldn't help but wonder if during these high tech times filled with video games, computers, digital cameras, DVDs, Ipods and more would still be entertaining...

With butterflies in my stomach, I ventured into the classrooms with a lesson plan in my head and Daniel the Spaniel stuffed in my bag. I may have felt nervous, but big, bold Daniel was not. He entertained, laughed, howled, chanted and even snored through his first appearance and many more. The children were mesmerized. They hung on his every word. The teachers laughed and giggled along with their students and some even cried. The experience was powerful and meaningful. The word spread throughout the school like a wildfire. To date, Daniel has made an appearance in most of the primary classrooms, several class newsletters, and even the school's monthly bulletin.

Although Daniel the Spaniel is missing some fur, a few eyelashes and even has a yucky stain on his felt mouth, I am confident that he will continue to spread the word about good fit books, interesting vocabulary, and many other important standards in our our high tech educational world filled with 21 century learners because Puppets are Powerful! You should try it "ya'll!"

The WOW FACTOR

2009-09-06T18:51:00.007-04:00

Sharing...so important, yet so forgotten in our day-to-day routine. I've put sharing in my lesson plans, but incidentally I've gone longer in one area and I rush to catch up. Especially in these first few weeks, I'm so unsure of myself, my class, and my routines. This year, I've designated the last 20 minutes of our day as...THE WOW FACTOR.

The WOW FACTOR is time for kids to share part of their lives, their passions, and their celebrations with our community. It's a time to invite guests in to share their passions, their reading practice, and their ways of communication. It's our time to share. I know that it will never be forgotten, skipped over, or missed because it's written on our daily schedule. My treasures are now asking if it's their WOW FACTOR or do I have something planned. It's our time to cherish together.

We've had my partner and friend, Lisa, share her reading practice by using her lunch as an analogy. Her apple is her teaching books. Their healthy and help her grow. The vegetables are the online and internet reading and her chocolate is the books she reads for pleasure. My treasures understood what she was saying and used her ideas in reader's cafe the next day. Questions like: "I'm looking for a candy book, Mrs. Archer. Do you have any ideas?" or "It's time I look for a vegetable or protein book today." They understood her ideas.

Our Phys. Ed teacher, Sharon, came in and shared her running passion. She showed us how she keeps her running practice on a site, called Logarun. Her conversation about online running logs will be our "mentor text" when we move into online reading logs using a wiki.

Our new guidance counselor, Leslie, shared her reading practice. She didn't think she read much until I asked her to share with us. She realized on her own that she does do a lot of reading.

I plan to share flip video clips, student work, and they have come up with their own ideas to share. I didn't have a plan when I set out declaring a time called "THE WOW FACTOR" but it's evolving into something greater than I could imagine. That one change has revolutionized our daily routine. It's the Tipping Point. That one thing that makes all the difference.

Together We Can Climb Mountains

2009-08-30T21:37:00.006-04:00

This past weekend while I was catching up on my school to-do list, I had the television on watching the Kennedy tributes and memorials that were ongoing. Politics aside, the family has always fascinated me. I've read many biographies and autobiographies of the clan, and continue to read online the news articles about them. The family has had an impact on history, which is a favorite of mine.

At the mass, Ted Kennedy Jr relayed a story about his father that many of us would not know. It was right after Ted Jr. lost his leg to cancer. A great snow had fallen and they wanted to sled, but Ted Jr. kept falling due to the conditions and the instability of his new leg. He looked up at his dad and cried, "I can't do this. I'll never get up that hill." Ted Sr. did what any dad would do. He picked him up, looked him in the eye, and said,"I know you can do this. We're going to climb that hill together, even if it takes all day." And so they did. Ted Sr. holding on to Ted Jr. climbing that hill, father and son. A balancing act of part pushing and part pulling.

What an analogy for teachers! Our students came to us this past week. We're not sure where each one stands on the learning continuum yet. Once we conference, assess, and listen to each student, it will be a balancing act of part pushing and part pulling to help them succeed. We know they can do it and we're going to lift them up, even if it takes all year. But it takes working together, climbing that hill, one step at a time.
Success seems to be largely a matter of hanging on after others let go.
William Feather

Lesson Five: Find Your Success

2009-08-25T09:00:00.001-04:00

Today was our first day of school. A lot of excitement and apprehension was felt all throughout the room. We finished labeling supplies, wrote about our Fav Five, and learned about each other. It seems that the more years I teach the same grade, the easier the first day is. What a great day!

As we embark on our journey together, I want to be reminded to look for the daily successes, no matter how small. Our district is undergoing a technology overhaul with numerous mechanical "opportunities." We've become so dependent on technology, that we do not know what to do when it 's not working. Email, printers, internet...all have had "opportunities" that needed to be addressed. A few minutes before school began, I was getting my flip video ready when the batteries died. AGGG!! A quick call to my husband and he brought me some that afternoon. I shared with my class how it works and ideas that we could use it for in our learning. I handed it over to some girls at recess and they spent the entire time interviewing one another. The video clips are precious and I can't wait to use them at curriculum night. I'm excited about all the possibilities to use this tool in the classroom.

collaboration

2009-08-23T09:35:00.004-04:00

A few weeks ago, a group of educators from two neighboring districts met at Panera Bread to discuss an upcoming author visit by Lester Laminack. You could feel the energy and excitement in the small room. Our agenda was simple: How were we going to make the most of this opportunity for our elementary students using the resources we have available?

We looked at his picture books and discussed ways that we could use them in meaningful ways with students ranging in ages from 5 to 12 years old. We also looked at new technology. We have set up a Stixy Board where teachers from both districts can share ideas. We discussed flip cameras and ways that they can be utilized to document students' projects. We brainstormed ways that we can collaborate in person as well as via video conferencing. Professional books written by Lester Laminack were shared and discussed. Lastly, we surprised everyone that our principals have agreed to finance an additional professional development opportunity with Laminack after school.

We did all of this in about an hours time on our own time over coffee and bagels. It is a great time to be an educator!

Lesson Four: It's All About The Kids

2009-08-20T07:00:00.000-04:00

While we were finishing our race, my in-laws were trying to find the start of the kids' race. We made it 4 minutes before the start. My husband ran with our son and I ran with our daughter. She held my hand as we ran her half-mile through the Nick Universe of the park. She knew when she needed to walk, and when she could start running again. She was high-fiving Pablo, from Backyardigans, Spongebob, and other characters. Our son enjoyed watching the characters as he ran. When they began the home stretch, my husband and I stepped aside so they could bask in their moment, running through the finish on their own. They were greeted with a finishing medal and were elated with their success. They were unaware of all the inconveniences and problems of the race. All that mattered to them was seeing the cartoon characters and accomplishing their goal. It was all about the kids.

As I begin the year with all the challenges, I need to remember...It's all about the kids. They are there to learn. They are there to be challenged. They are there to set and achieve their goals. And they are there to be loved. Everything I do needs to focus on my group of treasures. It does not matter all the behind-the-scenes frustrations that I may experience, I need to have my game on when they walk through the door. Remember: It's all about the kids.

Lesson Three: Be Flexible

2009-08-19T07:00:00.000-04:00

When we decided to run, I mentally set up a training plan to prepare. Each week I would run a minimum of three runs: a 6 mile, a 4 1/2 tempo run, and a 3 mile sprint. On the off days, I would bike, walk, use the elliptical machine, or easy runs. My strategy worked. While I could not always determine the day of the run, I made sure each facet was accomplished sometime throughout the week. I felt prepared. I set a finish time goal, that I thought was doable. I was ready!

Race day came and everything went out the window. I wasn't prepared for the hills or climbs, nor all the other inconveniences of the morning. As I was running, I mentally changed my goal. There was no way I was going to be able to meet it, so I needed to adjust my thinking. I needed to be flexible, look at my performance, and adjust "on the run."

That's how it is everyday at school. I have a mental game plan of how I want the year to go, when units will be taught, how my classroom will run, and what outcomes I hope to achieve. It's a flexible plan because my treasures may chart a different path. Their thinking may take us off in another direction and I need to be ready for that change. I tend to not get hung up with the little details because in the grand scheme, they have little value. But, the conversations, the thinking, the big questions, and inquiry of my treasures: that is what makes my classroom thrive. Like a rubber band, be Flexible!

Lesson Two: There's Always Growing Pains

2009-08-18T07:30:00.001-04:00

The race at King's Island was it's first. There were so many problems and issues to count from registration to where the restrooms were located. It was postponed for 30-45 minutes because they could not get everyone checked in. There were two lines you needed to go through: getting your number and checking in for King's Island. There were 3 races that day: 10k, 5k, and a kids' race. Yet, the start of each was at different locales, not marked very clear. The race course was horrendous. It included hills, which is tough. But after a series of hills, there was a vertical climb marked STEEP! Were they serious? 5k/10k runners lost track of which path to follow. I had to walk a long way for the restrooms after the race. They ran out of water. Lack of communication between the racing organization and King's Island. And the list goes on and on. It was great idea, but lacked strong execution.

This experience represents all the new initiatives sent down to teachers from above. We are in the trenches trying to manage all the new programs, technology, and initiatives while maintaining our focus. In our district alone, we have over 4 different initiatives this year. There will be "growing pains." Some things have not been worked out, yet we need to figure out how this fits into our classroom.

My goal this year is to take everything, learn it, and make it fit my needs. Whether I agree or disagree, does not matter. It's here. How do I implement it into my classroom? How do I make it fit my needs and not adapt my teaching to it? It needs to work for my students and myself. There will always be "growing pains." It's a guarantee. How I react to those "growing pains" will be the difference. Am I reactive or proactive?

Lesson One: Find Your Tribe

2009-08-17T08:00:00.002-04:00

I've been reading a lot of Seth Godin lately. I enjoy his blog and his books. The message that strikes home with me is: Find Your Tribe. Look for the people who will lift you up, celebrate with you, help you grow, and be the best you can be. Find Your Tribe.

My family is fortunate to have grandparents who are involved and willing to share in life moments. Last October, my husband and I ran a half-marathon together and my parents went with us to watch the kids before their race. This past weekend, his parents came with us to another race. We could not stretch ourselves physically and mentally without the support from our parents. They are our Family Tribe.

During the race at King's Island, I saw another tribe: a tribe of runners. Very few knew each other, but we were there for a common goal. I saw one runner stop her race, run back, pick up something, and run it up to the person who lost it. She sacrificed seconds off her time to help another member of her tribe. While I was running up a hill, I began talking to another runner. She was from Cleveland and felt her entire training did not prepare her for this course. (It was HORRIBLE, but more on that another day!) I told her I was a teacher and blogger, and was writing blog entries about this experience in my head. She followed me for a while. After the race, she stopped me to ask what the name of my blog was and she was going to look it up. (If you're out there, Kudos to you for finishing! You did great!) Another guy, encouraged me along while I was grumbling going up a hill. He's running the Columbus Marathon in October and was glad to hear there wouldn't be hills. Towards the finish, he was struggling, so I encouraged him along through the finish chute. I do not know any names, but they made an impact on me and I hope I did on them. That's a Tribe.

Lastly, I have a Professional Tribe. There is a small core group at my school collaborating in every manner. They encourage one another. They share ideas. They stretch their thinking. They matter. I found a tribe throughout our district. We met a couple times over the summer to share technology ideas to use with our students. Lastly, I have a twitter tribe. I have talked with more teachers and individuals throughout the country and have learned so many things. While we may never meet in person, we are a Tribe.

So, my tribes vary. But they are my tribes. As you begin the school year, Find Your Tribe to help you along and stretch your thinking.

Back-To-School

2009-08-16T22:25:00.004-04:00

We start back this week. It's time. I've had some time with my family. I've had couple time, and I've had Me time. My kids have had a summer of firsts: losing teeth, chin stitches, and becoming better swimmers. My husband and I traveled together to Southwest Colorado for a vacation. I READ for fun, for pleasure, and for learning. I stretched out of my comfort zone on some professional collaboration. And I'm happy with the completion of some of my summer goals list. Therefore, it's time to return to school.

This weekend, my family ran in the Inaugural King's Island Race. My husband and I did the 10k, while the kids ran 1/2 mile. While I was running, I came up with my Top Five Lessons to Remember at the start to a new year. Everyday this week, I'm going to share one with you and the analogy I came up with as I ran.
Lesson One: Find Your Tribe.
Check it out on Monday!

One Thing To Remember

2009-08-10T16:21:00.003-04:00

I've been working on my curriculum night presentation, trying to "keep the main thing, the main thing." There is so much to share in a little time. Don't get me wrong, I'm not one to talk for hours, but what do parents truly want to know about their child's year? Is it the nuts and bolts or do I go in depth?

I read a blog by Kristin Armstrong called "Mile Markers." Her latest post shares her apprehension at being chosen to speak at her daughter's Kids In Motion club. The girls are 7 and 8 year olds, and she writes about her preparation. I like her last line:
"But even if they take one thing -- one single thing, away that lodges into a crack and sticks there -- it will be more than enough for me."

Perhaps that should be my mindset: What one thing do I want parents to take away on that night?

Where do you like to think?

2009-08-09T12:45:00.003-04:00

At the beginning of the year, I want to learn about my new group of treasures. I ask them to think about their favorite places to read and write, bring in pictures, along with "scrapbook" items that define their personalities to decorate their notebooks. These exercises and conversations bring my community of learners together on their journey throughout the year. This year I want to bring more to the conversation, "Where do you like to think, to create?" As I think about my own creative process, my place is the road.

I run. I am a runner. Not for sport. Not for racing. But, for recreation. I run through the highs and lows of life. I run through the plateaus. But, mostly I run to think. When I was elated about new career opportunities, I ran. When I was distraught with disappointment and despair, I ran and cried. When my husband traveled, my kids hopped on their bikes and I ran. It's more than stress relief, it's how I process events, ideas, and strategies. It's just me and the road. No IPOD, no technology. Just me and my thoughts.

I've created so many projects and ideas while running. When my treasures are not understanding a concept, I run and think of a new strategy to try. I think about colleagues. I think about students. I think about metaphors and analogies. It's where I go to truly process issues, concepts, and ideas. The road is where I go to create.

Where do you go to think and create?

Technology, Target, and the Haircare Aisle

2009-08-07T07:31:00.005-04:00

Have you ever gone through the haircare aisle at Target and looked at all the different options you have? There's shampoo, conditioner, gel, mousse, spritz, hairspray, pommade, and many more. Then, you can even look at the purpose for each item: curly hair, fine hair, normal, straight. So many choices, so many uses.

I recently attended a two-day Leadership Academy in our district and many of the sessions focused on technology. As I learned many of the options out there, I needed to marinate on how I would use them and apply them to the learners in my room. Katie at Creative Literacy, and Karen from Literate Lives and myself had conversations about why we would use one software idea over another. There is so much out there that I sometimes feel overwhelmed and unprepared. But, I slow down and step back.

My mission is to teach my kids to understand their purpose of the the project. They need to think about their audience and then decide which program would be beneficial for them. Like the haircare aisle, there's so many choices. Instead, think about the learning style, purpose, audience, and then decide what would be best for that project.

21st Century Class Reunion

2009-08-03T09:25:00.005-04:00

Last weekend, we went to our hometown for my husband's high school reunion. What fascinated me was how 21st Century literacies have evolved that the 2oth Century is taking hold of them.

1. Facebook Organization
The organizer began in January with a page on Facebook and began hunting down classmates via the internet. All communication was on the web except we needed to mail in a check by the postal service. RSVP's, questions, dates, and agendas were online-based. Out of a class of 200, there were 90 classmates plus spouses for the dinner. Amazing how communication has changed.

2. Video Clips
One student video-taped his entire last day and projected it on the screen. Can you imagine how big and bulky video cameras were in the 80's? It was fun to see hairstyles, clothes, and the old high school through the eyes of a student. Everyone was mesmerized for over 30 minutes trying to identify classmates on the grainy clips. Our children now use a Flip Camera the size of your palm and can upload to the internet with a few clicks. My own children are constantly asking to use the "video-taper" as they call it, around the house.

3. Cameras
I only saw 3 cameras in the room. Everyone was sharing photos and taking pics with their cell phones. The next morning, reunion pics were posted on Facebook and comments about their evening flew fast off their fingers. So, I'm beginning to see the connectivity of Facebook, as opposed to Twitter (my personal fav).

Now, if the 20th Century is taking hold of technology usage when it was not around then, what will the 21st Century students take with them to their reunions?

Early Computer Literacy

2009-07-31T13:53:00.006-04:00

"Readers Are Leaders!" That's the motto that can be heard around our house as I share with my children the passion for reading. Today, my son, who will be in kindergarten, was reading this book in his room. He is already very computer literate, even more so than my daughter. He can navigate to websites he has visited and maneuver around the site to where he wants go and read. Coming down the stairs he said, "Mom, can I go to this website on the back of the book?" www.Alphakidz.com I bought the book a few years back because it was his name, and did not even realize it had a website.

I asked him how he knew that the book had a website and here's his answer, "Mom, it had a www. and a .com on the end." I was amazed that he is already recognizing environmental computer print in his daily life. The education that he will have will be so different than mine, but better. He was born in a different time. Between flip video cameras, internet literacy, and using Google as a verb and noun, his learning opportunities will always be evolving as new software, gadgets, and technology will be coming out in the 21st Century. Soon, he will be guiding me into his learning world. For now, I'm going to enjoy the "Mom knows a lot" phase. It won't last long!

Music in The Classroom

2009-07-28T00:18:00.010-04:00

Sunday evening I was at a dinner party and they began discussing the Wedding Entrance Dance video that is all the rage on youtube.
I hadn't heard of about it so a friend pulled out his Iphone and showed me. I was intrigued enough that I watched it numerous times at home and read the evolving story online. Even today, I can't help but wonder why the world is entranced with the video and idea. Yes, it's totally a feel good moment, but there's more. Weddings are celebrations and the wedding party began the celebration at the ceremony using music to share their joy. There wasn't a script to follow. Each member showed their individuality in the way they danced down the aisle.

Wouldn't it be great to see a class create their own dance to music? A dance or song to come into the classroom in the morning and one to leave. Or a Friday afternoon tradition as they walk out to the buses for the weekend. Think about the community building for the beginning of the school year. Or maybe choosing a song for background while they share their writing or book review. Or finding a song for science experiments. Each student showcasing themselves in a way that is typically not seen in a self-contained classroom. The possibilities are endless. What are some ways you have used music in the classroom?

Twitter Tolerance

2009-07-27T08:00:00.004-04:00

I absolutely love Twitter. I am extremely linear, in the way, that my life revolves around lists. Lists of books, to-do lists, travel lists, school lists, house renovation lists: they keep me balanced. So, of course, the way twitter works would totally fit in my realm. After all, the tweets come in a narrow timeline and if you add tweetdeck, you can organize into groups. I currently have a Dublin group, technology group, running/athletic group, and the public group. I can easily move from one group to the other by a mere scroll of my cursor. It works for me. But, I know of friends who could not "get" twitter.

I've recently joined some Nings, but am struggling through the process. I have difficulty focusing and finding information that can help me. Yet, I've heard great response from friends about Nings and Facebook. Different learning styles, different forms of communication tools. What works for one, may not work for another.

Mary Lee, at A Year of Reading, wrote an entry about too much online chatter. I, too, have felt that way and needed a break from technology. This past week, I read online but did not participate in Nings, tweets, and emails. It was a much needed break where I was able to reflect upon what I want the purpose of technology to be in my life. I will be the first to admit that it has so many uses, but I need to remember to be present in day-to-day matters.

Franki sent a twitter mosaic meme. I posted all my "friends" and they are an eclectic group.

Get your twitter mosaic here.