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on a roll...

6/14/2016

I've been impressed with the Who Is/Who Was books. They are pretty quick reads and are great for learning history. I learned quite a bit about these two.

I am also trying to find that first great read aloud for the year. I stumbled upon Among the Hidden, not realizing that it was published in 2000 and is part of a series. This is a great introduction to dystopian fiction and applying Notice and Note strategies.

Fly Away Home and The Wall are also great classics by Eve Bunting. The first touches upon homelessness and the second explores feelings of the survivors of war veterans.

more good reads

6/12/2016

While many of my colleagues around the globe are participating in the National Book-A-Day Challenge (where educators average reading 1 book per day of their summer vacation), I have decided to simply read more than last summer. With Montessori and STEM training, I think this is enough.

Mostly, I am reading books that are already on my student shelves, and that they have approved, but I have not yet read.

Absolutely Almost is very touching, as we see life through the eyes of ten-year-old Albie. Articulate when narrating the book, he is not seen as smart in real life, and we are taken on a ride as he comes to terms with how people see him versus how he ultimately sees himself.

Next is a graphic novel I bought a few days ago (yes, I couldn't resist). I have been wanting an independent book that tells the story of desegregation that is appropriate for my fourth and fifth graders. The Story of Ruby Bridges is a good introduction, but I wanted something meatier, with more historical facts. Lions of Little Rock is also good, but I haven't gotten many boys to read it, with its female protagonist.

This graphic novel is exactly what I need. It is short, but packed with accurate historical information that is sure to inspire further research. There is use of the "n" word, and another expletive, but I feel it lends to its authenticity.

famous scientists

6/8/2016

I am obsessed with anything written on Albert Einstein, and I love a good picture book. This one is a great introduction, including his early academic struggles and happy personality. Easily a good research resource, it also speaks to having a growth mindset.

Neo Leo surprised me. I expected a discussion of his famous paintings (Mona Lisa, The Last Supper, etc.), but instead it focused on how his inventions predated many that are well-known to us. Art and science can go hand in hand. Another great research find for kids.

joys of reading

6/5/2016

Four years ago, I read a book that forever changed my views on reading in school. Donalyn Miller's The Book Whisperer for many of us is still considered the Bible on all things literary. There are many others as well: Pernille Ripp, Nancy Atwell, Katherine Sokolowski,...

They and others have impressed on me that what we want is for our children to be lifelong readers, to know what it feels like to love a book, a character, an author. To reach their reading "zone". That is why my students choose books from our classroom library.

I take pride in knowing that I can almost always select a book for even the most reluctant reader that they will love, and that nearly all my students become readers for life, even if they didn't enter that way. Yep, no reading logs or daily assigned reading, but rather reading in class that seeps into reading after class.

So, I am busy reading all those books on my list this summer before my Montessori training begins. Here are some more finds.

Blockhead: The Life of Fibonacci is a wonderful account and explains the heart of a mathematician.

The Scar had me in tears from the first line! I have already decided to read it aloud in September.

The Friar Who Grew Peas is the story of Mendel as the father of heredity.

I also read Freedom River, which is definitely a keeper because of its historical importance. I think we all deserve to know more names than Harriet Tubman.

Currently, I am reading Roots (I can't believe I never read it in all these years) and Absolutely Almost, which I have been trying to read for years.

What are you reading?

Reading...

5/31/2016

Finished two books - awesome! Booked did not disappoint, but I think my favorite is still The Crossover. I also read Echo and Echo. Poetry is something that I want to read more of, so these two were perfect for me. What have you read this summer?

an awesome move up day

5/24/2016

I had so much fun during my first Move Up Day! I actually got to meet my fourth and fifth graders for next year and we had a blast.

Thank you, class. for such a nice welcome. I can't wait for August.

what are you reading?

5/24/2016

For those of you who loved The Crossover by Kwame Alexander, his latest called Booked does not disappoint. Also written in verse, the protagonist's sport of choice is soccer. Halfway in, I'm completely hooked, and read it any chance I get. Please add to your to-be-read list.

What are your current reads?

so tired

5/17/2016

I often wonder if people in industries other than education get this tired at this time of year. Preparing for fifth grade graduation, wrapping up the school year in a meaningful way, getting grades done, final testing and analyzing results, packing up a classroom, and yes, moving to a new one. It's a wonder it all gets done, but it does, magically, each and every year.

A teacher friend reminded me today that I really don't need to make any drastic changes, but to stay true to my authentic teaching self. Actually, a few friends have said this. I am so fortunate to be in such a supportive community, where we lift each other and truly want the best for each other and the kids.

So yes, I am tired, but I am blessed, too.

i'm back...

5/15/2016

Not to make excuses, but I thought I would be switching to another website, so I didn't update this one. In over a year. Anyway, I'm back - in a new school and in a new teaching situation for next year. I finished my math endorsement, do compliment adults daily, and finally earned 10,000 stickers on First in Math. So that's the update on 2015 resolutions.

What am I doing now? Preparing for the end-of-year festivities for my fifth graders, a move to a new room, new students in 2 grades, and a new teaching format - Montessori. And, I'm presenting to my district on data next month. Having fun and staying busy.

Check out my latest obsession!

happy new year!

1/3/2015

With the new year comes the inevitable resolutions. Some of these I am proud to say I started a few weeks ago and have lasted so far. The first is probably to be kinder to my feet. To relieve my foot pain, I have begun regular foot and leg stretches, icing a few times per day, and even have purchased seven new pairs of athletic shoes. My fifteen-year-old son has helped me tremendously to keep my swag points (Thanks, Sam), as I now have a pair for each color combination of work clothes. I am not ready for orthopedic shoes. Hopefully, this will do the trick.

I also have recommitted to regular blogging. I do love to write, and it is so therapeutic for me. This is the first of many this year. Other resolutions include, in no particular order,:

complimenting and adult at least once per day
completing my math endorsement homework the day BEFORE it is actually due
tweeting on a few PLNs
earning 10,000 FIM stickers
publishing an academic article