12-24-22 Traditions Matter

"Normally," 

Although not in recent years,

My family has gathered for 7 Fishes

After a day of cleaning and cooking.

This year, might have been one of those years

Filled with cooking, cleaning and excitement.

However, thanks to Covid, once again,

I am home with no plans to entertain.

Yet, like every year, I find myself

Cleaning the house from stem to stern

Like my Mother did every Christmas Eve,

"In preparation for the Baby Jesus"

She would claim

While I suspect she just wanted to

Keep anxious young ones busy.

"Traditions matter," I smiled as 

I cleaned under the stove just now.

I wish the 10s of people who still read my blog

A Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, and 

Traditions that don't require a vacuum.

#sol22 December 6, 2022 Groundhog Day

 

"Beep," my VW said strongly as I turned it on a, "Low Pressure, Right Rear Tire," showed on the screen in bold face type.

"Ugh," I responded with a sigh, first looking at each of the tires, and noting that they all looked about the same, but stopping to check the pressure at the local gas station immediately.

"They are all a little low," the kindly attendant volunteered, "but they are all about the same. It's probably just the cold snap," he smiled as he filled all the tires from 29 to 36 pounds.

"Sigh," I reset the indicator light ( finding the right indicator for resetting on the tire pressure is a post in itself) and drove off.

"Ugh'" I said days later when the auditory and verbal image reappeared on the screen and I returned to the station to check the pressure which appeared to be fine. I reset the indicator and this time it was easier because I had done so the day before.

"Ugh,' I thought, but something more like, "Oh, &*()," emerged from my mouth when the same thing happened days later.

"I don't know what is going on," I sighed as I showed up at Mavis early on a rainy morning, where I was not alone for the next 6 hours as my tire issue was addressed, slowly.  "Ugh," I said audibly, as the bill for a new tire appeared, (after several repairs did not fix a very slow leak)  .  "Ugh," I uttered as pulled out my credit card.  

"I don't know what is going on," I sighed as I showed up at Mavis this morning where the team reassessed the situation and finally decided the valve had a slow leak. 

"Sigh," I said, audibly, as I drove off, just now, wondering if modern safety technology was making me crazy, but also wondering if I will be back tomorrow.

#sol22 November 29 Cabbage, Onions, & a Good Book

 

"Why do you always bring us books, Meme?" he asked with a tone that put books in the same category as a gift of onions or cabbage.  "I don't like books, I don't like A, apple, /a/, and I don't like to read," he said in a huff that made my heart sad, even if I wasn't surprised.  

I grew up in an era when books were pretty much the only escape from real life and the only way to learn new things. These 3rd decade of the 20th Century children just ask Google if they have a question and have infinite avenues that will entertain them.  Yet, I know that reading and writing are still at the epicenter of learning and living, even if it's the 21st Century!

"I think you might like this one" I suggested holding the new book so that his name, along with his sister and brother's name's were in the title.  I did not read the title, but his big brother recognized the family names and appeared a wee bit interested.  The big brother moved away from his Lego-building, holding onto his build in progress.

"This one is me, this is you," the big brother concluded as he read the title and they opened the book and began to explore the pages where they were heroes and heroines.  "This one is where we are hiding!" they said excitedly as they scanned and explored the book the same way they would go after a box of chocolates. 

I hung up my coat, picked up the baby, and returned to find the reluctant reader, his siblings, and his father lost in this new "personalized" book.  I wanted to interject something about the magic or power of books.  I was tempted interject that THIS was why I bring so many books. However, I  acted as I would have if they were suddenly eating onions or cabbage and enjoying it!    

PS This time I used Wonderbly but I am neither endorsing the site or the books. The payment part was  tricky and they kept trying to double charge me until I corrected it manually, but the book is cute.  

PPS Thank you to TWT for continuing to sponsor this site and encouraging me to document the small moments of life. 

#sol22 Thankful, Grateful, Concerned, and Hopeful, too

 

Thankful

It's been a while since I blogged but l am thankful for a most special "reader" who nudges me to blog,  the opportunity to share with the next generation of teachers, and a tiny miracle who will be gracing our table (along with her parents, grandparents, siblings and cousins) this year (even if she is not yet eating food).

Grateful

I am grateful that I pulled myself out of my solitude and into the cold weekend where I found a bit of holiday spirit,  I'm pretty sure my Mom was smiling as we sipped clam chowder and I'm pretty sure it was not just luck that I won a 50/50 raffle at the Community Orchestra's Holiday Concert, because I never (usually) win.

Concerned

I must admit I am (and have been) concerned about the many hate crimes, blaming words, and destructive behaviors that attempt to pit one group against another and paralyze our nation.  I must admit I am devastated about the continuing gun violence that shatters lives and families while stealing the peace our forefathers hoped they were working towards. 

Hopeful

Finally, I am hopeful that I will make the time to reflect and write more often.  I am also hopeful that each of you who finds themselves reading this blog post finds some peace and joy during this week of reflection on our many blessings even amidst our many challenges and strife.  I am hopeful you will take the time to count your blessings and open your heart like those Wampanoag Native Americans we celebrate this week.

#sol22 May17 Sand, Shaving Cream and Grad School

While often cited, even by me, most likely, the number's cited in Dale's Cone of Learning are at best estimates of any individual's learning.  Clearly there are differences in an individual's ability to learn as well as engagement in the task at hand.  

Yet, experiences, engagement and discussion do seem to increase student engagement, learning, and retention of materials.  It is why we do so many "turn and talks" at every juncture of the teaching learning cycle!  It is why we create charts and models with our students rather than before class.  It is why we plan for hands on learning experiences whenever we can do so.  

Yes, even in graduate school, even when you are working towards a doctorate, experiencing a multisensory approach is a powerful learning experience as my students found while they practiced letters in sand and shaving cream.  Plus, as they found, it is fun.

 

#sol22 May 10 Jokes

 

I remember telling jokes as we walked home from elementary school. I was not a joke master by any means and relied on a few jokes copied from library books to keep up with the crowd.

In my professional work with children who found reading and learning challenging, I remember trying to teach the magic of word play through jokes.  For most of my students, jokes were hard and they relied on a handful of memorized jokes to keep up with the group.

But, I do remember the power of jokes for my niece, who consumed joke books. Later on, I remember sharing the magic of word play with her girls and their cousins.  I remember their belly laughs and how they would save jokes to trick me!  

Now, I am savoring the magic of grandchildren who are starting to "get" jokes and memorize joke books. There really is something magical about the power of words that sound similar or have different meanings.  

While I am still not a joke master, I shared a belly laugh when my grandchild called to ask me a joke that clearly has roots in the Disney classic, Moana.  

"What did one volcano say to the other volcano?" 

I lava (love) you!

I have a dream I hope will come true
That you'll grow old with me and I'll grow old with you
We thank the Earth, sea, and the sky, we thank too

I lava you,
I lava you,
I lava you.

#sol22 May 3 Happy Birthday

 

No, it's not my birthday and even though my sister, brother, niece and nephew have all had birthdays in the last week, this post is not really about their birthdays.  Instead, it's about someone in my early morning aquacise class whose birthday was also this week.

She comes often on the days I come to jump around in weightlessness and push that heavy water away!  In those fleeting moments before class she shared that it was her birthday and she was proud to have made it to class. So as class began, we spontaneously burst into song as we warmed up.  She smiled, thanked everyone and got right back to exercising with all her might. 

As the class ended, she leaned over and offered, "I'm pretty sure I'm the oldest in this class! I'm 87 today!"

"Really," was all I could manage to utter. "You are an inspiration to exercise," I followed up.

Truth be told, I have not consistently exercised in my life; however, the message was loud and clear on her birthday for me and for all those relatives sharing this birthday week: exercise is powerful.

#sol22 April 5 Jeans That Fit

 

I debated,

Did I really need to go?

I almost didn't park the car,

Did I feel safe?

I took a deep breath,

Considered an online attempt.

It had been

More than 2 years.

Some stores gone,

Common areas eerily quiet,

Some prices outrageous.

Many sizes unavailable.

Went to a few familiar haunts,

Still masked, still wary,

Left with new

Shirts and  jeans

That fit.

#sol22 March 31 This Ending Leaves Me to Ponder

 

I tried to notice, grab, write about,

What I saw, experienced, felt,

The moments I wanted to remember,

As boring as I think my life is these days,

I left a lot of slices (experiences) out,

I also left out times when

Anxieties, worries, concerns, issues,

Filled my heart and mind.

I am reminded that writing

Is like exercising, eating healthy,

It's easier when it's a regular part

Of every day.

 I am left with many questions

About writing workshop

In real classrooms in real schools

Where time is crunched

Where writing time is often

Compromised

Where writing gaps are often

Glaring. 

This ending leaves me

To ponder

How to help all students

Notice, grab, write about 

The moments they want to remember

Even if their lives are

Filled with worries

Or thought to be boring!

#sol22 March 30 Not a Perfect Momma

 

I think of  ou conversation whenever that old Saturday Night Skit pops up on social media.. The younger Momma strives to be "perfect" like her own mother. Her mother tries not to break the illusion while reassuring her daughter that she is doing a great job. Whenever this pops up, my mind hops way back in time to a conversation with a fellow Not-Perfect-Momma.

 "Some days, I just want to run away from all this mommy business," my friend said as we finished a brisk, much needed walk through the neighborhood. "I never would really do it, you know, but I think about it a lot.  I'm tired of thinking about laundry, meals, activities, money, work.....all of it.  Do you  ever think of running away?" 

As often happens, our children grew up in spite of our many parenting gaffes and those times we were just worn out and frustrated. 

To be honest, I thought a lot about having a launderess and a cook and I know I was not a "perfect" Momma. I graded papers during basketball, read books during baseball, and hide my eyes during football games. I got angry about messes.  Sometimes, dinner was "English muffin pizzas" and often it was "left overs." I bought cakes for bake sales and forgot permission slips. 

Yet, I have thought of that conversation as I watch Mammas navigating into car seats, encouraging healthy food, and wrestling into beds. I've thought of it as I watch children grapple for lap space, desired junk food, and coveted attention. I think of it as I read SOL posts from busy Mammas sliding in just before midnight and bed. 

#sol22 March 29 They're Back

 

Shivering in spite of winter coats, gloves, and scarfs, it's hard to believe that Spring has already sprung.  Last night, a snow squall caused a white out; yet the robins seem to be excited about something. Today, it's still too cold for outdoor recess! Lawns are still soggy and freezing temps make even thinking about gardens hard; however, there is one sure sign promising that a real spring season is near: landscapers.

Around these parts, a few trucks began dotting the landscape last week. This week, however, landscapers  are back in full force with noisy blowers, determined rakes and a spring clean up bill eagerly left at the door! 

It must be a lucrative business as the landscapers around these parts sport new trucks, fresh mowers, and the latest in blowing machines, They descend from the truck clad in ear protection and a swarm of landscapers make spring clean up look easy, even if they are also wearing winter coats, gloves, hats and scarfs as they deliver that first landscape bill of the season! 

#sol22 March28 Cold & Wet

 

In my effort to be "fit and healthy," I regularly join a group of like-minded adults for early morning running, stretching and jumping in a local (indoor) pool. Most days, it's 50 minutes of exercise followed by a quick shower and dry clothes. 

When the smoke alarms goes off at the end of aquacize, the exit is a bit more complicated and a lot colder!  Dressed only in wet swimsuits, wrapped in well worn towels, and wearing flip flops, we exited the pool and were told to only grab our coats before we were escorted into the lobby where our teeth chattered as we moved slowly towards the door. It was 24 degrees when we went into the pool and we were confident it was not much warmer. 

Those who had been treadmilling or riding the bikes that go no-where headed outside, some with but mostly without coats. The 20 or so swimsuit clad individuals moved ever so slowly towards the door as if moving slowly could stall our exit.

Eventually, we moved slowly outside, still clad in wet suits and soggy jackets for what seemed like forever but was actually just a few minutes of our own version of a "polar plunge." 

"Shivering is good exercise, too," we laughed as we finally headed back to the locker room after a "false alarm." 

#sol22 March 27 Another One Bites The Dust

 

Yesterday's walk included a podcast about KMart, which is down to 3 stores from a peek of 3000 in the '90s. Those of us who remember their iconic "blue light specials" where for just a few moments, you could get real bargains, and the live pet sections, where you could get turtles and fish, know this is a model that will not likely be repeated! 

They were affiliated with Sears, which has already disappeared along with Gimbles, Woolworths, Radio Shack, and even Blockbuster videos. It does not seem possible, but someday, Costco, Target and even Amazon could disappear.

Then, because my mind wanders as I walk, I thought about little bitty St. Peter's college, right here in NJ, which tonight will try to dethrone the mammoth, North Carolina, during the March Madness basketball tournament.

Then, the image of a current first grader, in the future,  upsetting an aging Jeff Bezos made me smile all the way home!. 

#sol22 March 26 Treasure Amid Trash

 

It's day 26 of the month long, TWT, writing challenge.

 I started cleaning a closet

Even though it doesn't feel "spring" today,

Great plans to get rid of my cold and the old,

To organize too much stuff,,

Keep, Goodwill, trash, organize,

Found a treasured memory book

About my brother 

Hiding, treasure amid trash.

I sat on the floor, tears in my eyes,

I remembered.

#sol22 March 25 Perhaps I Stood Next to Ron Howard

 

I was late when I finally left the building as a couple of students wanted to talk after class. It was raining a steady rain that required an umbrella or in my case, a jacket hood pulled tight. It was the kind of dark you find when the clouds shroud any possible light from the moon and obscure even the signs that fill the city streets. 

Midtown Manhattan is a busy place, even at 10 PM, as people return from late dinners or shopping. I've had run-ins, in the past with scooters and bikes and Segways, so I was cautious and careful as I made my way onto the sidewalk. There were a lot of people waiting for the light to turn and I wondered if the theater had just gotten out. 

The wind seemed to be blowing the rain straight into our faces and I huddled under my hood to avert the rain from my glasses. Others seemed to be shivering under much too thin jackets as the storm seemed to intensify as we waited.

This night, under an umbrella, wearing a worn baseball cap, donning a scruffy gray beard, and standing right next to me waiting for the light to turn, I think I saw Richie Cunningham (Ron Howard) although at that moment, all I could think of was the theme song for Happy Days! I remembered his name as we parted ways without saying a word, as people do in the big city even when it is not raining and not so dark. 

#sol22 March 24 Last Night

 

r

My students are looking critically at standardized testing, at this point in the semester.

Last night, they were eager to share the ideas in their heads with "exit tickets."

"I get it. Our students are a range of scores rather than a number or a score.  I can accept the range and the idea of my students as having relative strengths and needs."

"I can't believe how culturally insensitive some of these standardized assessment questions are."

"I understand why so many people are critical of standardized achievement tests! I cannot believe that so many tests are normed without second language or otherwise diverse learners.  This is wrong."

"I can't believe that some programs have program-sponsored and program-funded research data."

"I know more about 504s than the guidance counselor! I had to explain to her what a 504 could do."

#sol22 March 23 I love them so much

 

During her confirmation hearing, Ketanji Brown Jackson said to her children, "It has not been easy as I have tried to navigate the challenges of juggling my career and motherhood, and I fully admit that I did not always get the balance right..... I love you so much.”

I know most of us could share her thoughts.

I heard the quote wrapped in my bathrobe, in a now quiet house where I live alone, where memories of late night laundry and lunches amidst misplaced papers and lost permission slips came flooding back. I have thought this many times, even now, in my "retirement career."  I try to remember that life is a balancing act, sometimes there are a lot of plates in the air. 

I hope my own children (and grandchildren) know that I love them so much. 

#sol22 March 22 Socks and Waterbottles

 

I am pretty sure I am not the only one with missing socks. I put 6 into the wash and 5 come out.  About once a year, I discard all the mismatched socks. Once,when my children were teenagers, a washing machine repair yielded 5 baby booties.  It was a tiny fraction of the socks that machine had consumed.  I try to make this less of a problem by purchasing multiple pairs of the same socks; but, the appealing prices of TJMaxx often dictate my purchases.

There is another mystery that could keep me awake at night if I would let it. Where do all the reusable water bottles go?  Sure I sometimes find one under the seat in the car.  But, that is a fraction of the water bottles I have loved and lost over the years.  

Somewhere, perhaps over the rainbow, there must be a huge field of socks and water bottles!

#sol22 March 21 A Quilt and a Cold

 

When he asked, "Is anyone going to make a quilt?" I really wasn't sure I could pull it off even though I have made many tiny quilts stitched with love and care for tiny miracles. The semester was in high gear and the workload was heavy. I have started and stopped a bevy of sewing projects in the last year. Plus, these days it is an ordeal to find great fabric locally.

Then, I came down with a heavy duty cold.  I came down with the nose blowing, tell-tale coughing, and whole body shivering kind of cold that leaves tissues near by and me at home for more than a week. As the shivering abated, I started cutting fabric culled from a collection of fabric in my big old steamer trunk. Then, I masked up and headed out to find fabric for a backing. Then, I started sewing, piecing, remembering some favorite baby quilts and the "babies" who played on and were wrapped in love. 

In retrospect, I guess I needed the reset of that cold far more than any babe needs any quilt!

#sol22 One Pansy Plant

You really don't do much talking as you Aqua Kickbox, so this was our second, exercise friends' coffee group formed from common interests in trying to get "fitter" and "healthier" as we emerged from the pandemic era.  Some of us are new to the area and still finding doctors, dentists and hair dressers while others have been here forever. Most live with spouses, but some like me, live alone. I do not usually talk about the loss of my own marriage, other than to my therapist, but somehow, this group felt
comfortable and my story of love and loss came tumbling out over a second cup. 

"You should write a book," one of my new friends suggested as if she had been listening to my therapist.

"Are you like dating anyone?" she then asked, pushing my personal protective barrier way beyond its comfort zone. 

I had never been asked that question and I was not expecting it, but my response rolled out as if I had. "I'm one and done," I quipped. "I'm trying to learn to love myself."

On the way home, the local nursery was putting out pansies. So, I stopped to buy myself a lovely hanging basket thinking that I really have begun to love and trust myself.  

#sol22 March 19 The Hose Miracle

 

Do your remember that it was hard to find (nearly impossible) seeds, pots, hoses two years ago as we hunkered down at home thinking we would use our "at home time" to grow an incredible garden where we would nourish our hearts and tummies? 

So was the world when I bought my hose, paying an exorbitant price, or so I thought at the time, for the only available hose I could get from the Amazon or Target elves.  It seemed to be an ok hose, but really nothing special. At the end of its first season of dedicated service watering plants, I retired it to the garage. However, at the end of its second season of pandemic-imposed gardening, it would not detach from the house.  I tried everything I could find on You tube: WD40, a new wrench, PAM spray, intermittent hot and old packs.  It did not budge. I was thinking of calling a plumber, but then the freezing weather began and I figured the hose was already a gonner.  I'd wait for spring.

I was a bit hesitant to open the spigot as I walked in the warmth of an almost spring afternoon and expected water to spray out of 99 leaks in the not long ago frozen hose. To my surprise, the water went around and around just as it was supposed to do. In spite of cold, snow, ice, winds and a cracked sprayer, the hose, still attached to the house was intact. 

I am not going to plant a "Victory Garden" this year for the critters who consumed more than I did...but I guess I got a really good hose!

#sol22 March 18 A Slice of Pizza

 

As I walked this morning, I was thinking about my need for a slice. 

I could write about my lingering cold; but, how engaging is that?                                                                 

I could write about the red Solo cup litter. Hope they weren't driving!                                                        

I could write about the varying amounts of recycling from house to house. 

I wonder if everyone recycles?

I could write about the birds chirping loudly or the dense fog that comes with wild temperature shifts?

I could write about a slice of pizza, if I get my workout in and my work done.                                            

It could be a slice with leeks and mushrooms with goat cheese or roasted vegetables with provolone. 

It is the slice that really is in my head!                                                                                                           

It would be a nice treat after a week with a lingering cold and a lot of slicing with my SOL friends!

#sol22 March 17 I Wanted to Comment

"I cannot believe gas prices," he commented

As he filled his Suburban.

"I hear you," said another pumper

As he filled his SUV.

"I'm thinking of getting an electric car,

Just for running errands, if this continues"

I wanted to comment

But knew I would sound like a dinosaur 

Who has driven fuel efficient cars 

Since the Arab-oil-embargo of the '70s.

I wanted to share the fear of running out,

Purchasing on only odd or even days,

The need for locking gas caps.

I wanted to remind them

As they drove off in a puss of smoke,

The people, homes, innocent children

Who have perished, 

I wanted to remind them 

Of the image of strollers

Waiting in Poland.

Bombed buildings 

Where once were homes

I wanted to remind them

Our resources are not yet rationed,

Our security not yet in jeopardy,

To pray for peace.

 

#sol22 March 14 To Vacuum or to Build

 

Have vacuumed them with anxiety,

Have watched building with passion.

Have stepped on them and cursed.

Have hunted for them and lost,

I have stood in line for a long-awaited set.

Get to watch the magic, enjoy the creations,

Experience the stress

As my grandchildren

Transition from Duplos to Legos

Those teeny tiny building blocks 

That fill vacuums and hearts.

#sol22 March 15 Spring Will Be Here Soon

Chasing a little ball,

Is not my idea of fun.

But, my neighbor lives, eats, and breathes

To send a little ball flying.

After a weekend blast of winter,

After the sun provided a hint of spring

I found this hopeful golf ball,

On a scrap of artificial turf

In the waning snow.

As sure as birds chirping,

As sure as warm sun on your back,

Spring will be here, soon,

Worry not

Little golf ball.

#sol22 March 14 To Save the Can

 

I am participating in Two Writing Teachers 

March Slice of Life Challenge 

to find small moments and write about them

The snow was starting to accumulate when I finally wrapped up my work with students and their teachers. I should have stopped to use the restroom, but I really wanted to head home, so I grabbed a cup of left over coffee and headed to my car. I had boots and gloves, but the cold wind cut through my coat and I was shivering long before my car was clean.

The drive home was stressful as the snow was blowing and the gusts were both unpredictable and powerful. There was ice mixed with snow mixed with sleet mixed with rain attacking me from all angles and the trip home was longer than it should have been. Eventually, I turned onto my street and breathed a sigh of relief as I could not wait to use the facilities. 

With my own house in view, a huge gust picked up a garbage can and sent to flying. I had noticed the can early that morning and wondered if the neighbors were away, but now it was an UFO menacing the street. I narrowly avoided the UFO as I pulled into my driveway.  The gusts seemed to be intensifying and the can seemed to be skating around in circles. I had to make a split second decision if I was going to rescue that empty can from its gust filled dance, but I also desperately needed to use the bathroom! 

Would the wayward can cause an accident? Could I live with that responsibility?  I really had to go and the wind was intensifying so that the can was literally flying.  My heart was racing and I went with my gut.

Don't worry, I made the right decision!

#sol22 March 13 A Cold

 

I woke up, stuffy,

Sinuses stretched,

Thinking, "This could be Covid."

I'd been super careful, until this week

Got a test, negative.

Masks off after .....two years

I haven't opened a box of tissues in.....two years?

I haven't been stuffy in ......two years!

I haven't had a cold in .....two years!

Now, I have a cold,

Two years after we went into hibernation for two weeks.

#sol22 March 12 I Went Back

 

I was early,

Stayed in car,

Anxiety brewing,

Took a deep breath.

I was there

March 2020

Murmur of concerns,

Gums, Covid-19.

Bridges, implants,

Need regular maintenance,

Anxiety brewing,

Took a deep breath.

Should I have waited so long?

Would they berate my absence?

Could I handle bad news?

Anxiety brewing,

I took a deep breath.

"So good to see you," she said,

"I see you have been taking 

care of your teeth!"

#sol22 March 11 Maybe They Were a Little Tricky

 

It was snowing, again, big, sloppy flakes, and they were expected to continue when I googled "windshield wiper sales."  My wipers had been having senior moments for a while as they separated into spaghetti-like bands after several years of faithful service. 

Then, before I set off on my mission, I googled "you tube and replacing wiper blades." I watched several videos of people bravely replacing senior blades with newbies by flipping a couple of switches.  I was cautiously confident that I could do this; however, I bookmarked my favorite video to guide me.

Worst case scenarios swirled in my mind as I drove to Advance Auto Parts. I could have a wiper fly off as I went over the bridge.  I could have no wipers!

As I paid for the newbies, I could hear my heart beating. I hoped the plexiglass divider kept my panic private. Then, instead of handing me the newbies, he put on his jacket, still holding the blades, and asked if he could help me install them because, "they were a little tricky." 

The feminist inside me wanted to scream, "I can do it myself," but the realist in my was persuaded by those words he didn't have to utter. "Thank you," I said sincerely as he showed me that maybe a little tricky switch. 

While I might have been able to do the job given extended time, directions repeated, and  directions clarified; he did the job as if he did it every day!  

#SOL22 March 10 Follow Me Home

 

This semester, my students have diverse needs, amazing anecdotes, and many questions they save for the end of class.

"Can I talk to you/"

"What is on the Content Area test?"

"My observation was incredible/horrible/amazing....Can I tell you about it?"

So it was late when I headed out of the city, and to be honest, I was really tired. Fortunately, the snow had stopped, but the roads were dotted with patches of black, and not so black, ice.  It was not a night for speed. 

I noticed a car following behind me as a slowed to let a "weaver" sneak in front of me. 

I noticed the car was still there when I turned on my blinker and prepared to leave the highway.  

I noticed he put on his blinker and exited the highway right behind me. 

I noticed he went straight, after the stop sign, just like me.

I noticed he turned right when I turned right.

And then, I got scared.

"What if he is following me home?  I can't go home with him following me?"

So I drove right past my house and turned left, then right.

So did he.

My heart was beating pretty fast at this point and I was shaking.

"I'm being followed," I thought.

And then I turned left and he went straight. 

And I went home. 

SOL22 March 9 To My Future Self

 Dear Future Self,

I know you think sharing a bed with your sister is the worst thing that could happen to you, but it isn't. You will someday have your own bed and even a house, just for you.  You will look back an remember the endless giggles under the covers and the imaginary line down the middle. You will realize your parents slept on the couch while you slept in their bed.

I know you think moving Alabama is the worst thing that could happen to you. The accents will be hard at first, but you will make life-long friends and do well in middle school. Someday, you are going to be watching a movie about Martin Luther King and remember the Edmund Pettus bridge in the center of town.

I know you think you are "overweight" and "not in shape."  You are a busy, young mother and teacher.  You have laundry, dishes and lesson plans calling louder than the need to go for a run. Someday, you are going to look back at your wrinkle free skin and taught muscles and long for the shape you were in. 

I know you were thinking retirement would mean a place at the beach and lots of time to quilt. You didn't know there was a pandemic around the corner and supporting struggling readers and their teachers would grow into a full time job. You didn't know about that gaggle of grandchildren who would call you Meme. You didn't think you would still have so much to say that you would still have this blog!

Sincerely,

Me

#SOL22 March 8 How Can We Celebrate?

 

Today, was
Mask off, for many
For the first time
In so long, 

We should be celebrating?

How can we celebrate?

When bombing fills the news?

Today, felt scary

Mask off, could mean

 A resurgence.

Going back to the scary days?

How can we celebrate?

 A war, suffering, destruction, death,

Today, felt hopeful

Mask off, should mean 

Better times ahead?

 How can we celebrate? 

#sol22 March 7 My New Literacy Journey

 "Look at  at my new Pokeman cards," he said with the enthusiasm he used to have (just months ago) for mini cars and trucks that fit into his hands. 

"Can you tell me who this one is," I asked him in a way I had responded to countless children, fingering through their Pokeman-card books, waiting for school to start. Over the years of morning duty, I did learn a few characters but I never really needed to become literate in Pokeman.

But this time, it was not in a noisy hallway where I was on crowd control. This time, I was at his kitchen table.  "It's Mewtwo," he answered confidently and proceeded to share his brand new collection of just a few cards. 

I knew, from hallway experience, the collection would grow exponentially. This time, I figured I should become literate in Pokeman. This time , I found out there are 150 characters in this imaginary space. Some of them look a bit like their name, like Butterfree below.  I'll start with them!

#SOL22 March 6 Sincerely, Thank You

 

Admittedly, I had lots on my mind, 

My heart a bit unsure, concerned.  

I was shopping without a list, 

 Had to go back for beans, potatoes. 

The cashier was super efficient,

So I had to bag fast.

The line behind me long,

So I was rushing.

I was finishing putting bags in the car

As the super efficient cashier

Came running out to find me

And, return my credit card.

She didn't have to do that,

But I sincerely thank you.

#sol22 March 5 George Washington of DC

 

"What is the Little Man wearing now," she asked as the lawn accessory prepared for the holiday.  

"I'm pretty sure he is supposed to be Abraham Lincoln," I answered. 

"Oh yeah, he was one of the old time Presidents like Washington" she responded eagerly. "I know all about him.  He was Washington DC.  He probably liked comics.  I am not a big fan of DC comics, but lots of people are."

I eagerly made a note in my writer's notebook under ideas for SOL because I want to remember.

We certainly want students to make connections and inferences; however, it is also important to consider the challenges of multi-meaning-words and phrases.