Tuesday, April 23, 2013

Slice of Life: Trying again

 WRITE your slice. SHARE your link. GIVE some comments to (at least three) other slicers.If you're leaving your comment early in the day, please consider returning this evening or tomorrow to read some of our evening posters' slices.

Oh...Slice of Life...how I have missed you!  It has been a long time.  Life is busy.  I did not follow through on the March slice of life challenge.  Stopped after day two...disappointed in myself. So, I stopped writing.  Life was busy and many things were happening.

My youngest turned five.  My middle daughter turned seven. Home birthday parties were planned.  Easter activities were enjoyed.  Soccer games for my oldest...exciting wins and disappointing losses.  Stitches above my youngest daughter's eye.  Girl Scout meetings to plan.  Attended a teaching conference and then coming home to five little chicks in our house.  Friendship worries, school worries, financial worries...sleepless nights.  Submitting my first job application in a long time.  Embracing change.

Yet amidst the busyness of life, something was missing.  This morning I took out my writer's notebook and dusted it off.  I opened it up and just started writing.  It felt good to just write.  I realized that it is the daily writing that I have missed.  Taking the time to notice the small happenings.  Taking a moment to notice the smiles, glistening eyes of wonder, cuddles, laughter, buds appearing, and other precious moments.  Slowing down.  Thinking about daily slices.

Although I didn't follow through on the slice of life challenge, I am jumping back in and will continue to try my best to grow as a writer.  This is the message I want my daughters and students to learn...if at first you don't succeed, try, try again.  Thank you for offering the Slice of Life weekly post.  Although I thought I had failed at the March challenge, I now realize it was a learning opportunity.  I am not giving up - I will just keep writing.  As Pete the Cat states, "Because it is all good."
 

Monday, April 22, 2013

It's Monday! What Are You Reading?

Here are some wonderful books that I have read recently...

Eight Keys by Suzanne LaFleur

Eight Keys

The story of a girl who starts middle school.  She encounters a bully and a mystery surrounding eight keys her father left for her.  As she solves the mystery, she also discovers the importance of friendship, family and believing in herself.

City of Ember by Jeanne DuPrau

The City of Ember (Books of Ember Series #1)

A mystery about two children who try to figure out how to save their the city from darkness.  The ending leaves you wanting to read the sequel.

The Great Wall of Lucy Wu by Wendy Wan-Long Swand

The Great Wall of Lucy Wu

Another story about a middle school girl, a bully and dealing with unexpected circumstances.  The main character has an authentic voice and comes to understand the importance of family.

I am currently reading...

The False Prince by Jennifer A. Nielsen

The False Prince (Ascendance Trilogy Series #1)

Next Up...

Stick Dog by Tom Watson

Stick Dog

Sunday, April 21, 2013

Teaching Mission Statement

I believe in collaborating with others to maximize the learning experiences of all students.  I firmly believe that all students can learn.  If they are unwilling to learn, I will do everything I can to help them learn.  If what I am not doing is working, then I will change my practices to accommodate the needs of my students.