Monday, June 24, 2013

Teachers Write!





Writers Notebooks

I started a writer's notebook when I was teaching fourth grade.  I firmly believe that teachers are better teachers of writing when they are writers themselves.  I've continued to write in my writer's notebook while being a stay at home mom.  I start my day writing in my notebook while everyone else is still sleeping.  I love the warm weather when I start my day writing on my front porch with my morning coffee.  Some days I write a few words while other days a few pages.  I fill it with observations, thoughts, lists, poems, sketches, and quotes.  My second notebook is almost filled up and I am looking forward to purchasing a third notebook.  I love decorating the covers.  My current notebook is decorated with positive quotes that inspire me.




It's Monday! What Are You Reading?

 

This week I read and enjoyed...

Stick Dog by Tom Watson

Stick Dog

Rhyming Dust Bunnies by Jan Thomas

Rhyming Dust Bunnies

If You Give A Cat A Cupcake by Laura Numeroff

If You Give a Cat a Cupcake

I am still lingering with and really enjoying...

Teach Like a Pirate by Dave Burgess

Teach Like a PIRATE: Increase Student Engagement, Boost Your Creativity, and Transform Your Life as an Educator

Hattie Ever After by Kirby Larson

Hattie Ever After

Next up...

Red, White and Blue and Katie Woo by Fran Manushkin

 Red, White, and Blue and Katie Woo!

Monday, June 17, 2013

It's Monday! What Are You Reading?

It's Monday, I am so happy to be posting again.  It has been a busy spring.   Although I have been reading professional literature and children's books avidly, I have not made the time to post.  Today, I have decided to return to my weekly posts.

I have read and enjoyed...

Countdown to Kindergarten by Alison McGhee

Countdown to Kindergarten

Chu's Day by Neil Gaiman

Chu's Day

She Did It by Jennifer Ericsson

She Did It!

More Life Size Zoo by Teruyuki Komiya

More Life-Size Zoo: An All-New Actual-Size Animal Encyclopedia

The Kingfisher Horse and Pony Encyclopedia by Sandy Ransford

The Kingfisher Illustrated Horse and Pony Encyclopedia

Beholding Bee by Kimberly Newton Fusco

Beholding Bee

Comprehension Connections by Tanny McGregor

Comprehension Connections: Bridges to Strategic Reading

I am currently reading...

Hattie Big Sky by Kirby Larson

Hattie Big Sky

Teach Like a Pirate by Dave Burgess

Teach Like a PIRATE: Increase Student Engagement, Boost Your Creativity, and Transform Your Life as an Educator

Next up...

Stick Dog by Tom Watson

Stick Dog


Monday, May 6, 2013

It's Monday! What Are You Reading?

 
I have read some wonderful books recently...

The False Prince by Jennifer A. Nielsen

The False Prince (Ascendance Trilogy Series #1)

This Journal Belongs to  Ratchet by Nancy J. Cavanaugh

This Journal Belongs to Ratchet

Thank You, Mr. Falker by Patricia Polacco

Thank You, Mr. Falker

The Happiness Advantage by Shawn Achor

The Happiness Advantage: The Seven Principles of Positive Psychology That Fuel Success and Performance at Work

I am currently reading...

Saige by Jessie Haas

Saige (Girl of the Year 2013 #1)

Next up...

Hattie Ever After by Kirby Larson

 Hattie Ever After

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.