One day our descendants will think it incredible that we paid so much attention to things like the amount of melanin in our skin or the shape of our eyes or our gender instead of the unique identities of each of us as complex human beings.
Children are so wise, if we just listen. It amazes me how little of that genuine understanding "grown-ups" keep with them as they move to adulthood. On Friday, the day before the 3 day weekend, I talked with my students about Martin Luther King, Jr., Rosa Parks, and other Civil Rights leaders. To make clear what segregation was like, I had them divided into groups based on skin color. Only six of us sat near my desk, while 21 students looked at us from across the room. While listening to me explain that if we had lived 50 years ago all of those students would be attending a different school, riding a different bus, using a different bathroom and water fountain, one student raised his hand. "But, Ms. L," he said, "How can they do that? We didn't choose to be this color. We were just born this way." His eyes were so sad when he whispered those words, that I knew he really understood how different his life would be if people like MLK Jr., Rosa Parks, and others had not stood up for what is right. So wise.
Blessing #103: Waffle Ice Cream Sandwich
I am so blessed... someone had a genius for a moment and gave life to the idea of smashing ice cream between two hot waffles, pouring chocolate sauce over the top, and adding whipped cream and cherries. I mean, wow! So tasty. Eating it after walking by the ocean makes the sandwich taste even better.
Blessing #104: Road Trip Games
I am so blessed... that I have amazing friends who love silly road trip games! Especially the "I'm going on a trip to ______ and I'm taking with me _____." The other players ask if they can come and suggest things they want to bring with them. The trip "leader" says yes or no, depending on the category they have [secretly] selected. Such fun! And very revealing of how people think; different things/people/places can fit into many categories, so you never really know what someone else is thinking. Love it! I especially love playing it with the other 2/3 of Three's Company.
Blessing #105: White Board Markers
I am so blessed... white board markers make life much easier for a teacher. Less worksheets, more consistent engagement, quick assessment of every student... what's not to love? Well, they do run out a lot, but we're making it work. I'm sticking with them because I don't like lots of worksheets. And the kiddos love 'em.
♥
Tuesday, January 19
Saturday, January 16
Creativity
I've been watching a string of TED videos recently on creativity; what it is, how we cultivate it, and -- most importantly -- how we stifle it in our children and ruin it in adults who pursue creativity through the arts.
I haven't finished sorting through enough of it to share all of my thoughts... I chew on ideas for a long time before they are truly formed. The videos are provoking, however, and I hope you'll watch them. They've gotten me thinking, for sure. Particularly about my responsibility as an educator and as a human to value, foster, admire, and protect creativity.
Ken Robinson on schools killing creativity:
Elizabeth Gilbert (Eat, Pray, Love), on fostering creativity:
Blessing #102: Daylight Savings
I am so blessed... that today I experienced the joy of Daylight Savings Time. One of the reasons I was excited to move to Arizona was the lack of Daylight Savings Time. Except that today, I loved it! We left for a trip to California early today, and then when we crossed the border, we realized we had gained an hour! An extra hour of a three-day weekend? That's a blessing.
♥
I haven't finished sorting through enough of it to share all of my thoughts... I chew on ideas for a long time before they are truly formed. The videos are provoking, however, and I hope you'll watch them. They've gotten me thinking, for sure. Particularly about my responsibility as an educator and as a human to value, foster, admire, and protect creativity.
Ken Robinson on schools killing creativity:
Elizabeth Gilbert (Eat, Pray, Love), on fostering creativity:
Blessing #102: Daylight Savings
I am so blessed... that today I experienced the joy of Daylight Savings Time. One of the reasons I was excited to move to Arizona was the lack of Daylight Savings Time. Except that today, I loved it! We left for a trip to California early today, and then when we crossed the border, we realized we had gained an hour! An extra hour of a three-day weekend? That's a blessing.
♥
Thursday, January 14
Troublemakin'
I had to explain to a student today that I do not see him as a "troublemaker." One of my goals, every day, is to make sure that the students know I don't see them as their choices. Just because you make a not-so-smart choice doesn't make you bad. Many of them are so used to being labeled by their choices, even at such a young age. The hardest thing is constantly reminding myself to remove the action from the child; they can sense insincerity and they know when I'm b.s.-ing them. So, if the attempt is made to explain that they are not their choices, they'll know when I don't actually believe it. Teaching is one of the most growing daily experiences.
Blessing #101: Aviator Gorilla
It's a long story, but... There's this stuffed gorilla dressed like an old-fashioned pilot on my bed. It always makes me smile; a little bit because it's funny looking, but mostly because it reminds me of the wonderful friends who gave me the little guy.
♥
Blessing #101: Aviator Gorilla
It's a long story, but... There's this stuffed gorilla dressed like an old-fashioned pilot on my bed. It always makes me smile; a little bit because it's funny looking, but mostly because it reminds me of the wonderful friends who gave me the little guy.
♥
Wednesday, January 13
100
The hardest arithmetic to master is that which enables us to count our blessings.
Here it is, the 100th blessing...
Blessing #100: Counting my blessings
I am so blessed... though I realize to say that counting my blessings is a blessing sounds an awful lot like wishing for three more wishes from the magic lamp, it feels right. Counting my blessings opened the right kinds of doors for me emotionally. At times when I most needed perspective, I had this waiting, to remind me that while things aren't what I would call "perfect," the joy is there. Over the last 100 blessings, it has become clear to me that it isn't about finding something that gives me joy, it's finding the joy in what I have or what I'm doing. Whatever, whenever, wherever -- that is where my joy lies. So I'm not going to stop. Counting my blessings has been the greatest blessing of all.
♥
Here it is, the 100th blessing...
Blessing #100: Counting my blessings
I am so blessed... though I realize to say that counting my blessings is a blessing sounds an awful lot like wishing for three more wishes from the magic lamp, it feels right. Counting my blessings opened the right kinds of doors for me emotionally. At times when I most needed perspective, I had this waiting, to remind me that while things aren't what I would call "perfect," the joy is there. Over the last 100 blessings, it has become clear to me that it isn't about finding something that gives me joy, it's finding the joy in what I have or what I'm doing. Whatever, whenever, wherever -- that is where my joy lies. So I'm not going to stop. Counting my blessings has been the greatest blessing of all.
♥
Tuesday, January 12
Safe and Fun
Education is not filling a pail but the lighting of a fire.
Today, one of my darling students had this to say to my TFA Program Director: "I like this class because we get to do fun things. She shows us cool things like a gila monster. She buys us things for the treasure box. She does that so school will be fun and safe for everyone." It's funny because I am aware that -- for the most part -- the students in my classroom like me and enjoy school, but rarely do I get to hear it from them directly. And with such sweet eloquence. I love those kids.
At our meeting, my PD and I talked about how to overhaul my small-group reading plans in order to boost a key group of students' fluency and comprehension scores. TFA has taught me to be very self reflective. When thinking about the challenges of teaching where I teach, I find myself thinking about how it's hard for me to remember what it's like not to understand. That's the first thought. Not how these children have little to no support at home, move all the time, didn't go to kindergarten, or spend too much time playing games and watching movies far too mature for them. It's a mindset that I believe -- from my own experience -- sets TFA teachers apart. Read an interesting article detailing that thought further in the Atlantic. So interesting: What Makes an Effective Teacher?
One intriguing point I reread: that teachers who rate their contentment with life highly are more likely to be effective teachers. Another: effective teachers are constantly reevaluating "best practices." You don't see the same posters, same routines, same lessons over and over again in the classroom. Students change, the chemistry of a classroom changes. You can't have the same classroom in May as you had in August.
Blessing #99: Pilates
Huge plus of being a gym member: all the amazing classes! Tonight I went to Pilates. Loved it! Left relaxed, but I know tomorrow I'll be feeling it. I am blessed that there is an exercise that feels relaxing, but actually gives you quite the workout!
Do you have a memorable second grade moment?
♥
Today, one of my darling students had this to say to my TFA Program Director: "I like this class because we get to do fun things. She shows us cool things like a gila monster. She buys us things for the treasure box. She does that so school will be fun and safe for everyone." It's funny because I am aware that -- for the most part -- the students in my classroom like me and enjoy school, but rarely do I get to hear it from them directly. And with such sweet eloquence. I love those kids.
At our meeting, my PD and I talked about how to overhaul my small-group reading plans in order to boost a key group of students' fluency and comprehension scores. TFA has taught me to be very self reflective. When thinking about the challenges of teaching where I teach, I find myself thinking about how it's hard for me to remember what it's like not to understand. That's the first thought. Not how these children have little to no support at home, move all the time, didn't go to kindergarten, or spend too much time playing games and watching movies far too mature for them. It's a mindset that I believe -- from my own experience -- sets TFA teachers apart. Read an interesting article detailing that thought further in the Atlantic. So interesting: What Makes an Effective Teacher?
One intriguing point I reread: that teachers who rate their contentment with life highly are more likely to be effective teachers. Another: effective teachers are constantly reevaluating "best practices." You don't see the same posters, same routines, same lessons over and over again in the classroom. Students change, the chemistry of a classroom changes. You can't have the same classroom in May as you had in August.
Blessing #99: Pilates
Huge plus of being a gym member: all the amazing classes! Tonight I went to Pilates. Loved it! Left relaxed, but I know tomorrow I'll be feeling it. I am blessed that there is an exercise that feels relaxing, but actually gives you quite the workout!
Do you have a memorable second grade moment?
♥
Monday, January 11
Surviving and Survivor
Week 2 of the Happiness Project... I didn't do a fantastic job of going to bed early last week (the first resolution), but I'm working on it still this week. The new resolution is to start adding more exercise into your routine. Check!
Yesterday brought a Squaw Peak adventure. The first step in training for a Grand Canyon Hike in June! Yep, I've committed to hiking the Grand Canyon. Never been, so it only seems fitting that I would actually hike it on my first visit... Oh, Amie... A good friend who knew how to get me going without pushing too hard helped yesterday. As much as my people-pleaser tendencies usually result in doing things I don't want to do, when it comes to physical exertion, if pushed too hard, the stubbornness surfaces and I'll refuse to do whatever it is. Even if the whole thing was originally my idea. Good thing my friend was able to gently encourage and push me to finish without igniting the "I quit!" fire. It's always a smart choice to try embark on potentially challenging adventures with friends who know you well; or at least are tactful enough to handle any personality quirks.
Today, in the spirit of getting more exercise, I went swimming. The one thing I love about swimming -- as opposed to other gym-related activities -- is that you can share the lanes in a pool. Try sharing a treadmill: "Here, you stand on this part, I'll take that side, and we'll start on 3..." No fun. While at times, lane-sharing can be annoying to the point of feeling that (perhaps) the exercise isn't worth it; on nights like this, it is absolutely worth it. I shared a lane with someone who is training to go on a 5-week "survival adventure" on a deserted island somewhere. As in a getting-dropped-from-a-helicopter-with-only-the-clothes-on-your-back-a-fishing-spear-and-a-machete-left-to-your-own-devices- in-the-middle-of-a-large-body-of-water kind of 5-week survival adventure. Sound familiar? I thought so, too. Sounds like Survivor!! Didn't ask, though I wish had. Guess I'll just have to watch and see.
Ha. Weren't expecting that, I bet. Regardless, I am so blessed that merely seeing this song as a friend's status update made me laugh. Laughter is wonderful. Little things that make me laugh are even better. Yet even more superb: the laugh/snicker combination. In Da Club gets that reaction. How can I not be thankful?! I dare you to think about that song without at least cracking a smile. I mean, c'mon: it's catchy. It's hilarious. It's from 2003. And, it's pure genius! 50 said it himself, "Every day it's relevant all over 'cause every day is someone's birthday."
What's something ridiculous that made you smile recently?
♥
Thursday, January 7
Lately...
...I've been working on anticipating moments when life will get too overwhelming, resulting in an urge to cry out UNCLE! and throw my hands up in defeat. All too often, I find myself wishing I hadn't said, "Sure, I'll do that! Yes, I'll help!" In all my effort to give as much as I can to all the people and causes I care about, I stretch too thin; it seems less effective to be committed to so many situations that, ultimately, no one gets 100% of me. Attempting to foresee how much will be too much helps me to keep my life from being overloaded with obligations.
Which means that I have to say no. No. No, no, no. It's amusing that the simplest, most intuitive word -- I think "no" is a lot of people's first repeated word -- becomes so hard to say the older we get. Ah, to remember the power and thrill of saying "No." Now... to say no is a burden; I'm so narcissistic to believe that my saying no will result in an epic meltdown of all things sane and right with the world. I mean, really. Who am I to think that I have to do everything? I should be grateful to have any gifts to contribute to the world at all, let alone value them so highly that I can't say "no" for fear that if I don't do it, the world will simply implode. Or, heaven forbid, someone might be annoyed with me.
That's really the problem. I don't like to think of anyone out there disliking me. So sad. So very, very sad. For someone with a decent idea of what her priorities should be, I don't actually prioritize very well. And, I still don't act very well on these moments of realization. Tomorrow I'll probably say yes to something I shouldn't, yet again, because I'm scared someone might get upset, annoyed, or potentially like me a little less. So weak. Good thing that in my weakness, there is Someone stronger who offers grace.
Blessing #97: Love Notes
I am so blessed... by a love note that wasn't even written to me! Confession: a seven year-old might have stolen my heart today. Completely. M was looking dapper in his suit today, and as he left school to walk to the Rec Center, he asked me to put a card he was working on in his folder on his table because he forgot to deliver it. As I walked back to my room, I read it, of course! The words that made my heart flutter: Dear A, I have loved you since the first day of school. Awwww. It was so touching; I'm so used to the messy, dramatic "love" lives of people my age. Something about that simple, sweet, whole-hearted adoration just made me melt. It was poetic. I am very thankful for how completely children love. They love without consideration for "appropriateness." Grown-ups make such a mess of things that should be simple and true. I am blessed to be surrounded by children who constantly remind me to look at the world their wondrous way; it's much more exciting and honest. It's the world I want to live in.
♥
Which means that I have to say no. No. No, no, no. It's amusing that the simplest, most intuitive word -- I think "no" is a lot of people's first repeated word -- becomes so hard to say the older we get. Ah, to remember the power and thrill of saying "No." Now... to say no is a burden; I'm so narcissistic to believe that my saying no will result in an epic meltdown of all things sane and right with the world. I mean, really. Who am I to think that I have to do everything? I should be grateful to have any gifts to contribute to the world at all, let alone value them so highly that I can't say "no" for fear that if I don't do it, the world will simply implode. Or, heaven forbid, someone might be annoyed with me.
That's really the problem. I don't like to think of anyone out there disliking me. So sad. So very, very sad. For someone with a decent idea of what her priorities should be, I don't actually prioritize very well. And, I still don't act very well on these moments of realization. Tomorrow I'll probably say yes to something I shouldn't, yet again, because I'm scared someone might get upset, annoyed, or potentially like me a little less. So weak. Good thing that in my weakness, there is Someone stronger who offers grace.
Blessing #97: Love Notes
I am so blessed... by a love note that wasn't even written to me! Confession: a seven year-old might have stolen my heart today. Completely. M was looking dapper in his suit today, and as he left school to walk to the Rec Center, he asked me to put a card he was working on in his folder on his table because he forgot to deliver it. As I walked back to my room, I read it, of course! The words that made my heart flutter: Dear A, I have loved you since the first day of school. Awwww. It was so touching; I'm so used to the messy, dramatic "love" lives of people my age. Something about that simple, sweet, whole-hearted adoration just made me melt. It was poetic. I am very thankful for how completely children love. They love without consideration for "appropriateness." Grown-ups make such a mess of things that should be simple and true. I am blessed to be surrounded by children who constantly remind me to look at the world their wondrous way; it's much more exciting and honest. It's the world I want to live in.
♥
Tuesday, January 5
Ifs and Gifts
If ifs were gifts, every day would be Christmas.
Well said, Mr. Barkley, well said. And I do mean Charles Barkley, in case you were wondering.
I might tell the kids that tomorrow. Partially because watching the reaction would be amusing; partially because I've run out of ideas as to what to say when hands are raised in question, and most of those questions start with "What if _____?" I'm done early. My pencil breaks. We don't have enough time. I don't get it. He's done early. I don't have the color crayon I want. I can't think of anything to write. I'm not ready to stop. We get more than 5 stars. We don't get more than 5 stars. We're tied with you. We don't get any stars. We stay in our new room the whole year. These are the burning questions 7 year-olds have, you know. Really, though, I love their questions. And I don't want them to stop asking. I just wish I had better answers. Fortunately I'm pretty honest with them about the fact that I don't know everything, and - surprise! - my job is to help them learn, not to tell them exactly what to do every moment of every lesson of every day; so they're not at all surprised when I answer, "Well, we'll just have to see what happens, won't we?"
Gratitude is the feeling that prevails when answering those questions: at least they care enough about being in our classroom - and, by association, learning - to have so many questions about our day and the many possible outcomes of any learning situation. Speaking of gratitude...
Blessing #96: Wellness Incentives
I am so blessed... Our district insurance carrier came up with this "Wellness" activity to engage the staff. For the duration of the three weeks, you choose from a list of New Year's Resolution-style changes you can make to improve your overall wellness, such as: pamper yourself, drink water, exercise daily, drive the speed limit, get enough sleep, etc. You track each goal on a sheet that looks incredibly similar to a report card. I wonder if they did this on purpose...? At the end of the three weeks, you turn the sheet in and voila! you receive an insulated lunch tote. It's a win-win situation: I pamper myself (my life is infinitely better when I eat more Peanut M&Ms.), thus gifting the district with a satisfied employee, and in return I get a fancy lunch bag to use instead of Safeway bags. Score!
♥
Well said, Mr. Barkley, well said. And I do mean Charles Barkley, in case you were wondering.
I might tell the kids that tomorrow. Partially because watching the reaction would be amusing; partially because I've run out of ideas as to what to say when hands are raised in question, and most of those questions start with "What if _____?" I'm done early. My pencil breaks. We don't have enough time. I don't get it. He's done early. I don't have the color crayon I want. I can't think of anything to write. I'm not ready to stop. We get more than 5 stars. We don't get more than 5 stars. We're tied with you. We don't get any stars. We stay in our new room the whole year. These are the burning questions 7 year-olds have, you know. Really, though, I love their questions. And I don't want them to stop asking. I just wish I had better answers. Fortunately I'm pretty honest with them about the fact that I don't know everything, and - surprise! - my job is to help them learn, not to tell them exactly what to do every moment of every lesson of every day; so they're not at all surprised when I answer, "Well, we'll just have to see what happens, won't we?"
Gratitude is the feeling that prevails when answering those questions: at least they care enough about being in our classroom - and, by association, learning - to have so many questions about our day and the many possible outcomes of any learning situation. Speaking of gratitude...
Blessing #96: Wellness Incentives
I am so blessed... Our district insurance carrier came up with this "Wellness" activity to engage the staff. For the duration of the three weeks, you choose from a list of New Year's Resolution-style changes you can make to improve your overall wellness, such as: pamper yourself, drink water, exercise daily, drive the speed limit, get enough sleep, etc. You track each goal on a sheet that looks incredibly similar to a report card. I wonder if they did this on purpose...? At the end of the three weeks, you turn the sheet in and voila! you receive an insulated lunch tote. It's a win-win situation: I pamper myself (my life is infinitely better when I eat more Peanut M&Ms.), thus gifting the district with a satisfied employee, and in return I get a fancy lunch bag to use instead of Safeway bags. Score!
♥
Monday, January 4
Wouldn't You Know...
...The world is as many times new as there are children in our lives.
There are many reasons I love being a 2nd grade teacher, but today I found a new one: bringing 24 children into a classroom that has been sealed off since June and is filled with other people's boxes, and then proceeding to help them learn with only crayons, whiteboards, whiteboard markers, and a couple of books is akin to giving them a present in a giant box. Without a doubt, the children will love...
...the BOX.
And my kiddos love our "new" classroom. This made me feel much better seeing as yesterday, after getting my sweatpants soaked due to sloshing around ina puddle my classroom, I had to abandon all of my well-crafted plans for the week. Because, well, I would be starting the New Year in a room that lacked all of our "things" from our classroom: desks, books, folders, notebooks, and the most important thing... stability and procedures. I'm still not sure how exactly this week will unfold, but my students' reaction today gives me confidence and hope that everything will be ok. We'll make it work. Because, well, we just will!
Blessing #95: Dominoe's Pizza Commercial
I am so blessed... I totally had something else in mind for this blessing, but then... But THEN. Then, a new commercial for Dominoe's Pizza came on the television. I've had a change of heart. I am so blessed that Dominoe's made such an ad. It starts out incredibly awkward - to the point where you wonder if it's a joke ad created by the competition (like Little Caesar's or Pizza Hut really as any right to talk. Anyhow.) - because the employees are sharing the fact that they know about all how the public complains about, well, every aspect of Dominoe's. I almost felt sorry. But then they start talking about how they've taken action: there's 40% more herbs! Garlic-butter sauce on the bread! And the cheese! The CHEESE! My sides hurt from laughing. It kind of made my night.
♥
There are many reasons I love being a 2nd grade teacher, but today I found a new one: bringing 24 children into a classroom that has been sealed off since June and is filled with other people's boxes, and then proceeding to help them learn with only crayons, whiteboards, whiteboard markers, and a couple of books is akin to giving them a present in a giant box. Without a doubt, the children will love...
...the BOX.
And my kiddos love our "new" classroom. This made me feel much better seeing as yesterday, after getting my sweatpants soaked due to sloshing around in
Blessing #95: Dominoe's Pizza Commercial
I am so blessed... I totally had something else in mind for this blessing, but then... But THEN. Then, a new commercial for Dominoe's Pizza came on the television. I've had a change of heart. I am so blessed that Dominoe's made such an ad. It starts out incredibly awkward - to the point where you wonder if it's a joke ad created by the competition (like Little Caesar's or Pizza Hut really as any right to talk. Anyhow.) - because the employees are sharing the fact that they know about all how the public complains about, well, every aspect of Dominoe's. I almost felt sorry. But then they start talking about how they've taken action: there's 40% more herbs! Garlic-butter sauce on the bread! And the cheese! The CHEESE! My sides hurt from laughing. It kind of made my night.
♥
Sunday, January 3
Aquarium Smell
Birds sing after a storm; why shouldn't people feel as free to delight in whatever remains to them?
When it rains, it pours.
Well, actually, in the case of my classroom: when it floods, it smells like an aquarium.
Part two of the academic year starts tomorrow, and today I went into my school to prep, only to find the desks and furniture pushed to one side of my classroom and half of the carpet pulled up. I was also greeted by a heavy odor that can only described as how an aquarium smells. Ick. Another teacher and I are moving our classrooms upstairs - indefinitely - to rooms that have been closed since last June. While making copies and talking to my parents on the phone, I confessed that I wasn't freaking out as expected. There's nothing to be done, and in many ways, this could prove to be a fun adventures for the students in my class and I this year! We can handle it, I'm sure.
Blessing #94: Pudding
I am so blessed... that on a day like today, a cupful of chocolaty, creamy goodness awaits me in my refrigerator. Fresh & Easy Dark Chocolate Pudding always makes me smile. Yummy stuff, I tell ya.
A collage of pictures from my Christmas here and at home:
♥
When it rains, it pours.
Well, actually, in the case of my classroom: when it floods, it smells like an aquarium.
Part two of the academic year starts tomorrow, and today I went into my school to prep, only to find the desks and furniture pushed to one side of my classroom and half of the carpet pulled up. I was also greeted by a heavy odor that can only described as how an aquarium smells. Ick. Another teacher and I are moving our classrooms upstairs - indefinitely - to rooms that have been closed since last June. While making copies and talking to my parents on the phone, I confessed that I wasn't freaking out as expected. There's nothing to be done, and in many ways, this could prove to be a fun adventures for the students in my class and I this year! We can handle it, I'm sure.
Blessing #94: Pudding
I am so blessed... that on a day like today, a cupful of chocolaty, creamy goodness awaits me in my refrigerator. Fresh & Easy Dark Chocolate Pudding always makes me smile. Yummy stuff, I tell ya.
A collage of pictures from my Christmas here and at home:
Another from my New Year's trip to San Diego:
♥
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