The Space Where I Learn

A reverso is a poem with two halves. In a reverso, the second half reverses the lines from the first half, with changes only in punctuation and capitalization — and it has to say something completely different from the first half. http://www.readbrightly.com/reverso-poetry-writing-verse-reverse/ My class creates a long day. Time alone is scare. Dealing with drama: easier …

Nurture Under Arrest

In high school, a series of sexual harassment incidents occurred involving my English teacher. Ten years ago, he was released early on good behavior. He spent a mere sixteen months in jail for luring a 17-year-old into a prolonged sexual relationship.  The first victim was my friend's sister, and soon after, several others came forward. …

First Day

I met them today. Not all of them, of course Mostly their parents, as they stood back shyly Talked more with their siblings, young and chatty I met them. My students arrived. I will guide them in learning, help them find answers to their questions, and be one of the most important adults in their …

What Can I Control?

I began sweating early this morning. Presentations were today and my reaction made me wonder if this is how parents feel when their children perform, compete, or showcase their work. I wanted visitors to be impressed. I wanted them to see the excitement in my students' eyes as they discussed their topic. Would they see what …

Those Faces

My class and I have spent many hours together. Since August, we've spent most weeks together learning, playing, and growing. I know their faces. When they are confused by a Math problem When they are sick of taking notes When they are in love with their book When they want more time to work When …

Twice, Once, Never (Slice of Life: Day 27)

  Twice I got stitches, the scars bumpy on my face Twice I beat my record for my marathon pace Once I became a teacher and forever I will be Once I learned a language that opened doors for me Never grew up, tied the knot, or had a child Never felt regret, shame, or …

Teaching (Slice of Life: Day 22)

Teaching is a job where expectations are higher than mountains We play with marionettes dancing them to the beat of the song. We must differentiate, entertain, teach social skills without a time frame Planning becomes a competition of Pinterest visuals where salaries don't reflect quality To test or not to test? We teach parents how …

Patterns (Slice of Life: Day 16)

We are currently practicing writing memoirs in Writers Workshop in my class. Today I asked my students to look over their own work and look for patterns in their writing. I found it to be an important lesson for a couple reasons. First, there is a reflective piece to it. Students are being asked to …

A Rare Wedding (Slice of Life: Day 2)

In my 5th grade class, our current Read Aloud book is Number the Stars. Today we read the second chapter, which included the main character sharing a memory of her 18-year-old sister getting ready for her wedding. After reading, I asked my class to jot down a thought they were having about the book right …

Growing Pains (Slice of Life: Day 1)

In my class, we talk about the difference between being in our comfort zone and our brave zone. Although we feel safe and warm in our comfort zone, we recognize that it's not where we grow. However, stepping into our brave zone challenges our minds and physically creates brain growth by making new pathways. As …