"How am I supposed to read these if I have no idea what they are?"

(from an awesome student)

A little over a week ago, I got the pleasure of observing the day in the life of my professor while she was at work as a literacy specialist. However, that title isn't necessarily fitting. She was WAY more than a literacy specialist... she was a sense of comfort, a comedienne, a teacher, and of course a yoga instructor amongst other things. Stepping outside of my bubble and into a new setting was exciting, and below I will describe what I learned!


First session: Multitasking at its finest!
The two girls were there for a quick session since they had other obligation but Dr. Ferreri wasted no time! She engaged them by looking at the maple syrup they were making which related to a book they recently read. Then it was time to hear them read... different words/lists...while making sure they were on task... and listening attentively to the one reading... WHAT? The scene I just described sounds chaotic but it wasn't at all. Dr. Ferreri used non-verbal cues to keep the students on track. The fact that she differentiated even though there were only 2 children made me wonder why I am not differentiating for my 10 kids?

Session Two: My favorite line of the day/week/month/year/life 
 Out went the girls and in entered two boys! There was no time for slowing down! This is where the boys were reading nonsense words. ( Words that are "real" but that the students wouldn't know the meaning.) One of the boys, halfway through the list said, "How am I supposed to read these if I have no idea what they are?" I sat there, reflecting on the work my students do, and wondered if I should cry or laugh! I chose to do the latter of the two, however, why should I expect my kids to read words in isolation that have no meaning for them?

In this session, Dr. Ferreri also taped the boys reading and asked them to reflect on their reading. What a great idea! They could easily identify where they were struggling and what they did well... an important tool in improving! This session was even more eye-opening than the first... and I couldn't help but think about my own teaching the entire time.

Session Three: "Old Mrs. Ferreri, when will you ever learn?" (patting her on the head)
Why did this young man say this to my professor? I honestly forget! But, it was just so funny! The comfort level between the student and teacher was evident. Students enjoy their time with Dr. Ferreri! This lesson involved the use of pictures to drive instruction. They were discussing the setting, characters, characters' feelings, etc. all by interpreting the pictures. Picture walking is truly essential to comprehension!

Session 3.5: Brief Meeting w/ a student
Teaching isn't perfect. Enter the cutest curly-haired girl! After beginning a running record earlier in the day, and being interrupted and forced to stop, the girl picked up right where she left off. She proved that she was ready to read at this text level independently even though the record was taken at different times. Teaching isn't perfect. We do what we can, when we can!

Session Four: FULL on fun ;)
I must admit, I had the most fun at the end of day, in the session with the two boys who were in the room for "Resource Room." I thought, I didn't know Resource Room was in the job description for a literacy specialist!? This was such a treat! The boys, who were eager and ready to learn worked together on a (horrible) map worksheet. One of them even said, "Let's work together so we don't get anything wrong!"

Then, it was yoga time! What an exciting way to end the day. The students and teacher switched roles after reviewing the poses, given the students the reins. They had to recall the moves and instruct us respectfully. I loved taking off my shoes, stretching on the carpet and relaxing to end a hectic Friday.

REFLECTIONS
Stepping outside of my literacy world was an amazing experience! I was exposed to different facets of instruction and the crazy busy schedule that literacy specialist face! (How does she eat lunch!?!) it is important for future literacy specialists to observe as many settings as possible since we don't know what setting will be our final destination. Overall, I had a great day and learned a great deal about balancing, practicing, instructing, and reflecting!

Reflecting on this semester

 Writing has become to mean more to me than it has at anytime in my life/ career. And here I find myself with one of my last assignments...writing a reflection about writing that reflected my thoughts at the time. Woah.

This semester was a challenge to say the least. Finding time to eat and sleep was hard enough, let alone doing work for grad school. When I found out that I would have to do extra writing outside of class, I will be honest, I was less than pleased. At first, I thought it was because I didn't have time to write and this would take me away from doing work for other classes or for my job. Looking back, I wasn't happy about it because I was scared.

I was scared to put myself out there! Scared to take a risk! Scared to be judged by my peers (and professor)! I thought that what I had to say would be rendered meaningless to others. I've always been somewhat gutsy and I told myself that if I was going to "do this," I had to "really do it." So I took a chance... and my peers and professors liked what I had to say! That feeling, of having a comment on my blog or having a classmate tell me they enjoyed my piece really meant a lot to me.

Then it hit me... why don't I do more "sharing" with my students? I started sharing my writing, and as a result, they wanted to share theirs. I let go of needing the work to be perfectly punctuated and grammatically correct, because really, writing isn't perfect.

Dudley-Marling and Paugh stated, "Teachers who do not write themselves may have difficulty appreciating the struggles of novice writers. They may be more likely to insist on a writing process for all students, such as demanding that all writing be revised... It will always be difficult for anyone who does not write to be an effective teacher of writing." (Dudley-Marling & Paugh, 11)

Wow. Rereading this tonight once again hit me like a ton of bricks! I must write more to be more effective... it is a causal relationship.

Writing was never "my thing" and truthfully, I would rather curl up with a good book than write. However, if it will make me a better teacher, then you better believe I will write!!!

My New Year's Resolution this year was to try and read for leisure as often as possible. Thus far, I have done that and couldn't be happier. I want to make an "End of the Semester/Grad School Resolution(s):" 

1)Write more!!!

2) Give my kids CHOICE (even if it isn't allowed!)

3) Let them do an essay and don't correct them for spelling and grammar...look at their ideas

4) share, Share, SHARE... let the students read their pieces

Truth Is...

I always hear about kids posting this and finally decided to confront them and ask them what it meant. Apparently, if someone likes your post that says "Truth is" you have to post something truthful about them on their Facebook wall/ Twitter feed/Instagram.

Sounds sweet and innocent yet mature and conniving all at the same time!

I have decided to do this "Truth is" for myself; so hear it goes!

"Truth is"

I'm nervous for my observation tomorrow.

I'm nervous for my observation Friday.

I just want to put all of my work to the side and read one of my new books.

I'm afraid of not getting everything done for work tomorrow.

I'm afraid of not getting everything done for grad school this semester.

I'm afraid of not getting everything done that I want to do in life.

I'm sad that school is coming to an end.

I'm happy that school is coming to an end.

I love my kids and fear that next year's class won't be as "good."

I want to be a role model and confidant for my kids.

I'm afraid I won't find the one.

I have insomnia and sleep 4 hours a night.

My life is crazy.

My life is beautiful.

My life is wonderful.

A Year In Review

I can’t believe this school year is coming to and end. It seems like just yesterday I found myself appearing in the room for the first time, looking at everyone else’s faces and finding my place in the class.

But that was months ago. Eight months ago to be exact. And now, it is all coming to an end. Yes, I still have two months left with the class, but I can’t help but feel nervousness as to what next year’s class will be like.

The teacher was amazing. Talk about being loved by your students and idolized! I remember the first day of school. She walked in, dressed to the nines in J. Crew with the perfect smile to compliment her outfit, tanned skin and not a hair-out-of-place do. They all immediately felt connected to her; the boys, and the girls.

She greeted them with an inviting voice; one that was both stern and warm, serious yet casual. I can’t explain it, but she had it. The day went smoothly, and when the kids left, Mikey, a student who was depressed the previous year according to my friend said, “I think this is going to be a good year,” which says a lot for him. His gapped-tooth smile and fidgety nature warm her heart.

The other students have been darling…but not everyday. The teacher struggled on certain days as expressed on her face, in her body language, or in her tone of voice. Some days she looked defeated. Some days. Maybe a handful to be exact. Most days, she looked thrilled. As have the children.

There is something to be said about a relationship between a teacher and her student. Each one of her relationships is different. Take Ava for example. The new girl was shy at first but now, the teacher can’t get her to be quiet! She tells the teacher everyday, “You’re my favorite teacher ever. I miss you when I’m not around you.” The teacher wants to tell her “You’re my ‘favorite’ student. I miss you when I’m not around you.”

Then there’s John; a true boys-boy who communicates his respect for her with a simple head nod and toothless smile. She reciprocates the respect…something he finds funny!

William follows suit. He does however get her corny jokes quicker than anyone in the class and they usually share a laugh before the others know what’s going on. They silently laugh and relish in that moment of hilarity.

Jimmy is another story. Always two steps behind (or more) he always apologizes for the need for repeated directions, and the teacher always obliges. I can tell she is frustrated, but he can’t and thanks her constantly.

She and Q have the intellectual conversations. Discussing current events and world issues, they go toe-to-toe without crossing the line. He can do a mean jazz and shimmy too which cracks her up during snack.

Luke, another new student, is her rock. She looks at him with her big brown eyes and smiles with them; thanking him for being a model student. He looks back at her wondering how he got placed with this crew!

Dan, a boy that knows wayyy more than he should at age 12, constantly tries to get her attention! He talks with her during snacks, makes music and movie suggestions, and even asks her if they can be friends on Instagram (which of course she turned down.) Dan has a bit of a crush according to the talk on the playground…on the teacher and two of the three girls in the class.

That brings me to Jamie; the tomboy that the teacher admires for being so comfortable in her own skin. Most of the time, Jamie can be found attached to the teacher’s hip. Literally. She always wants to hug her and be near her. The teacher, who always requests a personal bubble, allows her to hold on for a few seconds feeling the admiration.

Then there’s Anne; the perfect student, athlete, and person. Every girl and boy want to be her friend. I can tell that the teacher sees herself in Anne; as if she is looking back to her middle school days. Although Anne is constantly doodling, and the teacher is constantly asking her (nicely) to stop, Anne doesn’t… because Anne is making a book for the teacher; a goodbye present since she is leaving the school.

Even though there is less than two months left of the year, this has been the best yet.

For the students.

For the teacher.

And for me…

a fly on the wall.

Day 10: Challenge?

Okay, I have to admit that I thought this ten day challenge of writing everyday would be just that... a challenge. And to be honest, at first it was! The first day or two I had to remind myself to write. But as I continued on my blogging journey, it became less of a task and more of a relaxation and outlet to express myself.

I felt very surface level with my first couple of posts because I was testing the water and determining exactly how much I wanted to put myself out there. I still have more to divulge and maybe at some point I will get there, but I think this is somewhat what my professor was talking about when she said she discovered a secret about writing not so long ago herself.

It becomes easier over time!!! And quite enjoyable at that. I have learned that writing, like reading allows me to "escape reality" for a short amount of time. I can remove myself from the craziness of my life, and take a moment to reflect. I have determined that I am a night blogger. I like to blog after my "day is over" and use it as a time to look back at my day, week, or year.

Writing is amazing. Writing is fun. I have come to enjoy myself. I wold be lying if I said the feedback didn't make me feel like a child receiving positive feedback from my teacher.

I am glad I embraced this challenge with arms wide open! It has really paid off.

Who says it has to end after 10 days...?

Day 9 Challenge: A December Bday Party in March

* I saved this entry to notes on my mom's phone last night on my way home from the party since my phone had 1% battery and no Internet access! Then, hers died too! *

Tonight we celebrate the birth of a good family friend! She turned 55... in December! Why was the party so late? I still don't know the answer to that, but frankly it didn't matter because it was so much fun and an excuse to get everyone together.

The party was held at Sur La Table at the Westchester Mall where we were the chefs and cooked our own dinner from scratch. This included pasta, sauces, and a cake. At first, I was incredibly nervous because to be honest, I do not spend a whole lot of time in the kitchen. But after a couple "glasses of courage" I realized that it wasn't meant to be a cooking competition, it was meant to be fun!

Luckily, the birthday girl's middle son and girlfriend (both a year older than me and my good friends) were there as well as we represented the youngins. Our team was pretty much doomed from the beginning. As we added lemon juice to a way to hot skillet, it exploded everywhere and we were all covered! Luckily we had on our aprons.

Of course there were many more mistakes along the way in this adventure. Sauce was burnt, pasta was too thick, then too thin, then nonexistent at all. The meat wasn't shredded finely enough and I refused to touch the fatty pieces. Therefore, half of it got thrown into our "garbage bowl" even though it was perfectly usable. But we didn't care. Half the time we didn't even pay attention to the food. The people were the sources of entertainment. And we did pay attention to the food, we did it together as a team.

My last couple of posts have been about family/friends. At this point of my life, I have begun to realize how much I treasure my time with loved ones. I often discuss the need to be out on my own, but in reality I love being surrounded by loved ones as often as possible.

Needless to say tonight was great. Way better than sitting home doing work or out partying with strangers in the city. Call it a coming of age tale if you will, as I have come to realize what life is all about... being with the people that make me happy and make me a better person!

Happy birthday Pat... 3.5 months later! :)

Day 8 Challenge: Family

Finding the right balance between family, friends and alone time is incredibly hard to balance. Many times I find myself unsure of what is really my time best spent.

Recently,  I have been helping my cousin Erin decide on a college. She is a senior and increibly well-rounded and really has her pick. She is such an amazing person with an incredible spirit. We often discuss how we would like to trade lives... he becoming older and established in her career, and me ready to embark on the journey known as college.

We are spending time together tonight for the first time in 3 months! With our buy schedules, we had to pencil this day in forever ago. Hanging out with her and divulging our current highs and lows makes me realize how important family time really is. Just the other day, playing a game with my family I had this same realization. And now this realization is reaffirmed.

Family time is curcial, especially as I get older and look forward to starting my own in the somewhat near future.

And because this time is so important, I must esxcuse myself to hang out with my cousin/friend.

Day 7 Challenge: Musicality

Sometimes my own words don't express how I am feeling. Sometimes I need the words of others. Sometimes this comes in the lyrics to a song. Most of the time this comes in the lyrics to a song.

Currently, I find myself in one of those moods where one negative thing in my life has caused me to reflect on any/every negative thing in my life. I don't like to consider myself a "Negative Nancy" or a "Debbie Downer," but sometimes, I just need to be at peace with my thoughts and my music.

Reflecting on a specific person who was once in my life and has recently reemerged, I couldn't help but wish they were here now; to tell me exactly what I want to hear to get me through the night.

 I don't have these nights often; I would say they are pretty rare. People are constantly saying how upbeat and sunshiny I am all the time. And usually, I am. But sometimes, I wish I could show people my insecurities, and self-doubt because let's face it; we have all been there.

I am going to allow myself to "wallow in my pity and self-doubt"for tonight and tonight only. (quote credit: Seth Cohen on The OC) When I wake up, and the sun wakes up and a new day begins, I will go back to my bubbly, perky, genuinely happy self. But tonight, it's all about myself, my music, and my thoughts... and maybe some tears. I just need a good cry.

I know, I know; cue the violins! I acknowledge that SO many people in the world have it worse off than I do, but that doesn't mean I can't have one of those days/nights where I think I have it the worst.

Part of me is scared to post this entry because I am SO vulnerable at this moment. But part of me is saying, "This is who you are RIGHT NOW." So even though I am exposing my open wounds for you all to see, I am okay with this because this accurately represents who I am and how I feel at this moment.

Until a sunnier, happier day; goodnight to you all!

*Below is my playlist:

Yellow- Petra Haden and Bill Frisell
Fix You - Coldplay
When I Was Your Man- Bruno Mars
Bless the Broken Road- Rascal Flatts
Hometown Glory- Adele
Your House- Alanis Morissette
Vindicated- Dashboard Confessional
Dancing- Elisa
Push-Matchbox Twenty
This Woman's Work- Maxwell
Slow Dancing in a Burning Room- John Mayer
Half of My Heart- John Mayer
Light Years Away- MoZella

Day 6 Challenge: Realistic Fiction

            Sadie looked at her phone. 9:13. Then she looked at it again; still 9:13. Sadie continued to anticipate the call. When was it going to come? Why was it taking so long to hear a response?

            She couldn’t understand why he wasn’t answering her incessant calls and texts. Did he not read what she had told him? She clearly stated that it was important and that she wanted to hear his side of the story. Unable to bear the thought of another second going by without receiving a response, she moseyed out into her living room, where her roommate Alex was watching T.V.

            “Am I being unreasonable here? I mean, I said I wanted his thoughts!” Sadie exclaimed.

            “You mean he still hasn’t answered yet!?” Alex asked “Wow! He must really be thinking things through. You did lay it on pretty thick, S.”

            “I know I did, but we have been through so much, I thought he would at least give me a response.”

            “Give him time.” Alex said.

            “Time? It’s been two weeks!”

            Two weeks too long in Sadie’s mind.  Time was running out and she needed an answer, or she would have to take care of things herself.

            Finally the phone rang.

            “It’s him!” Sadie said, her heart pounding and stomach in knots.

            “Well answer it!” Alex yelled.

            Sadie reached for the phone. “Hey, I’m glad you called. Oh… okay, yeah I can do that. See you at 10.”

            “So, what did he say?” Alex anxiously asked.

            “He asked to meet me to discuss it. We are meeting in the park at 10. I need to hop in the shower.”

The time on her phone read 9:50 and Sadie rushed out the door after saying to Alex, “I shouldn’t be long! We will talk when I get home!”

“Good luck…” Alex stated.

11 o’clock rolled around.

Then 12.

Then 12:30.

Alex was worried. She called Sadie’s cell at least 10 times. Finally someone answered… but it wasn’t Sadie. It was him.

To be continued!

Day 5 Challenge: A Game Changer

After not seeing my dad and stepmom for weeks, I was finally able to go over to their house for a few hours tonight to spend some time with them. I was kind of hemming and hawing about going to their house... of course I had a billion things to do today (and everyday) but I talked myself into going, knowing it would mean a lot to them.

Little did I know how much it would mean to me! My family has always loved playing games... Scattegories, Gin Rummy, War, etc. A new favorite game of ours is Quiddler. Each round, the players have a certain number of cards. We start with 3 each and work our way up to 10 (11 tonight since we had a tie). You have to form words using your letters or picking up from the pile or stack of cards. It's definitely challenging but in a good way!

When playing tonight, in the round with 11 cards, I formed the word 'writing.' It dawned on me! This would be a great word to play with my students! Not only is this game fun, but it also helps students with spelling. I always have a dictionary out when playing to double check my spelling, and would encourage my students to do the same thing!

I asked my dad to borrow the game in hopes to play before Spring Break!

I always hated "Game Night" as a kid, but looking back, I realized how much fun it was... how much fun it is. Hopefully my students will feel the same way! 

Day 4 Challenge: The Happiest Place On Earth

I am SO excited for what is coming up in my classroom/ at my school in the next few weeks!

Next week, we will be having Doreen Rappaport visit our school! I cannot wait for my 6th graders to engage in her presentation. We are currently reading her book Jack's Path to Courage about President Kennedy and will be followed by Dirt on Their Skirts about women in baseball. We are so fortunate to work/attend a school that afford us these opportunities. I am honored to also be attending a luncheon for Ms. Rappaport where I can get books signed and engage in conversation with her about her career and impact on children.

After vacation, which is over 2 weeks down the road, we will be discussing the organization TOMS and will hopefully be participating in the One-for-One challenge. Many of my students wear TOMS, but I have a feeling they don't know the full story behind the organization...why did it start? what is the benefit?

I look forward to answering these questions (and more) with my students.

I constantly tell my students how fortunate they are to attend our school and as they have matured throughout the year, I can see that they are beginning to realize this as well. While my school is not perfect, I really have never been happier in any other setting working with children. I am so lucky to be appreciated by my coworkers, administrators, parents and most importantly students! To me, my school is the happiest place on Earth!!!

P.S.- How many days until field day!?!

Day 3 Challenge: Reading a New Book for the 2nd Time

How many of you teachers out there "read" books when you were in elementary/middle/high school that you are using with your students now?

I find myself in this predicament as I have "read" Hatchet before and am now teaching it to my 6th graders. The problem? I never REALLY read Hatchet... I remember skimming through the book and checking Sparknotes to make sure I was "keeping up" with the class. Now, I am "re-reading" a classic that I never truly read before, and I greatly regret it.

Sure, I can appreciate the book now and I love the adventure, suspense and survival plot, but I wonder if I would have loved it that much more when I was first intended to read it. Wishing I could go back to the middle school me, I would tell myself, "Trust me! You'll like it!"

Too bad my 23-year-old self wasn't around back then to kick me in the butt and force me to read something I know I would have enjoyed. I hate to admit it, but this isn't the only book I "read" that I am /going to re-read. The list included (but is not limited to) Lord of the Flies, Hamlet, 1984, and Animal Farm. I am actually really, really, really embarrassed to admit this to myself, let alone out loud...well on the Internet.

Would my Language Arts students think less of me? Or, would they sympathize with me?

Either way, this is not something I am proud of. Maybe I wasn't intended to read those books in my teenage years? My love of reading didn't blossom until I was in college... senior year! The little voice in my head is trying to tell me "It's okay!"

Should I go back and reread those books or move on to what I know I will enjoy...even if they aren't classics? Shouldn't Language Arts teachers be well versed in the classics or is it okay that I don;'t really have an interest in reading them? Decisions, decisions...

Time to get reading... and I am not telling you what it is! :)

Day 2 Challenge: A REAL Challenge

You know when you are having one of those days where nothing is going your way? That is my day today.

Exhibit A: I'm going on a cruise in about 3 weeks so we all know what that means... Those three words that every girl/woman dreads. Bathing suit season. It's the worst. I usually am not that anti-bathing suit shopping but after becoming extremely sick a few months ago I found myself on prednisone. Aka the drug that makes you eat everything in sight! Needless to say, I bought a few bathing suits and refuse to try them on until after I got the gym for the next 21 days. I'm finally cleared to exercise again. Which brings me to my next challenger.

Exhibit B: When will I find time for the the gym? Between working, going to grad school and tutoring I barely have a life as it is! But I know it's important!! I will have to make it work...

Now my next challenge? Lets call it Challenge C! Internet problems... I still can't figure out how to link my blog, my iMovie took forever to attach and my Internet JUST went out. So I'm posting via my iPhone. Thank The Lord for access to blogging on my phone! Otherwise, my GGWD project would go back to day 1!

I know we all have challenges but the way in which we deal with them is what matters most! Me? I'm listening to music and think a movie and a cocktail will do the trick!

Until (hopefully a better) tomorrow! :)

Juxtaposition Poem

Lately, I have gotten the feeling that people don't really GET what I do! Yes, I'm a teacher, but I am so much more than that...especially in my school! Negative thoughts about teaching have always bothered me and I thought I would write a poem about this.

What People Think I Do vs. What I Really Do

I arrive at school right on time and throw something together.

I arrive at school over an hour early, finalizing my plans.

In class I sit at my desk, while my kids complete worksheets.

I am on my feet the entire period, delivering direct instruction.

I give a direction and the children get right to it.

I give a direction ten times, and then the children do it with assistance.

I teach 10 kids so I am so lucky.

I teach 10 kids with disabilities, so I am lucky.

During lunch, I sit with my coworkers and gossip.

During lunch, I eat with my coworkers for half a period before it is time to get back to work.

I order my assistant around all day.

I mentor my assistant all day, everyday.

I go home at 3:30 done for the day.

I go home at 5:30, and am up until 11:30 preparing, reviewing, reflecting.

My job is easy, so I love it.

My job is challenging, so I love it.

Day 1 Challenge: Putnam Cty. or Manhattan?

Have you ever seen a picture of something and suddenly you felt inspired. This happened to me just last week. I was going through my pins on Pinterest (being super productive organizing my boards) when I cam across the above picture. I had repinned it from one of my good friends about six weeks ago. Looking at it again, I realized how much I loved the idea of living in a brownstone. In NYC. Or living in NYC period!

This picture, full of light and positive energy and good vibes inspired me to take the next step... start looking for a place all my own! (Well, I will have a roommate, but that's not really the point.) I am at the point where I am ready to be on my own. See, I am stuck in that place where I went away to college for 3.5, lived in Australia for 2 months and found myself in my twenties living at home, saving money and waiting for the right opportunity to come along.

Well, that opportunity is NOW! Almost done with my master's (if I get through 2 more courses this semester, 1 in summer and my portfolio) now is the perfect time to begin the search. As of July, my salary will increase since I will have graudated from Fordham, and come fall, I have no outside of work responsibilites. Plus, all of my friends live in Manhattan, and at heart I am a true city-girl. So why not? My friend, and potenetial roommate, is on her way over right now to start the search!

BUT, am I really ready? I do believe in signs, fate, destiny, etc. but how do I know that I am doing the right thing? Won't I be throwing away money if I rent a closet-sized apartment? Should I be saving?

I think every young person goes through this struggle. (At least I hope so!) Now I just have to decide what' best for me, and what is REALLY discouraging me...

Ever since my parents divorced when I was younger, my mom and I have grown extra close. Part of me feels like I am abandoning her... I know she would never keep me from my dreams, but I still feel guilty doing something that is ultimately inevitable.

So here I find myself between a rock and a hard place.

***I stepped away from this piece for about 25 minutes to talk to my mom, and she said:


"You're ready for a new adventure! Go out there and show NYC what I already know...you will do big things if you are willing to take risks!"


And there it is! See you Putnam County, I'm about to be a city girl!


http://drferreri.blogspot.com/

Revising and Editing: The Thoughts of a 1st Year Teacher

The topic for discussion for my (online) class for today was "Writing Programs and Curricula: Looking Critically at our practice." After reading chapter 1, The Writing Workshop: A Predictable Structure from Marvelous Minilessons for Teaching Intermediate Writing, Grades 4-6 by L. Rog, I couldn't help but reflect on the way my school requires us to revise and edit student work.

Recently, I posted to a class discussion with the revise and edit checklists that my class/school uses. While I love these because they are so helpful in accomplishing the goal of perfecting our work so that it is ready for the writing folders, I realized that the goal was the problem here. I am constantly struggling with the idea that every single writing activity that we do has to be perfect. Why does every essay/paragraph have to be revised/edited 3+ times to make it perfect? Doesn't that take the fun out of writing?

I love the idea of TAG conferences put forth by Rog in this chapter. I would love to just meet with my students and converse about their thoughts, give advice and answer any questions they might have. Rog did mention that if the writing was "going out into the world," she would look it over and act as the editor to ensure that there were no mistakes. However, she stated that classroom publications should be edited by the student and don't need to solely focus on grammar, spelling, etc.

Sometimes I wish I could go against the grain and revise and edit as Rog suggests but the reality is, that will not be happening at my school. There are very specific ways of doing pretty much everything. Now, while the system we have isn't perfect, it works! I wouldn't be a good teacher if I didn't reflect upon my teaching and how I can better my instruction. Sadly, the opportunity to completely better myself just isn't going to happen in this setting!

Something to look forward to down the line? Perhaps! If I stay at my school? I will just have to TAG my students every once in a while after I have closed the door... ;)

A Date @ the Met with 7 boys and 3 girls

I am SO beyond excited for my class trip to the Metropolitan Museum of Art tomorrow! We were supposed to go way back when during the last week of October, but enter Hurricane Sandy! Needless to say, we are heading there tomorrow. Now the kids are simply excited that they can wear jeans but I cannot wait to spend time with them outside of the classroom. Yes, it is educational but the conversations could go anywhere as we travel from one ancient civilization to another! Stay tuned for an update (and maybe some pics)on our trip, which I know will be fabulous!

A Mini-Thought on Minilessons

Ah, minilessons. We all use them...hopefully. And if you don't, you absolutely, 100% need to. The definition of minlesson varies from teacher to teacher. What may be 'mini' in your eyes would likely take my class an entire period to completely understand. But, if the material is important and necessary, does it really matter how 'mini' it is?

Authors Curt Dudley-Marling and Patricia Paugh penned the book Struggling Writers: How to Provide Differentiated Support & Ongoing Assessment where they detail the importance of minilessons. The area in which I am in complete agreement is that students need to be directly taught specific writing skills and strategies. For instance, I tested my students from day one. After completing a composition, I placed a green pen in all 10 of their hands and said, "Please revise and edit your essay. Take as much time as you need." I had alloted the entire period, knowing that I would need a back-up since I didn't think my students would take very long completing this task. And sadly, I was right. About 7 minutes later, all 10 of them were done. Done! We are talking a five-paragraph essay. There was no way they revised and edited!

The problem was, they didn't know what to do. They even voiced that. "Wait, Ms. Singleton, what do I do? Everything looks right to me." They didn't know what they should be looking for! Writing isn't always about spelling things correctly; it's about manipulating your thoughts into words and revisiting our work to better it by adding ideas, changing our ideas and sentences, showing and not telling, etc. Students need to be taught how to do this because it isn't natural for them, especially my 6th graders. After multiple (not so) minilessons on how to properly revise and edit, they can (mostly) do it on their own. Yes, they need prompting and yes, they need some help, but they know what they are looking for. They're on a mission when they revise and edit.

The same can be said for any number of concepts that fall under the umbrella of writing skills and strategies. Just last week I read the book "Eats, Shoots and Leaves" by Lynne Truss to my class. We BRIEFLY reviewed when commas are needed and then I read them the book to really get the point across. Twenty minutes later, they were using commas correctly! Magic! Now, do they still forget commas? Of course! But they have been forgetting them less and less over the past week!

Just like Dudley-Marling and Paugh emphasize, minilessons are critical components of effectively teaching writing. I have seen the difference they make with my students, whom are all somewhat struggling writers. Take the time and evaluate where your students need to improve and plan mini (or not so mini) lessons! And read the book "Eats, Shoots and Leaves" by Lynne Truss to your class! They will love it! :)

My Memoir: Yelling Gets You Nowhere...

I was unprepared for writing today. Well, okay, I was planned since pop-ins (or drive-bys as I call them) are looming. Regardless, I am always planned because I have a touch of OCD and because it would be a disservice to my kids if I wasn't. But today, I forgot to print my TC (teacher copy) of the essay we are writing on child soldiers in ancient Sparta. I told my kids to grab their paper, write a full heading, and I would be right back as I went to the printer in the library that was about 100 feet away and left them with my assistant.

Of course, somebody was messing with the printed pages in the printer. Getting their grubby fingers all over my papers and putting them out of order, backwards, upside, basically a mess. I quickly picked them up from the grubby hands, gave a sly and snide smile and hurried back towards my room. That's when I saw it and didn't know what to do. I saw....


CHAOS. I looked through the window of my room and saw children on the floor, shoving near our bookshelves, girls playing with each other's hair, an utter mess and disaster. I hear my assistant staying calm and trying to coax them back to their seats using her stern voice and eye contact but they weren't listening. It was so disheartening. I flew open the door and erupted like Mt. Vesuvius. Screaming at them, berating them, threatening them. Sure, they felt sorry and apologized. But after looking at their faces, I realized I was the one who needed to apologize to them...

I flashed back to that night when I was 9 and my parents had thought I was asleep. I crept towards the stairwell from my girly-girl room but stopped at the top of the steps because I heard it. Screaming. Name calling. Blaming. Anger. Hatred. Sadness. I heard all of it. At age 9. It was like a bad car accident; I wanted to go back to my room and ignore them but I couldn't. Then I heard my name. "Amanda can sense it. She is smart." Sense what? I thought. I was always perceptive but not then. Or maybe I was perceptive but also in denial.

The yelling continued for months after I had "gone to sleep." It got so bad that my always-open bedroom door had to close. The T.V. had to be on so I wouldn't hear a peep and would lull me to sleep.  Thankfully, all I heard was silence.

Soon enough the big "D" was discussed. Soon enough the big "D" word was discussed with me. I was just happy the yelling ended. Couldn't this have been solved months ago before the yelling?

Flash forward to today, when once again yelling didn't solve anything. I looked at their scared, innocent, apologetic faces and delivered my apology, asking for forgiveness and vowing to not yell at them again. They accepted, as I hoped they would. One child said, "We're a family. Of course we forgive you. Families fight sometimes but they still love each other."

That is true of my own family, too. Fourteen years later all is good, because we have all moved on and are much happier. Tonight, I will sleep with the T.V. on, to remind myself that yelling got me nowhere, and it never will.

A Little Pick Me (or You) Up :)

I am obsessed with those 'KEEP CALM' sayings put today's is the icing on the cake. And, well, I do love icing and frosting! Happy Wednesday!

What I Really Should Be Doing...

I should be doing about a million other things but I haven't visited my blog in a week! Shame one me! Maybe I should change the title to the 'Almost (Weekly) Blog of a New Teacher?'

Today I couldn't help but reflect on snow days of my past. Maybe I was hopeful that me school would have one, or maybe I am hoping we have one in the near future. Regardless, snow days were on my mind. I used to love hanging out with my neighbors, building forts, drinking hot chocolate and having snowball fights. But what I loved most of all was my snow outfit! It was extraordinary! Bright, bulky and oh so 90s.

I wish I could put my snowsuit on and go out and play even if the snow is only an inch high and mixed with rain. I also wish I could have taken my class outside to "play" today. I want to see them outside of our 4-walled classroom. I want to see them in THEIR environment! I think it is important for teachers to do this once in a blue moon... so we can truly build relationships with our kids. It didn't happen today, but who's to say it won't tomorrow? :)


*Side note: Below is one of my favorite 'snow day' pics of all time from the Cosby Show. Enjoy!! :)

The Shocking "Tale" of Greek Mythology in My 6th Grade Classroom

Oh, Fridays. How typical my students behave on Fridays... I think you can imagine how a room (full) of 10, (yes 10) 6th graders for a double period of Language Arts acts on a Friday. Granted they are only 10, 11, and 12 years old but this week wore me out since they couldn't seem to follow a single direction; seriously; they didn't. Everything was repeated and each student was "personally invited" to complete all tasks.

"So and so, take out your planner. So and so #2, write down the homework. So and so #3 make sure you are writing in the LA section of your planner. No so and so #4 you may not go get a drink since you just had 10 minutes for snack. So and so #5 I specifically said do NOT hand in the Pandora's Box myth. Yes, so and so #6 keep the Pandora's Box myth on your desk. So and so #7, it is not story time. So and so #8, turn around and put your feet on the floor. So and so #9 please stop tapping your pencil. So and so #10, I have asked you twice to get into dresscode so please  do it now."

Typical. All of the above; personal invitations.

Friday was no different. Let's call him #4 (because alphabetically he falls 4th on my class roster) is a total, lovable goofball who keeps me on my feet. And like I said, Friday was no different. Sitting in the second row, all the way to the left, I saw a perplexed look on his face as we read the Greek myth, "Echo and Narcissus." All of the students could infer why those names were fitting, and they all understood the theme of not being overly self-centered. But, #4 was confused. I mean really confused; brows furrowed, biting his bottom lip confused. At the conclusion of the lesson I asked, "Are there any questions?" (Hoping #4 would speak up.) And boy, did he ever...

#4: "Umm, Ms. Singleton, question."
ME: "Yes, #4."
#4: "Since Narcissus fell in love with himself, does that mean he is gay?"

CRICKETS... (and the worried expressions on the faces of #1-#3, #5-10, my assistant teacher and likely my own)

MANY thoughts crossed my mind. How do I address this with 6th graders? Do they all know what "gay" means" They have to know what gay means... but what if they don't? Is this appropriate? Wait, how am I going to answer this question...I don't know the answer!!

Then I did what all good teachers are forced to do (practically everyday). I thought on my feet.

Me:"Well #4, that's a great question. Did Narcissus know he fell in love with himself?"
#4: "No."
Me: "So is it possible that he thought his reflection was that of a girl?"
#4: "Yeah maybe..."
Me: "So can we really be sure he is gay?"
#4: "No..."
Me: "I agree. Excellent question though!"


And there it is. A typical Friday. A typical Friday because deeper thinking and higher order questions were present. A typical Friday because the kids were so entranced by the myth. A typical Friday because we are a safe learning environment where kids are free to ask questions, even when they (or others) may be uncomfortable. A typical Friday because learning occurred, even though we were all checked out.

Oh, Fridays, how I love thee.

So Long (Sweet) Weekend and the College Girl Life

Nostalgia. We all experience it, but this weekend it was at an all time high for me. My college roommate, Allison,  came to visit from MD. We picked up right where we had left off approximately 2 years ago. And we both wished we could go back...

"Real life" isn't all it's cracked up to be, we both agreed. We are in our mid-twenties, with jobs living at home; she a has a steady boyfriend, me, I find myself single. However, in our short (almost) 3-day visit I realized that those young, silly, hilarious (sometimes) foolish girls still exist, even if we are big girls now. We reminisced about our (crazy) college days, cracking up about anything and everything from intentionally mispronouncing "fajitas" as "fah-g-tuhs," and "quesadillas" as "case-o-dill-uhs" just to make our waiter at Chili's uncomfortable. We talked about the "Rubbin-Will" glasses, (trust me, you don't want to know) and we discussed our love of naps, especially after tailgating since the wee hours on Saturday mornings in the fall. We talked about the creepy smile we used to do, just for laughs, or to make others take a second look. We talked about the posters we "stole" (for a lack of a better word) and the boys that made college, well, college.

But, something has changed in both of us. We are both more conscious about money, our future (where will we live? who will we marry?), our parents as they age amongst other important things. While we still have the young-college girl tendencies, like rolling our eyes at immature girls on the train, drinking Mexican mixed drinks, and eating entirely too many carbs over a 48-hour period, we have become young women who no longer long for those days like we initially thought we did.

I love being a "big-girl;" working with students I love, and attending graduate school in pursuit of my Master's Degree. And Al, is a "big-girl" too; in her second year of her fellowship in a lab in Harford County, MD. We are both looking forward, I mean what twenty-something girl is obsessed with the future and what it holds for her?

I wonder when the change occurred, in both of us. When did we go from college-girls to young, working women? I don't remember the day, and I doubt Al does either.

Of course we could still throw-em back with current PSU coeds, eat on the the biggest meal plan (#6 which was for football players, and us) and walk around in Uggs and sweatpants intentionally, but we don't want to. Today, I would officially like to say, "So Long College Girl Life, it was fun while it lasted... I've begun my big-girl life, and I'm not looking back."

F1rst Post

Hello all!

Welcome to the (almost) everyday blog of a new teacher! I'm excited to detail my daily happenings with my students as well as some of my own writing. 

Enjoy :)

P.S.- The title of my blogs comes from two of my most favorite things... polka dots (on clothing, jewelry, accessories, everything) and extra frosting (on my cupcakes and baked goods!)