#SOLSC15 Day 7

Thank you to the Two Writing Teachers and the Slice of Life writing community for providing this opportunity to share our "slices." Thanks to Stacey, Anna, Beth, Tara, Dana and Betsy for creating a place for us to share our work. Check out the other slices and join in the fun!

I love friendships.

Put me in a social setting and I'm good to go. I enjoy getting to know people. I like to hear about their life experiences and feel there's so much to learn from each other. Yesterday I found myself thinking about one of those connections when I saw a house for sale.

My husband and I lived in a GREAT home when we were first married. It was just a cozy, gumwood trimmed home with tons of character, brightness, and memories. Just this week we noticed it was for sale. Of course this led to some online snooping around the realtor's website so we could see the inside and it brought back such awesome

m e m o r i e s      of

bringing home our first puppy

hosting our notorious New Year's eve parties

making my first lasagna

backyard birthday parties

meeting new neighbors

lots of renovation projects

chasing the puppy down a busy section of town

landscaping projects

yardwork

firsts for everything

The memories were flowing, flying, rushing, swarming. Things I had forgotten about even.

Then, I began to think about Valerie and Walt. They were the owners who sold us that home. They had only moved around the corner when we began living there. We'd see them in the neighborhood and at mass. We somehow kept in touch over these years and with the help of Facebook, we have continued to maintain and grow a beautiful friendship even though we are now all an hour apart. This friendship carried over to my parents and now my mom and Valerie keep connected so much so, that Valerie sent my mom a beautiful prayer shawl when my mom broke her shoulder in December. My mom found this so comforting in a time of so much pain. To think this chain reaction was set in motion all because we bought our home from them.

Yes, in that home we had all the right ingredients to stir, bake and serve up some warm memories, but we also got something more. A friendship.

#SOLSC15 Day 6

Thank you to the Two Writing Teachers and the Slice of Life writing community for providing this opportunity to share our "slices." Thanks to Stacey, Anna, Beth, Tara, Dana and Betsy for creating a place for us to share our work. Check out the other slices and join in the fun!

"Mommy,come sit with us! Come watch a show with us." 

This is our typical little nightly routine. We snuggle on the couch or chair. Sometimes my hubby and I each have one cute boy on our lap and I usually get our dog, too. All crammed together, perfectly content. 

Tom and Jerry is a favorite in our house. Each time I sit and watch it with the boys, I feel a wave of inspiration. The mommy in me feels so happy to see that the boys love a show that doesn't have a ton of dialogue, insane ninja moves, or sassy back talk. But the teacher in me? Well, that's a different story.

As a teacher, I can't help but see all the ways in which Tom and Jerry can support comprehension. Tons of inferring, cause/effect, and even character traits. Of course, each episode has the moment where you can stop and talk about theme or author's message. I just am in awe each time I sit down to watch it. My oldest even says now at the opening of each show "what does the title say?" He's learning to read in kindergarten and doing a fine job, but the opening title is sometimes in cursive. I love how he asks for the title because it shows how that informs his thinking and aids his comprehension. I don't know what it is about that show in particular, but I can't watch without thinking of mini-lessons.

I guess when I stop and think about it, I find mini-lessons everywhere.As teachers I think we view the world around us differently.

And I kinda like it.

#SOLSC15 Day 5

Thank you to the Two Writing Teachers and the Slice of Life writing community for providing this opportunity to share our "slices." Thanks to Stacey, Anna, Beth, Tara, Dana and Betsy for creating a place for us to share our work. Check out the other slices and join in the fun! 

 

My parents moved into the smartphone era. It is a lot to handle, but we are muddling through. I say "we" because my husband and I are unofficially their tech support. It started with my mom just loving the change and my dad wanting to return it on day 2. But, he persevered.

 

For several days my mom asked questions that gave me the impression she was exploring her new tool. She would make us laugh. Meanwhile,  my dad was silent. Then after a few weeks, I found him using it with ease and so I finally asked one day, "Still want to return it?" He admitted he was doing okay, but he was still not convinced that the change was great. Still working on him {wink}.

 

My favorite part is my mom's emoji over-usage. First it was a heart. Then, it was a heart and smiley face. Next thing you know, my mom discovered the options that are out there and went to town. Last week during the cold spell, our village BBQ restaurant put out a special freebie to encourage people to brave the frigid temps and grab a bite.

 

 One night I got this text:

Unfortunately my mom broke her shoulder in three places back in December. So, my neighbors, friends, and myself have been trying to make sure their meals are covered. I just loved this text because not only is she meal plannimg (letting me know that they'd save the spaghetti pie I made for another night), but she was planning an adventure out with all of us to the BBQ. But, my favorite part? 

 

The over usage of emojis. It just cracks me right up. Every time.

Just can't help but smile. My mom has a smartphone and she's knows how to use emojis quite well.  

 

Imagine that.

 

                                                     

#SOLSC15 Day 4

Thank you to the Two Writing Teachers and the Slice of Life writing community for providing this opportunity to share our "slices." Thanks to Stacey, Anna, Beth, Tara, Dana and Betsy for creating a place for us to share our work. Check out the other slices and join in the fun!

 

Something happened today that I've prayed about for almost 6 years. I never thought I'd see this day. Although it took a good year to grab a hold of my "game plan," I finally settled on praying for the people involved and praying for peace within myself. But it took a long time and  I prayed for several long years. 

Today those prayers were answered.

Six years ago, I remember lying in bed wondering why or how. 

                       I remember having trouble looking at people the same way.

                       I remember having trouble falling asleep. 

                       I remember fearing waking up in the middle of the night. Mind games.

                                        Replaying. 

                                                Rehashing. 

                                                        Rehearsing. 

                                                                  Analyzing. 

                       I remember walking around feeling so bewildered, so naive and so vulnerable. 

                      Embarrassed that I was misled. 

My ideas of friendship had been shattered.

My trust, forever effected. A single person. A big ripple effect.

Questions swarmed:

     How did I let this happen?

     Did it happen?

     Why did I let so many people "in?"

     How could I prevent this from happening again?

     Who can I trust? 

     Where will I find refuge from the torment?

     How will this effect tomorrow, next month, next year?

I talked to my parents and my husband, but did I have a friend to run to? What was a friend? I knew at the end of the day, no matter what anyone said, it hurt. And I was the only one in charge of finding peace with it all.

I still don't know if I'll ever be the same, as this situation forever changed me. But today I was given hope.  An apology.

It is a day I never thought would come. 

It is a path I never envisioned the "high road" leading me to. 

It was a prayer left unanswered yet I knew that was an answer in and of itself. 

Some of God's greatest gifts are unanswered prayers. I  made peace with that. But, today my prayers were answered. An apology.

I'm quite certain that it takes a lot of reflecting, courage, and desire to make an apology happen. Heck, I've made a few myself. But, this one felt big. A big apology. It meant a lot.

I'm sure this person may never know the impact their apology had on me because I'm unable to  articulate just how much it meant. I received an apology. 

It was heartfelt. 

It was sincere. 

It was followed by a hug.
It was prompted by a book.

It was life changing.

If you've ever thought about rectifying a situation with another person. Do it. 

If you've ever felt sorry for something. Say it.

If you've ever felt life was short. Grab it.

I urge you. 

I've never been on the receiving end of a real apology on this scale. I will never be able to articulate how those two words *I'm Sorry* restored my faith in humans, in friendships, and in the power of words. 

But they did.

An apology.

                                                             

#SOLSC15 Day 3

Thank you to the Two Writing Teachers and the Slice of Life writing community for providing this opportunity to share our "slices." Thanks to Stacey, Anna, Beth, Tara, Dana and Betsy for creating a place for us to share our work. Check out the other slices and join in the fun!

                                                              
Over the past several years, something changed at school. I can't say it has been a change for the better or worse. Just different.

I observe people coming and going. Hurried. Busy. Rushed.
I sense an overall intensity. Serious. Business-like. Stressed.
I feel kindness, but hear less laughter.

Call it testing.
Call it a data coma.
Call it progress monitoring overload.
Call it too much media, journalism, sensationalism against teachers.
Call it whatever. But, I think I've had enough.

Like branches on the ground after a storm, I feel as if we've been beaten and scattered. Yes, there was definitely a gusty, strong wind of change that has slowly swept across our halls. All of them. It was a slow change. Subtle. Minor at times, major if you look close. A climate change indeed.

The Present.
This year, I'm hoping to help with storm clean-up. Waking, rising, dusting, and drying myself off to help others. Or at least I'm trying. I think the pressures of our profession can feel overwhelming and when it feels like teachers are labeled as not doing enough, then it starts to take its toll. I hear the media. I see the headlines. Some things feel within my reach. Some too far...or are they?

Something within my reach occurred just recently. I've mentioned in previous posts that our school is "excited" to be celebrating National Reading Month. Excited isn't a term I used loosely yesterday in yesterday's post. I hope reading this, today, gives a little more understanding to yesterday's story. Excited may have been a word easily taken for granted and lost in the midst of text. But, I'm surely not taking it for granted because for the first time in a long time I'm seeing some smiles. I'm sensing excitement about the month ahead. I'm hearing some laughter. I'm noticing the resemblance of a team that I recognize from years ago.

And to think I've found all this in the strangest place...staff t-shirts. Seems crazy, huh?

Our staff came together Friday and yesterday to make t-shirts to promote National Reading Month. Music. Laughing. Ironing, Joking. When you see this picture without my story, it is just a t-shirt. When I look at the picture with this story in mind, I smile.

Today we all will wear the t-shirts we proudly made, together. Putting some "spring" in our step after a stormy season. I can't be certain the storm is over, but I'm happy to see a little light coming our way.

#SOLSC15 Day 2

Thank you to the Two Writing Teachers and the Slice of Life writing community for providing this opportunity to share our "slices." Thanks to Stacey, Anna, Beth, Tara, Dana and Betsy for creating a place for us to share our work. Check out the other slices and join in the fun!

                                                              

Happy Birthday to Dr. Seuss and Happy Read Across America Day!

"You're never too old, too wacky, too wild, 

to pick up a book and read with a child."
~Dr. Seuss

Our school is very excited to kick-off National Reading Month today. Last month, we invited staff members to form a committee to begin brainstorming ways to celebrate reading for the month of March. Today I'm feeling moved to share in my own Dr. Seuss way!!

It starts out small;
Ideas grow.

We work together;
There's lots to show.

Many ways to participate;
Makes for fun ahead.

A month long celebration;
Collecting titles that we've read.


On Tuesday we meet Allan Wolf;
A visit from a poet;

Making sure we read and write;
There's lots of ways to grow-it.

Crazy socks, Fun hats
We just can't seem to wait.

Finding all the simple ways,
To come together; to celebrate.



Our bulletin board outside the main office provides parents and teachers with a few activities to support each of the STEAM components. I made it after being inspired by the Read Across America teacher guide.

Hoping your March is full of great reading activities to keep STEAMing ahead! Stay tuned for how our staff is continuing with the festivities tomorrow!

#SOLSC15 Day 1

Thank you to the Two Writing Teachers and the Slice of Life writing community for providing this opportunity to share our "slices." Thanks to Stacey, Anna, Beth, Tara, Dana and Betsy for creating a place for us to share our work. Check out the other slices and join in the fun!

                                                              

Well here we are...Day 1 of the SOL March Challenge. This is my first time participating. I think I read somewhere that on day 1 you could start by introducing yourself. So, here is how I arrived at SOL.

I live in upstate NY with my hubby, two boys, and dog...and my parents live down the street. That's pretty much all I need in life. They are my "people." I'm sure I'll continue to share more and more about my peeps as the writing challenge progresses this month.

The whisper. 

Last year, I was feeling pretty uninspired in my 13th year of being a 1st and 2nd grade looping teacher. Sure, I LOVED my job and kids. But, something was missing. I had placed Teachers College on my bucket list a few years ago and I just knew it was time. With a wonderful co-worker at my side, we planned the trip. We headed to NYC from Rochester and Oh. My. Goodness. We found ourself at TC's Saturday Reunion (March 2014). And it did the trick. Inspiration from Diane Ravitch, Lucy Calkins, Stephanie Harvey and Kathy Collins filled our bucket so high I didn't know if there were enough months left of school to do all I wanted to do. But, I had a weird feeling that I needed.... more?

The nudge.

Shortly after that trip, the co-worker and friend that I traveled to Teachers College with received an invitation from a parent in her classroom. He needed presenters for a Teaching and Leadership program at Syracuse University. Amy called me and we said, "sure!" We were charged with the task of presenting about Literacy and the Common Core. NOT a narrow topic :)  But, we got to work, loving every moment. We brought our work together. We poured over our Teachers College information. Amy came from a 5th grade teacher perspective.  I came from a 1st and 2nd grade perspective. We quickly began to see that the work we did separately in our building in completely opposite wings of the school very much mirrored each other...who knew? Good literacy is good literacy. We worked and worked and one day had that moment of panic. WE are presenting at Syracuse? Why were we chosen to present at a teaching and LEADERSHIP conference? Sure, we did our fair share of presenting and leading study groups around school, but it felt so insignificant. We made a list proving to ourselves that we did indeed have a reason to have an audience at SU, but we were still not convinced.

The tap on the shoulder. 

Not too long after we completed our Syracuse University "mission," we found out the two building instructional coaches in our school were not returning in the Fall. There it was. That tap on the shoulder. Literacy coach vacancy? Hmmmm. Sure it sounded like me. But, me?? Should I interview? Nah. I wasn't sure I needed change. Wait. Did I want change? What was that uninspired feeling in the beginning of the year that left me a little restless? Wait. I'm not qualified. Or am I? The torment grew and grew. I updated my resume. I wrote a cover letter. I talked with my principal. Then, I let the papers sit on my table until I finally arrived at an answer of "no." There was one day left to submit my packet and I realized I couldn't walk away from the classroom. The answer was no.

The push. 

I took my answer of "no" and found a content place until I was talking with colleagues the next day. Several said "you are applying for the literacy coach position, right?" Well...I went on to explain and explain. Then, a good friend called me and gave me that push. I did it. I submitted everything on the last day. I waited for my interview. I was asked to accept the position. I was the new literacy coach.

Today

I can't help but reflect back on how everything aligned. I credit Teachers College for filling my depleted bucket and giving me back my literacy spark that had been there, but felt stifled. The experience at Teachers College gave Amy and I the nudge we needed to consider leadership. The experience at Syracuse helped me prepare for the interview for the coaching position.

The kicker? 

While I was preparing for the coaching interview, Amy interviewed as well. As fate would have it, she and I both were offered the spots for the two positions. Today we share a classroom as Math Coach and Literacy Coach at our school. We often stop and look at each other because one year ago we were meeting to prepare for the Syracuse presentation and now we sit here collaborating as instructional coaches of our school.  Full circle moment. 

Slicing

I've had so much opportunity to reflect in this new role. That's when I discovered that as a teacher of reading, I had always read. But as a teacher of writing, I knew I needed to be writing. That's when I started inquiring about SOL and Leigh Anne took me under her wing as I floundered around Twitter looking for help. With her help, I took on slicing as my goal and commitment for 2015.

That's how I got here. 

And, boy am I glad to be here in this wonderful community of writers.

Thanks for stopping by!