Living In the Chalkboard Jungle

Moving Time

2010-07-30T09:43:00.001-05:00

Please change your bookmark and feeds for my site. I moved it to my new site: Bohemian Teacher.

SOLC-Right Now

2010-07-27T22:24:00.001-05:00

Feel free to leave your own slice at two writing teachers

Right Now...

Right now I am thankful my girls are healthy.

Right now I am anxiously awaiting the new 5th graders to walk through my classroom door.

Right now I wish I could hold my parents in my arms and say all is well.

Right now I am happy that my parents are always near by and we will get through this trial.

Right now my family is remembering the life of my cousin as the one year anniversary of her death approaches.

Right now I am trying to be courageous and allow my children to leave the state with their dad without me.

Right now my body is healed.

Right now my heart has mixed emotions of happy, sadness, love, and excitement.

Right now I hope to live my life as if right now may end tomorrow.

Reading that Catches the Teaching Heart on Fire

2010-07-16T19:26:00.000-05:00

My newest book to my collection of go to books for the classroom is Pyrotechnics on the Page: Playful Craft that Sparks Writing by Ralph Fletcher. I absolutely love Mr. Fletcher's writing. He has a way of writing that makes me feel as if we are sitting at Starbuck's talking about best practices in writing. He makes me laugh out loud and often time pause and think about what my classroom looks like and what changes I need to make in regards to writer's workshop.

The book arrived yesterday and I couldn't put it down. I read 1/2 of it in one sitting. A couple of things I noted that I want to remember.

1)A quote Mr. Fletcher mentions by Tom Newkirk in Holding On to Good Ideas in a Times of Bad Ones "Teaching...is an ongoing series of micro-experiments that extend and modify the repertoire of teachers. When we stop experimenting, we stop living as teachers" (2009, 21)

This resonates within me. I have always done what I call little experiments each year, but usually kept them secret from my grade level until about my 5th year teaching (currently on year 10). Little did I know that one of my experiments would lead to a change in our grade level writing.

2) "No writer or writing teacher can be satisfied with lackluster, formulaic sentences. If we aim to empower young writers, we must encourage them to explore the limitless possibilities and effects with words that are readily available to us all" (2010, 19) From Pyrotechnics

I will admit that once upon a time I taught prescriptive essay writing because it allowed majority of my students to be successful on the writing test for the state. I will admit that I hated every single week of it. I used the writer's notebook until January. From January to the end of February I taught the formula. Now that I have delved deeper into Calkins, Fletcher, Graves, and Keene I realize a formula is not needed in order to achieve success--teaching students how to be a good writer, exposing them to good writers, and studying genres of writing are what achieves success.

3) Allowing invention

I love that Mr. Fletcher has inventing words as a chapter all unto it's own. I have to say that I am a guilty of inventing such words, but I never thought about collecting them. Often times when I hear them or say them it is conversational. Being brave and moving beyond conversation and putting them into print is something that I would like to do as a writer this year.

As I get ready to sit down to continue my reading tonight, I feel as if it is Christmas and I am awaiting the presents from my family members. I am looking forward to the new "ah ha" moments I will have tonight with my dear friend, Ralph.

Slices

2010-06-30T19:58:00.001-05:00

Click the link to summer slices on my family blog.

Planning Time

2010-06-30T19:53:00.001-05:00

One month of summer left and I am getting excited to see the new faces that will arrive in my classroom in August!! I've begun to plan what the beginning of the school year will look like. My team partner and I have designed and finished our back to school night packet and presentation. So I can check that off the list of to do's.

Today I met with my co-teacher. We began a program three years that has had outstanding results. As we begin to look at the new faces and personalities we will see and what our peer learning reader's workshop will look like we became excited and our little conversation turned into a 2 1/2 hour brainstorming session.

Our district implemented The Comprehension Toolkit two years ago. Last year there was a marked difference in what my students knew that was different from years past. I am not sure where exactly to start. I love to hit the ground running with Andrew Clements' Frindle, but I want to make sure that the needs of my learners are met. What should I review and what should I elaborate on when the arrive in my room? For some students literacy workshop will not be new, but for others they will feel as if they are on another planet. It is an exciting time and I am trying to develop an inventory for the kids. I know what I want to hear from them. What is your experience as a reader? As a writer? What does the phrase making connections mean to you? What do you as a reader if you lose your way in a book?

I think for me July/August can be summed in one word. EXCITEMENT!!!

Summer Reading

2010-06-10T14:18:00.002-05:00

Before I begin reading for stretching myself as a teacher I indulge in an intense read-a-thon of fiction. Right now one of my favorites is Jodi Picoult's newest novel House Rules. This book is marvelous! I am always very skeptical when I hear about a novelist whose character has special needs because it never fails how they always use the cliches and it really irritates me. THIS BOOK IS NOT LIKE THAT!! The author did wonderful research. Her description of children and adults with disabilities was respectful and on target. It is great writing that makes me wish the words in my own writer's notebook could one day be read by others. But most of all it is a book that raises awareness done respectfully for families whose lives have been changed by autism. Thank you Ms. Picoult!!

Finishing Up Poetry

2010-04-17T17:47:00.002-05:00

My students are finishing up their poetry unit next week. I am so excited!! This is my favorite unit. Several of my students are going to attempt a creative writing contest through our local library. So we will spend the last 1/2 of the nine week preparing for this, writing an on-demand writing assessment, and then memoirs to the end of the year. I will be on haitus from now until August. I hope everyone has a wonderful summer and see you in August.

Slice of Life 26/31

2010-03-26T23:06:00.002-05:00

Today was blue box day. I copied all four entries. Put the copies in a safe place at school. Drove to the UPS store and handed over my school life. Just like that. I feel so relieved that the process is complete. It is in the assessor's hands, but to hand over my box to someone I did not know after I slaved over the analysis and reflection was more difficult than I expected to be. In fact, as I drove out of the parking lot one tear slid down my cheek. My life can go back to normal....if I even know what that is.

Slice of Life 25/31

2010-03-25T19:30:00.002-05:00

Really feel as if I am 100 lbs lighter,
Especially now that all entries are complete,
Letting go of the BOX,
I am so proud of my work,
Everything is as it should be now,
Freedom to write what I want.

Dear Slicers,

I am sorry I abandoned you on the journey this year, but I have been working on my National Boards, AND THEY ARE FINISHED!!! I will be joining you for the last week and look forward to reading many of your entries.

Missing Slicing and glad to be back,

Lynnelle

Slice of Life 2/31 Dream Sweet

2010-03-02T22:45:00.003-06:00

Baths are finished,
hair combed,
footy pajamas slipped on.

"Brush teeth," signs Emma,
running to the wash room,
standing on the stool.

Humming while they brush,
giggling as they watch each other,
sisterhood in action.

"Read book", cries Gracie,
hop on elmo,
blankets pulled high.

Pages wisping,
"again, again," they say,
echoing my words.

Tuck, tuck them in,
star song sung,
"Dream sweet, my mommy!"

Heart melts,
who knew love so strong,
God watch over them and
dream sweet.

~LYS~

Slice of Life Day1~Relieved Headache

2010-03-01T20:55:00.002-06:00

It seems like there have been several storms brewing in our kingdom and today it hit! I received a noticed from Paypal that I had renewed a subscription. Never did I receive an email about, so I quickly sent an email explaining the circumstances. All the while thinking I will never see that money again; it evaporated into Cyber space. I sent the email 6 hours ago and I just heard the nice ding from my laptop that I had mail and sitting there in my beloved inbox. REFUND established! Yea! Thank you cyber space....so glad my money is back safe and sound and ready to be spent on doctor bills!!

Getting Unstuck: Letter to my Future Self

2010-02-01T21:17:00.004-06:00

One thing I have come to realize about life is it just keeps us going our merry way. Right now as I prep for testing in my little classroom and all the other that is the hustle and bustle of life, I was reminded by Ali that I need to stop for myself and just savor the moment. So this is me getting unstuck...

Dear Lynnelle,

Here is it February! 2010 has started off with a big bang! Another big snow storm, Gracie cutting ALL of her hair off. You should be laughing now, but just as a reminder you only smirked in 2010! You were quite disappointed that she wouldn't have pictures made. Hopefully, you decided to put chopped bangs aside and get the pics anyway because it could make for some good blackmail when she's 16. :-)

As you read this in 2011, I remind you this year was the year of PASSION. I am very proud of you for pursuing your National Board Certification and I hope you are spending that extra money you earned when you found out you passed in Nov. 2010. I pray that you were able to transition from your core classroom to the special education classroom. I believe that is where your heart and passion lie. When Emma was born you changed. Changed from a new mommy even. You changed into a whole different kind of momma. A mother of a daughter who lives with in Down syndrome. Now every time you look into the classroom you wish you were the teacher to the child with a disability. I hope you were able to earn the position that would put you into the passionate position of special education at your school.

Another PASSION you pursued was advocacy. Whether it was local or even teaching your students how to be self-advocates I am sure you learned many truths on this journey.

And last, PASSION with your girls. You are crazy about them. They are all you think about. I know often times you question yourself: Are you a good single mom? Are you teaching them what it means to be a good person?--I know you are because each day you live for them. To help them. To give to them.

Remember you are loved and you are one passionate girl!

Lynnelle

Synthesis and Summarizing

2010-02-01T00:00:00.000-06:00

One of my classes is working on understanding a nonfiction text and leaving tracks of their thinking. We used a great book about Jackie Robinson--Teammates. We practiced as class for the first half of the book. For the second half the students tried it on their own and then shared with the class. The next day we tried reading about Paul Revere and the first battle of the Revolution. Much to my amazement I heard this, "This is the coolest way to learn ever!!" Love it!! Learning can be fun!!

One Little Word 2010

2009-12-28T21:28:00.001-06:00

As I began to make my choice of one little word to live by for 2010, a few things came to mind. *The love of my children burns in my sould. *My desire to help my students achieve their full potential is my reason for going to work each day. *Searching for my dreams and realizing not all of them have been achieved. One word comes to mind in order to ensure all these things occur. PASSION

P A S S I O N-INTENSELY STIRRING EMTION COMPELLING ENERGETIC ACTION TO THAT WHICH YOU ARE DEVOTED.

December Daily D21-25

2009-12-28T21:16:00.011-06:00

Dec 25 pg. 2 discussed the blizzard and how we canceled our big family Christmas, but we spent the day together just the 3 of us.
Dec. 25 Recorded my thoughts about the meaning of Christmas
Dec. 24 pg. 2 Pictures of Gifts. The girls and celebrate on Christmas Eve
Dec. 24 journaling about the Christmas Eve Blizzard of 2009 along with the stowaway I found (neighborhood cat)
Dec. 24-Pg. 1
Day 23: Decorating sugar cookies; the pictures pull out (stole idea from Ali Edwards)
Day 22: Dec Family B-Day
Day 21: documenting my new antique table, chairs and china hutch. They were my grandmother's, but don't have the picture yet.

December Daily D. 15-20

2009-12-28T20:54:00.007-06:00

Documented in my actual album
Day 20: The Blah-Hum "sick" Bug
Day 19: Emma's para getting engaged and showing me how many people in the world see my beautiful daughter for herself-sweet girl.
Day 18: Last day of school before Holiday break; lights at Rhema
Day 17: Nothing to document so I put pics from Rhema
Day 16: Papa and Gracie relaxing
Day 15: Nothing happened so I put Rhema light pictures.

DAY 14

2009-12-14T19:35:00.000-06:00

Presents glistening under the tree,
air crisp, tingling my fingers,
winter arrives with chilling splendor,
It must be Christmas.

Giggles as we eat "ho, ho, ho" cake,
more, more yell the girls,
sprinkles on the floor,
It must be Christmas.

Giving of ourselves
our time,
realizing others lives are not like mine,
It must be Christmas.

Day 13

2009-12-13T22:34:00.004-06:00

Tonight I went Christmas shopping for the girls and picked up some shoes for Gracie. When I got them home and tried them on her. She ran all through the house, "I have SHOES!! SHOES!! SHOES!!" I love that girl!

Dec. Daily D12

2009-12-12T09:07:00.003-06:00

One Little Word...the year 2009 was a year of transition. My major goal for the year was "create." I found myself in 2008 with feelings of not desiring to create things for my family and myself anymore which left me with new feelings: sadness and missing out on that side of my life. So last year I really focused on creating. Creating a collaborative teaching atmosphere in my classroom, creating a new home for my children, creating scrapbooks again for my family. I am happy to say all were accomplished.

Classroom: This year literacy workshop started without a hitch. It seemed my writers had very few hiccups getting started and we have written 3 published pieces this year. I am so proud of my readers and writers. They work hard each day to grow.

Home: Home is where my kids are. Home is a safe quiet place. New furniture, new paint amazingly have made it feel like it's mine again. Love all the colors of my personality coming out through the rooms.

Scrapbooking: One thing to say: Over 50 layouts completed!!

Now to think about what my new word will be for 2010. I am leaning toward simplify, passion, advocate. My life is changing in my heart. I am really trying to think about what I want to "be" when I grow up. I am not the same person, teacher that I was when I started my job. I absolutely love teaching, but each day a little piece of me keeps asking what else is out there and it is leaning toward advocacy. I don't know what the future holds, but only time will tell.

December Daily-D11

2009-12-11T17:57:00.002-06:00

Astonished. Loved. Tears of thankfulness. My kids get a Christmas this year from me. Thank you so my sweet family who unconditionally love us and provided me with my Christmas surprise.

Dec. 10

2009-12-10T17:55:00.000-06:00

My Gracie Goose! Love this face. Cheese!

Dec. Daily-D9

2009-12-09T21:22:00.002-06:00

In our writer's workshop in the classroom we are working on writing essays and not sticking to the usual topic sentence, detail, detail, detail and concluding sentence. Instead writing from the heart about a topic the writer is passionate about. Today I asked my writers to think of topics they are passionate about. Once again these sweet kids surprised me. Their thoughts? Global warming, treating animals fairly, equal rights, standing up for yourself, recycling, love of a family, and children in foster care just to name a few. I was astounded. I was prepared for video games, why play station is better than a ds, and your basic sport games, but instead they were well thought, intriguing topics. They are going to grow these topics into sensational personal essays. The best gift of all for me this holiday season--the fifty-eight writers I have the privilege to write with everyday.

December Daily-D8

2009-12-08T20:26:00.002-06:00

Dear Santa,

I've been good this year. I am a big girl! I potty trained in a record number of days -14. I recognize all the letters and sounds of the alphabet. I also know my numbers 1-20. I have begun to write my own stories about popcorn, Gracie, Jacob, the park, popcorn, popcorn and popcorn. Most of the time I don't hit my sister; she has to make me mad first. Most of the time I stay where I'm supposed too except when my teacher gets busy and I decide to "slip" out and visit the school administrative assistant. Most of the time I would say I'm good....so could I please have a wiggle racer?

Love,

Emma

Dear Santa,

Okay....I admit it...I ate the cookies. They were delicious. Also, I don't really know if I deserve coal in my stocking, but you have to admit that when I'm a good girl...I'm a good girl. However, there have been some not so great moments this year. If I promise that next year I will have LESS of those could I please have the new Tink movie?

Love,

Gracie

Dear Santa,

Hope I'm on the good list this year. What I would like for Christmas is a good night's sleep...can that be arranged?

Love,

Lynnelle

December Daily-D7

2009-12-07T20:20:00.000-06:00

In the last few months I've realized that it is really truly the little things in life that set us free. Tonight as I came home from a FABULOUS day with my 5th graders I knew I was headed toward an evening of not so much fun. Gracie tends to be a little overtired and blames Emma and I for it. Instead I was greeted by a well rested Gracie and we had pizza night (love mazzio's 6.99 Monday special), watched parts of Narnia, and then played in Gracie's chest of drawers. We walked through her "wardrobe" into a magical land. It was fun, exciting, and memorable. At the end of the evening, as I tucked and tucked and tucked Gracie in I realized tonight was a moment I would cherish. Holidays can get wrapped up in the must do's, but really it's about slowing down and looking at life through a different lens.

December Daily-D6

2009-12-06T21:33:00.003-06:00

Paper by Shabby Princess. If you would like to make your own word collage go to www.wordle.net.

December Daily-Dec. 5

2009-12-06T00:37:00.005-06:00

Papers and embellishment by Shabby Princess

December Daily-D4

2009-12-04T21:32:00.003-06:00

Nighttime. Prayers. Reading books while laying under the warm covers snuggled up with Miss Emma is about as blissful as a perfect night can be. "Five little monkeys jumping on the bed" echoes in my brain. Emma's sweet giggles as I once again read that Momma Monkey had to call that doctor to help. As she turns the pages of her book, I continue to read. When I finish, she closes the books and asks to say her goodnight prayers. "God Bless, Nana, Papa, Gracie, Uncle Brandon, Mommy and Daddy. A-men." I grab her life size Elmo doll and "baby." Tuck them all in. "Mommy, Tiss pwease," she says. I lean in kiss her goodnight and go to turn out the light. "Sweet dreams, Mommy." "You too, baby girl."

These are the moments I cherish. These moments won't last forever, how I wish they would.

Dec. Daily Day 3

2009-12-03T00:00:00.003-06:00

Papers and snowflake button from Shabby Princess Holiday Sampler. Third paper embellishment and light paper from Jessica Sprauge. Font: Lynnelle (my handwriting turned into a font)

Journaling:
Today I could feel the cool air finally descending on Oklahoma. Even so my girls wanted to play outside. While taco soup was simmering I had an opportunity to watch my kiddos play outside. Sliding down the slide, "Ta da!" Gracie says. Emma coming in shutting the door. Gracie opening it and Emma yelling, "BOO! I GOTCHA!" Today I am thankful. There are days that are so stressful that I forget about the todays. The todays that no one is hurt, no one is pulling hair, just playing like sisters. Today.

December Daily D2

2009-12-02T00:00:00.001-06:00

Scrapbooking Papers by Jessica Sprague.

This post was inspired as we came home from school. They immediately wanted the tree on! Ahh....memories.

December Daily Challenge-d1

2009-12-01T00:00:00.003-06:00

Time to start my December Daily. I am so excited to be documenting my holidays! This layout and papers are from Jessica Sprauge's Holiday In Hand online class last week. I edited pieces of it to fit my need. The pictures are of my tree and my girls' stockings. As we started to decorate the tree I began to tell my kids my favorite Christmas memory and Day 1 was created.

December Daily Challenge

2009-11-16T20:43:00.004-06:00

As my students prepare to start their new genre of writing-essay. I am challenging them to write Daily in the month of December. I got the idea from Ali Edwards. I sent a letter home to parents in regards to the expectations. I am really phrasing this more as a slice of life, but calling it December Daily Challenge. In March, we will do this again with the Slice of Life Challenge.

December Daily

The parent letter below also went home. I used some of Calkin's letter to parents and add more to it.

Essay Unit Letter

I will be writing alongside my writers. So the blog will be very active in the month of December. I am also challenging myself to take a picture a day that month. If you would like ideas to get this started you can also visit Jessica Sprague's site.

Moving In Time

2009-11-16T20:38:00.003-06:00

Today I taught my group of writers the art of moving in time to help the reader understand the meaning of the piece (idea from Raising the Quality of Narrative Writing by Calkins). However, I used a fabulous text Sweet, Sweet Memory. I also timelined the book to show how the piece moved from the present to the past and to the future at different points.

Lesson Plan

My writer's are wrapping their third small moment by "Putting Said to Bed" tomorrow and then going through the final stages of writing onto publishing. Once again I have nothing but wonderful things to say about this process. When my piece is finished I will post here.

Slice of Life Oct. 16

2009-10-16T12:34:00.003-05:00

Outside my window...I finally can see the sun! It has been raining for so long. What a gorgeous fall day.

I am thinking...I wish I got more moments in time to just rest and recuperate from the dailies of life, however I miss the hustle and bustle of my little girls.

I am thankful for...my family always being there in the small and big moments; my students who are embracing their inner writer and surprising me daily with their mini-lessons for me when I confer with them; the person who nominated me for teacher of the year--ah inspiring to be thought of my such a great staff; my girls are healthy.

From the kitchen...diet dr.pepper and my new favorite snack--kettle corn

I am wearing...pajama pants and big t-shirt.

I am creating...an outline for my entry one of my national boards.

I am going...to enjoy my favorite shows...I deserve a little quiet time.

I am reading...Eclipse: book 3 of the twilight series and starting to read The Art of Teaching Writing by Lucy Calkins.

I am hoping...everyone stays healthy in my family.

I am hearing...the sound of airplanes flying overhead as they prepare to land at the local airport.

Around the house...the sound of silence. Girls are with their daddy today and I am enjoying it, but also glad that they will be home soon.

Slice of Life

2009-09-29T20:13:00.002-05:00

"Can we quickly run to Target before we go home?" I ask my mom while Emma crams a few more fries in her mouth.

"Sure," she smiles.

We quickly drive a few miles away. I am pondering why the leaves still haven't changed even though October is a few days away. Knowing that when the first freeze arrives my allergies will be gone. How I wish I had time to just sit, rest and enjoy nature...but not my life right now!

We walk into Target and I make my few purchases--one of them a new car seat for Gracie who is now almost 3 and has outgrown her other one. I get the bright idea to switch them out. I mean really it can't take that long right?

WRONG!! Emma and Gracie are in the front seats of my car while mom tries to read the directions to me and Emma is screaming at me to turn on Imagination Movers and Gracie is just upset because I am changing out her car seat.

30 minutes later I am sweating and exhausted, but achieved my goal. New car seat intact--check....unhappy Gracie--check...safe child--check!

Literacy Workshop is up and running....

2009-09-23T19:35:00.003-05:00

My students have completed their first piece for me which I use as a baseline to create the rest of the nine weeks lessons. This year my focus is on making my conferring sessions count. Last year I felt so rushed trying to get to all the writers who wanted to meet with me, so I thought it through and came up with a schedule for my writers. I meet with six-seven writers a day Monday-Thursday. Then another six-seven students have an opportunity to visit with a "Guest Conferrer." Many times it is a parent who has volunteered to come in. I wrote a letter to the helper with their own conferring sheet and they meet with a writer also. So on a typical day 12 of my students (roughly 1/2 the class) talk about their writing with an adult. I love it!!! This week was my first week to start the "Guest Conferrer" and it has been a huge success. I highly recommend it. In fact, one day my principal was the guest conferrer and I called Student A up to confer with me and she said, "Well, actually Ms. S, I would prefer to meet with Ms. Sumner!" I giggled and explained while she was welcome to visit with Ms. Sumner, if there was time, I needed to meet with her because I had a special lesson in mind that was just for her.

If you would like to get this started feel free to adapt my letter and conferring records. The conferring record template was from Stacy and Two Writing Teachers and I tweaked it for my needs in the classroom.

Guest Conferrer Record for Meeting With Student

Classroom Helper

Parent Letter Asking for Volunteers
Parent Letter for Conferring

Slice of Life Tuesday~News~

2009-08-11T22:00:00.005-05:00

Honk, went my cell as I walked into my room. I'm sure that's my mom I thought. It was she said she needed to talk.

I knew my cousin was failing quickly so I picked up my classroom phone and dialed home.

"Lynnelle, do you want the news?" She asked.

"Of course, Mom," I replied. I knew I had said my good byes. I was prepared for the worst with my sweet cousin. My mind and heart were begin to believe it was real.

"He has tumors with lymph node involvement," she replied.

"What?I don't understand. Are you talking about the CT for Dad?" I ask. My mind reeling from the news. My ears beginning to burn and sound rushing into them.

"Yes," she said, "Lynnelle, the doctor's calling I'll call you back."

I clicked end. I sat at my desk. My mind racing with the same one word. Cancer. Cancer. Cancer. My dad has lung cancer. This isn't good. Lung cancer is deadly.

I find myself walking down the hallway teachers passing me getting ready to meet the new parents and students in a few hours. I walk into my friend's room.

"Caroline, my dad has lung cancer," I sob. I begin to shake as the words leave my mouth. She holds me up.

My tears rush down my face soaking her shoulder. Her words of strength and truth whisper to me.

But all the while listening to her hushed tones of comfort my heart beats to the rhythmic tune in my head--cancer, cancer, cancer.

The rest of the afternoon was a blur. I found out the details. Googled his chances. Slowly began to push down my fears, my pain, and my tears to welcome 55 new students and their parents to the 5th grade.

As 5:30 began to approach I could feel teacher mode begin, as my wonderful students arrived and I shook their hands and welcomed them. There presence helped me. The new lives who entered mine. I was able to help them at least for an hour. I hoped I helped relieve some of their fears and let them know I was ready for a great year because for a few moments I was able to relive my old normal. I knew when they left my new normal would begin.

*Please note that 3 days later we found out my father does not have cancer. He has another illness, but it can be treated. Thank you for your support.*

Saying Good Byes

2009-08-08T23:11:00.004-05:00

A simple call
leads to numbness.

Life changes in a moment,
never to be the same.

Memories of our childhood,
flash in my mind
as I drive to the hospital
to say my good byes.

The smells,
the sounds.

Those reminders
of my other memories here.

I see my aunt
your mother.
How do you say good bye
to your child?

My heart fills with sorrow,
it aches.

My sobs echo down the hall,
they do not heal you.

You are not aware.
You are not there.
I love you.
I will miss you.

How do you say good bye?

My silent prayers,
Trying to erase the sorrow here,
You are broken,
You are hurt.

Why must we say good bye?

Our childhoods together,
Our smiles in the pictures,
You hid your pain,
You carried it alone.

I'm sorry.

Watch over us,
Watch over my babies,
May you feel love,
May you no longer ache with sorrow,
Watch over your mother,
She is burdened with the loss,
Watch over you father,
Who fought to keep you here,
May happiness find you now.

Good bye, my cousin.

Slice of Life

2009-07-28T21:33:00.004-05:00

Today I realized my daughter is growing up. Living with Down syndrome has been a part of our lives for over 5 years now. Life moves at a different pace. I have come to love the pace at which we move with Emma. Today we moved forward. The pace quickening a bit. Emma has officially begun a potty training marathon. Today I learned Emma thinks of herself as a "big girl." I try to not baby her, but to hear her BELIEVE she is big makes my heart swell with love, admiration, and the realization that no limits should be place on children. Tonight as Emma prepared for bed, I no longer put a toddler to bed, but a big girl.

Memoir Monday-Back to School

2009-07-26T23:58:00.002-05:00

Beginning of the school year. New clothes. Paper. Mechanical pencils versus Ticonderoga #2s. The excitement of a new era. The annual getting our clothes for school shopping day. All the colors of the 80s-purple was my favorite. I have to admit in my own future 5th grader eyes--I was stylin'. Long blonde hair. Tall. Purple slacks. Striped shirt with lilacs and lavenders. I had to wear it. Even though school was two days away. I had to show my friends next door. So I snuck out of the house and road my bike over to their house. Except there must have been a rock. Something that made me wreck my bike. Skinned up knees. And ruined my new clothes. Devastation. Utter embarrassment. Mom wouldn't buy me new slacks. Instead she covered the holes with patches. Now granted they were "cool" patches, but patches nonetheless. What will the 5th graders think now? Well, I guess it could be a conversation starter.

New Site~Bohemian Teachers

2009-07-21T17:30:00.003-05:00

Some colleagues and I have started a website (Bohemian Teachers) to promote discussion about best practices in education. Our first book study will be Comprehension and Collaboration by Harvey "Smokey" Daniels and Stephanie Harvey. We want it to be a place for discussion of the newest ideas or book releases and to help us continue to push ourselves in educating our students. I hope you will join us. (Just so you know...I'm still waiting on my copy of the book to arrive from amazon, so don't let that be why don't join us!)

Slice of Life~Drama Leads to Mommy Trauma

2009-07-21T17:21:00.003-05:00

"You are going to have to wrap your legs around her," the doctor said matter-of-factly. He was so calm and acted as if this occurs in his office every day.

"Okay." Quickly I began to think how I was going to do this with a 5 year old in my lap and sitting in a small chair at the ophthalmologists.

I lifted my left leg wrapped it around her lower body, pushed her arms down with mine and tucked my foot behind my right leg.

I took a deep breath and prayed, "Dear Lord, let him have a speedy dripper!"

Emma's wailing. My heart is pounding so hard. My cheeks feel as if they are flaming.

"Done! I've never seen a kid who had such strong eye lids," he said with a smile.

I giggled and Emma said, "Bye!"

Should I tell her now that we will be back in 20 minutes after her eyes are dilated?

Possible Small Moments

2009-07-19T23:17:00.003-05:00

Last week when I was reading through some of my favorite blogs I ran across Ali Edwards' post about the 12 scrapbook layouts that define you. I immediately began to think the 12 stories that would show the reader a piece of me. What would they be? What would they cover for me? For my students? For my colleagues who are on this journey with me?

1. Christmas Treasure Hunt: Christmas is my favorite holiday and this one is etched in my memory. My parents surprised my brother and I with bikes for Christmas.

2. Loves Lost: Family members who have passed, friends who have gone on..

3. Impact: How I got to be the person I am today.

4. Creating: how this is a vital part of me as a person and how important I do this whether it is in my house, scrapbooking, or photography, or in my classroom.

5. My favorite things: What I love right now

6. My beautiful girls: trying hard to capture the "stuff" not just the perfect picture

7. My passions: teaching, special education, advocacy, being your authentic self

8. Motherhood: mother to a child with special needs and mother to a child who is strong willed. Realizing that each day is new and I should learn what the day is supposed to teach me.

Still contemplating the others....

Slice of Life

2009-07-14T23:17:00.004-05:00

We are so tired of the Oklahoma heat. This evening after dinner we went outside to "cool" off. We got out the Elmo splash pad, put on the swimsuits and I grabbed the camera. The girls loved it! Giggles, sand whizzing through the air, jumping through the water. Sounds of summer! Gracie is really loving the time outdoors and begins to experiment with catching the water in her mouth. Her face contorts as she figures out a way to make the water fall directly into her mouth. I giggle as I capture the moment through the lense and then she looks up. Sheepishly smiles, twirls so her ruffled tink swimsuit flies, and continues to figure out a way to catch the water droplets.

Visit Two Writing Teachers for more Slices of Life.

A few slices of summer

2009-07-08T23:43:00.001-05:00

Today as I was wishing Emma would stay in her bed I began to think of all the funny things that have happened this summer that I haven't blogged. So here are a few...

*We purchased a sand box for Emma and Gracie and they absolutely love it. Last week my parents were here for dinner and since it was only 95 degrees outside instead of 110 we went to play. Emma took her Papa by the hand and opened the door. "Hey, Papa, It's my beach!!" She yelled. Sure enough if you looked closely through a 5 year olds imagination you could see the steaming, soft sand and the hear the ocean waves (or in this case elmo splash pad). I love having children. It reminds me to see things through different lenses.

*Yesterday we went to the zoo. I packed the strollers, backpack and sippy cups and off we went. On the way there Emma began to sing. "Ha Bee, Ha Bee, Nana." I giggled. "Are you still singing Happy Birthday to your Nana, Emma?" I asked. "Yep!" she replied. "Ha Bee, Ha Bee, Nana. Zoo!! Zoo!!" Priceless moments like these will be cherished for a life time.

*Each day we could tell many Grace LeEva stories, but this one was just as cute as can be. We went by the tiger exhibit and I told Gracie what they were. "Mommy, BIG CATS!! meow!" I laughed out loud and the man next me drawled, "Yea, honey, but there a little big to keep indoors!" "Tank-too" She replied.

*Gracie recently switched from her crib to a toddler bed. I thought we would have the same battles as with Emma but I was wrong. She won't crawl in, but she lays down after you put her in it, pulls her blankie up on her head says, "Tank-Too, Night-night" and goes to sleep. Bliss!

Ponderings-July 4th

2009-07-04T22:41:00.002-05:00

Tonight as I picked daisies for my mom's birthday party tomorrow I listed to the pop,pop, popping of the fireworks and began to wonder how many woman during the Revolutionary War heard the rumble of what they wished was actually thunder but was the sound of fighting coming closer to them-to their family. I wonder what I would have done during that era? Would I have run or stood my ground to the red coats? I have little ones to care for...what would I do? This was very humbling. Many have fought for me through the hundreds of years of the USA's existence. I thank them and I am thankful that my little ones are snuggled in their beds-safe and sound.

Slice of Life~Reinvention~

2009-06-26T22:30:00.001-05:00

This summer I was a specialist for summer school and used the money to buy new living room furniture. To my surprise once I put the new furniture in my house I decided to paint. It spiraled into a crash 12 hour painting fest. My wonderful mother helped me the entire 12 hours and my brother painted for an hour (he braved the 12 foot ceiling; I tried, but that's another story.) One year after my world turned upside I feel at peace; my solace-my reinvention.

Slice of Life~June 23, 2009

2009-06-22T21:00:00.000-05:00

Idea from Ali Edwards
For Today: June 23, 2009
Outside my window...my shasta daisies are blooming. Sunlight hits the green leaves and white blooms.

I am thinking...about where to start on the National Board for teachers process…I hear entry four calling my name.

I am thankful for...my friends. At 31, I have found friends who love me for me…quirks and all.

From the kitchen...nachos.

I am wearing...green capris and my favorite summer top-brown with polka dots and ruffles.

I am creating... a new layout for my living room; my furniture arrives Wed.

I am going...to have a jello pudding pop.

I am reading...about vocabulary instruction.

I am hoping...it cools off…100 degrees in June isn’t a good sign for July and August.

I am hearing...my cat purr on my bed as I write.

Around the house...toys haphazardly placed by my favorite girls.

One of my favorite things...is my daughters love to be outside and enjoy nature.

A few plans for the rest of the week...summer school, new furniture, and scrapbooking a few pages this week.

A picture to share...this was taken yesterday while my kids played in the “beach” in the backyard.

Memoir Monday~Night Wanderer

2009-06-22T18:57:00.004-05:00

Inspired by my 5 year old
*****

When my brother and I were younger we were convinced our parents were having wild parties without us after we went to bed. We would quietly do as we were told and go to bed at 8:30 PM. Then meet in the hallway and sneak down to the den where my parents were enjoying what I now know to be the only quiet time of their day. We would giggle and then just before they would yell at us to go back to bed we would run. Oh, the thrill of doing something "naughty."

Now the roles are reversed. I am the parent "having the party" while my 5 year old gets out of bed millions of times. Last night as I was once again tucking her in bed I whispered, "I promise Mommy isn't having any fun without you!!"

Just quiet time.

Slice of Life Saturday

2009-06-20T18:35:00.001-05:00

I posted it on my blog for my kids. I have to say..can't wait to scrapbook this pic and story. Click on the link below.

Click here to go to The Snow Girls Blog.

Memoir Monday~Why Must You Use Your Ugly Voice?

2009-06-15T19:49:00.004-05:00

More of a slice of life, but touched my day none-the-less. I have been co-teaching with a fellow colleague in our reading academy this summer. I am the specialist in the room instead of the core teacher. As a class we have been looking at words and recognizing text clues and reading with expression. Today I read the book "I Ain't Gonna Paint No More" by Karen Caltrow. We continued our discussion of the clues authors give us as readers as to how the text should sound when we read aloud. When I got to the second page and said, "YA AIN'T GONNA PAINT NO MORE" with much gusto and a child leaned over his desk and said to the teacher, "Why does Ms. Snow have to use her ugly teacher voice!!" Ahhh. Lesson learned. I haven't had the students all year and should have prefaced "sometimes I will be raising my voice when the author asks me to from the clues in the text." Needless to say I giggled the rest of the day.

Memoir Monday~Missing

2009-06-08T23:07:00.005-05:00

"Barbara, I have been sneezing all morning. I am going to get my medicine," I explain to our building secretary as I sign out. "Bye!" I yell as I walk out the doors.

I go to the drugstore and my phone begins to ring. I hit the ignore button and pay for my prescription. As I continue to my car I call my mom back.

Instead of her usually perky hello she says, "Lynnelle, I can't find Emma. I have looked every where for her. There are several others canvassing the neighborhood..."

"I'm on my way!" I try to dial 9-1-1 while driving, but my hands shake so hard I can't hit the key pad correctly. My mind goes to the worst possible place. Kidnapped. Taken. Gone....

I park in my driveway, grab the house phone and the world seems to be spinning. It felt like I was in a movie. I was watching someone else's life. This couldn't be happening.

"9-1-1."

"My daughter is missing. She has Down syndrome. We can't find her."

I remember telling the operator what she was wearing. How tall she was. All the while looking around. I look down to see Gracie gripping my finger. A police car drives up. In the distance I hear "We found her." I drop to the ground. Another mother found her a block away--Emma was picking wild flowers. My heart stopped. She's safe. The sobs echo for all to hear. Emma gets out of the car. She walks up to the officer. "Hi, me Memma," she says as she reaches to shake his head. He checks her over and says, "Yes, we know who you are and we are glad you are safe." I say nothing, but hopefully the look on my face echos my thankfulness.

I didn't even ask the woman's name. I just hugged my daughter. I hope she knows what I owe her.

Over 2,000 children goes missing a day. Now, I wonder how many are found and how many must continuously feel the anguish I felt for 15 minutes. Heart wrenching.

Ponderings

2009-06-05T21:02:00.002-05:00

I have spent the last few days being the "learner" instead of the teacher. I have learned a few things. I am lucky to work for a district that pushes my thinking forward and has consistently asked where can you refine your skill? I have learned not all teachers have a sense of humor. I have learned you can become fast friends when you move into a small hotel room for two days. I have learned I am not the only adult who likes to be in bed by midnight. I have learned that friendships can happen in a matter of minutes. I have learned that ignorance still bothers me. I have learned that I can still learn in a classroom setting. I have learned that I am ready. Ready to grow as a teacher.

Memoir Monday

2009-05-24T20:57:00.005-05:00

Today my eldest daughter turns five. This means all day kindergarten, learning a new classroom, meeting a new teacher, and making new friends. I am astounded at how my life has changed since my little four pounder was born. This is her story.

Sobbing on the phone with the OB nurse assuring her I had been doing my kick counts until I took a nap. She hadn't moved in an hour. My husband was packing up his classroom and I was alone. Alone with my horrible thoughts. All of the what ifs that were pounding through my brain. "I think it would be best if you met the doctor at the hospital," she finally said.

I hung up and called my mother. I tired to explain to my mother what was happening, but to this day I am not sure she understood anything other than Emma hadn't moved even after I drank a Dr. Pepper. Within minutes she was at my door and we were on our way to the hospital. What seemed liked hours was only minutes, but needless to say I hadn't calmed down. Something was horribly wrong. When I arrived in OB they were waiting on me. Nurses scurrying me in to try and calm me down. "Honey, what can I do to help you calm down?"

"Her heartbeat," I replied, " I need to hear it." Swiftly and efficiently the nurse grabbed the monitor pulled up my shirt and we heard the swooshing of a baby's heartbeat. My sobs stopped and I climbed into the bed. I began to answer their questions and the doctor walked in. He wanted me to stay for an non stress test for the next few hours. This had begun to be my routine. I had non stress tests twice weekly for six weeks now.

Finally, my heart rate returned to normal. I tried to get comfortable. My mom turned on the TV and suddenly a rush of activity filled the room. They were putting me on oxygen and moving me on my side. Then I heard it, "Her heart rate dropped. We need an ultrasound." The machine was wheeled in and the tech began his measurements in silence. My how the silence was deafening. My brain kept wanting answers, but the only answer was silence. After 15 minutes, he left and a nurse came in and brightly said, "Hello, Ms. S! Let's get your IV started I hear we are having a baby today!!" My jaw dropped and I said, "Nope! Not me. My baby isn't due for six more weeks." Her face turned red and she left in a rush. My nurse who had held my hand through the last few hours came in and sat on the edge of the bed.

"Lynnelle, your baby needs be delivered. Your amniotic fluid is low and she is under stress."

I couldn't believe it. It was too early. She was too little. What is happening? I can't handle this. My mind reeling in different directions. She wheeled me to a new room and they started the pitocin to start the contractions. I didn't feel a thing, but after the third contraction Emma's heart rate dropped to 49. I was having this baby now. She wouldn't make it unless I had a c-section.

I was so scared. I was about to become a first time mommy and everything was not going according to plan. Little did I know that pretty much sums up motherhood. Emma came early. Emma softly cried while they wheeled her away from me to the NICU. Our lives were changing. I had 34 weeks to prepare for her birth and I wasn't ready. Now, I've had 5 years with her and I realize that I was ready. She is my joy. She is my strength. She is my love. She is my fighter. She is my daughter.

Slice of Life~Can You Smell the Creativity?

2009-05-19T18:49:00.003-05:00

"Hey, I am on my way home you want to check out the new Michael's?" I ask my mom as I walk to my car.

"Sure," she replies.

So I zoom, zoom to pick up my mom and off we go to the new Scrapbook Mecca.

When I walk in I gasp in awe and begin to giggle with glee as I see the aisles of perfectly themed crafts in Michael's. Aisle and aisle of creativity just itching to be put onto pages or crafts created for the perfect gift. Or to be honest for yourself. My heart stops as I look at the specialty papers. Oh, how I wish I didn't live on a budget.

As I began to walk up and down the aisles and into the themed corners I ran into my biggest temptation--bling. Oh the gorgeous bling; reds, pinks, emeralds green and of course the pink letters with yes...diamond bling. Oh, I could hear it saying to me the perfect picture is waiting to be taken for this embellishment. I cautiously walked up to the rack that held the blinged art. As I pulled it off the rack Just Say No echoed in my ears, but alas I couldn't resist. I must. I must have the bling. Secretly my inner bling demon says, "Score!" as the bling lands in my cart.

Ahhh, a great end to the day. The Bling Force is now subdued until....

Memoir Monday

2009-05-17T16:31:00.002-05:00

"When are we going to start our books?" C asked.

"As soon as everyone gets settled, " I state matter a factly. Goodness I wonder what the excitement is about. There isn't an assembly today. Why are they twittering about I wonder to myself. I begin to walk around the room and I hear small snippets of their conversations as they get the items for the day.

"Is it true? Do you think we will really do what the agenda says?" A asks another student. I turn to glance at the agenda to see if maybe in all the busyness of the morning I wrote something wrong.

The agenda clearly states-Wed. -Begin Nonfiction books, finish novel study and review Westward Movement. My mind realized that they are talking about their new writing project: nonfiction books on a topic they are an expert on.

"Good morning, class!" I said, "Are we ready to begin the day?"

"Only if we can start with our books," S said under his breath.

"Well why don't we get started in our Writer's Notebook, I say grinning from ear to ear. Too my surprise my students quickly did as was asked and waited expectantly to begin. Which is exactly what we did.

School has been so different this year. My room has been very diverse with ability levels and behavior issues, but one thing has remained constant. My students love to write. It still surprises me when someone asks how soon will Social Studies be over so we can write. It makes my day. My one goal this year has been to create confident writers. I believe it is accomplished.

Poem A Day

2009-04-23T21:49:00.003-05:00

Flashes of my Day

interruption,

phone calls,

knocks on the door,

7 minutes of uninterrupted time,

library,

books,

adults who roll their eyes

at students who are not

in a perfect line,

sighs from me,

interruptions,

sighs from my students,

writing,

conferring,

students teaching others,

interruption-developmental films,

giggles,

SHHHHHHH from the nurse,

giggles,

LUNCH

with a student,

questions,

answers,

the realization that

despite the day,

I wouldn't trade it

for the world.

Slice of Life~Conferring With Writers~

2009-04-21T18:26:00.004-05:00

Today as I conferred with my writer's I found myself asking more and more "What would you like for me to specifically look for?" because IT has happened. My students have become more and more independent in their writing and no longer need to me to tell them what to "fix." They instinctively know. Today as I enjoyed my little conferring corner, I listened to the words of my students. All the memoirs are different, but one thing was constant~their words had meaning. After school I reflected in the Writing Professional Community, I began to mourn the fact that now my room of confident, independent writers will continue their journey with another teacher. Isn't that selfish? In my heart I know in 28 days they will move onto someone who will take them even farther than I probably could. As quickly as this feeling approached another takes its place. My throat catches in a slight gasp and my heart quickens at the thought of who awaits. Those who have never been on the writing journey that we take await. The door that they are behind is one of anticipation~where will they take me on the writing journey? And of course the mourning is short lived and replaced with the thought of what is to come.

Memoir Monday~My Motherhood~

2009-04-13T00:00:00.000-05:00

Note to the reader: My class and I are working on our memoir unit. This is my first draft. We talked all about the different forms to memoir and our big goal is to show meaning through our mental pictures. The section that is a flashback about Emma's Diagnosis was from a small moment I wrote earlier in the year. I was really able to explain how difficult I thought this was to write with my students. When they saw my reaction while reading it I think they understood how much this means to me. We talked about the defining moments of our lives and how it has to be the right time to put them down on paper. Some moments are ready and some are not.

*******

My Motherhood

By: Lynnelle

Motherhood seems so easy when you watch from the outside. Each day I “take care” of kids, but I never expected my journey of motherhood to change me so much. At first, the desire to be a mom was so strong my heart would ache to the point I thought my eyes would dry from all the tears that fell, each time I found out another couple’s baby was on the way.

I remember the day I found out I was going to be a mom. Excitement does not begin to express the way I felt. I called everyone to tell about our baby that was to be born on July 4th. Little did I know that her arrival would rock our universe.

Throughout my teaching career I believe that my life has been touched in some way by my students. I also feel that it is important that all children receive the best in education. Many people believe that I only advocate for children because my own child has a disability—but this was a strong piece of heart long before my girls arrived. As a teacher it is my responsibility to speak for a child when he or she is unable to make their voice heard.

My life did change after having Emma. The moment I heard her feeble cry and “it’s a girl” my heart danced with joy. Then my heart actually seemed to stop after we received her medical diagnosis.

******

Dr. Saddiqui and his messengers entered my room quietly. He came over to me. “I’m sorry, but we believe your daughter has Down syndrome,” he stated. “We are performing genetic testing and will have the results by Friday,” he continued. As the entourage left the room my mind swarmed with many confusing, racing thoughts. This isn’t happening. This can’t be happening! Not my daughter! This only happens to other people! My silent room was filled with emotional chaos. Outside my room the buzzing of the nurses continued, while the doctor’s voice echoed in my ears. I kept replaying the scene: genetic testing, no eye contact from the doctor, and I knew he was right. Emma had Down syndrome. Tears flowed down my cheeks in furious streaks and my temper flared!

“There is nothing wrong with Emma! How can they even think that? I exploded. I could feel the protective instinct envelop my child even though I had only been a mother for 24 hours.
How can this be happening? How can I possibly wait 3 days to find out? What do I do? Well, I waited. I prayed. I visited my tiny baby. And I waited.

On Friday, the hospital social worker called and asked us to come up to the conference room. My heart was thumping in my chest as I walked into the elevator and then into the room. On the table sat a box of tissues. My heart sank. I gasped. My heart began to break into tiny pieces. My sobs could be heard own the hall.

“Shh…you don’t even know the results,” said the social worker.

I wanted to scream what!!! This is my child we’re talking about! Instead I quietly replied, “True, but I don’t believe the news is what we want to hear.” I pointed to the tissue box and sat down.
A rush of activity caught my attention. Dr. Saddiqui entered the room with an unfamiliar doctor. She was very animated and it was obvious she was talking about my daughter. She turned and smiled at us. Then it seemed the whole world came crashing down around me. While I tried to stop my sobs and tears, Dr. Moghadan tried to explain what it meant when she told us Emma had Mosaic Down syndrome. But, it seemed that someone had pressed the mute button. I could not speak; I could not hear her words. My mind was rushing with many different thoughts. Will she be “normal?” Will she fall in love? Will she walk or talk?

Dr. Moghadan’s words changed me. I was no longer a “new parent,” but a parent of a special needs child. Not only did her words change me, but they changed others. People went from saying, “Congratulations” to “I’m sorry,” as if someone had died. However, I learned a lot about my self that day. I would gladly sacrifice my life to prevent my child from being hurt.
For me motherhood isn’t about just being a mom. It is recognizing that we don’t know where our life journey will take us. If our path takes us on way that seems unexpected we must embrace it; learn from it.

*****

After Emma’s diagnosis I received the poem Welcome to Holland by Emily Perl Kingsley. It expressed in words I could not articulate about how my life changed.

Welcome To Holland

by Emily Perl Kingsley

©1987 by Emily Perl Kingsley

I am often asked to describe the experience of raising a child with disability - to try to help people who have not shared that unique experience to understand it, to imagine how it would feel. It's like this...... When you're going to have a baby, it's like planning a fabulous vacation trip - to Italy. You buy a bunch of guide books and make your wonderful plans. The Coliseum. The Michelangelo David. The gondolas in Venice. You may learn some handy phrases in Italian. It's all very exciting. After months of eager anticipation, the day finally arrives. You pack your bags and off you go. Several hours later, the plane lands. The stewardess comes in and says, "Welcome to Holland." "Holland?!?" you say. "What do you mean Holland?? I signed up for Italy! I'm supposed to be in Italy. All my life I've dreamed of going to Italy."

But there's been a change in the flight plan. They've landed in Holland and there you must stay. The important thing is that they haven't taken you to a horrible, disgusting, filthy place, full of pestilence, famine and disease. It's just a different place. So you must go out and buy new guide books. And you must learn a whole new language. And you will meet a whole new group of people you would never have met. It’s just a different place. It's slower-paced than Italy, less flashy than Italy. But after you've been there for a while and you catch your breath, you look around.... and you begin to notice that Holland has windmills....and Holland has tulips. Holland even has Rembrandts. But everyone you know is busy coming and going from Italy... and they're all bragging about what a wonderful time they had there. And for the rest of your life, you will say "Yes, that's where I was supposed to go. That's what I had planned."And the pain of that will never, ever, ever, ever go away...because the loss of that dream is a very very significant loss. But... if you spend your life mourning the fact that you didn't get to Italy, you may never be free to enjoy the very special, the very lovely things ... about Holland.

Now when I see tulips I am not just reminded of Spring and the rebirth of the flowers, trees and the smell of freshly cut grass, but the change to my life. My pace. My children’s pace. Don’t just endure hardships, but chose to grow.

As a mother and a teacher, my desire to impact others by helping them see the world and others in a different way burns deeply in my heart. I don’t know if my life story will change others, but hopefully the way I choose to treat others through my actions will plant a seed for other people to join me in my heart’s desire.

Memoir Monday~Grandmothers~

2009-04-05T20:56:00.003-05:00

Everyday I am blessed to watch my mother as she takes care of my girls while I work. I am always in awe at her patience and I hope that they love their Nana as much as I loved my Granny.

One of the hardest things for me as a teenager was visiting my Grandmother in the nursing home while she suffered through the stages of Alzheimer's. The medical world is still looking for cures, but this was even before they had support groups and medications to help patients. They knew so little about this disease in the early nineties.

I dreaded walking into the home. The acrid smells. The moans of the patients. The little old lady who wheeled herself down the hallway as she cursed at those that passed. I couldn't understand how God could let this happen to people. How do you end up here? But, usually once we arrived into Granny's room she would be there. Her face would light up as we walked in to visit with her. I don't remember where my Mom was this day. I know she was there. Perhaps she was at the nursing station. My aunt and I walked in and she gave Grandma a kiss and asked how she was doing. I went to her bed to give her a hug and she jerked away. "Who are you?" She almost growled it to me.

"It's Lynnelle, your granddaugher," my aunt replied.

"No it's not. I want HER to get out!" My grandmother yelled.

I quickly left the room sobbing. It was so hard at 14 to understand what I know now as an adult. Even though she was not in her right mind and did not mean to hurt me it did hurt.

Now of course, I too have regrets. Regret that my stubbornness at 14 kept me from visiting as often as I should have. Regret that she didn't know her granddaughters on earth. Regret that she didn't watch me grow.

Grandmothers are special. I hope my girls treasure theirs.

Memoir

2009-03-31T18:22:00.003-05:00

Today I introduced Memoir to my kids and it went great. We read two stories, The Relatives Came by Cynthia Rylant and What You Know First by Patricia Maclachlan. We talked about what is in our own notebooks. My students know what it is mine so together we looked through it and came up with 3 Life Themes. Then students looked into their notebooks and came up with their own themes. Tomorrow we are going to look at 3 different chapters of Knots on my Yo-Yo String by Jerry Spinelli. Our focus is to look at why people write memoir before we begin writing our own.

My 3 Themes that appear most often in my notebook are

1)My family-my daughters and days from my childhood
2)Remembering who I am-thoughts I have about myself and how I am growing
3)When my eldest daughter received the diagnosis-Mosaic Down syndrome

Challenge #31~Today~

2009-03-31T00:00:00.001-05:00

As I was getting my girls' dinner ready I saw a bird's nest and even though we had 8 inches of snow on Sat. and 60 degree weather on Sunday. I felt that Nature was speaking to me through this beautiful sight.

Today I am one step closer to being the teacher I always dreamed I would have.

Today I am reminded to pause and embrace the moment.

Today I believe my life journey is for a reason.

Today I hope I can make a difference in someone's life.

Today I can forgive myself for not being perfect.

Today ends.

Tomorrow begins.

A new to-day.

Inspired by Ruth's post on TWT.

Challenge #30~Down to the Wire~

2009-03-30T00:00:00.001-05:00

Tonight as I was preparing my school bag and Emma's backpack I began to think about what I would write for my slice today. A sadness hit me. Full force.It could have knocked me down it was so strong. Soon this journey will end. My first reason for participating in this challenge was to help me get into the habit of writing each day consistently. In addition, I wanted a challenge for my students as they ended the genre study of essays and finished with the state writing test. I never expected to feel so close to a group of people so much that I am already missing our daily slices. I loved reading about our daily pieces of life whether funny, silly, melancholy, happy or sad. I felt a part of a writing group. I will admit at first I was nervous. I wasn't confident enough, but as I have looked at Ruth's posts this week I am reminded that I too need to just love myself for who I am. Just as the writers who participated in this challenge treated me with such respect, I should treat myself the same. Thank you to this wonderful group of writers. This has been a fantastic, inspirational journey.

Cheers to the Slicers of 2009!

Challenge #29

2009-03-28T19:23:00.004-05:00

I don't win many things. In fact this week, I found out I didn't receive two of my grants that I applied for, but someone was smiling on me. I won a blog award~the Splash Award. Thank you to Thinking Aloud for this honor. The Splash award is given to alluring, amusing, bewitching, impressive and inspiring blogs. Upon receipt of the award, one must

1) Put the logo on your blog/post.
2) Nominate up to 9 blogs which allure, amuse, bewitch, impress or inspire you.
3) Be sure to link to your nominees within your post.
4) Let them know that they have been splashed by commenting on their blog.
5) Remember to link to the person from whom your received your Splash award.

My nominees for the Splash Award are

1)Elizabeth at Pen*Ink*Paper for inspiring me to continue to write even though life sometimes interrupts us.

2)LiteracySpark is splashed with inspiration for showing others ways to use a writer's lens.

3) Trish at My New Normal for living a life so open that others flock to her for help at a point in their life they need to hear her words, touch her spirit, and receive her love. Thank you!

Challenge #28~I sweet~

2009-03-28T00:00:00.000-05:00

"Bath-y time!" I call to Emma and Grace as I ran the water and poured in the "fairy dust" aka bubble bath.

I quickly undressed and put the girls in. I love watching them play. They have a great time. Suddenly Gracie looks up at me and says, "I sweet, mahmah."

I giggle and say, "No, you're ornery!"

She laughed and said, "I ahn-ree!"

Nana laughed from the other room, "Did she say what I think she said?"

Gracie replied with, "Yeah, I ahn-ree!!"

My Gracie-sugar and sweet with a WHOLE LOT of SPICE!!

Challenge #27~In Honor of My Class~

2009-03-27T00:00:00.001-05:00

Journey of Writers
In honor of my class of 2008-9
LYS

The sea of faces,
Changes each year.
Each one unique.

I don’t know you yet,
But I will.
As we ride the journey together

You tentatively jump aboard.
This new day.
Days of writing, revising, and writing and revising.

Overcoming our fears,
Realizing we are all writers.
Growing one-by-one.

Fears abate,
Trust occurs,
Crafting our words.

This journey will take
a new shape at the end,
But do not fear,
For they will gently move you farther.

Celebrate with me
So we all can see
The journey of writers during a year.

Challenge #26~Disappointment~

2009-03-26T17:21:00.005-05:00

I teach my children that writing matters. We write because we want to write and our thoughts are important.Today I feel worthless as a writer. I want to cuss, give up and just never try again. I failed to receive my grant to hear Ellin Oliver Keene.I poured my heart into the application. I poured out my dreams. My dreams for what works best in my classroom. And it was rejected. I know it isn't personal, but oh how it still feels personal.

I am a writer. My thoughts are important. Disappointment won't last forever. I will even see it again (hopefully not soon), but it still hurts. I am a writer.

Challenge #25~Conversation~

2009-03-25T19:29:00.002-05:00

"What do you mean you are purposely taking other laptops?" I asked my fifth grade students.

I could feel my blood pressure rising as I realized they only wanted to see what would happen if they crossed the line.

"Well, I suppose we should all put up the laptops and instead of taking the tutorial to study for our test we will complete a worksheet," I stated.

Worksheets in my room are the signal of death. The hush of the classroom deafened my ears. Their heads began to hang as I passed out the 4 page study guide over the Constitution and the Bill of Rights.

After 20 minutes, I asked the students to put their pencils down and to come to the carpet for a meeting. Instead of reaming them out again we discussed a possible solution to the behavior that occurs during transition time. It took about 8 minutes from their recess, but we all felt better afterward.

Hoping tomorrow's transition between classes and subjects goes better, if not there is always ice cream to make the day better!

Challenge #24~Spring Life~

2009-03-24T00:00:00.001-05:00

Today as the weathermen prepares us for severe weather I wrote this concrete poem for my class. Sorry it's in Scridb, but it was the only way I could get it to look correct on the blog.

Concrete Poem

Publish at Scribd or explore others: Creative Writing love ebook

Challenge #23~Back to School Blahs~

2009-03-23T16:02:00.002-05:00

I arrived at school so excited to begin the last nine weeks. We are wrapping up our poetry unit preparing for our big celebration on Friday. Then someone asks when I am starting test prep and I realize the tests are only 3 weeks away. It seems now we are in a testing crunch time line. It was so depressing to see teachers handing out booklets of test prep today. I don't even know what to say. I guess I just have the back to school blahs.

Challenge #22~Inspired by william carlos williams

2009-03-22T00:00:00.000-05:00

morning arrives too soon

inspired by william carlos williams

written by: lys

so much depends
upon

a diet dr.
pepper

awakening my
mind

from the sandman's
dreams.

the red wheelbarrow

so much depends
upon

a red wheel
barrow

glazed with rain
water

beside the white
chickens

by: william carlos williams

Challenge #21~Heart Pains~

2009-03-21T00:00:00.001-05:00

I know that my marriage is over and I have grieved that moment, but we have tried hard to make sure that we dissolved a marriage and not a family. We did not want to make our children feel as if our issues were more important than them. At almost a year post separation I believe the picture below speaks volumes. I have no idea if my girls will understand our decision when they are older. Hopefully, they will see 2 parents who despite their faults, knew they were good parents. I have never said he wasn't a good Daddy. I know our girls feel loved. Today, I was able to capture it. Sigh. It makes my heartache not of pain, but of love. Love for my family.

Challenge #20~Bedtime Saga~

2009-03-20T00:00:00.000-05:00

"Amen," I say as I tuck Emma and Elmo into bed. I quickly put the guard rail up, double check the tucked in Emma, and kiss her good night.

"Wov you," she says as I shut the door.

"Love you too, baby girl," I whisper.

Not even one minute has gone by, Emma has thrown back the covers, grabbed her Pooh alphabet book, and opened her door. "Mommy?" she asks.

"Emma we are not doing this again!" I exclaim, "you must go to bed."

Two and half hours later I call my mother, "Mom, you were the master at getting a particular girl to stay in bed. I have tried everything."

"What about ignoring her?" She asks.

Okay, I think to myself I am desperate. I close my door and sure enough I hear Emma's door open. I know she is just standing in the hallway dragging Elmo looking around wandering where I am. But, I was wrong. Instead she went to the kitchen let Jazzy (her black cat) in from the garage and locked the door. Then she went back to the hall. I hear her talking with Jazzy. Then she starts saying my name louder, louder, and louder. Finally, after about 7 minutes I open my door and she is standing in the hall petting Jazzy. But, she has stripped of her cute, pink PJs and her diaper. I had no idea she was a streaker.

What is a mother to do in this situation? Get angry or laugh. Well, I chose not to react and put her back to bed. Then I went straight to my computer. Motherhood...funny, fascinating, and unforgettable.

Challenge #19~Our Mortality~

2009-03-19T18:36:00.001-05:00

Not that I know Liam Neeson or his family, but this tragic accident has given me pause. Pause to be thankful for each day that I have. Pause to be aware of those around me and realize it is those things that are important. Today nothing great happened or not necessarily significant, but I did spend time with the ones I love...hoping they realize what they mean to me.It was just simple.

Challenge #18~Syching my self up for the next nine weeks

2009-03-18T15:46:00.003-05:00

It's Wednesday and all I can think is the fact that I have had 2 very sick kids during Spring Break, I have not had time to read the professional text- because I checked out some entertaining books from the Library-(what I call no brain required reading), and then I receive this email from The Sisters.

Fair Is Not Always Equal - The "Tigers" in the Classroom

After a lengthy rehabilitation following knee surgery, Tiger Woods made his big return to professional golf a couple of weeks ago at the Accenture Golf Tournament in Tucson, Arizona. The event was highly anticipated by golf enthusiasts all over the world, all of whom wondered, "Would he be able to perform at the same level as the pre-surgery Tiger?"

Since we're married to golfers and enjoy dabbling a bit in the game ourselves, we tuned into the tournament with the rest of the world to see how Tiger would do.

Did Tiger win the tournament? No. Did he do as well as the pre-surgery Tiger? That answer is still under debate. Regardless, Tiger Woods is still one of the best golfers in the world.

So what does Tiger Woods have to do with our lives as classroom teachers? We all have "Tiger Woods" type students; those high flying children who excel academically, functioning above some or many of the others in the room, often times in spite of us!

We believe our "Tigers" deserve wonderful instruction, and endeavor to divide our time fairly between all our students. This lofty ideal can lead to a sense of guilt when our more needy students consume a greater portion of our time. What we've come to realize is that "Fair is not always equal."

Every student needs and deserves a great "coach" in the classroom. Even Tiger Woods has a golf coach who works with him periodically to fine tune his swing, offer advice on club selection, or refine techniques. Periodic support is sufficient for Tiger. Someone of his caliber doesn't need daily coaching and instruction. He spends hundreds of hours practicing on the golf course, driving range and putting green, and having a coach check in with him once in awhile adequately meets his individual needs.

Alas, The 2 Sisters require a more frequent regime of coaching. We are beginning golfers. We need someone to check in often during our practice sessions. We need more explicit instruction, more correct modeling, and more scaffolding to ensure success. We need someone to monitor us frequently, to make sure we are not developing bad habits that will hurt our game. Is it unfair to Tiger if we get more support than he does? No. He doesn't need it. We sure do!

So, once we accept that fair doesn't mean equitability of time, we can let that old unsubstantiated guilt go. We'll periodically swoop in and coach those little Tigers in our classrooms, then send them off to practice, rejoicing in the time they free up to meet the needs of our other students. Now that's fair!

And I realize this newsletter was for me. I have been struggling all year feeling as if I have ignored my writers that quickly get started and write long and strong. I meet with them much less frequently than my others. I also realized that my main frustration is that the "Tigers" are few in my room this year. We all knew this class struggled, but I believe our pride got in the way. They won't struggle with us, we said somewhat smugly, our rooms contain best practices. We were wrong. They did struggle and I am not so sure all the needs have been met due to the overwhelming lack of confidence in writing. So before Monday I am going to sit down and map out who I need to meet with first next week, so hopefully they will go on as sixth graders just a little more confident in their abilities.

Challenge #17~I'm as bad as my kids~

2009-03-17T16:08:00.003-05:00

Patience is not exactly a virtue when I am excited about something to happen or a package to arrive. However, this time I didn't log on to UPS to track the package each day or each hour. :-) Instead I waited until I could wait no longer. After the girls and I woke up from our 2 hour nap (thank you for letting them sleep during Spring Break), I got online to view the delivery window. One precious word lit the screen in blue: DELIVERED. I quickly ran to the front door and there it was my package. I brought it inside and ripped the tape with scissors. Then I opened the box and my brand new mary jane ballet slippers were inside. What a rush! I swear I am just as silly about getting new things as my own kids are.

Challenge #16~All it takes is one moment~

2009-03-16T18:13:00.003-05:00

As I walked slowly from my car to the surgery waiting room,my mind filled with thoughts of what if? What if she doesn't make it? What if they couldn't fix it? But, my mind was not expecting the what if we heard. Maw Jean's knee replacement has been long coming. Her pain has been very debilitating. It is hard to watch a loved one in pain, even when they are older than you. We waited. One hour. Two hours. Three hours. I watched as the scrub nurse walked toward us. She explained that while Jean was doing well, it was taking longer than they thought. Four hours after the replacement surgery began we got the report from the doctor. Something is wrong with the bone. They were able to finally build a replacement knee, but the bone kept breaking. I know we were all hearing the unspoken words in the room~cancer. But, not one person uttered it. All it takes is one moment....one moment to cause your life journey to change focus. Now we wait again. Days this time, not hours. Days to find out if it's cancer.

Challenge #15~A OMG I'm Old Moment~

2009-03-15T14:17:00.003-05:00

Today my kids were with their daddy. So needless to say I was able to pick the music in the car on the way home from church. Flipping through the stations I turned to my favorite station. It has been a few years since I truly listened to it.

"Justin Timberlake...coming up next," quipped the DJ.

Alright! I thought...as the music started I realized that obviously this wasn't the Justin Timberlake from my late teen early twenties years. I can't understand a single word!He is the same age as me....surely this can't be right.

Then it hit me! The realization of OMG I am so old and I sound just like my mother!!!

What am I going to do? So I quickly flipped to another station.

"Welcome to the station that plays the hits from the 70s, 80s, and 90s," said the DJ.

Ahhh, home sweet music home.

Challenge 14~Shoe Shopping~

2009-03-14T17:58:00.003-05:00

I have always thought that shoe shopping was a fun thing UNTIL I had children. Today I took the girls to Stride Rite to be fitted for new tennis shoes and Spring dress shoes. It was a mad house!! Babies crying, mommys wishing they could cry and the heat must have been cranked up to 80 degrees. Every time I requested a particular shoe they were always out of the girls' size. Exasperated the clerk said, "Look just get the more expensive shoes and be done with it! I know you want the sale shoes, but they don't have any in their size."

"Well, can I get a discount then?" I asked.

"Yes!" she exclaimed.

So 10 minutes later we were checking out leaving the crying, yelling and other chaos behind to enjoy some well deserved frosties and Wendy's.

Note to Self: Never be a kids shoe clerk.

Challenge #13~A Break~

2009-03-13T19:40:00.006-05:00

Supposed to be time to relax,
Perhaps I shouldn't have brought my book bag home,
Realizing I am thinking of what we are doing when we get back,
I wish I could just STOP and not think about the last nine weeks,
No one realizes my brain never stops thinking about school,
Guessing this is probably normal for teachers.

Bewildered that I can't just sit and not do anything,
Realizing that there is always something to do
Everyone has to feel this way too
Aren't we always feeling as if something is left undone?
Keeping ourselves busy instead of just taking a moment to ourselves.

SOLC during Spring Break Reminder

2009-03-12T19:30:00.003-05:00

After Friday, my students will be on Spring Break. In order to help them remember to write each day for our SOLC, I created the bookmarks below and then etched a notch in it with Basic Grey's notch die system. They turned out pretty cute and they fit perfectly on the page.

SOLC Bookmarks

Publish at Scribd or explore others:

Challenge #12~It's Raining!"

2009-03-12T15:41:00.002-05:00

Today was Emma's first dental appointment so I took the day off. It started out marvelous because the girls slept in until 8 AM. As we got up and started to the kitchen Emma looked out the back glass door. "Momma, it's raining!" Emma yelled. I turned to look and those raindrops were actually fluffy white snowflakes. "That is called Snow Emma," I replied. We all ran to Emma's side to watch flakes fall on the grass. My heart warmed as my two girls hugged each other yelling, "It's raining!" Spring has obviously been put on hold, but it is warm with love in our house.

Challenge #11~Humbled~

2009-03-11T00:00:00.000-05:00

I left Emma's meeting humbled. Once again I realize that when I am on the "other side" in IEP meetings I hope that I am just as respectful and understanding as Emma's teachers. To hear wonderful things like almost a 2 year gain and she is really learning how to climb stairs correctly~without fear touches my mother's heart. I also realize that I am actually part of the team and there was no hidden agenda on the school's side. We decided what was best for Emma. In fact goals were added and changed as we sat and discussed what was best for Emma.

Through the years, I have learned that advocacy is tough in the district you work in, but I hope the lessons I learn each time I am a parent in an IEP are carried over into the IEPs I sit on as a teacher.

Challenge #10~Worries~

2009-03-10T16:20:00.002-05:00

I need this day to fly by. I need today to go quickly. I need to get to MY child's IEP. The is dragging on. Hour by hour the clock creeps. It's as if it is saying, "Ha, ha! I know you are worrying...so I will slooow doown."

It's true. I've never denied being a worry wart. But this is about my child. MY CHILD. Will they see all the progress she has made? Or will it be all that she can't do? Are these fears because I'm really in denial? I know my child has a cognitive impairment, and I despise those that feel because I choose to focus on her CAN DO'S that I am in denial. So for now...all I have are worries. Perhaps it is more a protective instinct. The mother bear protecting her young cub. Protecting her from those that can't see past her extra chromosome. Maybe it's just anticipating the unknown. Maybe.....

Challenge #9~Sighting Spring~

2009-03-09T00:00:00.000-05:00

Zooming back from a quick run to the store, I pulled into the driveway. I noticed a small peek-a-boo of a yellow flower close to the brick of the house. My forsythia is blooming! I thought. Oh, spring is so near. I quickly parked the car, put up the groceries and grabbed my camera. All I could think was I must capture these flowers. Capture this moment. As I tried different angles to capture the perfect picture of the one bloom…I realized that my fuchsia blooms on the plum bush were just as gorgeous.

Really what I wanted was to capture the arrival of spring…it didn’t matter if the photo was perfect. What did matter? I ignored the busyness of the evening, and actually stopped to look at Spring. As I began to take pictures of the blooms, I quickly grabbed the garden angel and plopped her in the middle of them. When I snapped the next shot, I realized that was it. I had done it. Spring for me has started. It doesn’t matter that it is going to be 40 degrees in two days or that the dead leaves still haven’t been cleaned out of my flowerbeds…that doesn’t stop Spring. Nothing can. She has finally arrived.

Challenge #8~Write your heart~

2009-03-08T00:00:00.001-06:00

As I glance back through my week, I realize that I have begun to look forward to the moment that I can sit, relax and write. Some days this week, as soon as something happened I knew when I got home I would write about that for my slice, but other days were more of a ruminating moment. Sitting, reflecting, drinking hot cider by the laptop figuring out what my heart was speaking to me about. And still other days I felt so rushed by the time I sat down that it seemed I had nothing to write, but still I wrote. As a result of this first week of slice, I realize the Slice is about stopping. Being Still. Listening. And writing from the heart. As quoted from a mighty fifth grader in my classroom during his student led conference on Thursday, "I will never stop writing; I will always write from my heart."

Challenge #7~Moment with Mom~

2009-03-07T14:14:00.001-06:00

Why is it a 31 years old I still cherish those small moments with my mom? No grandchildren running around, no Dad to interrupt our conversation, or a brother asking a questions. I cherish these moments...just mom and me. The smell of garlic in the restaurant and the soft conversation around us as we talk...well I guess just mother daughter talk. Special. Heartfelt. Loved.

Challenge #6~Words of Wisdom~

2009-03-06T18:56:00.004-06:00

Conferencing. Why is that I can conference with a child and not be nervous and know exactly what to say, but get a bunch of adults around me and I feel like a bumbling fool?

"Good evening. Welcome to our room!" I said as one of my students walked in with his mother and grandfather.

"I am so glad you came back," I announced to the grandfather.

"I wanted to see how he had improved," replied the grandfather of his grandson.

"Well, why don't you sit down. He will get his items to show you."

Wow! I thought. I can't believe his grandfather came back. He had attended his last conference because my student's parents were out of town. I quickly left them to help another student get his family situated for their student led conference.

"Excuse me young lady. May I speak with you? " the grandfather asked.

"Absolutely!" I walked over to them.Thrilled to be called young lady!

"I am quite impressed," he stated, "I have been listening and reviewing my grandson's writing and kudos to you for not giving into the demands of testing and diagramming sentences and filling entire workbooks of grammar pages."

I know my face must have been in shock because he began to chuckle. Then he smiled, folded his arms as he leaned back in the student chair and said, "I am a retired English professor and I wish my students could have come to me writing like this. You have done what many cannot do...create a class full of writers."

I quickly thanked him for his kind words and began to talk with him about the journey of writing and how important it is. I could have talked with him all day about writing, but I knew the student had worked hard at preparing his work to show and discuss with his family.

It is moments like these that make the long day rewarding. To him I say bless you.

Challenge #5~Who Am I?~

2009-03-04T20:30:00.000-06:00

As I worked with my students on their "remembering who you are" poems. I realized mine needed some serious updating. I really had to start all over because my other Who Am I was written 8 years ago. My how life and dreams change over time.

Who Am I?
I am my big, pink cheeks and my boisterous laugh,
I am my “seriously” followed by a knowing and forgiving smile,
I am my small moments cherished in my heart,
I am filled with stories.

I have turned 30 and survived,
I have gone from manis and pedis to burp rags and poopy diapers,
I have achieved my greatest gift to the world~my children.

I am a real person who hides my sad times,
I am a person who celebrates the little things,
I am a person whose heart has cracks, but still believes time will heal.

I have traveled unexpected journeys,
I have conquered my fears,
I have accepted life’s path,

I am my own.

I am me.

~LYS~

Student Led Conferences

2009-03-04T20:14:00.000-06:00

If you have not tried student-led conferences...it is a must! This is my second year to do them and I am thrilled with the response from parents and my students. This is a time for students to shine and to explain their areas of growth. It does have to be practiced, but student to get it. Many times parents are apprehensive at first, but realize they actually learn more about their child than from a 15 minute quick update with the teacher. My students are using the paper below as a reminder of what to do, but they really make it their own.

Conf Student Led2

Publish at Scribd or explore others: Essays Academic Work money credit

Conf Student Led

Publish at Scribd or explore others: Academic Work money credit

Challenge #4~7 Minutes~

2009-03-04T17:51:00.002-06:00

Seven minutes to work from house. Seven minutes of silence. No radio. No crying. No giggling. No, Ms. Snow! No-Nothing. For seven minutes every morning I am alone with my thoughts. Silence. It is as if my brain is saying, "Ahhh, a breather for a few moments." But, the moment I park my car, grab my bag, and walk through the 7:20 AM swarm of students heading to breakfast from the buses my mind is on my students. My seven minutes are over, but I am headed to a great day!

Challenge #3~Poetry~

2009-03-03T17:35:00.000-06:00

My favorite unit: poetry. Today we are going to immerse ourselves in writing. We all listen to the words of the poems, some whispered, some silent and some real loud. The fluid words echo in out of my ears as if I am swaying in the breeze. The language speaks to my heart and my writer's hands are jealous that my words don't sound so sweet. After months of us writing together on our new journey, they still don't quite trust me. Yet after the 3 days of immersion they are guessing at what writing poetry is as if they have never attempted to write before. Leaving me frustrated, empty and yet knowing they can succeed and will accomplish this new path on our writing journey. Poetry~music to the soul, but difficult to put into the words. As we discuss what poetry is and finally someone says, "It's the words that flow from your heart into someone else's heart!" Ahhh...the art of writing said by a fifth grader. Words on paper that speak to you, in order that they speak to another.

Tomorrow I try again...a new poem, a new attempt, and a new day.

Challenge #2~Spring Fever~

2009-03-02T15:50:00.003-06:00

Why is it in Oklahoma when Spring (my favorite season) begins to arrive I can hardly speak because of allergies? All day long today I heard, "Wow! What did you do to your voice or Get away from me you have the crud!" I would sigh and begin my explanation of how my yearning for Spring to arrive by working in my yard, punishes me by not allowing me to talk or see (my eyes usually swell shut)until after the trees blossom. So as I am walking down my hallway back from lunch today I cough (sounds much like smokers cough, but I have never inhaled one). A teacher began to make a comment and one of my students turns around and says, "Hey, haven't you ever heard of allergies?" The look of shock on the colleagues face was priceless. Moral of story: Don't mess with his teachers!

Conversations With a Writing Partner

2009-03-01T18:28:00.006-06:00

On Friday, my afternoon class and I were looking at Antwone Fischer's poems as mentor text to write a poem that day. We talked about the significance of the repetitive line in the poem. I hadn't written my poem yet and I brainstormed from my heart topics that we had done earlier that day. "Ms. Snow, I think you should write about being a mother. You talk alot about that," said D. He and I talked for a couple of more minutes about the "meaning" for my poem. The first repetitive line he gave me~"Who thought being a mother could be so hard." As a result of us conferring the poem below bloomed.

Motherhood

Mothers are fearless,
They never doubt,
What do I do for her?
Tiny hands, tiny feet,
Will I be a good mother?

Mothers know the answers,
They never doubt.
Will I know what to do when she is sick?
Wheezing, fevers at midnight,
Am I a good mother?

Mothers are all knowing,
They never doubt.
What will I say when she is asked out for her first date?
First kisses, first heartbreaks,
Am I a good mother?

Questions aren't always answered,
Mistakes are made,
Listening to your heart,
Trusting your child,

I am a mother.

~LYS~

Challenge #1: Ornery Children

2009-03-01T00:00:00.000-06:00

My mom and I were having a great conversation while eating our sub sandwiches this afternoon. Roughly 15 minutes later it dawned on me that my house was awfully quiet. Too quiet. Dangerously quiet for having a five year old and a two year old running around. I put up the dishes, threw away the trash, and walked down the hall.

"Emma? Gracie?" I asked as I walked into Gracie's doorway. I gasped.

"Oh, no!" I yelped. Post it notes were all over Gracie's room and Emma had a pencil from my scrapbook table. I ran into my scrapbook room scared of what I would find. The laptop open....my surprise matchbook notebooks that I made for students...destroyed. My heart sank. I was so excited to have those as a surprise for Monday for those that started the Slice of Life challenge. I bent to my knees and picked up the scraps of paper. I realized I would be able to salvage two of the notebooks. I sighed. Well, at least one student from each class can get a notebook.

As I threw away the scraps of paper, I noticed my laptop looked dirty. "Emma Lynne, what did you do to this?" I asked somewhat loudly.

"What?" she replied.

I couldn't believe my laptop was covered in pencil markings. What will I do with her? I thought.

"You know...Emma didn't know those notebooks were special for your students," my Mom said.

"I know," I replied, "but that isn't what I am upset about. She knows better than to do that to the laptop."

I was able to clean up the laptop and I put Emma in a chair and talked with her about the laptop. I asked her if she was sorry and she patted herself on the back and said, "Yes, mommy, sorry."

Then I got the biggest Emma hug.

Slice of Life Challenge Winner

2009-02-27T21:14:00.001-06:00

My students who participate everyday in the Slice of Life challenge will be entered in a drawing to win a handmade notebook from an Etsy designer. They are adorable and so affordable. If you would like to order one go to Kitt's Krafts. I posted the sign below today after I made the announcement to my class.
SOLC Winner

Publish at Scribd or explore others: Creative Writing slice of life

Poetry

2009-02-27T20:57:00.000-06:00

Poetry is one of my favorite genres to teach. I use poems all year long in my reading curriculum. We wrote "Where I'm From..." poems the week before George Ella Lyon visited. Today we studies Antwone Fisher's poems. Many of his poems repeat phrases or words. We talked about the significance in why writers choose to do this. Students then went to their map of their heart to pick out a topic that was meaningful to them that they knew they could write about. One student dictated to me and I am once again amazed at my writers. They do truly listen to their hearts.

After visiting with my writers as they began drafting their poems, I have my mini-lessons for next week: stanza form, use of white space, poem layout. I hoping to have these published by student led conferences.

Surprise

2009-02-27T20:48:00.000-06:00

Monday morning I plan on surprising four of my students with matchbox notebooks. Students who wrote on Sunday will have an opportunity to win one of these. I had fun making them. I used the matchbox template at Mirkwood Designs. They were so easy to make!

Excitement with a slice

2009-02-26T22:13:00.000-06:00

My students are ecstatic about our Slice of Life challenge, this morning as I read my slice of life about the student who called my house the excitement about what a slice is rippled through the room.

"So really what your asking us is to write about a small moment that happened today?" a student asked.

"Yes," I replied, "in fact I have another slice I can share with you and it is in a form of a poem."

I shared my poem from the day of the writing test. Silence was all I heard after I finished. Of course, this is when my stomach does a little twirl because I am a writer and I am sharing a piece of my heart.

"Wow, I love the words you used. You are a writer too...just like us"

Priceless moment.

Gearing Up for SOLC

2009-02-25T20:13:00.001-06:00

Today was W-Day. The state mandated writing test for all 5th graders. Prompt was good. The kids wrote long and strong. Now we can all breathe. As the students opened their booklets this morning and then began to plan their essay it seemed as if they all let out a collective sigh about 3 minutes in~"We are writers" they seemed to say. This has been my mantra for them. So I wrote this..

Journey of a Writer

pencils scribbling
we are writers
eraser flecks
we are writers
pages rustling
we are writers
minds engaging
we are writers

dream
hope
believe
breathe

WE ARE WRITERS

~LYS~

Slice of Life Challenge

2009-02-24T15:52:00.000-06:00

As I busily prepared the girls for bed the phone rang, “Hello?” I asked. I quickly put Emma in her pajamas as I continued my conversation with my friend. While talking with her someone called. Hopefully they will leave a message I thought. A few moments later as I hung up the phone I realized I had a message. The message was from a parent of a child in my classroom. I picked up the phone and dialed.

“Hello, Ms Snow,” my student said, “My mom is not conferring with me like you, so we decided to see if you could help me.”

We discussed the problem he was having in his piece and decided that the stopping point was a good one and he could resume in the morning with me. I hung up the phone, put the girls to bed, propped up my feet, and turned on my favorite show. About an hour later the phone rang again, it startled me. I looked at the clock and quickly answered the phone.

“Ms. Snow, I need to talk to you about the green comet,” the student said.

“Okay, what’s going on?” I asked.

Suddenly I heard a woman ask, “Who are you talking to? You DID NOT call your teacher did you?”

“Yes,” he replied softly, “I needed to tell her something.”

“Tell her goodbye and hang up NOW!” I heard her say quite forcefully.

“See you tomorrow,” he said as he clicked the phone.

I giggled and hung up the phone. I love being a teacher.