Showing posts with label Slice of Life. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Slice of Life. Show all posts
Monday, March 2, 2009
Challenge #2~Spring Fever~
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!
Sunday, March 1, 2009
Challenge #1: Ornery Children
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.
"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.
Friday, February 27, 2009
Slice of Life Challenge Winner
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
SOLC Winner
Surprise
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!
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Excitement with a slice
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.
"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.
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Slice of Life Challenge
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.
“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.
Monday, February 16, 2009
Slice of Life Challenge~Birthday 2009
What a dreary day I thought to myself as I pulled into the parking lot. Another rainy Monday...UGH! I picked up my school bag and purse and rushed into the school trying not to get soaked while balancing the umbrella and all my work from the weekend. I looked at the clock. 7:18 AM. I quickly went into teacher mode. Put lunch in freezer, check mailbox, unlock door. As I walked into my room, my team partner yelled, "Happy Birthday!" "Thanks," I replied and thought I can't believe I am 31.
I turned on my computer and a small voice said, "Good morning, Ms. Snow!" I looked up to see a young man in my first block holding purple flowers. "Happy Birthday," he said as he laid them on my desk. How sweet I thought as I thanked Sheldon. It's amazing how a few flowers can brighten up a classroom.
This was just the beginning of the flower parade. Roses, tulips, mums, artistic renditions of flowers...all for me. I felt so loved and the kids brightened up my rainy day birthday.
Later, as we began our writing circle sharing time, one of my students exclaimed, "I know what I am writing about. Yesterday at church I saw Ms. Snow and I was the first person to wish her a happy birthday on her actual birthday, " I giggled and explained that it was true. Then he added, "You know what else guys. She really does take that writer's notebook with her everywhere...she had it at church!"
This had me in stitches! I was now laughing and giggling when I thought it was just going to be an icky, dreary day! Thank you class!!
I turned on my computer and a small voice said, "Good morning, Ms. Snow!" I looked up to see a young man in my first block holding purple flowers. "Happy Birthday," he said as he laid them on my desk. How sweet I thought as I thanked Sheldon. It's amazing how a few flowers can brighten up a classroom.
This was just the beginning of the flower parade. Roses, tulips, mums, artistic renditions of flowers...all for me. I felt so loved and the kids brightened up my rainy day birthday.
Later, as we began our writing circle sharing time, one of my students exclaimed, "I know what I am writing about. Yesterday at church I saw Ms. Snow and I was the first person to wish her a happy birthday on her actual birthday, " I giggled and explained that it was true. Then he added, "You know what else guys. She really does take that writer's notebook with her everywhere...she had it at church!"
This had me in stitches! I was now laughing and giggling when I thought it was just going to be an icky, dreary day! Thank you class!!
Monday, February 9, 2009
Slice of Life Challenge~Tulips
As I gaze at the tulip I am reminded of my journey to Holland. This journey is somewhat like the seasons where you go through the dreary difficult winter days only to be surprised by the beautiful daffodils and tulips that arrive just as Spring begins and everything becomes new again. I will admit that I am not a fan of the cold, dreary winters, and when I see the bloom of the smiling tulip my heart is lifted for I know what comes next. The smell of fresh cut grass, the way the sky looks brilliantly blue after a night of Oklahoma thunder storms, and the looks on my children’s faces as they swing high into the air. My journey in Holland has made life move at a little smaller pace, but I think that allows me to stop and remind myself that life doesn’t have to be fast as if I were running a race, but to live life at my pace. Tulips…a simple flower, but has so many meanings for me.
PS I took the picture this afternoon with my new Digital Rebel..not bad for a newbie!
Monday, January 26, 2009
Slice of Life Challenge: 16 Things
Saw this on Ali Edward's Blog..thought I would try it....
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1. Most of my defining moments as a child involve family members.
2. My parents have been married for 40 years. I am very proud...but I feel as if I let them down because my marriage did not make it past 10 years.
3. I am the mother of a special needs child.
4. I do not want anymore children, but when I see a tiny newborn, I miss holding mine.
5. It took me 30 years to realize who I am.
6. I finally love myself for ME and no strings attached. I accept myself with my faults.
7. I will always give a student a second chance... everyday is a new day.
8. I have an amazing amount of patience when teaching children, but very little patience when teaching adults.
9. I believe that my purpose in life is to teach children that the world has deemed "unworthy."
10. I live for the moments when I read in a student's notebook-"Thank you for not giving up on me. When I switch classes to your room...I get goose bumps knowing you believe in me." Then I try not to cry.
11. I want to write a book on how to incorporate reader's/writer's workshop in special education settings (whether inclusive or self-contained).
12. I miss my grandmother daily. I hope she is proud of me.
13. I never thought I would stay in Oklahoma...I thought I would be singing at the Met by now.
14. I may not always understand where my journey in life takes me, but I cherish the road I am traveling on.
15. I love frappachinos.
16. My life is not perfect, but I will live it to the fullest each day.
2. My parents have been married for 40 years. I am very proud...but I feel as if I let them down because my marriage did not make it past 10 years.
3. I am the mother of a special needs child.
4. I do not want anymore children, but when I see a tiny newborn, I miss holding mine.
5. It took me 30 years to realize who I am.
6. I finally love myself for ME and no strings attached. I accept myself with my faults.
7. I will always give a student a second chance... everyday is a new day.
8. I have an amazing amount of patience when teaching children, but very little patience when teaching adults.
9. I believe that my purpose in life is to teach children that the world has deemed "unworthy."
10. I live for the moments when I read in a student's notebook-"Thank you for not giving up on me. When I switch classes to your room...I get goose bumps knowing you believe in me." Then I try not to cry.
11. I want to write a book on how to incorporate reader's/writer's workshop in special education settings (whether inclusive or self-contained).
12. I miss my grandmother daily. I hope she is proud of me.
13. I never thought I would stay in Oklahoma...I thought I would be singing at the Met by now.
14. I may not always understand where my journey in life takes me, but I cherish the road I am traveling on.
15. I love frappachinos.
16. My life is not perfect, but I will live it to the fullest each day.
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Slice of Life Challenge: Letter to my future self
I borrowed the idea from Stacey to write a letter to my future self. My students did the same. Not sure it is actually a slice of life, but here goes.
Dear Lynnelle,
What a day in history! It is exciting, hopeful, and awe-inspiring. Today is the inaugural of our 44th president-Our 1st African American President, Pres. Barack H. Obama. To think forty years ago, Dr. King marched on the lawn of capitol hill extolling his "dream from the American dream." He and MANY others who fought for equality were able to see a multi-racial democracy grow today. To be a witness to the sea of people, to the sea of colors-All races coming together to form a truly United States of America. How life changing one year can be for a people, for a nation, and for me.
This last year I may not have become the most powerful person in the US, but I have conquered my fears. I have stood alone and stayed strong. I have realized at 30 life isn't over because a marriage ended, but that my family still remains intact. It is not the end. I have just begun.
In 2010, I know life will be different from today, but I stand behind the ideals for my life that have kept me strong and will continue to give me the strength to be the best me.
CHERISH yesterday
LIVE today
DREAM tomorrow
Take care,
Lynnelle S.
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Dear Lynnelle,
What a day in history! It is exciting, hopeful, and awe-inspiring. Today is the inaugural of our 44th president-Our 1st African American President, Pres. Barack H. Obama. To think forty years ago, Dr. King marched on the lawn of capitol hill extolling his "dream from the American dream." He and MANY others who fought for equality were able to see a multi-racial democracy grow today. To be a witness to the sea of people, to the sea of colors-All races coming together to form a truly United States of America. How life changing one year can be for a people, for a nation, and for me.
This last year I may not have become the most powerful person in the US, but I have conquered my fears. I have stood alone and stayed strong. I have realized at 30 life isn't over because a marriage ended, but that my family still remains intact. It is not the end. I have just begun.
In 2010, I know life will be different from today, but I stand behind the ideals for my life that have kept me strong and will continue to give me the strength to be the best me.
CHERISH yesterday
LIVE today
DREAM tomorrow
Take care,
Lynnelle S.
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