Wednesday, February 28, 2018

Write On

A student ended his first writing challenge post like this:

My goal is to try to make it 100 days but I highly doubt that. Personally it’s a lot harder than Ms S says it is, because you have to write something about your day but most of the time my days are boring and routine so I don’t know how long this will last.

To which I immediately replied:

I never said it was easy! I just said it would be worth it.

You never know; you might surprise yourself.

I like how this is going so far! 

Tuesday, February 27, 2018

Nulla Dies Sin Linea

Another year, another 100 Day Writing Challenge has begun. I always kick off the activity with a description of the day I started this blog, March 1, 2009. A Sunday morning, it was threatening to snow, and I carried my coffee and my laptop over to the fire and clicked through some of my favorite teacher websites. It was then that I stumbled across the 2nd annual month-long slice of life writing challenge sponsored by Two Writing Teachers and starting that very day. Why not? I thought.

Writing every day was a fun challenge, but it was the readership and the sense of community that really captured my heart and imagination. When on April 1 I woke up with no real requirement to write, I decided to continue anyhow for as long as I thought it was worthwhile. And here we are today, 3285 days later with, as that old writing teacher guru, Donald Graves, would say, nulla dies sin linea, not a day without a line.

It's a bit of a brag, but shared with the intention and hope to inspire my students to give first 10 days, then 20, and then 100 days of writing a crack. I know from personal experience they won't be sorry.

Monday, February 26, 2018

Hippo Birdy to Lucy

All my life people have told me how lucky I am to have a summer birthday. "I guess so," I usually shrug without giving it much thought.

Heidi, born in November usually takes her birthday off; she is serious about celebrating. She even insisted that we always did something fun for our dog, Isabel, on her July 17th birthday, and our cat, Bingo, on his July 31st birthday.

Well, today was Lucy's first birthday, and, like most Mondays, we went to work and came home late. Wow. I guess school-year birthdays do kinda suck. Oh sure, she got the usual love and kindness and a walk to the dog park, but there was nothing special. Rather than feeling guilty, we consoled ourselves today with the promise that Lucy would spend all of next weekend at the beach with her cousin, Rosie.

AND, since she was born on an Oscar weekend, it's almost like having a holiday birthday.

Almost.

Sunday, February 25, 2018

Our Canine Village

After being out of the house all day, Heidi and I were running a quick errand before going home to our pets. We had had a fantastic Sunday of brunch and documentary shorts, but Heidi worries about the three of them-- tomorrow Lucy will be a year, but she is the senior member of their group, and believe me? Such a fact is sobering.

"Oh my gosh!" I cried, glancing out the window, "look at that golden doodle! It looks exactly like Lucy!" As we rolled past, I started to laugh. "That was Lucy!" I said.

Our good friend and neighbor Lauren had taken her for a run with her dog, Lady. As it turns out, several of our neighbors had stepped up and entertained little Lu Lu. Her day was just as fun as ours, and Heidi was very relieved.

Saturday, February 24, 2018

You Can't Please Everybody

We said goodbye to our old carpet this morning by inviting three neighborhood dogs to come in out of the foggy rain and take advantage of our cleared out living room. For a solid 90 minutes it was practically an indoor dog park with plenty of runnin' and wrasslin'.

Lucy? Loved it! And it made it possible for her to rest (somewhat) easily, closed in the bedroom with both of us and the cats all afternoon.

They are finishing up the trim on our new floor right now, and as nice as it will be, I don't think the dogs will like half as much.

Friday, February 23, 2018

Shoulda Woulda

"February? That would be this weekend!" I said to the floor salesman. "I don't think we can clear out the rooms by then."

"Oh," he assured me calmly, "you don't have to move the furniture, just anything loose or breakable."

I surveyed the living room with its loaded bookshelves and considered the discount. "Deal," I told him.

And now? 20 bankers boxes later? Well, I guess it's too late to reconsider. 

Thursday, February 22, 2018

Pleasantly Surprised

"How long has it been since you've had a filling?" the dental assistant asked.

"It's been ages," I told her, "I really can't remember."

I was there not because I had a cavity, but because some of my old metal fillings were ready to be replaced. On the walk from school I had made peace with the unavoidable sharp sting of the novocaine needle, and I was actually very relaxed in my reclining dental chair.

"This tastes terrible," she said, placing a cotton swab against the inside of my cheek, "but it's pretty good numbing. You'll feel pressure but no sharpness."

She was half right. The stuff didn't taste too bad at all, but from that point on, the procedure was painless. Thirty minutes later I was out on the street and headed back to school, two brand new composite fillings in place. The left side of my nose felt a little weird, but, as promised, it wore off within a couple hours.

Wednesday, February 21, 2018

Civil Disobedience

"Did you hear about the walkout?" one of my students excitedly demanded this morning before homeroom.

I actually had heard some vague rumors about an action today in support of those who had lost friends, family, or their own lives at Douglas High last week.

"Will we get in trouble if we do it?" she asked.

"Why does that matter?" I countered. "If it's a cause you believe in strongly enough to break the rules, then you should also be willing to accept the consequences."

She considered my point briefly. "Are you going to block the door or yell at us?" she continued.

"No," I answered.

"So we won't be in trouble, then?"

"I don't know," I answered, "I haven't heard how the administration will respond."

"So we're allowed to do it?" she asked.

"If you're allowed to do it, it's not exactly a walkout," I told her.

"I don't want to get in trouble," she said.

"I understand," I answered, "but a little trouble might be the price you have to pay for standing up for your beliefs. It's your decision."

I saw her again at 12:20 on her way back to class after the 17 minute protest. "I'm so glad I did that!" she called. "It was amazing! AND I don't even care if I get in trouble. It was the right thing to do!"

"Way to go!" I nodded and gave her two thumbs up.

Tuesday, February 20, 2018

Together in the Backyard Again

My quarterly reading class is analyzing Billy Collin's poem "On Turning Ten". As part of the activity, I always ask the students to recall one event from each year of their lives, kind of as the speaker does in the poem.

At four I was an Arabian wizard.
I could make myself invisible
by drinking a glass of milk a certain way.
At seven I was a soldier, at nine a prince.

"Try to capture the spirit of who you were at each age," I tell them. "Think of what you loved, what you believed, what was new, what you lost."

Today I looked out at the class, grasping for a timely example to illustrate what I meant. I thought of my nephew, Richard, who is also in sixth grade. "Like, at four, you loved the Backyardigans," I suggested.

"Yes!" many of them agreed, their heads nodding, their eyes misting nostalgically. And before you knew it, through the miracle of personal technology, the theme song from the show drifted dissonantly from table to table, as a roomful of 11 and 12 year olds were temporarily reacquainted with their cute little preschool selves.

Monday, February 19, 2018

Oh Crap!

Kyle and Josh's graduations are the same weekend, 930 miles apart.

Now that's going to take some diplomacy.

Stay tuned.

Sunday, February 18, 2018

True Love

Like any married couple, we have our routines. One of them is that Heidi likes to sleep in on weekends, and so as the earlier riser, I take the dog out, make the coffee, and feed the pets. Our last dog, Isabel, was definitely a canine introvert, and since she was 13 when we lost her, I also remember her as especially compliant. Taking her out in the morning was a five minute job.

Lucy? Not so much. First of all, she's a dog's dog-- she knows all the many many dogs in the neighborhood by sight, and she never met a dog she didn't want to pull your arm out of the socket to greet. Peeing and pooping take a back seat to any other distraction, especially dogs, and did I mention we have a lot of dogs around here?

So... not only do I have to interact and be all neighborly with every other dog owner we meet, I also have to wait at least 15-20 minutes before my first cup of coffee.

Saturday, February 17, 2018

Awwwww

"Have you seen Milo and Tibby  recently?" Heidi called down the stairs this afternoon.

"Nope," I replied. "Are they in the guest room?"

"No," she reported. "Are they by the sliding glass door?"

"No," I said. "Maybe they're under the bed?" I suggested, shrugging. "I'm sure they'll turn up."

A little while later I went in to the living room for a magazine. "I found the kittens!" I called to Heidi.

Friday, February 16, 2018

What You Can Do

Today was the last day for students to work on their persuasive technique commercials in class, and I spent a lot of it dashing from "set" to "set" to supervise them as the shot their scenes. Maybe it's not surprising considering the amount of commercial media they consume, but I have to say that they are much more creative, ingenious, and funny than I am, and overall the products look pretty good.

"Will you watch our commercial and tell us what we need to fix before we turn it in?" a student asked at one point.

"No," I answered.

"I think it's good," she told me, "but I just want you to check it."

"The idea of the assignment is for you to do your best on your own, so I can see if you understand the concepts of the unit. If I tell you what to fix, it won't be your own independent work," I said. "Use the guidelines and the rubric, and I will be happy to answer questions about them or the persuasive techniques."

"I would learn what I don't know if you told me what I needed to fix," she argued. "I'm a super-fast learner."

"Then I'm sure your commercial is great!" I said.


Thursday, February 15, 2018

Open and Closed

My students recently completed their "This I Believe" essays, and I tried to write one along with them, following the prescribed steps, just as I had them do.

Well... it wasn't easy! But here's what I came up with:


I Believe in Doors.

I must have been in my third year of college when it dawned on me: I would never be Miss America. It was the first time I heard the definitive click of a door locking forever in my life. Sure, doctor, lawyer, president were all still possibilities, but, whether I wished for it or not, it was clear to me that I would never walk down that runway in my sash and tiara, tears flowing, clutching my victory bouquet and waving as Burt Parks sang.

Of course, I didn’t wish for it, had never taken a step in my life toward it, but I felt a bit of sting realizing that there was at least one “never” in my life. What other nevers are there? I wondered then, but at 20, the list seemed pretty short. Now, thirty-five years later, I have walked away from many closed doors, some without remorse, some with more than a bit of regret, some I closed myself, some I never tried, and some were locked by the time I got there.

There’s a Chinese proverb that as an educator I find meaningful. It goes something like, Teachers open the door, but you must pass through it on your own. In my career, I’ve had countless conversations with wayward students encouraging them to be more mindful of their choices, if only to keep as many doors as possible open for themselves in the future. I won’t be standing there holding the door forever.

But at their age they still believe that anything can happen, and the connection between their actions and their choices is too abstract to grasp. They haven’t learned what sound a closing door makes, but that doesn’t mean that doors aren’t closing. And not all doors are created equal. The Olympians competing right now have dedicated much if not most of their young lives to achieve the opportunity to compete. That heavy door is open because they have thrown most of their young lives against it.

I once read that it’s a good idea take the opportunity to turn our minds to the present any time we pass through a doorway during the day. Whether we are coming or going or simply changing rooms, we can allow crossing a threshold to be a reminder to focus on the now. I like that advice, because I believe that it is in the present that we find the keys to the metaphorical doors we may encounter in the future.

Wednesday, February 14, 2018

Counter-Intuituve

Last quarter I had two of my students, whose behavior can be rather challenging, three times a day-- for intervention, reading class, and English class. Instead of wearing my patience ever thinner, I found that the more time I spent with those guys, the better-behaved they were. Go figure.

Now I only see them once a day, during the last class period that I teach, and I find myself  aggravated with them much more frequently. Today I gave one of them a warning look and asked him to step over to my desk.

Before I could say a word, he shook his head and looked at me. "Don't you miss seeing me all the time?" he asked.

"Yes!" I told him, "I really do! Now, about throwing that paper..."

Tuesday, February 13, 2018

Future Mad Men

My students are working on a popular little mini-unit centered on media literacy and persuasive techniques. As the culminating project, they form teams to plan, write and produce a commercial for an imaginary product (which is in reality either a kitchen gadget or a combination of kitchen gadgets). In general, they love the activity because it lets them collaborate, and be creative and funny.

Before they start shooting, they must first come up with a concept, including catchy name and slogan, and submit it to me for approval. It's rare that I veto any idea, but the group that wanted to use "Grab your balls and start bouncing today!" was an exception. I did let "For 10 bucks and a nickel we'll give you a tickle!" slide, though.

Monday, February 12, 2018

No Credit to Me

I've had a lot of great homerooms over the years, and a few rather challenging groups, too, but never have I had a TA like the one I do this year. They are amazing! At the end of the first grading period, 11 out of 12 were on the honor roll and the other student missed by 2 percentage points. In addition to being responsible students, they are conscientious as well, completing their community service activities and always arriving on time.

It is for this last strength that they were rewarded this morning, being chosen from all the other 6th grade homerooms as the on-time champs for the month. Along with the recognition comes temporary custody of a shiny trophy and the choice of either a pizza party or squish balls for everyone. The group was nearly unanimous in their selection of the fidgets. "Pizza's good," one of them said to the class, " but squishy balls will last long after pizza is gone."

I was telling a colleague about it later in the day. "That's incredible!" she said.

"I know, right?" I agreed. "They would knock the marshmallow test right out of the park!" I thought about it, and then shrugged. "I guess it's really not that surprising. That's why they are so good."

Sunday, February 11, 2018

Not My Shoe Size

I was at the UPS store sending off some packages, and the young man helping me couldn't have been nicer. When at last it came time to pay the bill, he announced the total and asked, "Do you have an AARP account?"

Perhaps I raised an eyebrow, because he quickly added, "or triple A? We give discounts for either!"

Saturday, February 10, 2018

Mistaken Identity

We went to the opening reception for my sister-in-law's art show this afternoon. It was a wonderful exhibit, full of prints and collages that really showcased her amazing talent. At one point, I was standing in the gallery talking to a few friends from school when a woman tapped me on the shoulder. "Excuse me," she said, "are you Emily?"

"No," I answered and pointed. "That's her over there, the one talking so animatedly about that print."

"Thank you," she said.

"No, thank you," I told her. "I'm flattered to be mistaken for the artist!" Then I turned to my colleagues and shrugged. "It must be the turtleneck!"

Friday, February 9, 2018

Next Generation

Years ago I used to have my students do a word ladder every Monday. It was a fun way for them to exercise vocabulary, spelling, and logical thinking skills while I was conferring with them one by one about their independent reading. As the curriculum changed, eventually I phased that activity out in favor of other tasks that allowed them to connect their reading to their writing, and I hadn't thought about those puzzles in years when the other day one of the students in my intervention class asked me if I had any word ladders for the Greek and Latin word parts we were studying.

"I don't," I answered, "but I'm not sure how that would work."

"I love word ladders!" she told me. "My fifth grade teacher used to give them to us all the time.

"Funny!" I said. "Who was your teacher?"

"Ms. D." she replied.

"Ms. Katie D?" I clarified.

"Yes!" she confirmed.

"Well," I laughed, "she used to love doing them, too, when she was in sixth grade. In fact, I think she used to sit right where you are sitting now."

"Wait. What?" Her jaw dropped. "Ms. D. was in your class?"

"I know, right?" I agreed. "I can hardly believe it myself!" 

Thursday, February 8, 2018

Fahrvergnügen

As hard as I try, I often fall victim to the rush, Rush, RUSH energy that seems so prevalent everywhere, but especially here, in my hometown. On the many occasions when I find that I have tried to squeeze a little too much into the minutes before my departure time and as a result I am running late, you can find me cussing, switching lanes, and running yellow lights along with my fellow DMVers. Oh sure, once in a while I take a deep breath and remind myself that time is a human construction, and although those times are still much rarer than I'd like, I really do think I am improving in managing both my time and my stress.

I have a friend whose son just got his learner's permit. "He wants to drive everywhere!" she told me. "And I'm happy to let him."

"I hear you!" I answered. "The traffic around here almost makes me wish for self-driving cars."

That was last week, but this week?

Enter our brand new 2018 Subaru Outback Touring-- Man! I am looking for excuses to drive that car! Red light? Yay! How long do I have to play with the radio? Yellow light? I better slow down... after all, that would be the most prudent course of action. AND as always, I can not wait for my next

Road trip!

Wednesday, February 7, 2018

Puppy Play Date

What do you do when the weather is cold and wet and there’s still a 55 pound puppy to wear out? Why, push back the furniture and invite over a few of her doggie friends to wrestle for an hour. Yeah, that should do it. 

Tuesday, February 6, 2018

Allocations and Expenditures

A few years ago I started using an app to count calories so that I might shed some of the pounds I had gained as I approached my mid-century. If there's one thing I've learned about myself over the years, it would be that I respond diligently to a daily obligation. Perhaps it's the routine, or the minimal requirement of a day by day commitment, but take this blog for example-- I have written millions of words a couple hundred or so at a time, and I also lost 50 pounds by trimming a few calories a day. Enter my newest endeavor-- to count all the money I spend each day. Based on my income and fixed expenses, my goal is to save more than ever by making small adjustments every day.

Unfortunately, in the time I've been using it, I've gone over my allowance 40% of the time and bought a new car.

There's always tomorrow.

Monday, February 5, 2018

That Train

has left the station.

Sunday, February 4, 2018

Super Bowl Sunday

Although I am in my own home, I feel like a visitor to a strange land. Who knew that coverage of the big game started at nine a.m.? I have been in and out all day, but I do have a couple of observations: the Twin Cities are certainly looking their best-- frosty cold and all snow and ice castles, and FYI? The puppies picked the Patriots. Oh, at 6 p.m. the beer is cold and the dips and snacks are ready, and for the first time in many years, I'll be watching the spectacle. I really don't mind football, and I'm even kinda looking forward to the commercials and halftime show.

Saturday, February 3, 2018

The Dining Hall

An enterprising chef and restaurateur in our area has opened what is essentially an upscale food hall with some full service tables. Having all eight of the restaurants in his own group makes it possible to offer a consolidated menu in a space set just off the main mall walkway. It is dubbed the "Dining Hall" which to me has a rather unfortunate association with college food plans.

I wanted to love it, but although I did not, it definitely surpassed its namesake, or at least what I remember of it 35 years later.

Friday, February 2, 2018

Imagine Doing this Every Day

A parent of a student who is struggling with a few things here at school asked if she could spend the day attending her daughter's classes. Other teachers may not feel the same way, but personally, my classroom door is always open: any educator, administrator, or parent is welcome to stop by without notice. As I laughed to my co-teacher today, tickets to this circus are always free.

Even so, in all my years of teaching, despite having heard several parents threaten to spend the whole day, and even having a couple attend one or two of their children's classes, I've never seen anybody's mom or dad actually do a whole day of middle school.

Until today.

As far as know, all went well in the classes she observed, but let me tell you, by sixth period, when I saw her? There was sure was a lot of yawning coming from Mom. Was she bored or exhausted?

Hard to say, but either way, I think she'll sleep well tonight. AND I hope she will also rest easier about her daughter's education.

Thursday, February 1, 2018

Haste Makes Waste

I was impatient this morning on my to work. The back up at one light was too long for me, so I made a quick left and cut through the neighborhood. A few blocks later, the back up at that light was frustrating to me, but since they were all turning left and I wanted to go straight, I steered to the right and scooted rapidly by. But, when I got to that last car, which was actually the first car, it was just a little over the lane line, and so without braking I moved a bit more to the right, and BAM! I hit the curb and blew my front right tire.

Bumping through the light and into a parking place 8 blocks from school, we abandoned the car, grabbed our stuff, and walked the rest of the way, planning to deal with the situation after the last bell.

And so, from 3:30 to 4:30 our breath blew lazy clouds in the cool damp air as we stood around waiting for AAA who finally arrived an hour and a half later than they told us they would. The guy was nice enough as he put the donut on and inflated the other tires, but...

clearly, this was not how I pictured my day.