Stubborn Teeth?

Who knew?

I wrote about this back in August when Buddy Roller's teeth started to shake. That was over 6 months ago! It took that long for those teeth to come out.

I guess his dental hygienist was right...

What I'm Reading Right Now

I've never been that person to read more than one book, at a time. I guess times have changed because I'm now reading three books at once.

And you know what?

I'm actually loving it. Reading from each book is kind of like multitasking.  I'm reading book number one with my students as part of our Civil Rights unit. Book number two is all about gaining wisdom and trying to be a better teacher. And finally book number three...well, read about it here.

Even After...Love Lives

Photo Credit - www.visitcalifornia.com

We all know that death is inevitable, and yet it remains one of the most unbearable things in life that any human being should ever have to face.

This past weekend, I attended the visitation for the husband of a friend and colleague.

Since news of his passing, I've been thinking about their family. A lot.  His wife of over 30 years. And their three children...though adults...still their children.  How are they coping? What emotions are they going through? Are they grieving a lot? Finding moments of joy in sweet memories? Are they utterly exhausted with all the planning and preparation they've had to do?  How does one even comprehend and accept such a devastating loss?  How will they overcome their pain and heartache.  Will they ever?

And this is what settled in my heart...

Tip #11 - Change your Seating Chart...Often

I love seating charts, and I've used them throughout my entire teaching career. They help me see the big picture...my strong students, those who are struggling, and how to pair and group students for the most beneficial outcome.

I've also been known to change my seating charts...often. This changes things up a bit and keeps the kids on their toes. Often times a behavior issue, or problems with lack of focus and distractibility, can be easily fixed with something as small as a seat change.

I'm constantly assessing and re-assessing my seating chart, figuring out the best environment for my students. First of the year, mid-semester, after the holiday break, before high-stakes testing, after spring break, the last week of school...anytime is a good time to change up the seating arrangement.

Tip #10 - No Need to Reinvent the Wheel

If you're a teacher, then you have access to a plethora of teaching tools, resources and strategies right at your fingertips by way of the very wise teachers that are already in your school.

And this brings me to tip number ten from a so-called veteran teacher...

He Turned 70 Today

Know how you just know the birthdays of the special people in your life? You don't need a reminder or anything. Right around that date, you're just aware of the special occasion coming up.

I know the birthdays of my friends, my family, my mom and my sister. But there's just one birthday I'm never really certain about.

And this morning, I was notified of his birthday when my cell phone reminded me...

Wedded Wednesdays - Who Do You Adore?

A wise man once said, "What you do speaks so loudly I cannot hear what you're saying." The notion...that our actions speak more than our words because we can all talk a good game, but it all comes down to what we actually do.

The Hubs uses this quote quite often.  But I've found that I've never heard these words more clearly than now...

Tip #9 - Plan for Your Unplanned Absence

If you teach, and you're a mom to a young child, then you're already aware that your sick days are not for you. They are for your child. And they are for you, to stay home, and take care of said child who is invariably always sick....way too often.

I would almost never miss work, even when I'm sick. Except that I have a young child, who has asthma. Did you know that it's common for children to catch a cold, between nine and 12 times a year!!!  That's not good news if your child has asthma, well because asthma can make even the common cold...a disaster! Take my word for it. Been there. Done that!

So. Hopefully you'll never need to use tip #9 from a so-called veteran teacher, but if you do, here you go...

Would You?

So.  I witnessed something a while ago that I've contemplated writing about. But now that there's been some distance between said event and now...why not.

Here's the scenario.

The 300th Post and My Favorite 20

Wow! It's hard to believe, but this is going on my second year of blogging, and this makes post number 300!!!

I remember when I first considered starting a blog. Two of my friends had planted a seed, and told me to start one. I thought about it a loooong time. It took me days, and days, and days to create it, even longer to make the template just right.  I agonized over my first post. Reading and re-reading, editing and re-editing. Will anyone read it? What will people think of me? What will I share? How much should I share? Should I put my stuff out there for just anyone to read? I can be really OCD at times!