I have been thinking about sewing lately – mending specifically. A couple of weeks ago, I came across a book that caught my eye, Mending Life A Handbook for Repairing Clothes and Hearts by Nina and Sonya Montenegro. It’s cover is patterned and embossed. I have always been attracted to that type of patchwork – collage style. Something about the tactile diversity calls to me.
Author: wordancerblog
I am currently an ELA Curriculum Coordinator (JPK-5th grade) and have been an educator for 40 years. Over the years, I've worked with students in pre-school to 12th grade. The power of story, creativity, and curiosity have kept teaching and learning exciting and new. I'm always looking forward to the next chapter!
Room for Writing: Entering A Poem
Room for Writing: Entering A Poem Many of my writing ideas come from books I’ve discovered. In the pre-COVID years, I loved to browse my favorite indie bookstores, wandering and reading hoping to come upon an interesting find. I miss those days.
Zen Toolbox Redux
According to some recent research, 66% of teachers want to leave education and 41.3% of new teachers leave teaching within the first five years on the job. Given those numbers, I feel quite successful. I must have a secret, some ancient wisdom I can bestow on my fellow teachers.
Sketchnoting II: Big Words
I thought that by teaching our 4th graders this strategy they might be able to focus, remember and understand better and more deeply. I hope it will become an integral part of their reading toolbox.
Sketchnoting: Making Thinking Visible
Sketchnoting - I love to doodle. Whenever I am sitting and people are talking, I am drawing. It is the only way I can still myself and really listen to what was being said. Instead of tuning out, I tuned in. Making pictures helps me to remember.
Resolution: Free the Hand
The best way to describe my educational approach is – Hunter-Gatherer. I get an idea from reading, listening, or just being in the world, and something sparks my curiosity. That little something leads to something else, and something else, and something else until I’m not quite sure how I got onto the path I’m currently going. I love the journeys I’ve taken. I hadn’t thought of them as a learning process. I didn’t really think about them at all; I just naturally follow my thinking.
Poems in a Small Space
Poems in a Small Space - Acceptance. I think that is the gift that I give myself when there are a multitude of things that are out of my control on both a personal and global level. My small hands, my curious mind cannot solve any of it. I can accept and move forward. I can accept and be content that I am whole; I am safe in my own small space.
Books as Breadcrumbs
Books as Breadcrumbs - This year, I work with both struggling and gifted readers and writers. The arc of my work keeps me on my toes and makes me reflect on what moves I make to push my students forward. What arrows or breadcrumbs am I laying down? The first thing I do when working with students is to listen to them and give them space for them to tell me who they are. As Parker J. Palmer says, “Teaching is a daily exercise in vulnerability.” Sharing my struggles and successes with students help them to open up and share what is easy and difficult for them. Then together we plan next steps to reach our goals. This is true for students who have learning differences and students who find academics easy and are searching for more and more challenges.
Sesame Season
Sesame Season - The giuggiulena cookie was a staple in our house, no matter the holiday. After he perfected the recipe, my father started tot experiment by adding different flavors - almond, vanilla, lemon. The traditional cookie is flavored with anise.
Kitchen Literacy: Comfort & Joy & Gingerbread
Kitchen Literacy: Comfort & Joy & Gingerbread - With the holidays approaching, I encourage you to slow down and be mindful of the traditions you are creating whether at home or in the classroom. Relish the preparation and process. Taste the success. Kitchen memories are sweet and last a lifetime.
Word Dancer: Literature, the Arts, & Education 