I have noticed in the last few years that the 5th grade students love to fabricate small intricate items during their final Wonder Studio sessions. I’m not sure if it’s because they want to be able to quickly complete projects that they can take home as mementoes of their Primary School years, or that they are working on a math PBL unit on Tiny Houses, so their minds just naturally go to the miniature. However, most of the students are making objects other than items for their tiny houses, even though I bought materials that would allow them to construct tiny furniture and other accoutrements.
Category: Champions
Handmade Mother’s Day
Sometimes, I think - "No one cares, this is a lot of work, maybe I should stop doing this." But then there are days, when I see fifteen eager faces at the front door clamoring to get in and start their work - their work of mess and industry and love.
The Art of Poetry: Eating Our Words
I'm not sure what I like to do more: write poetry or make delicious things to eat. I do know that children love to prepare food because of sensory stimulation it entails. Making food from scratch is a creative process, much like writing. You imagine, plan, and then set to work creating something special. Whether the final product is a poem or a delectable dish, the process is the same, and the end results are satisfying.
Stormy Weather: Celebrating Poetry Month
I loved stringing words together. I loved the way they formed in my mouth and rushed out into the air. Poetry was magical, and I felt I had some of that magic in me. Now, as a poet and teacher, I enjoy bringing that love of the spoken word to children. This month, Deborah, my friend and dear librarian at the school where I teach, invited me to be the guest poet during her library times with 1st through 4th graders.
Support Stuffies: Managing Test Anxiety
There was a lot of anxiety in the room even though we had tried to make the students as familiar with the test as we could possibly do. We also did not place a lot of importance on the test, but the children sense it is important, it does reflect on how smart they are, and it does matter.
Lessons from Lunch: Connecting with Students
In my long teaching career, I knew that lifting kids up with kind words and a patient ear, was so very important. It made the difference between success and failure. I know that teachers have such an important impact on their students and that if we take time, see their strengths, and let them know we believe in them,
Cooking Inspiration from The Pasta Queen: Poetry and Passion
I have been binge watching Nadia Caterina Munno, the Pasta Queen. She is incredibly passionate about Italian food. Her show is a treat alternating from places in Italy to her kitchen in Florida. She is smart, funny, and spicy. What a personality! I love watching and listening to her.
Sew Easy: A Heartfelt Journey
Many things that my mother loved, I love - teaching, making art, reading, eating cheese and crackers, putting on bright lipstick, and sewing. My mother was an amazing seamstress and dress designer well before she had kids and became a teacher. She would hold a piece of fabric in her hand, fold it, cut it without a pattern, and make something wonderful to wear. She had a gift, and it was magical.
One Last Pearl of Wisdom
Since the moment I met my mother-in-law, we talked about books. We would speak of various characters as if we had actually met them and knew them like we knew family. I loved that about her. She was always exposing me to ideas and events that were new to me. She used books as breadcrumbs to show me the way and expand my thinking.
Sitting With Darkness
Now, she’s gone, and I’m trying to find my way in the wake of this darkness. How do I walk on towards old age? How do I live fully with joy and optimism while holding pain and anxiety at bay?
Word Dancer: Literature, the Arts, & Education 