This month, my dear friend, colleague, and school librarian, Deborah, invited me into her 4th and 5th-grade classes to mix library and poetry skills. I thought Book Spine Poetry would be the best vehicle for this foray into found poetry. For those of you who may be unfamiliar with the term, book spine poetry is a form of found poetry where the poet takes another person's words (in this case, book titles) and forms their own poem. The beauty of book spine poetry is that it is a low-stakes way to introduce poetry writing. The poet becomes an editor of sorts, a connoisseur of the best titles that fit together to form a clever poetic message.
Category: Happiness
Three Pillars of Teaching: Heart, Creativity, and Connection
This week, I was reminded that sometimes good things come in 3’s, and that connecting with students remains my main joy in life. There are three quotations at the end of each email I send. They sum up my philosophy of teaching perfectly: Educating the mind without educating the heart, is no education at all – Aristotle, Creativity is intelligence having fun – often attributed to Einstein but is not confirmed, and Difficult roads lead to beautiful destinations – Zig Ziglar, a motivational speaker. I realize that these three pillars have been the foundation of how and why I continue to teach.
The Road to our Imagination
I have worked with many students who have been diagnosed with ADHD, and they respond well to me because I have shared with them that I have a similar kind of mind and that it is a special, wonderful gift. I don't excuse them. They still need to learn to be organized and hand in homework, but I also celebrate their wild wonderings. I encourage them to question and think. No idea is too ridiculous. All are welcome in the broadest sense.
Working in the Wonder Studio: A Tale of Two Bunnies
Four years ago, as we lived through COVID restrictions, I continued to work in the Wonder Studio with students, and crafting became our safe haven. I had considered abandoning for a year, but the children would stop me in the hallway or during classes and ask, “When is Wonder Studio starting again? You need to get it up and running!” I could not disappoint them. I have been privileged to work alongside some of the bravest and most brilliant little girls who would not take “NO!” for an answer. So, I kept offering times throughout that COVID year, stopping occasionally when restrictions prevented us from meeting.
Somehow: Thoughts on Life, Love, & Anne Lamott
A book in blue with a heart-shaped cloud caught my eye. It was "Somehow: Thoughts of Love" by Anne Lamott. Anne Lamott. She is one of my favorite authors – funny and irreverent. Two of my favorite books are: "Bird by Bird" and "Help, Thanks, Wow!" I am amazed by the skill with which Anne strings her ideas together. She talks about real-life tragedies and triumphs with such insight. Her faith is unquestionable.
Making the Broken, Beautiful
When I read "Broken" by X. Fang and thought about a memory of something broken, I immediately thought about a glass jar that held cigars tightly packed in concentric circles. This jar was not something that I broke. No. But I can see it vividly even though this memory is close to 60 years old. I thought the glass container was so beautiful, encircled by a red satin ribbon, holding something my father enjoyed – cigars. When I saw it in the store, I knew I had to buy it for him for Father’s Day. I was so pleased with myself and knew he would be proud of me.
Inspiring Kindness With Picture Books
Sometimes when I talk to children about why they should be kind and treat each other with respect, they tune out. However, they rarely tune out when listening to a captivating story. Stories are the glue that holds their attention.
Working in the Wonder Studio: Setting the Stage
This month, it is the 3rd grade’s turn in the Wonder Studio. I usually have a packed crowd waiting to create, but this group is a little reticent, and I have had only 3 to 6 students come to form. However, what they lack in volume, they make up for in collaborative creativity.
Reveling in Winter White: Cloud Dancer
This morning, the snow called for me to breathe, slow my pace, and put my mind in order. It opened up a space for me to write and wonder, to dream and create. I definitely have a deficit in those areas. I don’t think I have attention deficit; I think I have intention deficit. I get so involved in so many day-to-day comings and goings that I forget what is most important to me. Thank goodness, nature has a way of reminding me, bringing back, pulling me into its healing sphere.
One Little Word, 2026
This year, as I approach my seventh decade, I wanted to choose a word that would help me journey into old age with grace and courage. I know I will certainly need it.
Word Dancer: Literature, the Arts, & Education 