Persimmons are a new fruit to me. I began eating them only two years ago. They were not widely available in grocery stores. They are seasonal and show up in the produce aisle for a few short weeks in winter. They are rare and expensive. I treat myself anyway much like I treat myself to … Continue reading Persimmons in Winter
Category: Writing
Inspiration and Handiwork
My latest spark of inspiration comes from Adam Zucker who blogs at Artfully Learning. Last week, Adam wrote about Black Mountain College in North Carolina and its founders, teachers, and alumni. He wrote about the life and art of Ruth Asawa.
The Conversation Connection
I knew that the way my students felt about themselves greatly affected their ability to persevere and learn. These teacher-student conversations were so rewarding; they built self-awareness, agency, and community. Most of the academic content might not be remembered, but I knew the social connections would be. Student would remember that someone listened to them and valued their opinions.
Good Morning, Little Writers!: Conferring in 1st Grade
Every Tuesday morning, I start my day in writing workshop with 1st graders. This week, they have been composing narratives about fall. Almost everyone is on their final drafts. Almost everyone, but M., who hasn’t even yet begun. These are the kind of writers I have the privilege to support. I love this challenge. I love to figure what these small writers need and build a road map with them to set them off on their long writing journey.
Crafting Kindness
Children need a strong, clear foundation of kindness and consideration, so they can appreciate other points of view and become fully functional, productive citizens. Slowing down, listening to students’ needs and concerns, and building in time for communication can make classrooms a model for a civil society.
Halloween Magical Read Alouds
This is one of my favorite times of year. The leaves burst into flaming colors, and the air has just a hint of chill in it. It is time for sweaters, warm drinks, apples, pumpkins, and Halloween.
Forest Bathing: Autumn Plunge
I could not wait to get into the woods, to surround myself with color, with the natural signs of the changing seasons. As I walked, I took photos and wrote poetry in my head. This is what my Autumn plunge created.
Miami Color
Soaking in Miami color to celebrate the ending of summer. I hope these images will sustain me during the cold, northeastern winter.
August Interlude
An August Interlude in photographs and poetry - the last few weeks of summer before my school work begins again.
Reading in Wildness
I was walking by a favorite lily pond and happened upon this mother-daughter reading team lounging in a nearby meadow. The mother was reading with much gusto, taking on the voices of each character. I don’t know what book it was that she was reading, but her young daughter was totally entranced by the story. “Surely,” I thought to myself, “this child will grow up to be a fearless, wild reader.” They brought a smile to my face and joy to my old teacher heart.
