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.
Belonging
BELONGING - Oxford defines belonging as an affinity for a place or situation. Webster says it means a possession or a close or intimate relationship. I’ve been reflecting on what it means to belong this week. I am getting older. I could and have said this at any age, but now approaching sixty-five, now it is a very true statement. I feel it, especially with the holidays upon us and my family members quarantined and scattered across the country. Actually, I have yearned to belong since I was quite young. It’s a human thing. We all need connection.
Simple Gifts: Balloons, Fox Traps, and Marvelous Medicine
At this time of Thanksgiving, I want to pause and reflect upon the simple gifts for which I am grateful. When I think back, I realize that my grateful moments revolve around books and children. For the last forty-two years, I have been so fortunate to build my life around serving children and celebrating stories.
Magic & Imagination in a Box
Magic & Imagination in a Box - A few weeks ago, one of my colleagues showed me the great gallery of objects her 4th grade students had created. I decided the 4th graders each needed a box of objects with which to create - fidgetneering boxes.
Signs of Fall – Listen, Look
I turn to nature for solace, observing the season’s steady change: her flamboyant turn from green to scarlet to amber to tangerine, and the final turn to gray and rusted brown. I seek beauty in the decay.
Fidget to Think
Fidget to Think - I wanted to honor students' need to move. I also wanted to create a space for them to really think about why they fidget and what strategies they could use to both keep moving while also actively listen
Word Dancer: Literature, the Arts, & Education 