Unforgettable Stories
Thursday, April 19, 2012
Final Four
Wednesday, April 11, 2012
Monday, April 9, 2012
Monday, April 2, 2012
Poetry Round 2
Thursday, March 29, 2012
Poetry Madness
Sunday, February 26, 2012
Read This
A few days ago I noticed a student who was having a difficult time finding a book to read. “Want me to help you find a book?” I asked. “Yes, please!” she replied. “Nothing looks really great to me.” We were fishing through book baskets, pulling out possibilities, reading the backs of books, when a friend chimed in. “Oh, I know the perfect book for you!” the friend said. And the two were off, in search of the “perfect” book. Before reading was over, she had selected a book and fell into the reading zone.
In our lives, our best recommendations come from those who know us well. Our friends recommend movies, stores, songs, games, and yes, books. Chances are, you share the same interest in literature as someone in our class.
Readers, I would like for you to recommend a book to the class. Think of a book or other piece of literature you love. It can be a poem, magazine, blog, illustrated book or chapter book, or any other well-written piece of literature. Write the title of the book, the author, and a meaningful, specific reason why it is so great. Avoid “nothing” words like funny, great, and cool. If you know of someone specifically who would love the book, go ahead and add their initials.
At the end of the day, I checked in with my student who was busily reading her newly-selected chapter book. “So, you found the perfect book, huh? Looks like a great choice.” She replied, “Yeah, it’s great! My friend recommended it and I even had it listed on my Books I Want to Read list.” I smiled. “Well, that makes it a perfect choice then.” “Yes. Perfect.” Then she fell back into the zone.
Monday, January 2, 2012
One Little Word (OLW)
Each new year, two of my cyber-mentors challenge teachers to find their One Little Word (OLW). The OLW is one word that will represent, or symbolize, the year ahead. The word should be personal and thoughtful. My mentors spend weeks thinking about their OLW, making sure they select a word that will really guide them through the year ahead, keeping them focused and giving clarity to their lives.
I have thought a great deal about my OLW. For 2012, I selected "honor" as my One Little Word. I selected "honor" because I want to spend more time honoring what is important to me and others. I need this word to remind me to honor the differences and talents of my peers. Honor also reminds me to honor the time for my family and not waste on unimportant habits. Honor can apply to my life in so many ways - through friends, work, my students, my family, and myself. I will use this word to guide me through the days of 2012.
What is your One Little Word? How does this word apply to your life? How can you use your OLW to guide your year? Comment to this post with your OLW, and examples of how you can use your OLW this year. Here is a list of possible words to help you.