It's been too long....

For Iris,

A friend reminded me that I haven't written a blog in a while. Life just got away with me. There are times in our lives when we just cannot make the time to do things for ourselves because we are too busy doing for others. That's been my life in a nutshell for the last 2 months. Coming to school each day has served as an escape. Seeing the smiles and hearing the voices of curiosity scurrying through hallways and in and out of classrooms has been seemingly soothing. Oddly enough. That's when you know you are living the dream. It may not be perfect, but it's where you belong. I know this is my field. I know this is what I'm good at. And, I know that I am always ready for new challenges if these challenges are going to enrich the lives of my students. By students, I mean, any age learners. Students can be plopped on a carpet square in a kindergarten class, and students can be lined up in rows behind me as I teach my next Zumba routine. Teaching and learning, learning and growing. This is my thing! Teachers, I challenge you to reflect on where you are in your careers. How do you feel when you get to school each day. Are you satisfied? Are you at peace? Are you struggling to find your place? Are there things you'd like to change? Is change possible? Are your students growing and learning before your eyes? These are the things I often ponder. It's exhausting to change, but at the same time, it's exhausting to stay the same. To get stuck in a rut. So as you move through your day today, think about where you are, and what you do. Think about what you'd like to be different and what you'd like to stay the same. I know for me, self reflection is extremely satisfying. It can be "icky" and unsettling, but in the end it's worth it. Inspire. Lead. Teach.

The mediocre teacher tells. The good teacher explains. The superior teacher demonstrates. The great teacher inspires.

-William A. Ward 

Teacher tales.....: Writing is good for the mind, body and soul

Teacher tales.....: Writing is good for the mind, body and soul: I've had a bit of writer's block over the last few weeks. Had a lot going on and been trying to hone in on a topic of interest. Writ...

Writing is good for the mind, body and soul

I've had a bit of writer's block over the last few weeks. Had a lot going on and been trying to hone in on a topic of interest. Writing, that's it. I've missed writing. I've missed the feeling of thoughts flowing from my brain, down through my arms and wrists, and out my finger tips. Writing frees me. It relieves my mind; it slows my breathing and it just, plain and simple, relaxes me. When I sit with students in writing class, this ease doesn't always exist. "I can't think of what to write about," or "I'm done," are things I hear. Tools. That's all they need are tools. Open the toolbox and reach inside. There you will find your experiences, your dreams and wishes, your family and friends. You'll find your puppy when you first brought him home or your baby sister, just born in the hospital. See, writing doesn't have to be based on far-fetched, glamorous ideas. Writing is a way for you to share what's happened to you. It's for you to share what you wish would happen. It's for you to describe moments in your life that have been etched in your memories. A simple visit to grandma's for the holiday. The first time you baked cookies. Fighting with your best friend. See, these ideas are not grandiose, nor are they unique. However, the way in which you tell your story; woven with description and language; that makes it YOURS. As writers, we owe it to each other to tell our stories. As writers we need to listen to the world around us and snatch moments and stuff them into our pockets. What we write isn't always perfect, and it takes a lot of practice and stamina. But, in time, your toolbox will be busting with ideas; ideas that you cannot wait to share.

Writing means freedom. Writing means optimism. Writing is good for the mind, body and soul.

Connection & Empathy; The Keys to Teaching

For me, over the years, there have been several children that I've made a special connection with. Many times these children cross the threshold of my classroom and are struggling in one way or another. Maybe it is a struggle at home with family discord. Maybe it is an internal struggle; an emotional struggle. Maybe it's a physical struggle. Whatever the struggle may be, these children have found their way into my heart. As a teacher there are clear boundaries set between us and our students. However, as the days, weeks and months go by, it is challenging to separate ourselves from them. We know them so well. We feel their pain; we are warmed by their achievements; we are connected. Empathy. Empathy comes from having this connection. It's not something you can teach, however it is surely something you can model for students. Teachers NEED empathy. It's like a 6th sense that we use to identify when our students are hurting or in need of attention. We don't rescue them, instead we provide our students with skills to help themselves. Teachers see their students as a WHOLE person. Therefore it is not only important for us to teach them during school hours, but it is important that we impart information and education to their families as well. A good teacher will do this and see it as a priority. See, our students aren't just names; our students aren't just numbers. Our students aren't just a list we receive at the end of the summer. They are individuals who are filled with promise, no matter how much emotional, or physical baggage they come to us with. It is our job to create opportunities for them to utilize their highest potential. It is our job to model creativity and connection. It is our job to let them reach conclusions that we may not have even thought of. Most importantly, it is our job to know who each child is and what each child needs, in EVERY possible way. 

It's no wonder that over the years, there are students who I can truly say, have changed my life. Students that I think about on a regular basis and wonder how they are doing. Sometimes we are lucky enough to cross paths with them on social media or in the mall. The connection and the feelings come rushing back. The validation that we did something right; something that shaped this young adult into becoming a dentist, or a psychologist, and often, a teacher. WOW, if you are lucky enough to see the end result, there is nothing better than that!!!!!

Alysa's Top 10 of Teaching

Alysa's Top Ten Teaching Hints...

1. Look beyond the moment and SEE the good in all of your students.

2. It's never too late to change; don't fear it.

3. Always draw attention to one student's strength as opposed to another's weakness.

4. Instead of getting LOUDER, get softer and try a whisper. Students respond incredibly well to     whispers.

5. Be accepting and knowledgable of ALL learning styles.

6. Stick to a routine, no matter how tough it is!

7. BE CONSISTENT! Even though it is exhausting.

8. Know that you are not perfect and embrace it.

9. Let your peers help you become better by sharing successes and failures with them.

10. Create learning experiences where EVERYONE can succeed.

To sum it all up.....

The kids in our classroom are infinitely more significant
than the subject matter we teach.
-Meladee McCarty 

STEM, STEAM, STREAM, STRAMM...What does this all mean?

In my tenure as a teacher I have seen many changes in education. I suppose that's what sets our profession apart from any other. Teachers are like ballerinas....we do our best work on our toes! Spin, twist, tumble, we do it all. This week I was fortunate enough to be introduced to the "new" but "old"  STEM philosophy. A few teachers and administrators gathered together for a 2 day workshop to learn all about STEM. Basically, STEM is a holistic philosophy of teaching and learning where Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math, are all wrapped up into neat little learning communities. This type of holistic experience offers students the opportunity to create, collaborate, think critically and communicate ideas. The 4 C's (creativity, collaboration, critical thinking and communication) represent the 21st Century Skills needed to thrive in today's world. STEM fluent learners will be sufficiently prepared and ready to soar ahead after school. It is always scary and overwhelming when there is something of value put in front of you, that you know makes sense, but at the same time will cause change. CHANGE, is the "elephant in the room." We know it's there, we know why, but we have to come to terms with it. CHANGE, to some teachers, is scary.  CHANGE to others, can be invigorating. There's something about us losing control of what we have done for so many years. Something that is comfy and safe and warm. Something that works. Why should we fix what is not broken? Well, STEM isn't a FIX and it's really not a complete change, it's an enhancement. Take your best outfit, your slim fitting skirt, your designer shoes, the silk blouse that accentuates your best features; Now add just the perfect necklace and earrings  to complete the look. That's STEM. It takes all of your favorite lessons and ties them together in a cohesive way and layers them with inquiry and 21st century skills. Nothing wrong with that, teachers!!!!

P.S. Action statements from a STEM fluent learner:

I Think.
I Question.
I Design.
I Create.
I Struggle.
I Collaborate.
I Try.
I Solve.
I Invent.
I Reflect.
I LEARN!

We are Family

I assume that in most workplaces, your co-workers become as close as family members. You are with them day in and day out; 8 hours; 5 days a week. If you're me, you've known and grown with many of these people for the last 18 years and 2 months. 18 years! That's almost as long as I've known my twin daughters, soon to be 20. That's longer than I am married to my wonderful husband. 18 years, awesome! And like family, you have your up's and you have your down's. You share blissful moments of sheer happiness, and you mourn awful losses together. You take your bad mood out on them, and they take advantage of your flexibility. However, no matter what, when push comes to shove, you are all in this together. Every now and again, SMACK, reality whacks us across the face. My close friend at work received some bad news a few weeks back. She is going to be fine and her prognosis is excellent. But, she received this news, nonetheless. As we waited together, in the hallway of our "home"/school, her cell phone rang. The call she had been waiting for finally came. My throat was pained with a lump I couldn't swallow. My heart sank so low into the depths of my body, I longed for its' beat. Time stood still. "It's cancer," she said. After all of the, "almosts," and all of the, "I'm sure it's nothing(s)," it was something. Somehow, I salvaged any of the strength that seemed to ooze out of my limp arms and legs, I stood tall, and I held her. "We are going to beat this," I said again and again, "WE are going to beat this." After weeks of first opinions, second opinions, discussions,  and weighing options, her decision was made. Let's do this as quickly as possible, was her goal and I'm proud to say she did just that. See, it truly takes a Village! Our little Village; our sweet, yet strong school joined together to overcome another one of life's adversities. I have NO doubt that in a year from now, this moment in time will be one that confirms the bond that our "family" shares. We ARE family!