Slice of Life Post-Back to School Shopping

Each Tuesday the amazing bloggers at Two Writing Teachers host Slice of Life Stories (SOLS). This is where bloggers link up to share anything they would like to share about what is happening in their lives. 

Yesterday I took my 13 year-old daughter school shopping for some new clothes and school supplies. The whole process went extremely smoothly and was actually quite enjoyable compared the way it has gone in previous years. The experience got me thinking about how I have been getting ready to go back to school for 40 years now! 
I love the preparation, anticipation and sense of newness and hope that comes with the beginning of a new school year. Although I loathe seeing back to school flyers and commercials in July, by mid August, it is not so bad. I was in Walmart the other day shopping for something entirely different, but somehow ended up in the school supply section. My pulse quickened as I looked at the brand new packages of clean, sharp crayons and markers. Standing in the center of the aisle I realized that I have an abnormal fondness for colorful binder clips and brand new dry erase marker multi-color packs, and don't even get me started on different colored Sharpie pens! Do I really need these new supplies? Maybe not, but they make me happy. They represent a fresh start, the promise of a new year with new students and the opportunity to learn and grow together. 

Let's have some fun. In the comments, please tell about your back to school must-have(s) or your favorite school supplies.  

Not Having to Nag-Slice of Life Post-July 7, 2015

Each Tuesday the amazing bloggers at Two Writing Teachers host Slice of Life Stories (SOLS). This is where bloggers link up to share anything they would like to share about what is happening in their lives. 

Each summer it is the same story. My daughter, who is 13 and going into 8th grade, resists reading and I need to "suggest" that she read from time to time which usually leads to eye rolling, heavy sighs and the whole bit. Well, not this summer! Molly always listens to her teachers so when she was assigned the task of reading a book this summer she took it seriously (I know, I don't like assigned reading either, but that is a different discussion). She was given a list of books as suggested reading. I looked it over and saw that Brown Girl Dreaming by Jacqueline Woodson was on the list. I had a copy and knew Molly would love it. I had to temper my enthusiasm because nothing makes her want to read a book less than my being excited about it. I mentioned that I had a copy if she wanted to read it.
As I had predicted, she was hooked from the beginning. I always know when she is into a book because she keeps reading me quotes. I can't think of a more quotable book, can you? Over the week she read without being asked and for long periods of time until she was finished. "Wow Mom, that was a good book, can we talk about it?" 
To which I replied, "Of course!" while trying not to do a very uncool happy dance. As we talked I told her about my brief meeting with the author at NCTE in Boston where I was introduced to her and shook her hand. She stared at me, mouth agape and in that moment I was a rock star! 
While I do not like the idea of assigned summer reading and really despise the lengthy list of questions and activities she now has to do with the book, I am thankful for this positive summer reading experience with my daughter. 

Slice of Life-The Power of Book Talks

Each Tuesday the amazing bloggers at Two Writing Teachers host Slice of Life Stories (SOLS). This is where bloggers link up to share anything they would like to share about what is happening in their lives. 

I like to do a few book talks each week in my fourth grade classroom, but recently due to snow days and just regular business, I have not been doing them regularly. This week I made sure to do two book talks. I shared Jennifer Richard Jacobson's new book, Paper Things and Fish in a Tree by Lynda Mullaly Hunt. 

My students do not always hang on my every word when I am teaching, but they do when I am talking about books I love. Even if the book does not interest them, they want to know why I liked it so much. 

I must have been pretty excited because after talking about these two books this week, almost every single student wanted to enter for a chance to be the first reader, even the boys who normally prefer fantasy. I felt like a gameshow host as I pulled out the "winners". There were squeals of delight and fist pumping. This was followed by negotiations by classmates to get the book when the winners were done. 

Why am I NOT doing this more often? Book talks are a simple, quick way to get students motivated and excited to read. This week was a good reminder for me. If you have not tried book talks in your classroom, just try one and you will be hooked. Just choose a book you love and tell your audience what it is about and why you love it. Make sure not to give too much away. I keep a jar and slips of paper for my two classes to enter to read the book first, but any procedure will work as long as your enthusiasm shines through. 

Slice of Life Post-Not in My Town

Each Tuesday the amazing bloggers at Two Writing Teachers host Slice of Life Stories (SOLS). This is where bloggers link up to share anything they would like to share about what is happening in their lives. 

My twelve year-old daughter has always had difficulty with feeling safe. She checks to make sure the doors are locked before heading to bed and asks us about the possibility of intruders regularly. At school she worries when the school has lockdown drills as she does not know if they are real or if her teachers could keep her safe in the event of an emergency. She has heard about school shootings and asks lots of questions. Most of the time I am able to put her fears to rest by talking about how we live in a small, safe town in Maine. People look out for each other, we know each other. Bad stuff just doesn't happen here. This has always worked fairly well (although I do realize it was not the best strategy on my part) and even I naively believed that my kids were always safe in school....until last week. 

Last week our small town got a horrible wake up call. On Monday, I received a phone call I never thought I would get. A pre-recored message told me that a "credible and unspecified threat" has been made to the Windham School District and schools were being released early. The middle school (where my daughter attends) and high school would go home first and then the primary school (where my son attends and my husband is a secretary). As I listened, I was standing in my own classroom filled with 4th graders. My entire family could be in danger, but I had to hold it together. I had to fight the overwhelming urge to leave school and go grab my babies. I called my mother-in-law who is staying with us and she was already on her way to get Molly. It would be another hour or so before the Primary School would let out. I knew better than to call the school which, I correctly assumed, was busy fielding calls and preparing to get the students either to their buses or into the arms of the several hundred anxious parents in line at the school.  

The waiting was torturous. Every terrible scenario replayed in my mind. My husband works the front desk of his school. 

What if.... 

What if... 

What if...

Finally I heard from him and they were all safe at home, thank God! 

The school department worked tirelessly for three days to find out what happened while the schools remained closed. On Monday morning two district administrators both received an email stating that the sender had plans to attack a school and planned to do so on that day. The email was apparently specific and full of anger. During the investigation the school district and police kept parents and community members informed every step of the way. Finally on Wednesday afternoon it was announced that a suspect was in custody. A 16 year-old boy is accused of sending the emails. Evidence was found in his home that showed he could have carried out his threats. 

Although there was some relief that a suspect had been found, the town is in shock. How could this happen here? After the tragedy of Sandy Hook (whose anniversary was also last week) the sad and infuriating truth is that no town is completely safe. I thank God for the decisions made by the school department and the authorities and their dedication to making sure school would not resume until they found out where the threats had come from. I thank God for the teachers who kept the students calm even though I am sure they were frightened. I thank God that no one was hurt. 

Remarkably, my daughter has not asked many questions about her safety at school since this event. This experience has shown her that scary things can happen in her town and I hate that she knows that. However she saw how the teachers, school officials and police all kept her (and everyone) safe. Since I can no longer give her guarantees, I think she finds comfort in knowing she is surrounded by adults that would do anything for her well-being. 

Slice of Life-Emotional Roller Coaster

Each Tuesday the amazing bloggers at Two Writing Teachers host Slice of Life Stories (SOLS). This is where bloggers link up to share anything they would like to share about what is happening in their lives. 

Parents are only as happy as their least happy child. I have heard this statement several times but recently, I am finding this notion to be completely true. 

Living with an "almost" teenager is not easy. You always love them to pieces, but boy can they be moody and emotional. Everything is a crisis and keeping up with the ups, downs, twists and turns of their emotional roller coaster can leave everyone dizzy. 

My 12 year-old is a deeply compassionate, thoughtful, friendly and loving girl to everyone (outside of her family). She has many interests and is in several clubs at school. She participates in her school play and in a play at a local children's theater each year. She absolutely loves to perform, sing and dance and spend time with her theater friends. 

Mostly she plays small roles or in the "ensemble" which is theater speak for "extras". She does a wonderful job in these small, but important roles, however as she gets a bit older she longs for bigger, more visible roles. This week she auditioned for two plays. She rehearsed her songs, memorized her monologues and gave her best in the auditions. Then we all hopped on the emotional roller coaster. After each audition she waited for the coveted "call back". As much as the audition panel insists that call backs do not necessarily mean you are up for a bigger role, that is exactly what they mean. They do not call you back if you are being considered for the ensemble. The call backs come in an email that she waited for at the computer. When one did not come, her cheerful, "I did so well Mom" squeal turns to a heartbroken "I thought I did so well Mom" wail in my arms after she didn't get the first call back. She did, however, get two small roles with a couple of lines and not the ensemble which made her happy. 

Then on Saturday she auditioned for the play at the children's theater. This organization produces phenomenal productions with children from second grade to 8th grade. If you are lucky enough to get an audition (which fills up online in just minutes after opening) then you are guaranteed a part. There are usually so many children that they break up into two casts. It is a resource we feel lucky to have right here in our town. 

She auditioned, but didn't feel that she did very well and sort of down played the whole experience in an attempt to not get her hopes up. Then she waited again for a call back, not really expecting one. When the email arrived there was no containing her excitement. Screaming, jumping hugging, laughing she was the picture of preteen glee. The roller coaster chugs skyward! "I don't even care now which role I get as long as I got a call back!" she cried. 

She spent the next three hours back at the theater as my husband and I waited at home on pins and needles. Finally she called us to come get her. She was crying. Down plunges the roller coaster. I arrive (after breaking many speeding laws) to find my daughter in a puddle of tears as she comes to me for comfort. This call back was not what she hoped. "They made me memorize all these lines then never asked me to read them, but they asked two other girls to read them" she chokes out through her sobs. Other mothers are try to console her pointing out all of the other children who are leaving the auditions disappointed. 

As a mother it is so difficult to see your child hurting. The evening was filled with a range of emotions as she waited for the final email with the assigned roles which did not come before bed time. 

She found out her role the next morning. She is in a group of her friends with similar roles and she is thrilled. It was not the role she was hoping for, but she is happy. Her roller coaster is heading up again. The morning was spent calling her grandparents, highlighting her script and practicing her songs. All is right, for the moment, in her world and we can all enjoy this upward rise while it lasts. 

Slice of Life Post-Writing Retreat

Each Tuesday the amazing bloggers at Two Writing Teachers host Slice of Life Stories (SOLS). This is where bloggers link up to share anything they would like to share about what is happening in their lives. 

This past weekend I had the great fortune to attend my first writing retreat at a beautiful resort on the ocean here in Maine. This retreat was held for some New England contributors to Choice Literacy. The enormously generous Brenda Power was our gracious hostess during this incredible three days. 

This is the view from the patio of my room. Nice view for writing!

I had never been on a retreat so I did not really know what to expect.  It turned out to be a weekend filled with gobs of indulgent writing time, sharing our writing and getting feedback from others, talking with dedicated educators, eating (too much) wonderful food and more, and more writing time. I was heavenly! Having the dedicated, uninterrupted writing time was just what I needed. I felt spoiled and more than a little guilty.

These are some of the books we received during our retreat. I know right? *Pinches self*

I was excited to make some new friends and to meet my online friends Tammy Mulligan and Clare Landrigan (from Teachers for Teachers) "in real life". They were presenting at a Choice Literacy workshop for literacy coaches. 

At breakfast with Clare, Tammy, Kathy Provost, (me) 

and my nerdy Maine friend Justin Stygles.

I am so glad that I had this opportunity and hope to attend another retreat in the future. It left me feeling revitalized and excited to write more. I never talk about myself as being a writer, but after writing and connecting with other writers this weekend, I am beginning to start to see myself in this light and it is very exciting.  

Slice of Life Post-Fall in Maine and Family Time

Each Tuesday the amazing bloggers at Two Writing Teachers host Slice of Life Stories (SOLS). This is where bloggers link up to share anything they would like to share about what is happening in their lives. 

It has been quite a while since I have posted a SOLS post.  Believe me, I have been meaning too, but this September has just been CRAZY!! I can't promise to make it weekly, but I am going to try my best to be a little more consistent. 

Fall in Maine
Anyone who has been to Maine in Early October can tell you that it is just beautiful! The foliage is at its peak and the weather is still gorgeous. It's warm enough, but that lovely fall chill is in the air. My family has been trying to enjoy the fall since it just passes by far too quickly. Last week we went apple picking. Although it was a freakishly warm (80 degree) day, we had a wonderful time picking apples and enjoying cider donuts with extended family. This year TJ was far more interested than he has been in years past so that made it more fun. It also made us purchase lots more apples since he would not stop picking. It was also great to have our 12 year-old enjoying a day with us. I often think about how many more years she will want to do things like this as a family. 

 Today (Sunday) was a picture perfect Maine fall day so we decided to go for a walk around our neighborhood. Then we came back and played an impromptu game of frisbee....all four of us. There are not many active games we can play together that hold TJ's attention for long so this was an especially wonderful activity. Molly even said, and I quote, "This is fun, I love hanging out with you guys".  A fleeting moment of pre-teen happiness. I'll take it. 

I hope you are all taking some time to enjoy the change of seasons. 

Slice of Life-Revisiting My OLW

Each Tuesday the amazing bloggers at Two Writing Teachers host Slice of Life Stories (SOLS). This is where bloggers link up to share anything they would like to share about what is happening in their lives. 

I have not written a Slice of Life post for some time now. I have mostly been sticking with Celebrate this Week posts on Ruth Ayres blog. But I came up with an idea for a SOLS post yesterday. 

I was sitting in Starbucks all by myself when all of a sudden, Oprah spoke to me. Yes, Oprah! Here is what she said. 

Wise words from Ms. O. Now I am not usually one to read into things like this, but my One Little Word for this year is REACH. It has been 6 months so I decided to do a mental check-in to see if I was living it. 

It turns out that I was a little off track. I had lost focus of my personal and professional goals. I was slugging through the days just to get them done. I was struggling to balance daily household obligations, with 3 kids, with my own wants and needs. I wasn't reaching to connect more, to learn more, to live more. After doing some pondering and planning I think I am mentally back on track now. I need to be a bit more creative with fitting in my own goals with our crazy summer, but I am in the right frame of mind now. 

I would encourage you to check-in. Are you living your OLW? 

Slice of Life- Changing Plans

Each Tuesday Ruth and Stacey at Two Writing Teachers host Slice of Life Stories (SOLS). This is where bloggers link up to share anything they would like to share about what is happening in their lives. 

“Life is what happens to you while you're busy making other plans.” ― Allen Saunders

Some days things just don't go as planned.  I guess as a parent and a teacher, MOST days don't go as planned. 

I rarely bring home much schoolwork. Not because I get it all done at school, but because of family needs, I am just never able to get it done at home. After helping with dinner, homework, play time and bed, I am just too wiped to focus on schoolwork at night. But last weekend I did bring home a big stack of work to do.  My students just finished writing pieces and I needed to read them and score them using our district rubric. Although I had 46 stories to look at, I was excited to read them and give some written feedback.  I knew it would take me all weekend, but it needed to get done. 

Then my plans changed. My poor son, TJ, became ill in the early morning hours of Saturday. If you visit my blog regularly, you probably have heard me talk about him.  He is seven years old and he has autism. Thankfully, he rarely gets sick. He woke up and early Saturday morning and was sick to his tummy. Since I cannot explain to him what is happening, and he can't tell me what he is feeling, it is especially heartbreaking when he is sick. 

To say that he is a "Mama's boy" is an understatement and is even more true when he doesn't feel well. All day he just wanted me to sit with him and snuggle on the couch. Normally he is a very active boy and rarely sits still, but on this day he stayed put. While I would never, ever wish him to be sick, I have to say sitting with him all day was very special. I had to slow down and just be with him. We watched videos and movies on his ipad, I read and he napped. Thankfully he was feeling better the next day. 

The schoolwork sat untouched. I could not move from the couch for more than a minute without him whining for me and I didn't want to. I was where I needed to be.  
This may be a bit deep here, but I think the universe takes over and reminds us of what is important sometimes and forces us to slow down. 

When was the last time YOU had to slow down? What did you learn?

Slicing About My Resolution Resistance

Each Tuesday Ruth and Stacey at Two Writing Teachers host Slice of Life Stories (SOLS). This is where bloggers link up to share anything they would like to share about what is happening in their lives. 

Resolution Resistance

I have a confession to make...I hate making New Year's resolutions! I have realized that I have many goals in my life, but as soon as I quantify them, no mater how small, they become another obligation and a source of self-deprecation.   

I often find myself making comparisons to other people that seem to have everything in their lives together. I use negative self-talk frequently. Why can't I exercise more? Write more? Read more? Others seem to do it but, in my eyes, I fall short.  I tell myself (and society reinforces) that I should be a better mother, wife, teacher, daughter, sister, or friend.  My house needs to be cleaner, my body thinner and my clothes trendier.  

This year will be different.  I resolve NOT to make any resolutions. Does this mean I am giving up on self-improvement? Not by a long shot.  I have many goals both personal and professional. But this year I will work toward my goals and try not to beat myself up. I will be kinder to myself, starting by recognizing when I start to make comparisons and talk to myself negatively and do my best to change these habits. I will celebrate my successes and give myself a break when I can't do everything I want to do as perfectly as I'd like to do it. Sounds simple, but it will certainly not be easy. I'll keep you posted throughout my journey. 

I saw this great post on Facebook recently about comparisons that really put things into perspective. 

I wish you all the happiest and healthiest of New Years. May it be all you want it to be and more!

Slice of Life- Remembering Christmas as a Child

Each Tuesday Ruth and Stacey at Two Writing Teachers host Slice of Life Stories (SOLS). This is where bloggers link up to share anything they would like to share about what is happening in their lives. 

As is typical of or family, we have spent the last few days preparing for Christmas.  We've baked, shopped, cleaned and wrapped.  We are excited to spend the next several days with family celebrating this festive time of year. As I wrapped gifts last night I have to admit, I was getting excited about seeing my kids' faces as they open some of their gifts. Of course I realize that Christmas is far more than gifts, but then I think back to being a little kid.  Just go back with me for a minute.  

Find THAT feeling. That magical, wonderful Christmasy feeling. The feeling that you are too excited to sleep on Christmas Eve. The wonderful realization you have after you wake (too early) that maybe Santa has come.  The house seems to shimmer with Christmas magic as you slowly tiptoe down the stairs to get a peek at the tree. Look at all those presents!  Even though you're not sure that you should, you step closer to see which are meant for you. Then it's time to wake up those slumbering parents.  "He came, he came, Santa came" you whisper-shout as you jump into their warm bed.  It's not all about the presents.  All day long, things just seem different. The house smells different, sounds different, feels different.  There is so much happiness and love, you can almost touch it.  

My oldest child is eleven and still completely believes in Santa. Each year, my husband and I say "This is probably the last year" that she will believe.  Maybe this will be the last year, who knows. I fully intend to just soak it all up.  My babies are still little enough that they are filled with the delightful wonder of the season and I feel blessed beyond measure.  

Wishing you all a holiday filled with wonder, anticipation, excitement, and love.  

Slice of Life Post- Conference Time

Each Tuesday Ruth and Stacey at Two Writing Teachers host Slice of Life Stories (SOLS). This is where bloggers link up to share anything they would like to share about what is happening in their lives. 

Last week was conference week at my son's school.  He is in second grade and has moderate autism.  He has had the same wonderful special education teacher since kindergarten and the same one-on-one ed. tech for two years in a row.  My son, who we call TJ, is the sweetest, happiest most lovable little boy you would ever hope to meet. 

As a parent of a child with special needs, I don't get many opportunities to talk about how awesome my son is with anyone else except family so when I get the chance to gush about him, I just love it. 

I arrived at the conference first since I left right from work in the next town over after school.  My son's school had an early release day so he and my husband arrived shortly after (my hubby is a secretary at my son's school, I know, cute right?).  TJ bounced into the room wearing his happy smile on his adorable, chubby face. Then he sat down on my lap and gave me a hug.  

His special ed. teacher then directed him to do some math so we could see him work.  To my complete astonishment, he did a sheet of addition and a sheet of subtraction independently.  Since he will not do anything resembling schoolwork at home, I was blown away. Then we had a fabulous discussion about how well TJ is doing while he played and happily flitted about the room and occasionally came back to our meeting to see what we were up to.

I feel such great appreciation for his teachers. His classroom teacher has created a community of acceptance and compassion for everyone. His special education teacher knows him so well and expects him to achieve. His specialists provide the support and focused work he needs in order to express himself and develop self-help skills. And his dedicated ed. tech faithfully works with him, cares for him and clearly just loves him to pieces. I left the conference beaming with pride and with a full and grateful heart. 

Slice of Life Post- Nerdlution

Each Tuesday Ruth and Stacey at Two Writing Teachers host Slice of Life Stories (SOLS). This is where bloggers link up to share anything they would like to share about what is happening in their lives. 

One of the reasons I love Twitter is because of the amazingly supportive PLN I am fortunate to be a part of. Recently on Twitter folks have been posting their "Nerdlutions" or nerdy resolutions for the next 50 days (well, 49 now). Nerdlutions can be large or small, literacy-related or not. 

I am notoriously bad at keeping New Year's resolutions so I have just stopped making them.  This is not to say that I don't have goals, I certainly do.  However, making it a "resolution" always seemed to lead to failure. 
But this whole nerdlution thing seemed doable and I felt like the Twitter community would be supportive, so I considered it. Originally, I thought I wanted my nerdlution to be to exercise and read more regularly.  After giving some thought to my goals and WHY they are important to me, I have amended my original nerdlution into four smaller parts. 

For the next 49 days I plan to...
1. Exercise more regularly (at least 5 days a week) because when I am more active I feel better about myself and my stress level is more manageable. 
2. Write at least 3 blog posts per week, because it brings me happiness to share my thoughts in writing.
3. Read for myself every day.  I get cranky when I have not had time to read for pleasure.
4. Leave school by 3:45 at least 2-3 days per week. This is the most lofty and most important nerdlution for me.  I usually stay at school until almost 5:00 most nights. Then I arrive to a hectic house with homework and dinner prep happening simultaneously. My daughter wants to tell me about her day, my husband has questions or wants to know how I am and my son wants a snuggle or just some attention. When I arrive home earlier, I can connect with my kids, help with homework and dinner and maybe even exercise a bit (which will help with goal #1). 

So, that's the plan.  I am looking forward to watching everyone's progress toward their nerdlutions. 

Do you have a nerdlution? If so, remember to use #nerdlution to share on Twitter. 

Slice of Life- Surprises at NCTE '13

Each Tuesday Ruth and Stacey at Two Writing Teachers host Slice of Life Stories (SOLS). This is where bloggers link up to share anything they would like to share about what is happening in their lives. 

While I am back at home and into my regular, hectic routine, my thoughts are still at NCTE.  I will probably need a couple of posts to reflect on this amazing experience. 

A year ago, I had just recently launched my blog and started participating on Twitter.  I followed all the tweets from NCTE 2012 and was beyond jealous. As I read about the new things people were learning and the connections they were making, I vowed that I would attend in 2013 no matter what.  

I am not exaggerating when I say that attending NCTE was THE best professional development experience I have had in my 20+ years in education.  I was lucky to be there with my terrific Maine friends: Susan Dee, Mary Bellavance, Melissa Guerrette, Marylou Shuster, Jen Felt, Justin Stygles and Paula Bourque. 

I was prepared for a great time, but there were a number of things for which I was totally unprepared. 

I am going to use this post to write about what surprised me about NCTE and advice I would give a first timer.  

*You don't sleep much.  You are up early for breakfasts or sessions and you stay into the wee hours of the night talking with old and new friends.  The Starbucks in the lobby may become your new favorite place. 

*You will get emotional.  I did not realize that tissues would be necessary at a literacy convention. When you meet a beloved author, you will cry.  When someone shares an inspiring story, you will cry (aka-Donald Graves breakfast).  When you meet online friends in person, you will cry.  In my case, if you think about the fact that you are actually at NCTE, you will cry.

*You don't eat regular meals.  Generally, I am not a meal skipper.  However, when given the choice between learning from Chris Lehman and Kate Roberts, followed by hearing Temple Grandin speak rather than eating lunch, well of course you'd choose to skip lunch. Pack granola bars. 

*You might not see the host city.  I am a New England girl and I love Boston.  We were right in the heart of the city and I did not see a single bit of it.  In fact, I did not step foot outside from Thursday afternoon to Sunday afternoon when we left. 

*You will get free books, LOTS of free books. Yes, I had heard that publishers give out free ARC's. But I was totally unprepared for the exhibit hall. Every time you turn around, a new author is signing a new book and many of them are free.  I had 2 big bags full of books. Thankfully we drove to Boston and could bring our books home, but you may want to bring extra money to ship your books if you have to fly home.  

All of those books lead me to my next tip....

*You may need a chiropractor or massage upon returning home. All those books are really heavy and you will have to carry them in a shoulder bag or in your arms.  Either will lead to neck and back pain, but it is so worth it.  

*If you don't get to a session early, you may not get a seat.  Many sessions fill up quickly.  It brought tears to my eyes (yes, again) to see teachers sitting in the floor of the room or standing outside the room straining to listen and learn from the presenter.  It was a true testament to the dedication of teachers that want to learn all they can in order to help their students. 

I am still processing all that I learned and experienced while in Boston.  In future posts I will attempt to synthesize my learning into something I can express in a somewhat coherent way. 

A Visit to My Son's Classroom-Slice of Life Story

Each Tuesday Ruth and Stacey at Two Writing Teachers host Slice of Life Stories (SOLS). This is where bloggers link up to share anything they would like to share about what is happening in their lives. 

Last Friday I visited my son's second grade classroom as a guest speaker.  I was speaking about one of my favorite topics......my son TJ.  TJ is the most adorable 7 year-old boy you will ever hope to meet.  Like many second grade boys, he likes to swim, play on the playground, run around and dig in the dirt.  He also has autism.  I asked his teacher if I could come in and talk with the class about him. 

All day long in classrooms everywhere, kids share with each other. As they build their classroom community they have share time, turn and talk and show and tell.  They talk about their favorite foods and hobbies and share about their families. Since TJ can't share what he likes (and doesn't like) to do, where he likes to go and all of his favorite things, I thought I would do it for him.

Let me back up a bit.  This idea came to me because of some experiences in my own classroom.  Over the years I have been fortunate to be able to have many wonderful students in my class, including children with autism.  I think it is an absolutely invaluable experience for all children to have students with disabilities included in the classroom community.  The empathy that is shared and expressed and the celebrating of small victories is heartwarming to say the least.  But many students have often asked me questions about students with special needs that I cannot answer, either for confidentiality reasons or because I just don't know the answer. But, who knows the child best and can share any information they'd like to share? That's right, the parents.

So I decided to contact my son's teacher to see if she would be interested in having me come in and discuss TJ's likes, dislikes and ways to communicate with him and support him at school.  I also wanted to have a general discussion about autism.  

Having little experience with second graders I have to say I was a bit nervous.  It turns out I had no reason to be.  They were fantastic!  I read a very short picture book called In My Mind: The World Through the Eyes of Autism by Adonya Wong then we had a discussion.  We talked all about my precious boy and how he is very much like them in many ways.  We also talked about his differences and I told them that he has "something called autism".  A few had heard the term, but most were hearing it for the first time. The amazing teacher took notes and encouraged an open discourse.  She wanted to know what his favorite games were and his favorite books so that they could have them in the classroom. Taking her lead, the students listened, asked questions and shared some of their own "TJ stories".   

Leaving the class, I felt like his classmates and teacher knew more about him.  Yes, they knew he had autism, but they learned so much more.  They learned that he loves trampolines and doesn't like to stay home.  They learned that although he speaks very little, he will sing songs like "Twinkle, Twinkle" which he sang for them and they all joined in. They learned that they have to say "TJ look" to get his attention and that he will give high fives and fist bumps.  Now they know he loves Eric Carle books and right now is going through a Dr. Seuss phase. 

I would highly recommend planning a visit to your child's classroom to any parent of a child with special needs.  Discussing your child's differences and similarities helps others to see beyond the disability and to really see your child. 

Meeting Donalyn Miller and Penny Kittle and Thinking About Reading Communities

Each Tuesday Ruth and Stacey at Two Writing Teachers host Slice of Life Stories (SOLS). This is where bloggers link up to share anything they would like to share about what is happening in their lives. 

This weekend I had the extreme pleasure of meeting Donalyn Miller and Penny Kittle in person. They were in Portland, Maine to deliver keynote addresses and present at the NERA convention.  I was among a very lucky group of educators who got to have dinner and chat with them.  

Penny Kittle is the author of Book Love and is the high school teacher I wish I'd had. Maybe then I would have become a reading sooner. The way she talks about how she fosters the love of reading in her high school students was so inspirational.  Even after years of not reading much, she gets them hooked.  Her students are so very lucky to have her and we are all fortunate to be able to learn from her. 

It is no secret to anyone who knows me that Donalyn Miller is my professional idol. I was beyond thrilled to meet her, talk with her, listen to her keynote and attend her "Bring on the Books" session (I know stalk much right?).  I even won a coveted advance copy of her new book Reading in the Wild which comes out in early November (It is as amazing as I had expected, go order it now and come back).  

I was going to write about meeting Donalyn as the focus of my SOLS post, but I decided to keep the details to myself.  Suffice it to say that she is as smart, funny, gracious and wonderful as you'd imagine. 

Instead I have been thinking about the focus of her keynote address, reading communities.  As Donalyn described her reading community which includes her family, colleagues and students,  I began thinking about my own reading community and how important it is to me.  I was actually sitting with many in my reading community at the conference.  

I am thankful for colleagues at my school like Anna Sedenka, Laurie Tibbitts, Stacey Sawyer and Missy Mullin who are always happy to share great book titles with me and listen as I gush about my newest book love. 
Then there are the colleagues that I don't see as often like my Maine Reading Association and nErDcampNNE friends Susan Dee, Cathy Potter, Marylou Shuster, Jen Felt, Chris Pirkl and Natalee Stotz to name a few.  Sitting and discussing books with these friends is always so much fun. 

I love my blogging and Twitter reading community.  One of my favorite parts of the week is Monday night when I can read all the It's Monday, What Are You Reading posts linked up at one of my favorite blogs, Teach Mentor Texts.  With Goodreads and my public library page tabs open, I read about what books others are reading.  We leave comments for each other and offer thoughts and even more title suggestions. 

In my family, my daughter is my only reading buddy. Although she is still finding her love of books, we will talk about what each of us is reading and we read together.  I love it when I get a stack of picture books from the library. We sit and read them together and she gives me a rating for Goodreads. 

My students are the people I talk with about books each day.  We recommend titles, discuss what is happening in our books and talk about our reading lives. 

These reading communities enrich my life.  Although I am a reading late bloomer and never had this kind of community until fairly recently, I am so happy I have all of these people in my life to share my love of books. 

We need to remember that reading is a social activity that needs to be nurtured for ourselves and our students. 

So I'll leave you with these questions:

Who is in your reading community?
How do you share this with students?
What do you do to help students develop and nurture their own reading communities?

Slice of life- Reflections from Camp

Each Tuesday Ruth and Stacey at Two Writing Teachers host Slice of Life Stories (SOLS). This is where bloggers link up to share anything they would like to share about what is happening in their lives. 

For the last five summers, my family has rented a camp on a small, peaceful, beautiful lake here in Maine.  We stay in a cozy camp that is about 20 feet from the lake's edge. We get to listen to loons cry and children laugh. Our kids get to swim, fish, play board games and roast marshmallows at night by the fire.  

I love this week for so many reasons. First, I get to be with my family which includes my husband and kids and my mother-in-law (yes this is a good thing...she rocks!).  I also get to connect with my mother, my sister, my niece and nephew and some great friends that come to visit.  It is wonderful to sit and enjoy the warm Maine weather and to swim and play with my kids. 

I think I am able to enjoy this week more because I am away from the distractions of my house.  I can't see the basement that needs organizing, the closets that need cleaning or the gardens that need weeding.  My time is spent making wonderful memories with the people I love. 

And of course, I get to read, but not as much as you would think.  With small children around there is always someone to dry off, feed or help in some way.  I get to read uninterrupted at night and in the early morning by the calm, glassy lake. I enjoy those moments tremendously. 

I feel so fortunate to be able to spend this quality time with the people who are most important to me. I hope you have a special place to connect with your family. 

My First SOLS Post- A New Summer Plan

Each Tuesday Ruth and Stacey at Two Writing Teachers host Slice of Life Stories (SOLS). This is where bloggers link up to share anything they would like to share about what is happening in their lives. This is my first time participating!

I LOVE summer! I especially love summer in Maine since it is pretty chilly, for most of the rest of the year.  I always begin summer vacation with HUGE expectations about what I'll do, where I'll go and what I'll get done.  This summer is no different. 

It doesn't usually takes as few weeks for me to realize my expectations were way too big.  At the beginning of the summer I had planned on reading a ton of children's books and professional texts.  I had planned on participating in Teachers Write for the first time. I planned on writing a short storybook for my son's second grade class describing who he is and what he likes since he has autism and can not tell them.  Every inch of my house was to be scrubbed and organized and all my scrapbooking would be caught up.  Looking at this list, makes me tired.  

It's not like I have been sitting with my feet up.  I have done some things in the house. I have been able to blog more that I usually can. I have read several books. I have also spent time with my family swimming, traveling and just being together. With two children at home, ages 7 and 11, and a husband who is suffering from a back injury, my plans have been modified.

With about a month left in my precious summer vacation, I plan to have no plan.  Sure I'll still read, organize and write, but I won't stress about how much I get done. I will focus more on playing, resting and connecting.  I will take each day as it comes and see what it has to offer.  Right now it is a rainy, cool day.  My daughter has a friend over and they are poring over teen magazines, snipping pictures for collages.  My son is playing his wii and my husband is resting with his feet up.  That looks pretty good to me, I think I'll go give it a try.

Here's to the rest of your summer friends.  I hope it is all you want it to be and more.