Lainie Levin

Winter — Break??

I woke up this morning from yet another set of school dreams. You know, I always have this bright shiny idea in my head that I’m able to compartmentalize, to truly break from teaching during a holiday. Not like I’ve been grading papers, checking school e-mail, or thinking about my students all the time. Whatever.Continue reading “Winter — Break??”

Back on the Ice: Lesson Learned

Today was a hockey day. I haven’t been in my full equipment since the middle of the summer. I know, I know. I had set out to learn how to play ice hockey, and take you along on my journey. I know it’s important to keep going with lessons and clinics. I know! Somehow, I’veContinue reading “Back on the Ice: Lesson Learned”

The Monday Morning After: Expectations

What happens when you combine horrific news, intense sorrow, a night of unsettling dreams, a Monday morning where everyone in the family oversleeps, and school the week before winter break? A day where I have abso-LUTE-ly no idea what to expect. What will the mood of the kids be? Will they have heard the news?Continue reading “The Monday Morning After: Expectations”

What I Can’t (and Can) Understand: A Teacher’s Reflection

It’s 11:22. So far this weekend I’ve easily spent five hours on school stuff – by the standard of most weekends, a light load. Perhaps I have a light load, but a heavy heart. Lunchtime on Friday was when I heard about Sandy Hook. We teachers talked about the events at the table and taughtContinue reading “What I Can’t (and Can) Understand: A Teacher’s Reflection”

Getting in the Game

I confess, I drove to hockey tonight with trepidation. Last time was fun, but I did spend the whole time trying to re-learn how to skate. As much as I know that learning takes time, and as much as I’m ready to do what it takes to build my skills, I worried how many timesContinue reading “Getting in the Game”

Learning Curve

So this week, I did it. I dropped the other shoe. Skate, if you will. Because tonight I went to my first instructional hockey lesson. Call it a precursor to mid-life shenanigans, if you want to. For me, it’s more the end of a long period of hemming and hawing – I’ve been playing hockeyContinue reading “Learning Curve”

My Turn

So. For the past several weeks I’ve hosted an informal writing group in my room. Not just for kids who are good at writing. Kids who are passionate writers. Voracious writers. Put-that-pencil-down-already-and-come-to-breakfast writers. The group hosts about 10 second through fifth graders who come on and off, although I have a core of 5 whoContinue reading “My Turn”

Shangri-La

You know what this stuff is, right? To the uninitiated, it’s just a big old mess of math supplies. Well, actually, you’re right. That’s what it is. But really? That’s not what it is. You see, I’m a teacher. The desire for new school supplies runs in my veins. The yearly school supply order bringsContinue reading “Shangri-La”

Sage Advice

I couldn’t resist sharing this. The school psychologist, social worker and I team up to lead a social group called self-science. It’s sort of like a cross between character ed and gifted ed. The group explores what it means (and doesn’t mean) to be a smart kid, and how to navigate some of the speedbumpsContinue reading “Sage Advice”