When writing my “One Little Word” post for the new year, I knew the word I chose, gather, would not last me through the year. In fact, it was my hope that this one little word would soon slough its skin to reveal the word underneath. The other day, I was at school. It wasContinue reading “Slice of Life Tuesday: Another Little Word”
Tag Archives: elementary school
Sunday Sit-Down #6: Duped
Each Sunday, I’m working my way through my experiences with race. I’ll share stories and memories from throughout my life. I know I’ll encounter moments of growth that I wish I could relive. I’ll also have to think back on choices that I wish I could remake. Come join me each week. I’ve been thinkingContinue reading “Sunday Sit-Down #6: Duped”
Slice of Life Tuesday: Lessons from the Chocolate Stash
Upstairs, at one of my two schools, in the copy room, there sits a green plastic basket under a sticker on the wall that reads, “Chocolate doesn’t ask silly questions. Chocolate UNDERSTANDS.” There are a few of us who tend to be the chocolate fairies of this particular basket. For my part, I like toContinue reading “Slice of Life Tuesday: Lessons from the Chocolate Stash”
Sunday Sitdown #1: Here I Go
I’m a member of my school district’s newfound committee on Equity, Diversity and Inclusion.* For our last meeting, we were asked to compose a racial autobiography, to craft a reckoning of our experiences with race and identity. (Check out the Pacific Educational Group to learn about their work!) There were a LOT of questions. AndContinue reading “Sunday Sitdown #1: Here I Go”
#SOL20 Day 1: On Carrying Stories
Today begins a commitment to thirty-one days of writing. Thirty-one days of stories from my life, from school, that I am putting out into the world. It makes me think about stories, and how very much I talk and think about them. I carry them with me, and I encourage my students to do theContinue reading “#SOL20 Day 1: On Carrying Stories”
Poetry, Found
If you had asked me today whether or not writing poetry should be on my to-do list, I might have laughed at you. But knowing that the universe has a way of conspiring, and knowing that grocery list poetry is a thing in this world, I felt compelled. What I loved were the ways thisContinue reading “Poetry, Found”
Exhibit Q, R, S
“So, Lainie. How do you know you’re working with gifted kids?” I present to you an obituary for…wait for it… an EXPO marker. People, I can’t make this stuff up. Earlier this week, we read Leo Lionni’s obituary to learn more about him as an artist and as a person. To understand that text, weContinue reading “Exhibit Q, R, S”
So Much for a Soft Landing
I meant to take it easy on my kiddos today. I really did. They’re just coming back from break, and I was fully prepared for a slow start to ease them back into big ideas, big thinking. It all started when I realized we needed to finish up our conversation about Dr. Seuss’s allegory YertleContinue reading “So Much for a Soft Landing”
Sometimes Things Go Well
Sometimes I just need to take a moment. There are sometimes days when lesson after lesson goes haywire, when I don’t have the materials I need at the school I need them. Or when technology throws a wrench in my best-laid plans. Or when all of these things work, but the kids just. Aren’t. FeelingContinue reading “Sometimes Things Go Well”
On Gathering Moss
Elementary teachers have a solid reputation as pack rats. And for good reason. The sheer amount of STUFF it takes to teach elementary school is mind-boggling. Here’s the tip of the iceberg:-books for reading-curricular materials-office supplies-student supplies-teacher files-games, puzzles, activities, art supplies, writing supplies, room decor… …and that’s only for one grade level. Those ofContinue reading “On Gathering Moss”
Soapbox: The Way I see Things 