My third graders have been delving into philosophy, of all things. Because if little minds deserve ANYTHING, it’s the ability to wrestle with BIG ideas. I’ve been using resources from The Prindle Institute to support our work. Our questions lately have focused on: what is alive? what is real? After an AMAZING webinar with myContinue reading “Little Folks, Big Ideas”
Tag Archives: gifted education
A Thing of Wonder
Today I saw an owl. It glided over and lit in my next-door neighbor’s tree just as I was returning from a walk at dusk. There it sat, easily a foot tall and several inches across. It was a thing of wonder. It sat long enough for me to walk through the front door ofContinue reading “A Thing of Wonder”
Upon Re-Entry
I’ve been here. I’ve returned to school after a devastating loss before, and I did it again today. Days like these are strange, tiring and full of uncertainty. Will I be able to hold myself together? Can I make it through? Do I have it in me to accept the “we missed you’s,” the knowingContinue reading “Upon Re-Entry”
Encouraging Signs
It all started with a super-cute dog video. (Go ahead and watch. it’s only about a minute long.) And then a question. “Is this language?” Boy oh boy, did THAT ever stir up conversation. For me, as a teacher, this could not POSSIBLY have gone any better. I wanted students to be engaged from theContinue reading “Encouraging Signs”
Thought Bubble, Speech Bubble
Guess what brave things I did today?a) I got out of my bedb) I committed to working out – and didc) I announced that I wasn’t cooking dinner tonightd) All of the above Of course, there was something I didn’t do today, and I’m not sure if it’s because I’m wise, or because I wasContinue reading “Thought Bubble, Speech Bubble”
This is Not a Paper Clip
this post is dedicated to A.H., whose cleverness and sincerity make me deeply proud to know such wonderful people I’m easy to please. Which is good, because as a teacher and as a mom, I can’t wait for big grand gestures to bring me a sense of satisfaction or well-being. I’d be here all day.Continue reading “This is Not a Paper Clip”
Different, Different, Same
“But here’s what’s at the heart of things. Here’s what makes me confident that we’ll be okay this year despite everything being turned upside down.” #D30Learns #WhyITeach
On First Days
This. This photo. It sums things up. Every year since my older guy started kindergarten, I’ve brought my kids to the local breakfast place for a traditional first-day breakfast. Over the years, we’ve toggled it a bit. For a while, I worked in the same district they attended, and our annual ritual celebrated a beginningContinue reading “On First Days”
Putting a Pin In It
*this post is dedicated to J.O., who never ceases to inspire me, and who also reminds me how important it is to be the best version of myself* Here I am, back after what is way too long a hiatus from writing. What’s kept me? Inertia, pure and simple. I wasn’t in a space orContinue reading “Putting a Pin In It”
Who’s Going to Win?
Sometimes I wrestleWith which side of me will winMy full attention Is it the cynic,Fatigued with unrequitedEffort, time and heart? Or the optimist,Ever on the lookout forSimple signs of joy: Letters from students:The real live ones, right from theReal live true mailbox; A dog, so loyalShe insists on herding meTo my couch corner So sheContinue reading “Who’s Going to Win?”
Soapbox: The Way I see Things 