Summer Learning - Post #1 - Teaching with the Common Core Standards - Chapter 1

Just a reminder that our Summer Book Club has started and our first post by Mr. Hughes of An Educator's Life has been posted. Read through the post and leave us your thoughts. Remember - you can participate in this discussion even if you haven't read the book. Our second post will be up next Monday.

Summer learning...

I am very excited to have been asked to participate with a group of wonderful and talented educators in a summer book club. The purpose of this collaboration is to help all of us - and you - to become more familiar with the Common Core State Standards in ELA - English Language Arts. In order to have a common point of reference we are reading Teaching With the Common Core Standards (Grades 3-5). (The picture on Amazon that goes with the link shows the K-2 book, but it is the correct link and information for grades 3-5.)

Click HERE for a link to purchase the book.

I'd like to invite you to join with us in our study and discussion of this book. Each chapter will have a different discussion leader, but all are encouraged to comment and respond. A helpful hint is to follow these wonderful educators and their blogs to keep up to date on our progress this summer. In addition, their blogs are a fabulous resource for anything education related. It's a real brain trust! :)

Mr. Hughes of An Educator's Life and Created by Mr. Hughes has graciously been willing to lead the group and has gotten us up and running. You will be directed from his blog post each week to the corresponding blog and chapter discussion.

Here are the awesome discussion leaders/hosts and the chapters they will be taking the lead on. If you click on the buttons below you will be taken to each of the educator's blogs. Feel free to take a look around.

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Below is the schedule for the dates of the posts. We will be starting one week from today. Hooray!

If you plan on joining us, please leave a comment so we know who you are. We can't wait for this awesome experience to begin!

Remember, even if you don't get the book we'd still love to have you join our discussions. There are so many excellent ideas and conversations we can have as we all learn together.

Let the learning begin... 

- Ms. D.

To be appreciated...

A good friend, teacher, and fellow blogger has issued his 2nd Annual Teacher Appreciation Challenge, which I decided to take. I encourage you to take it as well. Whether it's a current or former colleague or teacher let someone know how much you appreciate what they do. (Click on the link above and it will give you all the information you need to participate.)

There are several names I could put in this post. Each is deserving of gratitude and if I had the time and the space I most definitely would. However, time and space are both finite and no one wants to read a novel, so I narrowed my choice down to one. This year I decided to highlight a good friend and outstanding educator -  Mr. Z.

I was fortunate to meet this amazing person through another awesomely talented educator, Mr. H. (Who - it could be argued - deserves a post of his own, as well.) As I came to know Mr. Z. I discovered in so many ways how deep his commitment to his students was. He couldn't stand the thought of any one of them not reaching their potential and he did everything in his power to make sure they had opportunities to make that happen.  From home visits before school started and letters to their future selves, to Super Activities and year end celebrations Mr. Z. poured his whole heart and soul into his teaching. During summers, he even taught students who others might have given up on through his work with children in Juvenile Detention. He could not think of any child as worth less than the best he had to offer. He went beyond teaching the basics and brought the wonder of music, sign language, drama, and so much more to every class he taught. His care and compassion didn't stop with his students, but encompassed the teachers, staff, and parents that he worked with as well. He did little things to let people know how much he appreciated all they did to help students.

I will never forget the influence that Mr. Z. had in my life either as a friend or educator. His passion for teaching rejuvenated my own and has made me want to strive to be better in my own sphere of influence.

So... Thank you, Mr. Z.... 

Thanks for encouraging so many of us to reach higher, teach better, and change the world...
One starfish at a time.

Photo by Backroads Photography

Appreciation...

Last year, a fellow teacher and friend issued a challenge for the week of Teacher Appreciation to recognize and acknowledge in some way teachers who made a difference in your life. I decided I would take that challenge. I thought this would be a good time to revisit what I wrote at the time. It certainly still rings true.

The dictionary defines appreciation as: gratitude; thankful recognition. 

So, to all of you who have been a powerful force for good in my life, here is a small token of that gratitude.

My first and most influential teachers were my parents. I couldn't write a post about teachers without acknowledging the great influence they had and still have in my life. I am who I am because of the start they gave me.

Mrs. B. was my Kindergarten teacher. Legally blind, she taught me that one can overcome seemingly insurmountable obstacles to gain a dream. She also took the time to reach each child on an individual level. For me it was introducing me to "Clifford the Big Red Dog" when she found out that I was frightened of dogs as a child. It was one of many things that help her stand out in my mind.

Mrs. W. helped instill a love for music and art when I was in 4th grade. In one of those odd twists of time and fate, I now have the opportunity of teaching with her. She has been and continues to be an influence for good in my life and a great example of persevering through trials and difficulties.

Mrs. S. introduced me to the beauty of American Sign Language during my 5th grade year. She also challenged and pushed each of us to try our hardest and do our best.

During my junior high years there were a couple of teachers who stand out in my memory. Mr. E. was passionate about history and made each class an adventure in learning. A second Mrs. W. encouraged my humble efforts at writing and challenged me to do more.

In high school there were also a few extraordinary teachers. A third Mrs. W. introduced me to the classics of literature. She also made it a point not to accept excuses for shoddy work. My writing and studying became better because of her. Mr. P. brought passion and conviction to his teaching of history. The mysteries of the past came alive under his skillful teaching. Mr. D. cultivated discussions and encouraged diverse thoughts. Mr. N. taught French, but more than that - he taught compassion and kindness. A second Mr. P. brought a love of the earth and it's fascinating formation to the surface. Field trips into the geologic wonder that is is our own "backyard" still linger in my memories now.

These are just a few of the wonderful teachers had the privilege of knowing during my years as a student.

Now I am a teacher. I am the one charged with educating young minds. It's a daunting job. The people I work with daily are an inspiration. They truly are dedicated and give their all. Thank you - Mrs. Q, Mrs. H., Mrs. W., Mrs. N., Mrs. S., Mr. P., Mr. H., Mr. J., and Ms. T. You all make me want to be a better teacher and principal. Your efforts on behalf of our students do not go unnoticed. Thanks for all the untold hours of preparation, worry, care, and sacrifice - both personal and financial you give.
I also have over the past several years had the privilege of meeting many other teachers whom I admire and learn from constantly through workshops, classes, and presentations. To them I say thank you.

Mrs. H. makes learning fun and relevant to her little ones. She constantly strives to improve both her learning and theirs.

Mr. H. shows innovation in his teaching and is constantly creating new ways to present vital knowledge to his students. I am lucky to have him as a colleague and friend. A newer addition to that illustrious crew of awesome educators was Mr. Z. who deservedly received the Golden Apple Teacher of the Year award last year at his school. I was privileged to know this 5th grade teacher and was amazed at all the things he did for his students. My own teaching was rejuvenated as I visited with and learned from him.

And to the students who I have had the privilege of teaching over the past sixteen years - thank you. You, too, have been influential teachers. From you I have learned patience, perseverance, and from some of you courage, and compassion. I hope that in return you have learned from me. If you leave with an education not only of the mind, but of the heart - of kindness and respect for yourselves and others, I will consider myself as having some success.

Now I encourage YOU take the challenge to show appreciation to your important teachers, whoever they are and wherever they may be.

*Please feel free to leave a comment telling about some of the important teachers in your life, or a link to a blog post, etc. if that is where you shared your stories.

Turning pages...

As I was pondering what to write in this post I was reminded of a news story I'd heard about Borders bookstores closing. One of the reasons given was because they didn't "keep up with the times" by catering to the online crowd. It saddened me in a way.

Now, I will admit that I have bought my share of e-books. I can take 1 book, 10 books, or 50 books along in my purse on my iPod or iPad and read anywhere. It's convenient and easy.

Still, there's something about holding a book in your hands. Turning pages. The feel and weight of the paper in your hands. The crisp smell of a new book, or the slightly musty smell of an old classic.

I was reminded of the movie "You've Got Mail." How "The Shop Around the Corner" ultimately falls victim to Fox Books. One clinging to the past, the other storming into the future.

Myself, I'd like to believe there's a happy medium out there between new technology and old, between the ease and convenience of an online bookstore and the comfort and feeing of greeting an old friend when I browse through the pages of a book in a cozy bookstore, hidden in an old building or the middle of a mall.

What do you think? 

To Sir, (or Ma'am) With Love...

I've been thinking about school quite a bit lately...

Well, truthfully, I don't know that I ever really stop thinking about it completely, even during summer...

But, lately education has been in the news, and not always in a positive way. In addition, I've been catching up on the blogs of some of my friends who also happen to be educators, and it got me pondering...

What is a teacher?

 A degree? A certificate? Passing a test?

The Merriam Webster Dictionary defines a teacher as "one whose occupation is to instruct," but is that really all?

I think being a teacher encompasses much, much more...
 -  the countless hours spent in preparation for a new year, a fresh group of students
 - the laughter
 - the tears
 - the worry and frustration
 - the personal money invested without much hope of compensation
 - the joy of seeing the moment when it just "clicks" with a student
 - the pain of seeing a bright future dimmed or lost through poor choices
 - the second (and third, and fourth) jobs  - just so you can remain in the field you have chosen

This is my list... and it could probably go on... but I'd like to hear what you think being a teacher means, so please add your thoughts below...

And before you go, take a little inspiration that what you do really DOES matter...

(Remember the starfish story.... we may not be able to save every one, but we can make a difference...)

The power of words ...

                                                                                THE READING MOTHER

Strickland Gillilan

I HAD A MOTHER who read to me 

Sagas of pirates who scoured the sea, 

Cutlasses clenched in their yellow teeth, 

"Blackbirds" stowed in the hold beneath

I had a Mother who read me lays 

Of ancient and gallant and golden days; 

Stories of Marmion and Ivanhoe, 

Which every boy has a right to know.

I had a Mother who read me tales 

Of Celert the hound of the hills of Wales, 

True to his trust till his tragic death, 

Faithfulness blent with his final breath.

I had a Mother who read me the things 

That wholesome life to the boy heart brings- 

Stories that stir with an upward touch, 

Oh, that each mother of boys were such.

You may have tangible wealth untold; 

Caskets of jewels and coffers of gold. 

Richer than I you can never be --

I had a Mother who read to me.

I "borrowed" this picture from my sister-in-law's blog, because it captures such a perfect moment. (Thanks, Jenny!)

I love this poem because it is so true.

I was fortunate to have not just a "reading mother" but a "reading father," too. Some of my fondest memories can be tied to books. Listening as my parents introduced me to:
 "The Little House on the Prairie" books,
"The Chronicles of Narnia,"
"Charlie, and the Chocolate Factory,"
 "The Door in the Wall"
 (and so many more)
  filled my mind with a thirst for knowledge and my heart with a love for the written word.

I also had more than one "reading teacher"- not in the traditional sense of the phrase, though I had many of those throughout my schooling - but teachers who were truly passionate about words. And not just in books - poetry or prose; short or long - it didn't seem to matter. They devoured the phrases set before them and created a similar hunger in me.

I hope that in some small way, I am creating a similar desire in those I teach.

Breaking Through...

As I headed to work one morning this is the sight that greeted me. I thought about the interplay between the sunlight and the shadow of the clouds. The rays of sun breaking through the stubborn cloud cover. Even when storms appear to threaten, ultimately the sun breaks through.  In some ways teaching is like that.

There are days it feels like nothing you say or do is breaking through the thick layer of issues students bring with them. Family issues. Health issues. Academic issues. And yet, every once in awhile you do break through. Those are the moments to cling to.

What would I do?

I started writing this blog post several weeks ago after watching what was going on in the nation and in my state as well as others regarding public education. I then saved it intending to get back to it a little bit later that day. Instead other things intervened, as they often do in life, and the post was pushed to the back of my consciousness - never completely out of mind - but not at the forefront either.

Last weekend during a conversation with a friend who is also a teacher, we talked about what we would do if we weren't in the education profession any longer.  I made a somewhat facetious remark that I'd love to own a bookstore so I could read all the books. It was the second time in as many days that a friend and fellow educator brought up that question and the idea of this post resurfaced. My friend made a statement something to the effect that having been in education as long has he had, he wasn't sure what he would do. I had a similar thought. I have spent so much of my life either in this profession, or preparing for it - quite literally half of my life if I consider my schooling - that it is a conundrum for which I have no clear answer. Again, I dusted off this post and worked and reworked it, then set it aside.

As I've listened the past couple of weeks to what is coming down the road for public education, much of it punitive at the least and retributive at the worst, I realized that I couldn't put off completing this post any longer.

I went into the education profession because I cared what happened to the children who were placed under my guidance. I wanted to make a difference in their lives like so many of my former teachers made in mine.   I wanted to be in a profession where, by and large, most people felt the same way. I didn't become a teacher for the pay or having the summers "off." (Which is a whole different post perhaps I'll tackle some day.) Yes, there are teachers that are less than effective. There are people in any profession who are not effective or who reflect poorly upon that profession because of their words and deeds. Does that mean I paint the whole profession with a broad brush and write them all off because of a few outliers who skew the perception of what the majority do?

No.

Yet, it seems as though everything that I have worked for in the past several years is under attack from the very people who should be the most supportive.

I am all for accountability for teachers and administrators. I don't think many people argue that isn't necessary - just as there needs to be accountability for ANY profession. But accountability in what form and for what purpose? When you consider all that is now considered part and parcel of what constitutes public education it is daunting. Additionally, there are more stakeholders in this situation than just teachers and administrators. Where is the accountability of the parents, students, communities, and policy makers? Where is the consideration of all the consequences both intended and unintended that come as a result of mandates - many unfunded - that are passed down from those who have little to no experience in the actual system of public education?

Here are two very powerful pieces from the perspective of a teacher who says it far more eloquently than I can.

Let's Blame the Schools

When you're only valued as the outcome...

I urge you to read them and share them.

This also brought to mind a story told by Jamie Vollmer a former businessman and critic of public education who is now a proponent. I think it makes several valuable points.

The Blueberry Story: The teacher gives the businessman a lesson

Image found here.

Does the fact that we are not able to choose our "raw material" excuse us from giving our best effort in educating the children we serve? Absolutely not! But, by the same token, you cannot judge public education and its facets through the lens of a corporation or business that has more control over its variables. We are dealing with human beings not pieces of plastic or metal that you can melt down and rework to suit your purpose!

I can honestly say that I don't know where the future of public education lies. Many days those glimpses of the future I do see can be mighty discouraging.

What would I do if I wasn't an educator?

 I don't know... but in the current environment, maybe I need to find out....

And yet, then I think of what really drove me to become a teacher and has kept me in the field regardless of the ups and downs - the children. There is nothing more heartbreaking than seeing potential wasted. But, conversely, there is nothing more satisfying than seeing the moment something clicks with a child. It's those last moments that help me hang on when I feel the most like moving on to something new. I can't control the world, or the nation, or even my state. I can control how effective I am in my classroom and my school. As in the story of the starfish, I may not be able to change everything but I can make a difference every day in the life of a child. I just hope I continue to get that chance.

Sowing...

It came to me

When I was young

That I would never be

       A great philosopher

       A healer of wounds

       A doer of mighty deeds

       A finder of hidden treasure

I am but a gardener

Simply a planter of seeds

A waterer of saplings

Encouraging tender shoots to burst forth

Eventually

Overshadowing the gardener

As branches stretch ever nearer

The great vast expanse

I am not forlorn

That the world

Knows not my name

I am content

That the seed sown

In the midst of the tumult

Has thrived and now

Sends forth seeds of its own

For me to plant

And nurture

And love

The value of an education?

During a lunch break a couple of my colleagues and I were discussing the way some students fail to value the opportunities afforded them to gain an education. So often it seems that some give up without even trying to put forth even a modicum of effort. It can be somewhat disheartening at times.

One of the teachers said that when she was teaching high school she used to show them a clip from the movie Ever After. 

" If you suffer your people to be ill-educated, and their manners corrupted from infancy, and then punish them for those crimes to which their first education disposed them, what else is to be concluded, sire, but that you first make thieves and then punish them? "

She made the point to her students that by giving students the chance to gain an education in their youth the people who support their schooling "buy in" to the philosophy of the Cinderella character in this clip. That the purpose of an education is to open up previously unknown opportunities and possibilities. And, that by investing in their future now they are hoping to avoid the "mak[ing] of thieves [just to] punish them."

I thought it was an interesting comparison to make.