Tag Archives: teachers live at school

>Anecdotal Evidence that School has Started

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>There is more laundry than usual.

During breaks, especially summer, I spread out the laundry loads and don’t have to depend on weekends to do it all. Not any more!
There are books all over.
Yes, that’s a normal state of affairs in this house. However, the table next to my rocker now holds Lucy Calkins’ A Guide to the Reading Workshop and two books I’m previewing for my classroom library. There’s a pleasure book sitting on my bedside table; that’s a must.

I’m exhausted. The beginning of a new school year always brings extra tasks, extra stress. This usually subsides with time and then picks up again around parent-teacher conferences and progress report seasons. This year, with the additional challenges in reading instruction, I’m working every spare minute to plan effective lessons and find appropriate materials and books.
I’m running out of coffee. Yikes! I’m making my own and bringing a thermos to school, determined to be both frugal and green by avoiding the drive-through expresso place. But I need to pick some up soon, or this refreshing beverage will be out of stock at home.

Oh, by the way, if you were wondering what the family is eating for our NFL Regular Season challenge of “Eating the Opponents” – we chose Chicago style deep dish pizza. This is Monday night game, and Da Bears are 2-0 just like the Packers, so we might repeat this fine entree on Monday night. I think it’ll be worth the sacrifice to eat the same meal twice. Really.

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>Healthy Choice steamed meals

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I’m all about fresh foods whenever possible, cooking them from scratch whenever we have time. When Mom Central offered a blog tour sponsored by Healthy Choice, it took a little thought before I signed up. I’m glad I did. In their new steamed meals, Healthy Choice worked hard to minimize the ingredient list and keep those ingredients identifiable to ordinary people like you and me. They created packaging to steam cook each meal, maintaining the quality of the frozen-fresh vegetables. No mushy cafeteria beans!

Many of my teaching colleagues stock up on microwave meals for their school lunches. They’ll pick out five at the store on Sunday, drop them in the lounge freezer on Monday, and continue on with their teaching week with no worries about lunches. These are really handy, and not just for teachers, I’m sure.

Healthy Choice sent me two of their new Steamed meals to try: Rosemary Chicken and Sweet Potatoes & Garlic Shrimp. Here’s a snatch from the back of the Rosemary Chicken box:

“Steaming is one of the freshest ways to prepare food… it locks in fresh taste and unlocks the vibrant flavors and colors of quality ingredients.” Agreed. The vegetables looked delicious and colorful; the “Eat the Rainbow” crowd would have approved. Cooked in the microwave under their special steam film, the meat and vegetables were cooked well, but not overdone. I followed the directions precisely (are you proud of me?) and even checked the temperature with a meat thermometer to make sure my slightly weaker microwave had cooked the meat through. The meal wasn’t burn-your-tongue hot, though. That’s a serious consideration when you have a lunch period like mine, with limited time to “cook” and eat before meetings and prep times begin.

The back of the package also has nutrition information in a form that requires little thought. That’s okay, folks; if you’re calculating calories, exchanges, or Weight Watchers points, it’s all there for you.
My impression? Overwhelmingly positive. Microwave meals usually leave me unsatisfied, wanting to make a PBJ on the side. This one was delicious and satisfying. I could eat it for a school lunch and not worry about my stomach growling before the dismissal bell.

I usually cook Rosemary Chicken by reaching outside the door for my herbs. But in the middle of winter when I’m hunting for good and easy lunch options, I’ll look to Healthy Choice and steam it up for lunch. Before that happens, though, I’m going to try the shrimp option. It looks simply delicious, too.

I wrote this review while participating in a blog campaign by Mom Central on behalf of Healthy Choice and received samples of their new steaming entrées to facilitate my candid review. Mom Central also sent me a gift card to thank me for taking the time to participate. Healthy Choice has a Facebook page if you’re interested in more information.

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>These boys need books. Lots of books.

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>I love teaching reading. Reading is the heart of learning. A child who can read has access to so many worlds, so much fascinating information, so many opportunities, so much fun.

Every year my students span a wide range of reading levels. This year the range is wider than ever, and there are more struggling readers than ever, too. Seven children, all boys, who read at a first grade level.
Fourth graders. Nine- and ten-year-olds who read like the little kids — when they read at all.
I can teach them, work with them every day. Sight words. Phonics. Structure. Basic punctuation and what it means. But in the meantime, they need to read on their own. And therein lies my challenge. I need to help them read, read a lot, and read often. To do that, I need to provide these boys books they can read and books they want to read. Something easy, outrageously easy, and yet something exciting and fun.
I have the structure planned: each of these kiddos will have his own box of books at all times. The box will contain books they can read, books at their level, books that they’ll read when it’s time for them to read on their own. A literacy coach once told me that after students independently read 25 books at their level, they move themselves to the next level. These boys need to read. I know, I’ve already said that. 25 books will sound impossible to them, so I won’t say it out loud. But I will provide books, and they will read, and read, and read.
The only barrier is money. Oh, yeah, money. School budgets are already pared to the bone. To buy more books, first grade reading level but high-interest enough for a fourth grader, will take money. Stimulus funds? Spent well, but spent. Title I Reading funds? Put to good use, believe me. I’ll be at a Title sponsored training tonight.
Grants? Help me out. There’s a local grant group, but they don’t buy books. Bless their heart, they think there are enough books on the shelves, and no one needs more. Shudder. Are there really people who think this way?
Now what? Readers, can you send me to a source for grant money for these kids? A source that will send the money, and soon, so I can buy books and get these guys reading now? Leave it in the comments or email me. Okaybyme at gmail dot com. Please. Let’s give these boys a future. A reading future.

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>Computer Crash – literally

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>It was the second day of school. The bell rang, the kids started to come in.

And then all hell broke loose.
Remember The Cat in the Hat? “Then something went bump. How that bump made us jump!”
This “bump” was more of a crash. I jumped. The first kid in the room jumped. The teachers across the hall jumped and ran in. My desk had collapsed. One leg fell off, tipping the entire desk, and everything, I do mean EVERYTHING slid to the floor.
Everything: including the computer.

Everything: including my coffee.

A friend brought me a 16 oz. Pike’s Place blend, my favorite, later in the morning. Helpdesk red flagged my request for repair, and the tech was out within a week. Don’t tell the library media specialist; her printer didn’t get fixed yet. I had first priority. I guess it pays to be nice to the I.T. people.
The desk is fixed now, and I requisitioned a computer table to lighten the load. Call me paranoid, and you’ll be right, but I’m not, repeat, NOT going through another crash like that. Nope.

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>Weekend Pajama Mama

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>It could be a reality show. Really. It’s the actuality on many weekends in my house.

Accomplishments, worthy of air time;

  • Read the entire Sunday newspaper, including sorting the ads and reading the few that mattered.
  • Spent some quality time with a heating pad on my stiff and sore back.
  • Scaled the peak of Mount Washmore and began the descent. That is, finished the majority of the washing and drying and began folding and stashing the clean clothes.
  • Reclaimed the kitchen table. No easy task, this one: it was covered with canning supplies from making salsa last night, a crate of leftover tomatoes, papers from my school and Amigo’s school, bases for two crockpots (the crocks were in the dishwasher and sink), professional membership applications awaiting my checkbook, cloth bags from yesterday’s farmers’ market, and more.
  • Filled and ran the dishwasher.
  • Took out and emptied full compost container.
  • Made breakfast, started coffee, dealt with the daily meds (including claritin and tylenol for the seasonal sinus headache).
  • Charged my cell phone.
  • Labeled and stored salsa made last night.
  • Handled two tedious but important school tasks (cut out felt pieces for white-board erasers, placed computer username/ password stickers on colored index cards) while watching The Muppets Take Manhattan. “Because you share a love so big, I now pronounce you frog and pig.” Priceless.
  • Reclaimed recliner in bedroom, relieving it of its temporary status as repository for clean jeans and t-shirts.
“Okay, Daisy,” says the show’s producer, “So what? A lot of working moms multi-task on weekend mornings. What’s so big about this list?”
“Well, darling,” replies Daisy, “Did you see what’s missing? All of this was accomplished in my pajamas.”
I can’t wait to see what happens on the Labor Day episode.

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>Distracted on Market Day

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It was an easy day at the Farmers’ Market. We didn’t buy much this time because we still had a lot in the kitchen and we were going to be busy for several days. The greenish pint containers were full; the berries were already in colanders in the sink when I took the picture. Do you notice something else, though – something that doesn’t usually come home from the Farmers’ Market?

No, I didn’t mean the apple pie. That’s a special treat, but I meant the plastic bags.
Yes. The bags. I was so distracted with the start of school that I forgot the bags. Here they are, right where I left them, waiting patiently to do their job.

Where has my head been lately? Never mind. I know.

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>She needs to read.

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>Every year about this time my blog changes tone slightly. I’m still eco-conscious, I’m still harvesting from the garden and cooking (and this year, canning) the produce. But as August ends and September approaches, Teacher Me moves to the forefront of my mind and my blog.

I’m reading a new resource for teaching reading: Lucy Calkins’ Units of Study in Teaching Reading. The first in the series is A Guide to the Reading Workshop. I’m reading along, and I keep stopping to contemplate. I think, “I should print out this quote to hang by my desk.” Then I read a little more and think, “This might work for (insert child’s name here). And then I begin thinking about specific children, former students, kids I’ve known, and how reading fit into their lives.
One young woman (she’d seen too much in her short life to really be a young girl) was part of a rather transient family. “Korrie” had moved four times; I was her fourth classroom teacher in one school year. I noticed she’s coming back to our school and rejoiced. She’s a difficult student, one with many problem behaviors, and what she needs most is stability. She’s coming back! The same building, same counselors, same rules and expectations, same core group of kids in her grade.
Korrie liked to read. Admit it, she wouldn’t, but once in a while it showed. She had a winning ticket in a prize drawing and she picked a book: a Junie B. Jones book. Easy to read, good quality writing. One day in a guided reading lesson, she admitted she’d read ahead – against advice. Then she looked down at her lap and muttered, “It’s a really good book.” I couldn’t be mad. I couldn’t help smiling, in fact. She tried to stop, but I caught her smiling back.
When I realized this, I made it a goal to get books into her hands. When she lost two library books and didn’t pay the fines, it broke my heart. Of all students, this one really needed the library. I called her dad. He sincerely cared about his daughter and wanted her to succeed in school. He paid for the lost books and promised to look for them. I promised he’d get a refund when (not if) the books turned up, even if it was a year later.
Looking at my class’ reading data showed another item: despite her stubborn attitude and frequent absences, Korrie had made a year’s progress in reading. She was still slightly below grade level, but she was learning. She was progressing.
Despite her chaotic life – an absent mother, frequent moves, very little money, difficulty making friends – this tense and angry ten-year-old could and did read.
I’m making a note to myself: talk to her fifth grade teacher. Let him know that reading is key with Korrie. Maybe, just maybe, we can help her be a child again – through reading.

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>Back to school, thrift style

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>Back to School sales: blessing or curse? Both, really. Reading the ads carefully and taking inventory of supplies already on hand can save a bundle. Buying on impulse when in the store “Ooh, look at that cute notebook with the Glee cast on it for only $1.79!” can add up and overcome the best of budget planning.

We’ve learned to spend a little more on quality and a good warranty when buying big items such as backpacks. The backpacks in our home are all name-brand and all more than two years old. If you know how hard we are on backpacks, that’s a strong statement. I use a Lands’ End backpack on wheels in place of a messenger bag or briefcase. Amigo uses a Jansport model that’s big enough and strong enough to handle his Braille books.
Second-hand shops and thrift stores are a great source for school clothes, whether student or teacher. Amigo often wears second hand jeans and shorts; they’re worn-in, comfortable, and easy to button and zip. I choose wisely, looking for jeans without rips or tears or holes so they’ll last a while. I’ve bought brand-name jackets at thrift stores, raising the quality of my wardrobe and saving me money. The last time I bought khaki pants for him, I got one pair free thanks to a coupon in the local paper. One Old Navy, one Cherokee brand (Target), both in good shape and a good fit for him.
Books, books, books! An elementary teacher can never have too many books. Even buying thrift, I have a bad habit of piling my cart too full of books. I’ve learned to look for the right color tag (many thrift stores have a color code that is on sale on any given day) and look for specific titles, authors, series, and genres. I won’t buy junkie books, even at sale prices.
Today I’m working at home; finishing laundry, updating my class schedule in Excel so I can post it and provide it to parents, cutting out laminating for my room, and more laundry. Tomorrow: Open House. Where did summer go? Pass the coffee!
Don’t forget; I post at Green Spot-On on Mondays. Go on over to see the latest in Volunteer Oregano. Yes, Oregano.

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>Four Burners Theory: Back to School Again

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In the midst of Back to School preparations, it seems appropriate to discuss the juggling act we call work-family balance. Sometimes we’re juggling tennis balls, all the same size, all the same weight, all responding the same way. Then someone tosses us a watermelon, and the whole juggling act changes.
Another way to look at this is the Four Burners metaphor. Imagine a stove with four burners, each representing a task. Can you tend all four without burning a dish or forgetting to add an ingredient, therefore ruining the meal? Chris Guillebeau talked about this on his blog recently, and readers chimed in with comments and ideas of their own.
Is the four burners theory accurate? Realistic? If all four are equal, maybe it is. But life’s tasks are rarely equal. The first day of school requires a bigger burner. Packing a child’s possessions in the van for the big move to a dorm is a burner that simmers for a while, then comes to a quick boil. In my life, sending my kids back to school coincides with preparing to teach another new group of elementary students. Preparing my classroom, planning the first several days, I’ll add ingredients that will marinate until the young ones arrive with their new notebooks and pencils in hand, hoping that their new teacher will like them.
On top of my school year starting, Chuck’s workload changes in September, too. Working for a television station in an NFL market will do that.
We’ve learned to survive these chaotic first weeks of school by balancing and “cooking” ahead. Ever night I set the coffeepot, turn on its timer, set the table for breakfast, pack my lunch, and set out my (admittedly simple) clothes for morning. By planning ahead, slicing and dicing the ingredients for the next day, we can cut out one burner. Our family spends much of the summer catching up on routine appointments, too. Dealing with routine dental care and physicals and eye exams in June, July, and August means one less pot to stir come fall.
Filling the freezer and putting up foodstuffs is another step in maintaining the cooking – this time in a more literal sense. Each bag of healthy local vegetables in the freezer is one less that we have to buy. A shorter grocery list means less time at the store, less money out the door, and less pressure on us to produce the produce. Um, yeah. You knew what I meant, right?
Thinking of all this August and September busy-ness makes me feel stressed already. I think I’ll go water the garden; that’s a task that provides relaxation, not stress. Turn off the burners; I’m hooking up the hose to the rain barrel. And that, my friends, is balance.

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