Thankful Thursday

I am thankful for the people who love my daughter. This includes family and friends, but goes beyond that to teachers, church family, and those that are willing to add her to what they are doing when we have other things we have to (or want to) be doing.

Today there was a 6 year old birthday party that started before my students have even left school. A mom of one of her classmates, who has become a friend of mine, offered to take her. Seems simple enough, right? Add the element of it being her son’s birthday and that if she takes my daughter she has to come to school to pick them up when her son usually takes the bus and it is huge. I am thankful for her.

Skiing in Lebanon is a big thing. Last year the slopes were only open for two days, and I was working both of them. No skiing for us. This year the slopes are open and we have been trying to figure out how to get up there. Yes, my daughter will learn to ski at one point, but not on a one time visit in Lebanon. So, we thought we would use my husband’s birthday as an excuse to splurge. So what to do with the little one? A friend is taking her for the day. Such a blessing!

I could tell story after story of blessings in my life. Today I am especially thankful for those that love my daughter and are willing to add her to their lives.

Wordless Wednesday–Not Duct Tape

 

Fidgeting (Mis)Diagnosed

 

As independent reading time began I noticed a student was having a hard time settling into his book. My first reaction was to think of strategies to make sure he was 'hooked' and understanding his book and then it hit me. This student joined us in December. He hasn't built his reading stamina yet.

I was quickly reminded that nearly the entire class looked like he did now, back in September. So, instead of jumping in I let him squirm a while. I watched as he kept glancing as if he was trying to figure out why these kids, the one whose behavior can be challenging at other times during the day, were doing nothing but reading - page after page.

After a couple of conferences with other students I planted myself next to him. He read some to me and we discussed the book he was reading and what he thinks is going to happen next and why. As I was leaving I let him know that it was OK that our reading time seemed like forever. At the start of the year the other kids would have agreed.

"You'll get used to it." I encouraged him as I went to jot down my notes.

And he will.

I LOVE growing readers.

Wordless Wednesday

 

Juggler

I can only juggle tissues or scarves, as far as most people define juggling. That said, I feel like a juggler everyday. Mom, teacher, wife, and Kristi - how to be all of these things, let alone any of them well. Can you relate?

With Christmas Break behind us (including the extra five days, due to the storm that passed through) I finally feel back in the 'regular' routine of life. Last week I just kind of got by. I didn't even meal plan. (You can imagine how well that went.) I did manage to have engaging lessons for my students that even met standards. Why do we put work before home? Ugh.

We have a guest arriving in town tomorrow. She is a friend from a previous school who is coming for a meeting. We are thrilled she is staying with us instead of in a hotel, but the literal 'house keeping' tasks that haven't happened yet after our return are now on the top of the priority list tonight.

Multi Taskingby NaBHaN

Balance, isn't that what it is all about? For actual juggler it may be the same, but I think in life there needs to be the option of giving more weight to certain areas. I am sure that wouldn't keep 'all the balls in the air' for a true juggler.

I guess I am thankful I 'only' juggle life.

What Are You Reading?

“It’s Monday! What are you Reading?” is hosted by Sheila at Book Journey. It is a chance for book lovers to share their reading accomplishments as well as what is on the proverbial nightstand. She even does a giveaway. Subsequently Jen and Kellee atTeach Mentor Texts added an opportunity for those reading kidlit to join the fun. Since I read both I will post to both. Check them out, join the conversations, and discover more great books.

Books marked with an '*' I would put in my classroom library.
Books marked with a ^'#' would be in an middle or high school library.

*  In A Glass Grimmly by Adam Gidwitz

#  The Storied Life of AJ Fikry

 On the Edge of the Dark Sea of Darkness by Andrew Peterson

 The Light Between Oceans by ML Steadman

 Betsy-Tacy by Maud Hart Lovelace

#  Winger by Andrew Smith

 Warp Speed by Lisa Yee

*  Ask My Mood Ring How I Feel by Diana Lopez

*  My Basmati Bat Mitzvah by Paula J Freedman

*  Vanished by Sheela Chari

#  Beta by Rachel Cohn

#  Cinder by Marissa Meyer