The Game's Afoot

In addition to teaching 5 hours of classes, I also have a class of "actors" last period of the day for a class affectionately called "Speech and Drama". In effect, the school has given me carte blanche to take a bunch of unusual children and give them a safe place to be themselves.

Lately, this means playing board games. Well, sort of.

First, we took on Quelf. (If you've never played, you're missing out on HOURS of excitement!) This was the perfect thing for my goofy bunch!

Then, the piece de resistance: Life Size Clue! We designed the stage as the board, brought in props, and performed as the characters! Each pair represented a character from the classic game. So fun! And it was a great way for this crew to learn stagecraft and terms (stage left, anyone?)

Stay tuned for more episodes from this (clearly) unique class!

That Crazy English Teacher

I've been called that before.

Now I think I wear it a bit like a badge of honor.

Yep, I'm that crazy English teacher your children warned you about. I am always doing some kind of project with one or another of my classes.

My junior English III class got to experience this first hand. Or should I say hands on?

We had just finished reading one of my favorite short stories from their textbook: Outcasts of Poker Flat. And one of my favorite activities to do with this story is to experience life from the viewpoint of an outcast. This meant going outside (gasp) and walking around in the sunshine (gasp) while using our imaginations (gasp gasp).

They soon discovered this may be one of the most memorable activities of class this year. And I look forward to sharing even more of our adventures in the future.

Diving in to Teaching Life

This year, after 8 years away from full-time classroom teaching, I'm back in the classroom again.

At first, I was filled with trepidation. Could I really do this? After all, it had been so long! Did I even remember how to teach English? And would it be any good if I did?

I spent the summer writing lesson plans, studying texts, reading online, and even attending a week-long workshop. That workshop was the best thing for my morale (as well as my teaching). I learned so much, not the least being reminded that I CAN DO THIS!

I determined that I was going to "teach like I mean it"! This is my CALLING, not just my profession! So, we're going to do some creative projects throughout the year. I hope to document them here (just so I can look back and see that I've "done something" with my time this year).

The first day of school began with an activity I discovered this summer, called "6-Word Memoirs". Basically, you use six words -- and only six words -- to write something about your life, your personality, a description of your self and your outlook on life. Here's mine from this summer:

Every student got to write one on my whiteboard. Some were fantastic, some were funny, and all were evidence of this student body that I'll be spending every day with this school year. I'm so proud of them and their willingness to jump right in with my craziness.

Here's the board, followed by a few of my favs from the student works. I'm looking forward to a unique and crazy year!

Author Discovery

Sometimes it happens when you least expect it ... that discovery of an author. Maybe you've just picked up a book because of the cover. Maybe someone has recommended a title. Maybe it just arrived across your desk, and you were bored so you picked it up.

However it happens, you find yourself devouring the book. Then looking for another by the same author. Then scanning online for a list of all the books by that author. And reading as many of them as possible. You find yourself waiting anxiously for the author to write a new book so you can read it as soon as it hits the shelves.

This scenario has happened to me many times before, and yet I'm always amazed at the process.

Today, it's been about Sarah Dessen, author of many chick-lit teen titles. I have enjoyed all of her books, but haven't read any of them in awhile. Today, I picked up What Happened to Goodbye, and I can't put it down. I'd forgotten how much I loved her books. I now remember why teen girls love her novels so much!

Noisy Library?

Actually, my library is a lively place. If you walk in expecting to hear a pin drop, you'll be highly alarmed.

I think a bustling library is a sign of a useful library. Is it quiet in here? Not if it's being used!

The elementary library is a good example. Especially during last period. During last period, I teach a class of 4th graders for Library Skills. Also, during this same time, I have 2nd graders coming in and out doing AR tests and checking out books. Often, the herd of 1st graders come through to check out books during this last hour of the day, too. And on really busy days, I will sometimes have the 5th & 6th come in for books, and the Kindergarten if they were running late. No, it's not quiet. It's busy. That's how I like it!

Sometimes the high school library is WAY too quiet. That's because it's not being used. Today, I'm enjoying the noise. 8th graders have been in to type essays, and now I'm hosting a group of students who have discovered the high school iPads and the learning games. Nope, not quiet, but that's all right with me.

Although the clucking chickens on Chicktionary are a bit much.

Reading suggestion for today: with thoughts on the farm (inspired by the never-ending chickens mentioned above) try the Dairy Queen series by Catherine Gilbert Murdock.

To Excite...

This morning is an example of why I truly LOVE my job!

A very excited young lady just bounced into the library to say that the book she checked out yesterday is "amazing"! Then she proceeded to ask me questions about it, and she continued to rave about it. And THEN she says, "I'm only 3/4 of the way into it!"

Yep, that's what I needed to hear first thing this morning. :)

I absolutely LOVE getting to recommend books to students. And I love it even more when they come back LOVING the book.

Perhaps the best part of my job is getting to pass along my enthusiasm, my excitement, my LOVE of books! I really enjoy seeing students come in to ask for a book the SECOND time, knowing I can help them find something they'll enjoy.

Why do I LOVE my job? My work is never done! :)

Oh, by the way, the exciting book she was reading? Au revior, crazy European chick by Joe Schreiber!

Doing the Right Thing

I enjoy working with kids. I think it's fascinating to watch them grow up into young adults, to watch the workings of their minds as they mature.

The hardest thing to instill in our children, I think, is the power to do the right thing. Sometimes, it seems we encourage them to make their own decisions based on what we (the adult world) want them to do. I'm always proud (and a little amazed) when kids stand up and do what's right. Without being pushed. But just because it's the right thing to do.

It's hard to be brave, no matter what age you are, to stand up for what you believe. I'm proud of all my students who wake up in the morning and come to school. It's not always easy to face the world, and it definitely isn't always easy to do the right thing.

But your efforts are appreciated. Your good deeds are seen. I am proud.

A book about doing the right thing, even if it's the hard thing: Virtuosity by Jessica Martinez

Technology Leadership Differences

As a Library Media Specialist, I think somewhere along the line, I heard I was supposed to be a technology leader.

As a person who knows just enough about technology to be dangerous, that call to be a technology leader seems a bit daunting. And yet... Maybe my own struggle to learn and keep up with technology can mirror my students' struggles to learn something new. Although it seems that anything "tech" comes easy to today's young people, many struggle in school. As a leader in education, I should be able to guide kids toward tools that help (and to empathize with their struggles).

I currently serve two libraries, one at elementary and one at jr/sr high school. Here is where the strangest dichotomy exists. Our elementary school is led by a strong administrator who acknowledges the need for technology in education, and who encourages all of us to expand our boundaries and think outside the box. Her attitude is one of excelling as champions in all areas. Our principal's enthusiasm is contagious, and as we learn new things, we pass them on to our students. The atmosphere at the elementary school is one of optimism as we eagerly embrace the future today.

The atmosphere in the junior/senior high school is a bit different. The teachers are not pushed to try new things, but they can if they are willing to do so on their own. New technology is not on the "high priority" list.

Where do I fit in here? I think I sort of fall in the middle somewhere. I try to keep up with new things (being married to the computer tech guy at the elementary helps), but I admit that it is sometimes difficult to try new things.

Here's the point: no matter where you work, no matter your own ability or comfort level, step out of the box once in awhile. Anyone can be a technology leader. It may take a bit of effort, but aren't our kids worth it?

How about a fun read for elementary kids? Dan Gutman's Virtually Perfect is a great choice!

Flightless Birds

Sometimes, I read a book and think, Well, that was pretty good. But sometimes, I read a book, then get to the end and reread it. Then, I attach sticky notes in the really good parts. And then, I simply have to tell everyone about it!

Girls Don't Fly by Kristen Chandler is such a book.

From the minute I opened the book, I was caught up in the story. Chandler takes her main character, Myra, through many twists and turns. Through it all, Myra remains a believable character, one that you just want to root for!

A fascinating aspect of the novel is Chandler's use of extended metaphor. Throughout the book, the author connects characters and action in the story to birds. Never mind that one plot focus is on Myra's study of birds. Myra's whole teenage struggle is connected to birds, bird facts, flight imagery, etc. Chandler uses neat bird-related terms at the top of each new chapter, which introduces new ideas about Myra's personal struggle as well as topic of Myra's research.

Myra is studying flightless birds of Galapogos. And often, she views herself as a flightless bird. This image crops up all through the novel. For example, Myra wonders if she will be stuck forever in her "pathetic, flightless life" (p 82), and questions whether she is "flightless, forever grounded, marooned in Landon" (p 73). Even one of her part-time jobs is as a flightless bird advertising fast food on a corner! That particular incident is heavily laden with foreshadowing!

Another neat trick Chandler uses to move the plot is Myra's storytelling. Every night, Myra makes up bedtime stories for her little brothers. The cool part of the stories is that they are really Myra working through her personal issues. (Maybe she doesn't even recognize this, herself.) Readers will understand that the "scullery maid" in Myra's tale is really herself. And Myra's sense of self, and value of herself, gradually improves in each bedtime story. My favorite moment is when Myra uses BIRDS in the bedtime story! (p 193)

I ended up with 6 sticky notes in this book. I could have put even more, but near the end, I just got caught up in the story!

I highly recommend this book! In fact, I think it would make a great book circle selection. Or maybe a novel to study in class. Any teen struggling to find herself should pick up this book. (Or anyone, frankly.) The ending of Chandler's book is powerful, poignant, and purposeful. (And unexpected.) You simply must read to the very last line! Chandler takes the bird metaphor to the last word (p 300).

I Recommend...

One of the most difficult tasks I must do as an educator is write recommendation letters for students.

Since my first year as a teacher, I've had students come to me to request recommendations for a number of things. I've written more college application recommendations than I can count. And it doesn't get any easier.

It's a weighty problem. I want to write a glowing letter of recommendation so the student will be granted the money, accepted into the program, or given the internship. However, I also want to be honest about the students. It's a heavy burden: to say exactly the write thing that makes the person's character shine yet doesn't leave holes in the person's total picture.

I worry about how much or how little to say. If I say too much, the people reading the letter will probably just throw it down in disgust. If I say too little, the applicant may not look as good as s/he truly is!

At one point, I made a form letter. That way, I could quickly and easily just change a few words here and there, and the letter was finished. Now, that just isn't going to cut it! (How would I feel if the person writing a letter for me did that?!) So I agonize over every word I put on the page, weighing my vocabulary options and limiting the verbose verbage spilling onto the paper. (Just because a page is blank, that doesn't mean I have to fill it up!)

I am proud to recommend these students. And I hope they would be proud of what I say about them.

Oh, and two similar books I'm proud to recommend: The View From Saturday by EL Konigsburg and The Fingertips of Duncan Dorfman by Meg Wolitzer. Both are similar in theme and writing style, portraying middle school students and their struggles to fit in. Fabulous books!