Friendship In The Room

Kids are just like adults in the manner of finding security in friendships. You can see it in their smiles.

It doesn't matter if it is an art activity or math. The community of learners mold together.

Maybe it is reading or writing. I'd rather share with someone.

We learn from each other. Talk. Discuss. Sharing.

I have to think that memories are made from the friends that we share experiences with. 

September!!!! Currently

I am so glad to welcome September! August has been a bummer (my mom passed away on August 2 and my husband has been sick most of the month). I am linking up with Farley.

I am listening to the air conditioner run (thankful it is working though!). Our weather is still HOT for Tennessee. Today it was 90.  But that leads me to loving the summer weather! Can't believe it is September!  I seem to be thinking of what I need to accomplish on my TO-
DO list. My mind jumps from one thought to another--mostly as soon as I wake in the MIDDLE of the night. YIKES.  I think that I'll take care of the pedicure tomorrow.  And my goals: Positive thinking Organization Creativity It is a need to think positively when trying to say goodbye to my mom. She was 92 and lived by herself until she went in the hospital and died four days later. What a blessing to be independent for her. I am in the process of organizing her estate. When we settle the estate the house will be put on the market. I am ready to make a few changes to my home. I am thinking I will become very close to a bucket of paint, a paintbrush, and a roller! With the dark days of winter coming I want to lighten up the wall colors. We will see! I hope you join in the linky party with us. Remember to comment on the two above your post!

Currently--July!!!

How can this be? Summer is here! 

I am linking up with the Oh, Boy, 4th Grade.

I am listening to Hoda and Kathie Lee. They just played one of my favorite songs--When I See You Again! We've Come a Long Way--that certainly pertains to my family in the last few years. I recently retired, my husband and son have gone into a business which has changed our lifestyle. Lots of changes. (Maybe I should also listen to Changes!) Needless to say there isn't much need to talk about the season of Summer. It is the freedom of being outdoors, enjoying the wonders of nature, walks in the summer breezes, grilling out, eating outdoors, etc. It is an amazing time of the year here in Tennessee. Since I have retired it seems my mind is always focusing on what I can do around the house. Those blogs I read and drool over other's homes and projects are getting me in trouble!  I just returned from Vegas two weeks ago! Three weeks too early to be able to visit with so many teachers at the convention. We stayed at the Palazzo--the same area that many of my blog buddies will stroll through! If I wasn't retired it would make more sense! I really do need a pedicure! My latest home project left me with teeny tiny polka dots on one of my toes. Now if they had splashed on as stars or stripes it might be right in with July 4. It's a rainy, rainy, stay in the house kind of day so maybe a pedi is on today's agenda. And last--it's hard to share what I consider a STAR. That is a bit against my thoughts of bragging on myself. But I do feel that I have compassion for those who are going through troubles. My compassion leads to sadness. A family just said goodbye to their ten month old baby. Yes, compassion. Yes, sadness, Which leads to prayers.  And to those who are going to Vegas--enjoy your time together. And to those who are feeling sadness or difficulties--know that others do feel compassion and remember you in our prayers!

February???? Currently

January flew by! How could it be February already?

I am listening to Fixer Upper on HGTV. I love the designs but mostly I like the relationship between Chip and Joanna and their kids!

Relaxing in my PJ's doesn't need any explanation. Just do it.

The master bedroom--oh my. You know how you find what you think you need and then when you put it together--it isn't at all even a little bit OK? I searched for some curtains similar to ones I have in the living room and finally found some at TJMaxx. Which led to needing a new bed set. I went with a solid gray and it is absolutely boring!

I want more Parenthood. The Bravermans. The Thursday night 10 p.m. fix. I can't believe it is actually over. Sadsville!

I REALLY need to get motivated to walk daily. Maybe this week.  :)

A Worrier--yes that is me! It isn't that I am searching for somethings to worry about--they are just hitting me in the face. My mother and my mother-in-law are both needing some help. Oh, aging is tough!

But I am happy that February is here! I am thinking in shades of red instead of winter white!

Now you can link up with Farley also to share your thoughts this February morning.

Regrets...

Another school year has come and gone. Reflecting upon how I feel as my production as a teacher does not leave me feeling satisfied. As I sit on the screened in porch and watch momma bird feeding her babies and "fussing" at me for even being here makes me think of me--the momma bird trying to "feed" curriculum standards to my babies. The constant fussing reminds me of how I am talking to myself right now.

 Empty feelings abound that I didn't achieve all I had anticipated. Yes, I worked hard on making the learning environment perfect. I worked leveling books and organizing the classroom library. But it was the actual workday that I never could get a hold on. It looked fine on paper. The schedule was a good one in regards to specials and Title pull out times. Specials were all at the same time every day so that was a positive. But no matter what I tried to plan ...writing workshop never seemed to get it's due time. I planned for it every week only to see that I could have had the same plan week after week. Next year that will have to be a priority!

Character building: whew!!!! These kids were needy. They needed to talk, share their daily lives. I sometimes felt that no one listened to them ever outside of the school setting. It wasn't that they were bad to each other. It was that they demanded their special one on one time with me and it didn't matter that some other child was talking to me or needing me. Next year...I will definitely begin the year with an emphasis on not interrupting, waiting turns, etc.

And finally (guess three should be a limit today), reader's workshop can use a vast change. Title pull out was in the first hour of school. I could definitely use that time for small group instruction with the non-title kids (and I did!). But when the title kids returned to the classroom, I felt as if we were already a hour behind. Treasures encompasses so many strategies each week. Grammar, phonics, word work, comprehension, vocabulary, etc. I so want to teach using reading workshop and not be so glued to a basal text. Next year we are supposed to be able to test using a different avenue than the Treasures testing. So, maybe.....
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