10. Dear Teacher Helen

 #66Challenge

Dear Teacher Helen, 

Pour yourself into the Global Perspectives class because that is where you are actually allowed to teach.

Understand the other course is not meant to do anything but raise lexile. No one cares about the kids being truly literate or loving reading or knowing how to think. 

Abandon hope of any change as it is not coming, and no one cares about anything but covering their own ass.

They are seeking to demoralize you for some unknown reason. 

Don’t let them.

Proceed fearlessly in your love of the young people in front of you.

Love is always the answer. Put it to the test. 

Fill in the blanks. 

Save your energy. 

And love love love.

9. Beliefs and Necessities for the Intensive Reading Classroom

 #66Challenge

 

 

1. Readers must have choice in the books they read.

2. Readers must be given time to read.

3. Readers must believe in their ability to learn and be motivated by that.

4. Readers need to relieve stress--reading helps.

5. Readers need to build stamina.

6. Readers need consistent interaction with the structure of language.

7. Readers need fun activities to go along with learning --games, art, etc.

8. Readers need autonomy in completing lessons.

9. Readers need attention when they are unable to complete on their own.

10. Readers need to construct knowledge.

11. Readers need teachers who read.

12. Readers need to talk about reading.

13. Readers need teachers who can be present and at their best, without interference.

14. Readers need to reflect on their progress.

15. Readers need to feel authentically successful in their own right.

Symbols, Sayings, and Dreams (7 Lines/7 Days #75)

 #108Weeks

October 17-23, 2021

Be present. Notice. Celebrate.

There was a dead dragonfly outside my classroom door .

I dreamt of snow, and the interpretation means going through challenges successfully.

There was a rainbow in the clouds as I drove to work.

In the night I woke up laughing -- a spillover from laughing in my dream.

I am willing to be unfinished, unpolished, and in a state of change.

Today I keep hearing a hawk calling.

8. The Heart is a Gateway

 

 #66Challenge

I wrote this on Sunday, October 17 after reading an ancient poem by Sun Bu-er, which I read every day, but on this day I felt like I received messages as I read. By the end of the week, I would have a better understanding of why.

The bold print is Sun's poem. The italicized is mine.

 

 

Cut brambles long enough

I'm getting to the core of things

    looking for the new growth

    cutting away that which 

    does not nourish

Sprout after sprout

Each learner a reader in their own right

How do I assist this growth?

And the lotus will bloom

All good things take time and nurturing

Of its own accord:

Whose day is it for a breakthrough?

Could be me

Already waiting in the clearing

It is happening, it has happened

I must bear witness

The single image of light

Be present. Notice. Celebrate.

The day you see this

That will be the day you become it

Everything is becoming

if the environment is set

Get out of the way

Give room for growth

Be true to the reader you are

Be true to the cause of books

Have faith in your vision

Bring awareness

Bites of learning and

times of building stamina

Keep the light shining

on the power of language

 

Blessings & Miracles (7 Lines, 7 Days #74)

 #108Weeks

October 10-16, 2021

Every choice is a chance

Started the week physically worn out from an active weekend

The intensive reading classes are averaging 60% on the interim

By Wednesday I was feeling better—wore a bright dress and a smile

Books save lives!

Finally got my classroom library arranged so we can find what we’re looking for!

The new Santana album Blessings and Miracles is both. Love it!

When the Dam Breaks (7 Lines, 7 Days #73)

 #108Weeks

October 3-9, 2021

I’ve been in survival mode more than I realized

I keep reminding myself about self-care, but it never feels like enough  

The week started stressful with fire and lockdown drills in my most challenging class

By Tuesday lunch I had a complete meltdown—worst day in over 5 years

Had to work hard to overcome the trauma and forgive forgive forgive

Soon I was back to laughing, having fun, recognizing the good, and coming home with energy 

The support I had at work and home was phenomenal  I am blessed 

Good Orderly Direction (7 Lines/7 Days #72)

 #108Weeks

 

September 26-October 2, 2021

 

 Jim turned 79. It was a low-key birthday.

Having a hard time getting myself out for a walk.

Still struggling with classroom misbehavior. 

Keep adjusting seating and how I do the workshop lessons: a never ending puzzle.

I accept the guidance of God: Good Orderly Direction

Had two nights I did not sleep well for no discernible reason.

Exhausted. But still motivated.