Siblings Are Childhood Loves

Sibling: noun. each of two or more children or offspring having one or both parents in common; a brother or sister. Michael was a childhood love. He was bright blue eyes and an infectious laugh. He was a gentle hug and plenty of mischief. Michael was a childhood love. He was a game of lava

Relationships Over Rigor

This week, in teaching about theme, a reader reminded me of a theme in my own life: “It can be hard to live in a constant state of pressure, but YOU are the one creating that pressure. It is okay to let go of your idea of what this should look like. Just give it

SOS Magic: What Stifles You?

My steps are padded by the pine needles beneath my feet. I simply trust that Sam knows where he is taking me. He shares his story about the time he once spent in this place. I imagine how we are absorbing the scene much differently. My eyes climb the sight of ivy trailing up the

Talk About It Tuesday: Mental Health is Health

Saturday was World Mental Health Day. Today, I stamped our community meeting with the name “Talk About It Tuesday” and declared health as our topic of the morning. What my students don’t know is that my family history is filled with mental health conditions — depression, anxiety, PTSD, substance abuse, mood disorders. This is a

Exercising Writing Muscles

“Writers, you wrote two stories at home last week! Let’s begin to get our writing spaces ready by putting our eyes on those pieces.” Some writers immediately reached into their desks. Others had to scurry out to their lockers. Then, there were the two writers who had nothing at all. I scanned the room as

Unmasking the Joy of Learning

I am a teacher in my twenties — one who often feels I am too young to feel so tired or have such delicate skin around my eyes. My smile lines are one of my many insecurities, but this year I am finally embracing them. At least they will appear above my mask, I think.

My Summer in Lists

Today, I was reminded to be gentle with myself as a writer. My eyes discovered this invitation to create lists at just the right moment– a moment that followed days of anxiety around school reopening plans and an afternoon of writer’s block. The Sunday of Summer is still upon me. June and July brought simple

The (Virtual) 4Q Fam Farewell

Truth be told, I can be a stellar procrastinator. Each year, I have some large job that is still waiting to get checked off the list during the early preparation hours on the last day of school. Not this year. By yesterday afternoon, final sentiments were in order, remote learning reports were downloaded, final e-mails

#MeetSomeoneNewMonday Saves The Day!

Sometimes, students get stuck. Sometimes, we have an immediate solution. Yesterday was one of those times for me. Even in our online space, fourth grade is lingering in the beautiful mess that is Biography Project. It is truly a celebration of all that our students have learned as readers and writers. This week, our learners

Prepare for Quaranteaching

A 12 minute classroom sweep occurred on Friday morning. I technically had an hour window. My anxiety said no thank you. To feel prepared, I made a list for myself on Thursday afternoon. Friday morning has arrived. Coffee in my Yeti for the road. Off I go. I miss this ride. Each turn a source