The students were completing on a series of their own yearbook pages, a school scrapbook of sorts. There were pages detailing their likes and dislikes, goals and fears, handwriting samples and illustrations. And sprinkled throughout the pages were thought provoking questions like this one: What … [Read more...] about Growing Gratitude and Generosity
Altering Appearances
Norman Rockwell's "Girl at Mirror" To be perfectly honest I thought childlike innocence would be lost before fourth grade. With all the pressures to look a certain way—to have the right clothes, shoes and brands—how does a child go through five years of school without succumbing? But … [Read more...] about Altering Appearances
Teacher or Student?
Substitute teaching in fourth grade is proving to be an emotional experience. One day I can hardly keep from laughing (see previous post). The next day I could almost cry…but not for the reasons you might think. According to the lesson plan we read Chrysanthemum. It’s the story of a mouse named … [Read more...] about Teacher or Student?
Solar System Song
There’s something about little boys that just makes me smile, no matter how ornery they are. Maybe it’s because I have three of my own. Whatever the reason, I find myself smiling again after a week’s worth of fourth grade science. In learning about the solar system there is just so much … [Read more...] about Solar System Song
Blue Flowers Redeemed
My blonde pigtails wiggled in sync with my rhythmic coloring. I was hunched over my Kindergarten artwork—an imperfectly arced rainbow which sheltered six flowers, each corresponding to a color of the rainbow. Intent upon the finer points of drawing petals, stems and leaves, I shaded each … [Read more...] about Blue Flowers Redeemed
Summer Cooking Short-cut
Spoons not required. You certainly know there are plenty of things I love about summer (see last post)! But last week, as I contemplated standing over the stove, hot steam billowing in my sweaty face, I grumbled, “It’s too hot to cook.” I know some of you love summer cooking. Your basting … [Read more...] about Summer Cooking Short-cut