Mrs. Pickle's Place

The leaves are leaving now

2011-11-08T14:37:00.001-06:00

Well, it's officially November, time for WKCE testing and challenges in interventions. I recently took a class on disciplinary literacy that based learning on Doug Buehl's new book, Developing Readers in the Academic Disciplines. If you are anyone introducing a textbook to students for any reason, please read this book. It goes into specifics as to what strategies each discipline uses most in texts. It is not an easy read, but it is worth the challenge and thinking that it takes to read it through.

So, perhaps this is where I'm meant to grow this year. I have never been "the expert" in academic literacy. I've gravitated towards emergent literacy. It would be great to be able to share something with content teachers beyond a graphic organizer that they have seen before. Time will tell where this shall lead...

Falling into Fall

2011-10-06T17:14:00.000-05:00

So school has started again, and thus my position has changed. I am still the reading coordinator for our district, but now, besides having my first grade one-on-one readers, I also have intervention blocks at the middle school with sixth, seventh and eighth graders. I remember again why I both love and cringe at the middle school level. Luckily the love is stronger. I also have the opportunity to work with our high school English teachers to update their curricula with the common core standards and weave reading strategies along with it. It is challenging. I'm much stronger in emergent literacy than content, but perhaps this is the plan for me to grow this year. Perhaps NOT getting that job is in the big plan for my learning path.

Along the lines of reading, I have been enjoying The Help, The Eleventh Plague, and finally started Pride and Prejudice. An interesting combination to be sure, but it all goes well the the professional journals that keep piling up on me. So much to learn, so little time...

Waiting and waiting

2011-05-18T21:01:00.002-05:00

I can't believe it is mid-May. I'm busy working on the data collection that I'm bound to do at school, volleyball summer seasons have started (yeah, we just had frost warnings on Monday) and hubby's softball is in full swing. Things are changing again at school and I really have no choice but to sit patiently and watch it unfold. (insert deep sigh here)

All I've been reading lately is reports and books that I've already read that don't require much thought. I started Laurell K. Hamilton's series again- Anita Blake is a tough chick! I have a stack of professional journals that I should read, but haven't the heart to tackle. Spring is in the air, we have 16 days of school left, and I'm waiting to hear if my section of Emergent Literacy is going to have enough students for me to hold class in June. Again, patiently waiting...

I guess you can say I've been reading a lot, if you count Facebook. Mostly, though, that's just an escape. Oh, and it lets me know that our 20th class reunion is this summer. Another thing to wait for!

A New Year, a New Start

2011-01-04T19:48:00.002-06:00

So here we are, almost midway into the school year. Things are hopping and I'm having a difficult time balancing what I know is right with how to get others to see the same. It all boils down to students learning great things. Why this isn't obvious to some is beyond me.

So enough with the difficulties. On to the positives!

I've been reading Stieg Larsson's trilogy, The Girl With the Dragon Tatoo, The Girl Who Played with Fire, and The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet's Nest. The first took quite a while to get into (about half of the book!) but the end was so worth it. It propelled me into the second book, which was an exciting and quick read. The third is a bit slower, but I think I'm hooked and convinced that it will end well.

Professionally I'm reading What Really Matters in Response to Intervention by Richard Allington. I'm convinced his model is what really is good for kids that struggle. It's not about ability grouping, but rather knowing students' abilities and working forward from that point. I hope every administrator in every school reads this book. I know I'll be pushing for mine to read it ASAP!

I have been having to take a break on YA books for a while, but I loved the sparkle in my father's eyes when he finally took my advice and started The Hunger Games trilogy. He read the first one in less than 2 days, and was calling me to beg for the second one that night. He had to tell me to hold on to it for a few days so he could get his barn cleaned. He was afraid he was going to get sucked in and get nothing done. Ha! My Mockingjay book was loaned out, so guess what he got for Christmas?? Yep! Now he can read it any time he feels like it.

And the school year is up and running...

2010-10-18T16:43:00.002-05:00

and running, and running, and running! Wow. I can't believe we are 6 weeks in already.

Obviously I've read a lot of books since my last post. Most of them were even fun reads. I re-read the whole Anita Blake, Vampire Hunter series by Laurell K. Hamilton. It's always entertaining, but NOT for children!! I also read a few free uploads on my Sony Reader. That is one of the best little gadgets I've ever gotten.

Professionally, I tackled No More "I'm Done." It reaffirmed what I already knew about writing- we should teach to love it, not to finish each and every piece. I am afraid that our new curriculum director isn't on the same page with that one, but we'll see how our timed prompts go...

Our kindergarten teachers and I also did a book study on Anne McGill-Franzen's Kindergarten Literacy book. We re-vamped our assessments, found our exactly what our students know, and are working hard to give them what they need where they need it. Now we just need to do it all again in the winter and spring to see what our little sponges picked up. :)

I also grabbed a few good titles from my YA shelf. If you haven't already read Freak the Mighty, I'd recommend it for sure. Anyone who has ever been teased or bullied can relate to this book. The main character and his new best bud are a very unlikely pair, but together they fit perfectly in the world they create. And of course I HAD to find and finish the Hunger Games trilogy. I couldn't put them down. Awesome!

So, school is pulling me back into the professional reading realm. Next I will dive into Charlotte Danielson's Enhancing Student Achievement. I am always looking for a fresh perspective. I am also hoping to get my early readers' times set for interventions. Then I'll feel like a complete teacher again!

Happy Summer!

2010-07-07T11:04:00.002-05:00

Wow, has spring gone by fast, and summer is almost at it's midpoint. I can't even think where to begin!

I've been doing a lot of re-reading lately. Of course I had to read Eclipse again, but I also picked up a copy of the new novela, The Short Second Life of Bree Tanner. Bree is a newborn vampire in Eclipse whose character is around for about 5 pages, but the novela focuses on what brings her to the clearing where she surrenders but is later killed by the Voltori. This book gives an interesting glimpse into what newborn vampires are "supposed" to be in the Twilight world. Overall it was a good, quick read!

Another series I've started to re-read is the Anita Blake series by Laurell K. Hamilton. This series is definitely for adults!!! I think the vampire link is what gets me again.

Professionally I've had to read a lot of articles, but I'm also still working through some books on professional learning communities, collaboration and cooperation, and of course teaching reading.

Overall, I've been keeping busy with family and friends and work. I've only gotten to go golfing 3 times since the course opened this spring. I hope that changes or my membership will so not be worth it!!

OOF! It's been a while!

2010-03-13T14:42:00.002-06:00

Wow, has time flown! Time to catch up...

RIP to my aunt, Eleanor Sellers, who was part of the reason I went into teaching. She was a vivacious, honest person with a bit of goofy nut thrown in. On the 5-day whirlwind trip to her memorial, I finished 2 (yes 2!) books by Jodi Picoult- Handle with Care and The Tenth Circle. If you are a fan of relationship novels, these are for you. I especially enjoyed Handle with Care, I think because it was written as though the characters were writing letters to a child with brittle bone disease.

On the professional front, I have started a lot of books on writing and professional learning communities and honestly have not finished any of them yet. Besides, a review of What Research Has to Say About Fluency Instruction may be a bit dry, so I will forgo those texts.

I have found a very cute picture book, though- Rhyming Dust Bunnies!!! It's so very cute and could really help students learn about rhyming.

Currently, besides all the professional books, I have been trying to find the right next YA novel for me. It's been a while since I've gotten to read any of them!

January is upon us

2010-01-24T18:17:00.008-06:00

It seems I've gotten myself lost a bit with the holidays and work and new opportunity to be adjunct faculty at a local university. I have lots to add here, but will pick a few highlights...

The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate

This is one of those quiet books that requires thought, and perhaps a girly point of view. I'm not so sure that my son would enjoy this story of ten-year-old Calpurnia, who would rather be helping her grandfather observe nature and conduct science experiments than learn to cook or knit or darn sock. Set in Texas in 1899, this is a charming story about growing up a little differently than society dictates.

Portraits of Literacy Development: Instruction and Assessment in a Well-Balanced Literacy Program, K-3

It's a professional read, but one that was recommended to me to use with my class. It has lots of good background knowledge and applicable ideas for instruction and assessment in the early elementary school setting.

I have just 2 weeks until my university class is over. I've also immersed myself in reading Four Blocks and Building Blocks information, but that can come later. Hopefully soon I'll be able to do more reading just for fun. Other than re-reading the Twilight series, I haven't gotten to do that much lately!

On the Verge of a Big Winter Storm

2009-12-23T13:05:00.002-06:00

With the oncoming storm which happens to arrive on the last school day before Christmas, I'm hustling about trying to pack the important "stuff" that must come home with me. Which books to choose?!?

I did, however, get some reading in now that my first class is underway. If you haven't read both of the Hunger Games books (Hunger Games, Catching Fire) I highly recommend doing so soon. The third in the trilogy is due on shelves in August. This series could be a great jumping off point for integrating reading/language arts and social studies. Discussions on government, revolutions, relationships, and the future could so easily stem from the books. Katniss is a strong female character, and her family and friends provide a great cast of support. My husband and I both recommend these books!

Professionally, Eric Jensen's Teaching with the Brain in Mind gave me some good background knowledge on how the brain functions and how it affects teaching and learning. Keeping in mind that even those with great attention spans only focus well for ten minutes, some of our teachers really need to revamp/rework/rethink some lessons.

I am also in the midst of a lot of Four Block, Building Blocks, and Big Blocks books for teachers and administrators. We have another school district visiting ours to see how we work these blocks into our school days and I want to be able to give the best information possible.

Life is Catching Up to Me

2009-11-24T14:58:00.002-06:00

I feel the need to explain my lack of posts lately. I've been given some good news, but it has added considerably to my very full plate. I'm going to get to start teaching graduate classes! Hurray!!! I'll start (hopefully) in December if one more student signs up for the Emergent Literacy class offered at our local university. I've been busy reading snippets and pieces of many books which should add up to one whopper of a post in the near future.

In the mean time, if you'd like to learn about IRA position statements, brain research, stages of literacy, and pieces of literacy, fire away. I could use the practice of presenting information! And if you can find a bigger plate for me to put everything back on, I'd greatly appreciate that, too. :)

For Animal Lovers

2009-10-28T08:42:00.005-05:00

If you have any animal lovers in your house, I'd strongly recommend these books!

In A Dog's Life, Squirrel the stray dog tells a first-person account of her journey from birth in a farm shed toward a forever home. It is filled with emotions you'd expect from a dog, adventures, humor, and has a very true-to-life feel to it. My seven-year-old daughter loved this book, but I wouldn't usually recommend it for her age unless the reader is at about a fourth or fifth grade level or higher.

It's sequel, Everything for a Dog, is a good read, too, but can get a bit confusing at times. It also is told in first person, but from the points of view of two different boys and Squirrel's brother, Bone. I had to keep reminding myself which boy was doing the storytelling, but in the end it was a very good story, too.

Really funny!

2009-10-13T18:30:00.004-05:00

John Green did it again- he can always make me laugh while reading. In An Abundance of Katherines, Colin is a high school student who is also considered a prodigy. He has dated 19 Katherines so far, and is attempting to write a mathematical equation that would explain why he keeps getting dumped. His best friend Hassan convinces him to take a road trip. They end up in Gutshot, Tennesee, where they meet Lindsey Lee Wells, whose mother is the owner of the local factory. Lindsey's mom hires the boys to record an oral history of the factory workers. While they are there, both boys grow up a lot, Colin's equation is worked out, and if the reader uses the footnotes, some very funny things happen in the meantime!

Happy October!

2009-10-06T10:17:00.003-05:00

The Seer of Shadows

by Avi

This mystery put me in the mood for Halloween. A young apprentice to a photographer in 1872 in New York is finally given his first actual photography job- to add ghostly images to the Von Machts' photograph. When the image actually brings the person's ghost out in the house, things get a bit spooky!

I enjoyed this mystery quite a bit. It would be good for upper elementary or early middle school students, especially at this time of year.

Playing Catch-Up

2009-09-28T21:53:00.011-05:00

Of course, my reading has not stopped with the beginning of the school year, but my blogging has taken a hit since I discovered the joys of Facebook. So, in a burst of busy, I have 3 good books.

Prophecy of the Sisters

by Michelle Zink

My copy of this book was an advance reading copy, and I really enjoyed it. Suitable for ages 12 and up, it had good plot twists and held my interest.

Lia Milthorpe is a sixteen-year-old twin who is orphaned when her father dies, leaving her to live with her twin sister and younger brother. When a mysterious mark appears on her wrist, she must make new friends and learn to travel the otherworld plane to figure it out. It ends with a hint of future stories on the way.
With a setting in horse-drawn carriage days, the reader is easily drawn into the fantasy.

Untamed
by P.C. Cast and Kristin Cast

This fourth book in the House of Night series continues Zoey's journey toward becoming a vampyre. It is her first year there yet, and her friends are still mad at her for lying to them. The two friends she does have left are her former rival and an undead ex-roomate. But her other friends come around to help her battle the head of the school.

Even though it is the fourth book, I still enjoyed Zoey's adventures and am awaiting the next one- I so need to get to a bookstore!

Strawberry Hill

by Mary Ann Hoberman

This is another ARC that I picked up at the IRA conference in Minneapolis in May. It is a very good story about friends and differences in others and standing up for what you believe in. My seven-year-old daughter will be reading it soon!

Ten-year-old Allie must leave her old neighborhood so her father can have a job during the Depression. Allie must decide who to befriend- the "cool" girl who is a bit mean, or the odd one with a great heart. Allie and her brother must grow up a bit on Strawberry Hill as they are teased due to religious and family beliefs, but in the end make a great choice of friends.

Outside of these three, I've been reading a lot of research about Handwriting Without Tears and DIBELS, plus lots and lots of student reports for school. I am amazed by how much reading I really get done at home!!

Sand Dollar Summer

2009-09-18T07:38:00.003-05:00

In my quest to keep summer going, I had to read this book. Twelve-year-old Lise lived a "normal" life before her mother's accident. After she got out of the hospital, Lise's mom decides to take Lise and her little brother to Maine to live on the beach like she did when she grew up. Lise learns a lot about life and living simply.

Written at a fourth-grade level, this book would be perfect for children about the same age as Lise. I enjoyed the book. It reminded me in some ways of the books I used to read by Judy Blume.

Writing time!

2009-09-09T12:08:00.003-05:00

I Can Write Like That
by Susan Ehmann and Kellyann Gayer

This professional book is an easy read that offers lots of practical info, from samples of lessons to craft explanations to lists of mentor texts. Personally it reassured me that our district is doing something that is a good idea already. I think it will really help me to get my hands on some great children's books!

More Vampyres, plus Historical Fiction

2009-09-03T12:41:00.004-05:00

My YA reading continues with the House of Night series. P.C. Cast and Kristin Cast continue to entertain me with these. Betrayed, the second in the series, continues with Zoey's life in the House of Night school for fledgling vampyres. She is in the middle of a social situation (2 boyfriends?!) and starts to lead the Dark Daughters when something starts killing teens. All evidence points toward the House of Night.

This second book moved a little slower for me than the first. It was still entertaining, though!

The saga continues with Chosen. Zoey's only been at school for 2 months. She's now dealing with a possible third guy in her life, a mother that simply won't accept her, and the loss of a friend, sort of. Now she's realizing even more that her life as future high priestess will be complicated!!

The third book still entertained, but I found myself wondering if things had been repeated too much or if I read the two books so close together that it was just too familiar. I ended up skipping some wordy parts, but not the steamy parts!

Weedflower, by Cynthia Kadohata, was an excellent peek at life as a Japanese girl during World War II. Sumiko just wants to fit in at her school, but her life is very different than her classmates' lives. Her family owns and runs a flower farm, and she holds many responsibilities there until the family is moved to an internment camp. Even in such harsh conditions, though, she manages to make friends.

I loved this book! It was beautifully written with a great point of view of this historical period. I would recommend it for students studying the war as well as any student who feels a little different due to home life, social issues, or simply because.

On an undead note...

2009-08-24T09:28:00.002-05:00

Kim Harrison's first attempt at a YA novel has some great ideas. Madison was killed on the night of her prom, but she didn't entirely die- she's being stalked by a dark reaper. Her future, or lack thereof, is not very solid unless she can figure out how to ditch him.

This one has some unique ideas, but I often found myself re-reading parts because I couldn't remember what I'd read. (This is SO not like me!)

Marked

by P.C. Cast and Kristin Cast

Zoey Redbird has been marked to become a vampyre, so she moves to vamp finishing school to deal with the usual high school stuff in an unusual setting. Zoey has extraordinary powers and was chosen by the Goddess Nyx.

Now THIS book held my attention! There is one part that is definitely not for middle schoolers, but otherwise it was really good. I can't wait to get more in the series!

A Newberry Honor Book!

2009-08-10T18:49:00.003-05:00

The Wednesday Wars
by Gary D. Schmidt

With half of his class at Hebrew School and the other half at Catechism, Holling Hoodhood is the sole remaining student in his seventh grade class on Wednesday afternoons. He gets undivided attention from his teacher, who Holling believes hates him. The lessons he learns, both at home and at school, about friendship, family, and love are woven together by the Shakespeare he reads to discuss with his teacher on Wednesdays.

This book is woven wonderfully with great language and images. It would be perfect for seventh grade and up, especially if the reader knows anything about Shakespeare! It's funny and serious and really an entertaining read.

Another Professional Book- it's a good one!!

2009-08-04T19:24:00.005-05:00

Teaching with Intention: Defining Beliefs, Aligning Practice, Taking Action K-5

by Debbie Miller

This is one of those books that every potential teacher should read. Every current teacher should read it, too. Administrators should read it. It has great advice on how to teach that can be applied to any age. Respect for others, guiding learners in their own learning, and building community will be taught hand-in-hand with the skills students need to be leaders in the future. Debbie Miller does not force her way upon the reader, but she gently guides the reader to think about every word and action in a classroom. It's also an easy read. It has technical jargon, but not in an overwhelming way.

Welcome to August!

2009-08-03T08:05:00.007-05:00

Our weather here has been unusually cool. We've been lucky to get into the 80's, so I've been outside more than usual this summer. I guess that's why reading has slowed, but the garden is growing!

So, in the off-kilter fashion that has been my summer, I finally finished the trilogy I started. Hip-Hop High School is the second book of the trio by Alan Lawrence Sitomer. In this one, Theresa Anderson (Tee-Ay), younger sister to Andre and older sister to Teddy, narrates her journey through high school. She's really smart, but doesn't feel like she needs to apply herself due to peer pressure. She changes her mind when her best friend ends up pregnant and Tee-Ay realizes that an education is her ticket out. She finds inspiration in hip-hop, Malcom X, and Tupac.

I really enjoyed this book in the trilogy, too. It could fuel some great discussion on peer pressure, the value of an education, and perserverance.

The Missing: Book 1- Found

by Margaret Peterson Haddix

Jonah received a mysterious letter in the mail. "You are one of the Missing" is all is said. Given the fact that Jonah knows he's adopted, he's pretty concerned about it. He, his sister, and his friend Chip attempt to solve the mystery of the letter, which leads to quite an adventure as well as a discovery for Chip regarding his own family relationship.

I'd recommend this one for students in upper elementary school or middle school. It's a good starter for the series. It also has a strong, caring main character who could be a role model for young boys in adverse situations. Mostly, it was simply and entertaining read for me!

I also have to add a professional read here- No Quick Fix: the RTI Edition. Richard Allington and Sean Walmsley edited this technical collection of studies in education. They recommend a daily block of literacy time (at least 90 minutes) for all students and support through Reading Recovery for those students who are struggling. Staff development in quality education is vital to make a difference, since teaching terribly for 90 minutes would have terrible results. While this was not a "fun" read, it is a necessary read for teachers, principals, and administrators who fear the results they are looking for are not happening in their districts.

OOPS! I did that backwards!

2009-07-21T11:52:00.005-05:00

So, apparently I was supposed to read The Hoopster *before* Homeboyz. Oops. It was still really good!!

The Hoopster is Alan Lawrence Sitomer's first book in a trilogy about the Anderson family. In this book, oldest brother Andre is a really good basketball player and an equally good writer. When he lands a job at a magazine and gets to write his first article, he's on cloud nine. But then he's attacked by some guys who are definitely not fans. The story continues to tell about Andre's and his family's life after the attack.

Again, this is a good read for high schoolers. Although set in the inner city, Sitomer's writing doesn't require that the reader is from the same setting.

Two Good YA Books

2009-07-08T12:02:00.007-05:00

Twenty Boy Summer

by Sarah Ockler

Anna's best friend Frankie had a brother- Matt. Matt, Frankie and Anna all are best friends, really, until Anna's birthday, when Matt finally kisses her. Before they can tell Frankie their secret, Matt dies from a rare heart condition. Anna and Frankie are left to grieve and attempt to get on with life. It is Frankie who decides that the next summer should include the contest. They will meet 20 new boys while at the summer retreat in Zanzibar Bay. Meanwhile, Anna is torn between telling Frankie, moving on, and struggling to remember the first love of her life.

I really enjoyed this book, although it has a smidge of predictability. I'd recommend it for grades 8 and up, especially girls.

Homeboyz
by Alan Lawrence Sitomer

Teddy's little sister is gunned down in a gang-related drive-by shooting, so he plots revenge. He is arrested on attempted homicide and is placed in a new program to help mentor younger students that are at risk of becoming gang members. There he meets Micah, a mouthy, 12-year-old middle schooler. After some rough times, the two become close, and together they heal from their losses.

I was skeptical at first about this book- I mean, what do I know about inner-city life? Nothing! But as I read, I learned that you really don't need to know anything to enjoy the action and relationships built in this book. I'd recommend it for high schoolers, both boys and girls, especially those who struggle with school and life in general.

For Younger Readers...

2009-06-30T17:57:00.002-05:00

The Talented Clementine, by Sara Pennypacker, is a really cute story about finding hidden talents in everyone. Clementine's school is having a talent show to raise funds, and Clementine can't find her talent. It shows up, just in time!!

This is a cute book for students in grades 1 and 2, maybe 3rd grade, too. It sure kept me giggling!!

Looking for Alaska

2009-06-24T16:31:00.004-05:00

Looking for Alaska, by John Green, was one of those YA novels that had me laughing and crying in the same sitting. It is told from the point of view of a high school junior who leaves home for a boarding school, at his request, to search for "the great perhaps." "Pudge" gains a close circle of friends who stick together through pranks and hard times. Pudge also has a huge crush on Alaska, a quirky, smart part of the group. The book is set in two time frames- before and after- but I'll leave it to the reader to find out what occurs in between.

This novel, suitable for ages 16 and up, I'd say, has won the Michael L. Printz award from the American Library Association. It's a really good Coming of Age novel! I read it in about 4 hours because I just couldn't put it down.

Reformed Vampires?

2009-06-23T13:33:00.005-05:00

The Reformed Vampire Support Group
by Catherine Jinks

With all the vampire books out there, this one is a funny one! The vampires are portrayed as basically helpless people who have to drink guinnea pig blood to survive. Anyway, there's a group that meets one evening a week, and when one of the group doesn't show up, the rest have to solve the mystery of the disappearance while simply trying to get through the days (or nights) without losing it.

I enjoyed it, and I think high school age and up would too. There's a little bit of language, but nothing major.

Short Stories

2009-06-22T07:56:00.004-05:00

If you are in the mood for something quick, quirky and fun, try this one! It's a collection of school-related stories by some great authors that are perfect for when you are waiting in line, for the swimming lessons to be over- whatever! For ages 9 and up, these really made me giggle- and I'm way over 9!

Life Update

2009-06-07T20:46:00.002-05:00

Just a quick update on family life--

Tuesday is my daughter's seventh birthday. She wants to decorate her own round cake. I hope she realized it won't be a sphere!!

Last Tuesday was my dad's 63rd birthday. We got him Mallow Cups and Bit-O-Honeys. He's still farming, so I will still be helping with hay baling this summer. I really hoped that I'd be done with that by now. Sigh.

Friday was my twin nephews' birthday. They turned five and are stoked to start kindergarten. Their daddy is equally stoked- he leaves on the 17 for two weeks in Peru with his Spanish 4 and 5 students. I'm jealous! (and a bit sick of cake- we also had 3 graduation parties yesterday!)

We have 3 more days of school. After that I will officially be the Reading Coordinator for our school. I have a ton of professional reading to do, so get ready for technical reading as I post about them here in order to keep information handy in my future!!!

Crank

2009-06-01T12:48:00.002-05:00

Kristina Georgia Snow is the perfect daughter: gifted high school junior, quiet, never any trouble. But on a trip to visit her absentee father, Kristina disappears and Bree takes her place. Bree is the exact opposite of Kristina — she's fearless.

Through a boy, Bree meets the monster: crank. And what begins as a wild, ecstatic ride turns into a struggle through hell for her mind, her soul — her life.

This is an intense novel, written in verse, that tells a powerful story about addiction from the point of view of a 16/17 year old girl who. I would not recommend it for students in less than 9th grade as it has some serious issues included in it.

Chains

2009-05-29T10:25:00.004-05:00

Chains by Laurie Halse Anderson

As the Revolutionary War begins, Isabel, (a slave girl) and her sister Ruth were supposed to have been granted their freedom when their mistress died. The woman's greedy brother denies that there is a will and sells them anyway. Isabel dreams of freedom and the day when she and her sister can be reunited again.

The more I read by this author, the more I like. She really does her research! Each chapter is started with an excerpt from documents of the Revolutionary War era that set the stage perfectly. I can't wait to find the sequel- Forge!

More Books

2009-05-26T09:46:00.007-05:00

I have three more books to list that I've finished over this long weekend.

Awakening by Robin Wasserman

J.D., age 13, wakes up to find she has amnesia, but is haunted by strange visions. She figures out a bit about who she is and that she can't trust anyone, not even herself.

A good first novel in the Chasing Yesterday series- makes you want to read more!

Readicide- How Schools are Killing Reading and What You Can Do About It- by Kelly Gallagher

An interesting discussion on how all the testing we are required to do takes the joy out of reading for students, thus creating a generation of people who can read, but don't want to read for fun. It's a bit political, but really does make you think.

No More Dead Dogs- by Gordon Korman
Wallace Wallace is a seventh grade football player who is brutally honest. He has to read a book about a dog, then writes a book report that is not pleasing his teacher, so he winds up in detention. While there, he ends up at drama practice. The play is based on the same book he just read that he thinks is terrible. He helps the drama members tweak the play, much to his teacher's despair. He finds out who his true friends are in the process.

Funny!!!!!! I'd say children fourth grade and up, even adults, would get a good giggle from this book.

Wintergirls

2009-05-16T21:44:00.005-05:00

Wintergirls by Laurie Halse Anderson (YA fiction)

Lia and Cassie were best friends, wintergirls frozen in matchstick bodies. But now Cassie is dead. Lia's mother is busy saving other people's lives. Her father is away on business. Her stepmother is clueless. And the voice inside Lia's head keeps telling her to remain in control, stay strong, lose more, weigh less. If she keeps going this way- thin, thinner, thinnest- maybe she'll disappear altogether.In her most emotionally-wrenching, lyrically written book since the National Book

Award finalist Speak, best-selling author Laurie Halse Anderson explores one girl's chilling descent into the all-consuming vortex of anorexia. (from book jacket.)

This one was tough to read emotionally, but still gives a ray of hope overall. It's writing style is really unique and portrays the self-talk of the teenage mind really well.

Send a prayer, please, for an online friend

2009-05-13T21:03:00.006-05:00

Well, I finally decided to update my blog. Yippee! And in doing so, I found out someone I used to cherish in an online board is having another surgery. Any and all spare prayers anyone could send I'm sure would be appreciated. She sure needs all the support she can get. Thanks!

In other news, I was lucky enough to go to the International Reading Association Convention held in Minneapolis this past week. I found so many great books to read! This also leads me to a more focused blog for a while.

The first book I read was a professional book called Naked Reading by Teri Lesense. Not only does she have a fabulous first name, but her book explores possible reasons why some people, especially teens and tweens, become so engrossed in books that they don't realize they are totally naked, or sitting on the pooper for an hour, or simply staying up really, really late. Ultimately, it all comes down to interests and matching readers to those interests.

The next book I read was young adult realistic fiction. Cut, by Patricia Mccormick, is about a young teen who is in a rehab facility because she was caught cutting herself. It is a quick, powerful read that touched my emotions, probably because of my experience teaching middle schoolers and that I can remember those tough years quite vividly.

(Thanks, Amazon.com, for the image!)

As I read through the stacks of books I've acquired this past week, I'll keep you updated. Plus it's a great resource for me.

I Miss the Lake

2009-03-20T20:35:00.003-05:00

I can't help it. I miss our lake.

Maybe I miss the summer days with nothing important to do, or the good friends we have with us when we are there, or, I don't know. Maybe I miss the pure beauty and serenity that comes with the lake at any given time of day or night.

I miss the eagles in their giant nests, or when they majestically soar on the hunt, or when they dive for a bass in the lake.

I miss the lake, and can't wait to get there soon.

A Little Direction, Please

2009-03-04T14:14:00.002-06:00

So this blogging thing has been going on for a few months now, and I feel like I need a direction to go in. Ramblings are fine for a diary, but a blog? Seems I need some focus. So I'm debating- crafts? cooking? books and school? family? Weaving all of those has been quite random thus far. I am enjoying it, for sure, but feel out-of-sorts about the whole thing.

In Like a Lamb

2009-03-02T19:15:00.003-06:00

Welcome to March! The weather yesterday and today was sunny and chilling, and I'll take that over ice storms any day. In like a lamb, I guess...

After a very busy weekend filled with fun, I am so very tired. Working 2 jobs each Friday is good for the wallet, but hard on the feet. Saturday I went to a house gathering for one of my best friends. We laughed long and hard at lots of stuff, which is what a birthday party should be. Bedtime ended up around 3am, and I was up and out of their house by 8 so I could go to the Dells with a different group of friends to gamble and relax. Boy was I tired. I skipped bells and went to bed very early last night. Today was a struggle, but I made it through productively.

I can wait a while before another whirlwind weekend comes along!

A Different Kind of Fun

2009-02-25T21:49:00.003-06:00

Growing up, I was part of a family that worked hard. A day at school was followed by chores, cooking supper, milking cows, then homework before being in bed by 9. Recently I've been inspired to recapture memories of the fun that followed the work. How many people can honestly say they have played in stanchions, corncribs, forests, ponds, and sheds? How many can recall tractor rides, haywagons full of bales and friends, and hours tending the garden so we would have the freshest foods? Yes, we worked our tails off. But we played hard, too.

Turn it off already!

2009-02-05T12:40:00.004-06:00

Maybe this is me. ------------------------------->

My brain doesn't seem to turn off. In some ways, it's awesome. I always know where the keys are and hats and mittens and stuff.

In some ways, it's a curse. I think and think about things that I know I should let go, but just can't. I can't do anything more about the "friend" who announced to the world that my psoriasis grosses her out. I can't go back to seventh grade and re-think my revengeful actions toward another girl. Is this normal?

Some days my thinking amazes me and I get soooooo much done.

Some days, it hurts to think.

How do I balance it out?

The Farm

2009-01-31T22:24:00.005-06:00

For whatever reason, I'm feeling sentimental tonight. I came across this picture I took a couple of years ago. This is my parents' barn. Dad has always been so proud of our little barn, his small herd of Holsteins, and his 90 acres of farm and woodland. We had to work hard growing up to make it run, but we made it. Dad officially sold his milking cows last spring. We thought this summer would be easier, but boy were we wrong! We still had hay to bale so he could sell some and feed his young stock. We still had corn to cultivate in June. We still had barn remodeling jobs to do. He's still working on that one! His barn is still a fresh, bright red with white trim and steel roof. It is one of the prettiest on the ridgetop they live on, in my humble opinion.

We love going there,

even if it does mean doing chores. :)

I'm hooked!

2009-01-23T10:38:00.003-06:00

If you haven't yet discovered this series, I highly recommend it. It is great for those days when you think you need to escape. Poor Bella is such a klutz, thinks she is unworthy of the beautiful vampire, and ends up endangering herself and her family to be with the love of her life. In some ways I can relate to her. I also started dating the love of my life at 17. After arthritis took the flexibility in my toe joints, I too, became klutzy. Both of us seemed to be able to take care of things well beyond our years at 17. Ah, to be young!

I read both book one and book two in less than 3 days. At over 400 pages each, I'd say that's pretty good. Especially if you knew my life schedule. I have started the third as well, so you know where I'll be- curled up on my bed with a very good book!!

Holiday Wrap-Up

2009-01-17T12:50:00.004-06:00

I think we have finally been to all of our holiday parties and gatherings. It has been a whirlwind season, for sure!

The last two days have been so cold that we have had school cancelled. That means no school for me, too! My house looks fabulous and I got to do some quality cooking, including the baked potato soup that Hubby loves. Odd projects keep finding their ways into my life here at home. Who knew I'd be bleaching the grout in the kitchen on my "days off?" Not me, for sure!! I also got to do some Photoshopping and the kids each had a friend overnight. Fun for all!!!

Cake Wrecks

2009-01-12T19:15:00.006-06:00

If you haven't checked out this site yet, I highly recommend it! This is a real, honest to goodness cake from the site. Hilarious! http://cakewrecks.blogspot.com/ Enjoy!!

Books, Books, Books

2009-01-08T15:03:00.001-06:00

In search of more books to fuel my passion, I've added a few blog links to my list. I have had a really good day today as I read them. My cheeks hurt from MotherReader! Apparently we share the same sense of humor. If you need a good laugh, go there! Her reference to Tinkerbell had me rolling.

Another little gift came today that I hope will spark my creativity. Another teacher (thanks, Tracy!!) was given a box of stamps and supplies and didn't really want them. (Blasphemy!) Lucky for me, though, as I am now the owner of said box. I can't wait to go home and sort through it. Hubbybutt has to go to an airplane meeting, so yay for me again- free time to sort!! Supper will be quick and easy to help this out.

So in regards to passion #3, volleyball went well last night. We won all 3 games, but better yet was the fabulous hit I had. It felt sooooooo good to hit the ball like I used to be able to do in college. Yippee! another spark lit!!

What's my passion?

2009-01-07T13:04:00.004-06:00

Lately I've been wondering about this question.

I have a lot of things that I thought I loved that have been pushed aside for various reasons in the recent past. I used to love playing volleyball, stamping cards to send to friends and family, and reading children's and young adult books. Because of professional goals, I haven't gotten to spend time on my passions. Are they still classified as such, even though I haven't gotten to them? Would my life be more enjoyable if I did have time for them? Is my son right- a person doesn't have to be responsible all the time?

So with reflection, I have new goals for the new year- take part in the 25 book challenge, make and send more cards, and get out on the court again. This starts today. No excuses.

Happy New Year!

2009-01-05T20:58:00.003-06:00

It's a new year! I am so close to a new title in my life. I mailed my binder today, so soon I hope to hear that I can apply for my reading specialist license. I am trying to learn so much before I get myself out there and look for a position. I also signed up for sessions at the international reading convention in Minneapolis in May. I'm so excited!

Personally, home isn't so great. I've learned that it is my responsibility to be sure my kids are responsible. I have been slacking in some areas that came to a head tonight, so the wake-up call was heard loud and clear. Why does my kid whine? Because I let him. Why does my kid argue with me? Because I argue back. I need to find my Love and Logic reminders. Sigh.

Happy Holidays!

2008-12-28T21:29:00.001-06:00

Happy holidays, everyone!
My break is down to just a week left. So far, I'm sane. We have just 2 gatherings left and they aren't major ones, so I can prep easily. It's fun to watch the kids with their new stuff and I'm truly enjoying my very own laptop! (Yay!)

Anyway, it's time to put the kids to bed. Have a great holiday season!

Just a bit of relief!

2008-12-16T20:03:00.000-06:00

Yay, my class is finished!

No longer do I have to be crazy twice a week and sacrifice my family for my career. (Well, as least until next time.) I really do enjoy leading the classes and being part of a learning community, but I don't like having to ask my husband to take off of work to take care of my usual things. By the time I really need to do this in an actual specialist posistion, my kids will be more independent, more able to care for themselves for a while. I will still miss things that happen at home, but what working parent doesn't?

I do think my son is feeling the effects, though. Today he wrote me a note that asked if I'm looking forward to Christmas break. I answered yes, and wrote back that I missed being able to spend time with him, his sister, and their daddy. When he read it, I noticed he got really quiet. With a sparkle in his eyes and a very serious expression, he came over and gave me a big hug. He just snuggled there for a minute, then went on with his thoughts. He's a softy, really.

So anyway, a bit if relief has arrived, along with a bunch of snow and freezing cold weather. It all just makes me want to snuggle by the fireplace with a good book and my three favorite people.

Cookies and Candies Galore

2008-12-15T13:25:00.002-06:00

Ahhhhh, the holidays are here! I was a very busy girl this weekend. Saturday some friends and I got together to make candies for the holidays. We did almond bark pretzels, peanut butter balls, 2 kinds of fudge, toffee, caramels, pecan brittle, peanut brittle, mints, chocolate covered cherries, Ritzies, and angelfood. I was on a sugar high!

Sunday my mom, daughter and I went crazy baking cookies. We got a lot done, considering we had less than half of our usual crew. I feel like I'm ready for holiday gatherings now!

Hopefully I can temper the calories gained with an increase in vegetables in the next few weeks!!!

It's December already?!?

2008-12-05T11:23:00.001-06:00

Wow!
Where did the year go? I guess with so much going on it just flew by. Tonight we have a holiday party already. I have just one week of facilitating this class left. Add to that an in-service to help with, waitressing next Friday, candy making and a holiday party next Saturday, and regular home stuff and the next week should fly by, too. At least I can say that my cards are over half-way done! It was hard not to stay in bed and read all day today. I'm going to be so happy to say all these extra experiences are done.

In the Middle of a Race

2008-11-20T13:30:00.000-06:00

This week has been beyond hectic. I can't believe how much I have gotten done or had to do. Monday was stamping club, Tuesday we had parent conferences, Wednesday I had to facilitate a class and play 2 volleyball matches, tonight I get to relax, but I want to prepare a fabulous meal. Friday night is clear also, but we'll see. All this plus working my regular job is getting to me. I keep telling myself that in just 3 weeks, much of my stress will be gone. Whew. We'll see. I feel like I've been running like crazy.

Pondering

2008-11-13T09:25:00.001-06:00

As I was teaching (sorry, facilitating!) a class of adult learners last night, it struck me: I have to figure out how to interact without interacting. If I want to be successful as a reading specialist, I am going to have to figure out how to be accessible while being professional *and* letting my personality shine through. What a tangled web...

On another note, I am able to work with people I don't like and have a smile on my face while I am doing it. Does this make me a hypocrite? Two faced? Do we truly catch more flies with honey, or is it seen as fake? I think I am in a time of enormous personal growth. I need someone to be there to reassure me, and soon that person will be retiring. Then what? How does she do it? Who should be a sounding board when she is gone? She *is* the sounding board around here, and will be really missed. Sigh. I need to grow up fast, I think!

Halloween!

2008-11-03T19:57:00.001-06:00

It's no mystery who we were for Halloween. Scooby Snack, anyone??

By request

2008-11-03T19:53:00.001-06:00

Finally, a family photo. It took lots of searching but I finally found a semi-recent photo of us this summer at Lambeau Field. It was the only thing I cared to see while we were in Green Bay. The family had fun while I took a class that week. I consider it a sacrifice for my future.

Mini-Vacation!!

2008-10-31T22:59:00.000-05:00

We just returned from our mini-vacation to the Wisconsin Dells. We stayed two nights at the Great Wolf Lodge. We did lots of swimming and sliding (well, the rest of the family had fun sliding!) and had a great little get-away. It was much-needed.

See You Soon, Summer!

2008-10-20T09:24:00.001-05:00

It's official- Summer is over for the year. Hubby and I had our last weekend up north and managed to close up the cottage for winter. We scrubbed and scrubbed and pulled the dock out and blew the water lines and planted bulbs for spring. I am really going to miss the lazy days of summer!

Why am I so busy??

2008-10-16T07:56:00.000-05:00

I have been feeling so insanely busy lately. It is all I can do to put two coherent thoughts together. I'm trying to figure out what I am doing and simplify, but that isn't helping. Today, for example, I'm teaching, in meetings, packing to go north to close our cottage, and trying to find time to do the usual house stuff. YIKES, I'm going to be tired come Monday!

Sad

2008-10-14T09:43:00.000-05:00

I have a friend whom I met online. She is one of the bravest, most courageous people I know. She has a rare disorder in which her connective tissues don't really do their jobs anymore. Very recently, she posted that her life has other needs than her blog and that she won't be posting for a while. This saddens me to no end. She was so good at informing people about her disorder and doing good deeds for others, even though she is the one who needs help. I am so sad to hear that her disease has progressed this far.

I keep her in my daily prayers, especially now. Please say a prayer for her, too.

Rowing the Boat

2008-10-05T21:15:00.000-05:00

In my bio, I mentioned my handy hubby. (He's on the right.) One of his many loves is building random things, like cardboard boats. His first was not very sturdy, but painted with rubberized paint. It didn't make it through the race.

The second was last year's boat. It was 5-ply corrugated cardboard painted gray to look like a shark, then spar-varnished to be waterproof. He spent weeks on the boat, and his work paid off. The team he made it for took first place!

The third boat was his to race this year. He went through roughly the same pattern and process as last year, but added a pop-up cardboard sail. It's supposed to be a pirate ship- The Brown Pearl. And yes, that is a cannon on the front. The shark took first again, and he took second out of the four boats built. Not bad, Honey! Not bad!

He may not win, but he sure has a lot of fun!!

Expert?

2008-10-01T08:17:00.000-05:00

Last night was the first grade parent meeting. Since Meg is a first grader, I had to go. It was nothing new, but her teacher asked *me* to talk about how to teach a child to read. She said I'm "the expert."

Wow. I'm an expert. I never knew.

My whole life I have been pretty good at some things, terrible at some things, and just plain fine at most things. I've never been an expert before. I guess now is the time!

The First

2008-09-30T16:22:00.000-05:00

Welcome to the blog, my friends!

Bear with me as I play with this a bit. I'm hoping it will produce a place where I can post on thoughts and insights, family and friends without too much stress.

In the meantime, enjoy one of my favorite people. She's only about nine months here. She's six now. Wow! Time flies!