#KidsDeserveIt

I can always tell when summer is pretty much over. It's when the corn is as high as an elephant's eye, and the corn around my parts is definitely just that. There's not much time left to cram in any last minute summer wishes, and to make matters worse, I'm about to add one to your list. The good news is that it won't take you much time and it will be worth every minute.

You've got to read Kids Deserve It! by Todd Nesloney and Adam Welcome. These two principals (the kind a teacher would be lucky to work for) have put together a collection of 30 inspiring short chapters that will both validate and challenge. I'm fairly certain you'll find yourself repeatedly saying, "Now that's the teacher I want to be." And you'll be wishing your best teacher friends were sitting within reach so you could hand the book over at your favorite parts and say, "Read this!" (That's exactly what I did.)

This is the kind of book you want to read when school is just around the corner. Guaranteed it will rev up your teacher engine and help you find your best teaching self before the little people arrive. Because as Todd and Adam say, kids deserve it!

Be a Gas Station

When I asked my first graders "Do you have big dreams for your teeth?" Josie took my question to heart. Months later, according to her dear mother, she was still fervently brushing and challenging her siblings to have big dreams for their teeth too. Some students are like that. They're naturally inclined to love everything about learning. I think just maybe I could teach those children with my eyes closed. Then there are the tough customers who occupy a space in my brain 24/7, because I constantly struggle to find a way to engage their hearts. 

One of my goals this year is to be a better gas station. Josie was intrinsically motivated and independent in her learning. I filled up her gas tank when needed and off she'd go again while I cheered her on from the sidelines. Being a gas station is rewarding for both teacher and student, and it's a whole lot easier than dragging children along like a tow truck would. Being a tow truck is an exhausting job. I'd venture to say that it isn't much fun for the student either. Not to mention, it simply doesn't work.  

I discovered this brilliant analogy on Kristine Mraz's kindergarten blog. Everything on this blog is brilliant. I challenge you to read her thoughts, and regardless of your grade level, tell me she didn't have something to offer you. Especially read the post below. It's too good to pass up. (Click on the graphic.)

Let's park our tow trucks and build some more gas stations. Our kids deserve it.

Finding Flow

Flow. 

I've experienced it in my room. It has a magical, satisfying feel to it. I've also experienced what the untrained eye might believe is flow but is actually a classroom of compliant students who are simply on task. It's all a masquerade. So how we do convert those on-task moments into ones where students are completely engaged? This blog post below offers some wonderful suggestions. It's an inspiring read. 

So wait no further. 

Go find your flow.

Click on the graphic to read the post.

Is Your Child Getting a Good Writing Education?

Last week the title of this article caught my eye. 

Even though I'm not a parent, I had to read it. I yearned to know what those four questions were and ponder the possible answers my writers would offer their parents. 

Of course one needs to ask the right questions. I dare say these four hit the nail on the head.

Bottom line? I'm the one who determines whether my students are getting a good writing education or not, and if you teach writing, you determine that as well. 

So this is essentially a must-read article. 

Click on the title. You won't be sorry.

June Reads Galore

June was a month full of books. Even though it might seem like I did nothing but read, I also spent a day on a district math curriculum committee, took a four-day class, took a trip to Seattle and the Oregon Coast, and spent some time thinking school. :)

4 stars

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My favorites: 

* Cinder and its sequels (a.k.a. The Lunar Chronicles) - This is a futuristic fantasy YA series. I found the last of the series slightly predictable at times but so very engaging.

* Graceling - This is another fantasy YA book. I didn't want to put it down.

* If You Find Me - This YA realistic fiction is gripping and full of secrets.

* Goodbye Stranger - I really enjoyed this YA too. It has its share of secrets too.

*The Elephant Whisperer - This book is for animal lovers. The book will give you a new appreciation for elephants and the people who work with them.

I noticed that some of the books that I didn't rate highly did very well on Goodreads, so I guess you can't believe everything you read on my blog. :)

P.S. My summer book total since school ended is 26 books. Not too shabby.