Pre-Thanksgiving Day, it seems appropriate to talk about thankfulness. And in reflecting recently on the life and legacy of John F. Kennedy, I thought the quote most fitting to share with my colleagues. I reflect with thankfulness throughout the year on my life, and often these thoughts are about the colleagues with whom I have the pleasure to work. Without them in my lives, I know my mind would be duller and my life less fulfilling. I’m thankful for our profession, despite all those things that make our jobs trying at times. I’m thankful to be a reading teacher, because I know that I make a difference in students’ lives, and I know that you do, too.
AL A CARTE (11/22/2013)
How do you share gratitude? – Quick little article about the value of sharing gratitude with colleagues and students. It can be infectious, in a good way.
Tween Brains, Brains, Brains! – Nice little 3-part blog about the tween brain and why it ticks the way it does. I kind of forget these things. As the holidays approach, there were some good reminders about why those students do what they do, based on their brain development.
There’s Still Hope – An inspiring story about author Matt de la Pena, who was not a reader when growing up. Now he’s a terrific author that your male students should know about.
How Books Can Open Your Mind – Maybe not for your classroom, but Lisa is very inspiring about the value of reading. I like her thoughts on reading in multiple languages.
Chalk With Me – Fun website from Canada started by two women who believe tear down and put up walls between people. You just have to check it out…could have some useful discussion ideas for future books. And their art is pretty cool!
Grit, A New Educational Buzzword – Longer article (but worth the read) about a trend toward assessing students’ character attributes. See what this author says about it.