Late Day Blogging=An Assortment of Thoughts and Ideas on 2015.

In between the reading, and the moving from the couch to the chair for more reading, I peeked at Twitter.  And man, you guys have some great ideas!  I'm inspired just watching you process.  I too have been processing, and have a couple of thoughts to share here...consider it an unclogging of the traffic jam inside my brain.  :)  Here we go:

1.  My One Little Word:  Enough.

This word has been following me around now for awhile.

• It's a part of my vision:  I'm Enough.  You are too.  Let's dance.  
• I'm Enough because of Love.  You are too.  
• I do Enough everyday.  (No more guilt!)
• There is Enough Joy for all of us.
• Get Enough rest, veggies, and exercise.
• I can say Enough when I need to stop.

This has also resulted in some questions I can ask myself when things feel out of whack:

• Are you with Your People Enough?  (The ones who love you the mostest...those are Your People.)
• Are you organizing and preparing Enough for the day?
• Are you saying Enough to technology when it's time?

If you are an educator (or a human) with family and friends, I think you understand when I say it's easy to feel like you aren't doing enough.  But you are.  Enough is a Celebration of who we are and what we do everyday!  

2.  #nerdlution15

It was #nerdlution that made blogging more of a hard habit for me.  I'm so glad-it allowed me to connect with educators I wouldn't have otherwise.  So, in the spirit of knowing I already do Enough, here is a goal to share with #nerdlution15 folks:

• Continued daily writing.  I am well on my way to making daily writing a hard habit.  #writedaily30 helped with that immensely.  Daily writing means more than a to-do list.  It's been really fun to see what has come from that.  I want to keep this momentum going.  

3.  Finally,  A Reading Plan.

Now, Goodreads was an awesome find for me in 2014.  Thanks Nerdy Book Club!  Based on what I did over there, I have about 25 novels picked out to read this year.  I won't list all the titles here, and here's why:  most of them are adult titles, and I know many of you are looking to stay up on MG and YA books.  Believe me, I will scatter in what you are tweeting and blogging about.  I've read some Amazing things because of what you are seeking out.  (Brown Girl Dreaming, El Deafo...you know...Awesomeness!)   But My People (My sister, sister in law, mama, etc.) are giving me books to read, and they are piling up in my bedroom.  Time to get busy and read.  :)  But to get started, today I've finished this treasure that I snatched up at the library:

Not an adult title, but amazing! (And the book birthday and my birthday are the same!)  My heart is breaking, and yet it's not.  

But seriously, those titles from my family and the ones that I've purchased and not read...

Finally, I wish you an awesome 2015!  

Joy!
Kendra

#sol14 and #writedaily30 Come Together: A Reflection

Two Writing Teachers host Slice of Life on their blog.  Join us and link up too!

30 days ago, I took Linda Urban's encouragement and began to participate in #writedaily30.  Wow.  This was an amazing journey.  

For me, my guidelines were to just write.  Everyday.  Write something.  (More than a to-do list.)  I didn't give myself too many more guidelines than that.  I wanted to see what would happen.  

I bring you the good, the great, and the surprising from this journey!  

The Good:  I did write everyday this month.  Even when Christmas got closer, and more things clambered for my time, this resource really helped me a lot:

It really is a book that has 642 prompts for writing.  When I was stuck, didn't want to, felt too tired, when we were traveling and sleeping in other spots, etc. I picked this book up toward the end and just wrote.  

So I met my goal, write something everyday, even when I thought I was busy, even when we were traveling, even when I didn't want to.    

The Great:  I used our blog to share more of our classroom story.  I had been wanting to share some things for awhile now.  

Writing has become like running.  If I don't honor it everyday a little, my day doesn't feel complete.  In these winter days in the Midwest, it's helped me bookend my days.  One end gets writing, one end gets running!  It truly has become an outlet that is a part of my routine now.  

The Surprising:  There were some surprising topics that emerged.  Some days I would wake up and the words just came.  Lots of my writing turned out to be spiritual in nature.  I didn't set out for that at all.  I'll be exploring how to share these writings, maybe.  I think I have an idea for a picture book.  (What?!?!?)  It's funny how having these topics and ideas feel like carrying secrets.  What do I do with them next? Or do we just sit quietly together and enjoy the journey that was December to get these ideas out?  

Who am I to give advice as a writer?  I'll give some anyway.  :)  

Just write.  Try it.  Put the pencil to the paper.  Type a few lines.  Some of it will inspire you as you write it.  Sometimes you can't close the notebook fast enough.  I'm a writer because I write.  Try this journey and see what awakens inside you.  

A Huge Thank You to Linda Urban for the encouragement she gave everyone who participated in this journey.  Her blog posts, tweets, and ideas were inspiring.   

Joy!

Kendra

#sol14 A Christmas Past--It's Funny Now.

Two Writing Teachers host Slice of Life on their blog.  Join us and link up too!

I'm stubborn.  Headstrong.  When I get an idea, and I want to do it, watch out.  While I've learned to take this energy and use it for good, naturally, there was a time before I was mature (older?) where funny things happened because of my ideas.

We've been married for about 15 years.  Rewind to the first year in our first home.  Our second year of marriage?  (Maybe 3rd.)  A small 1950s ranch with blue carpet, built in bookshelves, and neighbors who took care of us because we had no idea what we were doing as homeowners.  

We had the dog.  Now we needed the tree.  Not just any tree.  A Real Christmas Tree.  I insisted on it.  I knew they needed lots of water.  What else is there to know?  

My Mr. wasn't sold, but we got in the tiny red 2-door Cavalier and rolled down the hill to the tree display.  

"I want that one."  

It is hanging out of our car.  It barely fits.  That should have been the first sign.  We drive back up the hill, like something out of a bad Christmas comedy.  The car is going maybe 7 miles an hour.  I'm convinced we are going to lose the tree.  We don't.  

We wrestle the tree into the house.  We place it in the stand.  

The top of the tree it bent over squished against the ceiling.  It's too tall.   

We wrestle the tree back outside.  We don't have tools-we're newlyweds in the suburbs.  But Mr. does have a tiny hand-held saw.  He begins to hack at the tree, and after a short while he begins to utter profanities under his breath.  But the base is sawed off.  A Small Victory!  

Another wrestling match, back inside the house.  After more wrestling, and more uttering, the tree is in the stand!  

Jackson the wonder dog (Puppy at the time), takes one lap under the tree.  It leans to the left, it leans to the right.  The tree ends up on the living room floor.  

Promptly after that, my tree ended up in the backyard wood pile.  In my head, I'm pretty sure Mr. hauled that tree out in one arm he was so frustrated!  (But really, I'm sure we wrestled it outside together.)

So, you will forgive us 15 years later, if we smile at your real tree stories.  :)  We are remembering our own.  And no, we haven't had a real tree since.  But yours is beautiful!  

Joy!
Kendra

Reading in the Wild-2 things that changed in my classroom after I read this book.

I know.  Just like you, I was holding the book last Winter Break--shortly after it came out.  It was Screaming at me to read it.  And I did.  In two sittings.  And I may have squealed sounds of joy a bit while I was reading it.

Enter the Twitter chats, and the blog posts.  I'm pretty sure I read them all.
We loved it...yeah?  (Go ahead and fist pump here.  I just did.)

I'm a "Mull-er."  I will think, question, and process ideas for what seems like forever.  That being said, there are 2 strategies from Donalyn's book that have stuck with me since last year.  (The page numbers are places you can go in her book to read more about the actual strategy.  Don't have the book?  I'll wait while you hurry up and buy it!).

*Side note to help you understand me as an educator:  I know levels are important.  This isn't that post.  I follow a balanced literacy approach for my developing readers so I can differentiate and teach them what they need.*  :)

1.  Book Stacks. (page 137)

In first grade, we are learning that readers have plans and read A Lot!  Even at this young age, the book stacks have brought me closer to my stduents.  Here's what you might see:

• If a reluctant reader is "stalling" or "fake reading", I might ask them what they are interested in.  If they say "trucks", I'm pulling every truck book I can find from my classroom and yours too.  I'll make a stack and let them choose which ones they want to read.  They can also physically see that there are more books to read, even if they don't take them all at that moment.  
• If they tell me there is nothing to read in the library, I will pull stacks of picture books that I have used as read alouds.  (We have a beautiful library that has been curated by on of the best.)  Hashtags like #IMWAYR, #picturebookmonth. and #bookaday have helped me stay inspired to be looking for more to read.  Always.  
• You want to read chapter books?  They are too hard?  You know that, you don't need me to announce that to you and the world. Instead, let me bring you some Cowgirl Kate and Cocoa, Henry and Mudge, Fly Guy, Poppleton, etc.  Through book stacks, it has changed how I talk to students about choosing books they can access.  And they really do want to read what we recommend as teachers.  
• It's important for me to note, that this has really preserved dignity in the classroom.  Everyone at some point is getting a stack from me.  It promotes community and reading.  There is a book for you here.  :)  

2.  Reading on the Edge.  (Page 11)

In Donalyn's book, she calls is Reading on the Edge.  In first grade, we call it "edge reading."  If you get done early?  Edge read.  If we are cleaning up/transitioning?  You might see some on the floor edge reading.  It's some of the most authentic reading that takes place during my day.  

Teaching this idea that you can make time for reading as resulted in--wait for it-- more reading. :)   They approach me in the morning--"I've done my calendar, can I edge read while I wait?"  (A secret--I have some that skip by the calendar work that they do as they are coming in during the morning bell time.  They go straight to reading.  Guess what?  I usually let them.)  In the afternoon, when there might be a science task to complete or 5 minutes before recess--"We'll edge read".  Here's what that looks like as we transition:

In the middle of this cluster?  A student who is reading to the others while we were transitioning to that back space.  What else am I going to do but stop and snap a photo of that?

If you walked in to my space, you might not notice these two shifts in reading.  But I have.  Students that might not have seen themselves as readers, know that I have books they can read.  They know that reading is for them.  Many more of my students will embrace reading now, because they know there is a book for them here.  

Joy!
Kendra

4 Ways We Are Taking Care of Each Other This Week.

Winter Break is coming.  I have mixed emotions this year about winter break.  Am I anxious to rest?  Yes.  Am I anxious about many of my students and what will happen?  More than I ever thought I could be.

Some are anxious.  Some are tired.  Some aren't healthy right now.  (Flu be gone!)

As I learn and respond to what my students need as we approach break, I'm staying in our routine as much as possible.  But I'm also thankful I have these 4 strategies to help me out as I work on taking care of my students this week.  (And every week!)

1.  Academic Quiet.

I read about Academic Quiet in this article.
In our classroom several options are available:

• The use of Wonderopolis to feed curiosity.  Kids draw, write, hypothesize as we study images. 
• Reading.  Always reading.  
• Resting if they wish.  

We try to keep this at 10 minutes, usually after a recess.  It's also a great time to use the restroom, drink water, and eat snacks.

During this time, I make time for strategy two.

2.  2 x 10  

Each day I try to spend 2 minutes each with a group of 5 kids; in a one on one setting.  Of course that's not the true strategy, but I wanted a structure to reach all students; not just the "tough ones."  The question, "How are you?" has lead to an array of stories, solved recess situations, and has brought me closer to my students.  Read more about 2 x 10 here.

3.  Morning Meeting.

A tried and true strategy in my classroom.  This month, we are partner sharing during share time so everyone has a chance to speak everyday. 

4.  Choice, choice, choice.  

There is choice in where to sit.  Choice in our math workshop.  Choice in how to create using technology.  Kids can learn self-regulation through choice.  (A belief statement.)  When the choice isn't working, it becomes a teaching point rather than a punitive measure.  But more often than not, the choice works.  

How are you taking care of each other this week?  (Or any week!)  

If you have a break coming up, I hope it's restful for you!

Joy!
Kendra

Slice of Life-The Best Mile (or so) Ever

Two Writing Teachers host Slice of Life on their blog.  Join us and link up too!

(My class is working on Small Moments right now!  Here's one from me!)

On Saturday morning, I'm lingering in the fog that is both physical and resting on my brain after another full week.  The beautiful weather in Iowa means lots of running miles on Saturdays outside, and this past Saturday was no different.  Linger (coffee and blogs), Run Long, Shop, House/Family/Stuff.  A typical Saturday in December.  

Then, I hear these words, "Are you running mama?  I'll come too."  

Confession:  My heart should have sang.  But it didn't.  There was a fleeting (lingering?) moment of annoyance.  

This is my time.  My run.  My Saturday.  Long Run Saturday.  

But he's 10.  And I know that time with him is fleeting as well.  So I eek out a "Sure Buddy!"  

Then my 6 year old chimes in, "Me too Mama!"  At which point, I have to clench my teeth, but know that I can't leave him behind.  I coax my husband off the couch, so we can divide and conquer.  We are just sure that Li'l T is going to run out of steam on us in about .5 miles.  

We get dressed and already I see that I need to un-clench my teeth.  As he's pounding his chest, all 33 pounds of him yells out, "I'll do 15 push ups before we go."  And proceeds to push up like only 6 year olds can do.  I smile as I lace up my shoes.  I hope he always has this zest for life. 

Like runners do, there is a barrage of what to wears.  Hat or no hat?  Coat?  Gloves?  How many layers?  Do I need this technical shirt?  

As we head out the door, the fogginess lifts away.  Brothers chatting in the front, Parents unplugged in the back about how to finish Christmas shopping.  Good conversation all around.  Easy pace.   But there is a pace.  With a 6 year old.   

As we wind through the neighborhood, I'm noticing how hard Li'l T is working to keep up.  Only like a bobble head doll can do, his little head is bobbing from side to side, indicating he's getting tired.  "I'm fine."  

Big Brother leans over, "Are you okay?  We'll get you some water when we get home."  

Man, I love his compassion for others.  He coached Li'l T all the way home.  

"Get over to the right, that lady is walking her dogs."  

"Try not to race me up this hill."  

After 1.46 miles (of course I had to map it afterward), we round the corner for home.  It was like crossing the finish line at the half marathon in town!  And there were more push ups to prove it!

Mama learned the best lesson of all:  Our time.  Our Run.  Our Saturday.  

And the fogginess is gone.  

Joy!
Kendra

It's Monday! What are You Reading?

Link up at teachmentortexts.com and unleashingreaders.com to share what you are reading! 

3 Books That Helped Us Understanding Writing Small Moments.   

These three books were so powerful in helping us as a classroom community see that the small moments come everyday.  I've always struggled a bit teaching this concept of writing small moments, however, these texts were crucial this year.  As we read around them, the students began to share stories of their secret hiding spots in the back yard, a found cookie jar that resulted in cookies, special family members, and their favorite ways to play in the snow.  I saw emerging writers understand that they have a story to tell, and they are sharing it.  

What am I hoping to read soon?  (As a first grade teacher, I'm just seeing the power in middle grade and YA reading, so I'm frantically catching up...forgive the familiar titles!)  I'm happy to be reading frantically to stay connected with my 10 year old, even if he doesn't want to read everything I pick up.  :)  

Joy!  (And Happy Reading!)

Kendra