Friday, December 30, 2016

Reflecting on 2016...

Hasn't this year just flown by?  Time to reflect...just a bit...

Listed below are my 2016 Intentions...and my thoughts on my achieving...or not...these intentions:
  1. My One Word Challenge: all.  
    1. This year's word spurred me during times I needed to be sure to include all, to do all, to be all...  This word became the gentle reminder that He gave all...just for me.
  2. Read.  
    1. I read less.  Less than I intended, probably due to my spending too much time on my cellphone!  Not sure of my final count yet...30+ books for the entire year.  I do love to read and have spent some of this Christmas break reading.  I hope to read one book a week next year...at least.
  3. Become more involved in my professional memberships.  
    1. Yes!  This past year I was asked to join the boards of two professional memberships!  Wow!  Truly, a highlight of my year.
  4. Enjoy time with My Daughter.  
    1. She obtained her driver's license, turned 17, got her first job, became a senior, had her senior pics made, while I spent time in the passenger seat, listened to her stories, paid for her senior year expenses, and designed her senior yearbook page.  Wow! 
  5. Enjoy time with The Husband.  
    1. I like him.  Very much! 
  6. Book Clubs...
    1. I love book clubs.  Very much.  I let the book clubs at school get behind...we didn't meet enough.  Hope to work on that!
  7. Book Clubs, Part 2
    1. I have enjoyed getting to know the people within these books clubs as we stretch our book likes and read what we might not would have.  This year, one of the ladies passed, which sure left a hole in our group.
  8. Bible Study:
    1. Our ladies' book study group is still meeting...and growing.  They bless me.  We ventured out and took in a study or two by various authors; then came back to Beth Moore.
  9. Ladies on a Mission:  
    1. Life got busy...and this group ceased to meet.  This is a good idea...but it just spread this group too thin.
  10. Music...piano...songs.  
    1. We learned a few...but not nearly enough.  We learned "The Birthday of a King" for Christmas.  Such a beautiful song.
  11. Quilt.
    1. I made six baby quilts this past year.  Love making quilts for babies...enjoy thinking about who the baby will become.  Currently, I am making a quilt for my brother.
  12. Be a friend.  
    1. I worked on this...I think I succeeded...some.
  13. Write.
    1. I did not succeed on this one.  BUT I sure hope to over this upcoming year, for I sure have a lot to write about on a lot of topics!
  14. Tammy Time. 
    1. I did work on this some...spent time attending Christian events...just for me.  For most of them, I took a group.  This year?  I am okay with just going by myself.  Not sure that will work out, as I tend to invite...and others tend to want to come along!
  15. More organized.  
    1. Nope.  Did not succeed here, at all!  Goodness!  Staying organized takes time...and I just do not have a lot of that!
  16. Less teaching.  More teaching.  In some areas of my life I have resolved to commit less in some areas.  Just the way it has to be for now.  In other areas, I shall teach more.  Oh, for the wisdom to know how to handle both...and handle them well.
    1. Here, I achieved...I taught less and may have to continue to do so, yet, at church, I taught more...three times a week.
One more...for the first time in a many years, I did not include "lose weight," which I never did...but I have lost a few pounds this year.  Not enough!  Just a thought, though...I am not going to include it next year, for I want to keep losing!  Yay!

When I look back over this year, I purposely stayed involved...attending conferences, book clubs, always giving myself something to which to look forward.  I enjoyed that very much.  This I want to continue.

Wednesday, November 23, 2016

Conference Time: A Success!

This past summer, I accepted two board positions, one for the Arkansas Reading Association and another for the Arkansas Teachers for National Board Certification.   After hours of work...and many emails created and sent...I have now attended and enjoyed, maybe, just maybe, what has been the best conference ever...the 44th Annual Literacy Conference, which brought together quite the list of speakers from across the nation, including professional leaders and authors Jeff Anderson, Valerie Ellery, and Marilyn Pryle, authors Margaret Peterson Haddix, Alan Gratz...and many others.  Wow!

Event Coordinator Julie Reardon amazes me with her leadership style.  One day, when I grow up...okay, I'm there!...I want to emulate her, for I truly appreciate her ability to empower.   Earlier this year, because of her recommendation, I was asked to come aboard the Core Conference Committee, a decision that has resulted in a major impact on my life.

I also worked quite closely with Ms. Susan, and when these two began to email, the conversations...yes, multiple ones...at the same time...they flew.  Wow!  Learned much, and my appreciation of this leadership style grew...and continues to do so.

My responsibilities included advertising the conference via email blasts and other created advertisement pieces.  I also designed and created the 48-page program, totally immersing myself in the conference.

Here are a few highlights from the conference:

  • Meeting and introducing Jeff Anderson, author of Mechanically Inclined (which my English Dept is reading and discussing) and other works.  Awesome presentations (heard him speak twice), full of mentor texts and many methods to engage readers and writers.
  • Helping set up for events...such as Children's Book Awards.
  • Dinner with friends and authors and speakers.
  • Working on a presentation of my own with peer JimBob Turner, who presented with me when he was a student in my methods class a few years ago.  
  • Breakfast with ARA leaders...and having my position officially approved!
  • Working with students in our first-ever Student Symposium, which featured authors Margaret Peterson Haddix, Alan Gratz, and Michael Shoulders.  Those kids were meeting stars!  They were so excited...and that excited me!
  • Presenting...and having 14 people show up...and share...and leave excited to use what we had discussed.
  • Lunch as author Haddix talked about her many books...very interesting.
  • Finishing up the most awesome of conferences by planning for the next one.  Yay!
That's right...the planning has begun for the 2018 45th Annual Literacy Conference.  I am ready.


Saturday, October 29, 2016

October in Cafe 16

Isn't this year...both 2016 and this school year...slipping by so quickly?

Just a quick note regarding my previous post...not sure I will complete the four novels I had hoped to read; well, okay, I know I won't!  Not that I haven't been reading; I just haven't been reading these books.  I am just okay with this.  To be good to myself, I am taking it upon myself to extend this deadline until Thanksgiving...still fallish out there; actually, here in Arkansas, the temps felt more like summer today than fall!  Maybe...just maybe Mr. Carl with the RIP Challenge will not mind!

Now...to Cafe 16:

  1. I have great groups of kids this year.  They are funny; some are more than willing to learn; some need persuading; did I mention they are funny?  They just are.  
  2. With my English 12, I just finished Julius Caesar.  The most interesting thing happened...as I read, I noted repetitions within the play I did not catch last year; am going to work them up into lesson plans for next year.  Such as...
    1. Shakespeare's thoughts on women as support for their leader husbands.
    2. Leaders agreeing to disagree for the betterment of the nation/people.
    3. Mark Antony's persuasive tactics...and obtaining what he wanted all along.  Such a manipulator.  Very interesting.
  3. With English 10, we just completed a mini-Poe unit we inserted between units.  May have to read just one more of his poems...after all, Monday is Halloween!
  4. My Teacher Cadet class is awesome!  Love working with prospective teachers.  Love it very much!
  5. On Fridays, I prepare coffee for my kiddos; they love this so.  The willingness to work for a small cup of coffee is just so worth it!  
  6. I have the same mentor group as last year.  Such a powerful concept.  Finally, this idea is working within our building.  We attempted this a few years ago, but we did not have the needed support to ensure its success; thus, it died a very horrible death.  Yes, administrative support is a must with some to encourage a success of needed programs.  I digress...I have "adopted" my mentees...I am their school mom.  Some of them so much much need one...very much so.
  7. 2nd Block...as we call our mentoring time...has taken on a life of itself as much is crammed into this 40 minutes.  This time we use for interventions...probably too much as some students will never experience enrichment...and neither will core teachers, since they are pulled to teach these interventions.  We seem to be in overdrive...whereas, last year, we were in slow-mo.  Again, as I often say, the answer is a happy medium, a blend.  Leaning to one side in any situation is just that...leaning.
  8. I am enjoying working with my very young English department.  This past week, I turned 50...wow!  The other three are all below 30.  Yes, I am their English teacher mom.  :)  I try hard to not sound too motherly (aka bossy)...to which they might suggest I should try harder?!
  9. Did I mention this week I turned 50?  As I shared with my kiddos, turning 50 has its advantages, including I am much wiser now.  Oh, the difference between 49.364 and 49.365...or 50.  Not sure they believed me!  :)  I will keep working on that!
  10. Faculty Book Club continues this year...we are now reading Mark of the Thief (also the book of the month for the student book club) and have chosen Richard Paul Evan's The Mistletoe Promise for December.  I love book clubs!  Next week, we begin a study of Jeff Anderson's Mechanically Inclined with our English department.  Later, in November, we are all attending the Arkansas Reading Association's Literacy Conference, where Anderson will be presenting.    Yes, that's right...the nerd in me is very excited about this!
Not sure this is my Top Ten...but ten it is for now.

Just a few questions for you:
  1. With which text will you celebrate Halloween with your students?
  2. What texts are you teaching?  Do you teach thematically? Incorporate grammar?
  3. Do you use diagramming as a method?
Yes...more to come...

May you have time to read this weekend!

Wednesday, September 7, 2016

RIP Challenge 2016

September has arrived and with it comes the RIP Challenge.  For the last several years, this has signaled, for me, the beginning of fall, which for some reason, and more so than usual, I am so in anticipation of its arrival.

Fall is such a favorite:  the smells, the temperatures, the colors...pumpkin spice coffee on a brisk morning, hot dogs and s'mores around the fire pit, the crunch of leaves on walks with The Man...all add up to a wonderful time of the year.

For this challenge, I am choosing Peril the First...or to read four books throughout the next two months.  This is the category I usually choose and, for most years, have completed.

I currently am reading Unwind, a book suggested by a student and one I had on my shelf; therefore, this one will be my first read.

Currently, my students and I are hosting a re-read of the Harry Potter series.  For this, I will read book three...The Prisoner of Azkaban.. (and maybe number four).  Earlier this summer, I read the 8th book...I enjoyed reacquainting myself with the characters again and meeting their children.  Very interesting read.

For our faculty book club we are reading Girl on the Train...not sure I would count that for this challenge, but I will certainly encourage their choosing one for October that I might add to this level of Peril.

I began The Historian a couple of years ago for a book club...yes, began.  I hope to pick that book up in October...re-read and complete the journey this time.  I remember enjoying the plot; just had too many obligations at the time.

One of my all-time favorite books remains Katherine Howe's The Physick Book Deliverance Dane.  I have yet to read her Conversion...so let's add that to the RIP TBR!

So...here goes...I hope to read the following:






Saturday, September 3, 2016

Welcome Back...three weeks later

Three weeks back...and just now taking the time to react to 2016-2017!

Take this glimpse into my year...

  1. New room layout.  Like very much.
  2. New English teacher in our department.  Brand new...he just graduated college this past May.  Welcome, Hunter!
  3. Great to be back working with the other two English teachers...all young, all under 30.  All my kids.  Yes, my shoe size continues to increase as I near 50 this year!  I ever more admire that little, ol' woman who lived in the shoe!
  4. Our ELL teacher is also a super friend:  we think alike, pray for each other's "real" kids, and prepare all our others at school for a better life.  Bless her.  She has a heart larger than Arkansas for these students who face such language challenge.
  5. Three preps:  English 12 (three sections), English 10 (two sections), and Teacher Cadet (one section)...brand new class!  Love it!)
  6. Same literary curriculum.  Still attempting to co-exist with it.
  7. Same mentor group.  I like them.  Very much. 
  8. Many students...all unique, all making me laugh and learn.  
  9. My daughter is a senior.  Wow.
  10. Four or more teachers every day joins me for lunch.  Plus, the daughter and at least one or more friend.  Sometimes, a student or two stops by to work.
  11. Preps all before lunch.  Morning flies.  Afternoons very busy!
  12. Hosted first book club meeting and chose our first book of the year:  The Girl on the Train.
  13. Met with our Beta Club officers and held our first meeting.  Lots of energy working for some very good causes.
  14. Wrote our first passage somewhat modeled after the test our state mandated test.  No, not necessarily teaching to the test, just using their model to prepare our students for success within our own classrooms.  After all, this one's main character was Garfield; just don't think he will make it to a state/national exam!
  15. Attended our first football game and watched The Girl do her Athletic Trainer thing.  Proud of her!
  16. Already served many pots of coffee (decaffeinated...please don't tell them, for these kiddos have yet to discover this secret!)  My, what work one can obtain in exchange for this bit of hydration!
  17. Created two of the cutest bulletin boards, using the least amount of work ever, as I recycled some VBS decorations!  This is the only elementary characteristic that resides in my body...planning them, making them, putting them together...I enjoy all of it.
  18. Entered grades...into a new system that I am learning...and learning.
  19. Have more papers to grade.
  20. Student stopped by and asked if I had ordered those books for him.  Uh?  Upon reminding me of the titles, I did!  So cool when a boy loves to read!
  21. Convinced 8-10 football players to read Kwame Alexander's Crossover.  Yay!
  22. Another young lady stopped by and asked if I would host the student book club as she needs a club to join.  Okay.  Note to self:  schedule that first meeting.
  23. Three others stopped and asked if we could continue our read along...or re-read...of the Harry Potter series.  Yes.  Scheduled a date on one of the girl's birthday.  Yes, must have dessert for that one!
  24. At least three days a week, The Girl and I ride together to school.  I am enjoying it...as she will graduate this year.  (I am mentioning that again...allowing it to sink in!)
  25. Chose a young man, a senior with Down's Syndrome, to be the Grand Marshall for our Homecoming Parade.  That selection makes me happy.
  26. Began my 26th year...and was ready to do so!  Here's to at least two more...and probably more than that...of being blessed to work and play all day long in what I was born to do.
Please tell me!  How has the start to your school year been?  

Tuesday, July 26, 2016

A Cornerstone for Me

I spent the better part of the last three days working with Arkansas Reading Association leaders...and had such a grand time.  We worked non-stop the entire time and enjoyed pulling this leadership treat off for the local council leaders.

For the next year,  I will assume the role of Public Relations Director on the board of this fine group of literacy leaders in our state.  Yes, I am excited!  Very.

This year's president's theme focuses on this group becoming more of a cornerstone in our state, not just for our members, but for anyone looking for literacy leadership.  The group has become a cornerstone for me as it is becoming an outlet for hobbies I truly enjoy...literacy technology and reading.  Call me a nerd!  I also am truly enjoying getting to know the leaders within this group; they motivate me with their talents, energy, and friendships.

While at this Council Leadership Institute, I wore two hats, one for the ARA and another for my local council, the White River Reading Council, for which I serve as secretary.  We chatted and planned and confirmed our areas of outreach for this upcoming year during which we will combine two of my above mentioned hobbies as we host a Literacy Technology Bootcamp over four meetings held throughout the year using Google as our tool of choice.

I encourage all teachers to reach outside the walls of their buildings and become involved in leadership and fellowship with other like-minded peers.  Besides the Arkansas Reading Association, I am progressively becoming involved in Arkansas Teachers for National Board Certification, another group in which I believe, another group working hard to better our profession in our state.  This summer, I was asked to serve on their board, and I look forward to learning more and working with this group.

This summer I also received an email in response to my inquiring about the Delta Kappa Gamma, an honor society for women educators.  While working with some educators earlier in the summer, a member shared about the activities of this group.  Maybe more on this will occur...

For me, the most important gain from such groups is the interaction, the sharing of ideas and goals and trends, the fellowship of like-minded, achieving persons who want more for themselves, their students, and their communities, always leaving with some nugget of knowledge.  One can become stagnate within four walls...sometimes without even realizing it until presented with an opportunity to venture out.

If you live within my area and want to become involved in any of the above mentioned groups, let me know!  I will share!

In what groups are involved?  Do you play a leadership role?  How have you grown within these groups?

Monday, July 4, 2016

I'm Back...Again

Yes, I took a break.  Yes, I took a break for several reasons.

Yes, this blog means much to me.  Too much to just not return.

Why not on Independence Day?

Today, besides a day to celebrate our independence, always symbolizes that summer is half over...or that my summer is half over, especially this year, since I go back on August 8, with school starting on August 15...and between now and then I have eight days of PD.

Now, my brain begins to shift toward returning to school, to meeting and greeting new students, and stamping out a bit more ignorance!

My Initial To-Return-To-School Checklist:

  1. prepare a booklet of resources for our department to utilize this upcoming school year.
  2. finalize my 2016-17 classroom decor ideas.
  3. pull out my units and wrap my brain around where they need to go this year.
  4. pre-plan for Beta Club activities.
  5. plan for a brand new class...Teacher Cadet...by attending a three-day workshop.
  6. enjoy my growing friendships with the ladies and gents of the Arkansas Reading Association.
  7. clean out Narnia.
  8. read a few more books...both for fun and for professional purposes.
As I typed this list, I decided that each should be a blog post topic.  Great Idea.  Love being inspired!

Of what have you most enjoyed this summer?  Hope you are having time to renew and read!

Monday, April 11, 2016

NPM: #9

During National Poetry Month, I will attempt to write a poem a day.

_________________________

Soul Medicine

Laughter
Good for me,
Good for friends,
Good for the audience.
Good.

Laughter
With girls,
With friends,
With soul sisters,
With 4100 Jesus Girls.
Giggle.

Laughter
About friends,
About mother-in-laws,
About frizzy hair and thighs,
About moments not to be forgotten.
Cackle.

Laughter
Towards jokes,
Towards groups,
Towards spanx and skinny jeans.
Towards memories brought to surface.
Roar!

Laughter
Releasing stress,
Releasing bitterness,
Releasing negative holds,
Releasing pressures inside held.
Smile.

Laughter
Good for the soul,
Good for the future,
Good for women to share.
Laugh, we did.

____________________________

This morning, while at Women of Joy, we listened...and laughed with...a Christian comedian.  I so enjoyed my time spent with my three lady roommates and travel companions.

Friday, April 8, 2016

NPM: #8

In honor of National Poetry Month, I am attempting to write a poem a day.

____________________________

Flavors

Pumpkin Spice.
Hazelnut.
Caramel.

Coffee
Without I can abide.

But...
Pumpkin Spice,
Hazelnut,
Caramel,
in water, not the same.

Coffee
With you I do abide.

For...
Pumpkin Spice,
Hazelnut,
Caramel,
  My flavors.
  My treats.
  My rewards.
  My eye-opener.

Two sugars.
Four creamers.
Syrup.
Just a little coffee, please.


_________________________

While on the way to Branson today, I enjoyed my first coffee...ever...from McDonalds.  Yum!

Thursday, April 7, 2016

NPM: #7

In honor of National Poetry Month, I am attempting to write a poem a day.

____________________________

Preparations

Tomorrow, school I shall miss.
Preparing now.

Rosters.
Lesson plans.
Handouts.
Movie.

To work?
To engage?

No time lost...
With or without me.

Block schedule.
Two classes in one.
One hour, twenty minutes.

Evan says, "More work
Than if you are here."

Yes, a substitute before I have been.
Stress!
   Names!
   Questions!
   Free time!
   Stress!

Thus, I prepare to ensure
   Engagement.
   No loss of time.
   One hour, twenty minutes.
   Times three.

More work to prepare
   than to stay.
Go, I will, though.
Time for Tammy.

Wednesday, April 6, 2016

NPM: #6

In honor of National Poetry Month, I attempt to write a poem daily.

Today's poem is dedicated to my 3B English 10 class, in particular a young man who has experienced great loss this year but has been so mature through these great adversities.   He is by no means a peeping tom...just a joke from class.

_____________________________

Peeping Toms

To one who mimes,
To one who encourages,
To one who loves English not,
To one who supports his peers,
To one who misses what he once had. 

To one who earned a nickname 
For what reason I now remember not. 
To one who says his table mates do bully. 
What?
Really?

Are those smiles not real?
Do those whispered conversations secrets reveal?
What?
Really?

The teacher knows...
Yes, she is aware...
Some would prefer to...
Hunt ducks. 
Play sports 
Eat lunch.
Dig a ditch...
Than of English partake. 

Thus, when all "ai not", aka ain't's,
Removed they are. 
When all blanks, 100's become. 
When the young do teach the  29'ers again. 

Then...only then...
Will days be filled with
Movies. 
Free days. 
Free time. 
Easy A's. 

Thus, in the meantime...
Mimes continue. 
Peeps will be seen.
Secrets brought to light. 
Papers planned. 
Sentences composed. 

With a laugh here,
A snicker there
And a cup of coffee in between. 


To my very favorite 3B'ers,
Listen up!
Let's write right!




Tuesday, April 5, 2016

NPM: #5

In honor of National Poetry Month, I am attempting to write a poem a day.

Dedicated to my first great, great niece.
_______________________________

Great Squared

Today, you did me the honor great
Of making several of us even greater.

Mimi now is Great Mimi.
Joe, Micah, and Melanie all one great indeed.

Janet, Joe, and myself...
Well, we are great greats.

How absolutely delightful these titles you give
Enough to share; no, not competitive.

Speaking of titles and names,
I do hear that dad has upon you
Already a nickname bestowed.
Girlfriend, these endearments have only just begun.

Your namesake, between me and thee,
Raelynn...
That name I spoke much in high school.
A friend of mine, oh, so cool,
Too shared your name.

Just a moment on Lynn we should focus.
Without a doubt a plus,
For I, too, share that name.
Raelynn.
Tammy Lynn.

One more title you should know.
I. Am. A. Baby. Whisperer.
Just breathe those wants out.
Through coos, never should you doubt,
My ears shall perk, ever alert,
To share you needs and wants.
First pacifiers, rattlers, and baby dolls,
Though none so pretty as you.

One more title we should discuss.
Jesus dearly loves His children.
Yes, He loves you,
So today you made Him happy,
For with that first breath you took,
He, too, upon you did look.

While you may not yet know,
You are one blessed little girl,
For today, you set many hearts a whirl.

Those other names not mentioned?
They are going to love you much.
Go ahead and let them spoil you,
For this you do deserve,
For nine months of working to arrive,
That, my dear, deserves some sweet high fives.

Again, thanks for making me great squared.
Please know I am prepared
To wear my new name with a flair,
For this I do declare...
That being Great Great Aunt Tammy is
An honor, a moment full of bliss.

Monday, April 4, 2016

Today Was a Monday

Today, I heard...
"I read the entire play [Macbeth] this weekend." I had yet to assign it. Oh. My. Goodness. Love that girl!
"I have my essay written. Just need to type it." I had assigned this one...better late and the grade reflect what he CAN do than what he just did not want to do. Yes.
"It's okay. We're friends, Mrs. Gillmore." Yes...yes, we are...even when I have to ask you to be quiet for the fifth time.
"Yes, mom." This from a "son" of mine whose mom loans him out to us during the day.
"Have you ordered that book?" This from another "son," who once was too proud to say he doesn't read...but finally found the author for him. Got to get that book ordered!
Some days are just a Monday. Hope yours was as good as mine.

NPM: #4

Throughout the month of April, I will attempt to write a poem a day for National Poetry Month.
_________________________
Dedicated to Making Choices Bible Study Group.

Jesus Girls

Two hours.
Eight ladies
One Bible Study.

Adds up to...

Stories shared.
Tears tapped.
Prayers prayed.
Hearts healed.

Just in one gathering,
Where nerves came clamoring.
Where stories told secure within those walls,
Where time to talk, to seek tidbits of wisdom,
Where two listen, four formulate responses, two cry,
Or did all eight?
Where heads bow, in the now quiet, hushed peace,
For more than two or three gathered,
For He was there.

For me, a prayer answered.
Prayed two years ago
For girls that are friends.
For friends that are girls.

He answers in His Timing.
He answers in His Way.
He always answers.
Always.

Always, He answers.


Sunday, April 3, 2016

NPM: #3

To Believe or Not

Walking. 
Dead. 

Alive. 
Will be dead?

Brave?
Stupid?

Mockingbird?

Trapped?

Really?  
Will the season end this way?

Stop the whistling!

I wait. 
Fifteen more minutes. 

Have a theory. 
Carol is right. 
Just move into eternity. 

Wait!
This is fiction. 
This. Is. Not. Real. 
No. 

But...
Why does this feel real?
In a fiction kind of way, that is. 

Just thankful for my WD cohorts. 
You know who you are. 

Where are the good guys?
Where are the knights in shining armor?
You may show up. Anytime now. 

Not cool. 

Eight minutes. 

Rick works for his family 
Family. 
Unite. 

Do. Not. Make. Us. Wait.  Until. October. 

End this now. 

The worst finale ever. 







Saturday, April 2, 2016

NPM: Day 2

Throughout the month of April, I will attempt to write a poem a day for National Poetry Month.
_________________________


One Hour

Today, I gave an hour. 
Of blessings He did shower. 

The Blue Van and friend Katie
Around the neighborhood visits we did make. 

Doors unanswered. 
Doors opened. 

Planting a seed.
Cultivating with care. 
Gleaning His Harvest. 

Four agreed
With us tomorrow to accompany
To His House to meet. 
Souls rejoice, upbeat. 

The Blue Van and my friend Katie,
We all agreed
More driving up and down those streets. 
Finding one more, two, three.  

Thank you, dear Lord,
For giving us this opportunity more. 
We ask you to utilize us. 
For as You would, this we must
To go into the streets, this our harvest field. 
May we continue to yield. 

Fill us with Your Desires. 
Then and only then will Your Perfect Will transpire. 

Guide us to the doors that will open,
For in You, we are hoping
That one more will worship you 
As we did
Today
For one hour. 

Lord, give us one more hour. 
And another 
To work for you. 

Amen. 

Friday, April 1, 2016

National Poetry Month: Day 1

The Look So Bleak

Riding along,
Minding my own business,
Or so one would think,

A tidbit of knowledge
I did let leak.

Word
by
word
The look began to form.

"Your dad thinks
Tonight you should stay
HOME
and not go out
with The Boy."

We rolled along.
No comment.

"What do you think?"
I asked, in that voice so meek.

A long pause.
A response her brain did seek.

Focused I remain
on that phone screen,
definitely tongue in cheek.

"Okay.  I guess."

This girl.
To hurt her,
I cannot,
So
I
Speak,

"April Fool's."

"Mom!"

To her, I take a peek.
Appreciating my technique.

Smiles.

A great way to end this workweek,
This day,
April 1, 2016.

____________________________

National Poetry Month has arrived!  Yay!  While perusing online, I came across this Poem a Day Challenge.  Today's prompt:  write a foolish poem...in honor of April Fool's Day.

Enjoy!

Sunday, February 28, 2016

Time with Harry

This year, a few peers and students and myself are rereading...or reading...whichever the case may be, the Harry Potter series, and tomorrow is our first meeting date to discuss The Sorcerer's Stone.

Since I did not plan ahead enough to purchase a frog mold, I am hoping that our imaginations will allow a substitution of chocolate!  One of our coaches has a Sorting Hat.  I am fairly determined to be in Gryffendor, as Harry is my adopted fictional son!  Now, if I have to be conniving to get into the house I want, does that mean I may not be a Gryffendor?!

When I began to share this read-along idea, I was pleasantly surprised at the interest.  Even on Facebook, when I shared the news, several friends and some of their students from neighboring schools quickly joined an online group I created here.

I am sure those rereading will be pleasantly surprised at what we have forgotten or never even noticed in our first read.  Multiple reads of a text can must be a very good thing.

Looking forward to lunch tomorrow.  I anticipate noise, excitement...and maybe some dismay when the Sorting Hat assigns houses.  :)

Saturday, February 20, 2016

Meeting the Author

This past weekend, I had the privilege of attending the third Young Adult Authors Series of this year, where the featured author was Kwame Alexander, whose latest novel The Crossover was the recipient of the 2015 Newberry Award.

I enjoy such workshops and conferences for several reasons...may we chat about two?

  1. This time allows me to spend time with like-minded educators who affirm who I was...and still am inside...and will one day be.  May I explain?  I have always been a proponent of change.  For those who might live in Arkansas, remember COE?  Then ACSIP?  Our school was a field test school for that change.  We volunteered for it...as we did for many such tasks during my first 14 years of teaching.  Back to the conferences I attend...here I chat and am always reminded of who I really am.  I leave affirmed, a very good thing for me.
  2. I always learn.  I enjoy learning!  But.  I had experienced a "pit" in my career the day before this conference; while there, thought, it clicked why the pit had become so deep.  May I explain?
The Day Before the Author Event

On a Thursday, a twelfth-grade student walked in first hour and said, "Mrs. Gillmore, I cannot believe that YOU assigned this book."    Please add a bit of incredibility to his tone.  Maybe a touch of dismay.  I just cannot go as far to say disgust.  Yet.  Why the disbelief?  Because of what he knew I considered inappropriate material.

The Day After the Author Event

On Monday morning, this same student walked in and first words out of his mouth were, "Mrs. Gillmore, this novel is awful."  Please picture this intelligent, reserved young man.  Not a trouble-maker.  Not one trying to get out of completing his classwork, for he had read ahead, had finished the novel.  "It does not have a good end at all."

The Pit

Maybe you have experienced such a moment?  I would be so curious to hear how you handle assigning works of literature that result in students questioning what you stand for.  This...well, this was a first for me.  Not sure that I have even begun to recover.  A true low point for me.

Please don't get me wrong...I have had many students moan and groan about texts I have presented and assigned, everything from poetry to the classics, from modern to the ancient, creating in me a desire to find the hook to "catch" them reading.

Why?

I have been told to "get on board" with this curriculum.  A directive.  

The Author

Kwame Alexander writes to give his readers hope.  I sat and listened (for at that point, I had not read his book) and absorbed the excitement in the room of teachers for their students who have inhaled his books.  I began to see students' faces.  I began to dream of one day those students having this same excitement, this same hope.

When asked why more such books are not being published, the Author replied, "They are being written.  They just aren't being published."

It clicked.  Oh.  The book my classes are currently reading and have read, they have little to any hope.  

I remembered...much earlier in the year a teacher-peer making this same reflection.

The Author also noted that he's often asked, "Are your main characters black or white?"

His reply to these teachers, "If they ask, I will tell you."

The kids never ask.  Just the teachers ask.  Please pause and ponder why one groups asks and the other does not.

Hope

There is always hope.  Always.  These kids of mine want books that resolve with the message of hope.

Yes, I hear the counterclaims here:  Life is hard.  Life doesn't always come out like we want it to. BUT there is A.L.W.A.Y.S. hope.

That student from earlier?  "This book reminds me of my dad.  The ending is awful."  As I listened to him talk, I wanted to be able to say...well, I wanted to say a lot.  In climbing aboard, though, I have been cornered.

I "hope" as you read this you are thinking, "I would take a stand."  

I have.  Earlier this year.  Before school ever started.  I still am standing.  Just in a still way, as I have been given another directive from a Higher Power.

I do have hope.  As this train continues to chug, hope still clings.  And to switch metaphors, I am mining a few nuggets from this book.  From these, we analyze and develop our writing skills.

Reason #3 for Enjoying Such Conferences:
  • In our building each teacher has a mentor group...my children...me=mom...all my sons and daughters, one of whom does not like to read and is too proud of not reading...ever.  This has been a bone of contention between him and myself as Silent Sustained Reading is a requirement of this established time with our groups of students.  On Monday, I began a read-aloud of The Crossover, displaying the book on the screen, allowing them to read-along.   I noted his interest.

    He's a basketball player, a good one.

    The main character is a basketball player, a good one.

    As I ended the last line, he said, "I got to read that book."

    He left with a copy of that book.  Yes!  Success!  Boo yah!
  • The Next Day:  I heard him telling more of my "sons," "My dad said, 'What are you doing?  You don't ever read.'"  Yes!  Success!
  • Here, in this conference, on my time, having spent my own money, I hooked a student on reading.  Now, I will purchase this author's new about-to-be-released novel...and any others I can find...for this "son" of mine. 
  • Did I mention this book is written in poetic form?
This is why I am an educator of literacy, for hope does abound.

Tuesday, February 9, 2016

Grammar Time...Take 2

This is my second take on this topic.  The first?  The tone...as in mine...swayed to the negative.  Thus, I shall try again.

Currently, our district is researching grammar/language resources that we in the literacy department might utilize next year, for this is one of our weak areas.

Having used many methods, several to the extreme, some not well-implemented at all, I tend to straddle the fence, so to speak, on which resources are the best.  Thus, my final answer to which I prefer?  As in many topics, a blend is the answer.  To say that one source cannot be used is too restrictive.  To demand that only certain resources be used is to limit the diversity among teachers.

This I know.  I love teaching grammar.  I truly love it.  I miss it.   I really do.  Very much.  Maybe one day that pendulum will swing back towards my preferences.

May I ask? What grammar/language resources do you access to better prepare your students for either assessments or to ensure they are college and career ready?  A textbook?  A workbook?  The internet?  Released books by such authors as Jeff Anderson, Don Killgallon, and Kelly Gallagher?  A blend?

May I ask?  How much grammar/language skills are taught each year?  One a nine week, teaching to mastery?  Many mini-lessons, giving a broader overview?  Only those skills needed in the "real" world of work?  Those skills needed for college?  Are you students prepared, making the easy "A" in college?

Please add to this discussion!

Wednesday, February 3, 2016

You Beta Believe It!

This past weekend, I attended the Arkansas Beta Club Convention and was revived!  As noted before here, this has been a trying year, a year to withdraw, to find peace and quiet.  One of the side effects of that, though, has resulted in my extracurricular involvement sliding to some degree, which was represented in the lowest number of students I have ever taken to this very awesome convention.

With that said...I so enjoyed this weekend, which was a very beautiful weekend weather-wise.  So nice!  I did not anticipate the renewal occurring as it did, yet as I sat there, resting, absorbing, listening, my Beta brain began to revive.  Siting in a room of 2600 highly energized young people, all intelligent and so highly capable of achieving much, can only stir the want-to to ensure that my Betas partake in this atmosphere and opportunities.

Thus, to begin plotting and planning...these kids are not going to know what has happened to them!

I hope you are involved in extracurricular activities!  Aren't they rewarding?!

Saturday, January 9, 2016

New Year...New Books

Just wanted to take a moment to share three titles with you that my students are enjoying.  Always looking for titles that might engage readers...for those who love it and especially for those who don't appreciate this hobby as I do.

I wrote a grant last summer to buy books for our student book club.  The following are the first three:


  • The Iron Trial by popular authors Holly Black and Cassandra Clare:  the first in a series, this novel's protagonist is a male.  Have you noticed that so many of the heroes are actually heroines? Currently, I only have one copy of the next in the series The Copper Gauntlet...need more, as they all want to read the next one as soon as they finish the first. Please read more here on my book review blog about this series.
  • The Red Queen by 24-year-old Victoria Aveyard (once you begin reading, you will understand why I included her age...such a good writer):  Main character Mare is both a Silver and a Red...and finds herself betrothed to one of the two Princes.  Lots of twists and turns (literally...as the Queen has the power to take over your mind and inflict great pain).  This one is the first of three...and plans are underway to take The Red Queen to the big screen.  Yes, please read before watching!  A must!
  • The Glass Arrow by Kristen Simmons:  A stand-alone.  These seem more uncommon nowadays, don't they?  This novel, too, takes the reader to a dystopic society where women are valued primarily as breeders, which is main character Aya's future as she has been captured and will soon be auctioned...or will she?
Currently, as we speak, the faculty book read for January is being discussed.  Unless minds and opinions change, we will be reading The Life We Bury by Allen Eskens or Troubled Waters by Sharon Shinn (this one was recommend by author Gretchen Rubin as one of her three monthly recommendations for January)...or both over the next two months.   

For our local book store's book club (now celebrating its 15th year!), we are reading Turn Away Thy Son by Arkansan Elizabeth Jacoway, who wrote about the Little Rock Central Nine.

Then for personal, spiritual growth, I am reading Beth Moore's new book Audacious.  So very good...and so very timely for me.  I have also begun Alistair Begg's Pathway to Freedom for a Sunday evening study and am working through Beth Moore's Jesus The One and Only for our Making Choices Bible Study Group.

Please share...what are you reading good?

Happy reading!