Category Archives: Uncategorized

A slice of Water?

February 21, 2017Uncategorizedonathought

Part of Slice of Life by Two Writing Teachers

“Um, Ona? Water?” Sara lifts the wine glass with confusion. I had just poured her a glass, from a bottle of wine.

“No! I just poured that. Let me taste it.”

Water. That is water. What?

I look at the bottle, wondering how wine can change to water… does that happen if the new bottle wasn’t sealed? Is there some sort of chemical reaction? My mind starts making up new scientific facts… then I hold up the bottle, remembering how it seemed awfully easy to open the twist cap. I turn to H, with a question, “Um, H?” He looks up at the bottle in my hand. He is suddenly beet red, eyes wide.

“Oh no! I –”

L starts laughing, and the story comes out. Months ago, H took an empty bottle of wine, rinsed it out and filled it with water. Mr. Thought came in and told him not to play with wine bottles, so H put it back. It isn’t clear here if he simply forgot about his project, or if he was planning on tricking me, but then forgot about it. Whatever the case, he certainly did not plan on tricking his beloved “Aunt” Sara. This is clear by the color that stays on his cheeks, the head shaking, the anguish.

“It was filtered fridge water!” He winces. “I promise!”

Winter Break Slice-A-Day Challenge #8

December 30, 2016Uncategorizedonathought

I’ve challenged my 6th graders to a Slice-A-Day during our winter break…I will attempt to keep up with the challenge as well!

Yesterday I had to stop by my classroom to get library books that were due… so I dragged my kids with me intending to to grab to the books and then go home. As we walked down the steps though, the kids started asking if we could stay a bit.

Hmmm… possibilities started popping into my head of small projects I could do in my classroom.

“Are you sure?” I asked, trying not to get my hopes up as I put away my holiday decorations. In response, they got out some legos and dice, and started playing a game. I happily labeled my new nonfiction books (read a few too!) and then asked again, “You guys okay hanging out a little bit longer?”

They hardly looked away from their game to nod their heads. So, I put my nonfiction books out on display…

Their game was over, but now they were all playing legos… So, I organized my new fiction books…

They were still playing…

I told the kids we should get going. They didn’t want to… so I filed some papers, cleaned off my desk, and graded a stray late quiz.

Finally they agreed to go. They cleaned up the legos, I grabbed my library books and off we went.

As we walked back to the car I realized it had been over 2 hours of no bickering, kids playing together, and getting some of my work done.

A Christmas miracle for sure.

(And I think a short book called “If you give a teacher time in her room…”)

Winter Break Slice-A-Day Challenge #4

December 26, 2016Slice of Life, Uncategorizedonathought

I’ve challenged my 6th graders to a Slice-A-Day during our winter break…I will attempt to keep up with the challenge as well!

The day after Christmas

I am not so good 
at lazy days of sitting
so I'll make some tea

I'll walk the dog soon
then return to my reading-
cozy on my chair

At some point the mess
will overwhelm me too much
and I'll clean, I think

Or maybe I won't 
maybe I'll stay in my chair -
hope for cleaning elves

Winter Break Slice-A-Day Challenge #3

December 25, 2016Uncategorizedonathought

I’ve challenged my 6th graders to a Slice-A-Day during our winter break…I will attempt to keep up with the challenge as well!

Having fun slicing with my new pens!

A slice of complaining

October 18, 2016Family, Uncategorizedonathought

Part of Slice of Life by Two Writing Teachers.

There's a lot to celebrate - that's true
pumpkin spice, red leaves fall, sweater weather - 
just to name a few.

But the air is still -- slightly sticky.
I'm feeling annoyed and more than 
a little bit picky. 

My complaints vary -- and that's the truth
From the bear in my neighborhood
to the mistreatment of youth.

I can't keep quiet, for instance
about a certain adult who 
can't see my child's brilliance.

She tells him his art is a mistake
And he gets sent out of the room
if he speaks up to that flake.

I know I'm sounding brutal
but my kindness -- thus far
it just seems so futile. 

So I'm done being nice -- for now
I need to speak up
and get my points across somehow.

And there are more complaints to be spoken 
About grading, and time, and ---
Listen, I'm rhyming not joking.

I know my next complaint -- it isn't proper
It deals with Data, and how 
we need to put in the stopper!

"Too much data!" -- I want to scream
Let's stop the madness and wake up
from this rigorous dream. 

The children in my classroom aren't data points for you
Their each and every word and action
aren't plots or lines or graphs to do.

Please let them be - let them read!
Let them write, and make mistakes too, 
work and play is what they need!

Now, of course I know - I hope you understand
That there are things I have to do 
things the state has planned.

And obviously I must be sure to mention
That assessments help me check in with kids
and give the proper things attention. 

But data for data, is a pet peeve of mine
If it isn't friendly and useful then,
It was a waste of our time.

Worst complaint of all? --I can't finish this piece
I'm complaining too slowly 
because I keep falling asleep.

I think it's because I'm busy, you see
Teaching, parenting, parenting, teaching
leaves little time for sleeping for me.

I hear your thoughts, dear reader of mine
Maybe she should shush down, go to sleep 
and then all will be fine. 

Fine. 
Goodnight.

Slices of the second day of school.

August 31, 2016Family, Slice of Life, Uncategorizedonathought

Part of Slice of Life by Two Writing Teachers.

I’m glad Slice of Life is on Tuesdays. I’m glad my school year started yesterday, not on a Tuesday . . . I wouldn’t have wanted to write a slice of life yesterday. It would have gone something like this:

Can’t sleep, wake up, tired. Coffee. Coffee. Coffee. Greet kids, help with lockers, answer a million questions with “I’m not sure. I’ll try to find out.” Over-planned, no time, focus on community. Talk at kids, bore myself. Comfort the overwhelmed, read aloud. Expectations, presentations, rules, rules, rules. Meeting, walk, walk, walk…”

But today I have slices. Slices that remind me why I love teaching.

I asked this question:

Got great answers:

Let me zoom in on one my favorite questions.

Version 2

Later. . .

We had student council elections where the following campaign occurred:

Student A: Vote for me. I’m going to make this classroom great again!

Student B: Hey! This classroom is already great!

During reading my classroom library lit up with students taking books, and it made my heart fill. A group of girls came over to me to ask, “Can we take out more than one book? We have books but we want to read this as a book club.”

Then in writing we did some quick 6 word memoirs, and that’s when I truly remembered how much I love my job.

I needed those 6 word memoirs…

Tomorrow’s To do list:

Finish learning everyone’s name
Read
Write

Start slow. Take breaths. Work hard.

Celebrating Mistakes

August 28, 2016Celebrate, Uncategorizedonathought


So happy to Celebrate with Ruth Ayres this weekend! 

I've taught 6th grade more than a dozen times before
I just did the fuzzy math, subtracting 
maternity leaves
coaching leave
and my year in second grade 
That's over 500 kids
And thousands of mistakes

Like when I forced kids (well, their parents)
to make a model of a boat for homework
A boat.
For homework.  

And all the times I took away recess when kids needed
you know, 
a break. 
Recess.
When kids needed a break. 

I used to make all the kids
read the same books
and answer comprehension questions
to prove they read the assignment
and write vocabulary sentences
that let them pretend they were learning vocabulary. 
To prove
and pretend. 

So. 
Many.
Mistakes.

I have to celebrate these mistakes, 
because I have learned so much
in this lucky lucky job
that starts over every August. 

I have to celebrate these mistakes, 
because when I made them 
I was doing the best I could
at the time. 

I have to celebrate these mistakes, 
because now I know better
which means now I'm doing the best I can
at the time. 

Which logically means
I'm making more mistakes
to learn from.

#sol16 March 25 A Slice, A sliver.

March 25, 2016Family, Slice of Life, Uncategorizedonathought

I am participating in the March Slice of Life Challenge: A slice a day for all of March. You should do it too! Thank you, Two Writing Teachers! Readers, check out their site, and start slicing!

I’ve been looking for my slice all day. I’ve had a lot of slivers.

I set up to journal this morning while everyone was still asleep, only to be called upstairs to help with some coin counting with E.

I did errands (by myself!) while my kids were at school. I met my parents for coffee!

I booked a last minute appointment at a salt spa for the first time. I rested in the salt room, did a detox foot soak, and bought some vegan body lotion. Then heading to walmart for a quick errand and thinking: how different can you get? Salt spa and Walmart…

I snuggled in with the kids for a night of down time and netflix.

I watched as H got bored with the down time, and made his own up-time science experiments. We went outside to see a vinegar explosion.

Then later there was the mess of a hole in a water bottle as H swung it around.

[Insert favorite parent strategies here.]

Hearing H say. “I just don’t think I’m getting enough attention!”

Thanks for using your words, buddy.

All day I looked for slices, and I found slivers.

#sol16 March 19 A Slice of Who knows?

March 19, 2016Uncategorizedonathought

Slice of LIfe
Woke up in NYC with a few friends.
We have our 1st choices mapped out for a day of learning – but if the last time I went is any indication, we are in for some pleasant surprises. I have a memory of running up 5 flights of steps, only to find a session full with the door closed. So we made a quick change, and that’s how we ended up seeing Cornelius Minor. What a stroke of luck!
Who knows what the day will hold! A million slices of learning. I can’t wait!

#sol16 March 10 A Slice of a Sick Day

March 10, 2016Family, Slice of Life, Uncategorizedonathought

I am participating in the March Slice of Life Challenge: A slice a day for all of March. You should do it too! Thank you, Two Writing Teachers! Readers, check out their site, and start slicing!

Sick Days

Sick Days when I was a kid
Mom took care of me
I rested on the couch, on my bed
I read books
Watched TV
The Price is Right
Little House on the Prairie. 
I slept off and on
My mom brought me water and saltines
I watched People's Court
Read another book
Went to bed 

Sick Days now
I am awakened at 6:30 
head downstairs
I fill the dishwasher
Wash pots and pans
Clean the stove
Wipe down the fridge 
Clear and clean the counters
Step over legos
Mediate bickering
Go to Target for essentials
Stop at Trader Joes 
Come home to more dishes
Sit for a minute, open a book
Console a crying 6 year old
Go outside on this blustery, grey windy day
Listen to children make a fort
Wait for after bedtime
to rest, to sleep