We’ve got spirit! Yes we do! We’ve got spirit! How ‘bout you? Peppy Pep Clubs Recently I attended an exciting middle school basketball game. Several things stood out. Those young boys can hit the threes! Man! The scores were into the 50s. Impressive. Excited fans trickled in all through the first half, since it took place before most time clocks were still un-punched for the end-of-day shift. One kid,
Top 3 of Three for 2018 Reflection
People. Writing. Podcasts. Reflecting brings focus for dreams. Three things inspired me this year. Only 3? [Well, those top 10, top 21 all just exhaust me. So I am standing out by cutting down.] New People and 3 Old Friends New son-in-law, Luke. My only daughter, third of 3 kids, was married in February to Luke—a man I had prayed for her for YEARS. Literally. I prayed that
A KC Rhapsody Night with Kate Morton
In October, I traveled to Kansas City to sit in the aura of the ethereal Kate Morton, authoress of The House at Riverton, The Lake House, The Distant Hours, and others. (my goodreads) Her most recent book, The Clockmaker’s Daughter release drew me to the city. I admire her from afar and secretly analyze structures of the books, character thoughts, and the surprising plot lines of the weighty tomes. Issues
Luster of School Days: A Teacher’s Lament
Well, the luster has certainly worn off, strategies seem fruitless, and we’re only three weeks in the school year. Students and teachers who eagerly, and solemnly approach the August doors, swim against a relentless tide of negativity, too aggressive or too passive peers. Rules set in place will not hold amidst fellows who have no mooring and die a hasty death to those who do not believe in the veracity
Neighborhood School Days
In the rush to open the Neighborhood classroom again for students, teachers face many considerations. My classroom is my office, the students’ room, a teacher meeting room, new teacher training ground, parent welcome area, study hall, game-i-fication of learning site, lunch room, reading room, presentation backdrop, research staging, and writing inspired art room. It presents an endless array of logistical decisions. Somehow, inspiration struck mid-summer to paint that wall, finally,
Rich Reading Life Book Reviews: Biography, Mystery, Adoption, Redeemed Life, Help for Trauma Kids
The reading life has slowed, but the content has broadened out. I tried a new first in a series by Louise Penny and I liked it. I am boning up on the behavior and teacher response to students with an excellent resource by Forbes. And E. B. White. I adore the whole package of the Sweet biography. Jamey Ivey shares “all the things” that kept her away from God’s redeeming
Door to Door: Sales Tips for Kids and Parents
Dressed in grass green double knit shorts and coordinating Sears tank top, I walked the sandy gravel roads to the next door. In our 1970’s neighborhood, there were no sidewalks. As the morning temperature climbed the 90 degree mark, that summer meant sales. It meant earning enough for that Twinkle Time watch and possibly a bicycle. Turning out of the drive, I approached neighbors to the south. Lem sometimes took