My daughter is reading her picture books to me as dramatically as possible. Right now, she is reading Pig the Pug books to me with more energy than seems possible. I wish I had that kind of energy ever, let alone at 9:45 at night. She has great potential as a speech team member in … Continue reading December 10: dramatic readings by 9 year olds
reading
November 16: reading essays
I graded an entire class set of essays tonight after work. Here's the thing about reading personal essays: you learn a lot about the lives of hundreds of young people - how they view things, how they process, what bothers them and what they care about tremendously. I've read thousands of stories from kids at … Continue reading November 16: reading essays
May 7: TIME CAT
Annika came into the bedroom tonight triumphantly holding the new book she wants to read: Time Cat. Apparently, its about a cat that can talk and time-travel. It starts in Ancient Egypt (appropriately enough, I guess, for a TIME CAT). The cat is black and has red eyes and a white ankh on its chest. … Continue reading May 7: TIME CAT
March 20: Myths
I'm teaching mythology and legends in my 12th grade class, and I am definitely not in my comfort zone. I like some of the stories, but I have trouble with them sometimes. Annika, however, is really excited about it because she decided she wants to learn about the gods and myths, too. I bought Neil … Continue reading March 20: Myths
March 6: Progress
I told Dak, "this spring break sucks." He said I say that every year. I guess I do, but it's true. Every year, it seems like I sprain my ankle, or I have a bad cold, or something else happens. This year, a snow storm and a snow day and an infection are the problem, … Continue reading March 6: Progress
March 4: Snow Days for Spring Break
One of my favorite memories of being a kid was waking up on a really snowy day and wondering if we'd have a snow day. My sister and I would huddle in my mom's room, listening to WCCO AM radio as they listed off the school closings between weather updates and commercials. When there were … Continue reading March 4: Snow Days for Spring Break
February 24: #MeToo and Art
Today I learned that one of my favorite writers - Sherman Alexie - is accused by numerous women of abuse and harassment. This is the first time where I felt genuinely surprised. Maybe that means I have a dim view of mankind (word used purposefully in lieu of humankind), but it didn't surprise me with … Continue reading February 24: #MeToo and Art
February 7: Reading Snobs?
Today, this article about Duluth removing To Kill a Mockingbird and Huck Finn from their required reading list popped up on my Facebook feed. People get really up in arms about changes to curriculum. Some are strong proponents of certain books or pieces that must be read: Romeo and Juliet for example (or Shakespeare in … Continue reading February 7: Reading Snobs?
Adventures in Distraction 