One thing I've noticed as I've worked with many teachers across grade levels is we all have a different tolerance for noise level. This makes me realize that all of our students probably have different tolerances as well. Which makes me wonder -- how much noise is enough in Writing Workshop and how much noise… Continue reading Noise Level in Writing Workshop

Today was frustrating at work school. (I know it's been a rough day when I begin referring to it as work.) On the way home Sam fell asleep in his car seat, which is a very rare occurence. I carried him in and he snuggled close, so I cuddled him in the rocking chair. We… Continue reading A Song for You, Momma (Ruth’s SOLS)

March you whirled around and around. March you spent hours on the computer, more than you like, but somehow still not enough. March you stayed home, enjoying the grey days almost as much as the sunny ones. March you held chaos and solitude, stress and delight, tears and giggles all within your arms. March you savored… Continue reading Good Bye March (Ruth’s SOLS 31/31)

The way we speak has been on my mind a lot lately. I read Peter Johnston's Choice Words: How Our Language Affects Children's Learning (Stenhouse, 2004) when it was fresh off the press. At the time I remember thinking, What's the big deal? This is a book filled with common sense and conversations that are second nature.… Continue reading The Way We Speak

I know it’s shocking that they aren’t red, but nonetheless these are my latest pair of shoes from my mom. I’ve been wanting a pair of yellow shoes, and even with the big flower on the toe, I think these are perfect. Maybe it’s because they are yellow. Maybe it is because they are bright.… Continue reading Walking on Sunshine (Ruth’s SOLS 30/31)

All of this happened in less than ten minutes. "Come on in for dinner," I called out the front door. Andy and the kids began picking up the baseballs speckling our yard. Then in went the bats and in went the mits. They heaved the tub back to the garage. Everyone crowded around the bathroom sink… Continue reading Dinner Disaster (Ruth’s SOLS 29/31)

The 5th annual All-Write Summer Institute is planned for June 21 - 22 in Shipshewana, IN. At an ubelievable price, it is something you may want to consider. If you register before May 1st, it is $159 (only $99 if your school is a member of the All-Write Consortium). Check out this line-up of national… Continue reading Summer Plans?

Four more happy wake ups until Spring Break. The days before break always challenge me to continue savoring each day. I tend to get caught up in anticipating vacation and I forget to relish each day for what it is. I’m looking forward to collecting my final Slices for the challenge in these days leading… Continue reading Counting Down to Break (Ruth’s SOLS 28/31)

"I'm double excited with sprinkles on top," Sam said on our way to my parents' house. "Papa and I are going to have a grrrrrreat time!" "Not as much fun as we're going to have with Mimi," Stephanie countered. The argument, er conversation, continued about who was going to have the most fun -- Sam… Continue reading Shoe Shopping (Ruth’s SOLS 27/31)

One of the things I've fallen behind on due to writing the book is processing my photos. I have a little system I go through to get from camera to prints (to scrapbooking) and it's been shoved to the back burner time and time again. Tonight I decided to catch up. Well, maybe not catch… Continue reading Photos Galore! (Ruth’s SOLSC 26/31)

It's been a grey day today. All day the sky has been shades of grey and the rain has come down. I like grey days from time to time. They make me want to slow down and remember all the reasons I have to be grateful. I remember a slew of gratitudes in order to… Continue reading A Grey Day (Ruth’s SOLS 25/31)