I AM a writer

Ever since I was able to hold a pen and create books out of stapled paper at the kitchen table, I have wanted to be a writer.  I spent the weekend at a writing conference and for the first time in my adult life, I feel successful as a writer.

I attend this conference every year and it's my version of a retreat.  I come back renewed and ready to be creative.  The first year I went just to remind myself of my writing dreams.  The next year I had just started blogging and posting on Teachers pay Teachers.  I felt brave enough to schedule appointments with a couple of editors.    This year I went to a business seminar with tax questions and people came to me for advice about blogging and networking.  I just emailed an editor I met so I can pitch some ideas.

We aren't supposed to compare ourselves with others, because focusing on others' opportunities causes us to miss our own.  I'm glad I have this opportunity to reflect each year on the progress I am making toward my own creative goals.

I can't wait to share this with my students.  They need to see adults continuing to learn and work toward their goals.

Quote of the Week

"A revolution starts with a clear vision of a world different than the one we live in today."

Simon Sinek

Talk Like Yoda Day -- May 21

I don't know why, but May 21 is known as "Talk Like Yoda Day", so I wanted to share with you the lesson I plan to teach that day.  I think it will be a great opportunity to slip in a little grammar lesson and have fun with my fourth graders.

We typically speak and write in a pattern subject, verb, object.  Yoda speaks in an object, subject, verb pattern. The poetry printable below shows students how to write like Yoda and has a sample poem.

To download this free printable click here.

I hope you enjoy this activity with your students.

The Second Trial by Rosemarie Boll

The Second Trial's main character Danny reminds me of some students who have appeared in my class angry at everyone.  Danny's father has abused his mother so much, that Danny, his mother and his little sister enter a witness protection program.  Danny cannot believe his father is so terrible and rebels.

I read this book to understand.  I grew up with two parents in the same community I teach in now.  I work with some students who want good relationships with their parents even when their parents' actions show lack of care and concern.

Quote of the Week

“Education without values, as useful as it is,
seems rather to make man a more clever devil.”

C. S. Lewis

(I know some brilliant people who are scary.)

My First Teacher -- My Mom

I was blessed to be raised by a kindergarten teacher who stayed home with my brother and I until we were in school.  I watched her go back to school to get her certification in Washington.  (She originally worked in Oregon.)  She was a substitute teacher for a while and then taught first and second grade for many years.

She has been retired for several years and now I am blessed to have her volunteer in my classroom one afternoon a week.  She reads with students and coaches them to be better.  If they start messing around, she sends them back to me with the words, "I'm sorry I'm wasting your time."  That usually stops the misbehavior.  No one messes with Mrs. Miller.

I just wanted to say a public thank you to my mom and first teacher.

Happy Mothers Day

Fun 4 All at All Things Upper Elementary

Happy Saturday!

All Things Upper Elementary is having their monthly link up.  Go link up free and paid products and then go shopping.