Praying for Oklahoma

I couldn't sleep last night. I was thinking about the families, teachers, students, in Oklahoma. Unbelievable.

Bedtime

Night arrived with a terrible roar

clouds, wind, no stars to be seen

Thunder boomed and lightning flashed

scared, he asked to sleep with us

Snuggled in bed, nice and safe

the three of us, saying our prayers

Skies cleared, birds sang a happy song

reports showed it moved on

Hours later the news is clear

the storm raged on from here

Homes gone, schools destroyed

lives lost, memories left behind

Too much sadness, such despair

scared, I put him in bed with us

Snuggled in the bed, nice and safe

the three of us, saying our prayers

Click on the pic to donate to the Red Cross and support these families in need. 

#SLICE

Writing Folders

We went home to visit my family last weekend for Mother's Day. I loaded my class' writing folders into my teacher bag and walked/ran out the door just thinking about seeing my family! 6 hours later we arrived! We had lunch with A at her school, went fishing, and helped my mom adjust to her new, roboknee! It was a busy, busy weekend!

Saturday night, I collapsed into my sister's recliner and pulled out the ol' teacher bag. I had an assortment of kid chosen 2 pocket folders-Angrybirds, Star Wars, princess fairies, the Beatles, tigers, football players, and so on. 

A walked by and said, "What is all of that?" T looked at her and said, "Those are my mom's kids' writing folders. They write stories and she writes them messages." FREEZE Did he really just say that? I was SO happy! I felt this great sense of confirmation. I HAVE been bringing home their folders more this year than ever! I HAVE been writing messages and conferencing more this year than ever! Funny that it took my 4 year old's observation to confirm this, but exciting nonetheless! 

As I read the stories to my sister (who could NOT stop laughing,) I stumbled upon this little jewel. One of my students loves is obsessed with Harrison Ford. You read that correctly, Harrison Ford. He is currently writing a narrative piece about Ford's adventures. Check out these sketches! If this does not make you smile, nothing will! Seriously-click on them and make them bigger! 

Harrison Ford has a big mission ahead. He will need coffee and a disguise. (Please check out the tie and the brows!)

"Who are you?" asked Harrison Ford (full name every time!) I've been sent to help you. I have a package.

I can't believe this is my disguise thought Harrison Ford. (There's more, but  I'll stop here!)

This kid is a writer. He gets that stories are told over pages and have a beginning, middle and end. He gets it. 

As this year comes to a close and we're all a little tired, I think it is important to step back and enjoy the success.....of our students and ourselves!

What went well for you this year-as a teacher or a parent?