handwritten on June 13, 2017
Volunteering through Urban Impact this year has been a truly wonderful experience. It's interesting because I was so hesitant to become involved in this ministry for fear that I "would not have enough time." However, I found that this ministry became a place of spiritual rest for me even when I felt exhausted. There were days, absolutely, where I jumped into my car, and I could feel the exhaustion take over me after a long day of teaching third grade. However, I would arrive, participate in Bible Study and watch the energy and the smiles of my kids, and I realized this was just the outlet I needed. Yes, I was still working with kids, but I was doing a work that brought a peace and calmness...
handwritten on June 11, 2017
Ending the year is probably one of the most bittersweet moments for me. You realize just how far your students have come, how hard they have worked and what beautiful individuals they have turned into. You realize that they came to you as small little people and leave your classroom as insightful souls-many ready to take on the world. With the snap of your fingers, just like that, you start over. With the snap of your fingers, just like that...they are gone.
Every year is difficult for me and this year was no exception. Many individuals always come up to me and say "goodness you must be ready for a break! I bet you cannot wait for a few weeks of relaxation." It is true that I'm mentally and...
handwritten on April 13, 2017
Someone Once Told Me The Grass Was Much Greener....
This last blog post concludes the series of blogs related to life, perspective and the ability to focus on the beauty we have rather than the beauty we want.
The past month or so I have been challenging myself to travel outside my comfort zone. This meant encouraging myself not to teach summer school. This meant going on a run and feeling terrible but also great afterwards. This also meant inquiring about and participating in a new volunteer experience working with children in a different capacity (Child Life Department at Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh.) This also meant practicing piano for many hours to play for an upcoming wedding...
handwritten on April 10, 2017
It has been a while since I blogged about the "Grass Being Greener" on the other side. I've decided today to focus on new lessons learned through more of a free verse style below:
Surely those weren't there before...
I was running in the neighborhood
sun shining
finally no clouds
a true prize in Pittsburgh
"Hey look at that door.."
My brother said...
That door wasn't painted that color before
I love that style of brick
those gates
the red shingles with a mustard door
Surely those weren't there before
grease and sandwiches
beat down on the pavement
"Did you see that new store that opened?"
"The food smells delicious"
"Hey look how pretty those flowers are blooming.."
purple and pale...
handwritten on March 12, 2017
I have had a discussion with many my students about not comparing themselves to the other students in the classroom. Many students have come up to me saying things such as: "I know he is smarter than me." Or " These two students are definitely the smartest in the class."
"The Grass is Greener on the Other Side, Miss Amoscato"
What if I was in that class? What if I was in fourth grade math? What if I knew this? What if I could do this as well as the person sitting next to me?
This idea of "smart" or "not smart" is honestly created through the cultural nature of our school system. Students labeled "GIFTED" at an early age are watched by their peers as they saunter out of the classroom to...
