handwritten on June 4, 2019
We had our Popcorn Poetry Performance in the classroom. Lights were off, colored lights draped around the perimeter of the classroom creating an ever-full soulful vibe of kid-friendly, powerful third grade performance whimsy. So excited they were for this performance- talking about what they should where and who they should bring and how many chairs we would need, etc.
Usually I get choked up at any kid performance because once again, I've become rather "soft." However, I did quite well until the students read their very last poem which they entitled "Dream to Be." Before I go on, might I add that this performance was truly a creation of my students and their whimsical eye. They decided...
handwritten on June 2, 2019
In the bible, there are two quotes that are relevant to all of those who think about justice or seeking justice daily:
“Learn to do good; seek justice, correct oppression; bring justice to the fatherless, and please the widow's cause,” (Isaiah 1:17). “He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?” (Micah 6:8)
I think some of us enjoy talking about justice and others of us are doing our best to promote justice. Either way, these verses are important to remember, to keep us on track and on a path towards His work. I was sitting in church today and we had a visitor. The theme of his...
handwritten on June 1, 2019
Waking up this morning brought me back 10 years ago to my own father’s 50th birthday party. My relatives were already in for our piano recital and my mother had been planning this party for months. Relatives would be flying down but most importantly my dad’s only brother would be arrive from NYC the day of. I remember it was moments before the door to the family room opened. I was wearing a turquoise blue coat and the thoughts passed through my head as I wondered, “I hope he likes this.” And in my efforts to see, I stood on a chair behind the crowd of people and watched the door swing open. Between my dad’s surprised face and the chorus of surprises and his shocked eyes-this was a moment of...
handwritten on May 31, 2019
I have never witnessed a more magical moment. Truly, May 31, 2019 was probably ( to date) one of my proudest moments as an educator. I had a discussion back with my principal (Dr. Fischbaugh) at the end of last year. My ending question was, "What is it that I need to improve upon as an educator." The words back were the following: "I would like to see you as more of a leader in the community."
Therefore, when I found out I had the opportunity to create my own action-research project this year, I was quite excited. I think the purpose of a good action-research project is one that:
Forces you to think about your weaknesses
Pushes you to reflect upon an issue within education and actually "...
handwritten on May 30, 2019
Today was a day of sleep deprivation and jitters. Quite literally, it felt like everything was shaking inside of me. Interestingly, I reflected upon the times in which the jitters had occurred and I came up with the following memories:
Tryouts (any instrumental tryout)
Recitals
Important tests
Final performances
Singing in Church
Listening to others perform
Watching the Sunset
A large community race before the gun sounds
My first day of my first job
The last day of school
Teaching alone for the very first time
Playing the piano in a room with glass windows overlooking the beach in High School
You know, I used to think these jitters were a sign of pure nervousness. Now, more than ever...
