Sometimes I think I am actually certifiably insane. Case in point: the next week of my life.
Monday-Wednesday: Complete inventory of entire library collection at work. Yes, that does mean 11,000 books. At least I have volunteer help?
Thursday: RIF distribution day at our school. I'll be in the auditorium all day helping every student pick out a free book to take home.
Thursday, 11 pm: Get on a plane and fly to Pittsburgh.
At least spring break happens at the end of this ridiculous week? If I still know my own name by Thursday night, I'll be lucky.
Friday, March 18, 2011
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
Up past my bedtime
Somewhere along the lines of the last few weeks, I have forgotten how to sleep. It is now 1 hour after bedtime, and my eyes are exhausted. My brain, unfortunately, stays awake.
One of my favorite parts of working in a library is reading out loud. I used to be active in theater, but now I save the theatrics for read alouds at school. I actually scared several children today when I yelled a line of Vernon Dursley's from the first Harry Potter book. The fourth graders groan when I have to stop telling Harry's adventures when we run out of time. The first graders die laughing when I read Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus. It makes me so happy to share their joy as they listen to a really good story. I allow myself to be silly and read Fudge's lines in total and complete baby talk, which always makes the third graders smile, and I feel safe making silly animal noises with the kindergartens. Reading to kids makes me a kid again, too.
Yesterday I went to the Molly Brown house & the Capitol building on a third grade field trip. I learned all about Margaret Brown (which is what she was actually called) and how her family struck gold (literally), leading her to be aboard the Titanic (and survive the event). She was a generous humanitarian, and also an excellent decorator if you're into the whole Victorian look. The Capitol was fun as well...trekking up to the top of the inner dome with 30 nine and ten year olds is an experience I think everyone should have. I was glad to learn a bit more about Denver history along with the kids.
Tonight I made a vegan lentil walnut loaf. James keeps calling it meatloaf because that's the most efficient way to describe it, but I find it humorous, as there's not a single animal product in it. It was quite tasty with lots of ketchup and a side of roasted potato wedges and broccoli stems. I will no longer purchase the Kroger Value bags of frozen broccoli cuts. The trunks vastly outweigh the leafy tops...and I don't like to eat the broccoli tree trunks!
I had something else to write about it, but can't remember now. Such is the life of my addled, sleep-deprived brain. I think I will read a few blogs and try to get to sleep.
One of my favorite parts of working in a library is reading out loud. I used to be active in theater, but now I save the theatrics for read alouds at school. I actually scared several children today when I yelled a line of Vernon Dursley's from the first Harry Potter book. The fourth graders groan when I have to stop telling Harry's adventures when we run out of time. The first graders die laughing when I read Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus. It makes me so happy to share their joy as they listen to a really good story. I allow myself to be silly and read Fudge's lines in total and complete baby talk, which always makes the third graders smile, and I feel safe making silly animal noises with the kindergartens. Reading to kids makes me a kid again, too.
Yesterday I went to the Molly Brown house & the Capitol building on a third grade field trip. I learned all about Margaret Brown (which is what she was actually called) and how her family struck gold (literally), leading her to be aboard the Titanic (and survive the event). She was a generous humanitarian, and also an excellent decorator if you're into the whole Victorian look. The Capitol was fun as well...trekking up to the top of the inner dome with 30 nine and ten year olds is an experience I think everyone should have. I was glad to learn a bit more about Denver history along with the kids.
Tonight I made a vegan lentil walnut loaf. James keeps calling it meatloaf because that's the most efficient way to describe it, but I find it humorous, as there's not a single animal product in it. It was quite tasty with lots of ketchup and a side of roasted potato wedges and broccoli stems. I will no longer purchase the Kroger Value bags of frozen broccoli cuts. The trunks vastly outweigh the leafy tops...and I don't like to eat the broccoli tree trunks!
I had something else to write about it, but can't remember now. Such is the life of my addled, sleep-deprived brain. I think I will read a few blogs and try to get to sleep.
Saturday, February 26, 2011
A funny thing happened...
I'm reading Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing to the 3rd grade classes. They love pretty much anything Fudge says or does, and I'm loving the chance to read a childhood favorite aloud.
This week we were working on describing a character, based on what the book has told us about the character. We were thinking of words to describe Peter, the older brother and narrator of the book. I had students talking in pairs about words they'd use to describe Peter and why they chose them. When we got back together as a group, I asked for people to share what they'd talked about. I had heard several students saying Peter was jealous of his younger brother Fudge. The first kid I called on told me that Peter was jealous because Fudge gets special food when he refuses to eat. At the same time, another student right behind him held up his hands, scrunched up his face, and said, "Ugh, now I'M jealous!" [because he didn't get to share his answer, which was the same.] His teacher and I died laughing, and then I was able to take a moment to have the student dissect why he was feeling jealous so we could all understand the emotion a little better.
Man, I love a good teachable moment.
This week we were working on describing a character, based on what the book has told us about the character. We were thinking of words to describe Peter, the older brother and narrator of the book. I had students talking in pairs about words they'd use to describe Peter and why they chose them. When we got back together as a group, I asked for people to share what they'd talked about. I had heard several students saying Peter was jealous of his younger brother Fudge. The first kid I called on told me that Peter was jealous because Fudge gets special food when he refuses to eat. At the same time, another student right behind him held up his hands, scrunched up his face, and said, "Ugh, now I'M jealous!" [because he didn't get to share his answer, which was the same.] His teacher and I died laughing, and then I was able to take a moment to have the student dissect why he was feeling jealous so we could all understand the emotion a little better.
Man, I love a good teachable moment.
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Confessions of a sometimes-blogger
- I cannot sew, so I've recently taken to using book repair tape to hem my pants.
- Sometimes I listen to pop radio (as in, the songs my 5th grade students listen to).
- I feel incredibly happy when I get to listen to three good songs in a row on the radio.
- I am a terrible water drinker.
- I am known to eat large spoonfuls of peanut butter topped with chocolate chips.
- I love to watch M*A*S*H episodes on DVD.
Sunday, February 20, 2011
A feast! A feast!
Last night, there was a feast. We called it an Un-bleak the midwinter feast, in the hopes of increasing the joy in this generally sad, dull month. I do not love February...it always seems to drag on, even though it's the shortest month. This year, I wanted to do something about it, and I wanted to cook a really big meal with my very good friend, Kate.
So we did it: a four course dinner using as many "seasonal" ingredients as appropriate. For us, this meant root vegetables, citrus fruits, and hardy winter greens like kale and spinach. We had SO much fun, and our feast (coupled with the sunny weather with temps in the 50s and 60s) has definitely boosted my spirits.
Course 1: Spinach Soup with Basil and Dill, yogurt drizzle, and Parmesan Crisp garnish
Course 2: Golden Beet and Blood Orange Salad with Fennel
Course 3 (Main): Baked Tofu with Root Vegetable Medley (carrot, parsnip, turnip, sweet potato, fingerling potatoes, onion, Brussels sprouts) and Roasted Kale Chips, served with Balsamic Reduction
Course 4: Lime Yogurt Cake with Blackberry Sauce
All recipes (except the cake) came from various Mollie Katzen cookbooks. I highly recommend adding one to your kitchen, even if you aren't a vegetarian (or if you're a sometimes vegetarian like me).
So we did it: a four course dinner using as many "seasonal" ingredients as appropriate. For us, this meant root vegetables, citrus fruits, and hardy winter greens like kale and spinach. We had SO much fun, and our feast (coupled with the sunny weather with temps in the 50s and 60s) has definitely boosted my spirits.
Course 1: Spinach Soup with Basil and Dill, yogurt drizzle, and Parmesan Crisp garnish
Course 2: Golden Beet and Blood Orange Salad with Fennel
Course 3 (Main): Baked Tofu with Root Vegetable Medley (carrot, parsnip, turnip, sweet potato, fingerling potatoes, onion, Brussels sprouts) and Roasted Kale Chips, served with Balsamic Reduction
Course 4: Lime Yogurt Cake with Blackberry Sauce
All recipes (except the cake) came from various Mollie Katzen cookbooks. I highly recommend adding one to your kitchen, even if you aren't a vegetarian (or if you're a sometimes vegetarian like me).
Friday, February 18, 2011
I'd laugh, if it didn't make me want to cry
Me: [while reading a book about animals to 3-5 year olds] Who likes to eat hamburgers? Where does hamburger come from?
Child: Burger King!
Sigh. If you know me, you're aware that knowing where your food comes from is a passion of mine. Friends, there is much work to do.
Child: Burger King!
Sigh. If you know me, you're aware that knowing where your food comes from is a passion of mine. Friends, there is much work to do.
Saturday, January 22, 2011
Three work stories
I was grateful for two things on Thursday: warm, gingery, spicy sweet potato soup (my bowl seemed to refill every time I looked down) & outside recess.
The words "indoor recess" strike fear in any elementary school teacher's heart. Kids are meant to run and play outside. This is basically the only way they can get their brains ready to work in the classroom. When they have to stay inside because it is too cold or snowy, they are miserable. They start to act in crazy, random ways. They spin in circles, stick gum on computer keyboards, and hide in corners. They cannot focus in the classroom. Teachers are miserable, too. Indoor recess means they not only have to supervise these now-crazed individuals while they attempt to play board games, read a book, or play a math game on the computer, but also have to deal with the crazy for the rest of the afternoon.
So today I am grateful that while there is snow on the ground, it is above freezing and the sun is shining. Thank you, Jesus.
*********
Yesterday was our second RIF distribution day at our school. RIF stands for Reading is Fundamental. It's a federally funded program that puts up 70% of the cost for every kid in a school to take home 3 free books a year. For many of our students, these are the only books they have at home. I'm working with two parent volunteers to coordinate it this year, and it's been such fun. I spend the whole distribution day in the auditorium, setting up books, helping students get settled when they arrive, helping kids look for books, stamping and writing names, and generally controlling chaos. Yesterday I was in my element. It's so great to watch the kids get new books and just enjoy themselves making crafts and eating snacks. It was also great for me to see that just 6 months into this job, I DO know most of the names of the students at our school. I CAN handle the chaos when 7 kids want me to listen to them/help them at the same time. I know what kinds of books our students love to read, and I love working with these kids. There were many highlights yesterday, but this is my favorite:
Me: "What's your name? I can't remember."
Kindergartner: [big grin] "Buzz Lightyear."
Me: "What? I know that's not your name! What's your name, for real this time?"
Kindergartner: "Jacob."
[Yes, I'm aware that I just said that I know most students' names. But there are literally 150 3, 4, and 5 year old students at our school. Needless to say, I'm still working on names.]
*********
I know that this new job is a much better fit for me, based on the fact that I am able to confidently put myself out there and try things I would have been loathe to do at the BP. Yesterday was a great example. We had quite a few parent volunteers yesterday, two of them being parents of 3 students. Spanish is their first language, and is the second language, if at all, for most of our volunteers. So I decided to greet them and introduce myself in Spanish. And I did it! (with just a few verb tense/article issues) While this seems so little, it's hard for me. I'm grateful for these chances to practice Spanish everyday, and for kind, patient parents who wait for me to finish my slow, poorly-constructed sentences. We also have some DPS high school students who do mentoring in our preschool/kindergarten. Today they came to help with RIF for a little. They read with our kids, and afterward, I struck up a conversation with them about future plans, since they were seniors. These young women were so full of life and confidence, with such great dreams! One wanted to work with kids in a school and eventually get a counseling degree. The other girl wanted to be a plumber. I replied with great enthusiasm that this was an awesome goal. She told me that most people are skeptical and doubtful when she states her plan.
Again, this job has given me confidence and hope in ways that I couldn't have imagined 6 months ago. It isn't my dream job, but what I'm realizing more and more is that LOTS of kinds of jobs make me happy. If I'm educating, working with people (preferably kids), and not sitting at a desk all day, I can be happy.
*********
Yesterday was our second RIF distribution day at our school. RIF stands for Reading is Fundamental. It's a federally funded program that puts up 70% of the cost for every kid in a school to take home 3 free books a year. For many of our students, these are the only books they have at home. I'm working with two parent volunteers to coordinate it this year, and it's been such fun. I spend the whole distribution day in the auditorium, setting up books, helping students get settled when they arrive, helping kids look for books, stamping and writing names, and generally controlling chaos. Yesterday I was in my element. It's so great to watch the kids get new books and just enjoy themselves making crafts and eating snacks. It was also great for me to see that just 6 months into this job, I DO know most of the names of the students at our school. I CAN handle the chaos when 7 kids want me to listen to them/help them at the same time. I know what kinds of books our students love to read, and I love working with these kids. There were many highlights yesterday, but this is my favorite:
Me: "What's your name? I can't remember."
Kindergartner: [big grin] "Buzz Lightyear."
Me: "What? I know that's not your name! What's your name, for real this time?"
Kindergartner: "Jacob."
[Yes, I'm aware that I just said that I know most students' names. But there are literally 150 3, 4, and 5 year old students at our school. Needless to say, I'm still working on names.]
*********
I know that this new job is a much better fit for me, based on the fact that I am able to confidently put myself out there and try things I would have been loathe to do at the BP. Yesterday was a great example. We had quite a few parent volunteers yesterday, two of them being parents of 3 students. Spanish is their first language, and is the second language, if at all, for most of our volunteers. So I decided to greet them and introduce myself in Spanish. And I did it! (with just a few verb tense/article issues) While this seems so little, it's hard for me. I'm grateful for these chances to practice Spanish everyday, and for kind, patient parents who wait for me to finish my slow, poorly-constructed sentences. We also have some DPS high school students who do mentoring in our preschool/kindergarten. Today they came to help with RIF for a little. They read with our kids, and afterward, I struck up a conversation with them about future plans, since they were seniors. These young women were so full of life and confidence, with such great dreams! One wanted to work with kids in a school and eventually get a counseling degree. The other girl wanted to be a plumber. I replied with great enthusiasm that this was an awesome goal. She told me that most people are skeptical and doubtful when she states her plan.
Again, this job has given me confidence and hope in ways that I couldn't have imagined 6 months ago. It isn't my dream job, but what I'm realizing more and more is that LOTS of kinds of jobs make me happy. If I'm educating, working with people (preferably kids), and not sitting at a desk all day, I can be happy.
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