tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-90261089159090783922024-03-18T14:57:43.619-04:00Raising Readers and WritersJulie Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10497758310228642932noreply@blogger.comBlogger375125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9026108915909078392.post-36791414259186960162020-04-15T07:00:00.000-04:002020-04-15T09:08:58.282-04:00 Choice in Writing During Pandemic Teaching<h2>
How am I going to do this?</h2>
<span style="font-weight: normal;">For the first three days of online learning, I was pretty direct in my assignments. I gave the kids some things to do and a place to turn in their responses. </span><br />
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<span style="font-weight: normal;">It felt artificial.</span><br />
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<span style="font-weight: normal;">It was nothing like the kind of learning we do when we are face to face in school. </span>Choice is the foundation of our reading and writing workshop. I couldn't and didn't want to give it up when we moved into online learning. So, I needed to figure out how to create that kind of space virtually.<br />
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Thank goodness for all those folks sharing their ideas on Twitter. There are so many examples of choice boards with so many good ideas. I was looking for something specific for writing and couldn't wrap my head around what I wanted to do. Do you know that feeling? You have an idea and articulating that idea is just beyond your grasp?<br />
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When I saw <a href="https://pernillesripp.com/2020/03/21/choose-your-own-learning-4-learning-options/" target="_blank">Pernille Ripp's post</a>, I knew I had found what I was looking for.<br />
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Nuts and Bolts</h3>
However, I also knew I needed to tweak it. Pernille teaches students much older than my third graders. I needed to talk through my ideas with another elementary teacher to figure it all out. I wasn't going to bump into anyone in the hall to talk with about my ideas. (One more thing I miss...those impromptu conversations with fellow colleagues). I was able to connect with Franki Sibberson, who was also working on a choice board, and together, we outlined a shell for what we thought our students could do.<br />
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I decided on 9 different choices. Students would choose one project and work on it for two weeks. The choices were open enough that those who wanted to work for 2 hours a day on their writing could and those who wanted to spend 20 minutes a day, could also be successful. I chose projects that we had either done in class or I knew students would be able to complete independently.<br />
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<li>Collect family stories</li>
<li>Write an imaginative fiction story</li>
<li>Research a topic you're interested in</li>
<li>Write a PSA and convince me</li>
<li>Blog every day</li>
<li>Write a letter to someone every day</li>
<li>Make a "how to" video</li>
<li>Create a writer's notebook (<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QZ8KeFjxAy4" target="_blank">using Amy LV's writing minilessons</a>)</li>
<li>Write from photos</li>
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Using Pernille's template, I broke down what the kids would need to do for their writing project and gave them options for publishing. I created a table with links to a Google doc for individual requirements. </div>
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It was ready to go!</div>
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Or was it?</div>
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It wasn't visually appealing in the least. I knew my kids weren't going to be excited when they looked at the drab black and white table with blue hyperlinks. Lucky for me, my oldest daughter is a digital designer. I called her and asked her to help me make the choice board look more interesting. It's amazing what you can do with some color!</div>
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I linked each choice to a slide show (thank you for slide templates) that explained the step-by-step process. I also created a Google form to ask kids share their writing goals for the project.<br />
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Now, it was ready to go. The kids were so excited and couldn't wait to get started! </div>
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We've been through one writing cycle. The kids' projects were phenomenal! I am anxious to share them with you in future blog posts. </div>
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If you are interested, take a look at our <a href="https://docs.google.com/document/d/1sYVALLJKY3BZ5ktzkRmsUWkJsGJVdrUfbKL1_eWe7eo/edit?usp=sharing" target="_blank">choice board.</a> Feel free to make a copy and tweak it to make it yours. If you do incorporate a writing choice board, let me know how it goes.<br />
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Check out what Franki Sibberson and Mary Lee Hahn are doing with choice boards <a href="https://readingyear.blogspot.com/2020/04/the-power-of-choice-during-this.html" target="_blank">on their blog. </a><br />
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I can't wait to see what your kids do! Have fun!</div>
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Julie Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10497758310228642932noreply@blogger.com69tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9026108915909078392.post-33930552090208326972020-04-13T17:57:00.000-04:002020-04-13T17:57:07.697-04:00Dusting Off the Blog in the Pandemic<br />
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A New Kind of Teaching and Learning</h3>
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It's been so long since I've blogged. I think about it. I draft posts in my head. For many reasons, blogging gets pushed back to the bottom of my priority list. I will say that it feels good to get back to writing.<br />
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So, here we are in the midst of a pandemic. We are teaching in unprecedented times. Literally, overnight, we are now teaching from home, while our students are learning from home.<br />
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It has not been at all what I thought it would be. I thought it would be a seamless transition. I've been using technology in my classroom for years. My students are savvy when it comes to using tech. It's been a huge part of our writing workshop this year. The students are not afraid to jump in and try new things when using technology. I wasn't worried when we got word that schools would be closed for the next three weeks (that timeline has since been extended).<br />
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Like many of my colleagues, I began collecting resources that were so generously being shared by authors and other leaders in education. I added them to my "Online Learning" Padlet. I chatted with friends. I began to think about what my students would do in this new eLearning situation. Teachers had two days to plan for kids' work and then we had three days of "online school" before having a week off for spring break.<br />
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A Surprise</h4>
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The first day was busy, but fun! I prepared a short video clip to connect with the kids and the kids were enthusiastic about jumping in. I created a Padlet so the kids could check in each morning since we wouldn't be able to have our morning meeting. Each child posted their Zone of Regulation color and shared what they were looking forward to. We worked through glitches of navigating our LMS and figuring out how to submit assignments. I answered questions from kids and parents and in the end, we successfully made it to the end of the day. </div>
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The second day, a sadness quietly crept in. </div>
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A sadness I didn't expect. </div>
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I felt a keen sense of loss and missed those little things I took for granted. I missed hearing all the stories kids start the day with as we are getting ready for school to begin. I missed the giggles and whispers in the background. I missed the back and forth of conversations as we built our learning together. I even missed having 5 people talk to me at once!</div>
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On the third day, I knew we needed to connect. Our district is using Zoom video conferencing to connect with students and colleagues. I had never organized a meeting before, but I decided to give it a try. I quickly sent out a message to kids, not knowing who would be able to show up.</div>
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A Welcome Relief</h4>
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About half of our class was able to join the impromptu meeting. With each "ding" that announced a new person, squeals of delight could be heard from the others already there. "Hi Charlie!" "Hey Reid, how are you?" "Maalong, where did you get that?" </div>
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It felt so good to hear their voices and see their smiling faces! I think we all felt it. </div>
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Now more than ever I understood the importance of connection; of the social part of learning. So how were we going to continue? </div>
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Just as I do when we are in the classroom together, I asked the kids. And just like it happens in the classroom, they had fabulous ideas.</div>
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They asked if I could be on Zoom for them to pop in and ask questions first thing in the morning. (Yes)</div>
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They thought it would be better to have our morning meeting on Zoom. (Yes)</div>
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Could they have time in small groups on Zoom just to chat? (Yes)</div>
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Would I do read aloud live on Zoom instead of recording it and uploading it to our LMS? (Yes, with the addition of uploading a recording for those who cannot attend).</div>
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We are in our fourth week of Pandemic learning at this point. I've implemented all of their ideas and continue to think about how else we can connect. </div>
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I am staying on Zoom after morning meeting and read aloud to work 1:1 or do small group work to help with math assignments. I am also going to implement some small groups for writing and will be adding some virtual book clubs for those who want to join.</div>
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In The Grand Scheme of Everything</h4>
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In the grand scheme of everything, I want to acknowledge that this is hard. Everyone in their own ways is grieving the loss of what is normal. Parents are juggling working from home (or being laid off) and at the same time, helping their children with school. I want to honor that we are all doing our best at this time.</div>
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In the end, I want to come out of this experience knowing that I did everything I could to help my students keep those important relationships they've built in our classroom. I want to provide that opportunity for us to be together, even if it isn't the way we are used to. It is through those connections that we can find a little bit of solace and comfort, knowing that we are going to get through this together.</div>
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<br />Julie Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10497758310228642932noreply@blogger.com85tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9026108915909078392.post-10234130749457927802019-01-02T05:00:00.000-05:002019-01-02T05:00:02.560-05:00One Little Word 2019<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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My blog has had its ebbs and flows. Life became a little complicated, and it was hard to know what stories I could/should share on this blog. So much of my writing centered on family life as well as my teaching life. Life as a foster mom and a literacy coach made me question what I had to say and who my audience would be. I've discovered though, that I need to write just for me. I need to write to sort my thoughts. I need to write for my own discovery.<br />
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My One Little Word for 2018 was Embrace. I chose that word because of all the ups and downs that came with being a foster parent as well as a parent to adult children. Diving a little deeper into my PhD studies and trying to figure out my role in my day job as a literacy coach, I wanted to embrace the challenges and the new learning. And for the most part, I think I did that. Our girls were reunited with their mom in the beginning of August, I moved from coaching back into the classroom full time (teaching third grade), and taking on more classes in my PhD program. The girls are doing well, their mom is doing well (Yay!), going back into the classroom has been a gift and helped me remember just how hard this job is and I've managed to keep afloat with classes.<br />
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But something has changed. I find myself asking more and more questions. It came to me today...my word had to do with something about asking questions. I chose <b>wonder. </b>There are so many things I wonder about in my teaching and learning. I am hoping my one little word will guide me into finding some answers. I'm sure it will lead me to more questions and deep down, I hope it will reignite my blogging life. <br />
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Here's to a great 2019! Happy New Year!Julie Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10497758310228642932noreply@blogger.com106tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9026108915909078392.post-37689652231382998272018-12-09T09:32:00.000-05:002018-12-09T09:35:48.969-05:00Next Steps in Inquiry: Gathering Literature<span id="docs-internal-guid-97e296ee-7fff-4a9e-3883-4fdc8f1a4a52"></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman";"><span style="font-weight: 400; white-space: pre;">What's Next</span></span></h4>
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As I thought about how to bring multiple perspectives to my students, I knew children's literature would give me what I needed. In search of <a href="https://scenicregional.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/Mirrors-Windows-and-Sliding-Glass-Doors.pdf" target="_blank">Mirrors, Windows, and Sliding Glass Doors </a>(Bishop, 1990), I turned to blogs and websites like <a href="https://diversebooks.org/" target="_blank">We Need Diverse Books,</a> <a href="http://readingwhilewhite.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Reading While White</a>, and <a href="http://readingyear.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">A Year of Reading</a> written by <a href="https://twitter.com/MaryLeeHahn" target="_blank">Mary Lee Hahn</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/frankisibberson" target="_blank">Franki Sibberson</a>.<br />
I became purposeful in finding children's literature that represented the stories of those who have been marginalized in our White dominant society. Reading literature with characters that represent many different communities allows students to gain a deeper understanding of those who are different from them, gaining insight not only into their differences, but also their similarities. I wanted to give my students of color the opportunity to see themselves in the books they read, to feel valued. At the same time, I wanted my White students to see stories and worlds different from their own. Dr. Rudine Sims Bishop reminds us in <i>Reflections of the Development of African American Children's Literature </i>(2012), "all children have the right to books that reflect their own images and books that open less familiar worlds to them" (p. 5).<br />
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New Characters</h4>
This summer, I reached out on Twitter asking for book suggestions.<br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5kjeyYn1QFo/XA0U4stgeZI/AAAAAAAAY9o/-J4MPP0Hc5wNMlcMUdv5fPphQs8f_QX2gCLcBGAs/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2018-12-09%2Bat%2B8.12.36%2BAM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="667" data-original-width="633" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5kjeyYn1QFo/XA0U4stgeZI/AAAAAAAAY9o/-J4MPP0Hc5wNMlcMUdv5fPphQs8f_QX2gCLcBGAs/s320/Screen%2BShot%2B2018-12-09%2Bat%2B8.12.36%2BAM.png" width="303" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-b-rSHjYAfLM/XA0U6-6Xj8I/AAAAAAAAY9s/OS9m8uGigzUbfEyrCmyVYXwOsaZxPoJcACLcBGAs/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2018-12-09%2Bat%2B8.12.10%2BAM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="633" data-original-width="641" height="316" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-b-rSHjYAfLM/XA0U6-6Xj8I/AAAAAAAAY9s/OS9m8uGigzUbfEyrCmyVYXwOsaZxPoJcACLcBGAs/s320/Screen%2BShot%2B2018-12-09%2Bat%2B8.12.10%2BAM.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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I got introduced to some great characters and new authors.<br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RNVlYM2XcE8/XA0Qeyb63CI/AAAAAAAAY88/cPIiiM1hvN8vlZYO79ffkud8jQO0JuD_QCLcBGAs/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2018-12-09%2Bat%2B7.50.37%2BAM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="350" data-original-width="230" height="200" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RNVlYM2XcE8/XA0Qeyb63CI/AAAAAAAAY88/cPIiiM1hvN8vlZYO79ffkud8jQO0JuD_QCLcBGAs/s200/Screen%2BShot%2B2018-12-09%2Bat%2B7.50.37%2BAM.png" width="131" /></a></div>
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Make-Way-Dyamonde-Daniel-Book/dp/0142415553/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1544359788&sr=8-1&keywords=dyamonde+daniel" target="_blank">Dyamonde Daniel (series of 3 books) by Nikki Grimes </a>is about a plucky third grader whose parents are divorced. She is the new kid at school and she faces challenges head on. All of my students saw themselves in this book in one way or another.<br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0eMSkMmWdrc/XA0RlOLA1xI/AAAAAAAAY9I/vzIMhfDRXi87JJCqeSHFtmahnHZGovL3wCLcBGAs/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2018-12-09%2Bat%2B7.58.45%2BAM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="206" data-original-width="155" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0eMSkMmWdrc/XA0RlOLA1xI/AAAAAAAAY9I/vzIMhfDRXi87JJCqeSHFtmahnHZGovL3wCLcBGAs/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2018-12-09%2Bat%2B7.58.45%2BAM.png" /></a></div>
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss_1?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=meet+yasmin" target="_blank">Yasmin series by Saadia Faruqi</a> is a great early chapter book series about a second grader who deals with the every day issues of a second grader.<br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vPPXT8agbtw/XA0S6qMeYyI/AAAAAAAAY9U/iB9OQTDxgN0uOhAEMGwuRgamA1uIovcUQCLcBGAs/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2018-12-09%2Bat%2B8.04.25%2BAM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="232" data-original-width="156" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vPPXT8agbtw/XA0S6qMeYyI/AAAAAAAAY9U/iB9OQTDxgN0uOhAEMGwuRgamA1uIovcUQCLcBGAs/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2018-12-09%2Bat%2B8.04.25%2BAM.png" /></a></div>
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Cilla-Lee-Jenkins-Future-Author-Extraordinaire/dp/1250144000/ref=sr_1_fkmr3_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1544360554&sr=8-1-fkmr3&keywords=Celia+Lee+Jenkins+series" target="_blank">Cilla Lee-Jenkins (by Susan Tan)</a> is half Chinese and half White. She's another character full of spunk.<br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wMLpIap8Rzo/XA0WfJ3MC2I/AAAAAAAAY-I/IHFC2k8ftyA5N7VsigVhZegWBNUi-5UBACLcBGAs/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2018-12-09%2Bat%2B8.14.58%2BAM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="351" data-original-width="236" height="200" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wMLpIap8Rzo/XA0WfJ3MC2I/AAAAAAAAY-I/IHFC2k8ftyA5N7VsigVhZegWBNUi-5UBACLcBGAs/s200/Screen%2BShot%2B2018-12-09%2Bat%2B8.14.58%2BAM.png" width="134" /></a></div>
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/huc/view.html?ie=UTF8&newItems=C4faac03f-e334-439e-ab95-58d33f94349a%2C1" target="_blank">The Carver Chronicles series by Karen English</a> is another great series about kids at Carver Elementary. They are funny and yet deal with some serious issues.<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2wlr5qqY8Q0/XA0ZGxLvewI/AAAAAAAAY-U/Qov9tzP9SUomf22RlsQSxUPtiJJT5Ir4gCLcBGAs/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2018-12-09%2Bat%2B8.30.03%2BAM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="350" data-original-width="231" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2wlr5qqY8Q0/XA0ZGxLvewI/AAAAAAAAY-U/Qov9tzP9SUomf22RlsQSxUPtiJJT5Ir4gCLcBGAs/s200/Screen%2BShot%2B2018-12-09%2Bat%2B8.30.03%2BAM.png" width="131" /></a></div>
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Stella-Diaz-Has-Something-Say/dp/1626728585/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1544361974&sr=1-1&keywords=stella+diaz+has+something+to+say" target="_blank">Stella Diaz by Angela Dominguez </a>is based on the author's experiences growing up Mexican-American.<br />
These characters, among others, have become favorites in my classroom. We have waiting lists for certain books and I've even had a few complaints that some aren't reading fast enough! <a href="https://padlet.com/julia_johnson2/talkingaboutrace" target="_blank">This Padlet</a> has more ideas for book and video ideas. I can already tell that I need to create a Padlet just for book and video titles.<br />
<h4>
<span style="text-indent: 36pt;">Choosing Books</span></h4>
When choosing books, I keep several things in mind:<br />
1. Is the book by an author who either shares an identity with the characters in the story or has done research on the culture or community they've written about? (<a href="https://www.readbrightly.com/why-we-need-diverse-authors-in-kids-ya-lit/" target="_blank">#ownvoice author</a>)<br />
2. Do the diverse characters take an important role in the story or are they secondary characters?<br />
3. Are the characters portrayed as sharing the commonalities of being a kid? (<a href="https://scottwoodsmakeslists.wordpress.com/2018/02/07/28-more-black-picture-books-that-arent-about-boycotts-buses-or-basketball-2018/" target="_blank">See 28 More Black Picture Books that aren't about Boycotts, Buses, or Basketball 2018)</a><br />
4. Do the books I choose portray other diversity besides race?<br />
<br />
My third graders have been exploring books as mirrors and windows the last few weeks and I'm excited about the work they are doing. More to come in future posts. </div>
Julie Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10497758310228642932noreply@blogger.com34tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9026108915909078392.post-50320890211433266452018-12-08T16:22:00.000-05:002018-12-09T13:40:23.219-05:00Digging Deeper into Inquiry: Educating Myself<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OIPjC5sPM8g/XAsmxI6LluI/AAAAAAAAY7w/W2Z9I0pBQas83XIgewErJWpvlPGXE65AgCLcBGAs/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2018-12-07%2Bat%2B8.55.00%2BPM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" data-original-height="366" data-original-width="1075" height="135" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OIPjC5sPM8g/XAsmxI6LluI/AAAAAAAAY7w/W2Z9I0pBQas83XIgewErJWpvlPGXE65AgCLcBGAs/s400/Screen%2BShot%2B2018-12-07%2Bat%2B8.55.00%2BPM.png" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I introduced the beginning of my inquiry journey <a href="http://www.raisingreadersandwriters.com/2018/11/wondering-while-i-meander-through.html" target="_blank">in my last post</a>. I knew the first step educating myself. One of the most foundational lessons I learned was to recognize my Whiteness and the privilege that follows. I can no longer pretend that race doesn't matter. Yes, I used to be one of those who said, "I don't care if kids are Black, Brown, pink or purple, I love them all." I've come to understand just how problematic this kind of thinking is.</span><br />
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<span lang="EN" style="font-family: inherit;"> I now understand that by
ignoring racial diversity, I am
normalizing Whiteness. Remaining silent about race does more harm than
good. We know from the work of Beverly Tatum in <i>Why Are All the Black Kids Sitting Together in the Cafeteria</i>, that all of
us unknowingly form biases about different social groups based on our
upbringing and social experiences. These
beliefs affect the way we think and act toward others. What I am seeing now as a teacher is that if
I don’t talk about issues around race, religion, sexual orientation or gender,
children don’t know there are other perspectives different from their own. I used to be afraid to bring up these topics because I worried
about offending someone or receiving parental backlash, but now I know it is
essential. Teachers have the
responsibility to address these issues because they are important. We need to have conversations. We need to read diverse literature to all of
our students, not just our students of color. We need to help our students
recognize multiple perspectives and points of view so that they all feel
included and valued in our school. I began to ask myself where I fit into
confronting this issue. “How do I, a White middle class woman, use culturally
relevant teaching to help students build understanding and empathy for others,
appreciate differences, and recognize others’ struggles and perspectives? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
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<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="white-space: pre;"> My first steps? Educating </span><span style="white-space: pre;">myself. I found people to follow on Twitter. I read and read some more...</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="white-space: pre;">scholars, teachers, parents. I </span><span style="white-space: pre;">reflected on my own upbringing and the biases I am living with. It's a </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="white-space: pre;">journey that humbles me, especially </span><span style="color: black; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">when I admit to the mistakes I've made. </span>I have a responsibility to do my part in fighting against bias, both implicit and explicit. I want to know better and do better as a fellow human being. </span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.7999999999999998; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I created a Padlet to organize my resources which you can access <a href="https://padlet.com/julia_johnson2/talkingaboutrace" target="_blank">here</a>. It is a live document that I will continue to add to as I learn. In this post, I will focus on resources that have helped me learn and grow. My next post will highlight resources I've used with my students.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<br />
<h4>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
Professional/Personal Reading, Audio, and Video: </span></h4>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">These are some of the resources I've used (or am using) to educate myself on talking about race and culturally relevant pedagogy. </span></div>
<div>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Moving Beyond Colorblindness in Early Childhood Classrooms by Gloria Swindler Boutte, Julia Lopez-Robertson, and Elizabeth Powers-Costello </b>This article from Early Childhood Education Journal encourages early childhood education teachers to talk to their students about race and colorblindness. It explores the work done in a second grade classroom around anti-bias education during literacy discussions. There are some great examples of student work as well as instructional practices. <a href="https://doi.org/10.1007/s10643-011-0457-x" target="_blank"> https://doi.org/10.1007/s10643-011-0457-x</a></span></li>
</ul>
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<li><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Waking-White-Finding-Myself-Story/dp/0991331303/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1544297939&sr=8-1&keywords=waking+up+white" target="_blank">Waking Up White by Debbie Irving </a></b>is the memoir of Debbie Irving, a middle-class White woman who grew up in New England. It chronicles her own journey in understanding her Whiteness and her own implicit biases. She is honest and vulnerable in this book. I actually saw myself in her story quite a bit.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><a href="http://www.chicagonow.com/litzyditz/2018/02/so-you-want-to-talk-about-race-when-a-book-calls-you-out/" target="_blank">So You Want to Talk About Race: When a Book Calls You Out</a> </b>This blog post by Kelly Konrad was another wake up call to White privilege. She, like me would never call herself a racist, but after reading <a href="https://www.amazon.com/You-Want-Talk-About-Race/dp/1580056776/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?ie=UTF8&qid=1544297479&sr=8-1-spons&keywords=so+you+want+to+talk+about+race+ijeoma&psc=1" target="_blank">So You Want to Talk About Race by Ijoema Oluo,</a> forced her to examine the privileges that come with being White, able bodied, employed etc. This book has given me many new insights.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://www.readingrockets.org/books/interviews/bishop/transcript" target="_blank"><b>Interview with Dr. Rudine Sims Bishop</b></a> by Reading Rockets is full of information about multicultural literature, the need for diverse books in our classrooms, and the importance of digging deep into cultural and racial discussions. As is always true with Reading Rockets, there are resources for teachers to use in their classrooms.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><a href="https://youtu.be/D9Ihs241zeg" target="_blank">Danger of the Single Story</a> </b>is the compelling Ted Talk by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie. In this speech, she discusses the importance of understanding others' stories in order avoid cultural misunderstandings. None of us is a single story.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><a href="https://www.amazon.com/More-Culturally-Irrelevant-Teaching-This/dp/0325089795/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1544298366&sr=8-1&keywords=no+more+culturally+irrelevant+teaching" target="_blank">No More Culturally Irrelevant Teaching (Not This But That series)</a> </b>by Mariana Souto-Manning et al. I read this book last summer and it has been extremely helpful in my teaching this school year. The first half is dedicated to Souto-Manning's academic work in culturally relevant pedagogy. The second half contains classroom examples of teachers who are doing this work with kids every day. It's a book that you can read quickly and have several ideas to try in your room right away.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><a href="https://rethinkingschools.org/" target="_blank">Rethinking Schools</a> i</b>s a magazine I subscribe to. The articles focus on social justice issues. The articles, written mostly by teacher practitioners examine hard topics and face them head on. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><a href="https://www.tolerance.org/" target="_blank">Teaching Tolerance</a> </b>This website is full of lesson plan ideas for social justice issues. In addition, their magazine is free to all. You just need to subscribe. I get a lot of good ideas here.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><a href="https://www.amazon.com/What-All-Kids-White-Multicultural/dp/0807752126/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1544299128&sr=8-1&keywords=what+if+all+the+children+are+white" target="_blank">What if All the Kids Are White?: Anti-Bias Multicultural Education with Young Children and Families</a> </b>by Louise Derman-Sparks and Patricia Ramsey. </span></li>
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Blogs/Websites for Teachers and Parents</span></h4>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">These are blogs and websites I go to regularly for information about culturally responsive and anti-racist teaching as well as book ideas. I hope they will be helpful for you.</span></div>
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<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><a href="https://teachingwhilewhite.org/" target="_blank">Teaching While White</a> </b>is a new website that features a regular podcast, resources, and blog. I LOVE this site.</span></li>
<li><b><a href="http://readingwhilewhite.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Reading While White</span></a></b></li>
<li><b><a href="https://americanindiansinchildrensliterature.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: inherit;">American Indians in Children's Literature</span></a></b></li>
<li><b><a href="http://mirrorswindowsdoors.org/wp/about-mirrors-windows-doors/" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Mirrors Windows Doors: Celebrating Diversity in a Whole World of Children's and YA Literature</span></a></b></li>
<li><b><a href="http://www.heisereads.com/2018/09/picture-book-recommendations.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Heise Reads and Recommends</span></a></b></li>
<li><b><a href="https://www.teachingforchange.org/teaching-about-race" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Teaching For Change: Building Social Justice Starting in the Classroom</span></a></b></li>
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Building My PLN</span></h4>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I have added new people to my PLN on Twitter. I've learned so much from following them and participating in different Twitter chats. </span></div>
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<ul>
<li><b><a href="https://twitter.com/ValeriaBrownEdu" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: inherit;">@ValeriaBrownEdu</span></a></b></li>
<li><b><a href="https://twitter.com/SonjaCherryPaul" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: inherit;">@Sonja Cherry-Paul</span></a></b></li>
<li><b><a href="https://twitter.com/debreese" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: inherit;">@debreese</span></a></b></li>
<li><b><a href="https://twitter.com/CarlaShalaby" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: inherit;">@CarlaShalaby</span></a></b></li>
<li><b><a href="https://twitter.com/triciaebarvia" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: inherit;">@TriciaEbarvia</span></a></b></li>
<li><b><a href="https://twitter.com/TchKimPossible" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: inherit;">@TchKimPossible</span></a></b></li>
<li><b><a href="https://twitter.com/chrisemdin" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: inherit;">@ChrisEmdin</span></a></b></li>
<li><b><a href="https://twitter.com/Jess5th" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: inherit;">@jess5th</span></a></b></li>
<li><b><a href="https://twitter.com/ShanaVWhite" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: inherit;">@ShanaVWhite</span></a></b></li>
<li><b><a href="https://twitter.com/lburkins" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: inherit;">@lburkins</span></a></b></li>
<li><b><a href="https://twitter.com/MisterMinor" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: inherit;">@MisterMinor</span></a></b></li>
</ul>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Please add to the conversation. Are there resources you've found to be helpful? My next post will focus on resources to share with children and activities I've tried in my classroom.</span><br />
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Julie Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10497758310228642932noreply@blogger.com36tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9026108915909078392.post-41541623137950780102018-11-25T22:03:00.000-05:002018-11-25T22:06:46.913-05:00Wondering While I Meander Through Inquiry<br />
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It's been awhile since I've posted. Mainly because I've been trying to figure out where I fit into this blogging world. I've been wrestling with ideas, trying my best to articulate my journey and wondering who I am writing for. I'm a full time classroom teacher who is working on her PhD. I vacillate between being a practitioner and an academic. I certainly don't feel like a scholar and yet, I want to be scholarly and reflective as I deconstruct my teaching and work to be better at what I do. And, so, I need to write for myself. I need to question myself - my beliefs and my practice in order to better understand. And if I have any readers, I hope you will join the conversation to push my thinking and learn alongside me.<br />
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<b>Some Background on One Line of Inquiry</b><br />
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I am a middle class White woman who grew up in rural northwestern Ohio. I went to a Catholic school where most of the students were White. The only students of color were the children of migrant workers who attended our school during the harvest season. They were there in the fall and left before Christmas, only to return again in the spring. My family did not have open conversations about race when I was growing up. We didn't have to. It was part of our white privilege. Implicit bias surrounded me. We locked our car doors when we drove through "dangerous neighborhoods." Adults told racist jokes that we all laughed at, even while I cringed inside. It wasn't until a Black man was introduced into our family that I began to stand up to the outward and implicit racism around me.<br />
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I would have been the first one to say that I was not racist. I threw around phrases like, "It doesn't matter what color a person is, we are all the same inside." When I saw a Black Lives Matter sign in someone's yard, I would think, "Well, really, all lives matter." I was color blind and didn't know any better. I even remember thinking when I was a younger teacher that I didn't need to worry about diversity and equity issues in my teaching because I only taught White kids. My eyes were opened when I read <i>Waking Up White </i>by Debbie Irving. I was astonished at what I learned and at the same time, ashamed to admit my own contributions to racist beliefs and practices. I wanted to be and do better. From that point, I set on a mission to educate myself. I began following people on Twitter who were talking about these issues, found blogs and podcasts, and read and read and read. I will share those resources at another time.<br />
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I also had an experience last year when some fifth grade boys questioned the book <i>Ghost </i>by Jason Reynolds. There is a scene early in the book where a character is describing the facial features of another character and the White boys reading the book thought it was racist. They couldn't believe their teacher chose that book (little did they know that I had ordered that book for our book room) and were sure their parents wouldn't want them reading it. One even said, "My mom says we aren't supposed to talk about these things." At first I was confused, but then realized that they equated talking about race with being racist.<br />
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<b>Questions</b><br />
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Lucky for me, I am taking a children's literature class with Dr. Mollie Blackburn. Our assignment is to complete an inquiry project that incorporates children's literature in some way. I knew right away what I wanted to explore: "How do I as a White teacher support my White students in reading and talking about race?" I teach in a school where 87% of our student population is White and where 99% of our staff is White.<br />
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I went to Rudine Sims Bishop's foundational text, <a href="https://scenicregional.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/Mirrors-Windows-and-Sliding-Glass-Doors.pdf" target="_blank">Mirrors, Windows, and Sliding Glass Doors</a> and I got started.<br />
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First thing on my list: update my classroom library. I needed more books by authors of color and with characters of color, and not just characters who achieved something great, but characters of color whose stories are about the ordinary things that kids and families do. I read a lot over the summer and I purchased and borrowed books to bring into my classroom. (More on this later)<br />
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We did some identity work (thanks to Sara Ahmed's <a href="https://www.heinemann.com/products/e09970.aspx" target="_blank">Being the Change</a>), which laid the groundwork for our next steps...<br />
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We will begin to read books as mirrors this week. I am wondering what books and characters my students will see themselves reflected in. How will they identify with these books and characters? How will this reading change them? Will this reading set the groundwork for building empathy in my students and will this work transfer into their own personal lives? Can I do this work? Do I know enough?<br />
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These are only some of the questions I grapple with. As it always is with me, these questions will lead to more questions. It's a journey and I know that as I walk this path, I will make mistakes. But I am also certain that I will grow and learn and become a better teacher because of this experience.<br />
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Please share your own experiences or thoughts in the comments. I would love to further this conversation.<br />
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<br />Julie Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10497758310228642932noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9026108915909078392.post-39812619233618009162018-08-10T11:59:00.001-04:002018-08-10T11:59:37.313-04:00Celebrating #PB10for10 This is one of my favorite times of the year. The beginning of school always brings feelings of excitement and anticipation. Add to that a bevy of picture book ideas and what more could you want? I am happy to join Cathy Mere and Mandy Robek in their annual Picture Book 10 for 10 event.<br />
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This summer, I had lots of time to think about work I began during the last school year around Rudine Sims Bishop's 1990 <a href="https://scenicregional.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/Mirrors-Windows-and-Sliding-Glass-Doors.pdf" target="_blank">Mirrors, Windows, and Sliding Glass Doors</a>. I want my students to see themselves represented in the texts I read to them. In the same way, I want to provide "windows and sliding glass doors" where students can see into those lives that are different from their own. It is through that lens that I base my list which you can see below. There are so many books that I want to add to this list, but I had to narrow it down. If you have other books that fall under this category that you love, leave a comment below. <br />
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<br />Julie Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10497758310228642932noreply@blogger.com106tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9026108915909078392.post-47583870637545655792018-07-10T19:51:00.001-04:002018-07-10T19:51:43.710-04:00Powdered Sugar DonutsI am joining <a href="http://www.twowritingteachers.org/" target="_blank">TWT's Slice of Life Tuesday</a> where writers share stories from a slice of their lives. <br />
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When I was a little girl, my family would spend vacations at my grandparents' cabin in Geneva, Ohio. Most of the time, it was two or three families smushed into the 2 bedroom cabin with the kids all piled in the loft above the living room. The days were filled with swimming in the river, playing cards, water fights, going to town to the five and dime store. <br />
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The weekends were extra special because that's when Grandma and Pop would join us and Grandma always brought Hostess powdered sugar donuts - the small ones. Pop started the day early, sitting on the swing that overlooked the river, his yellow coffee mug in hand. On those days, I got up early because I knew I could grab the box of donuts and bring them outside with me. I would hop up next to my grandfather and we would swing back and forth, eating donuts, the powder coating my fingers and clinging to my lips.<br />
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This morning I woke up early and snuck out of the cabin where we are vacationing in PA. At first it was just me, the birds, and frogs sitting out under the pergola, book in hand, mug of steaming tea nearby. <br />
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It wasn't long before I saw Destiny peek around the corner. still in her pajamas. I had an idea.<br />
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I went inside and grabbed the box of donuts I had bought last night. She poured herself a glass of milk and together we headed back out to the pergola. As we ate donuts, I told her the story of my grandpa and me. It was a glorious morning filled with smiles, stories and powdered sugared lips. <br />
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<br />Julie Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10497758310228642932noreply@blogger.com19tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9026108915909078392.post-11620097057854448212018-07-06T10:58:00.000-04:002018-07-06T10:58:31.405-04:00#CyberPD Being the Change: Listening with Love<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I am joining the summer #CyberPD community as we read and discuss <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Being-Change-Lessons-Strategies-Comprehension/dp/0325099707/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1530885556&sr=8-1&keywords=being+the+change+ahmed" target="_blank">Being the Change</a> by <a href="https://twitter.com/sarakahmed?lang=en" target="_blank">Sara Ahmed. </a><br />
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I was thrilled when I learned that this book was the one chosen for #CyberPD. This is a topic near and dear to my heart especially in our state of current events. It is more important than ever that we are agents of change and support our students in doing the same. Sara quotes Peter Johnston on p. 31, reminding us that the actions we want our students to take begins inside their heads. We learn over and over throughout this book how important our language is and how messy this work can be. Chapter 2 especially had an impact on me.<br />
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<i>"If we want our kids to truly respect one another we have to meet them where they are, consider interactions from their perspectives, and find teachable moments along the way" (p. 31). </i><br />
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This is hard but necessary work! Not only do <b>we </b>need to consider others' perspectives, we need to create space and opportunities for our students to learn how to appreciate others' perspectives. Sara makes a great point in using the word "mentor" instead of "teach" (there's that language thing) because she says, it's important that we are practicing these skills too. I would add that we practice these skills both inside and outside our classrooms.<br />
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Listening with love, the title of this chapter elicits powerful emotions inside of me. Living the last 2 years with foster daughters who have traumatic backgrounds has opened my eyes to the importance of listening with love and considering their perspectives during difficult situations. There were many times that I was quick to come to a conclusion (usually negative), that changed when I came to better understand what was going on in their minds. As I look forward to the next school year, I will have students in my classroom who also come from trauma. Their needs are different from typical students and I want to make sure I provide a safe environment for all. Listening with empathy lays the foundation for creating a space where all feel safe to communicate their beliefs and feelings. <br />
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I appreciate the activities, sentence stems, and ideas for addressing tensions that are provided in this chapter. I've highlighted so many parts of this chapter that I want to remember. Here are a few:<br />
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<li>Social comprehension is not always comfortable. It strives for awareness and understanding, not consensus and compliance.</li>
<li>Consider: Are there other ways to see this?</li>
<li>This work is messy because it is authentic and it deals with human beings.</li>
<li>Listening requires us to consider and utilize perspective, evidence, and language, connecting the new to the unknown, and we evolve as a result.</li>
<li>Our goal is to treat listening as an act of love.</li>
<li>When heated talks arise, we need to listen better.</li>
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I am looking forward to delving deeper into this book and continuing the conversation with others. </div>
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<br />Julie Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10497758310228642932noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9026108915909078392.post-51933399492906355342018-03-30T09:14:00.001-04:002018-03-30T09:14:30.333-04:00Words of Wisdom #SOL18 30/31<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: arial, tahoma, helvetica, freesans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">I am joining Two Writing Teachers for the </span><a href="http://www.twowritingteachers.org/" style="background-color: white; color: #0050b1; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-decoration-line: none; text-size-adjust: auto;" target="_blank">Slice of Life Story Challenge</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: arial, tahoma, helvetica, freesans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">. I appreciate this space for writers to tell their stories and connect with each other.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: arial, tahoma, helvetica, freesans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: arial, tahoma, helvetica, freesans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: arial, tahoma, helvetica, freesans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: arial, tahoma, helvetica, freesans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: arial, tahoma, helvetica, freesans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"></span><br />
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"I don't have any words of wisdom. I come to understand." </div>
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Those were the words she said to me as we sat down to process this week's events. She came to me in her role as the literacy instructional leader, but more importantly, she came as my friend. Her words made me stop and I laughed, saying that they were profound words...words worthy of splashing across a sign to hang where everyone could see. However, I wasn't joking. I meant it.</div>
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"I don't have any words of wisdom. I come to understand."</div>
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What would happen if instead of coming to the table with all the answers, we came to listen and understand? I know it's something that I work on every day as a wife, a parent, a friend, a teacher and literacy coach. It's not easy for me. My natural tendency is to come up with a solution immediately (or even come to a conclusion before I understand the whole problem...not really a very good trait). I have a million not so pretty stories of this character trait not working out so well for me. </div>
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What would happen if we all gave each other the benefit of understanding and assuming best intentions? So many hurt feelings would be avoided. </div>
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Each morning, I begin my day with meditation, writing my gratitudes in my journal and setting an intention for the day. I learned about creating a "to be" list from another teacher leader and friend. I ask myself, "What or how do I want to be today?" If there is something going on with the girls, my intention is often to focus on being patient. Sometimes my intention is to be present in the moment and enjoy what comes my way. </div>
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Today my intention is to listen to the message my friend gave to me. </div>
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I want to understand for the sole purpose of gaining insight to what others are thinking and feeling. </div>
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I don't need to have any profound answers or solutions. </div>
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I will come to understand. </div>
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Julie Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10497758310228642932noreply@blogger.com30tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9026108915909078392.post-10951186513529566302018-03-27T20:28:00.001-04:002018-03-27T20:30:01.636-04:00Family Squeeze #SOL18 27/31<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">I am joining Two Writing Teachers for the </span><a href="http://www.twowritingteachers.org/" style="background-color: white; color: #0050b1; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-decoration-line: none; text-size-adjust: auto;" target="_blank">Slice of Life Story Challenge</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">. I appreciate this space for writers to tell their stories and connect with each other.</span><br />
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This afternoon didn't end so well. </div>
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Tonight was better.</div>
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Keith wrapped me in a hug.</div>
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Then Autumn burrowed in close to me and threw her arms around me.</div>
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Finally, Destiny jumped on the three of us shouting,</div>
"Family Squeeze Time!"<br />
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We all wrapped our arms around her and squeezed as tight as we could.</div>
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Family squeeze time was just what I needed. </div>
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Julie Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10497758310228642932noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9026108915909078392.post-43402702959864927912018-03-26T14:52:00.002-04:002018-03-26T15:08:03.848-04:00Classroom Stitches #SOL18 #26/31<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">I am joining Two Writing Teachers for the </span><a href="http://www.twowritingteachers.org/" style="background-color: white; color: #0050b1; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-decoration-line: none; text-size-adjust: auto;" target="_blank">Slice of Life Story Challenge</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">. I appreciate this space for writers to tell their stories and connect with each other.</span><br />
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Today, I use <a href="http://www.eileenspinelli.com/poempage.htm" target="_blank">Eileen Spinelli's Poem of the Month</a>, "Winter Stitches" as a mentor. I had just happened to pop into a third grade classroom when they were getting ready to write their Slice of Life stories. I quickly went to get my computer and settled in next to them. Oh, how I miss writing with young writers. </div>
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Julie Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10497758310228642932noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9026108915909078392.post-16482162549524345322018-03-25T22:18:00.000-04:002018-03-25T22:18:17.368-04:00A Farewell to Spring Break SOL#18 25/31<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: arial, tahoma, helvetica, freesans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">I am joining Two Writing Teachers for the </span><a href="http://www.twowritingteachers.org/" style="background-color: white; color: #0050b1; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-decoration-line: none; text-size-adjust: auto;" target="_blank">Slice of Life Story Challenge</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: arial, tahoma, helvetica, freesans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">. I appreciate this space for writers to tell their stories and connect with each other.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: arial, tahoma, helvetica, freesans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: arial, tahoma, helvetica, freesans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: arial, tahoma, helvetica, freesans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"></span><br />
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Dear Spring Break,</div>
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I want to take a moment to say thank you. Thank you for time to take a break from the ordinary and slip into a different world for a just a bit. There's nothing like traveling to warmer weather and seeing flowers blooming and leaves on the trees. It gives me hope for what's soon to come back here at home. </div>
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Thank you for the opportunity to see the world through the girls' eyes. Autumn loved the hustle and bustle of the French Quarter, especially at night. Destiny loved the ghost tour and was disappointed that we couldn't check into the haunted hotel. I hope that these memories stay with them forever. </div>
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Thank you for the ability to slow down just a bit. Time to read, time to play, time to explore. It was time we all needed. And now we are ready to get back to our normal routine. Sometimes we need these breaks to appreciate the ordinary moments of our lives.</div>
Julie Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10497758310228642932noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9026108915909078392.post-68258178090749459992018-03-24T19:18:00.000-04:002018-03-24T19:18:26.727-04:00Improvising at its Best SOL#18 24/31<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: arial, tahoma, helvetica, freesans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">I am joining Two Writing Teachers for the </span><a href="http://www.twowritingteachers.org/" style="background-color: white; color: #0050b1; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-decoration-line: none; text-size-adjust: auto;" target="_blank">Slice of Life Story Challenge</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: arial, tahoma, helvetica, freesans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">. I appreciate this space for writers to tell their stories and connect with each other.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: arial, tahoma, helvetica, freesans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: arial, tahoma, helvetica, freesans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: arial, tahoma, helvetica, freesans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"></span><br />
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Long hours in the car can make children and adults antsy. Those stretch breaks become very important. Shaking out the wiggles, getting some fresh air, running up and down the hills can make the next several hours in the car more bearable. So what do you do when you really want to play baseball at the rest stop and you didn't bring a ball and bat? Watch below. Keith and Destiny can always figure something out!</div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dyNMvwyXMV2jWjFWVWojF2Jy3ApjPtYACgEKynBM-YGVXG9oj9waUIqBgY94oTgMbzaFbvaPabZizvLtld6hw' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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Yep, that's a giant pinecone and a stick. After 10 minutes of Pinecone Stickball, Destiny was ready to continue on our journey north. </div>
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Julie Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10497758310228642932noreply@blogger.com27tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9026108915909078392.post-11255959836605329792018-03-23T22:00:00.001-04:002018-03-23T22:00:18.552-04:00What I Know Now...Anniversary Musings SOL #23/31<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: arial, tahoma, helvetica, freesans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">I am joining Two Writing Teachers for the </span><a href="http://www.twowritingteachers.org/" style="background-color: white; color: #0050b1; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-decoration-line: none; text-size-adjust: auto;" target="_blank">Slice of Life Story Challenge</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: arial, tahoma, helvetica, freesans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">. I appreciate this space for writers to tell their stories and connect with each other.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: arial, tahoma, helvetica, freesans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: arial, tahoma, helvetica, freesans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: arial, tahoma, helvetica, freesans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"></span><br />
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Today Keith and I celebrated our 33rd anniversary. I remember when I was younger (before I got married) thinking that people who had been married for that long must have really boring lives. Hah! Was I ever wrong! Our life is anything but boring. </div>
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Here we are on our first anniversary. We had gone camping in the Blue Ridge Mountains. I look back and think about how young we were. I thought I knew everything I needed to know about life and about being married as do most early 20 somethings. Again...how wrong I was! </div>
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Thirty-three years later, I am much wiser. I know that at this point in my life, I still don't know everything. I've learned that my way isn't the only way to do something (that's been a hard one for me). I've learned it's more important to listen to what's not being said. And I'm learning to focus on the present and appreciate what I have right now. </div>
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Here's today's anniversary picture.</div>
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And one with the best photo bomber in the world...</div>
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Our life is certainly eventful and I am so glad he's by my side every single step of the way.</div>
Julie Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10497758310228642932noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9026108915909078392.post-3299117855296678262018-03-22T22:18:00.000-04:002018-03-22T22:18:04.027-04:00NOLA Slice of Life #22/31<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: arial, tahoma, helvetica, freesans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">I am joining Two Writing Teachers for the </span><a href="http://www.twowritingteachers.org/" style="background-color: white; color: #0050b1; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-decoration-line: none; text-size-adjust: auto;" target="_blank">Slice of Life Story Challenge</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: arial, tahoma, helvetica, freesans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">. I appreciate this space for writers to tell their stories and connect with each other.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: arial, tahoma, helvetica, freesans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: arial, tahoma, helvetica, freesans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: arial, tahoma, helvetica, freesans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"></span><br />
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Bakery Tour</div>
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French Quarters</div>
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Mardi Gras World</div>
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Ghost Tour</div>
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It was a day filled with lots of good food and fun. But I won't lie...we are all exhausted!</div>
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Julie Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10497758310228642932noreply@blogger.com26tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9026108915909078392.post-33370969304010415032018-03-21T21:39:00.003-04:002018-03-21T21:39:48.362-04:00We Found Spring! SOL #21/31<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: arial, tahoma, helvetica, freesans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">I am joining Two Writing Teachers for the </span><a href="http://www.twowritingteachers.org/" style="background-color: white; color: #0050b1; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-decoration-line: none; text-size-adjust: auto;" target="_blank">Slice of Life Story Challenge</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: arial, tahoma, helvetica, freesans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">. I appreciate this space for writers to tell their stories and connect with each other.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: arial, tahoma, helvetica, freesans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: arial, tahoma, helvetica, freesans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: arial, tahoma, helvetica, freesans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"></span><br />
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We were up at 6:00 am and on the road by 7:00. As you can see, we found spring pretty quickly. It was chilly outside (33 degrees), but the sun was shining and pink buds peeked through the new green leaves. The further south we drove, the greener it got. </div>
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The drive was beautiful!</div>
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The temperature climbed from the low thirties to the forties, then fifties and finally the sixties once we got to Mississippi. I decided to make the best use of 7 hours in the car by listening to a new audio book (The Hate U Give) and seeing if I could still remember how to crochet. We even made a side trip to the local JoAnn Fabrics because Autumn decided she'd like to learn how. </div>
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We arrived in NOLA around 4:00 pm. Quick nap for Keith and Autumn while Destiny and I explored the neighborhood of our rented townhome. Then we pulled up Yelp (our favorite way to find a good restaurant when we travel) to find a place to eat. We decided on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/raysontheave/" target="_blank">Ray's on the Ave</a>. and I'm so glad we did. I had my first Shrimp Po'Boy and it was delicious! </div>
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Tomorrow we go exploring. If you've got suggestions for things to do with a 9 and 13 year-old in New Orleans, leave a comment below. </div>
Julie Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10497758310228642932noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9026108915909078392.post-80845020056712227242018-03-20T21:10:00.004-04:002018-03-20T21:10:45.155-04:00Looking for Spring SOL #20/31<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: arial, tahoma, helvetica, freesans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">I am joining Two Writing Teachers for the </span><a href="http://www.twowritingteachers.org/" style="background-color: white; color: #0050b1; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-decoration-line: none; text-size-adjust: auto;" target="_blank">Slice of Life Story Challenge</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: arial, tahoma, helvetica, freesans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">. I appreciate this space for writers to tell their stories and connect with each other.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: arial, tahoma, helvetica, freesans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: arial, tahoma, helvetica, freesans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: arial, tahoma, helvetica, freesans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"></span><br />
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Keith and I have been married 33 years (our anniversary is Friday) and we have never once left on time for vacation. Today was a first. I have to give credit to Autumn having a 10:00 appointment on the north side of Columbus, so we HAD to leave by 9:30 to get her to her appointment. We gathered snacks, packed the car, and did a quick sweep of the house to make sure we hadn't forgotten anything. We were on the road at 9:34, made it to Autumn's appointment with time to spare. An hour later, we were on our way to Nashville, our stopping point for today.</div>
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We thought we were so smart...leaving a day earlier than planned to beat the winter storm that was approaching central Ohio. We settled in, eagerly anticipating warmer temperatures and sunnier skies. Today is the first day of spring and we were ready to get to springier weather.</div>
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Unfortunately, spring was nowhere to be found. Two hours south...rain and falling temperatures.</div>
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Four hours south...rain and snow mixed. It was officially colder in Kentucky than it was in Columbus, Ohio. </div>
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Six hours later...we had real snowflakes. This driving was getting old. We were about 45 minutes from our destination when our nice Google Map lady told us that there was a traffic delay and rerouted us around the city, adding another 50 minutes to our trip. At this point, Destiny pulled out her book, <i><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Are-There-Yet-Dan-Santat/dp/0316199990/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1521594509&sr=8-2&keywords=are+we+there+yet+book" target="_blank">Are We There Yet</a></i> and began to read to us. </div>
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I am happy to say that we made it to our hotel safely. The girls are tucked in bed, and we are soon to follow. Tomorrow's another early day to be up and ready to travel. Hopefully, our search for spring will bring better results. </div>
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Julie Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10497758310228642932noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9026108915909078392.post-85912095520591298772018-03-19T20:54:00.001-04:002018-03-19T20:54:07.260-04:00Kitchen Musings #19/31<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: arial, tahoma, helvetica, freesans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">I am joining Two Writing Teachers for the </span><a href="http://www.twowritingteachers.org/" style="background-color: white; color: #0050b1; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-decoration-line: none; text-size-adjust: auto;" target="_blank">Slice of Life Story Challenge</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: arial, tahoma, helvetica, freesans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">. I appreciate this space for writers to tell their stories and connect with each other.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: arial, tahoma, helvetica, freesans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: arial, tahoma, helvetica, freesans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: arial, tahoma, helvetica, freesans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"></span><br />
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There are a few things that I can't say no to when the kids ask for something. One is new books. The other is baking cookies. If I bake something for you, it means I like you...a lot. Baking is therapeutic for me too. When I asked the girls if they wanted anything to take on our trip to New Orleans, Destiny asked for Rice Krispie Treats and Autumn asked for <a href="https://sallysbakingaddiction.com/2013/05/19/soft-thick-snickerdoodles-in-20-minutes/" target="_blank">Snickerdoodles</a>. I happily agreed.</div>
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As I baked in our 1960s era kitchen tonight, I couldn't help but wonder if Mrs. Riebel (the original owner of our house) enjoyed spending time in the kitchen like I do. Did she bake cookies for her children? Did she find baking to be relaxing? Did she thumb through cookbooks looking for new recipes to try? When I'm working in the kitchen, I get a good feeling, like this kitchen has seen a lot of love. </div>
Julie Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10497758310228642932noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9026108915909078392.post-38862336445617220612018-03-18T21:20:00.000-04:002018-03-18T21:27:51.379-04:00Girls' Day in Cleveland SOL #18/31<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">I am joining Two Writing Teachers for the </span><a href="http://www.twowritingteachers.org/" style="background-color: white; color: #0050b1; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-decoration-line: none; text-size-adjust: auto;" target="_blank">Slice of Life Story Challenge</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">. I appreciate this space for writers to tell their stories and connect with each other.</span><br />
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Each morning, I set an intention for the day. Today's intention was to savor every single second. Destiny and I headed up to Cleveland to spend the day with Annie...a girls' day. We tried a <a href="http://www.jackflaps.co/Menu.htm" target="_blank">new restaurant</a>, went to the lake, found a playground and ended with ice cream at the famous <a href="https://mitchellshomemade.com/" target="_blank">Mitchell's Homemade Ice Cream</a>. It was the perfect day! </div>
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Julie Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10497758310228642932noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9026108915909078392.post-89473908078766916892018-03-17T21:34:00.000-04:002018-03-17T21:34:31.717-04:00An Unexpected Hug SOL #17/31<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">I am joining Two Writing Teachers for the </span><a href="http://www.twowritingteachers.org/" style="background-color: white; color: #0050b1; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-decoration-line: none; text-size-adjust: auto;" target="_blank">Slice of Life Story Challenge</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">. I appreciate this space for writers to tell their stories and connect with each other.</span><br />
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Today's post is inspired by <a href="http://dogtrax.edublogs.org/2018/03/17/six-word-slice-of-life-power-of-the-press/" target="_blank">Kevin Hodgson's 6 Word Slice of Life</a> posts. </div>
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Autumn and I went shopping today to get her some spring clothes. I wasn't sure how it was going to go because she's not much of a shopper and I remember what it was like shopping with Molly and Annie when they were 13. I cringed inside as I vetoed a couple of pairs of shorts and jeans. Was she going to resent my boundaries? Did she begrudge that her foster mom is a middle-aged conservative woman when it comes to clothes? She took my suggestions well and discovered that with her blond hair and fair coloring, pastels look best on her. She found several outfits and two pairs of shoes and we left the store happy with our purchases. </div>
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As I slid into my seat and began to buckle my seat belt, I was taken by surprise when she laid her head on my shoulder and gave me a quick hug. I kissed the top of her head and my heart soared. You see, Autumn doesn't give a lot of hugs and this spontaneous hug of hers meant the world to me. <br />
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Julie Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10497758310228642932noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9026108915909078392.post-86175655002800895902018-03-16T07:41:00.000-04:002018-03-16T07:41:39.189-04:00Basically a Dad SOL #16/31<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: arial, tahoma, helvetica, freesans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">I am joining Two Writing Teachers for the </span><a href="http://www.twowritingteachers.org/" style="background-color: white; color: #0050b1; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-decoration-line: none; text-size-adjust: auto;" target="_blank">Slice of Life Story Challenge</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: arial, tahoma, helvetica, freesans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">. I appreciate this space for writers to tell their stories and connect with each other.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: arial, tahoma, helvetica, freesans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"></span><br />
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"You've got to watch this," Keith said to me last night when I got home.</div>
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My heart melted as I listened to her words and watched her face as she said them. You see, Destiny doesn't really share her feelings. For the longest time, we just worked on helping her identify her feelings. She's a tough nut to crack. For her to say, "I want to show you someone special," is huge. Saying he's "basically my dad" is even more huge.</div>
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<i>Basically my dad...</i></div>
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Keith has shown her what a dad is. He taught her how to ride a bike the first time she lived with us. He is the one who reads to her every night before she goes to bed. It's their thing. He can throw her over his shoulder like a sack of potatoes and tickle her while she laughs and wiggles around. She learned how to make popcorn from him and now she's our popcorn maker on Family Movie Night. She ends her day by picking a number and that's how many seconds he hugs her. They count it out together and then it's lights out. </div>
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Keith has been able to give her something she's never had: a strong male role model who sticks by even when things are tough. She knows he's not going anywhere and that he will be here for her wherever and whenever she needs him. </div>
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Julie Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10497758310228642932noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9026108915909078392.post-923677806962250752018-03-15T20:50:00.002-04:002018-03-15T20:50:53.146-04:00Hi/Low Game SOL #15/31<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: arial, tahoma, helvetica, freesans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">I am joining Two Writing Teachers for the </span><a href="http://www.twowritingteachers.org/" style="background-color: white; color: #0050b1; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-decoration-line: none; text-size-adjust: auto;" target="_blank">Slice of Life Story Challenge</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: arial, tahoma, helvetica, freesans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">. I appreciate this space for writers to tell their stories and connect with each other.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: arial, tahoma, helvetica, freesans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"></span><br />
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Every night at dinner, we play the high/low game. We take turns telling about the best part of our day and the worst part. Each person's turn ends up becoming a whole new conversation. I had had a pretty good day today and was thinking that I might not have a low...that is until about 5 minutes before dinner was ready. I picked up the plastic container that had chili in it to put it back into the microwave for a quick reheat.</div>
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I was not prepared for what happened next....</div>
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Yep, the whole container spilled all over our 1960s gold speckled counter. Ugh!! </div>
Julie Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10497758310228642932noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9026108915909078392.post-57668213031114267412018-03-14T20:25:00.001-04:002018-03-14T20:25:05.387-04:00The Dad SOL #14/31<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: arial, tahoma, helvetica, freesans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">I am joining Two Writing Teachers for the </span><a href="http://www.twowritingteachers.org/" style="background-color: white; color: #0050b1; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-decoration-line: none; text-size-adjust: auto;" target="_blank">Slice of Life Story Challenge</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: arial, tahoma, helvetica, freesans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">. I appreciate this space for writers to tell their stories and connect with each other.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: arial, tahoma, helvetica, freesans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"></span><br />
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"Keith, help me! I don't get this." </div>
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And he's right there, patiently explaining percentages and discounts. </div>
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She is lucky to have him. They have a special bond, the two of them. Where I get frustrated, he stays calm and that's what she needs. He tells corny Dad jokes and she pretends they're not funny. He will drop everything to help her out. He shows her what a dad is supposed to be. </div>
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I watch them and my heart smiles. </div>
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Julie Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10497758310228642932noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9026108915909078392.post-23821254090598565422018-03-13T20:31:00.001-04:002018-03-13T20:31:22.371-04:00The Challenge in the Challenge #13/31<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: arial, tahoma, helvetica, freesans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">I am joining Two Writing Teachers for the </span><a href="http://www.twowritingteachers.org/" style="background-color: white; color: #0050b1; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-decoration-line: none; text-size-adjust: auto;" target="_blank">Slice of Life Story Challenge</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: arial, tahoma, helvetica, freesans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">. I appreciate this space for writers to tell their stories and connect with each other.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: arial, tahoma, helvetica, freesans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"></span><br />
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When I talk to students about the Slice of Life Challenge, we talk about what makes something a challenge. Tonight I am feeling the challenges. I keep my eyes open for stories every day and today, nothing stands out. What do I write about? </div>
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A nine year-old who is the best procrastinator in the world and is still not out of the tub even though I started telling her it was time to get out 20 minutes ago?</div>
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A thirteen year-old who needs cajoling into getting her homework done and heads downstairs to the basement to be alone? </div>
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Crazy funny stories from school that no one would believe could ever happen (unless you're a teacher, then you know those things really do happen)?</div>
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Destiny asking me if the Chinese restaurant sells fish because she notices that there are fewer fish in the fish tank? </div>
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Sometimes it's hard to think of what to write. We ask our kids to do this every day. Participating in the Slice of Life Challenge reminds me again of the importance of writing every day. </div>
Julie Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10497758310228642932noreply@blogger.com13