Education
With Neither of Us Falling
Been mostly avoiding social media this month, taking a breath from the pace of an otherwise angry world, but wanted to share a highlight from yesterday. One of my littlest fifth graders had never been on roller skates and wouldn’t…
Plenty More To Do
After a year of memorable moments, memorable achievements, memorable trips, I feel compelled to share one of my favorite and most underrated. But let me first put the past twelve months in perspective, because that last, best, and least regarded…
Out of My Hands
This about sums it up for my semester. Without question, I work for the best school in the county, best in the state even, a school overflowing with the most wonderful people and gifts, but this bag of presents I…
The Student (Intern) Becomes a Teacher
Today, we said goodbye to the heart and soul of our classroom, someone who deserved all the gifts, all the applause, and all the celebration she received, on her way to the next phase of her journey in education. As…
5th Grade Democracy, 101
A long time ago, I attended a small private Christian school in Iowa. Back then, we were still living in a Cold War, if you can believe it, so our teachers colluded with the principal to teach us a “lesson”…
Critical Brain Theory
The other day, one of my students got angry and threw a punch at one of his classmates. Happened on the basketball court. Saw the whole thing on tape. But when I asked about the anger and the punch, this…
That My Dad Wouldn’t Yell At Me
Asked my kids to pause for a minute today and consider their highest wish, the thing they want more than anything else. No judgment. No suggestions. No names. Just a bucket for their answers, which I would share and read…
While Another Flame Starts Burning
After more than a decade in the classroom, it’s not often that I go home with headaches. Maybe a handful of them in August, sure, trying to set routines and deal with new challenges. But midway through October, I’ve had…
An Ancient Rolodex in My Brain
Student walks up to the research desk and starts to ask a question, but it’s clear we recognize each other, even though neither of us is quite sure from where. I answer his question and he turns to walk away,…
Bubble Wrap & Popper Toys
One of my fifth graders patted the ground and asked me to sit during recess. She invited me into the group to hang out for a bit, rather than being just a teacher, so we could talk about the things…
