Literacy Learning Zone

__________________________________________________ The March Slice of Life Story Challenge hosted  at the  Two Writing Teachers . Join us for a month of writing! __________________________________________________ Books are treasures in our house. And I'm one that can't say no to more and more books. We have stacks of books from the library. I buy new books from Scholastic and Amazon. We visit the Little Free Libraries. We devour books in our house. It's a problem that I know many of you also share with me, but when I see the benefits of creating a home of readers with my own two daughters ... I know we are doing the right thing. This week my readers were reading in the wild ... in the dark ... in the car, and even in bed, under the cover of darkness. And to be honest, it brought a smile to my face. (Just as the t...

Slice of Life is  hosted  at the  Two Writing Teachers Join in and share a slice of your life.  _____________________________________________________ My twin daughters usually do everything together. To be honest, it makes life a little easier for us.  However, I am learning that it isn't always feasible and it's not always the best choice. For example, think about school. I thought it would be great to keep them together.  One teacher, one set of expectations, same homework. My husband disagreed. The girls reside in separate classrooms and it has been a positive experience for both. They have truly blossomed as little peopl...

Slice of Life is  hosted  at the  Two Writing Teachers Join in and share a slice of your life.  _____________________________________________________ I didn't ask, but I still received. Do you know how amazing that feels? I shared my feelings and  ups and downs with my new role and changes in my professional life. And you were there to lift me up. Reminding me I could do this. Sharing wisdom and advice. Reaching out to connect. Yes, I'm nervous about what is to come. But with you all by my side, this journey next year will be doable. And in case I'm in need of more positive, encouraging words ... I've started yet another Pinter...

Slice of Life is  hosted  at the  Two Writing Teachers Join in and share a slice of your life.  _____________________________________________________ Today I am so thankful for my daughters' teachers. Every day my girls come home with stories and stories to share. Stories about school and friends and special teachers. "You know, Mom.  My teacher said when you think you've finished, you've only just begun. Turn the page and write more." "Mom, I got to read with my teacher today! I read a story in the morning and then another in the afternoon." "My teacher is reading a really good book to us." I smile and share i...

The March Slice of Life Story Challenge hosted  at the  Two Writing Teachers Join us for a month of writing! __________________________________________________ The girls woke up this morning seemingly forgetting about the visitor.  I could hear them talking, but not quite able to make out their words.  Just a lot of chatter back and forth.  But no one was bursting from the bedroom wanting to rush downstairs. Daddy went to check on them first.  He found them excitedly trying to get dressed in their new Easter dresses.  He suggested they leave their PJs on because we had some time before church. "And ... aren't you forgetting something else?" I paused, waiting. "Happy Easter!" "Oh! Happy Easter! Can we go downstairs?!?" It dawned on them about that special visitor. The girls raced down the stairs -- ...

The Slice of Life is hosted  at the  Two Writing Teachers Join in and share a slice of your life.  _____________________________________________________ Many things have changed as we opened this new chapter in our lives.  Beginning kindergarten is a BIG step, and my two daughters have made this transition with ease. (Me? That's another chapter in this story!) One BIG difference this year is lunch. We must provide lunch on a daily basis. In years past, lunch was provided by our day care provider during the school year. But this year, we have doubled our lunch making from two to four lunches every day. I prepared myself for the BIG feat. I purchased the best littl...

And so here I am ...   finding my happy again on day thirty-two my mom's morning TFTD also known as  Thought For The Day text new colorful not-so-clicky pens to brighten my writing and my day olw 'breathe' bracelet to remind me daily warm sunshine and sixty degrees finally another bike ride colleagues' undeniable support for a presentation today five of my students completed the SOLSC writing for 31 days with minimal support from me plus one more student that isn't in any of my groups, but we've connected and she wrote too  - look at her reflections! my understanding husband, grumbling all month, and now today hints at possible slices to write reading final slice after final slice inspired by your words i tell myself to rest, to stay away, but after thirty-one days ... i just can't ... i still need to share my happy again.  ___________________________________________________ Stac...

The March Slice of Life Story Challenge hosted  at the  Two Writing Teachers Join us for a month of writing! A day with  Grandma and Grandpa  means an extra set of loving hands Lots of conversations and funny replies Playing a variety of games and then more games  Grandpa's magic trick and yoga poses with Grandma Helping around the house with dishes and laundry Cleaning up after a yogurt spill with extra love and patience Distractions away from Momma so she can sneak away upstairs Phone calls and email responding made in peace and quiet  Playing on Grandma's Kindle or practicing crocheting again Extra smiles and laughing with lots of hugs and kisses An extra set of loving hands Is a day with  Grandma and Grandpa ...

The March Slice of Life Story Challenge hosted  at the  Two Writing Teachers Join us for a month of writing! Yesterday I wrote a slice about something that has been itching at my brain.  Making me think. Making me worry.  Making me question every word that comes out of my mouth.  It was deeper than a little slice of life moment in my life: {deeper than beauty} My definition of the word 'beautiful' exploded yesterday ...  because of your compelling comments.  This is why this writing community is truly amazing.  The comments were deep and thought provoking and pushed my thinking forward.   I usually don't respond to comments left on my blog -- even though I am always so thankful for every reader that stops by and every word that is dropped into the comment box.  I will respond if a...

Slice of Life  hosted  at the Two Writing Teachers Join in and share a slice of your life. Over a month ago, I received this personal invitational tweet: Yes, a little challenge.  I'm not one for a blogging challenge.  I apologize to anyone who has offered up a challenge in the past and I miserably failed by doing nothing. This was one little challenge that I wanted to do ... it just took the right time to complete it.  This little challenge was to share 100 that I am grateful for   and right now  felt like the right time to share my list.  Thank you, Terje, for your little challenge. Here it goes ... 100 things I am thankful for.   Right now .  In this moment. ...

Slice of Life  hosted  at the Two Writing Teachers Join in and share a slice of your life. I can't quite put my finger on what is different this school year. I'm busy with home and with school.  Always something new happening.  Always trying to keep up.  Always not quite meeting my own expectations.   Giving and giving and giving of myself and my time and my energy. Then tonight I read Dana's slice about the tightrope -- the pulls of being a mom and being a teacher and all we can keep doing is put one foot in front of the other. Our lives are so full and there is so much to be thankful for every single day.  And yet, it's hard.  I struggle.  I want the best for everyone, for ev...

Slice of Life  hosted  at the Two Writing Teachers Join in and share a slice of your life. I want to remember ... The last time I had to spend the night in the hospital was the day you and your sister were born. Saturday night was date night for Momma and Daddy.  You and your sister visited the petting zoo with Nana and Papa.  And then you had some kind of allergic reaction. It started with itchy bumps on your arms and neck. Then you took off your new sparkly purple sunglasses.  Your eye was almost swollen shut. A quick call.  Zooming back home.  A switch in the driveway.  Speeding to the ER. A fearful four year old.  Experiencing everything so new and unknown. ...