The semester has come to an end, and I have just read the entire title of my textbook for the first time: Classrooms That Work, They Can All Read and Write. Well sure. They can all read, and write. Ah-ha #1. When classes began, and I was asked to discuss my literary background, I took it quite literally, and wrote about the actual literature in my life thus far. There has been a lot; I am an avid reader. However, I don’t remember learning how to read, and never had any problems tackling the “pillars of literacy” either. I just read. I read because I had to, I read for fun, and I read across all content areas. I recognize that reading does not come easily for all students. I can’t imagine how frustrating the struggle must be. I also recognize that a good reader does not make a good writer, but that they are inextricably tied to one another. The bottom line is, reading, and writing are absolutely necessary for classroom success. Period.

Low Affective Filter. I’ve heard a whole lot of educational jargon being tossed around in recent months. For some reason the term “low affective filter” sticks out because it makes me think of a calm place where everyone is happy, and comfortable. The first classroom I observed during the semester was just like that. It was amazing. In fact, I was so amazed that I did an “inquiry” on how a teacher might begin to create a mellow, low-stress “classroom climate.” That, in turn, led me to make up a questionnaire that included student interest. Ah ha #2. Letting students, particularly emergent readers, have some control over what they read is clutch. Not all little girls like princesses, and not all little boys like baseball. A good instructor will note what his, or her students “likes,” and be able to provide supplemental reading material that reflects his, or her knowledge of said interests.

“Children are made readers on the laps of their parents.” Truth. I prefaced my last blog entry on this topic with a picture of the aforementioned quote, and I stand by my choice more now than I did then. Ah ha #3. Why, because reading aloud is fun, and it promotes phonemic awareness—an oral ability.

According to Cunningham & Allington, the “best readers become fluent readers by reading, and rereading easy books” Ah ha #4. There is some value to repetition. I will have to relay this information to my mother who repeatedly read to me as a baby/toddler/child. I am sure that she knows that she played a huge role in making me a fluent reader. My younger brother wasn’t nearly as attracted to books when he was younger, and he does not pleasure read as an adult. Actually, that’s a lie. He reads about things that interest (see #2) him like football, and dietary supplements.

I worked with struggling beginning readers for about a year, but I had no idea what I was doing; I was simply given a binder with instructions, and activities, and some kids to tutor. We made a lot of words during those sessions. Translation: we manipulated letters to form words. Ah ha #5. “Making Words!” It’s actually a thing, a thing that has its very own section in my textbook. I now know that I was not only creating some healthy competition in my small groups, but I was also teaching spelling, phonics, and Scrabble tactics. Sweet.

Back to reading aloud (#2), and how useful it when instructing young readers… I encountered a lot of intense vocabulary in my children’s literature class. Words that most adults don’t know. I love words, and I love learning new words even more. My favorite of late is vulpine. It’s not a word that I will get to use often, but I am thrilled to have it in my arsenal. When I encountered this particular word, in a novel, I highlighted it, and then looked it up after I finished the chapter. I knew it was an adjective, and I knew that it wasn’t “good,” or “bad” based on the context in which it was employed. Vulpine: cunning, crafty; related to a fox. I was right! Note: I looked the word up on my smartphone—something I absolutely would not encourage my students to do. Ah ha #6. Vocabulary instruction. Read alouds, I have discovered, are a fantastic platform for introducing new vocabulary. Especially moderately difficult, but often encountered, tier 2 words. Ah ha #7. I will seriously take this into consideration when I am making literary selections.

Technology in the classroom. Ah ha #8. I can say with conviction that one of the coolest things I saw during my first observation period was an iMovie book “report.” I was so bloody impressed. I certainly hope that I have access to current technology when (and if) I am teaching. I can’t imagine trying to keep a bunch of children motivated, and interested in what I am talking about if I can’t incorporate technology into the lesson. Now, please note, that I am not a fan of making glogs, and vlogs, and prezis for classes that I am taking. I am happy that I still know how to blog. It’s been a long semester.

For this assignment, I was asked to come up with 10 “ah ha” moments in terms the literacy pillars. Unfortunately, I could only come up with eight legit ones. The rest would be filler, and I like to keep things as short, and sweet as possible. I must state, for the record, that I am kind of terrified to teach children how to read. It’s scary. Ah ha #9. I do not know if I want to assume responsibility for teaching 25+ kids how to read. It’s a tough job! If I ever hear anyone call kindergarten, or first grade teachers “glorified babysitters,” I am likely to go off on a diatribe. Teachers do not get enough luuv, and money. Ah ha #10.

Happy Valentine’s Day!

Note: this is my first Valentine’s Day as a singleton in MANY years. I’ve gotta say, it’s not too bad. Of course, I haven’t really left mi casa (rain, sinus congestion, tons of school work), or trolled FB, but still. Dad sent a divine flower arrangement to mum, who came down for a visit, and I’ve gotten several funny messages from the besties.

J.Crew Sweater (2011), Gap Always Skinny Jeans, J.Crew Neon Fringed Necklace, Mimi by Sorrelli Cuff, Michael Kors Tote, Steve Madden Loafers, & Sama Glasses

*** I cannot seem to locate my camera’s battery charger, it’s dead, and I have not been able to purchase a new one, hence, the lack of posts. My number one goal this weekend is to find one, so I can begin sharing my “professional looks” with ya (started my first classroom observation this week!) ***

This was the first day that felt like fall to me thus far, and I loved every minute of it.

Like all most NYC visitor’s, I’ve been to Central Park before; Tavern on the Green (when it was open), ice-skating (when I was eight), an evening carriage ride, etc., but I’ve never really explored it during the day. For whatever reason, I woke up on this particular morning, wanting to see both the Alice in Wonderland bronze, and the Strawberry Fields monument.

If mum hadn’t been my day date, I would have rented a rowboat. I love the idea of a lake in the middle of the city (manmade, or not). Totes romantic.

Jacket: borrowed, Dress: Cache (yes, you read that correctly), Belt: vintage Moschino, Necklace: vintage Chanel, Cuff: Mimi by Sorelli, Shoes (similar): Jessica Simpson (a new fav), Bag: Michael Kors, Sunglasses: Ray Ban, Lipstick: Revlon’s “Hot Coral”

After nearly being killed on Hallow’s Eve 2008 in a rickshaw (by a sanitation truck in the West Village), I vowed never to ride in one again, but the park seemed fairly safe, and a cheesy tour sounded delightful. Our guide was quite good. He’s only lived in the states for a year (via Belarus), and speaks better English than half the South. In addition to some pretty fantastic landmarks, and city views, I got a glimpse of Manhattan’s most expensive apartment (purchased by a Russian billionaire for his 24 year old daughter). For a mere eighty-eight million dollars, it could be yours.

Besotted by the whimsicality of this piece. Not sure why the white rabbit is sporting a knitted cap. Perhaps his ears were cold.

“You may say I’m a dreamer, but I’m not the only one“– John Lennon

Pardon the pictorial barrage. Too many good photo ops to pass up.

I thought I’d share a few iPhone snap shots from last night’s trippendicular art exhibition in Alys Beach: Digital Graffiti (read more).

(a sneak peek of what I wore) #Forever21

Those were all pictures of homes by the by. “Graffiti” projected onto the walls of Alys’ stark white, European influenced architecturally stunning homes. #amazing #craycray