Friday, July 15, 2011
Thursday, July 14, 2011
A shout out to my peeps...
Dear Summer Institute Peeps,
I would like to start out by saying….WOW….what an awesome group of collaborators! I have had more learning opportunities in these short 9 (+1) days than I have in a year.
First shout out to our fabulous leaders…Y’all have made these 10 days an eye-opening, focused, growing, learning, collaborative time of amazingness! I love the feedback and comments y’all have provided…always listening, but letting me develop my own ideas within the feedback...really encouraging the idea of inquiry within our reflections. Thank you so much for your time and feedback!
Sally…from Forestview to SI…who would’ve thought? I value your role in my life as a teacher, but also as a friend and colleague. Your no-nonsense approach to life is refreshing (and entertaining). Thank you for your encouragement and positive words of support. I can’t wait to start a new semester at school with you as my go-to…Thanks for everything
Lil…I was blown away by the information that I took away from your class in the fall…and now, I am nearly speechless… I feel so lucky to have had the experience to be involved in the summer institute with an amazing leader like you…you bring so much to the table, and are such an inspiration. Your overall presence is enlightening and encourages inquiry. Watching you, deep in thought, from across the room makes me strive to consider the endless possibilities…Thank you for questioning me, and helping me to think… Thanks for everything…
Lacy…thank you for being a part of my writing marathon group—I learned a ton from watching you interact and process your writing that day…it was not only inspiring, but also provided for some great learning moments. Your work to make this program a success is invaluable, and I appreciate how many resources you are always willing to provide. Thank you for everything.
Carrie W., Rashid, Jen…. Although our Couch of Love only lasted for a short while, y’all have really helped me to understand the value of community and the importance of collaboration when it comes to re-visioning. One of the best moments was when we were working through Jen and Carrie’s pieces on our Love Couch….I really felt a connection and a power between the four of us…it was like we all had something valuable to bring to the table, and really helped each other work through a lot. I want to thank you for helping me find confidence in my writing, challenging me to re-vision, and supporting me in the process.
Jen—you listen intently. You are soaking up the information whole heartedly, in order to give positive feedback or offer suggestions for change. You are nurturing, and encouraging….you are amazing….
Carrie W.—Your excitement, your smile, your enthusiasm, your passion for life, your excitement for growth…thank you for being a part of this experience for me. You are encouraging and optimistic, and I am grateful for your feedback! I love to have your positive vibe close by!
Rashid—I really appreciate the way in which you write with your heart about the issues that you are passionate about. Thank you for being such a support force in my writing journey…your inquiries about my writing journey forced me to consider my ideas and to re-vision my work. Your suggestions, support, and feedback throughout helped me push through and continue to write. Thank you!
Tara… I have loved having the view point of the younger level teachers…Your passion for your practice and your love for your students really stood out---I learned so much from you, and thank you for being such a powerful and supportive mentor for your young learners.
Ashley…Thank you so much for being so candid. I know that your students are comfortable approaching you because you are so warm and welcoming. During my demo you were my “go-to-face” and I really appreciate how comfortable you made me feel. I know that your students are at ease when they are in your classroom because you encourage a climate of acceptance, and I really really appreciate that…thank you for being you.
Megan….Your insights and inquiries within the classroom as they relate to your continued studies as a writing project leader are so helpful…thanks for taking the time to step back and help me to inquire about my writer identity.
Carrie S…I am so glad we got to spend these 2 weeks together! Being together in Lil’s class in the fall was just the start! I really appreciate your passion for writing and passion for life…thanks for being an inspiration to me…and everyone!
Melissa…you are fun, intelligent, and thoughtful. I really appreciate your story(ies) about the way that you help your students find comfort…I can see it radiating. You provide a calming, yet positive atmosphere that is welcoming for all...thank you!
Jessie Poet…I want to be a poet sooo bad! ….and you help me to see that it can happen! I have been focusing for these few weeks on poetry, and my inspiration comes from you. I love your overall interest and excitement about writing…and am excited to go get mani/pedi’s in fun colors together J
Rebecca…I love that you are willing to voice your opinion no matter what the “critics” say… you are so strong…and I love your love for your students! The middle grades are so intimidating to me—serious props for tackling the middle-schoolers! It takes a special person to be able to connect, and I see/feel the connection in your overall presence of self. Thank you.
Katie… I am super impressed with your passion for knowledge and the inquiry process…Lil’s class in the fall was awesome, and I am so glad we got to continue to work together…your over-all teacher presence is calming and encouraging, and your insights and resources for the classroom have been invaluable…. I love to hear snippits of your out-of-school life, too…Let’s be friends J
Dorry…I feel like we have so much teacher-ness in common! Your overall persona and attitude and presence in the classroom is to be admired. I look up to your confidence, humor, and knowledge as a real asset in a challenging high school classroom. Even though I don’t have AP, I look forward to continued collaboration!
Stephanie…Every classroom needs the loud silly kids...thanks for being my partner in crime...even though I was just following... Your knowledge of all avenues is amazing--you inspire me to learn! I am super impressed with your techno-resources, and have taken so much away from our short 9 days together....BFF
You have all been the most valuable assets in helping me refresh, renew, and regain confidence in my teacher, writer, inquirer, professional self. Everyone has had their own personal role in inspiring and encouraging me; I feel so lucky to have had the opportunity to work with such an amazing group of teaching/writing/inquiring/FRIENDS… I have learned so much in such a short time, and look forward to all of the possibilities that this exceptional program may bring.
Thank you, Thank you, Thank you….
Peace and Love, Y’all J
I would like to start out by saying….WOW….what an awesome group of collaborators! I have had more learning opportunities in these short 9 (+1) days than I have in a year.
First shout out to our fabulous leaders…Y’all have made these 10 days an eye-opening, focused, growing, learning, collaborative time of amazingness! I love the feedback and comments y’all have provided…always listening, but letting me develop my own ideas within the feedback...really encouraging the idea of inquiry within our reflections. Thank you so much for your time and feedback!
Sally…from Forestview to SI…who would’ve thought? I value your role in my life as a teacher, but also as a friend and colleague. Your no-nonsense approach to life is refreshing (and entertaining). Thank you for your encouragement and positive words of support. I can’t wait to start a new semester at school with you as my go-to…Thanks for everything
Lil…I was blown away by the information that I took away from your class in the fall…and now, I am nearly speechless… I feel so lucky to have had the experience to be involved in the summer institute with an amazing leader like you…you bring so much to the table, and are such an inspiration. Your overall presence is enlightening and encourages inquiry. Watching you, deep in thought, from across the room makes me strive to consider the endless possibilities…Thank you for questioning me, and helping me to think… Thanks for everything…
Lacy…thank you for being a part of my writing marathon group—I learned a ton from watching you interact and process your writing that day…it was not only inspiring, but also provided for some great learning moments. Your work to make this program a success is invaluable, and I appreciate how many resources you are always willing to provide. Thank you for everything.
Jen—you listen intently. You are soaking up the information whole heartedly, in order to give positive feedback or offer suggestions for change. You are nurturing, and encouraging….you are amazing….
Carrie W.—Your excitement, your smile, your enthusiasm, your passion for life, your excitement for growth…thank you for being a part of this experience for me. You are encouraging and optimistic, and I am grateful for your feedback! I love to have your positive vibe close by!
Rashid—I really appreciate the way in which you write with your heart about the issues that you are passionate about. Thank you for being such a support force in my writing journey…your inquiries about my writing journey forced me to consider my ideas and to re-vision my work. Your suggestions, support, and feedback throughout helped me push through and continue to write. Thank you!
Tara… I have loved having the view point of the younger level teachers…Your passion for your practice and your love for your students really stood out---I learned so much from you, and thank you for being such a powerful and supportive mentor for your young learners.
Ashley…Thank you so much for being so candid. I know that your students are comfortable approaching you because you are so warm and welcoming. During my demo you were my “go-to-face” and I really appreciate how comfortable you made me feel. I know that your students are at ease when they are in your classroom because you encourage a climate of acceptance, and I really really appreciate that…thank you for being you.
Megan….Your insights and inquiries within the classroom as they relate to your continued studies as a writing project leader are so helpful…thanks for taking the time to step back and help me to inquire about my writer identity.
Carrie S…I am so glad we got to spend these 2 weeks together! Being together in Lil’s class in the fall was just the start! I really appreciate your passion for writing and passion for life…thanks for being an inspiration to me…and everyone!
Melissa…you are fun, intelligent, and thoughtful. I really appreciate your story(ies) about the way that you help your students find comfort…I can see it radiating. You provide a calming, yet positive atmosphere that is welcoming for all...thank you!
Jessie Poet…I want to be a poet sooo bad! ….and you help me to see that it can happen! I have been focusing for these few weeks on poetry, and my inspiration comes from you. I love your overall interest and excitement about writing…and am excited to go get mani/pedi’s in fun colors together J
Rebecca…I love that you are willing to voice your opinion no matter what the “critics” say… you are so strong…and I love your love for your students! The middle grades are so intimidating to me—serious props for tackling the middle-schoolers! It takes a special person to be able to connect, and I see/feel the connection in your overall presence of self. Thank you.
Katie… I am super impressed with your passion for knowledge and the inquiry process…Lil’s class in the fall was awesome, and I am so glad we got to continue to work together…your over-all teacher presence is calming and encouraging, and your insights and resources for the classroom have been invaluable…. I love to hear snippits of your out-of-school life, too…Let’s be friends J
Dorry…I feel like we have so much teacher-ness in common! Your overall persona and attitude and presence in the classroom is to be admired. I look up to your confidence, humor, and knowledge as a real asset in a challenging high school classroom. Even though I don’t have AP, I look forward to continued collaboration!
Stephanie…Every classroom needs the loud silly kids...thanks for being my partner in crime...even though I was just following... Your knowledge of all avenues is amazing--you inspire me to learn! I am super impressed with your techno-resources, and have taken so much away from our short 9 days together....BFF
You have all been the most valuable assets in helping me refresh, renew, and regain confidence in my teacher, writer, inquirer, professional self. Everyone has had their own personal role in inspiring and encouraging me; I feel so lucky to have had the opportunity to work with such an amazing group of teaching/writing/inquiring/FRIENDS… I have learned so much in such a short time, and look forward to all of the possibilities that this exceptional program may bring.
Thank you, Thank you, Thank you….
Peace and Love, Y’all J
Day 8....breathing out......
Today provided for some serious inquiry and reflection. I loved the way that we had time to think back to our "SI in 3 words" Mine was pretty cool... I focused on technology (See "Tweeting, Blogging, Re-Visioning")... And I also participated in the making of the "Love Couch in 3 Words" which was an awesome culmination of our writing group in action....I can't wait to see what everyone else came up with!?
The demo's today were an awesome way to wind down the week. In Dorry's demo I loved the opportunity to reflect on our teacher Identities (perhaps I can use some of the reflections there for my Teacher as Professional piece?). What an awesome way to continue building community and getting a feel for what makes us "tick..." Everyone's stories are so inspiring and touching... It's almost therapeutic to sit around coffee-house style and just talk about the joys that teaching brings...
Jen's demo provided some serious time to consider the revolution :) I am really interested in figuring out this idea of assessment vs. evaluation, and ways in which our students can self-assess or self-evaluate.... I guess the overall goal is helping them think for themselves and try to seek the "why..."
I loved the time to celebrate/write/visit/laugh with friends for the second piece of today... At some times it felt a bit too silly, but then I was trying to figure out if perhaps the writing process includes those moments when you wander off into la-la land...perhaps it is in la-la land where ideas develop? This leads back to Carrie's AWESOME revelation that "off-days" are not necessarily "off-days" but perhaps a moment for our unconscious to get hard to work....
At any rate, today, just like all the other days, has been an amazing experience with amazing people....
Time to reflect, collaborate, eat, learn, write, visit.... :)
The demo's today were an awesome way to wind down the week. In Dorry's demo I loved the opportunity to reflect on our teacher Identities (perhaps I can use some of the reflections there for my Teacher as Professional piece?). What an awesome way to continue building community and getting a feel for what makes us "tick..." Everyone's stories are so inspiring and touching... It's almost therapeutic to sit around coffee-house style and just talk about the joys that teaching brings...
Jen's demo provided some serious time to consider the revolution :) I am really interested in figuring out this idea of assessment vs. evaluation, and ways in which our students can self-assess or self-evaluate.... I guess the overall goal is helping them think for themselves and try to seek the "why..."
I loved the time to celebrate/write/visit/laugh with friends for the second piece of today... At some times it felt a bit too silly, but then I was trying to figure out if perhaps the writing process includes those moments when you wander off into la-la land...perhaps it is in la-la land where ideas develop? This leads back to Carrie's AWESOME revelation that "off-days" are not necessarily "off-days" but perhaps a moment for our unconscious to get hard to work....
At any rate, today, just like all the other days, has been an amazing experience with amazing people....
Time to reflect, collaborate, eat, learn, write, visit.... :)
blogging blogging blogging
blogging...blogging...blogging...
blogging....blogging...blogging...blogging...
blogging...blogging...blogging...blogging...blogging...
blogging....blogging...blogging...blogging...
blogging...blogging...blogging...blogging...blogging...
Wednesday, July 13, 2011
What is my identity? Time to evolve...
So, there are a lot of things I could be doing right now....
Blogging
Tweeting
Eating
Portfolio-ing
Revisioning
Reflecting
Collaborating.
So many --ing's... I am consumed with participles!
I think that maybe, the most productive use of my time might be to reflect in search of a direction.... Possibly the inspiration for my portfolio (or non-portfolio)?
Okay. Evolution vs. Revolution...
Can we call it revolving?
I dont like revolting, for fear of stirring up the dirt, causing trouble, wearing the "red A".... But it seems to me to be that in a sense, when we are Evolving, we could be (in some sense) revolting against the past? or perhaps we are simply moving forward with the times...Do we have to be rebelling simply because we are progressive? in either sense of the (confusing) terms, this institute is definately going to help me evolve, grow, progress as a writer/reader/thinker/teacher/etc-er... One of my focuses for evolution (a goal, you may say) for the upcoming year is going to be to take a more active role in my techno-community... ready...set...go....evolution.....evolve....join the times....update....
Wobook
Polleverywhere
Dvolver
Toondo
Storybird
Prezi
Wall Wisher
Weebly
So as I evolve, I guess its important (vital!) to consider who I am...what is my identity? How many images do I have? Can you revise your image? Re-vision your identity? What about this idea of images "disappearing"? As teachers, do we really have to be accessible 24/7? What would happen if we revolted against this idea of being a public being? If we only put on our "teacher face" from 7:45-3:15 each day? To me, it seems to be important to intertwine each of our selves so that while we are in each role, we do not forget to consider our "other" self-- to embrace each of my beings, without flawing my many images (that, I guess, combine to create one?)
Last night while I was watching 8 mile (purely for enjoyment, not for educational value) I got an awesome idea for a writing prompt surrounding the idea of "inspirations for our writing" Now, as I was my "27 year old fun self" I was not completely disconnected from my "teacher self" and found an awesome resource. We must construct our image with all of our different identities in mind so that we can embrace and learn not only from others, but also from our own personal "others"....
I would like to adapt my image to embrace my teacher self in a more aware sense... to continue to have these "8 mile revelations" on a regular basis. Lil says that "we think best in the language that is closest to self...that is where the most thinking happens." My hope is that, as I continue to inquire, my inquires broaden my understanding of this idea of identity and evolution in all senses of my"selves" as I evolve into a single, all embracing self...
Blogging
Tweeting
Eating
Portfolio-ing
Revisioning
Reflecting
Collaborating.
So many --ing's... I am consumed with participles!
I think that maybe, the most productive use of my time might be to reflect in search of a direction.... Possibly the inspiration for my portfolio (or non-portfolio)?
Okay. Evolution vs. Revolution...
Can we call it revolving?
I dont like revolting, for fear of stirring up the dirt, causing trouble, wearing the "red A".... But it seems to me to be that in a sense, when we are Evolving, we could be (in some sense) revolting against the past? or perhaps we are simply moving forward with the times...Do we have to be rebelling simply because we are progressive? in either sense of the (confusing) terms, this institute is definately going to help me evolve, grow, progress as a writer/reader/thinker/teacher/etc-er... One of my focuses for evolution (a goal, you may say) for the upcoming year is going to be to take a more active role in my techno-community... ready...set...go....evolution.....evolve....join the times....update....
Wobook
Polleverywhere
Dvolver
Toondo
Storybird
Prezi
Wall Wisher
Weebly
So as I evolve, I guess its important (vital!) to consider who I am...what is my identity? How many images do I have? Can you revise your image? Re-vision your identity? What about this idea of images "disappearing"? As teachers, do we really have to be accessible 24/7? What would happen if we revolted against this idea of being a public being? If we only put on our "teacher face" from 7:45-3:15 each day? To me, it seems to be important to intertwine each of our selves so that while we are in each role, we do not forget to consider our "other" self-- to embrace each of my beings, without flawing my many images (that, I guess, combine to create one?)
Last night while I was watching 8 mile (purely for enjoyment, not for educational value) I got an awesome idea for a writing prompt surrounding the idea of "inspirations for our writing" Now, as I was my "27 year old fun self" I was not completely disconnected from my "teacher self" and found an awesome resource. We must construct our image with all of our different identities in mind so that we can embrace and learn not only from others, but also from our own personal "others"....
I would like to adapt my image to embrace my teacher self in a more aware sense... to continue to have these "8 mile revelations" on a regular basis. Lil says that "we think best in the language that is closest to self...that is where the most thinking happens." My hope is that, as I continue to inquire, my inquires broaden my understanding of this idea of identity and evolution in all senses of my"selves" as I evolve into a single, all embracing self...
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ?
So today there was quite a bit of time to reflect and collaborate.... and I am left feeling a bit....lost? My focus today was elsewhere, and I wonder if it is becuase I have so much to process from these past 6 days?
The teacher as writer, inquirer, and professional...So many hats for just one body. I want my portfolio (or whatever the portfolio becomes) to showcase this idea: the many hats we wear. During these past few days I have really begun to develop as writer, as a thinker, as a teacher, as a collaborator...etc.
I have been using EAnthology to work through drafts. I have been posting to a Google Doc and discussing with my writing group. I have been blogging and commenting on blogging. I went on a writing marathon. I have been writing into the day on a daily (or even multiple times a day) basis.
Some of the stuff I have created is complete shit. Other things I will continue to go back to over and over again as I have begun to embrace this idea of revision for what it is: re-visioning a piece...
The interesting thing about this idea of being a writer, is that although I know that I am a writer, I very rarely think of myself as such. As Carrie said, "I think of it as something I do, rather than someone I am..." Thinking about writing. Writing about thinking.
Where was I today? Maybe on a mental vacation? I was physically present, but not sure if I was intellectually available. So much to think about...Still working through it all.....
The teacher as writer, inquirer, and professional...So many hats for just one body. I want my portfolio (or whatever the portfolio becomes) to showcase this idea: the many hats we wear. During these past few days I have really begun to develop as writer, as a thinker, as a teacher, as a collaborator...etc.
I have been using EAnthology to work through drafts. I have been posting to a Google Doc and discussing with my writing group. I have been blogging and commenting on blogging. I went on a writing marathon. I have been writing into the day on a daily (or even multiple times a day) basis.
Some of the stuff I have created is complete shit. Other things I will continue to go back to over and over again as I have begun to embrace this idea of revision for what it is: re-visioning a piece...
The interesting thing about this idea of being a writer, is that although I know that I am a writer, I very rarely think of myself as such. As Carrie said, "I think of it as something I do, rather than someone I am..." Thinking about writing. Writing about thinking.
Where was I today? Maybe on a mental vacation? I was physically present, but not sure if I was intellectually available. So much to think about...Still working through it all.....
Pumpkin Pie Dip :)
Enjoy a delicious pumpkin pie dip!
15 oz. can pumpkin
3/4 cup brown sugar (or brown splenda)
1 tsp vanilla
1/8 tsp cinnamon
1/8 tsp pumpkin pie spice (or more to taste)
6 oz fat free greek yogurt
8 oz cool whip free
cut up apples to dip
mix pumpkin with brown sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, and pumpkin pie spice; blend well. Mix in yogurt. Fold in cool whip. Chill. Enjoy :)
servings: 12
serving size: 1/2 cup
weight watchers points: 3 pts
calories: 102.9
15 oz. can pumpkin
3/4 cup brown sugar (or brown splenda)
1 tsp vanilla
1/8 tsp cinnamon
1/8 tsp pumpkin pie spice (or more to taste)
6 oz fat free greek yogurt
8 oz cool whip free
cut up apples to dip
mix pumpkin with brown sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, and pumpkin pie spice; blend well. Mix in yogurt. Fold in cool whip. Chill. Enjoy :)
servings: 12
serving size: 1/2 cup
weight watchers points: 3 pts
calories: 102.9
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