We have been in school for nearly four weeks. We had three days before Labor Day, followed by a four day week, followed by two five-day weeks. It’s a sensible way to begin the year. Like accelerating with a standard engine. If I started with a full week of school after…
In the first week of school there are no fights. Everyone comes to the carpet when I ask, pretends to listen during lessons, and attempts the activities. No one steals anything, or breaks anything on purpose. Maybe I metamorphosed into a master teacher over the…
The first two weeks of school are all about routines and training.
How to stand in line
How to sit down at your desk
How to hang up your coat
It’s always shocking how quickly October comes. One day I am meeting my students for the first time, and the next I am up to my ears in assessments and preparing progress reports for the first quarter.
With each stroke I pull closer to shore. Right, left, right, breath. Left, right, left, breath. I swim with my eyes open. The water is filled with gold dust at this hour, with the sun coming up just beyond the island. After five, six breaths I pause to tread…
Angela has been absent all week. I start worrying on Wednesday, but it takes me until Thursday to call her mother and see if she is sick. She picks up after several rings. I explain that I am calling to check up on Angela. I do not expect to hear her say, “Angela, she try…
I can’t sleep.
Dear Reading Team,
