The Help (K. Stockett)

A good friend warned me that she did not like this book and did not think that I would.  I couldn't disagree more.  This book gives the viewpoints of two African American maids and one white "society" girl of the 1960s in Jackson, Mississippi.  The civil rights movement is starting to gain steam and these three women in their own way "help" others gain fulfillment.  I must admit, I initially read this because of the movie coming out later this summer.  But as the author points out: "Wasn't that the point of the book? For women to realize, we are just two people. Not that much separates us. Not nearly as much as I'd thought."  No matter where we are on our journeys through life, we all share the same humanity.

Summer Reading Challengs: Books Read

Ok, so I've been reading, but not posting.  So here is a post blast with the titles I've read so far this summer.  We'll see if I can't be more diligent in my posts from here on out...

Summer Reading Challenge (modified)

As we are getting ready to wrap up the school year here, I find myself energized for reading.  Like most teachers, most of my reading is done during the summer month when deadlines are no longer looming overhead.  I recently read a post by Donalyn Miller on edweek (click here for her post) about reading one book a day each day of summer vacation.  For me, what would work out to approximatley 63 days.  She mentions using picture books to help up your averages.  For instance, if you read 2 books today and none tomorrow, you would still be good.  I think I'm up for the challenge!  However, for me, I'm setting that challenge with a twist: since this is School Library Place, I'd like to keep my readers up to date with the titles I'm reading.  So my challenge to myself (and others!) is this: for each book read, post a short review on your blog.  This way, other teachers and librarians can share in the good read and have ideas to pass on to students as well!  Ok folks.... get reading and get blogging (outside in the sun hopefully!!!)

Happy Graduation *

Yes, that is an asterisk after "graduation" in the title.  That is simply because although I marched in my cap and gown, I am not yet done with the work required of my degree.  I am still in the midst of finishing my final project.  Its almost done, but I won't really be able to celebrate until it is done.
On that note, here is a link to my portfolio for my degree -- I'd love your thoughts and input...

www.wix.com/teachertheresa13/ils

The final project page is blank but will have the finished version of my paper...

Jing for Teachers

This is one that is so incredibly simple that it astounded me!  Jing allows your to show a user (or student) exactly what you are doing on your computer via video/audio file.  It takes video screen shots of your machine along with your audio commentary and uploads to a website for you to share.  Love this one!  Found out about it for a class towards my MLS and am already planning how to use in the library...

Jing Free Download

Don't let them rattle your cage...

The end is coming!  No, I don't mean 2012... I mean the end of the school year.  I spent the last couple of days at a workshop about restraint training.  One line in particular stood out to me: "Don't let them rattle your cage."  How many times as an educator (or even parent) have you let a child's behavior impact your day, mood or attitude?  I don't care if you are teacher of the year, this job can get to you.  There are days that are worse than others, but how do you get through?  And sorry, I don't have the answers to that one either!  But I challenge you as this school year starts to wind down to figure out the ways to keep yourself sane and refreshed.  You chose this job because of the rewards it offers.  Keep those rewards in mind as we make our way to the finish line of another year...

No I Didn't Fall off the Face of the Earth...

Wow -- its been over a month since the last post and I truly apologize.  Life, as they say, has gotten in the way.  I'm in the last semester of my Master's of Library Science program and work has been tough lately (but I have a job and am very grateful for that in this economy or any!)
As testing is ending here (hopefully the same for other areas of the country), we now begin the grind to the end.  I find that this is one of the truly most difficult times of the year.  The students are burnt out from testing (teachers too!) but there is still more left until the end of the year.  So, how do you keep students motivated?  For me, I offer the following suggestions:
1.) Authentic, project based learning.  I am trying a letter writing activity with students about building a monument to a local figure.
2.) Bring out the new technology! I am going to try some new technologies with them, such as creating audio or movie projects.

I wish I had more suggestions, but one of my last papers is calling... Please feel free to share any other ideas in the comments!