Juggling

Years ago, when my boys were toddlers, I remember clearly realizing I would never be caught up. I could run ragged all day long - at school and at home - and never would I be able to sit down and say I was done. There was always something.

These days with two teenage sons, it is different. They are not as reliant on me as they once were. For the most part, they can take care of their own needs. And yet, today was a day where I felt like I was juggling and always coming up short, those darn balls dropping on the floor.

There is school with kids in my classes with needs far greater than anything I know what to do with. Kids that I look at with my heart breaking, feeling that I am inadequate to help them find the right path that I know they cannot see, no matter how hard they try. 

There is the constant learning. I mean, this is my twenty-second year in education, how is it we are never done? Today I've spent no less than two hours after school trying to figure out a new app that should save me time on assessment later. I spent another hour trying to learn how to progress monitor students with a new assessment tool. My brain is a noodle and I simply hope I am ready for tomorrow.

There is the fact that my husband is out of town for just over four days. We're almost at the halfway mark and I am once again reminded of how much he does here and how hard it is to be away from someone you've known over half of your life.

There is the non-stop errands - groceries, post office, calls to the orthodontist, etc. The favor from one son to cook dinner for his varsity Cross Country team in a few days time (How much pasta does one make for eight boys? Thoughts?) and a quick text from another telling me he's ran after school and is now headed to see my parents with his friends.

And yet, there are Voxer messages from my friends, texts of a photo from the ocean from Chris, a possible answered prayer, messages of love from students, puppy cuddles, and books to read. Still more balls in the air, but I seem to be breathing a bit easier.

Happy Monday, my friends. And a reminder - I'm leading at online class for Choice Literacy on Student Research Writing. I'd love to see you there. Find out more HERE. 

Also, planning ahead to NCTE, I'll be hosting a table at the First Time Attendee Breakfast and presenting at the following times all on Friday. If you're going to be there, please let me know! 

Have a great week!

• 9:30-10:45

 

11-12:15

• 2-3:15

Online Course on Student Research Writing and an Update

First, a quick update. Apologies on the lack of blogging. I promise, it does not mean a lack of writing on my part. I'm completely submerged in the fiction romance story I've been writing. While I can't promise that it's great, it is a whole lot of fun to write. This past weekend I crossed the 77,000 word mark and I still think there is about a third of the story yet to be told. Once I finally finish, then I'll be printing it off to begin revisions. It is sad how excited that makes me.

Beyond that, I've been consumed with teaching, my boys, watching said boys run for Cross Country (middle schooler is done, high schooler is entering the end of the season), and various other things have filled up my time. Oh, and I've decided I want to learn to knit. Please feel free to send any advice in that regard my way.

However, I wanted to pop on here and let you all know about a cool thing Brenda Power over at Choice Literacy is doing. She's had a bunch of us create online courses. If you enroll in one you will be taken through a twelve day course with that instructor. You will be able to access the course for two additional months and you are given a membership to Choice Literacy and Lead Literacy for three months to access all of their videos and articles. I think it is an extremely cool idea and I'd love to have you join me or one of the other amazing courses they are offering.

To find out more about what the actual structure of the courses would be look HERE.

To see the courses currently being offered, click HERE.

I hope you are all well! I apologize for being so absent from this space. My school year is off to a terrific start with a great bunch of kids. I hope to be back soon to share what we're doing. Hope your fall is gorgeous and relaxing!