[NBPTS] Can I Get a Fist Pump?

As of this morning, I officially renewed my National Board Certification.  I am now a Nationally Certified Teacher through 11/22/2022.  In case you are wondering, I will also use this as proof that I am, indeed, a Super Teacher.  Congratulations to all of you 2011 NBPTS Renewals! For more information about National Certification and NBPTS,…

[Friday Free Day] NPR–rrific

It is no secret, I am a public radio nerd.  I listen to my local NPR station to and from work most days, and on road trips.  I learn something new on a weekly basis–probably more, but I try not to exaggerate other than for means of literary hyperbole.  I often leave myself short voice…

[Teaching Art] Describing Chi

Yesterday I tried to start an art study on Chinese Calligraphy. As the turkey-butts would say, it was an epic fail. Middle school turkey butts are so very very literal, that they just weren’t getting the… the… zen of the whole thing (maybe because “zen” is Japanese in origin?).  I knew that if I set…

[Student Work] City Things

When asked to list 5-10 things they would put into a city they created, the pumpkin-heads came up with this: A. –The Eclectic List 1. Skyscrapers 2. Trampoline for fun and to stay in shape. 3. Mexican food 4. A gym 5. Mall 6. Boxing arena 7. Houses 8. Garden 9. grocerie store 10. Buisnesses…

[Quote of the Week] Leaning Pizza

The Scene: Journal-writing time.  The schmoopies are all writing.  In fact, they all started writing early–before the bell rang (!!!).  Schmoopie T. has a question.  Typically, there is no question-asking or question-answering during writing time, but since they started early I oblige… T: Um, does the Tower of Pisa lean? Me: Well, yes. T: Okay……

[Student Writing] Journal Excerpts

I posted yesterday about my students and their journal writing.  I asked permission to share some of the entries.  I’ll show a series for each author to show the change over the last four weeks of writing. I’ll also transcribe exactly–including errors, run-ons, etc.: T. 8/18 Yesterday when i got home I watched my brother…