Traveling the World Through Others
Kintsugi is the Japanese art of putting broken pottery pieces back together with gold, but truly I think it is a metaphor for embracing all flaws and imperfections. Let me explain and simplify with the literal definition of a very complex process of both art and science: Kintsugi is the ancient art of repairing broken pottery…
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Aesop’s Fables are a staple of reading for many children. One of my favorites is the story about the Fox and the Cat. Fox and Cat were arguing about what each would do when the hunters arrived with their murderous dogs. The Fox related the multiple things he was going to do when the hunters…
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So what do you think of the new house? Not bad for someone who left her ex with two boys, a few boxes and a dream of a something better someday. Part of me wants to investigate this idea further. The thought that my ramblings about how far I have come might inspire someone, but…
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After Erma, we have Randy Pausch. This is a slim volume of text containing so many valuable words and lessons. To say that these two books are diametrically opposed is a bit of an over-statement. But they do share an easy narrative style, and I chuckle when I think about these two authors being in…
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I have always wanted to be a teacher. When I was young, I propped up my stuffed animals and created imperfect spelling tests. I enjoyed grading them with my red marker. Stickers were placed on the outstanding ones. The methodical grading felt peaceful. A good teacher must believe in the ideas he teaches, but he…
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Melville wrote a story about a non-conformist scrivener who decides one day to stop working. It is not my favorite short story, but if I am being honest, Melville is not my favorite author. Moby Dick took me three months, ten headaches, and the stamina of a champion to read cover to cover. But I…
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Thirteen students in front of me. Ten student icons blinking back. I am teaching a lesson on identifying signposts in fiction. An important skill as one reads for comprehension with the hope of developing critical thinking skills. Since the class is so packed, it is actually pretty easy to find students to participate and answer…
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Thoughts from the past: I used to think that it is much harder for female teachers to get respect than male teachers, but this is not necessarily true. All teachers, regardless of gender, need certain qualities to be successful and gain respect. It is possible to screw this up as a man or woman. In…
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In today’s lesson, you need to imagine you are in front of 13 teens. You have three computer screens. Each separate screen has its own function. One is connected to the whiteboard. One has the tabs for the students at home. One has assignments and notes. It is easier to toggle between three screens than…
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Today I stopped my 9th period so we could play a game. I just couldn’t stand seeing their blank faces, working. I asked them trivia questions. They loved it. It is so easy to make them happy when there are so many things that are not making them happy. If they won, they were able…
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