Hosted by Ruth and Stacey @ Two Writing Teachers
Starting off the new year, I selected my OLW and chose BALANCE. As I reflected on where I might head with this little word, I noticed balance in the learning taking place all over the house. My new learning would be with taking the #nfpb2013 challenge. I will be reading and reviewing informational text picture books that could be used in the classroom as mentor texts for reading or writing. I am excited to work on this challenge and look forward to gathering more non-fiction picture book resources.
Kevin's (the music man) new learning is with his ipod. He finally decided to purchase one and convert all of his favorite songs from his music collection to his playlist. He loves all of this music being in one place and being able to take it anywhere. Who knew that he'd love it this much. I am glad he chose to take it on and learn about how to convert all of this music to one tiny location. It's been a great choice for him.
Kam's new learning is with cub scouts. He has done and will be doing work towards the next level from bear cub to webelo! YaY! He recently learned about different knot tying and practiced several knots with Kevin! His next learning will involve earning his whittling chip merit badge. I am glad he will learn how to use a pocket knife safely and seriously. I have to admit I am a little scared about this one-but I know he has a great den leader who will take him through this.
Lastly, new learning for Nattie this year...oh yes, it's true-the potty! She's decided that her time has come to use the big girl potty. I know, already, we will have our struggles but she's gotten into it a lot earlier than Kam did. I will spare you the gory details of how this is going and just say it's going well with a few minor mishaps to this point. I am looking forward to the end of flushing cash on diapers and the beginning of flushing pee and poo!
So there you have it-my second slice of the year all about the new learning taking place in our house. How will you balance new learning with old routines this year?
I think balancing everything is delicate. I have a big learning curve ahead of me (always) with my daughter so I will do my best to read what I can, from reliable sources, so I can do my best as a mom.
ReplyDeleteI lived with the word balance for year. Having that as my focus really allowed me to get things just right that year. (I'll be blogging more about that idea on Thursday on TWT.)
PS Thanks for offering to be the welcome wagon!
Thanks Stacey!
DeleteI think I am doing ok so far...but we'll see. It's already causing me to be more reflective about my choices.
I love hearing about all the family's balance, Amy. what fun to have each one have some thoughts about the OLW. As for your non-fiction work, look up Science books by Bobbie Kalman. I'm doing a non-fiction lesson soon for a primary teacher and I think these are terrific. I hope you'll like them (& find them). Love those final thoughts about the flushing!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the suggestion on Bobbie Kalman, Linda! I will check that out. yes, I can hear the potty flushing now...
Delete:)
Amy sounds like lots of learning taking place in your house! Sneed Collard III writes lots of nonfiction. He lives here in Montana.
ReplyDeleteThanks,
DeleteI will check out the work of Sneed Collard as well.
Appreciate your suggestion.
We all need balance - every single member of the family! I love nonfiction - check out the Wonderopolis website, you will find it a great tool for teaching nonfiction.
ReplyDeleteYes, I do love Wonderopolis. My problem at school is that many of the youtube videos within the daily wonder are blocked.
DeleteGreat learning happening in your house. Good luck with the potty training.
ReplyDeleteThanks Elsie!
DeleteHope it all flows smoothly.
LAUGH! I love the idea of not having to deal with diapers any more. That was a huge milestone for us..
ReplyDeleteI chose "balance" as my word this year, too. I dive into new challenges and sometimes forget to let go of other things.
Yeah, I am ready to be done with diaper duty...all of that-but I don't want to wish time away either. As our word dictates-in all things there is balance.
DeleteBalance is not always easy to accomplish, but with your focus on it, you will achieve it. Good luck with the potty training!
ReplyDeleteThanks Judy...
DeleteI know focusing on balance is the right thing to do.
Oh my gosh, I love that your family is all involved in OLW. :) My students worked on their OLW today...I'm out of school until Thursday. My sub sent me some pictures of their work. I can't wait to see it. Balance...it's a good word. That was my word last year.
ReplyDeleteHey Julie,
DeleteHOw did balance work out for you?
How did the kids work turn out?
What a wonderful word for your year! I look forward to reading more of your stories how balance fits into your life this year!
ReplyDeleteThanks Jaana,
Deletewe'll see how it goes...stay tuned.
Balance is a great word...hard to find in our busy lives! Loved hearing about your family and the learning going on. Here's to no more diapers!
ReplyDeleteAmen-no more diapers will be huge!
DeleteYay to no diapers somewhere in your near future. That is a freeing experience! I sort of want to throw my fist in the air as a means of support. (I just did). :) Balance is a great word and I hope you continue learning a lot from it.
ReplyDeletethanks for the fist pump Betsy!
DeleteI hope to continue learning a lot too!
balance sounds like the prefect word for a VERY busy mom and teacher. It's a challenge we all have - perhaps all through our lives and if I had my life to live over again, it is probably what I would like to achieve - a little better! Thanks for the great word and good look with the balancing act!
ReplyDeleteYes, I feel like it's walking the tight rope at times, the balance beam at times and then just walk in the park...there are different levels to this work of balance.
DeleteI am so glad you're sharing your OLW journey.
ReplyDelete