Balance in the Learning

Tuesday's Slice of Life
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?

Balance...

Bringing “Balance” to My Life...

Weekly Slice of Life-Two Writing Teachers

 

So, my ship has sailed on 2012 and it was an awesome year of learning for me.  The true professional growth in becoming a writer started this year-really!   My growth began when I took the Slice of Life Challenge in March of 2012 at Two Writing Teachers.  I have so many great people to thank for encouraging words and kindness during that month.  I want to personally thank Ruth, Stacey, Michelle, Linda, Dana, Maria, Terje, Anita, Lynn,  Cathy , Donna and Diana and so many others as well.  The month of writing, posting and commenting each day was challenging and rewarding at the same time.  I didn’t meet the goal of posting each day for the month-as life sometimes happens…but I did learn so much about myself as a writer (weaknesses and strengths).  I also learned a great deal from the writing community as a whole and continued to add stories through the Weekly Slice of Life here on my blog, The "Rudd"er!

During the month of April, with use of my rudder, I learned more about and becoming a user of Twitter.  Fellow slicers Michelle and Cathy posted Twitter advice on their blogs that helped me to understand it better and how to use it.  I am still learning but it’s been a great tool to further my professional growth.  After I attended digi-camp in the summer, where I learned even more about Twitter, I also became involved in learning about TweetChats!  I learned how to join in and participate in chats to gain even more knowledge about teaching and learning with varying topics.  I now try to participate weekly in the #1stchat TweetChat on Sunday nights.  Through the chats, I met even more great twitter peeps-great teachers like Karen, Kristen, Kathy, Laura, Val, Kristin, Kathy and Jenni to name a few tweeps there…

Then, came Pinterest.  With signing up for Pinterest, again, thanks to Michelle I had to increase the need for even more balance in my life.  I love Pinterest and could literally be lost for hours looking at all of the great ideas that people have pinned and shared with it.  I now set a timer for 15 minutes and after that I have to sign out-unless it’s on a night when I can’t sleep at which time there will be no timer set!  J

The big push in becoming even better at writing and teaching writing came when I got involved with Teachers Write-a virtual summer writing camp for teachers and librarians via Kate Messner’s Blog.  I learned so much by participating in the writing I did via prompts posted throughout the summer. I feel fortunate that I was introduced to more authors of great children’s literature and even started following some of them on Twitter.  I finally worked to keep the writers notebook I started with the Slice of Life Challenge and referred to it as I started Writer’s Workshop with my students. 

It’s been such a year of learning for me-but my one little word has to be balance.  I need to balance all of this professional learning with my personal life too, as I have a great husband, son and daughter who need me as well.  Oh, and one more little part of balance, I hope to read more as well.  As 2012 is now history, this reflective slice on the sailing that occurred is to remind me that in 2013, I must remember “balance” in my life!  What’s your one little word for 2013?

Here's my post in wordle...I think it's interesting that Learning came out to be one of the biggest words!

Created with Tagxedo Creator http://www.tagxedo.com/app.html

 

Awfully Dark...

Tuesday's Slice of Life...@ TwoWritingTeachers

Special thanks to Stacey and Ruth for Hosting this weekly writing community!

Walking ever to s l o w ly
                                                   d
                                                          o
                                                                w
                                                                       n
                                                                             t
                                                                                 h
                                                                                    e
                                                                                         s
                                                                                            t
                                                                                                e
                                                                                                    p
                                                                                                        s........
                                                                                                        how many are there?

Don't know
Haven't got my footing
Nothing is routine
Nothing is the norm
Nothing seems to be going how I thought it would

So I start again from the top every day
                                                   d
                                                         o
                                                                w
                                                                      n
                                                                             t
                                                                                 h
                                                                                      e
                                                                                          s
                                                                                              t
                                                                                                  e
                                                                                                      p
                                                                                                          s.......
                                                                                                            how many are there?
Feeling the steps now
Getting my footing
Some things are routine
Some things are the norm
Some things are finally going how I thought they would

So I start again from the top each day
                                                     d
                                                         o
                                                             w
                                                                  n
                                                                      t
                                                                         h
                                                                             e
                                                                                 s
                                                                                     t
                                                                                        e
                                                                                           p
                                                                                              s.......
                                                                                             not there yet, when will I learn?

It's awfully dark, I can't seem to find my way-I need a guiding light-I pray something goes my way!


Transitioning:  back to the classroom:

new building with a
new staff,
new routines,
new kiddos,
new rules,
new curriculum,
new databases,
new software,

new start times,
new morning routine,
new tick-tocking clock,

Transitioning:  child #1
new year,
new teachers,
new rules,
new ways of planning,
new ways of studying,

Transitioning:  child #2
new daycare,
new procedures,
new teachers,
new forms,
new friends,
new tot cot,
new cups,

have all made for one crazy start to the school year.  I feel like I am constantly going down the steps in the dark and I still don't know how many there are.  I feel like I can't see yet, I don't know the way...hoping and things get better each day.  And they are-
still skipping a step here and there, fumbling for the railing, needing support...

If there is someone new in your life this day, reach out and be their light-show them the way! 

Come away with Me!

Tuesday's Slice-at The Two Writing Teachers (thanks Ruth and Stacey for hosting this)...

For this week's slice, I didn't have a feel for what to write about so I went back through my writer's notebook and found a
Monday Morning warm-up prompt posted by Jo Knowles on her blog.  During a summer writing camp that she teaches, she allows campers to post their ideas for writing prompts. In the spirit of fostering student ownership, I think having students contribute prompt ideas would be helpful and I plan to use it this year.

The prompt I chose to write to was "Come Away with Me"...

Since I have been so inspired by all of the technology I've learned and experienced this summer, that was my topic of choice...also inspired by learning that I'll be in a newly constructed (2008) school this year that will have technology options available!  Woo-hoo!

Come Away with Me

By Amy Rudd

Come away with me

from the land of old

to the land of the new

of inspiration and information!

A place where technology helps you grow and do what you do

No more chalk boards with all that dust

Now on with technology it 's really a must!

The virtual world is a fantastic place 

where everything's buzzing at a break-neck pace

An interesting place where new ideas are ablaze 

a place of mystery, adventure, play

iPads, Smartboards, Twitter, and Pinterest

You're sure to engage in something of interest!

So off and away- get started today!  

Choose someone who can help (a friend in deed)

and you'll be on your way as you have all you need!

A Slice of Apple!

Tuesday's Slice, at The Two Writing Teachers (Thanks Ruth and Stacey for hosting this!)

Our busy summer is flying by, mainly because it's been chocked full of activities!  The latest activity, which began today, Apple iMovie Camp-is for Kam...and secretly for me too.  A few months back I reflected on how one of the things I learned this year is you never know unless you ask... Consequently, here is another example. 

I was searching for a fun "camp-like" experience for Kameron to attend that was reasonably priced.  At first, we looked into Lego camp (not near by and a little pricey).  Then I thought, I'll google "Apple Camp"-you'll never know unless you ask.  Low and behold, check out what they offer -Apple Camp for Youths!  And, it's "FREE"!  Imagine!  So I registered Kam for the camp because he's really interested in learning how to make movies etc.  He wants to design video games "when he grows up".  So today was "our" first day of camp.

What I observed:

• Camp counselors that were very down to Earth, and professional yet kid-friendly
• A clean environment loaded with technology options-a retail store taking the risk to share the devices with kids
• A generous spirit of giving-each kid got a free camp t-shirt and cute name tags
• Lots of smiles on counselors' and kids' faces
• freedom to choose how they wanted to design their movies
• a risk-taking air that made the kids feel like it was going to be ok to make mistakes and ask questions (ideally how a classroom should be-thanks for the model!)

What Kam experienced:

• hearing and learning that it's ok to try something new
• it's ok to ask questions
• being patient with others who aren't there yet
• learning in such a way that he could and would teach it to someone else (me  :))
• using a  6 block storyboard as the basis for creating the movie
• learning how to make the music to go with the movie

What I learned:

• Kam taught me how to layer the instruments in "Garage Band"
• Learning together is fun!
• I am excited to go back to the Apple Store and see what we learn next...

I want to thank Apple and the staff at the store for making us feel so welcome (no they aren't paying me to write this) on the first day of camp!  It's been a great experience so far and I hope it continues.  I am looking forward to movie day on Saturday, when the children who attended the camp get to show their movies...what a great slice of Apple!

Update-Day 2-
Day 2 was just as fabulous as Day 1-now we're excited to attend "Family Film Fest" on Saturday when all of the movies will be premiered!

Slice Advice-Family Travel Journal!

Two Writing Teachers, Slice of Life Tuesdays!

Before I even knew how much writing, journaling and slicing mattered to me, I crafted a special part of Rudd Family History.  The special part of Rudd Family History I am speaking of is our family "Travel Journal".  Regrettably, I didn't start it until 2003, even though we've been married since 1996.

The journal contains all of our vacation stories (where we visited, stayed, chowed, and played)!  I am so glad I recorded this little piece of our lives together so far.  

As I was  reading through the journal tonight, I found myself chuckling at some of the funny incidents that have happened in the past. Kam asked me what I was doing and I explained about the journal.  He decided that he wanted to write about his vacation experience too!  Yay for making writing fun!   And so I have some slice advice, keep a travel journal (if you don't already), you'll be glad you did!

Celebration of 50 years

Tuesday's Slice of Life-The Two Writing Teachers  I have been sneakily and steathfully preparing for my parents' 50th wedding anniversary...I don't think they'll read this (they don't use the computer much).  Planning and prepping for the event has been on my mind a lot.  We finally got their wedding album out of the house so I can scan the pictures and continue making the video for the party.  I worked with my sis-n-law, Audrey to locate the place for the party, get the supplies and make the invitations.  Thankfully, the invitations have been mailed and people are starting to RSVP.  All of us kids are hoping that we can keep it a surprise and honor them for reaching 50 years of marriage. 

One of the things I learned about in preparing for the celebration that I want to share with the slice community is that you can request letters of commendation/congratulations to be sent to anyone celebrating milestone wedding anniversaries, birthdays or births from the president and congressmen of your state.  Especially since I cherish letter writing, I went ahead and made the request (make sure to have at least 6 weeks ahead of the date) to have the letters sent from the president and congressmen.  Receiving these letters will add to the whole surprise celebration!  I am giddy with excitement for the event-I can't wait...1 month to go!

Dad and Mom dating-1961?

Mr. and Mrs. Wedding Pic, Sept. 1, 1962

50 Years Ago...A Special Day to Remember

50 years ago

two hearts joined together

in one love

doubling joy

cutting burdens in half

raising a family of three children

who now are married too

continuing to grow in love

as their parents still do

knowing that marriage

is

love

kindness

caring

sharing

trusting

not easy

hard work

rewarding

fun

in sickness

or in health

in good times or in bad

now and forever!

two hearts

one

love

50 years of trials and tribulations

storying that makes us laugh

storying that makes us cry

gathering around the table

hearing the stories again and again

silly hats, funny faces,

trips down the aisle

going places

beaches, boats

and baseball games

What could be better

than together forever?

A fisherman and his wife,

50 years to remember

the First of September!

A visit to Ocean City, Maryland

The Journaling Markers

Tuesday's Slice of Life from the Two Writing Teachers
During yesterday's quick write from Jo Knowles, I worked to make a list of everything in my scrapbooking room...the item I love best is my journaling markers...Here's their story!

Looking at all our colors, we're different shades and hues.

Wondering about today, which of us she'll choose!

Giving life to pictures, the story in addition

When our scrapper picks us up, she is on a mission.

Loving it when we open up, our skinny end or fat,

Scribbling, scrolling across the pages, that's where the story's at!

Selecting colors carefully to complement or contrast

Wondering if the journaling will move along slowly or really very fast

Thinking of the extra things we sometimes get to do

Our scrapper let's us decorate with little doodles too!

Admiring us for what we do, we love our scrapper friend!

We love it when we get to write completed pages near the end...

Admitting that we might be done and soon be put away

Lid capped tightly, back in the basket, we'll story another day!

Update on making lemonade

Update to making lemonade: http://theamyrudder.blogspot.com/2012/05/lemonade.html  Earlier in the month of May, I wrote about how when life serves you lemons, you make lemonade and being the chef, I could choose to make lemonade (fancy) and go for the position of "Instructional Specialist" or (simple) and decide to go back to the classroom-neither job is easy for I always plan and make my recipes with the greatest of care...and as Ruth so eloquently stated in her comment, "It's not just about the end result, but the steps along the way that are valuable."

I decided to try for the instructional specialist position.  This really has been about the process...being introspective and reflecting and thinking all about the characteristics and talents that I bring to the kitchen...I called it the "Learner's Cafe".  First I was thinking about the resume.  I wondered how I could articulate what I had to offer and include it on my resume?  I decided the important things that aligned with the position description and my career history had to be summed up by using two pages-one just wasn't enough.  I want to personally thank Diana Martin One Literacy Coach for giving great advice on resumes and asking me deep thinking questions to prepare me for getting into interview mode...

The interview was very intense.  I never experienced anything like it before!  One part that I have to share about is for the first 30 minutes, we were handed a case study, had to read it, and then write in response to what we would do knowing about the fictitious school's  history and data upon meeting with the principal.  I felt confident in my writing ability and I know it's partly because I have been working to improve my writing skills and thought processes about writing since I have joined the TWT Slice of Life Community.  As nervous as I was-as soon as I sat down and began to read and write, I felt like this sense of calm came over me and I knew I could do this.

Last week, I heard, after the interview process was over, that I was selected to be part of a pool of newly named "Instructional Specialists" formerly "Literacy Coaches" that buildings could now choose to hire with their Title I money...so now I wait to find out where and if I will be selected or go back to the classroom.  It's been an incredible learning journey, no matter what happens, I have learned so much.  Thank you to the community for all you offer to each of us who joins in this opportunity and experience!  My life will be forever changed by what I learn from you!

Who Are Your Mentors?

Tuesday’s Slice
Who are your mentors?
Stacey’s post WHO ARE YOUR MENTORS inspired this Tuesday's slice...

I hit my life’s rewind button and reviewed the tapes all the way back to my earliest memories of school and that is where I found one of the first people I could truly call a mentor. So here’s a story about her, me and a scene from the beginning of her influence as a mentor...

HUNTER’S STAND-IN

BY Amy Rudd

INT-4TH GRADE CLASSROOM, LAKE ELEMENTARY- EARLY MORNING

Action:

Children (mixture of boys and girls) entering the classroom. Teacher (Ellen Hunter) drinking hot tea with lemon and honey, watching closely, pacing the floor and glancing out the window at the buses and waiting impatiently to grab Amy Jo as she bounds in from the bus drop-off.
Amy Jo finally walks into the room happily with her friend MaryAlice (the two girls with two names). Ellen quickly approaches Amy Jo with tea cup in hand.

ELLEN

She whispers (barely audible) to Amy Jo. Would you like to teach the class today?

Amy Jo, wondering why in the world her teacher is talking like this and asking such an odd question scrunches up her face and backs up.

AMY JO

Mrs. Hunter, why are you talking like that?

ELLEN

(whispering to Amy Jo) I have laryngitis and can’t talk very well. I need someone to teach the class today. Would you like to do this?

AMY JO

Amy Jo jumping up and down excitedly…Yes, I would!

ELLEN

Ok. Then you need to tell them that I can't talk today so you will be doing it for me!

Ringing the classroom bell, the children begin to take their seats and settle down. Amy Jo starts speaking to them…

AMY JO

(Excitedly, from the front of the room) Class, Mrs. Hunter can’t talk to you today so I am going to do it for her!

Fast forward to present day.  This is part of what inspired me to become a teacher. I knew in 4th grade that I loved teaching children. I knew I wanted to go into the field of teaching from that day on…Ellen was really my first mentor. Not only because she wanted me to teach that day, but because I can still remember how she taught. We learned how to use study guides to learn our curriculum content. We also learned how to journal, spell and read chapter books and novels. I can still hear her voice reading books like Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing and Otherwise Known as Sheilah the Great by Judy Bloom…just how she used to say “Pee-tah” and all…it was cute!

I ended up keeping in touch with her as I went through school and babysat her kids (Ryan and Tracy) and I just basically adored her every move. When I was a senior in high school, I invited her to my National Honor Society Induction Banquet and she actually came! I still have the beautiful engraved necklace she bought me as a gift that night. I will never forget her…we have even exchanged Christmas cards as adults, although it’s been quite a few years since we last exchanged.
This post has inspired me to look up her address again and send her a thank you card as we near Teacher Appreciation Week in May!

Thanks for your inspiration Stacey! This was a fun review of my walk down Memory Lane…

Belly up to the Slice of Life Buffet

Slice 30 of 31

Here it is! A review of my trip to this wonderful smorgasbord called
The Slice of Life Buffet! This all began with a little blurb from Choice Literacy about this thing called "The Slice of Life Challenge". This is one fantastic place to visit as you will always remember and want to return to often...

Let me tell you all about this extensive buffet...
You can belly up to the buffet and click on over to a plethora of blogs just oooozzing with any kind of slice you desire!

First, the buffet is peppered with sensational seasonings! The two writing teachers, our outstanding head chefs, always start you off with some positive sprinklings of encouragement or inspiration...
special quotes or other books that are just the right fit for your dining needs, setting the tone for the ultimate dining experience.

Next, we have our daily slice...you can graze on these for hours on end. The chefs who cook there have created sensational original recipes! You're welcome to fill your plate as many times as you like. If you feel up to it, you are also welcome to leave comment cards on the flavor of the slices you have tried! As a matter of fact, you are even encouraged to become a chef yourself when you try your hand at adding your own slice!

And finally just for added interest, the head chefs also cook-up some occasional contests to add a little more flavor to what is already on the slice buffet!

I have returned regularly to refill my plate each day during this month! I can't get enough of this place! The slices are so full of juicy goodness that even the most boring of palets begin to savor the flavor!

Sadly though, the buffet will soon be closing for a reconstruction phase...but I heard a rumor that it will re-open on Tuesdays for a return visit if you're in the mood to fill your plate with a slice or two!

You won't regret participating in the one of the best culinary experiences of your life! Make a trip to the Slice of Life Buffet!