Monday, January 7, 2013

Book Chat

I've resolved to reading a book a week. Sounds easy, but as a new-ish dad that teaches and trains for marathons it is a real chore. In fact, I'm not sure when I last finished a book.

Book 1 of 2013 was In the Year of the Boar and Jackie Robinson. It is the story of an immigrant trying to survive while not losing her family's culture and heritage. Little Shirley Temple Wong is an enjoyable character to follow. Her struggle as a newcomer is an engaging read. The mesh with popular culture- America in the 40s- is a bonus.

I'm using it as a book club book this round. I'm excited about having kids explore perspective, and the treatment of those who are different from the norm.

Thursday, January 3, 2013

2nd Gear

Cars have gears. The lower the gear, the slower you go- your engine isn't firing at full capacity. That is my limited understanding of car anatomy. It applies to the first week back to school. You are back, but no one can quite rev the engine and speed like their in 5th.

Instead you ease back, give it some gas but don't push too hard. Kids are a bit weary, bleary eyed. I'm feeling my way through. We have projects from December that need to be completed, and a new unit on Explorers should be started. We've also got our district writing assessment to crank out- next week though. The work that needs to get done can only be tackled once everything is in sync.

So we muddle along. We do meaningful work, but wait to engage in the more challenging business until Monday. The three day ease in will be up, and we'll be ready.