tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-47239991022752320882024-03-14T06:24:38.441-04:00Sandra's Writing QuestSandra Stileshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05028361723666419462noreply@blogger.comBlogger223125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4723999102275232088.post-62645099788232752382022-05-12T00:00:00.001-04:002022-05-12T00:00:00.175-04:00Diamante Poems<p><b>These are examples of Diamante Poem examples for my students.</b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in;"></p><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Giant</b></div><div style="text-align: center;">Tall, big</div><div style="text-align: center;">Stomping, growling, raging</div><div style="text-align: center;">Dangerous, evil, sneaky, worker</div><div style="text-align: center;">Laughing, playing, jumping</div><div style="text-align: center;">Short, small</div><b><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span> </span><span> </span>Dwarf <span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span></b></div></b><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: 700;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-weight: bold;"><div style="text-align: center;">Turtle</div></span><div style="text-align: center;">slow, small</div><div style="text-align: center;">walking, crawling, swimming</div><div style="text-align: center;">steady, green, quick, powerful</div><div style="text-align: center;">winning, galloping, racing</div><div style="text-align: center;">fast, big</div><b><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Horses</b></div></b><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><b><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Summer</b></div></b><div style="text-align: center;">Summer, Olympics</div><div style="text-align: center;">Running, swimming, throwing</div><div style="text-align: center;">Gymnastics, track, luge, snowboard</div><div style="text-align: center;">Skiing, skating, speeding</div><div style="text-align: center;">Cold, snowy</div><b><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Winter</b></div></b><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Tree<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">tall, broad<b><o:p></o:p></b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">palm, oak, azalea, gardenia<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">flowering, growing, widening<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">small, short<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Bush</span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in;"></p><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Cat</b></div><div style="text-align: center;">Cute, cuddly</div><div style="text-align: center;">Running, napping, playing</div><div style="text-align: center;">Small, gentle, big, tough</div><div style="text-align: center;">Barking, laying, jumping</div><div style="text-align: center;">Loyal, friendly</div><b><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>Dog <span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span></b></div></b><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Butterfly<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Large, colorful<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Flying, floating, drinking<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Fragile, lite, hardy, busy<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Pollinating, building,
buzzing<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Small, fuzzy</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Bee</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span></b></p>
<div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><b><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Television</b></div></b><div style="text-align: center;">Loud, colorful</div><div style="text-align: center;">Sitting, watching, listening</div><div style="text-align: center;">Movies, reality, fiction, nonfiction</div><div style="text-align: center;">Reading, writing</div><div style="text-align: center;">Soft, wordy</div><b><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Books</b></div></b></div>Sandra Stileshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05028361723666419462noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4723999102275232088.post-29016188357277284082022-05-11T00:00:00.001-04:002022-05-11T00:00:00.214-04:00Creature Alliteration Poems<p><b>The Creature Alliteration poems are some of my favorite. They are fun and trying to find alliterative words to work with each poem is a challenge I gladly accept.</b><br /><br /><b>Bearian</b><br />This is a bearian.<br />A bearian lies in big, brown, baskets.<br />A bearian eats broccoli, berries, and brownies.<br />A bearian likes balloons, beach balls and books.<br />A bearian browsed the books in the bookstore.<br />My bearian brought black blocks of bees to the bank.<br /><br /><b>Catarian</b><br />This is a catarian.<br />A catarian lives in cool, concrete catacombs.<br />A catarian eats cabbage, cottage cheese and crabs.<br />A catarian likes cartoons, cars, and cavemen.<br />A catarian climbed a crunchy, candy cane.<br />My catarian crept into my cabin and caused chaos.<br /><br /><b>Lizardian</b><br />This is a lizardian.<br />A lizardian lives in luscious, lavender, lilac trees.<br />A lizardian eats lemons, limes and lollipops.<br />A lizardian likes laughing loudly on ladders.<br />A lizardian lazily lounges on leaves.<br />My lizardian licked my left leg.<br /><b><br />Flowerian</b><br />This is a flowerian.<br />A flowerian lives in flaming flatulent flatlands.<br />A flowerian eats flaky, flavorless, flatbread.<br />A flowerian likes flying and flip flops.<br />A flowerian floated to the flapping flag.<br />My flwerian flaunted her fleshy flatworms.</p><p><br /><b>Dragonian</b><br />This is a dragonia.<br />A dragonian lives in drafty, drab dressers.<br />A dragonian eats droopy, drippy, drumsticks.<br />A dragonian likes dreamy, dry dreadlocks.<br />A dragonian dropped his drapes and drills down the drain.<br />My dragonian dragged his drink across the drive<span style="font-size: 12pt;">way.</span></p>Sandra Stileshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05028361723666419462noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4723999102275232088.post-30937801519694859772022-05-10T00:00:00.001-04:002022-05-10T00:00:00.182-04:00My Cinquain Poems <p><b>Here are examples I gave my students of Cinquain poems.</b><br /><br /><b>Students</b><br />Loud, fun<br />Reading, laughing, writing<br />As smart as they come<br />If only they all cared <br /><br /><b>Legs</b><br />Long, shortly after<br />Running, jumping, climbing<br />As useful as any other body part<br />If only mine worked well <br /><br /><b>Lizards</b><br />Quick, small<br />Running, sunning, jumping<br />As quiet as a mouse<br />If only they would slow down<br /><b><br />Cardinals</b><br />Bright, Beautiful<br />Flitting from tree to tree<br />As red as strawberries<br />If only they would come closer<br /><br /><b>Kitten</b><br />Soft Fuzzy<br />Pouncing, jumping sleeping<br />As playful as a child<br />If only I could keep them all<br /><br /><b>Ospreys</b><br />Large, majestic<br />Always soaring high<br />As powerful as they are gorgeous<br />If only they would visit more often</p><p><br /><b>Mothers</b><br />Loving, caring<br />Telling you what to do<br />As loving as they can be<br />If only she would let us help.<br /><br /><b>Honey Bees</b><br />Fascinating, industrious<br />Always buzzing around<br />As complicated as they are productive<br />If only it didn’t take so long to get honey.<br /><br /><b>Cats</b><br />Soft, cuddly<br />Mewing, rubbing, jumping<br />As soft as a cotton ball<br />If only I still had one.<br /><br /><b>Spiders</b><br />Hairy, scary<br />Skittering, swinging, creeping<br />As scary as a monster<br />If only I didn’t fear them<br /><br /><b>Students</b><br />Loud, fun<br />Reading, laughing, writing<br />As smart as they come<br />If only they all cared<br /><br /><b>Legs</b><br />Long, shortly after <br />Running, jumping, climbing <br />As useful as any other body part <br />If only mine worked well <br /><br /><b>Lizards</b><br />Quick, small<br />Running, sunning, jumping<br />As quiet as a mouse<br />If only they would slow down <br /><br /><b>Cardinals</b><br />Bright, Beautiful<br />Flitting from tree to tree<br />As red as strawberries<br />If only they would come closer <br /><br /><b>Kitten</b><br />Soft Fuzzy<br />Pouncing, jumping sleeping<br />As playful as a child<br />If only I could keep them all<br /><br /></p><p><b>Ospreys</b><br />Large, majestic<br />Always soaring high<br />As powerful as they are gorgeous<br />If only they would visit more often<br /><br /><b>Mothers</b><br />Loving, caring<br />Telling you what to do<br />As loving as they can be<br />If only she would let us help.<br /><br /><b>Honey Bees</b><br />Fascinating, industrious<br />Always buzzing around<br />As complicated as they are productive<br />If only it didn’t take so long to get honey.<br /><br /><b>Cats</b><br />Soft, cuddly<br />Mewing, rubbing, jumping<br />As soft as a cotton ball<br />If only I still had one.<br /><br /><b>Spiders</b><br />Hairy, scary<br />Skittering, swinging, creeping<br />As scary as a monster<br />If only I didn’t fear t<span style="font-size: 12pt;">hem</span></p>Sandra Stileshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05028361723666419462noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4723999102275232088.post-67617355774481502622022-05-09T00:00:00.038-04:002022-05-09T00:00:00.151-04:00My Alphabet Poems<p><b> Here are some of my Alphabet Poems I have given students as examples for their poetry.</b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt;">FLORIDA<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt;">A</span></b><span style="font-size: 12pt;">lligators are the state reptile<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt;">B</span></b><span style="font-size: 12pt;">eautiful beaches are everywhere<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt;">C</span></b><span style="font-size: 12pt;">ape Canaveral is where you find the Kennedy Space
Center<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><b>D</b>elightful climate any time of year<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt;">E</span></b><span style="font-size: 12pt;">verglades most beautiful untouched area<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt;">F</span></b><span style="font-size: 12pt;">ort Castillo de San Marcos is one of the oldest forts
in Florida<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt;">G</span></b><span style="font-size: 12pt;">ulf of Mexico has calmer waters<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt;">H</span></b><span style="font-size: 12pt;">istory is Everywhere<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt;">I</span></b><span style="font-size: 12pt;">bis a bird with a long hooked beak<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt;">J</span></b><span style="font-size: 12pt;">acksonville has ten state and national parks<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt;">K</span></b><span style="font-size: 12pt;">ey West is the southernmost part of Florida<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt;">L</span></b><span style="font-size: 12pt;">ake Okeechobee is known as the river of grass<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt;">M</span></b><span style="font-size: 12pt;">agic is found at Disney’s Magic Kingdom<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt;">N</span></b><span style="font-size: 12pt;">ative Americans from Florida are the Seminoles<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt;">O</span></b><span style="font-size: 12pt;">range juice is the state beverage<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt;">P</span></b><span style="font-size: 12pt;">anthers are the state animal<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Q</span></b><span style="font-size: 12pt;">uiet can be found all over Florida<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt;">R</span></b><span style="font-size: 12pt;">est by one of the many rivers then visit<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt;">S</span></b><span style="font-size: 12pt;">aint Augustine the oldest city in Florida<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt;">T</span></b><span style="font-size: 12pt;">ourism is our main income<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt;">U</span></b><span style="font-size: 12pt;">nique attractions can be found here<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt;">V</span></b><span style="font-size: 12pt;">ariety of birds and other animals<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt;">W</span></b><span style="font-size: 12pt;">eather and wildlife bring back visitors<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt;">X</span></b><span style="font-size: 12pt;">eriscaping is the best way to landscape and save water<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Y</span></b><span style="font-size: 12pt;">ear round growing season</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Z</span></b><span style="font-size: 12pt;">ebra Longwings are the state butterfly</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Writing <o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt;">A</span></b><span style="font-size: 12pt;">ttitued is everything <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt;">B</span></b><span style="font-size: 12pt;">egin with an idea <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt;">C</span></b><span style="font-size: 12pt;">reate Your own world <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt;">D</span></b><span style="font-size: 12pt;">ialogue with Characters <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt;">E</span></b><span style="font-size: 12pt;">dit, Edit, Edit <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt;">F</span></b><span style="font-size: 12pt;">ind your voice <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt;">G</span></b><span style="font-size: 12pt;">ather it all together <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt;">H</span></b><span style="font-size: 12pt;">ook your readers <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt;">I</span></b><span style="font-size: 12pt;">nspire through imagination <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt;">J</span></b><span style="font-size: 12pt;">ournal daily <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt;">K</span></b><span style="font-size: 12pt;">eep writing <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt;">L</span></b><span style="font-size: 12pt;">augh often <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt;">M</span></b><span style="font-size: 12pt;">agic through motivation <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt;">N</span></b><span style="font-size: 12pt;">egativity has no place<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt;">O</span></b><span style="font-size: 12pt;">bserve everything<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt;">P</span></b><span style="font-size: 12pt;">lan and pace yourself.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Q</span></b><span style="font-size: 12pt;">uality over quantity.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt;">R</span></b><span style="font-size: 12pt;">ead and revise<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt;">S</span></b><span style="font-size: 12pt;">et the tone<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt;">T</span></b><span style="font-size: 12pt;">hemes are universal<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt;">U</span></b><span style="font-size: 12pt;">nderstand your dreams<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt;">V</span></b><span style="font-size: 12pt;">ary your style<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt;">W</span></b><span style="font-size: 12pt;">hat-ifs give you ideas.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt;">X</span></b><span style="font-size: 12pt;">erox copies<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Y</span></b><span style="font-size: 12pt;">ou will mark up<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Z</span></b><span style="font-size: 12pt;">oom off to another story<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Trees</span></b><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in; text-align: justify;"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt;">A</span></b><span style="font-size: 12pt;">mazingly <b>b</b>eautiful</span><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt;">C</span></b><span style="font-size: 12pt;">rooked, <b>d</b>ifferent<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in; text-align: justify;"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt;">E</span></b><span style="font-size: 12pt;">nchanting <b>f</b>orests<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in; text-align: justify;"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt;">G</span></b><span style="font-size: 12pt;">racing <b>h</b>omes<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in; text-align: justify;"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt;">I</span></b><span style="font-size: 12pt;">mmense <b>j</b>ewels<b> <o:p></o:p></b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in; text-align: justify;"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt;">K</span></b><span style="font-size: 12pt;">notty <b>l</b>eafy<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in; text-align: justify;"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt;">M</span></b><span style="font-size: 12pt;">ajestic <b>n</b>ature <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in; text-align: justify;"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt;">O</span></b><span style="font-size: 12pt;">ffering <b>p</b>eaceful, <b>q</b>uiet,<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in; text-align: justify;"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt;">R</span></b><span style="font-size: 12pt;">emarkable <b>s</b>teadfast<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in; text-align: justify;"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt;">T</span></b><span style="font-size: 12pt;">owering <b>u</b>nique<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in; text-align: justify;"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt;">V</span></b><span style="font-size: 12pt;">ibrant <b>W</b>oods<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in; text-align: justify;"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt;">X</span></b><span style="font-size: 12pt;">ylology<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in; text-align: justify;"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Y</span></b><span style="font-size: 12pt;">ielding<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in;">
</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in; text-align: justify;"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Z</span></b><span style="font-size: 12pt;">antewood<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 8.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></p><br /><br /><b>Unique Animals</b><br /><b>A</b>ye-Ayes are mammals that use echolocation.<br /><b>B</b>orneo Rainbow Toads are very colorful.<br /><b>C</b>assowary is a large flightless bird that can’t fly, but runs thirty miles per hour.<br /><b>D</b>umbo Octopi has fins that look like Dumbo’s ears.<br /><b>E</b>chidna is an egg-laying mammal that looks like a hedgehog.<br /><b>F</b>ossa are filled neck lizards.<br /><b>G</b>lasswing butterflies have clear see through wings.<br /><b>H</b>ooded seals have inflatable skull hoods and nasal balloons.<br /><b>I</b>ndri is a type of lemur found in Madagascar.<br /><b>J</b>apanese Macque is a medium sized monkey found in Japan.<br /><b>K</b>akapos never fly but hike miles through hilly forests.<br /><b>L</b>eafy Sea-Dragons have leaf like appendages used for camouflage.<br /><b>M</b>antis Shrimp have some of the most powerful claws.<br /><b>N</b>umbats are pouchless marsupials that eat termites.<br /><b>O</b>kapis are related to giraffes and have zebra like stripes on their behind.<br /><b>P</b>ikas look like rodents but are related to rabbits.<br /><b>Q</b>uokkas make runways through tall grasses.<br /><b>R</b>ed-lipped batfish are known for their bright red lips.<br /><b>S</b>unda flying lemurs glide as it leaps from tree to tree.<br /><b>T</b>horny dragons are a type of lizard that eats only ants.<br /><b>U</b>kari are monkies that have bright pink to red faces.<br /><b>V</b>oles are a type of rodent.<br /><b>W</b>etapunga look like giant grasshoppers.<br /><b>X</b>-ray tetra have translucent skin so you can see its backbone.<div><b>Y</b>eti Crab have long hairy arms.<br /><b>Z</b>ebra Duiker have twelve – sixteen stripes between their shoulders and hips.</div>Sandra Stileshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05028361723666419462noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4723999102275232088.post-85105531731697474302022-05-08T19:51:00.002-04:002022-05-08T20:06:53.104-04:00My Acrostic Poems<b>A Sampling of my Acrostic Poems I have used as examples for their own poetry.</b><br /><br /><br /><b>READING</b><br /><b>R</b>eality <br /><b>E</b>nticed by <br /><b>A</b>dventure that is <br /><b>D</b>angerous, delightful and <br /><b>I</b>maginative <br /><b>N</b>eeds no <br /><b>G</b>immicks<br /><br /> <br /><b>NATURE</b><br /><b>N</b>urturing life<br /><b>A</b>wakening<br /><b>T</b>ender shoots<br /><b>U</b>nique creations<br /><b>R</b>enewing Life<br /><b>E</b>njoyable<br /><br /><br /><b>CHRIST</b><br /><b>C</b>ares for<br /><b>H</b>umans<br /><b>R</b>ose from the grave <br /><b>I</b>s willing to stand for us <br /><b>S</b>aves us from our sins <br /><b>T</b>rue son of God<br /><br /><b>FORGIVE</b><br /><b>F</b>ollow your heart<br /><b>O</b>pen it up<br /><b>R</b>emember who forgave you<br /><b>G</b>ive back with love<br /><b>I</b>gnore the urge to lash out with<br /><b>V</b>enomous statements<br /><br /><b>LAUGHING </b><br /><b>L</b>ean back <br /><b>A</b>nd open <br /><b>U</b>p your mouth <br /><b>G</b>asp for air <br /><b>H</b>old your sides<br /><b>I</b>nclude your friends<br /><b>N</b>ear and far in<br /><b>G</b>iggles galore<br /><b>E</b>njoy the freedom you will feel<br /><br /><b>CATS</b><br /><b>C</b>reeping up on silent feet<br /><b>A</b>ttacking everything it meets.<br /><b>T</b>otal love in fluffy fur<br /><b>S</b>atisfying gentle purrs.<br /> <br /><b><br />WRITING </b><br /><b>W</b>orking to create <br /><b>R</b>eading that <br /><b>I</b>nspires <br /><b>T</b>eaches, and creates <br /><b>I</b>mages that need <br /><b>N</b>othing but <br /><b>G</b>reat open minds. <br /><br /><br /><b>HATE </b><br /><b>H</b>urtful words <br /><b>A</b>ngry thoughts <br /><b>T</b>ear a hole in <br /><b>E</b>very heart <br /><br /><b>Students</b><br /><b>S</b>illy<br /><b>T</b>imid<br /><b>U</b>nderstanding<br /><b>D</b>oing<br /><b>E</b>verything to<br /><b>N</b>ever Compromise<br /><b>T</b>heir right to<br /><b>S</b>teer their own life course.<br /><br /><b>BOOKS</b><br /><b>B</b>ringing us<br /><b>O</b>ut of this world to<br /><b>O</b>ther places that<br /><b>K</b>eep our minds<br /><b>S</b>oaring into the world of imagination.Sandra Stileshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05028361723666419462noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4723999102275232088.post-73667686005135596812022-04-20T10:08:00.002-04:002022-04-20T10:12:27.347-04:00Student Free Verse Poems<p><span> <b><span style="line-height: 107%;">Quiet by
M.T.</span></b></span></p><span>To be quiet <br />It takes no price <br />All you gotta do is spill no dice. <br />To be quiet <br />Just close your lips</span><div><span>People will be scared of you. <br />To be quiet <br />Just close your eyes<br />And listen to the sound around you die.</span></div><div><span><br /></span></div><div><span><b><br /></b></span></div><div><span><b>Car Accident by E.S.</b></span></div><div><span>It was an accident</span></div><div><span>a mistake,</span></div><div><span>a flaw.</span></div><div><span>Blamed to one person, leaving the other raw.</span></div><div><span>Why did it happen to her,</span></div><div><span>to him? Did they deserve what they saw</span></div><div><span>A messed up car with no insurance</span></div><div><span>Traumatized kids.</span></div><div><span>But all they could say was I wish</span></div>Sandra Stileshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05028361723666419462noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4723999102275232088.post-22303792238875154242022-04-19T10:09:00.003-04:002022-04-19T10:09:37.176-04:00Here is a beautiful Alphabet Poem by L.M.<br /><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Family</b><br /><br /><b>A</b>ways be honest<br /><b>B</b>e there when they need you</span><div><span style="font-size: large;"><b>C</b>heer them on<br /><b>D</b>on't look for their faults<br /><b>E</b>very chance you get call!<br /><b>F</b>orgive them<br /><b>G</b>et together often<br /><b>H</b>ave faith in them<br /><b>I</b>nclude them<br /><b>J</b>ust listen<br /><b>K</b>now their dreams</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><b>L</b>ove them unconditionally<br /><b>M</b>ake the feel specialNever forget them.</span></div>Sandra Stileshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05028361723666419462noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4723999102275232088.post-10579979587581592352022-04-16T17:45:00.003-04:002022-04-16T17:45:25.109-04:00One of the Most Beautiful "I Am Poem"<p> The last unit I teach every year is a poetry writing unit. For many kids it is a way of expressing ideas about what is going on in their world or their life. They learn that they CAN write poetry. We start with some easy templates where they fill in the blanks or there are strict pattern rules. I always have students do an "I Am" poem. The first part is about them in present time, the second their past, and the third their future. For most of these students I get to see them a little better. They bare their soul in this poem.</p><p>At the beginning of the year the student who wrote the following poem came to me and said, "You're a Christian right?" She then asked me to pray for family members who were hospitalize with covid and pneumonia. So I did. The poem below shows how deep this child is.</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">I Am Poem by G.V.</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></p>I am powerful and faithful<br />I wonder if I’ll get to heaven where my goal is to go<br />I hear the holy spirit talking to me<br />I see the glory manifesting and descending over us<br />I want to be touched by the holy spirit<br />I am amazed by the things God does in my life<br />I pretend there’s no problems when you’re a Christian<br />I feel sad that I can’t save everyone from going to hell<br />I touch people and heal them<br />I worry for everyone’s salvation<br />I cry that people do bad things<br />I am encouraged by God’s word<br />I understand that God is my father<br />I say that God is the only God and that he is powerful<br />I dream to be with God and Jesus one day<br />I try to be good everyday to go to heaven<br />I hope I go to heaven and everyone does too<br />I am faithful that people will change<br /><br />I was a slave of the devil <br />I understand that God save me and died on the cross for me<div>I heard false information about God and the holy spirit<br />I saw people burning and throwing away Bibles<br />I wanted to yell and stop them<br />I was devastated by them doing these horrible things<br />I pretended that everything was okay<br />I felt sad because people wouldn’t believe <br />I touched the hearts of some people<br />I worried I couldn’t tell everyone about God<br />I cried when I saw people murmuring<br />I was amazed by how people wouldn’t believe<br />I understand God loves everyone<br />I said I wanted to change people’s lives<br />I dreamed everyone was accepting Jesus<br />I tried to understand that people didn’t care<br />I hoped that one day some would understand<br />I was committed to tell people about God<br /><br />I will be a believer of God<br />I will wonder if people are starting to believe<br />I will hear people testify what God did in them and the changes<br />I will see people accepting Jesus<br />I will want a life in Jesus<br />I will be obedient to God’s words<br />I will pretend I don’t get too worried anymore<br />I will feel blessed without what God gives me<br />I will touch other people and God will heal them through me<br />I will worry about nothing just about God<br />I will cry for happiness when I see more people converting<br />I will be happy with the outcome of the impact I will have’<br />I will understand it’s a test when I go through storms and battles<br />I will say that God is manifesting in my life<br />I will dream to be a follower of God<br />I will try to be my best to reach the mercy of the Lord<br />I will hope to be better every single day in Jesus Christ<br />I will be praising the Lord and believe in him at all times, even when times get hard.</div>Sandra Stileshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05028361723666419462noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4723999102275232088.post-49389133678594125162021-01-01T18:24:00.003-05:002021-01-01T18:24:26.334-05:00Word of the Year for 2021<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi061trGzLkiohTf_YkG8tsu5XC7arRIES5U-49nCvz8SycR01nnZ_f3fFTiaN-6YEnpFhM6Dor8riOdRhQfi7botV34JLh2ExGSUtGVoqObkKxL3Oo-ITCGyR3626jH7ppZXjXfBBt_Hk1/s970/letters-spelling-the-word-learn.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="646" data-original-width="970" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi061trGzLkiohTf_YkG8tsu5XC7arRIES5U-49nCvz8SycR01nnZ_f3fFTiaN-6YEnpFhM6Dor8riOdRhQfi7botV34JLh2ExGSUtGVoqObkKxL3Oo-ITCGyR3626jH7ppZXjXfBBt_Hk1/s320/letters-spelling-the-word-learn.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">My word for this year is "LEARN". I had to think long and hard about this word. I mean, I am a teacher and I expect my students to <b>learn</b> each day. However, I looked back at this last year and realized there are a lot of things that I need to <b>learn</b>.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I need to <b>learn </b>that I can't do everything myself. When my co-workers offer to help, I need to <b>learn</b> to accept that help. I need to<b> learn</b> that if they have asked to assist me when I know how busy they are that it is a sincere offer.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I need to <b>learn</b> to be more flexible. When a change must take place at school, I always say, "No problem. You know me, I'm the flexible one." I am flexible. However, my emotions need to be flexible as well. I need to<b> learn</b> to let my emotions free. I hold them in and then find that I am frustrated or angry. All the time I am feeling this way, I am doing what needs to be done to accommodate the new situation. Holding feelings inside leads to emotional exhaustion. A splendid example of this happened on the 28th of December. This was the day before my step-daughter's wedding. We had so much to do. I had been working all day trying to get things ready for the next day. I had eaten very little for two days because I needed to get things done. I was so stressed that I could not focus long enough to even make a list of what needed to be done. I became frustrated. I picked up a journal and began to doodle. This is something I do when I can't write to focus. Everyone kept asking what I was drawing. When I replied, "Just doodles", they kept asking what kinds of doodles. I finally asked everyone not to talk to me because I was becoming frustrated and needed to get my head focused before I could do anything. It was harsh. I felt guilty. Had I let my emotions out a day or two before, I probably would not have blown. Everyone was concerned because they knew how stressed I was. I know I hold emotions in and learning to let them out is probably one of the most important things I can learn to do for myself.<br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I need to learn to be a better communicator. I communicate with my students daily. I often come home so exhausted that I feel I have nothing left for my family. This is where communication breaks down. My husband can look at me and tell how my day went. He will speak and based on my response or<b> how</b> I responded, he will either back off thinking he doesn't want to add more stress to me or try to joke me out of my mood. I often become so silent I come across as sullen. I just have no energy left.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I need to <b>learn</b> to forgive myself when I react in a way that I normally would not react. Most importantly, I need to learn to forgive others for doing the same thing. We have been under a lot of stress. Some days we are just holding it together. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I need to <b>learn </b>that in the new year we will have a lot of changes and I can choose how I will react to them. I can choose to follow a negative path or a positive path. I must <b>learn</b> to always choose the positive path. Looking through a positive lens doesn't mean we don't acknowledge negative things happen. It means to look at it and try to find something positive in it that can be built upon. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I must remember that no matter what our age, we are never too old to<b> learn</b>. That is why I have chosen this word as my word of the year. May it be a year that we all grow and learn.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><br /> <p></p>Sandra Stileshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05028361723666419462noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4723999102275232088.post-7179010003185386012020-05-10T13:58:00.001-04:002020-05-10T13:58:20.124-04:00Starting Again<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="http://vonrider.blogspot.com/2015/10/starting-again.html"><span style="font-size: x-small;">http://vonrider.blogspot.com/2015/10/starting-again.html</span></a></div>
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If you go back and read my post for January you will see that my husband and I had quite a difficult 2019. We decided to put the positivity back into our life. Although I have chosen to look on the brighter side of things, that doesn't mean that things have gone all smooth. We suffered three more losses shortly into the new year. I kept telling myself if I could just make it to Spring Break I would be able to rejuvenate myself. Then Covid hit. I like many teachers had to start teaching from home. I ended up putting in more hours than I did when I was in a physical school building. You may ask why, since I could just shut off my computer each day. This is true. But for that child who is the oldest of five in the family, and has spent all day making sure their younger siblings got their work done, I wanted to be sure I was there for them if they needed help.<br />
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Covid has made me take a new look at my students this year. I miss them so much. Even those who often gave me problems are missed. I have always had good students. I have some this year that just aren't that "in" to schooling. That is what I mean by giving me problems. I have always wanted them to learn more than some of them are willing to learn. I have had to tell myself that I can't help them all even if I wanted to. Knowing that we won't have a traditional graduation ceremony for our eighth graders and I didn't get to stay up all night with them at Universal hurt. I really wanted that for this year. But I have some students who have asked if they could keep in touch with me when they go into high school. <br />
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I decided in the midst of all of this chaos to submit my work once again for publication. I am now looking at having my book "Seventy-Times-Seven" published around the new year. This motivated me enough to entice my students into agreeing to a poetry unit for their last unit. I have enjoyed writing poetry with them. It got my creative juices flowing. Then I started reading again. I feel like I am back on my way to enjoying reading and writing the way I used to. I feel like I just needed that jump-start to get me going. So where many people choose to look at the negative impact Covid-has had on them and society; I choose to see how it has motivated me to change in a positive way.<br />
So I am happy to say; I am Starting Again.</div>
Sandra Stileshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05028361723666419462noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4723999102275232088.post-14140651782943544112020-01-08T13:52:00.001-05:002020-01-08T13:52:48.384-05:00Word of the Day - Quaint<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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This poem for the word of the day was written by one of my eighth graders, Christopher</div>
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Quaint</div>
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You are different in many ways</div>
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You are awkward</div>
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Through all of your days</div>
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You might be old</div>
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or act that way</div>
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You are antique</div>
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But that makes you unique</div>
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What does this mean</div>
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What's the definition?</div>
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But you can't help</div>
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Your quaint position.</div>
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Sandra Stileshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05028361723666419462noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4723999102275232088.post-75855379618928051022020-01-07T08:28:00.000-05:002020-01-07T12:37:07.252-05:002020 Word of the Year<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<img alt="Image result for MOVE" 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<b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Choose to
Move<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> I have
chosen the word <b>MOVE</b> for my Word of the Year. There was so much
negativity in my life last year that I felt stuck. After a conversation with my
husband about how negative things felt in our house the word popped into my
head. Over the break I lost my publicist, my husband lost his aunt, a childhood
friend, and his cousin. My daughter pointed out how negative we seemed when we
returned our grandkids to her. I hate feeling negative. Our news is negative
and that carries over into conversations everywhere. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> This
negativity has a tendency to drag everyone down. I hear someone at school
berate someone else. I can choose to join in and drag myself down or choose to
ignore and <b>MOVE</b> on. I can listen to my mind tell me I will fail at
something or <b>MOVE</b> on. For two years I have let this negativity in my
head cause me to come to a crossroads and a standstill. I am choosing to <b>MOVE</b>
forward past the negativity, to believe in myself when my brain or others try
to bring me down. I choose to make decisions that will only <b>MOVE</b> me
forward. </span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> My husband and I have also chosen to <b>MOVE</b> forward with getting healthier. This means a lifestyle change. We are moving forward on our plan to eat Paleo and MOVE more through exercise. </span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">For these reasons, I have chosen the word <b>MOVE</b>.</span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></span>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>Student example</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Today was the first day back for students. For their journals, they are given a word of the day. They can write whatever they want, however, they want. I want to share what my student Lanette wrote.</span></span><br />
<span style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></span>Quaint - Unusual or different in character or appearance. This word is a word that I didn't know until today. I like that we started the second-semester learning and writing about words. Quaint, for some reason I like that word. I will try to use it from now on If I'm being honest, quaint sounds like an object that boats or ships use. It's also a little funny when you think about it Some synonyms are charming or vintage, which I believe fit perfectly.<br />
<span style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"></span></span><br />
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Sandra Stileshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05028361723666419462noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4723999102275232088.post-31261883949361138482019-03-03T21:32:00.001-05:002019-03-03T21:32:37.246-05:00#DWHabit - Difference<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<a href="https://previews.123rf.com/images/carmenbobo/carmenbobo1405/carmenbobo140500013/27980727-stamp-with-word-difference-inside-vector-illustration.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img alt="Image result for word "difference"" border="0" height="390" src="https://previews.123rf.com/images/carmenbobo/carmenbobo1405/carmenbobo140500013/27980727-stamp-with-word-difference-inside-vector-illustration.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
I think everyone wants to make a difference in their life or the life of someone else. I know that we wish for our children and students to want to make a difference. We are starting our unit on the Holocaust and Anne Frank. The whole idea behind this unit is to hopefully instill in my students the desire to make a difference in their world.<br />
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I hope they learn about some of the things that took place in the past and how people like Anne Frank chose to see the good in others and the world around her even with the terrible things happening to her and people like her. I want there to be some reaction that lets me know that I can feel confidence that these students are my future.</div>
Sandra Stileshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05028361723666419462noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4723999102275232088.post-68593470425948383902019-03-02T18:01:00.003-05:002019-03-02T18:01:57.817-05:00#DWHabit - Shiny<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Why is it that kids will always go for something shiny without knowing what it is, or its real value. I am reminded of the Disney show "Moana". The crab was all about being shiny. How many people go for something "shiny". It is something new that they think will make them stand out in the crowd. It could be a new job or position. It may be something they don't really want, yet they think it will put them in a better or higher position. I guess I have never been the one that wanted something so new and shiny. Having said that I think it is important that we let what is inside of us shine. Maybe we need to be the "shiny" thing that someone else is looking for to help them improve their own life. Maybe what we have inside is what we need to focus on. who knows.<br />
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Sandra Stileshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05028361723666419462noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4723999102275232088.post-77263257530509311272019-03-01T09:05:00.000-05:002019-03-01T09:05:27.811-05:00#DWHabit - Glow<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=4723999102275232088" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><img alt="Image result for creative commons "Glow" images" src="https://rstorage.filemobile.com/storage/31741088/1085" /></div>
The word glow can mean so many things and is used in so many ways.<br />
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We speak of a glow a woman has when she has just given birth or learned she is pregnant. When walking down the aisle the bride is often described as glowing. We associate it with words such as passion, warmth, brilliance.</div>
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We have the warm glow of a sunset as it sinks beneath the horizon. My favorite is the warm glow of the summer sun that is just beginning to rise. It colors not only the world but our mood and thoughts.</div>
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For me the glow of that child who has just accomplished something they thought they could never do, is what is special to me. It doesn't matter if that child is one, eleven or older. There is a genuine glow that comes with success. So why do parents, teachers and society try so hard to stop that glow with their words and attitudes? Is it something we do unintentionally? What will it take to say those words of encouragement to make our kids glow again. It seems to me that the world would be a brighter place with more light within it. Don't you agree</div>
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Sandra Stileshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05028361723666419462noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4723999102275232088.post-37683292987402436622019-02-28T08:09:00.003-05:002019-02-28T08:09:42.581-05:00#DWHabit - Bubbles<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<img alt="Image result for creative commons bubbles" height="426" src="https://taniaisrael.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/bubble-image-creative-commons.jpg" width="640" /><br />
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There is something magical about bubbles. Kids love them. Adults love them because it brings out the kid in them. I get my grand-kids bubbles every year for Christmas. It has been the one gift that they always love. They can't wait to get outside and play with them. I love the giggles that come from them. When my children and their children were babies I would blow bubbles at them just to watch them clap and hear them giggle. When they were old enough to toddle around I would watch them chase after them and try to catch them. Even our pets would get in on the action they would try to jump and catch them in their mouth. Yest there is something magical about bubbles. I used to wish I could climb into a giant bubble and soar into the sky. I would get a rainbow view from inside of the world. I would be carried where ever the wind would take me. Yes, I definitely still love bubbles</div>
Sandra Stileshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05028361723666419462noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4723999102275232088.post-73379705274343471202019-02-27T20:09:00.000-05:002019-02-27T20:09:11.574-05:00#DWHabit - Summer<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<img alt="Image result for summer" height="424" src="https://www.jetss.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/11.jpg" width="640" /><br />
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Today's word of the day for my classroom was "summer". My students were making comments that they couldn't wait for summer. For me as a child I loved summer because we were free to go camping or visit far away cousins. I spent most of my summer outside since we lived in the country. At least once a week we got to go to town and swim in the public pool. This would be a three to four hour adventure if we were lucky. My mom would spend time with her sister. Summer was a time of imagination, running and playing. It was a time I would spend in the rafters of our corn crib reading and writing.<br />
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Then there was the garden. I couldn't wait for the tomatoes to grow large and ripe enough to eat them. We would take two buckets to the garden. One was empty for the tomatoes and the other was filled with water to wash them. There is nothing better than a hot tomato from the garden. We carried a salt shaker out with us to salt our tomatoes.<br />
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When I was in tenth grade we moved to Florida. I loved sitting on a beach listening to the waves roll in. My sunburns were more severe down here. I found I had to limit my time in the sun. We tried a garden down here. I found that the food didn't taste near as good as it did up north. I personally believe it has to do with growing food in the sand as opposed to rich soil up north. So what do I do now that I am much older? We have a yard swing. I love going out first thing in the morning and sitting with my writing journal and my sketch pad. I usually take a cup of coffee with me. I listen to the sounds as the day wakes up. I sketch whatever comes to my mind. This usually lead to me writing something. Summer is the time when we get to spend more time with the grand kids. I love summer and like my students, can't wait for it to get here.</div>
Sandra Stileshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05028361723666419462noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4723999102275232088.post-92081821282367542272019-02-26T10:09:00.000-05:002019-02-26T10:09:53.377-05:00#DWHabit - Imagine<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<img alt="Image result for words" height="336" src="https://contenthub-static.grammarly.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/words-are-power-760x400.jpg" width="640" /><br />
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Imagine a class full of students, most of them hating to write. Imagine giving them a sticky note and telling them to write five words that they like, or they think are funny, or whatever. When they return the you type them onto a list of words you are collecting to use for their Word of the Day journal entry.<br />
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That is what I did today. I decided I would let them give me the words and then put them in a random list generator. One of my students gave me the word "<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Iridocyclitis". I had never heard of the word. I asked him if he knew what the word meant and he said yes. It is an infection of the iris of the eye. I asked him where he had heard the word and why he chose it. It was on a meme of a spelling bee he had seen. He thought the way the kid in the video pronounced it made it funny and it stuck. Yes I did put the word on the list. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">My students told me it was hard to write from a single word. I told them I understood it. It meant I was allowing them to be creative and to do their own thinking instead of spoon feeding what I wanted them to read and write. One of the other students popped up with, "Yeah, she is trying to help us become autonomous." That was one of their vocab words this week. They struggled with that word. Suddenly when he said that, they all got it. Several said, "Oh, she's trying to teach us to be independent thinkers."</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14.6667px;">I am so glad that I picked up Word of the Day again. I had no clue what I was going to write until Hector gave me that word and told me the reason he chose it was because it sounded funny. I want words to sound funny and wonderful to my students. I want them to learn to love them. Having them contribute to creating the list of words gave them buy-in. Wish I'd thought of this at the beginning of the year. I will do this at the beginning of the year next year. This will give me enough words for at least two school years.</span></span></div>
Sandra Stileshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05028361723666419462noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4723999102275232088.post-41507383821103253902019-02-25T12:35:00.000-05:002019-02-25T12:35:04.990-05:00#DWHabit - Perfect<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<img alt="Image result for perfect" src="https://logos.flamingtext.com/Word-Logos/perfect-design-fluffy-name.png" /><br />
Today was the perfect day to begin something new with my class. For the rest of the year their journal at the beginning of class will be a "Word of the Day" I have a calendar hanging so if they miss a day they can go back and see what it is and write. I will also post the word on Schoology so if they check it from home they will be able to see the word. <br />
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I chose the word perfect because we often expect our students to do their work as close to perfect as possible. One student wrote "What is perfect? I know I never think my drawings are perfect." I used her as an example of what to do. They seem to accept this form of writing easier than a lot of other writing. The reason it is so difficult to get my students to write is because they are being bombarded with essay writing. I hate that our district does this to them. They prefer round robin writing or stories attached to things like candy canes where all the prompts attached to them are about candy canes. I have a special one for them before spring break. I have key prompts tied to antique looking keys. I can't wait to see where that one takes them. Kids don't hate writing. They hate being told what to write and being told how to make it perfect. They don't buy into this lie because they have a teacher like me who tells them we can improve it but it will never be perfect. Maybe that is why they don't fight me on the writing</div>
Sandra Stileshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05028361723666419462noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4723999102275232088.post-12042985802196360362019-02-24T09:16:00.001-05:002019-02-24T09:16:33.904-05:00#DWHabit - Sing<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTS8165dAVz5bWozJIPgslOzyah6vh6gnSkjBQCz7UcOZBRM8sbGIrue5X8zpnRA_MTnqvu30q2Q5b9nxQDNZO8FpWP8AvZ36LM9SPeqRutTnYtN8yGk8ncn2IOoYFYeAT49xbpuQLm1fq/s1600/60375801-cartoon-blue-bird-singing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1230" data-original-width="1300" height="302" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTS8165dAVz5bWozJIPgslOzyah6vh6gnSkjBQCz7UcOZBRM8sbGIrue5X8zpnRA_MTnqvu30q2Q5b9nxQDNZO8FpWP8AvZ36LM9SPeqRutTnYtN8yGk8ncn2IOoYFYeAT49xbpuQLm1fq/s320/60375801-cartoon-blue-bird-singing.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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It is a pleasure to wake up each morning early enough to hear the birds sing. This morning there seemed to be a whole choir of them. I could hear the twitter and chirps as they called to each other. Then there was the singing of the wind as it wafted through the trees and bushes. Even the planes that fly over add their voices to the morning choir. People leaving for church and places unknown form the background music for all of this. As the sun rises more and more and the day progresses those voices become less and less. From the time I was a child, growing up on a farm in Indiana I always loved being awakened by the sound of the birds or other farm animals. I live in Florida now and it is no different. I love waking up in the summer and going out to my yard swing and listening to the birds and dogs. I watch our bees flit in and out of their box and listen to their harmony of buzzes. The lizards make no sounds that I am aware of, but their dances with each other make me feel alive. May I never grow too old to enjoy the singing of the world as it awakens each day.</div>
Sandra Stileshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05028361723666419462noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4723999102275232088.post-78771807109459161962019-02-23T12:26:00.000-05:002019-02-25T12:26:37.291-05:00#DWHabit - Word of the Day - Return<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo48qqbJCrbHfSzQjGs9iuYL4gOoVtGdw12kH7ULti99tNiXWqs0948TaWK4fi-VB3geJQh3QK_UGOXK-0UXwmBmlNGZkS9F7YHeu2dV1as-TAqJuv1SCbjRbLLoPZbFcAOFVaQtaMUOAA/s1600/Return.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="697" data-original-width="1464" height="152" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo48qqbJCrbHfSzQjGs9iuYL4gOoVtGdw12kH7ULti99tNiXWqs0948TaWK4fi-VB3geJQh3QK_UGOXK-0UXwmBmlNGZkS9F7YHeu2dV1as-TAqJuv1SCbjRbLLoPZbFcAOFVaQtaMUOAA/s320/Return.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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To Come Back Again. This is my first writing post since July 11. A lot has happened since then. School ended at the end of May last year. My plan was simple, read and write a lot. Plans have a way of falling apart. My mom's health went down hill quickly. I spent the entire summer either at a hospital or rehab facility. I would come home too tired to look at material for teaching a new subject the coming school year. Reading and writing were out of the question. I talked books. I talked ideas, but when I picked up that pencil to write I could not. I felt like a well that had run dry. I wrote examples with my students at school but it never went any farther. I tried to write during NaNoWriMo but just couldn't. I chided myself because writing had always been my outlet. I found that I was just going through the motions day in and day out. I couldn't sleep. I felt the harder I tried to read a book or write the more repulsed I felt. That drove me nuts because reading and writing are my passions. This last month my assistant principal asked me to facilitate a writing initiative at my school. I went to the training and even though I was sick the day of the training, I was excited to be asked to do this. Inspiring others to write it what it is all about. Trying to inspire teachers who don't usually teach writing, to write with their students was a challenge I looked forward to. For some reason, talking to and encouraging my students to encourage those teachers by being attentive to this writing initiative opened that stopper for me.<br />
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<b>Return</b><br />
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Return to the familiar<br />
What is that you ask?<br />
You know the familiar,<br />
that takes away your mask.<br />
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Those things like reading<br />
That send you far away.<br />
Yet have a hint of familiar<br />
to connect you to today.<br />
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Then there is the writing<br />
that allows you to create.<br />
Worlds and characters<br />
for people to love or hate.<br />
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Return to the scary<br />
the part that you must share<br />
It shows students you have<br />
courage to let them know you care.<br />
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Let this be my mantra<br />
that I will write each day.<br />
Let it be the candle<br />
that brightly shows the way.<br />
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Return to the unfamiliar<br />
to those things you dare to do.<br />
Those things will one day blossom<br />
into something beautiful and new.<br />
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Sandra Stileshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05028361723666419462noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4723999102275232088.post-80012399915206005892018-07-11T12:46:00.002-04:002019-02-25T12:26:11.854-05:00#DWHabit - Word of the Day - Candle<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtc5db9d_qR9MpnT58bmd8SLtzQv2EM27kDSCD1lEnkG9hyvoKVtmZ7TMnrmhFJEVa3jos1M6GNl__ZIFrb_1DS7C_PZxlHgXp7dOOkYxFrfp00QmBibwkLLt8N5ykOBX4WvVKzzhgu6KZ/s1600/candle+hands.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="588" data-original-width="960" height="196" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtc5db9d_qR9MpnT58bmd8SLtzQv2EM27kDSCD1lEnkG9hyvoKVtmZ7TMnrmhFJEVa3jos1M6GNl__ZIFrb_1DS7C_PZxlHgXp7dOOkYxFrfp00QmBibwkLLt8N5ykOBX4WvVKzzhgu6KZ/s320/candle+hands.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Candles have many purposes and symbolize so much in our lives. They are something so simple yet can be so powerful. A watched candle can provide light in a dark room. They provide a feeling of relaxation and security. If not watched a candle can ignite an inferno. They can create a devastation so powerful to destroy everything. Candles come in many shapes and sizes. We have those creative molded versions of flowers, animals and other shapes. They come in jars and cans with lids. They come in small sizes perfect for cakes. They can be fat or skinny short or tall. When we look at candles and their purpose in our lives we have to ask what would life be without candles. Lincoln read by candle light. Churches use them for services, wedding or for prayers. We use them in our homes. Their flames chase away the darkness while their fragrance fills our homes with sweetness.<br />
Something so simple and useful.<br />
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Let Me Be A Candle<br />
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Let me be a candle<br />
standing straight and tall.<br />
Let me be a candle<br />
of use to one and all.<br />
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Let me be a candle<br />
to brighten someone's day.<br />
Let me be a candle<br />
a light along the way.<br />
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Let me be a candle<br />
that bends in times of strife.<br />
Let me be a candle<br />
that shows a well lived life.<br />
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Let me be a candle<br />
who warms the coldest heart.<br />
Let me be a candle<br />
with wisdom to impart.<br />
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Let me be a candle<br />
full of faith and hope and love.<br />
Let me be a candle<br />
for my Heavenly Father above.<br />
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Sandra Stileshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05028361723666419462noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4723999102275232088.post-60194757676190869802018-07-10T20:32:00.001-04:002018-07-10T20:32:21.622-04:00Life's Journey<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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My life has been a roller coaster lately as we deal with my mom's health issues. Today's writing came from examining struggles and blessings. This is what came about.</div>
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Life’s Journey<o:p></o:p></div>
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Scrolling through the posts I watch summer journeys unfold.<o:p></o:p></div>
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I dream that one day I may be able to venture out into this
world.<o:p></o:p></div>
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It is a world where others journey to far away places.<o:p></o:p></div>
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It is a world where families visit theme parks or beaches.<o:p></o:p></div>
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For now I have my own journey. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Some days I feel like I am climbing mountains.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Some days I feel I am sinking in mud.<o:p></o:p></div>
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These days are hard, yet I embrace them.<o:p></o:p></div>
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I am grateful for each of these days.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Each day is one more day I get to spend with you.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Each day is one more day to encourage you.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Each day is one more day to say I love you.<o:p></o:p></div>
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When I was young your dream journey was put on hold.<o:p></o:p></div>
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I’m sure you felt like you were climbing mountains.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Some days you may have felt like you were sinking in mud.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Yet you joyfully embraced them all.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Growing up you knew was hard.<o:p></o:p></div>
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It was full of ups and downs.<o:p></o:p></div>
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They were journeys you gladly took with us<o:p></o:p></div>
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They filled your mother’s heart. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Now I take this journey with you.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Some days are filled with ups and downs.<o:p></o:p></div>
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I joyfully walk them with you.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Your strength and tenacity fill my heart.<o:p></o:p></div>
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You show the world your strength.<o:p></o:p></div>
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You show the world your love.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Most importantly you show the world how to live.<o:p></o:p></div>
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For that we are truly blessed.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Sandra Stileshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05028361723666419462noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4723999102275232088.post-7157637752081485012018-07-05T15:11:00.000-04:002018-07-05T15:12:04.248-04:00Reflection<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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I believe the above statement 100%. I have the privilege of working in an IB school. Reflecting on their work is one of the most important and beneficial things students do as part of their education. I have always felt it is important. I have a "Reflection Journal" that I keep at school. I try to reflect on my teaching at least once or twice a week. It is from this that I adjust my teaching. Our IB lesson plan has a section where we reflect on the lesson and what we must do to prepare students before the lesson, a section where we reflect on the lesson as we are teaching it and then finally a reflection of the whole teaching unit when we have finished it. I first learned to be a reflective teacher when I was working on my National Board Certification. That was the most beneficial piece to the whole process for me. So it should not come as a surprise that I adapted something from college. At the end of every college course we had to complete a "teacher report card". At the end of the year I give my students the following ten questions. I ask them to be very honest and to turn them in with no names. I then wait until the middle of the summer to pull it out and read and reflect on their answers. By waiting, I have already begun to plan for the next year and I can take what I learn and make adjustments for the next year. What follows are some of the things my students had to say.</div>
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<li><b>Is the teacher clear and easy to follow when presenting materials?</b> Almost all of them said I was clear and easy to understand except when I go to fast<b>.</b> I tell them at the beginning that the more excited I get the faster I talk. I then ask them tell me to slow down.</li>
<li><b>Is the material too easy, too difficult, or just right?</b> Most of them thought it was just right. If it was a skill or topic they were familiar with they felt it was too easy. What surprised me was the ones who thought certain lessons were too hard thanked me for challenging me.</li>
<li><b>Does the teacher display care and concern for students?</b> Everyone said yes. I not only cared about them and their education but also about them personally. If they were having a tough day or something was going on at home I let them talk. The funniest comment was in reference to a lock down we had. My classroom has two doors so the amount of space we have to hide in is limited. Of course we had a lock down during my largest class. Thirty minutes later when all was clear my students discussed their concern. One of my students had been very chatty due to nerves. Some of the kids complained because I had to have them scrunch up against each other in tight quarters. For middle school boys and girls this can be very uncomfortable and embarrassing. So one of them asked me what I would do if it was an active shooter on campus. My reply was I would do whatever it took to keep them safe. If I had to duct tape their mouths shut and stack them one on top of the other to protect them I would. The school officer soon walked my room with me and we found an alternate solution to the situation. I just thought this kid's response was funny. The other thing they said about my showing I cared was how I gave all of them a chance to get their grade up. Education should be about whether they learned the content and can use it in the future and not about what kind of grade they got.</li>
<li><b>Does the teacher try to make learning enjoyable and interesting?</b> The majority thought I did but I could add more learning games. One of them said I make it enjoyable because I tell them how it is and don't sugar coat it. This means if it is going to be difficult I tell them it will be and how we will work together to be successful.</li>
<li><b>What was the most challenging part of class for them?</b> I got the typical answers, essays. reading, all the writing they had to do. The one that impressed me the most was a student that said, "Being open minded to all the opinions in class I am exposed to (I'm working on it) I love the challenge." Being open minded is another tenet of the IB curriculum.</li>
<li><b>If you could change one thing that happened in our class, what would it be?</b> The students asked for more partner or group assignments. Several asked for more debates and class discussions. One student added that they wanted more class discussions that the others teachers were afraid to address. I always try to connect our lessons to what is happening in the world. If you don't allow students to have those uncomfortable conversations (done respectfully) then how can we expect them to make decisions and have these discussion in the future? I don't shy away from those tough topics. Maybe this is why I put banned books on my shelves. I sent home a letter to my 8th grade English 1 parents letting them know their students would be reading Laurie Halse Anderson's book "Speak" I told them it dealt with what happens when someone is raped and remains silent. We discussed how people who don't know the whole story behind someone can become judgmental, bullies, and intolerant. These are issues they see in the news every day. Not a single parent opted out of their child reading the book. </li>
<li><b>Which project did you learn the most from and why?</b> <b> </b>Most of them said the poetry unit where they had to analyze and write an essay comparing two poems. Most had never thought about poetry having themes and settings and it helped them figure out poetry.</li>
<li><b>What are some thing I the teacher could have done to make this year better?</b> My favorite answer was in response to teaching Romeo and Juliet. One student replied, "Less Old English, or add puppies." My last two units were more on the creative side. I gave students choices for their final project so that those who like to write could write and those who liked to dance, draw, create music could do so. I also gave for their last unit a step by step guide with due dates. They loved this and recommended I do this for all major projects. What surprised me was they wanted more tips on writing essays and, "More practice writing stories and understanding the emotion the story is putting into words to understand the story itself."</li>
<li><b>What advice would you give to students who would have me next year?</b> "Explore who you are and take time to enjoy the work and atmosphere in this class." "Take time to get used to how the teacher operates." "Be patient and understanding because the teacher is just doing her job."</li>
<li><b>How can I improve further?</b><span style="font-weight: bold;"> To me this is one of the most important questions. This is how my students answered.</span> "Give them more to look forward to. Allow them to read out loud more. Have more deep discussion that involve everyone and their opinions. Compliment the class at least once a week. Try to relate to the kids a bit more. Give more background info on the topic we are about to cover. Keep working with and encouraging the kids that don't want to work .: This is my favorite because I try to live this every day. "I think if you keep making your students believe we can achieve something, that we are human beings who have dreams and wishes, to teach them with fairness and justice and never make them choose YOUR side, but defend their own side, then they can't help but learn in your class."</li>
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It is an answer like the last one that make me so proud of my students. I have looked at these things and made some changes to my lessons and what I want to accomplish. I want to bring more cooperative learning in to my class. When you grow up where you were taught to do your own work and there was very little cooperative learning, it is difficult to change. I consider change a part of growing in my profession. Looking at how I need to implement change has charged me up for next year which starts in about five weeks. I would not have been able to make these changes had it not been for me practicing reflection. Reflection is a process everyone should utilize. <br />
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Sandra Stileshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05028361723666419462noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4723999102275232088.post-46780371283391418572018-06-26T17:16:00.002-04:002018-06-26T17:16:29.188-04:00#DWHabit - Drama<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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https://dramakids.com/blog/the-benefits-of-drama/wood-drama-sign/</div>
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Today I chose the word Drama for my daily writing. I have felt at times this week that I was in some sort of an unrealistic play. I have not written daily as my mom has been hospitalized. This word popped into my head this morning because I have had at least six people this week make a comment about not wanting to deal with someone's drama, or they were over someone's drama. In the past I always thought of drama as a performance. I guess in a way it is. However, this last school year and this summer I have heard the word used in a more negative connotation.<br />
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What causes someone to create such negative drama in their lives? Students are always telling me, "Oh so and so is just so full of drama." or "You know so and so is all drama." I have even had family members use that this week. I don't want a lot of "drama" in my life. I choose to live as drama free as possible. I also am choosing not to be an active participant in someone else's "drama". I am just praying for strength to carry this through.<br />
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Sandra Stileshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05028361723666419462noreply@blogger.com0