[Photo of the Week] Pickle Skins

I noticed J. nibbling at his pickles.  Here is the conversation that followed (he speaks very precisely.):

Me: J.  Whatcha doin'?

J: I am peeling my pickles.

Me: How come?

J:  I do not like the skin.

Me:  That's awesome.  May I take a picture?

J:  Oh.  Yes.  Do you like it?

Me:  Yes.  I like it very much.  It makes me happy.

J:  I can make them into the shape of an octopus if you would like it better?

Me: No thanks.  I like them just the way they are.

[Quote of the Week] QOW #21

Me: Okay dudes, there's something we need to get done today.  Third period started on it today, and it didn't go very well.  In fact, I was kind of frustrated.  I'll tell you what it is, and maybe you have an idea for how it can go better?

A: We could just pay attention.  I bet it would go better if we did that.

LOVE. LOVE.  Triple LOVE.

[Teaching Writing] Many Good Things A.K.A Fresh is the New Cool.

More specifically, 100 Good Things.

I discovered a new magazine recently.  I was drawn in by the cover (see photo to the left).  True, the word GOOD screams out at you.  This may have been the first thing I saw.  Additionally, the cover is made from a matte-artsy-mod-hipster material and I wanted to pick it up.  Once I did, the articles and ads were equally fascinating.

Even better, I found my first-day-back-at-school-super-cool-lesson idea within the non-glossy-hip-and-cool pages.

Today we began our own 100 Good Things list using this interactive list as our mentor text.

Some examples from the list that caught our eye:

• Gaming is the new teaching tool.
• Glitterbombing is the new yarnbombing.
• Supper Club is the new restaurant
• Touch is the new click
• Twitter Spoiler is the new TV Recap
• Doing is the new Talking
• AIRBNB is the new Craigslist
• Pie is the new cupcake

Here are the rough ideas from our list:

• Modern Warfare is the new Halo
• Green Lantern is the new Superman
• Dubstep is the new Techno
• iPad is the new iPod
• Teased hair is the new Bump-it
• Google Earth is the new Google Maps
• "Smile Bracelets" are the new "Silly Bands"
• Facebook is the new MySpace
• Google+ is the new Facebook
• Texting is the new calling
• Sears is the new Kmart
• Fresh is the new cool
• Astin Kucker is the new Charlie Sheen
• Takis are the new Flamin' Hot Cheetos
• Blu-Ray is the new DVD 

Just a little window into the souls of our next generation.  Some hopeful, some scary, yes?

[SDAWP] Shameless Self-Promotion

I LOVE the people in this publication.  I am equally tickled that this is where I got to be "published" for the first time.  So, in honor of shameless self-promotion...  here I am!

http://www.scribd.com/doc/76758253/Dialogue-Winter-2011-12

[Student Story] I Loves Me My Kiddos

It doesn't take a genius to figure out that I haven't been posting, but I feel the need to say... I haven't been posting.

Some caped-crusader-kryptonite found its way around the cape, and I've been trying to get my senses back. With that in mind, I must say that my little poo-muffins are the best healers in the world. What truly incredible power-houses of perseverance, resilience, and character these kiddos are. I have sticky notes (read here for previous discussion of my penchant for the sticky note) all over my desk with quotes and stories that I must share with you one day.  I will.

Some future posts that I will tell myself you are looking forward to....

--The Guy at the Coffee Shop (again)
--Dead Word Walking
--Book Review: Graceling
--The Maury Quote
--Why Boys Aren't Allowed the Crochet
--How You Know There is a Yeti Around
--More Hope is the Thing With Feathers poems

Peace Out!

[Quote of the Week] Quote of the Week #20

B:  We should come up with a nickname for Boss.
Me:  Like what?  Boss is pretty short.
B:  How about Boss with one S?

[Teaching Writing] The Coolest Acronym Ever!

NaNoWriMo

[NBPTS] Can I Get a Fist Pump?

As of this morning, I officially renewed my National Board Certification.  I am now a Nationally Certified Teacher through 11/22/2022.  In case you are wondering, I will also use this as proof that I am, indeed, a Super Teacher. 

Congratulations to all of you 2011 NBPTS Renewals!

For more information about National Certification and NBPTS, go here and here.