All Creatures Great and Small

From furry friends who are members of my family to majestic eagles flying high, dolphins dancing at sea, horses gaily galloping, or brown bats performing ballets in the sky, animals have always held a special place in my heart.

Check out the following You Tube video about caring for our animal friends. The video is touching and the message inspiring. Scott Simpson, a dear friend and colleague entered the Humane Society of America Video Hymn Contest. The lyrics were written by Carolyn Gillette. Scott composed and performed the music. Scott does great work and his music is always moving.

What stories do you have of your relationship to God’s creatures? Do you have a moving story about a family pet? Is there a particular animal that inspires you? What have you learned from the wild kingdom?

Bat Festival! What's That?



Button says "Bats need friends"



Don't you want to hang out with this little guy?



This August, I attended the 6^th Annual Bat Festival. Every time I wear my festival t-shirt I get  “A Bat Festival! What’s that?” This event is held in Custer State Park every year and put on by the South Dakota Bat Working Group. I had the distinct pleasure of helping people of all ages, from two years old to youngsters in their 80s, assemble foam bats. They are super cool!




Bats exiting the bathouse
Photo by Nick Altadonna



This event is a fantastic opportunity to learn more about bats. There is a wonderful  presentation that includes a catchy little song about echolocation. My kids have been singing it ever since. The yummy bat cookies also made the trip worthwhile.  The highlight of the event was witnessing over 100 bats exit from the bat house at the campground. We were even able to hear the bats with the use of bat detectors.  



 The SDBWG is involved in many educational efforts. As part of that effort, our school  received a set of twelve wonderful nonfiction books from the South Dakota Bat Working Group Books for Schools Program.



To learn more about the South Dakota Bat Working Group, please visit http://sdbwg.org/. You can also sign up for Echoes, an e-newsletter devoted to bat issues in South Dakota. Subscriptions are free- just email joeltigner@gmail.com.

One section of the newsletter is devoted to poems and artwork related to bats. If you have submissions for future editions, please send them to me at Cary.Roller@k12.sd.us. You may also send them to me through snail mail, C/O Knollwood Elementary, 1701 Downing Street, Rapid City, SD 57701. Please state how you would like to be published (for example, first name and school or first and last name). We can only accept original pieces of work, not work copyrighted by someone else.





Long-eared Myotis

photo by Joel Tigner

A Rumbling Good Time

I recently returned from the 2011 South Dakota Reading Council State Conference which was held in Sioux Falls this year. I took the trip with three colleagues and fellow Reading Council officers. It was fantastic.

One of the highlights was meeting Chris Rumble.  The first night there, I took part in a Murder Mystery (cool experience- my first time, but definitely not my last). It was called Murder in Margaritaland. The first time I met Chris, I simply knew him as Managing Mo (a manager for Sandy Beachbum, a surfer on the island). I was initially impressed by his infectious smile and his love of life.

Later I found out who he was- children’s book author, illustrator, musician, and speaker. Chris is the genuine article. I love his sense of humor and his positive, upbeat personality. He gave a wonderful presentation that included audience participation. It got both adults and kids fired up to read and write. Chris was also the keynote at the Student Award’s Ceremony.

Please check out his website at http://www.chrisrumble.com/index.htm. His video blogs are great. You’ll want to watch Episode 3: How to Wind Up Your Child’s Day with Joy and Happiness. This one had me wiping tears from my cheek at the conference. You can also hear some of his motivational songs (click Author Visits and check out the right hand sidebar). Chris has a true passion for children and spreading the love of literacy.

"Gone to the Fields to Be Lovely"

Our Summer Courage to Teach Retreat was held at the Moreau River Sanctuary in Isabel, South Dakota. Many of you have heard me share my thoughts on the picturesque prairie setting and have asked to see photos. Although the pictures don’t do justice to the setting’s beauty, here they are as promised.

A slideshow design by Smilebox

The title of today’s post comes from a poem by Lynn Ungar which was shared at the retreat. It is titled Camas Lilies. Here is a snippet:

And you- what of your rushed and
useful life? Imagine setting it all down-
papers, plans, appointments, everything
leaving only a note: “Gone to the fields
to be lovely. Be back when I’m through
with blooming.”

I often struggle with slowing down and just being. I feel like I need to be doing, doing, doing (often multiple things at once). As part of my Courage Work, I am learning to embrace solitude and celebrate living in the moment. I am reminded of the flight attendant’s mandatory pre-flight message “Please secure your own oxygen mask before helping those around you”. When I’m not taking care of myself, I can’t be much help to others. It’s important for me to be rested and refreshed so that I can fully give myself to others and the experiences of life.

In order to live to my fullest potential, I am committing to go into the fields often. Here are my fields:
• Nature: It is crucial for me to be in nature. It is both relaxing and invigorating for me. Nature has restorative properties. I love to relate to the magnificence of the earth and marvel at her dynamic beauty.
• Garden of “flowers”: Cultivating a garden of striking flowers- a community of positive, uplifting people who respect me, accept me, and embrace me for who I am. There are far too many toxic weeds out there. While I don’t need to pull them out, I also don’t need to put them in a vase on my table.
• Youthful perspective: Seeing the world through the eyes of my children (and my students) helps me appreciate the exciting in the seemingly mundane.
• Music: I appreciate all types. Music speaks to me and moves my soul. I am becoming introduced to many new pieces and genres thanks to my garden of flowers.
• Poetry: Mostly reading other people’s poetry (I am amazed at people’s way with words), and also experimenting expressing myself and writing some of my own.
• Dancing: Movement is another remarkable form of expression, both watching others and participating myself.
• Reading: A passion- yes. Therapeutic- yes. Getting lost in faraway stories, being involved in thought provoking questions, and reviewing old letters and notes (true gifts written by those that care).
• Journaling: A great tool of self-exploration. One in which I am honest with myself, my thoughts, and my feelings, not simply a log of the day’s events.
• Photography: A growing passion of mine. Seeing things from a different perspective. Humbly trying to capture the world’s wonder.
• Scrapbooking: Combining journaling and photography. I often joke about being a “scrapbook collector” and now I am finally making the time to create some pages. It’s great therapy and I’m beginning to do some pages just for me.

What “fields” do you go to “to be lovely”? And if you don’t often go into the fields, why not start making regular trips today?

What If ...

... you read this post and were introduced to a new book? What if that new book led to a new way of thinking? What is that book opened the doors to reaching your full potential? 

 

Distinguished author Melanie Hurley signing copies of her books.

Today’s book recommendation is What If? written by Rapid City native Melanie Hurley. I have known Melanie for many years and was delighted when she became a published author. We graduated from Black Hills State University together and taught at the same elementary school for several years. Melanie was Rapid City’s 2005 Teacher-of-the Year.  She is currently a professor and the Professional Development Schools Coordinator at Black Hills State University.

  





I had the distinct pleasure of attending
Melanie’s first book signing party.

Melanie's book is everything she is- beautiful and inspirational. The text is written in the format of questions, such as “What if you never gave up on yourself?”.  Just imagine! The powerful message of believing in yourself and achieving your dreams is relevant to both children and adults. This book would work great in the classroom setting or be perfect as a gift. Of course, you'll also want a copy for yourself! Let me know if you are interested in an autographed copy and I'll send you Melanie's contact information.

Three Books and a Thumb

I had book club with The Novel Ladies and Friends last week. We discussed The Wind Blows Free by Frederick Manfred. The story is a personal memoir of a 1934 hitchhiking trip the author took from Boon, Iowa to the Western Mountains. The author travels light, of course. In his small leather suitcase, he packs three books: the Bible, Shakespeare’s Works, and Walt Whitman’s Leaves of Grass.

At club, I boldly asked “What three books would you take with you on a hitchhiking trip?” knowing full well I didn’t have my own answer. Of course, many people’s initial response was a Kindle, but that doesn’t count for this question. On this trip there is no way of recharging batteries or replacing them. J

Many of the ladies shared books that offered fond memories of when they were younger. While I wouldn’t use any of these books as one of my three, it did get me thinking about books I read and loved as a teenager. I compiled this short list of books from my younger years that I plan to reread. I wonder if I’ll still enjoy them as much as I did back then.

·         To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee

·         Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck

·         Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen

·         Little Women by Louisa May Alcott

·         Papa’s Daughter by Thyra Ferre Bjorn

·         Julie of the Wolves by Jean Craighhead George

·         Caddie Woodlawn by Carol Ryrie Brink

·         The Good Earth by Pearl S. Buck

·         The Hiding Place by Corrie Ten Boom

One reason I am having such a difficult time with this question is that I always struggle with questions about favorites. What is your favorite song? What is your favorite genre of music? Favorite color? Favorite tv show? I have a hard time committing to a favorite because I have a wide variety of interests and my answers seem to depend on the mood I’m in. I would like to take the Bible. It has a little of everything, it’s full of inspiration, and it’s a book I have never read from cover to cover, but want to. I would also like to take a journal of some type to record thoughts and observations. If I was hitchhiking in the US, I would take my journal, Let’s Go See: All 50! Visiting the 50 States Journal. It’s put out by Journal’s Unlimited. I love their journals. Maybe I’d just take some blank paper and add my own Bible Verses and quotes. Then I could take three additional books. After much consideration, I have decided the three would be (at least at the time of this post):                                                                                          

 

·        Gone With the Wind  by Margaret

·        The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen R. Covey

·        The Lakota Way by Joseph M. Marshall III

So , what three books would you take along? Any particular reason?

Summer Reading

The 2010-2011 school year has officially come to an end. Friday, May 27 was my last day with kids. As I gave my students one last goodbye hug, I encouraged them to keep reading over the summer. I shared with them my desire to dive into some great books, get lost in a new novel, learn something new, and visit faraway places by way of the library.

 I know many of you out there use summer to catch up on reading. What titles do you have sitting in the stack of books beside your bed? What books are on your summer reading list? I can’t wait to hear your recommendations (both education and non education related)…

Here are a few of mine:

·         The Hero Inside of You: 260 Thrilling and Inspiring True Stories of Ordinary Heroes by Allan Zullo and Mara Bovsun. This little delight was a gift from two of the student interns at my school. It’s a great little book not only because of the inspirational stories, but also because it’s easy to read a story in a couple of minutes while you’re waiting for the train or sitting at the dentist’s office and it fits nicely in my purse.

·         Black Ants and Buddhists: Thinking Critically and Teaching Differentially in the Primary Grades by Mary Cowley. I’ve seen this book in the Stenhouse Publishers catalog and it’s been on my list for some time. While I was at the International Reading Association Conference three weeks ago, my colleague, Mrs. Tautkus, purchased it herself, not knowing it was on my wish list and excited shared it with me. I perused her book and went right over to the Stenhouse booth during my next break and picked up my own copy. I started reading it on the plane ride home and I am not disappointed. If you are interested in creating nurturing environments that foster socially responsible and critical children, this is the book for you.   

·         Where Good Ideas Come From by Steven Johnson.  I saw a video on You Tube and immediately added it to my list. Check out the video at http://youtu.be/NugRZGDbPFU if you want to know why I’m intrigued.

·         Anything We Love Can be Saved: A Writer’s Activism by Alice Walker. I was at the Rapid City Public Library looking for Frederick Manfred: A Daughter Remembers  by Freya Manfred. I couldn’t find the book; however, this one caught my attention. Although Alice Walker won the Pulitzer Prize for her novel The Color Purple; it was the title that convinced me to add yet another book to my pile.

·         The Wind Blows Free by Frederick Manfred. This is the selection for my The Novel Ladies and Friends book club in June.  It’s a personal memoir of the Dust Bowl.

·         Lot’s Return to Sodom by Sandra Brannan. See why here.  

·         What Really Matters in Response to Education by Richard Allington. I’m reading this one for a summer book study with several colleagues at school. I’m looking forward to some good conversations about designing RtI programs that support struggling readers.

·        Crucial Conversations: Tools for Talking When Stakes Are High by Kerry Patterson, Joseph Grenny, Ron McMillan, and Al Switzler. The authors show how to blend intellectual intelligence and social intelligence to create dialogue. The forward is written by Stephen Covey, author of The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, so I am confident it will be a productive read.

As you can see, I am sorely lacking fiction titles here. Once I finish these eight, I have several others waiting in the wing, but I’m always on the lookout for more. I can’t wait to see what everyone else is reading.

Book Clubs in the Primary Grades

Speaking of book clubs, I have been wondering how to incorporate the concept of Book Clubs into my first grade classroom.  Several years ago, I experimented with Book Clubs at the end of the year. We had several different selections and students got to choose which book they wanted to read.  It was quite structured and students had a specific “assignment” every day.

Here’s a great book I recently pulled from my bookshelf and plan on rereading this summer: Comprehension Right From the Start: How to Organize and Manage Book Clubs for Young Readers by Donna Marriott. It focuses on moving students to “intense conversations” about books. It talks about a five-day course of study. The format includes an emphasis on 1) introducing the study, 2) skill/strategy, 3) literacy discussion, 4) writing about reading, and 5) celebrations of learning. It also includes lesson plans for the five-day study of The Carrot Seed, If You Give a Mouse a Cookie, and The Three Billy Goats Gruff.

Another idea I’ve come across is the Brown Bag Book Club. Although I haven’t tried this yet, I can foresee my students loving it. Students read a book and fill out a graphic organizer, thinking map, or reader’s response and glue it to a small brown paper bag or lunch sack. The bags would later be filled with popcorn and students would pair up to share. The discussions could be guided by (but not limited to) the information on their bag. I anticipate many productive discussions coming from this process.  Of course, we only have five more school days left, so there’s no time to try it this year, but it will definitely be on my plans next year.

My purposes are to facilitate the joy and adventures of reading and encourage dialogue around high quality literature and related topics. I am also hoping that this will deepen comprehension and increase meaningful student discourse.

I’m interested in hearing from others who have had experiences with managing Book Clubs in the primary grades. What things have you tried? What works well for you? For those of who have not tried Book Clubs yet, what ideas and/or questions do you have just floating around?

Book Clubs- Not Directly Education Related

I have never been a part of a book club before. I take that back. I have been a member of several different Bible studies where we were choose a book and meet on a regular basis to discuss what we are learning. I loved those experiences; however, I have always wanted to be a part of a group that shares my love of reading. I also wanted something with the focus on the enjoyment and not the pressures of a graduate literacy course.  Additionally, I wanted to be introduced to books that I might not otherwise pick up.

I got my wish! I was recently invited to be a part of a book club called Novel Ladies and Friends. It is everything I wanted and more. They meet on a monthly basis and each take turns choosing the book and being the hostess. The participants are from all walks of life and many generations.

My first experience with Novel Ladies was on Cinco de Mayo. I am so glad I went. Our book for the month was Sandra Brannan’s book, In the Belly of Jonah. Although I love to read, I usually find myself with works of nonfiction, mostly education related. I forgot how enjoyable it is to read fiction. It’s so relaxing and satisfying to read without a highlighter or feeling the need to take notes. I devoured the book in just a couple of nights.



The Novel Ladies and Friends



Good food and drink were a big part, but the highlight of the night was having the author at the festivities. Sandra is such a fun, down-to-earth person. I was enthralled by the book and absolutely adored Sandra as a person. I can’t wait until her next book in the series, Lot’s Return to Sodom, comes out in June. Liv Bergen is back to solve a mystery in our own Black Hills! I will be at Borders on June 4 at 2:00 to get my autographed copy. I’ll see you in line…

Yes- I'm an Author Groupie!

If you would like to learn more about Sandra and her book, please visit the following links. Considering this book is a murder mystery, keep in mind that the material may not be suitable for young children.

Review and exclusive interview with Sandra Brannan: http://www.book-club-queen.com/belly-of-jonah.html

Sandra Brannan talks about her book: http://dai.ly/j3BdsN

Book trailer for In the Belly of Jonah: http://youtu.be/1esPz1SLp94

Sandra Brannan’s website: www.sandrabrannan.com

It's a Book...It's a Must Read

Here’s another book to add to your reading list… It’s a Book by Lane Smith.  This book is a dialogue between a laptop loving donkey and a book loving monkey.  It’s hilariously funny. I laughed out loud in the aisle of Borders when I first read it.

I often find myself in the Pro-Book / Pro-E-Reader conversation. My husband has wanted to get me a Kindle for some time, but I am holding out. Although I am not against technology, I have to say I am a traditional book gal in every sense of the word. Yes, I see the benefits of one, but nothing compares to holding an old fashion book in my hand and turning the pages. I hope in the future that it is not one or the other- traditional books or e-readers- but that people can enjoy both.  Maybe I will eventually go for a Kindle, but traditional books will always remain #1. I love to buy them, borrow them, arrange them, hold them, and read them.  

I am not sure who the audience of this book should be. Adults should definitely add it to their list. Parents and educators will want to preview this book before using it with kids. Smith uses the language of “jackass” for the donkey in the final line of the book, which will be a sticking point for some.

Watch the following YouTube video for a sneak peak and see what you think.

Visit Smith’s blog at http://curiouspages.blogspot.com/2010/07/lane-smith-on-its-book.html  to read about how the book came to be.

So, where do you stand in the debate? Are you Pro-Book? Pro-E-Reader?  Or somewhere in between? What do you think of Lane Smith’s It’s a Book?

Life in a Jar

One of my goals for 2011 involved making a commitment to read at least two books a month. (No- this is not counting children’s picture books- I already read those in abundance.)  I am proud to share that I have met, actually surpassed, my goal so far!

I recently finished one of the most priceless reads in a long time, Life in a Jar: The Irena Sendler Project, by Jack Mayer. It is a novel based on the true story of Irena Sendler who helped save 2,500 Jewish children from the Warsaw ghetto and the Kansas teenagers who “discovered” her story. What started as a History Day project in Norm Conard’s class turned into something so much more.  Not only is the book a remarkable read, but proceeds from sales go to a worthy cause. Sixty percent of the sales are donated to the Irena Sendler Life in a Jar Foundation to promote Irena’s legacy and inspire educators and students to take part in unsung hero projects.

Of course, some people may say I am a little biased as I have met the astonishing Norm Conard and the incredible Megan Stewart Felt, two of the original founders of the project. So don’t just take my word for it. READ IT FOR YOURSELF. You can order a copy of the book at www.irenasendler.org/shop.asp. This story is a testament to the power of project based learning, the importance of historical research, and the impact of effective teachers. It’s also the story of unsung heroes, generations and worlds apart. I know you’ll agree with me that Life in a Jar is a touching example of the power of individuals to change the world.  Trust me, you’ll be moved in many ways…

Want to learn more about this incredible story? Visit either www.lowellmilkencenter.org or www.irenasendler.org.  Check out the following video clip from the March 7, 2007 edition of Today's American Story. 

OF THEE I SING: A Letter to My Daughters ... A Must Have

I received this wonderful book as a Christmas gift from one of my colleagues. Thank you Mrs. Tautkus! Regardless of political affiliation, of Thee I Sing: A Letter to My Daughters is a must have.

I love it for the multiple ways it can be used in and out of the classroom. I love it for its inspiration. I love it for its connections to American history. I love it for the message that fits so nicely with our “It Only Takes One” project in first grade. I love it for the message that today’s children are tomorrow’s leaders.  I love it for its encouragement to follow our dreams and reach the potential within us.

I can see using it for a six traits lesson on organization. The left page of the spread shows a child and asks a question such as “Have I told you that you are a healer?”. The right page of the spread shows that child as an adult and tells his or her place in history. In response to the previous question, the answer is: “Sitting Bull was a Sioux medicine man who healed broken hearts and broken promises. It is fine to be different, he said. ‘For peace, it is not necessary for eagles to be crows.’ Though he was put in prison, his spirit soared free on the plains, and his wisdom touched the generations.

The final page then gives additional information about each hero. Loren Long’s illustrations are gorgeous. This book is perfect for the classroom and perfect as a gift for people of all ages. Check out the following video which is narrated by Loren Long, the illustrator of the book.

Reading Council and Local Children's Author Claudia Little

Halloween may be over, but I am being haunted by voices… My blog has been talking to me. It’s saying “It’s been over a month since you last spoke to me.” Scary, isn’t it? Is it because I have had nothing to blog about? Quite the contrary! Plenty of things have happened since my last entry-  from wonderful happenings in the classroom to awesome professional development experiences. If I have time, I will catch up on all these experiences.

However, for today, I would like to share about the local Reading Council meeting I attended tonight.  Local children’s author, Claudia Little, spoke to us about making connections with our students and helping students improve their writing. Claudia is a retired teacher and lives in Spearfish, South Dakota. Claudia is the author of two books, Patches, My Mustang and Mudpies. Patches began as a story growing up on a ranch. Claudia's fourth and fifth grade students became her editors. Mudpies is a beautiful rhyming book about the simple pleasures in life. Both books are illustrated by Sharon Grey, who was a former student of Claudia’s back in the third grade.  The illustrations in Patches are charcoal. The illustrations in Mudpies are gorgeous watercolor paintings with real children used as models. Check out the following website for more information on Claudia: http://www.photographs.galeymiller.org/History/Spearfish-Area-Historical/4458366_emTYG/4 Claudia also gives presentations to classrooms. Her contact information is: 605-642-4227 or clittle@spe.midco.net.

Claudia was available to sign copies of her books. I picked up copies for several of my colleagues. Don’t books make the greatest gifts? And I couldn’t resist adding Patches and Mudpies  to my own library. One can never have too many books. Just don’t ask my husband!  We were also treated to some delicious goodies. To make a good evening better, I won the door prize- a $10.00 gift card to Borders!  Did I say one can never have too many books?

Book Recommendation- Pete the Cat

Looking for a new book to use in the classroom or even at home with your own kids? I have a great recommendation for you... Pete the Cat written by Eric Litwin and illustrated by James Dean. Pete the Cat is a fantastic children's book that works for both adults and kids alike. My students love the repetitive text and the catchy tune of the song. I guarantee that you will find yourself singing and grooving to it when you least expect it. It’s a great text for beginning readers; however, I have noticed that readers of all levels love it.

The message is a positive take on those unexpected speed bumps we all encounter. In a very simple fashion, Pete teaches us that even though we all “step in it” from time to time, the goal is to “keep walking along, singing our song.” One of my students proudly proclaimed, “Don’t let the bad things get you down”. Well said Morgan!

Check out the following videos. Yes, they are all of the same book, but each is worth viewing.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nUubMSfIs-U (author and illustrator performing the book)

www.harpercollins.com/petethecat (story and song download)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QNAeRy6jS7c (preschooler reading the book with a toddler listening in)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yRALCpZP9ro&feature=related (another precious video of a little girl reading the book)

Purchase it now at Amazon.

Pete the Cat: I Love My White Shoes by Eric Litwin and James Dean (Hardcover - Mar 2, 2010)

Buy new: $16.99 $11.55

Who can pass this adorable cat up?

Pete the Cat Doll by Eric Litwin and James Dean (Hardcover - Sep 15, 2010)

Buy new: $15.00 $10.12