Taking a Risk and in Denver by 6:00

Friday during Easter weekend my husband texted me the following “Let’s fly to Denver tonight.” A little background is in order here… my husband works for an airline and as part of his benefits, we can fly stand by for free. Picture this: we have been married for 10 years and I have only used his benefits 3 times (for our honeymoon, to attend my sister’s wedding reception in Omaha, and once when I took my oldest son to Salt Lake City to visit friends). The timing is never right.  I always have something that needs to be done or the flights are full and I worry about getting back. I thought he was crazy for even suggesting it. I had been gone two weekends in a row- one for the Milken Forum and one for Courage to Teach. All I wanted to do (or thought I wanted to do) was stay home.

For some reason, I decided to just go for it this time around. For anyone who knows me, this is not me at all- not planned, very spur of the moment. I rushed home at 2:00, took a shower, packed for myself and my two boys, packed for my daughter who would be staying with her grandma, dropped off my daughter in town, and was at the airport by 4:00.



"Once you have tasted flight,

 you will forever walk the earth with your eyes turned skyward,

for there you have been, and there you will always long to return. "

~ Leonard da Vinci



We were in Denver by 6:00. Eli seemed to relax about his fear of flying and actually enjoyed the return flight. It helped to have dad there explaining all the noises and process of flight in technical terms, which calmed Eli’s fears better than my strategies. Ethan experienced his first ever flight and loved it.

The next day, we took public transportation to the Denver Museum of Nature and Science. We saw a 3D show at the IMAX. It was called Born to be Wild 3D. I don’t know who enjoyed themselves more- me or my boys. I have never seen a 3D movie before. Experiencing one at the IMAX was unbelievable. Born to be Wild is an incredible story about orphaned orangutans and elephants, and the amazing individuals who rescue, raise, rehabilitate, and return them to the wild. Visit the following link to learn more about the story and view a trailer of the film. http://www.dmns.org/imax/current-films/born-to-be-wild-3d

If I would have thought about things too much, I probably would have said no and I would have missed all the incredible experiences that occurred in one, short, 24 hour period. The lesson here…sometimes you just have to take a risk.  This year has really been one of stepping out of my comfort zone and trying new things, both personally and professionally. See my previous post "I'm new. I'm trying." Button about trying new things.

What risks have you taken this year? How has it paid off? What have you learned from your new experiences?

Courage to Teach: Renew, sustain, and inspire.

Renew, sustain, and inspire. What do you think of when you read those words? I think of the work I am doing with Courage to Teach. I am part of a cadre of the fourth CTT program in South Dakota.  We gather for a series of six retreats over eighteen months. The retreats are led by skilled facilitators. Our amazing leaders are Educational Technology Specialists with TIE (Technology and Innovation in Education).  Check out http://www.tie.net to learn more about TIE and their numerous professional development projects and opportunities. 

Our retreats have taken place at the Outlaw Ranch in Custer, SD

The mission of Courage to Teach is to help foster personal and professional renewal through retreats that offer time and space to reflect on our life and work. We use poetry, stories, solitude, reflection, and deep listening.  Visit http://www.couragerenewal.org for podcasts, a blog, and information about retreats and programs. While you are there, don’t forget to check out the books by Parker Palmer located under the Resources section.

The hope that Spring brings

If you ever have the opportunity to attend Courage to Teach retreats, DO IT! It promises to be one of the most valuable experiences you will ever be involved in, personally and professionally.

I’m curious… have you read any of Parker Palmer’s work? Has anyone been a part of Courage to Teach?

2011 Milken Educator Forum: It's All About the People

I feel like I finally landed back home after being whisked away to a magical land for the weekend. I was honored to attend the 2011 Milken Educator Forum in California as a veteran Milken educator.

We stayed in the luxurious Loews Santa Monica Beach Hotel overlooking the Pacific Ocean. The view was breathtaking. I could handle waking up every morning to that! It was invigorating. And the food-  MUY DELICIOSO!  

Despite all of this, nothing compares to the best part of the entire conference- the people. I was surrounded by remarkable individuals: genuine people who truly care about kids, people who take risks and go above and beyond every day, committed people who make a difference, people who want to learn and grow, people who live the meaning of collaboration, people who inspire and encourage, people who prove that there is a great deal that is right about education…

It was wonderful seeing the 2010 Milken educators receive their awards. And yes, there were many touching moments that brought tears to my eyes. The presenters were incredible “ambassadors for excellence”.  The energy and enthusiasm was electric. Two outstanding speakers included football legend and former presidential bodyguard Rosey Grier and Principal Baruti Kafele. To think of the impact that these educators are making around the world leaves me speechless.  

To learn more about the Milken Family Foundation and their numerous initiatives including the Milken Educator Awards, visit http://www.mff.org/.  

The Cat in the Hat Has A Lot To Say About That!

Just today as I was walking down the hall to get my students from lunch, I heard another student shout “Hi. You were the Cat in the Hat”. He waved to me with a great big grin on my face. I said hello back and couldn’t help but smile as I recalled our Read Across America celebration in March.

I dressed up like the Cat in the Hat. My student intern dressed up as Thing 1 and her friend, a student intern in another classroom, dressed up as Thing 2. They thought I was kidding when I first suggested the idea! Wrong! Let me tell you… those two have commitment. They spent the night before going from store to store looking for the proper attire.

Back to Dr. Seuss…It was a great time. The third grade, fourth grade, and support teachers did an excellent job planning, organizing, and carrying out the event. I heard numerous positives.

What really got me thinking were the comments like “We should be professionals. The dress up days are for the kids.” Initially, I was a hurt by this comment. After some reflection, I decided I should welcome disagreeing viewpoints. Everyone has his or her own opinion and that’s ok. When others disagree with me, my actions, or my beliefs, it is not a personal attack. Disagreeing viewpoints push me to reflect on why I believe what I do and why I do what I do. Are my beliefs truly in line with my actions? Do I have good reason for it? Is it what is best for kids?

I admit I take part in our dress up days at school. I don a hat on Hat Day. I have worn my pajamas on PJ Day. I find that my students respond favorably. They want to know about me as a person. They want to know about my life. It builds our relationship. It’s part of creating that positive classroom environment. It gives us shared writing experiences. I don’t agree with the traditional “Don’t smile until Christmas.” adage. Do you?

What are ways (big and small) that you develop strong relationships with your students?

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. 

Kids Say the Craziest Things



You shouldn't congratulate a woman

on being pregnant unless she looks like this!



You never know what kids are going to say! As we all know, nothing quite compares to the honesty of a child. You can count on children to say exactly what’s on their mind. They tell it how it is and they don’t worry about being tactful. Teaching first grade students and having three young children of my own, I am well aware of this. However … I wasn’t quite expecting what happened this afternoon after dismissal. One of my former students came up to me with a smile on her face. She fondly put her arms around me, patted my stomach, and proudly exclaimed, “Mrs. Roller, oh, you’re pregnant again!” I WAS pregnant with my middle child when this student was in my class; however I am NOT pregnant NOW. OK, I may be a little out of shape, but I didn’t think I looked pregnant. I guess this is my wake up call. Maybe I need to start using my elliptical machine for something other than a coat rack. Hmmmmm…

It’s true…kids say the craziest things. What humorous things have your students shared with you?

Two Puppets and a Cup of Enthusiasm



Ms. DiMaria and Kerby

Yummy! I just finished making Scotcheroos for our Reading Council meeting tomorrow. We’re having a salad and dessert potluck to judge entries for the local Young Illustrator’s, Young Author’s, and Poetry Cabaret competitions. As I was mixing my ingredients, I thought about the ingredients of a successful minilesson. Yes, minilessons should be short and snappy, focused and explicit, and connected to prior learning. But what else? Still thinking about yesterday’s post on enthusiasm, I pondered how enthusiasm is a key competent in any successful endeavor in the classroom.

Mrs. Kolbach and the Tooth Fairy

Writer’s Workshop has always been a favorite time of the school day for me. My enthusiasm usually spills over to the kids and they excitedly get down to the business of writing. They view themselves as authors and beg to share their pieces during our share time. Today Ms. Kolbach presented a minilesson that had two additional key ingredients- enthusiasm and novelty by way of …yes… you guessed it- puppets. Ms. Kolbach wrote a script for two puppets and together the puppets taught the kids about dental health. The student’s hung on the puppets’ every word. It was a very effective mode of delivery. Well done Ms. Kolbach!

What are some effective ways you have delivered new content to students/adults?