In our ELA class, we have been working hard as readers and writers to understand authors' messages and purposes for writing. This is a useful skill for all of us since choosing the right format to convey our messages is just as important as the words themselves. Understanding what an author "meant" when they say something is a difficult task, not just for fourth graders, but adults as well. Each week we spend time examining quotes and lines from stories to help understand what the author meant or their reason/purpose for saying it.
To continue practicing this skill , we revisited an old story that many of us were familiar with. The story was, The Lorax, by Dr. Seuss. You may be familiar with it yourself, and if not, you should definitely check it out.
For your comments for this post, I would like you to do your best as writers to explain to our readers what the last lines of the story mean to YOU or what you think Dr. Seuss was trying to tell us.
"UNLESS someone like you
cares a whole awful lot,
nothing is going to get better.
It's not."
Mr. Fletcher
Thursday, November 10, 2011
Sunday, October 30, 2011
Wow Wow
This past Friday, I went out for wings with my best friend. This may not seem like a big deal, but back where I come from, chicken wings are a way of life. As much as I enjoy living down here in the Catskills, the one let down is the wings. They simply are not the same. Not even close. So, when I am able to find a place that prepares their wings close to the way I get them back home, it is always a treat to go and indulge. To have a night out to catch up with my best friend is also a huge treat. During the meal, I found myself doing something that I have been trying hard not to do lately.
It has been said that the things that you dislike or find annoying with others are the things that you don't like about yourself. I have always had a hard time with the people who I call the "One Uppers." These are the people who, when you talk to them about anything, they make it a point to out do you. They either know someone that the same thing happened to, but to a higher extreme, or it is themself. When I encounter these people, I have a hard time not rolling my eyes or making things up to see if it is possible for them to out do me. I have had to face the difficult reality that I, myself, am a "One Upper." Now it makes sense why it drives me so crazy with others. I hate that I do it. I hate that I don't realize I'm doing it until later on when I think back on the experience or conversation.
You may be wondering what this has to do with the beginning of this post, so I'll connect the dots now. I am at my most "one upping" when I am with my friend. Seriously, I don't know how he can stand it.
While the snow came down yesterday, I was sick in bed. So, those of you who know me can imagine the mood I was in. With the time I spent laying around, I reflected on my annoying habit and what I could do to fix it. During this time, I realized that there are three types of people out there. I will do my best to explain each type to you now.
Type 1: This is the person who thinks they are perfect.
I have a hard time with these people, because I truly believe no one is perfect.
Type 2: This is the person who knows they have a fault.
This person is aware and does nothing to change the problem.
Type 3: This is the person who knows they have a fault and works fix it.
I used to think of myself as a type 3 person. I know I have this annoying quality and I try to be conscious of it to improvie myself. This got me thinking, however. If this is what I am doing, then aren't I trying to become a type 1 person? I already stated that I don't think type 1's really exist, so why am I trying to become something that isn't real? It's deep, I know. Stick with me. Next, I then began to think that I should be more of a type 2 person. I should just own my faults and rejoice in my "one upness." This however seemed lazy to me since I have a hard time just accepting things. At this point I began to think that I was in some kind of DayQuil daze or that I might be going a little batty (pardon the Halloween reference).
Luckily, everything was quickly put into perspective for me in the simplest of ways, with the most surprising package. As I sat in bed, my youngest son, Chase, who is two and a half, came tromping into my bedroom in his bright blue fleece footy pajamas wearing bright green plaid rubber boots. He walked over to me and simply sang out, "BE YOURSELF AND YOU'LL BE COOL, DAD!" In that moment, I couldn't help but laugh and appreciate the appropriateness of his random message. On his way out the door, he turned to remind me that "KOOKY IS COOL!" Who knew that my little guy was so insightful and at just the right time too. So, to all my friends and those of you I interact with: I am a one upper! I am aware of it. I will try to control it, but no one is perfect.
Thanks Chase...and Wubbzy. Daddy is listening.
Mr. Fletcher
It has been said that the things that you dislike or find annoying with others are the things that you don't like about yourself. I have always had a hard time with the people who I call the "One Uppers." These are the people who, when you talk to them about anything, they make it a point to out do you. They either know someone that the same thing happened to, but to a higher extreme, or it is themself. When I encounter these people, I have a hard time not rolling my eyes or making things up to see if it is possible for them to out do me. I have had to face the difficult reality that I, myself, am a "One Upper." Now it makes sense why it drives me so crazy with others. I hate that I do it. I hate that I don't realize I'm doing it until later on when I think back on the experience or conversation.
You may be wondering what this has to do with the beginning of this post, so I'll connect the dots now. I am at my most "one upping" when I am with my friend. Seriously, I don't know how he can stand it.
While the snow came down yesterday, I was sick in bed. So, those of you who know me can imagine the mood I was in. With the time I spent laying around, I reflected on my annoying habit and what I could do to fix it. During this time, I realized that there are three types of people out there. I will do my best to explain each type to you now.
Type 1: This is the person who thinks they are perfect.
I have a hard time with these people, because I truly believe no one is perfect.
Type 2: This is the person who knows they have a fault.
This person is aware and does nothing to change the problem.
Type 3: This is the person who knows they have a fault and works fix it.
I used to think of myself as a type 3 person. I know I have this annoying quality and I try to be conscious of it to improvie myself. This got me thinking, however. If this is what I am doing, then aren't I trying to become a type 1 person? I already stated that I don't think type 1's really exist, so why am I trying to become something that isn't real? It's deep, I know. Stick with me. Next, I then began to think that I should be more of a type 2 person. I should just own my faults and rejoice in my "one upness." This however seemed lazy to me since I have a hard time just accepting things. At this point I began to think that I was in some kind of DayQuil daze or that I might be going a little batty (pardon the Halloween reference).
Luckily, everything was quickly put into perspective for me in the simplest of ways, with the most surprising package. As I sat in bed, my youngest son, Chase, who is two and a half, came tromping into my bedroom in his bright blue fleece footy pajamas wearing bright green plaid rubber boots. He walked over to me and simply sang out, "BE YOURSELF AND YOU'LL BE COOL, DAD!" In that moment, I couldn't help but laugh and appreciate the appropriateness of his random message. On his way out the door, he turned to remind me that "KOOKY IS COOL!" Who knew that my little guy was so insightful and at just the right time too. So, to all my friends and those of you I interact with: I am a one upper! I am aware of it. I will try to control it, but no one is perfect.
Thanks Chase...and Wubbzy. Daddy is listening.
Mr. Fletcher
Friday, October 14, 2011
Welcome New Bloggers!
Good Morning Everyone! Welcome to your first blog posting of the school year! This is a format that we will be using frequently. Once you get the hang of it, you'll see how easy and FUN it is! Whether you are asked to leave a comment, or whether you just want to respond to something on your own, there are a few simple steps to leaving a comment.
1. After you have finished reading the blog post, click on the word "comment" at the end of the post. Sometimes it will be a number and word "comments" if people have already responded to the post.
2. A box will come up and you can type your comment in that box. At the end of your comment, please put your first name only. This is because you will be posting your comment as an anonymous user in the next step (unless you are an adult and have a user account, in which case you can/will use that).
3. Below the box where you typed your comment, you will see some different buttons. The first says "post comment as" and has a drop down menu. In that drop down, please choose "Anonymous".
4. Next click the button for "post comment". Sometimes you have to do this step twice.
5. Next, you should get a box with text inside it that you need to type into another box and then press enter.
6. Finally....if everything has gone as it should, you should get a message telling you that your message is waiting for approval for it to be published. This is because no one can post anything on our blog without my approval first. Each message someone leaves goes to my email, where I review it and then approve or deny it based on its content. This is my way of making sure we all stay safe in this format.
Once you get the hang of it, it is a piece of cake.
So....for your first blog comment, I am going to ask you to answer this question as a comment on the blog:
Which would you rather be...a dog or a cat? Explain the reasons for your choice.
Have fun!
Mr. Fletcher
1. After you have finished reading the blog post, click on the word "comment" at the end of the post. Sometimes it will be a number and word "comments" if people have already responded to the post.
2. A box will come up and you can type your comment in that box. At the end of your comment, please put your first name only. This is because you will be posting your comment as an anonymous user in the next step (unless you are an adult and have a user account, in which case you can/will use that).
3. Below the box where you typed your comment, you will see some different buttons. The first says "post comment as" and has a drop down menu. In that drop down, please choose "Anonymous".
4. Next click the button for "post comment". Sometimes you have to do this step twice.
5. Next, you should get a box with text inside it that you need to type into another box and then press enter.
6. Finally....if everything has gone as it should, you should get a message telling you that your message is waiting for approval for it to be published. This is because no one can post anything on our blog without my approval first. Each message someone leaves goes to my email, where I review it and then approve or deny it based on its content. This is my way of making sure we all stay safe in this format.
Once you get the hang of it, it is a piece of cake.
So....for your first blog comment, I am going to ask you to answer this question as a comment on the blog:
Which would you rather be...a dog or a cat? Explain the reasons for your choice.
Have fun!
Mr. Fletcher
Friday, September 30, 2011
A Change Would Do You Good
Last night was our open house. I will be perfectly honest and say that normally, this is something that I don't look forward to. In the end, I always have a good time and am happy with the turnout, but the preparation for and anticipation of open house usually stresses me out. For the past few years, I have created brochures and hand outs, art projects, packets, and some pretty impressive flipchart pages to dazzle the audience with my techno skills. As I prepared for this year's open house, I began to think about the years past and realized all that "stuff" is what makes me not excited for the event. Students and their familes come into the room sit at desks, fill out paperwork and then listen to a "speech" I have prepared, followed by a Q & A session. In reflecting on this, what I have realized is that I have been talking AT people and not talking TO people. There's a big difference.
This year, I kept it low key. I didn't feel the need to dazzle. I didn't think of the people coming as an audience, but rather, as friends. I had a blast! I had conversations with people. I met new people for the first time and reconnected with families from the past. I got to talk to former students. No one even sat down. Not a piece of paperwork was given that needed to be filled out before people left. This year, my room was an open door where people could come and go as they pleased and then come back again if they wanted to. This year, open house was FUN. It was what I had always wanted it to be. I left last night with such a positive feeling. I thank everyone who was able to come, whether it was to introduce yourself, to ask a question, or just to say hello.
Now that my oldest son is in school, I am getting my first taste of what it is to be a "parent" of a "student." It is overwhelming and has given me a whole new appreciation for all the incredible parents I have met over the years. You have all helped to shape me into the parent I want to be for my boys.
Chasing dragons with paper swords,
Mr. Fletcher
This year, I kept it low key. I didn't feel the need to dazzle. I didn't think of the people coming as an audience, but rather, as friends. I had a blast! I had conversations with people. I met new people for the first time and reconnected with families from the past. I got to talk to former students. No one even sat down. Not a piece of paperwork was given that needed to be filled out before people left. This year, my room was an open door where people could come and go as they pleased and then come back again if they wanted to. This year, open house was FUN. It was what I had always wanted it to be. I left last night with such a positive feeling. I thank everyone who was able to come, whether it was to introduce yourself, to ask a question, or just to say hello.
Now that my oldest son is in school, I am getting my first taste of what it is to be a "parent" of a "student." It is overwhelming and has given me a whole new appreciation for all the incredible parents I have met over the years. You have all helped to shape me into the parent I want to be for my boys.
Chasing dragons with paper swords,
Mr. Fletcher
Thursday, September 22, 2011
Back in Business
It seems like forever since I made my last blog post. My original intent was to take a break for the summer and start fresh with the new school year. However, each day I found myself wanting to write something on the blog and then decided not to because I thought "Who would read it?" Because of this, I spent a lot of time thinking about the direction this blog has taken and where I want it to go.
When I first put this blog together, I had these big dreams of putting things out there and having people respond to them through posts. Afterall, the few blogs that I follow daily have hundreds if not thousands of followers and hundreds of responses to posts that have been made. That is what I kind of envisioned taking place here...maybe not on that scale since I keep the blog relatively private, but followers of the blog reading what I wrote and then responding because they wanted to and not because I told them to. This is the case in the posts that I make the kids respond to. I found myself getting extremely frustrated because I would always have people say to me, "I really enjoyed your last blog post." My first thought would be, "Then why didn't you leave a comment?" I know, it sounds really snotty. What I then realized is that I do the exact same thing. I have a few blogs that I follow daily and I have never left a comment on them. Never. I enjoy reading each new post and applying it to my own life, but not once have I ever responded to the creators of the blogs I follow. What I now know is that the number of comments people leave is not what makes a blog successful, but the number of READERS! After all, isn't that what makes all authors successful? I have read hundreds of books and have never written a letter to the authors with comments about the books, but that doesn't mean that they had no impact on my life.
So, enough with all the philosophy and let me put the snotty little "me" to rest. A big thanks to anyone and everyone who has ever read this blog. Readers are what bring validation to writers and that is the message I try to instill in my students everyday. I will keep writing. The kids will keep writing. You...keep reading. Please don't think that you must leave a comment....the fact that you have read this is more than enough for me.
It's no good
when you're misunderstood,
Mr. Fletcher
When I first put this blog together, I had these big dreams of putting things out there and having people respond to them through posts. Afterall, the few blogs that I follow daily have hundreds if not thousands of followers and hundreds of responses to posts that have been made. That is what I kind of envisioned taking place here...maybe not on that scale since I keep the blog relatively private, but followers of the blog reading what I wrote and then responding because they wanted to and not because I told them to. This is the case in the posts that I make the kids respond to. I found myself getting extremely frustrated because I would always have people say to me, "I really enjoyed your last blog post." My first thought would be, "Then why didn't you leave a comment?" I know, it sounds really snotty. What I then realized is that I do the exact same thing. I have a few blogs that I follow daily and I have never left a comment on them. Never. I enjoy reading each new post and applying it to my own life, but not once have I ever responded to the creators of the blogs I follow. What I now know is that the number of comments people leave is not what makes a blog successful, but the number of READERS! After all, isn't that what makes all authors successful? I have read hundreds of books and have never written a letter to the authors with comments about the books, but that doesn't mean that they had no impact on my life.
So, enough with all the philosophy and let me put the snotty little "me" to rest. A big thanks to anyone and everyone who has ever read this blog. Readers are what bring validation to writers and that is the message I try to instill in my students everyday. I will keep writing. The kids will keep writing. You...keep reading. Please don't think that you must leave a comment....the fact that you have read this is more than enough for me.
It's no good
when you're misunderstood,
Mr. Fletcher
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
Shame, Shame, Time to Leave Me Now
As I sit here thinking about this past school year, it is impossible for me not to smile and even laugh out loud. It has been a year of growth for all of us in many different ways. For this final blog posting of the year, I am going to pass along some advice I hope you will consider as you grow.
1. Be a source of light. Shine brightly. Make others want to bask in the glow that is you. Send that light out and inspire others to shine as well.
2. Don't be ordinary.
3. Don't take things at face value. Ask questions and demand explanations when your questions aren't answered. Make anything new you learn meaningful to you and you will not only learn it better, but will remember it forever.
4. Laugh everyday. Be able to laugh at yourself. Remember to laugh WITH others and not AT them.
5. Be proud of who you are.
6. Listen to your parents' music with them. It will make for some great memories when you are an adult.
7. Be willing to help others.
8. Think before you act or react. Consider all points of view and work towards a solution to a problem.
9. Be confident.
10. Always feel welcome to come to my room. Whether it is for a place to cool down, for help to solve a problem, or just to chat or say hello. You ALL will always be welcome in my room.
These are the top ten pieces of advice I have for you because they are the top ten things that you have taught and reminded me of this year. For that, I can't begin to thank you and your families enough. Everyday I am inspired by how you work together as a group to encourage and support each other. Don't ever stop doing that. Your compassion, is inspiring.
I am proud to know each and every one of you and to have had the privilege to be your teacher this year. You have made me proud in more ways than I can count. Make your future teachers just as proud.
Time does indeed fly when you are having fun.
Look out for each other, take care of each other, and most of all, have fun together.
Shame, shame, we had our fun,
Mr. Fletcher
1. Be a source of light. Shine brightly. Make others want to bask in the glow that is you. Send that light out and inspire others to shine as well.
2. Don't be ordinary.
3. Don't take things at face value. Ask questions and demand explanations when your questions aren't answered. Make anything new you learn meaningful to you and you will not only learn it better, but will remember it forever.
4. Laugh everyday. Be able to laugh at yourself. Remember to laugh WITH others and not AT them.
5. Be proud of who you are.
6. Listen to your parents' music with them. It will make for some great memories when you are an adult.
7. Be willing to help others.
8. Think before you act or react. Consider all points of view and work towards a solution to a problem.
9. Be confident.
10. Always feel welcome to come to my room. Whether it is for a place to cool down, for help to solve a problem, or just to chat or say hello. You ALL will always be welcome in my room.
These are the top ten pieces of advice I have for you because they are the top ten things that you have taught and reminded me of this year. For that, I can't begin to thank you and your families enough. Everyday I am inspired by how you work together as a group to encourage and support each other. Don't ever stop doing that. Your compassion, is inspiring.
I am proud to know each and every one of you and to have had the privilege to be your teacher this year. You have made me proud in more ways than I can count. Make your future teachers just as proud.
Time does indeed fly when you are having fun.
Look out for each other, take care of each other, and most of all, have fun together.
Shame, shame, we had our fun,
Mr. Fletcher
Friday, May 27, 2011
Ashokan Bound
Next week we will be departing for our trip to the Ashokan Center! We are all very excited and looking forward to the trip. For this post, I'm calling on past students to share their fondest memories of the Ashokan trip with us.
Like a wiggly bridge,
Mr. Fletcher
Like a wiggly bridge,
Mr. Fletcher
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
Causin' A Commotion
It's that time of year again where things begin to get really hectic. Next week you will take the state assessment for ELA. As the test approaches, I wanted to take a few minutes to remind you all of a few things. First, you are not a number. You are not a one, a two, a three, or a four. What you ARE is an awesome group of kids who are not defined by the score you receive on the ELA, math, or science state tests. Over the past few weeks I have admired your hard work and perseverance as we have prepared for these assessments. Each day you have given your best effort and as your teacher that is all I can ask for. I thank you for hard work, positive attitude, and most of all your patience, as the days have sometimes gotten a little crazy. When you take your ELA test next week I only ask one thing of you. Each day when you finish and close your test booklet, I want you to ask yourself two questions:
1. Am I proud of what I have done?
2. Will my family be proud of the effort I gave?
If your answer to either question is "no," then go back and do what you can to make the answer a "yes." I am already proud of you and the effort you have given. Keep that momentum going next week.
I've got the moves baby,
Mr. Fletcher
1. Am I proud of what I have done?
2. Will my family be proud of the effort I gave?
If your answer to either question is "no," then go back and do what you can to make the answer a "yes." I am already proud of you and the effort you have given. Keep that momentum going next week.
I've got the moves baby,
Mr. Fletcher
Monday, April 25, 2011
Caught A Lite Sneeze
Nine days of barfing. Doesn't that sound like a verse from The Twelve Days of Christmas? Well, its not. It is what my wife and I experienced with my youngest son Chase over spring break. As many of you know, this virus started before vacation and then was nice enough to carry through most of our time off. If you put the positive spin on it, at least it was over vacation and I didn't have to miss anymore school. However, nothing is worse than a sick child that you can do little for but cuddle and worry. Should we bring him to the doctor? Should we bring him to Urgent Care? Should he go to the emergency room? What should we do? Luckily, as the barfing slowed down, the sun tried to come out and we were able to evacuate the house of sick and get some fresh air. It made all the difference in the world.
Now, I don't mean to sound like a "Gloomy Gus" and complain about my vacation. There were some definite highlights to the week off. I was able to do some landscaping, visit family, and best of all, it didn't snow! I'm extremely happy to report that Chase is one hundred percent back to himself and was able to have three full days of vacation without any sickness!
My sincere hope is that none of you had to endure or experience the same thing I did over vacation. I hope you were all able to enjoy the time off and do some fun things.
Feel free to take some time and share with us how your vacation was. What did you do? Where did you go? What was the best part? Did you sit on any eggs? (ha ha Rory!)
I look forward to reliving my vacation vicariously through all of you!
Building...tumbling down,
Mr. Fletcher
Now, I don't mean to sound like a "Gloomy Gus" and complain about my vacation. There were some definite highlights to the week off. I was able to do some landscaping, visit family, and best of all, it didn't snow! I'm extremely happy to report that Chase is one hundred percent back to himself and was able to have three full days of vacation without any sickness!
My sincere hope is that none of you had to endure or experience the same thing I did over vacation. I hope you were all able to enjoy the time off and do some fun things.
Feel free to take some time and share with us how your vacation was. What did you do? Where did you go? What was the best part? Did you sit on any eggs? (ha ha Rory!)
I look forward to reliving my vacation vicariously through all of you!
Building...tumbling down,
Mr. Fletcher
Friday, March 18, 2011
Showing Concern
The recent events in Japan have been a topic of great concern this week in class. As always, this group has amazed me with the empathy they have displayed during our discussions. You should be proud of your children for the way they have shared their thoughts and concerns as they try to understand this disaster. To show our support to the people of Japan, students have written Tanka poems inspired by some images they have seen in class. Tanka is an ancient form of Japanese poetry comprised of five lines and a total of thirty one syllables (5,7,5,7,7). Please feel free to share your thoughts and comments on their beautiful poems or this tragic event.
The baby looks sad
both the parents are missing
during the earthquake
I feel bad for everyone
thousands of people have died
by Riley
A miracle comes
out of everything that came
a baby is found
what a surpise to people
a new lovely sound is here
by Logan
If I was in a
tsunami I would be scared
if I was the dad
I would be very happy,
and cheerful, and thankful, and glad
by Aurora
Dad reunited
mother hasn't been found yet
miracles happen
she was found four days later
following the Tsunami
by Dakota
The most surprising
thing that happened in my life
a baby survived
four days later the baby
was found among the remains
by Hunter
Hoping for safety
sad for people who have lost
thankful for rescues
swampy from all the water
disaster from the wrecked homes
by Heather
Big waves incoming
lots of people in big fear
trees getting knocked down
houses getting washed away
cars are going for a swim
by Chris
The wave is coming
it's tearing everything down
it is very sad
all of the trees are falling
the people are screaming help
by Rory
A big wave coming
where could you go at this time
it appears fast
when it hits land in Japan
it wipes stuff away so quick
by Logan
Harsh trees falling down
waves coming in rapidly
houses falling fast
cars floating down a river
boats flipping over down river
by Jeremy
The wave is here now
nothing can stop it coming
everybody's scared
houses are moving away
there's nothing to do to help
by Jessie
The waves are coming
it's the worst thing that happened
it is a nightmare
all the houses coming down
people are screaming for help
by Abby
Waves coming in fast
belongings will be destroyed
cars will be ruined
citizens and pets might die
trees and grass will be dug up
by Kamryn
A pile of junk
used to be valuable
everything broken
a tragic story it is
something horrible happened
by Logan
Some people are sick
finding lost family members
belongings are gone
debris from destroyed houses
sleeping in freezing cold ice
by Kamryn
Thursday, March 10, 2011
Don't You Wrong or Right Me
It has been a while since I have posted anything....largely due to the fact that I am finishing up my work to submit for the National Board. Let's hope the second time is a charm! Anyway, I've been missing my little blog as topics to write about have been piling up in my head and are now so jumbled that I find one thought leading to another without being sure how the connection was made. Here's an example.
Last night on my way home from grocery shopping, I set my iPod to shuffle and had one of the most amazing musical experiences ever, thanks to the randomness of this feature. Yes, all the songs that are on my iPod are there because I put them there, but it is the order and songs themselves that came up that was so unreal. My itunes library has over three thousand songs on it, so that made it even more impressive to me.
This made me think about how much I love music, whether people realize it or not. When I was a kid, I would throw tantrums in the store for first, vinyl albums, and eventually cassette tapes. Kids, ask your parents to explain what "albums" and "cassette tapes" are. Then it was Cd's...but by the time I actually got a CD player I was basically out of the tantrum stage. Notice I said basically, because I have been known to throw a few still to this day. Anyway many people don't know what a huge music lover I am because they see the person at school who hates singing cutesy songs and is horrible at playing an instrument.
I tried the chorus thing when I was in school and it didn't work for me. The same with playing trumpet. This always made me wonder, how someone who loves music as much as I do....could have no musical ability whatsoever?
This train of thought next led me to wearing a tie. It may seem like a stretch, but stick with me. As a male in my profession, there is a sort of stereotype that wearing a tie makes you a "good" teacher. I tried it. That also didn't work for me. Instead of being a "good" teacher, I was uncomfortable all day long, always tucking and afraid to move because I would have to start the process all over again. I also got a reputation of being completely unapproachable to parents, as unfortunately my appearance also seemed to give the impression that I thought I was better. Believe me when I say that this is not the message you want to send to families when you are just beginning your career. Once I loosened up and ditched the dress pants and ties, something really cool started to happen. My teaching improved; as what I was teaching took the spotlight, instead of what I was wearing. I also became more approachable as families weren't intimidated to talk to me and began to view me as their equal. Because after all, that is what we are. I have the same goals as the families of my students and at this stage of the game, I feel pretty confident in saying that the families of my students understand that. If wearing a tie makes you a "good" teacher, I like to think that not wearing one makes you "great."
Please don't think that I am judging anyone, especially men who wear ties. The point I'm trying to make is that for me it didn't work and when I looked in the mirror each day, I saw a phony. I don't see that anymore and I like to think that people who do wear ties don't judge me any more than I don't judge them.
On my way home last night, "Crazy" by Patsy Cline was the last song I heard. I remember as a kid when my mom would play Patsy in the car and I would sit in the back seat searching for anything I could find to stuff in my ears to drown her out. Now she is on my iPod and I love it when she come on. First because it always makes me think of my mom. Second because it shows me that I have grown up and learned how to appreciate a phenomenal voice and talent. This gives me hope that Jacob's constant complaining whenever I play Tori Amos means he will be a bigger fan than I am when he is older.
At this point you may be saying to yourself, how did we get from from the beginning of this post to here? Don't you tell your students to stay on topic and not to wander all over the place in their writing? Absolutely, and I do it all without wearing a tie.
Peace of mind,
Mr. Fletcher
Last night on my way home from grocery shopping, I set my iPod to shuffle and had one of the most amazing musical experiences ever, thanks to the randomness of this feature. Yes, all the songs that are on my iPod are there because I put them there, but it is the order and songs themselves that came up that was so unreal. My itunes library has over three thousand songs on it, so that made it even more impressive to me.
This made me think about how much I love music, whether people realize it or not. When I was a kid, I would throw tantrums in the store for first, vinyl albums, and eventually cassette tapes. Kids, ask your parents to explain what "albums" and "cassette tapes" are. Then it was Cd's...but by the time I actually got a CD player I was basically out of the tantrum stage. Notice I said basically, because I have been known to throw a few still to this day. Anyway many people don't know what a huge music lover I am because they see the person at school who hates singing cutesy songs and is horrible at playing an instrument.
I tried the chorus thing when I was in school and it didn't work for me. The same with playing trumpet. This always made me wonder, how someone who loves music as much as I do....could have no musical ability whatsoever?
This train of thought next led me to wearing a tie. It may seem like a stretch, but stick with me. As a male in my profession, there is a sort of stereotype that wearing a tie makes you a "good" teacher. I tried it. That also didn't work for me. Instead of being a "good" teacher, I was uncomfortable all day long, always tucking and afraid to move because I would have to start the process all over again. I also got a reputation of being completely unapproachable to parents, as unfortunately my appearance also seemed to give the impression that I thought I was better. Believe me when I say that this is not the message you want to send to families when you are just beginning your career. Once I loosened up and ditched the dress pants and ties, something really cool started to happen. My teaching improved; as what I was teaching took the spotlight, instead of what I was wearing. I also became more approachable as families weren't intimidated to talk to me and began to view me as their equal. Because after all, that is what we are. I have the same goals as the families of my students and at this stage of the game, I feel pretty confident in saying that the families of my students understand that. If wearing a tie makes you a "good" teacher, I like to think that not wearing one makes you "great."
Please don't think that I am judging anyone, especially men who wear ties. The point I'm trying to make is that for me it didn't work and when I looked in the mirror each day, I saw a phony. I don't see that anymore and I like to think that people who do wear ties don't judge me any more than I don't judge them.
On my way home last night, "Crazy" by Patsy Cline was the last song I heard. I remember as a kid when my mom would play Patsy in the car and I would sit in the back seat searching for anything I could find to stuff in my ears to drown her out. Now she is on my iPod and I love it when she come on. First because it always makes me think of my mom. Second because it shows me that I have grown up and learned how to appreciate a phenomenal voice and talent. This gives me hope that Jacob's constant complaining whenever I play Tori Amos means he will be a bigger fan than I am when he is older.
At this point you may be saying to yourself, how did we get from from the beginning of this post to here? Don't you tell your students to stay on topic and not to wander all over the place in their writing? Absolutely, and I do it all without wearing a tie.
Peace of mind,
Mr. Fletcher
Monday, February 14, 2011
My Rotten Black Heart
That's what some of you may be thinking that I have. A rotten, black heart for not having a Valentine's Day party today. Let me set the record straight, I do not have a black heart...just a bad memory and poor calendar skills! I could lend this oversight to many things, but simply put...I just forgot! I am making it up to the kids by having a celebration on Friday. In the meantime, I'll be doing some major sucking up in order to make it up to them.
The crowd around the card section in WalMart yesterday was what finally snapped me out of my fog. Initially, I thought the mass of people was for free samples which drew me in. Reality came crashing in pretty quickly, when I realized there was no free food, only frantic last minute Valentine's Day shoppers. To the masses I mingled with yesterday in the carnage that was left for us last minuters...thank you for the life saving role you played in my existence.
I'll also take this time to spread a word of caution to any of you reading this: BEWARE OF THE NOSY CARD READING CASHIER!! Out of respect, she shall remain nameless, but here is how it went down:
After finally finding the right cards from both myself and my sons, which in and of itself was no easy feat, I made my way to the twenty items or less line. As I placed my items on the counter, I looked up to see this particular cashier reading my cards! Now granted, there was nothing explicit or tacky about the cards I picked up, but come on! I stood there in shock as she not only read the card to my wife from me, but the one from my sons, AND a thank you card I purchased. Also, she wasn't exactly a speed reader.
Now as someone who once worked at WalMart, I know for a fact that the cashiers have this little contest each month for the highest number of IPH's. For those of you without the WalMart lingo, IPH stands for items per hour. The number of items each cashier scans in an hour is recorded and then they have some little contest for prizes. This particular cashier, was in no danger of winning this contest and really could have cared less.
After reading each of my cards, Nosy Rosy picks up my son's almond milk, examines the label and then makes a face like it disgusts her.
On my way home, I turned off the radio and tried to see this scene from the cashier's point of view. As someone who was once a cashier himself, I know how incredibly boring it can be at times. Maybe this was her way of passing the time. Or, perhaps she was in need of Valentine's Day and Thank You cards herself and was trying to save herself time, by sampling mine so she knew what to look for. Obviously, she is fortunate enough to not have the milk allergy that my son has and has never had to drink almond milk.
Either way, I guess it is no big deal and I'm not sure why I was so quick to be annoyed in the first place.
After sharing this with the kids today, I'm not that sure that I'm willing to put it to rest though. The fun lover in me is toying with the idea of going back to said WalMart, purchasing another card, but putting a big post it note on the inside with some kind of little personal message. This way she'll know that I'm on to her and her card reading ways.
Happy Valentine's Day,
Mr. Fletcher
The crowd around the card section in WalMart yesterday was what finally snapped me out of my fog. Initially, I thought the mass of people was for free samples which drew me in. Reality came crashing in pretty quickly, when I realized there was no free food, only frantic last minute Valentine's Day shoppers. To the masses I mingled with yesterday in the carnage that was left for us last minuters...thank you for the life saving role you played in my existence.
I'll also take this time to spread a word of caution to any of you reading this: BEWARE OF THE NOSY CARD READING CASHIER!! Out of respect, she shall remain nameless, but here is how it went down:
After finally finding the right cards from both myself and my sons, which in and of itself was no easy feat, I made my way to the twenty items or less line. As I placed my items on the counter, I looked up to see this particular cashier reading my cards! Now granted, there was nothing explicit or tacky about the cards I picked up, but come on! I stood there in shock as she not only read the card to my wife from me, but the one from my sons, AND a thank you card I purchased. Also, she wasn't exactly a speed reader.
Now as someone who once worked at WalMart, I know for a fact that the cashiers have this little contest each month for the highest number of IPH's. For those of you without the WalMart lingo, IPH stands for items per hour. The number of items each cashier scans in an hour is recorded and then they have some little contest for prizes. This particular cashier, was in no danger of winning this contest and really could have cared less.
After reading each of my cards, Nosy Rosy picks up my son's almond milk, examines the label and then makes a face like it disgusts her.
On my way home, I turned off the radio and tried to see this scene from the cashier's point of view. As someone who was once a cashier himself, I know how incredibly boring it can be at times. Maybe this was her way of passing the time. Or, perhaps she was in need of Valentine's Day and Thank You cards herself and was trying to save herself time, by sampling mine so she knew what to look for. Obviously, she is fortunate enough to not have the milk allergy that my son has and has never had to drink almond milk.
Either way, I guess it is no big deal and I'm not sure why I was so quick to be annoyed in the first place.
After sharing this with the kids today, I'm not that sure that I'm willing to put it to rest though. The fun lover in me is toying with the idea of going back to said WalMart, purchasing another card, but putting a big post it note on the inside with some kind of little personal message. This way she'll know that I'm on to her and her card reading ways.
Happy Valentine's Day,
Mr. Fletcher
Thursday, January 27, 2011
Dear "Gabby"
Giving advice is not always an easy thing to do. Especially if it involves friends. For your blog response this week, I want you to pretend that you are a famous advice columnist in a newspaper. People write to you regularly to get advice about how to handle some difficult situations.
You have just received the following letter from a fourth grader in New York. He writes:
Dear Gabby,
I am a fourth grade student and I have a problem. There are two students in my class who are always making fun of other students in my class. The things they say and do are very mean and hurtful. The problem is that the only person they are nice to is me. Now everyone in my class thinks that I am a bully too. I'm afraid that if I'm not friends with them that they will be mean to me as well. At the same time, I don't want everyone else to think I am a bully either. What should I do?
Hoping for answers,
Not A Bully
Pretend you are "Gabby." What advice would you give to this student to make this situation better? What are your reasons for your advice? Give this some thought before you post your response. It may be helpful to write a rough draft in your journal first.
Anxiously awaiting,
Mr. Fletcher
You have just received the following letter from a fourth grader in New York. He writes:
Dear Gabby,
I am a fourth grade student and I have a problem. There are two students in my class who are always making fun of other students in my class. The things they say and do are very mean and hurtful. The problem is that the only person they are nice to is me. Now everyone in my class thinks that I am a bully too. I'm afraid that if I'm not friends with them that they will be mean to me as well. At the same time, I don't want everyone else to think I am a bully either. What should I do?
Hoping for answers,
Not A Bully
Pretend you are "Gabby." What advice would you give to this student to make this situation better? What are your reasons for your advice? Give this some thought before you post your response. It may be helpful to write a rough draft in your journal first.
Anxiously awaiting,
Mr. Fletcher
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
Workshop Reminder
Hi Everyone,
I just wanted to take a minute to remind everyone that our first workshop will be tomorrow night (1/27/11) from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.. This first one will focus on interacting with our class blog and then we'll take some time to discuss future get togethers.
Hope to see you there!
Mr. Fletcher
I just wanted to take a minute to remind everyone that our first workshop will be tomorrow night (1/27/11) from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.. This first one will focus on interacting with our class blog and then we'll take some time to discuss future get togethers.
Hope to see you there!
Mr. Fletcher
Thursday, January 20, 2011
The Leading Men of Avatar
Owning It,
Rory
Friday, January 14, 2011
You Down with P.O.V.?
As in Point of View. Today in class I showed the kids a famous picture that many of you are probably familiar with. For those of you who aren't, here it is:
If you have never seen this image before, it is actually pretty interesting. Some of you upon first glance may see an old woman with a very pronounced chin, looking down to her left. Others may see a young woman looking over her right shoulder. What we focused on today in class, is that it doesn't matter which woman you see. What matters is that once you know there are two women there, that you are able to see them BOTH. We had a great time with this activity and as usual I was highly impressed with the insight and thoughts the kids brought to this activity.
Coming at you from every direction,
Mr. Fletcher
Coming at you from every direction,
Mr. Fletcher
Sunday, January 2, 2011
"Are you 1, Are you 2....?"
I always get a kick out of hearing the kids immediately go into this chant after singing "Happy Birthday" to a friend. The kids ask each number until the birthday person says "stop" on the number for their age. Today, I thought about how funny it would be if the kids did this for me....all the way up to 35! That's right, today is my birthday. As always, I found myself looking for the little things along the way today that I could learn from. There were actually quite a few. For example, nothing is better than having your son sing Happy Birthday to you and then blow out all the candles on your cake so you don't have to. I was also reminded of some great childhood memories today as my sister and I played the original Super Mario Bros. on my Wii. In addition, I now know what it feels like to be on the receiving end of a re-gift, so I therefore will be sure to never do that to someone else. Finally, I learned that I don't have to go out and do something wild and crazy to be okay with being 35.
A while back, during a conversation about upcoming birthdays, this woman asked me how old I was going to be and I said, "35." She replied with, "Well, you act like you're 10." I don't think this not-so-nice person intended her response to be a compliment, but that is exactly how I took it. So I guess that is the most important thing I learned today...it is totally fine to be 35, as long as I don't act like it!
Just another shooting star,
Mr. Fletcher
A while back, during a conversation about upcoming birthdays, this woman asked me how old I was going to be and I said, "35." She replied with, "Well, you act like you're 10." I don't think this not-so-nice person intended her response to be a compliment, but that is exactly how I took it. So I guess that is the most important thing I learned today...it is totally fine to be 35, as long as I don't act like it!
Just another shooting star,
Mr. Fletcher
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)