It seems like just yesterday when I was sitting here designing this blog. And here we are...at the end. I don't know what happens to time these days. For my pre-teen, his day yesterday took "forever". My day didn't have enough hours in it to finish all that I need to accomplish. It is amazing to me how the older you get, the faster time goes.
This experience has been so good for me. I made myself read. I know that isn't what you are looking for as a reader. I realize we as teachers want to create a desire in students to read rather than make it something they are forced to do. And now that I have been reading, I am so grateful for the assignment to make me do so.
Let me back up. This assignment hasn't been about making me read. It has been about making reading a priority in my life. I have always loved reading. I also have always loved writing. But as a mother, what I love becomes last on the list. Which up until now has been just fine with me. However...with my desire to finish my degree, comes my desire to do other things that I've put on hold for the last twelve years. I don't want to shuck my life completely from how it was, but am enjoying the way that I am integrating the things I love into the things that need to be done. One Saturday, I let everything go. It was cold and rainy. I decided that I was going to finish my book. Not because I had to, but because I wanted to know what was happening. I didn't get laundry done. I didn't get a big meal cooked. I didn't get the house straightened or the decorations completely put up. But I learned something from the book. I cried as it ended. I felt moved to do more. And guess what happened to all of my chores?
They waited.
And they were still there the next day. I realized that there are days when I can put other things aside to reward myself with a good book. In fact, the number one thing on my list for Christmas is a Kindle. I want to be able to slip my book world into my purse and take it to practices or to read in between games. I realized through this experience that I have a desire to read.
So I will.
I love to write as well, and I believe I'll keep up with this blog. Journaling about my experiences is something all too familiar with me. So I would like to keep this going for my kids to read someday when they too are having a hard time finding the balance.
I have NOT become a runner. I would still love to tackle that goal. But for now, I am finishing school. And through many hours of "training"...I've become a reader again. I am excited to open my mind to the possibilities that come with new books.
In my classroom, I'll use the PRABE experience for many reasons. One...technology isn't going anywhere. This is a good way to integrate technology with reading. It also allows them to think freely as they practice their typing skills. I might have them journal on paper to make sure they have the opportunity to truly "write". Perhaps putting the PRABE in as a centered activity once a week would be a good idea. For my classes, (3rd and 4th grade) I would have them only write four or five sentences describing what happened in their book and why they enjoyed it or why they didn't.
Thank you for the experience. Thank you for your enthusiasm. Thank you for your grace when it comes to our learning. It is hard find the right balance in living...learning...and succeeding. I am blessed to have had the opportunity to re-learn this about myself. I love to read. I have learned to make it a priority and will continue to teach that to others.
Have a blessed day!
Amy
Sunday, December 11, 2011
Sunday, December 4, 2011
Week 11
I finished the book! Here I thought I'd be done with this a month ago. No such luck. But I took the time and finished it yesterday. I closed the book with tears in my eyes. And the desire to want to do more. I love to write. The Help was about so many things, but one of the topics was Skeeter's desire to be a writer. Not just a writer, but someone who wrote about something that meant something in this world. She wanted to make a difference. And I believe she did. What a great book. What a sad time in history. I think so often we think...
that was a long time ago.
And then I see the dates listed in the book. 1964. That wasn't that long ago. How can we be living in a time when just almost fifty years ago, life happened like that. And people let it happen. It is unbelievable to me. It is too much for me to wrap my mind around. I can't imagine treating someone like those women were treated. And yet...it happened. Not that long ago.
I think there are several things in our history that we'd rather turn our cheeks to. They were horrible. And if we don't talk about it...it maybe didn't happen. But this happened. I think the book is an incredible way for people to see just a glimpse of what took place just not that long ago. Children will read this story and think to themselves...did this really happen? And the ugly truth is that it did. But the beautiful truth is that because someone was courageous enough to stand up for others...things changed. And the wonderful thing about this particular book is that because a woman stood up and used her writing to tell the world a perspective that might not have otherwise been heard...things changed. What an amazing story. What an amazing book. I am anxious to see the movie, but don't want it to change how I view the book. I have an image in my head from reading and I am afraid the movie won't do it justice. I guess I'll just have to see.
Anyway, I believe I'll wrap up this PRABE project with a few more devotionals and some light reading. Thanks to my attempt to finish the book yesterday...the laundry is still rolling through...as I type. It was worth finishing the book though. Completely and totally worth it.
Amy
that was a long time ago.
And then I see the dates listed in the book. 1964. That wasn't that long ago. How can we be living in a time when just almost fifty years ago, life happened like that. And people let it happen. It is unbelievable to me. It is too much for me to wrap my mind around. I can't imagine treating someone like those women were treated. And yet...it happened. Not that long ago.
I think there are several things in our history that we'd rather turn our cheeks to. They were horrible. And if we don't talk about it...it maybe didn't happen. But this happened. I think the book is an incredible way for people to see just a glimpse of what took place just not that long ago. Children will read this story and think to themselves...did this really happen? And the ugly truth is that it did. But the beautiful truth is that because someone was courageous enough to stand up for others...things changed. And the wonderful thing about this particular book is that because a woman stood up and used her writing to tell the world a perspective that might not have otherwise been heard...things changed. What an amazing story. What an amazing book. I am anxious to see the movie, but don't want it to change how I view the book. I have an image in my head from reading and I am afraid the movie won't do it justice. I guess I'll just have to see.
Anyway, I believe I'll wrap up this PRABE project with a few more devotionals and some light reading. Thanks to my attempt to finish the book yesterday...the laundry is still rolling through...as I type. It was worth finishing the book though. Completely and totally worth it.
Amy
Sunday, November 27, 2011
Week 9 & 10
Keeping this blog going has been quite a challenge for me. I have enjoyed my reading time immensely, but I can't say it enough...life goes on.
Almost two weeks ago, a very good friend of mine lost her Father in law unexpectedly. We got the call on my birthday that he had passed and from then on it was a blur. Life is like that. One moment, you are celebrating your special day with friends. Enjoying every minute of the attention and loving the fact that you are alive to see another birthday. The next minute...you get a phone call that the life of a friend has forever changed. My friend has three young children the same age as my kids. They were very close to their Grandpa. And he was gone. One week before Thanksgiving.
Life is so very fragile.
I read his obituary over and over. Trying to make sense of it all. Something that doesn't make sense. But I read it anyway. He was 62 years old. He was preceded in death by his parents. He was survived by his only son, Jeff. His son Jeff has a wife named Shannon. He had three Grandchildren and he was crazy about them. He was also survived by his wife of 36 years. He had two sisters and one brother.
Life is just so very fragile.
I am a woman of strong faith. I believe everything happens for a reason. I don't dare attempt to understand. When you can't trace His hand...trust His heart. Him being God. I don't always understand the journey. But I am on it and I trust that He has a plan for all of our lives.
I spent the week buried in my devotions. Sometimes when bad things happen, I need to be closer to God. I need to feel that security in the word. And I did. That was my week nine.
Week ten brought me many things to be thankful for. We were given the opportunity to pay our respects for my friend's Dad on Tuesday. The service was nice. As nice as a funeral can be I suppose. But we were there to support our friends. And two days later, we were gathered around our table. We gave thanks for our family and for our friends. We prayed for those who were hurting and for those who weren't with us. It seemed as if the events of week nine gave us much to be thankful for in week ten. We are so blessed.
I am continuing to read The Help and am really getting into it. It is hard to get into the heart of the book when you are constantly distracted by life. But it seems to me that the book is based on a white woman writing a story on the black women's perspective of working for white women. It is an upsetting thing to read about. It brings tears to my eyes to think of the way things used to be. It is amazing to me that it isn't fiction. This was life. This was the way things were. These women gave their lives to raise white children that were raised to turn on them when they were older.
I realize this is a LONG post. And I also realize that it includes more than you were looking for. But it was on my heart and my mind. And those things tend to come out through my fingertips.
Have a blessed week!
Amy
Almost two weeks ago, a very good friend of mine lost her Father in law unexpectedly. We got the call on my birthday that he had passed and from then on it was a blur. Life is like that. One moment, you are celebrating your special day with friends. Enjoying every minute of the attention and loving the fact that you are alive to see another birthday. The next minute...you get a phone call that the life of a friend has forever changed. My friend has three young children the same age as my kids. They were very close to their Grandpa. And he was gone. One week before Thanksgiving.
Life is so very fragile.
I read his obituary over and over. Trying to make sense of it all. Something that doesn't make sense. But I read it anyway. He was 62 years old. He was preceded in death by his parents. He was survived by his only son, Jeff. His son Jeff has a wife named Shannon. He had three Grandchildren and he was crazy about them. He was also survived by his wife of 36 years. He had two sisters and one brother.
Life is just so very fragile.
I am a woman of strong faith. I believe everything happens for a reason. I don't dare attempt to understand. When you can't trace His hand...trust His heart. Him being God. I don't always understand the journey. But I am on it and I trust that He has a plan for all of our lives.
I spent the week buried in my devotions. Sometimes when bad things happen, I need to be closer to God. I need to feel that security in the word. And I did. That was my week nine.
Week ten brought me many things to be thankful for. We were given the opportunity to pay our respects for my friend's Dad on Tuesday. The service was nice. As nice as a funeral can be I suppose. But we were there to support our friends. And two days later, we were gathered around our table. We gave thanks for our family and for our friends. We prayed for those who were hurting and for those who weren't with us. It seemed as if the events of week nine gave us much to be thankful for in week ten. We are so blessed.
I am continuing to read The Help and am really getting into it. It is hard to get into the heart of the book when you are constantly distracted by life. But it seems to me that the book is based on a white woman writing a story on the black women's perspective of working for white women. It is an upsetting thing to read about. It brings tears to my eyes to think of the way things used to be. It is amazing to me that it isn't fiction. This was life. This was the way things were. These women gave their lives to raise white children that were raised to turn on them when they were older.
I realize this is a LONG post. And I also realize that it includes more than you were looking for. But it was on my heart and my mind. And those things tend to come out through my fingertips.
Have a blessed week!
Amy
Sunday, November 13, 2011
Reading Roller Coaster
Reading a good book is like...
The feeling after a roller coaster. The ups and downs of the roller coaster making you uneasy with every turn. The fear and the excitement all rolled into one. The ups and the downs...not knowing where it will take you next, but trying to predict where you might be heading. It happens so fast that you barely have time to think about the emotions that take over your body. You look forward to the ride. You enjoy the time when you are there. And you have fond memories as you walk away. A smile...a rush...a moment of pure excitement when you hit the first hill and the last. A roller coaster has a beginning and an end. It has all the twists and turns of the in between. A thrill that you can't wait to share with your friends. They MUST try it!
I can only hope that when I am teaching my students to read, they'll respond with the enthusiasm of a child coming off of their first roller coaster ride.
Have a blessed day!
Amy
The feeling after a roller coaster. The ups and downs of the roller coaster making you uneasy with every turn. The fear and the excitement all rolled into one. The ups and the downs...not knowing where it will take you next, but trying to predict where you might be heading. It happens so fast that you barely have time to think about the emotions that take over your body. You look forward to the ride. You enjoy the time when you are there. And you have fond memories as you walk away. A smile...a rush...a moment of pure excitement when you hit the first hill and the last. A roller coaster has a beginning and an end. It has all the twists and turns of the in between. A thrill that you can't wait to share with your friends. They MUST try it!
I can only hope that when I am teaching my students to read, they'll respond with the enthusiasm of a child coming off of their first roller coaster ride.
Have a blessed day!
Amy
Sunday, November 6, 2011
Week 6
This week was a challenge in the reading for enjoyment department. My husband's football team went on to play in the regional play offs in Topeka. Our middle son was finishing up his football practices and took first place in their bowl tournament this weekend.
However...I read. I trudged along in my book, trying to keep my eyes open. The book itself is quite good. I love the story line and feel like slowly, but surely, I am getting into the heart of the matter.
My daily devotions have been almost the only thing carrying me through this busy time in our lives. I am looking forward to the holidays as I know they will bring a much needed break in all of our schedules.
I keep telling myself as Dori tells Nemo in Finding Nemo...
Just keep swimming
Just keep swimming
Just keep swimming swimming swimming
or running/reading. Just keep running/reading...
Have a great week!
Amy
However...I read. I trudged along in my book, trying to keep my eyes open. The book itself is quite good. I love the story line and feel like slowly, but surely, I am getting into the heart of the matter.
My daily devotions have been almost the only thing carrying me through this busy time in our lives. I am looking forward to the holidays as I know they will bring a much needed break in all of our schedules.
I keep telling myself as Dori tells Nemo in Finding Nemo...
Just keep swimming
Just keep swimming
Just keep swimming swimming swimming
or running/reading. Just keep running/reading...
Have a great week!
Amy
Sunday, October 30, 2011
Week 5
I have heard from runners that running can become increasingly more difficult as you continue to train. I am finding this very thing to be true with reading as well. Life just gets in the way sometimes. This week was full of football games, birthday parties and holiday parties at school. It was also red ribbon week (drug free & proud) and the school was buzzing with activities and themes. My drive and determination were deterred by other priorities. There are times when running takes a toll on your body. Many factors affect your running.
The important thing to do, is to learn from your mistakes. This week made reading difficult. It got done every day...but not without a lot of self convincing. Devotions are such a good way to start your day...if you get up on time and have your life in order. Reading at night is a perfect way to escape life and settle into your bed. If you don't have a million things to do from the moment you get off work until your head hits the pillow.
Your desire to read has to outweigh the things that keep you from doing it. You have to get out of your own way and get motivated to continue on the path to reading for pure enjoyment. I really do enjoy the times with my book. They just come so few and far between sometimes. Ninety minutes doesn't seem like a lot...until you barely have ninety minutes to give.
Oh well...next week is a new week. The book is still very interesting and I am learning a lot about women's equality and the battle for equal rights. It is hard to believe that we as a country used to act this way. I can't imagine going backwards, but know it was a different time that brought forth a different attitude altogether. Thank goodness we have the blessings we have now in equal rights.
Hopefully this next week will allow for more enjoyment reading and less obligation. Have a wonderful week!
Amy
- Have you gotten enough rest?
- Have you had your daily dose of water?
- Are you eating the right foods to help fuel your runs?
The important thing to do, is to learn from your mistakes. This week made reading difficult. It got done every day...but not without a lot of self convincing. Devotions are such a good way to start your day...if you get up on time and have your life in order. Reading at night is a perfect way to escape life and settle into your bed. If you don't have a million things to do from the moment you get off work until your head hits the pillow.
Your desire to read has to outweigh the things that keep you from doing it. You have to get out of your own way and get motivated to continue on the path to reading for pure enjoyment. I really do enjoy the times with my book. They just come so few and far between sometimes. Ninety minutes doesn't seem like a lot...until you barely have ninety minutes to give.
Oh well...next week is a new week. The book is still very interesting and I am learning a lot about women's equality and the battle for equal rights. It is hard to believe that we as a country used to act this way. I can't imagine going backwards, but know it was a different time that brought forth a different attitude altogether. Thank goodness we have the blessings we have now in equal rights.
Hopefully this next week will allow for more enjoyment reading and less obligation. Have a wonderful week!
Amy
Sunday, October 23, 2011
Week 4
Training myself to read is becoming easier and easier with each week. I have been getting up every morning and reading my Max Lucado devotional, followed by reading each night with my book, The Help. The devotions in the morning give me such a great start to my day and also give me material to write about for my other blog. I have to surrender myself each morning to the Lord. I have to let go and let God have my day. Knowing I have no control over the things that happen in my life gives me the peace to get through the day. Knowing I have all the control to handle the things that happen in my day gives me the opportunity to be a reflection of Him every, single day. I love that feeling.
Each night, I've been finishing up my nightly routine by reading my book. I love getting a cup of coffee and snuggling up with this book. I only allow myself a little at a time so I can continue to read each day. If I overdo it, I'll become tired the next day. After a long day with our life, I struggle to keep my eyes open long enough to enjoy the book.
I have really enjoyed our class readings this week as well. I thought the chapter was so interesting and helped me to remember the importance of vocabulary in the process of becoming a reader. Understanding words gives you the foundation to be a comprehensive reader. I can be honest in saying I had no idea teaching children to read had so many important parts. It all makes sense and I look forward to using these concepts in the classroom.
As I go through this journey, I am reminded how much I love to read and how grateful I am that I've been given the opportunity to do so.
Amy
Each night, I've been finishing up my nightly routine by reading my book. I love getting a cup of coffee and snuggling up with this book. I only allow myself a little at a time so I can continue to read each day. If I overdo it, I'll become tired the next day. After a long day with our life, I struggle to keep my eyes open long enough to enjoy the book.
I have really enjoyed our class readings this week as well. I thought the chapter was so interesting and helped me to remember the importance of vocabulary in the process of becoming a reader. Understanding words gives you the foundation to be a comprehensive reader. I can be honest in saying I had no idea teaching children to read had so many important parts. It all makes sense and I look forward to using these concepts in the classroom.
As I go through this journey, I am reminded how much I love to read and how grateful I am that I've been given the opportunity to do so.
Amy
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