TSS - Unwrapped

Hey guys.  It has been AGES since I've done a Sunday Salon post.  And honestly, you know what?  If I hadn't stored up on some reviews this lil' blog would have been a deadbeat one here recently.  Things have been a Roller Coaster (seriously, that's two words?) and I'm ready for the ride to be over.

First and foremost, I know that I mentioned that my BooBear (also known as Corki, Corkmonster, Corkadoo) had been sick and we were hoping for the best. Well, the final verdict is in and he definitely has cancer.  The doc estimates that we have anywhere between two weeks to two months left.  It's been crazy emotional and I've been trying to do as little as possible but spend time with him.  Right now I am trying to spend as much time with him.  Running back and forth to vet appointments on top of regular school activities equals a very exhausted and non-reading book blogger.

BUT

On a more positive note, every Friday I "do" DEAR (drop everything and read) in my classes.  I highlighted the do because I definitely sit on my bum and read with the kiddos every period as well.  I told them straight up that I'm not assigning them to read so I can play catch up.  I assign it because (a) I love to read and think everyone should too and (b) kids are always obligated to read, I want them to choose and finally (c) duh it will help them in their studies.  Well, I've heard SO MANY FREAKIN' TIMES that you can't do independent reading with low level readers or reluctant readers or kids who hate reading and man I just want to say: in your face folks.  Seriously.  I have some of my more than a wee bit pain in the butt kids asking if we can read for thirty minutes instead of twenty.  (I had no problem, so now that's our standard rule). Dude.  I have nearly one hundred students (I also teach the LY - beginner English - kids and they won't start DEAR until next marking period) silent for thirty minutes reading a book of their choosing.  It's Ah-May-Zing.  Especially since they're usually antsy and talkative and out of their seat and usually doing everything other than what they are supposed to be doing.

AND

helllooooo booknerds I hope everyone signed up for Dewey's Readathon.  I'm planning to do some major reading that weekend.  Let me know if you're participating.  I'd love to keep an eye on everyone.