10.09.2011

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.

12 comments:

  1. I'm really sorry about BooBear :( Hugs and good thoughts.

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  2. I'm sorry to hear about BooBear. Cancer is so awful. :(

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  3. Sorry to hear your sad news :-( On a happy note though, I'm also participating in the readathon for the first time ever! :-)

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  4. Years ago, I taught a very low-level group of sixth graders. During silent reading time I would sit quietly reading the latest edition of Goosebumps, which I bought every month. In a minute or two word would spread through the entire class that I had the new Goosebumps, and someone on their way to the water fountain would stop by my desk to ask if they could read it next.

    You just need to find the right book for the right kid.

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  5. I think James is right; the right book can make all the difference in the world for a reluctant reader. Sorry about BooBear.

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  6. I think the reading period in your class is so very important on many levels. Obviously, the reading is key (and as a Teacher Librarian I say all kids can find a book they'll like), but learning to sit still and quiet for 30 minutes is a skill they need as well

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  7. Poor kittycat- sending love and hugs down Florida-way. I also love you as a teacher- I wold have chewed off my right arm to have been allowed to read for half an hour in school! (reading, obviously, was a treat for me!) Also, yesssssss readathon! I am so excited and already have a stack of books to choose between. Eeep!

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  8. I'm so sorry to hear that your pet has cancer - so sad!

    Very cool about the kids all reading silently!

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  9. Oh Christina! I'm so sorry to hear about Corki. That is so so so hard. I never talked about this on the blog because it was too emotional at the time, but Maggie had kidney failure last year and we finally put her down in December. I'll be especially missing her this readathon. I feel your pain and hope Corki goes comfortably (as possible).

    And YES! I am participating. Probably mostly as a cheerleader but I hope to get *some* reading in. And snacking. Can't wait!!!

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  10. Oh, no! I'm so, so sorry! Having a sick pet is miserable. I know you will make the last few weeks wonderful though. *hug*

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  11. So sorry to read about BooBear! I hope you are able to spend many hours with him in the next few months. You won't regret a single minute.
    I've signed up for the read-a-thon too!

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