Absolute Love for @IwasakidSteam @ignotofsky & Ann E. Burg for Their Contributions to Visual Literacy Conversations of Non-Fiction Texts

My work with the Connecticut Writing Project at Fairfield University has introduced me to a lot of great writers and thinkers, especially those who always have K-12 instruction on their minds, as they know that teachers are always looking for great books and resources to use with their kids. Because Karen Romano Young is local to Connecticut, I've used her @IwasakidSTEAM website in many sessions of professional development and I've been witness with how doodling and visual literacy assist students reading more complicated texts. Last night, however, I was able to pair this with Rachel Ignotofsky's TedX talk on women in science and visual literacy...

...which brings me to Ann E. Burg's Force of Nature which we discussed further in last night's pre-service elementary literacy course. I handed each of them a non-fiction text and asked them to pair the new knowledge with a poem written by Burg from the text. We didn't have a lot of time (15 minutes), but I wanted to have them experience of reading this, then reflecting on the shared class novel, and then offering a visual poster of how they were making the connection, so they can help others in the class to infer, and discuss, the meaning by a Burg poem. We went with WWI recruitment, gypsy moths, bumble bees, and ticks (all paired with poems). My bigger question was, "Did the pair non-fiction reading help you to infer more meaning to the poem in the text?"

It did, for all of them. 

I worked with one group who said, "We can't draw," and showed them that digital tools can help in tight spaces (like the 15 minutes I gave them to visually represent what I wanted them to share with others. 

In fifteen minutes, the students read non-fiction texts, made connections to a poem in Burg's Force of Nature, and mapped out, doodled, their collective thinking. The bumble bee group even made an origami bee to sting their classmates. 

My argument all along is that both fiction and non-fiction purport meaning, and if we are following Beers & Probst recommendations, we need to design good questions, open inquiry, personal connections, and assistive teaching so that students are learning more content, becoming better readers and writers, and enjoying their learning along the way.

Of course, this also meant that all the other plans I had didn't make it to the floor, because the students were having fun putting together their posters to teach others, which impressed me because the time was tight, materials were lacking, and as they said, "Crandall, our minds are on Spring Break." 

Remember those days?  Even an idea of a break? Ha!

I did not plan on the trifecta of Rachel Ignotofsky, Karen Romano Young, and Ann E. Burg's poetic fiction about Rachel Carson to speak to one another so well in a two-hour class. But it was one of those moments where the students really got it (even if they were thinking about their toes on sand seven days from now). 

And with that. time to plot out tonight's class with all the meeting-obstacles in the way...so many meetings...so, so many of them.

A Photo Sent from My Neighbor's Son, Paul, of a Time That Once Was. Remembering How Quickly All Lives Pass Through This Earth

Glamis the wonder dog, was a wonderful dog, although she was all Ms. Butterlips, and always found ways to get the butter dish on the counter. She was a thief and she loved her snacks, whether she was entitled to them or not. Krystina, my 90-year old neighbor who lost her life in Poland at the turn of the new year, used to feed Glamis sausages, salami, turkey, and ham, often having prepared sandwiches for her when she jumped the fence and ventured to her front porch for a snack.

Glamis had pancreatitis, and at just 42 year olds old, six in dog years, she stopped eating and lost all control of her body functions. This happened during Covid and her passing was not expected, because we were with her each day and didn't quite see how emaciated she was getting until looking at photos of her last year. 

Life is not easy. It's complicated. In most cases it's even tragic. A natural loss, however, is what it is...caused by age, illness, and the sadness of survival. Meaningless loss and suffering are preventable, but it takes human empathy, systemic support, and a willingness of the medical profession to prolong life as much as possible, especially when they have support to follow the research, to work strategically to end suffering, and following what our knowledge base and expertise share with us. 

I'm saddened that so much of a our knowledge base is being eroded in this time in history: international connection, a willingness to do good for the world, and a dedication to look out for others who don't have it as easy as others. I'm feeling for any and all who are affected by the removal of medical support, funding for medical research, and support for generations of research to made life better than nature allows it to be. Taking away such knowledge simply seems inhumane and cruel. It's definitely not the way I was raised or what I've gained from the privileges of my education. 

I'm sending a prayer this Monday, hoping that the unnecessary suffering that lies ahead will not be as horrific as I imagine it could be because of the greed and egos of the few. Knowledge should be about providing care to the masses, to the individuals who fought to make the United States the most miraculous country in the world. I'm afraid, however, that the lack of empathy and inner cruelty will destroy what so many generations have selflessly build for others. 

Cry the Beloved Country. Things Fall Apart. We know the uglier side of human history and it's never pretty when it returns. I'm afraid we're here once again. 

I am thinking of the happiness of my neighbor who fed Glamis and loved when she'd run away to her house. Both are gone now...two that brought smiles my way. 

May others know such smiles. May the joy of smiles carry on. God help us all.

Well, Maude. I Channeled You Yesterday as I Accidentally Attended the Wrong Funeral Service Before Finding Myself at the Right One. Poor Carolyn.

I was running behind, but knew I'd enter the chapel in time for the service. 12 pm, with a gathering afterwards. I heard the music as I approached and I guessed, "Oh, must be they started, so I snuck in through a side entrance...perfect time for the choir's singing of Amazing Grace, in front of a casket, with all eyes on me coming in the wrong door. I ducked to the side and, after the singing, I found a seat in the back to keep myself hidden. I began to look around for friends and family and I didn't see anyone I knew, except for the University President in the front row. 

The eulogy was great and I kept wondering who this Carolyn was, as I was there to support Jay and his loss of a wife, Joli. It didn't take me long to realize I was in the wrong service. I looked at my phone and realize I was an hour early. Wrong celebration of life, but I stayed, trying not to crack up as I've been known to do. I was a good boy.

When I left, Father Syvard came up to me and said, "Phew. Good to see you, but we need to rush these people out. I have another one at 1 and it's going to be so much more lively and fun."

That would be Jay and Joli. I told him my accidental arrival and he said, "Don't worry, Crandall. It happens all the time. But this is always fun to share with the other Jesuits." I went to my office to call Chitunga to say, "Guess what your dad did?" I returned to the ceremony I was originally supposed to be attend.  And it was a beautiful meditation on a soul who lost her vibrant joy way too young. Cancer. Age 36. Jay was an incredible speaker and his words were a true demonstration of their relationship. In some ways it was cosmic and out of this world.

Afterward, I met with a colleague from Long Island, Darshna, and met her husband and daughter, who were traveling through Connecticut visiting colleges. I missed them at Fairfield because of the services, but we caught up at the Trumbull Marriott between Sacred Heart and Quinnipiac. Loved making our National Writing Project reunion near my home and to meet the family of a woman I love and respect. Have always been a fan of hers. 

I was going to go to a basketball game, but it was too cold and the wins picked up so I started my Sunday crockpot last night so I'll have food for the week. When someone said we were experiencing fake Spring they were right, because the temperatures have returned to bitter again. Brrr. Just makes me want to sleep.

Now I need to great. I totally bypassed Saturday from getting anything done, besides two funerals and a reunion, which I'm glad I did. Let's hope the students nailed this assignment, as it will make my life that much easier.

Ladies and Gentlemen, I Want You to Lay Eyes on the Most Stunning Flamingo Ever to Be Seen By the Human Eye

Pink. Lucious. Feathered. Balanced. 

There is little more one can say about this incredible bird in front of us. The grace. Its flight. The way it stands on one leg waiting for its next meal is simply incredible. Phoenicoterida at its finest. The flamboyance of radiant grapefruit hue. 

Such long legs. An incredible beak. Those plumes and vibrant fringes. A neck that protrudes with majesty.

Behold the Flamingo. Not an ibis or a spoonbill, but stunning water foul, nonetheless. How the old mountains drip with sunset, Dear Emily. Inspiration to John Waters and, perhaps to Bjork's fashion statements (swans...storks...flamingos...they're all glorious).

Yes, definitely a flamingo. It should be obvious to any ornithologist, bird watcher, or painter.

Pink. Lucious. Feathered. Balanced. 

Can't you see. Just open your eyes.

Dang, Subaru. You Being Seductive or What? You Give me a 2024 Mountaineer Crosstrek as a Loaner for a Few Days. Nope. Not Tempted...Yet

Oh, but I was really tempted. If I didn't dump money into the Hulk, I could have easily driven away with a sporty Mountaineer. It's definitely on my radar when I run the Hulk to the ground. I loved driving it and now need to wait in hopes they will (a) come out with a hybrid version and (b) offer a sunroof option. I like well-lit spaces. 

And I had another reason to treat myself to something great, too, as after several years, I went to the doctor and my blood pressure was on target. In fact, it was 118/77 (which it never is). The nurse and PA high-fived me because we've been strategizing on this for years. When they announced the success, I asked, "You want to see my legs," and I pulled up my pants to show them Tremfiya is working, too. The psoriasis was another bodily indicator of my stress level. The legs have been on fire for years, but as of this moment, they are clear without any burning. 

Of course we all talked about the worries of the medical field in the future, now that research has been defunded and, if it goes through, even flu vaccines are no longer a part of the U.S. fabric. The office was in quite an uproar. "Well, our lives will be interesting. That's for sure." This said as the one woman hacking up a lung in the lobby is likely to be many in the future. Phew. Human beings are simply outrageous.

I got one class graded, thankfully, and I need to transition to the other (needing a mental break to switch from an elementary mindset to a secondary one). 

Not so much looking forward to today, as there is an afternoon meeting that is likely to grow very contentious. I'm also keeping my radar on the State Department, because they cut CWP once again from their funding, which means I'll have to lobby as best I can. Of course, there's a bill to remove all certification programs at the State, too, so that anyone with a college degree can automatically become teachers without any training (where are we living right now?). No one knows who is sponsoring the bill, but it was snuck in for this year's legislation. 

The number of non-educators who have a say in education is rather large. I used to say that every college graduate should be required to do two things upon getting their degree: (1) teach for two years and (2) travel from one end of the country to the other. That'll learn just about everyone, especially those trapped deeply in their proverbial caves.

And with that...it's Friday (and the last day of February). I always enjoy my birthday month, but pretty much hate the weather. Someone posted we're in fake-spring now, which I had to laugh about, because we know ol' Man winter will take a couple more punches. This much we know to be true.

The Hulk Went In for an Oil Change, But There Were Other Issue to Contend With. Fix It, I Said, Gambling with the Cost of Repairs for More Longevity

I've enjoyed several months without car payments. Yes, my Subaru has 133,000 miles on it, but I'm not ready to tuck her in bed, goodnight. I love going into a parking lot of grey, black, and blue vehicles noting that my green monster is easy to spot. It's the little things in life. 

Ah, but she needed a new tire, new headlamps, new bearings, and an oil container leak repaired. I've been wondering if it was time for a new car...I've had her for 11 years...but she's been a great car. In fact, I'm sold on Subarus. So, I said, "Let's invest in these repairs, and hope she has more life to give." They laugh at me and say, "It's a Subaru. She has many more years to give. It's still low mileage in their opinion."

Good. I want to continue more months without a car payment.

They gave me a loaner for a couple of days, a sport Mountain Crosstrek with only 1,000 miles on it. I feel like a king on the road, but I mostly brought it home and parked it in the driveway. I like having an excuse to sit my arse down to get grading done. I'm getting there. 

It was another wonderful day, weather-wise, so I enjoyed the long walk with Karal. I also got a sub for lunch that filled my tummy quite well into the evening.

The Hulk will be okay. She, like Mt. Pleasant, have been my base for several years. In fact, yesterday was the 10-year anniversary when Chitunga and I got the keys to the new house. I don't know a driveway without her in it and I'm cheering her on as she sits in Milford for a few days. 

Fingers crossed it all goes well.

Never Underestimate the Power of a Green Balloon for Motivating Reluctant Learners to Participate in Classroom Conversations

I gave my students one task at their tables of 4 to 5: keep the green balloon in the air. All the students were submitting their first literacy lesson plans, paired with Ann E. Burg's Flooded: Requiem for Johnstown, and I knew they'd be frazzled because it's nerve-wracking turning in your first teacher-esque lesson plan. While they kept the green balloons in the air, I had a series of questions for them to ask about the ups and downs of their lesson plans, what worked and didn't work, where their frustration landed, and how their accomplishments were achieved. The activity lasted over 7 minutes and as I joined each group, kept the balloons going, I formatively oversaw what they were saying. 

True story: Class of 2006. I had a cohort of students that weren't into school, rarely did the work, and basically resisted instruction and goals for their academic success. One day, however, we tapped around a balloon and they became obsessed with keeping it in the air. Why they were motivated by this task, I'll never know, but instruction then became centered around balloon conversations. I'd have my daily objectives, and even if they wouldn't read or write, they'd talk about knowledge with the balloon in the air. This was my subversive way of instructing them, even as they didn't want to be instructed.

The graduate class last night read a chapter on motivation, and it paired well with the class on motivating writers two weeks before. We all realized there are multiple factors that motivate us, and the secret for teaching is to find the ways the young people we work with are motivated, even when they aren't into school, learning, or building pathways to their future. When the balloon worked with them, that's where I decided to go. Eventually, we were able to move beyond a balloon, but it took the balloon first. 

No, you can't make up the experiences most classroom teachers have. Too many think it's an easy job or one can snap their fingers and kids will want to do the work. This rarely, rarely happens. Teaching in college is very different. 

We're also reading Jarred Amato's new book Just Read It, and it's a great addition to get future educators (and in-practice teachers) to think about building literate communities when encountering non-readers in school. Like Amato, I've found that with the right books, the kids will read. Often, the books districts expect students to read simply results in Cliff Notes, gaming the system, cheating, and students disengaged with school. Amato noted that off all high school graduates that go to college (which is around 37% percent of them), only 1% will major in English programs. It's hard to get many to shift their idea of reading, its purposes, and its possibilities when most high schools are trying to prepare kids to be literary scholars (which the percentages show is not necessarily doable). 

Yes, motivating kids to read is what our goals should be. Central to it all is tapping the purposes for reading so the young people remain engaged with knowledge for the rest of their lives. 

The students were amazing last night of talking and keeping their green balloons in the air. Kudos to them, just like I cheered the reluctant readers in 2006.