#B2SWonder W.O.N.D.E.R.

“Wonder is the beginning of wisdom.”   -Socrates

It's the most wonderful time of the year.... Schools are opening, students and teachers are wondering and getting ready for a new year of learning. All learners need to be part of safe places to experiment, make mistakes, try new things and wonder about the world around us. We must all make our learning lives public and contagious. There is no end to what we can learn and no end to wondering.

As a coach/consultant, I spend my days teaching and learning with other educators and students. A huge part of our collaborative conversations go back to the best ways to support students’ choices and voices in their own learning communities. There are many possibilities that all begin with a wonder of the day. Wonderopolis provides the initial wonderings and we collaborate to find wonders to pair with other texts: poetry, nonfiction and more. We talk, read and write across texts to grow ideas. With these wonderful possibilities, we can question more, read more and write more. So as you are planning for back to school what better way to start the year then to celebrate with wonders and paired texts that strengthen our community and touch the hearts and minds of all learners!

Looking for a  #B2SWonder? Check out this list of wonders and paired texts that supports W.O.N.D.E.R.

W-Wonder, investigate and celebrate ideas

O- Open the world of possibilities

N-Navigate new worlds through the wonderful world of books

D-Decide to make a difference

E-Explore student voices and choices

R-Reflect on the power of words

Wonder, investigate and celebrate ideas

Wonder of the Day Are you a good observer ?

Wild Ideas: Let Nature Inspire Your Thinking

What do your students wonder about? What investigations would they like to make this year?  How can we model and lead curious lives?

O- Open the world of possibilities

Wonder of the Day Are You Talented?

   

The OK Book- Amy Krouse Rosenthal

What are your strengths?  What would you like to learn more about?  What are your goals for the new year?

N-Navigate new worlds through the wonderful worlds of books

Wonder of the Day Are you a Bookworm?

How to Read a Story by Kate Messner

Reading can take you places.  Imagine the possibilities. What authors do you love? What do you want to read this year?

D-Decide to make a difference  

Wonder of the Day: How Can You Make Someone’s Day?

           
            

Kid President’s Guide to Being Awesome

Looking for wonderful ways to support your community of learners?

Kid President knows how to make the world a little more awesome. His book and videos are great ways to reflect on how we can be “a difference maker and a day maker?”  How can we #Choosekind every day?

E-Explore student voices and choices

Wonder of the Day: How Do You Have a Voice?

Ralph Tells a Story by Abby Hanlon

How can we get to know our students as readers and writers?

How can we get our students to share their voices and tell their stories?

Bonus wonder and pairing:

Wonder of the Day: How Does Your School Use Technology?

Goodnight iPad- Ann Droyd

What tools do we have access to?  What digital tools do we want to learn about and use more? How can we navigate and use new tech tools to enrich our  learning? How can we use tools that empower our students?

  R-Reflect on the power of words

Wonder of the Day: Do you like to play with words? 

The Word Collector – Sonja Wimmer

Words can inspire.  How can reflect, collect and celebrate the power of words?

And a favorite #B2SWonder:  
Wonder of the Day: What Inspires You? 

              

365 Days of Wonder RJ Palaccio

Love using #glitterboards (photo frames with glitter as instant dry erase boards) to celebrate wonder-ful words and inspirational quotes.

Kindness can spread like glitter and w.o.n.d.e.r. can be contagious.  Happy new year of wondering!

#PB10for10

If you love picture books, then check out the hashtag: #PB10for10.  Thanks to @CathyMere and @MandyRobek for hosting this exciting event where nerdy friends share top 10 list of their "must-have" picture books.   

This year, I have decided to connect titles that support launching a year of reading, writing and thinking.  Happy Reading!

Bernard Waber with Suzy Lee Ask Me

Ask Me is a simple picture book that celebrates student voice.  I love this book for so many reasons.  "What do you like?  What else do you like?"  The conversation continues between a father and his daughter, but serves as a wonderful mentor text to get to know students in the beginning of the year. 

Let's Paint by Alborozo

This is a favorite picture book in my #growthmindset collection. Celebrate the possibilities.  What better way to start the year then to talk about learning being messy. Let's Paint, allows readers, writers and thinkers to take risks and celebrate the joy of learning, growing and having fun.  

If You Plant a Seed by Kadir Nelson

Author and illustrator, Kadir Nelson, never disappoints.  This is a "must-have" to reflect on with all ages.  Younger students will appreciate the illustrations and the message about choosing kind.  Older students can discuss the impact of our actions and non actions.  If we plant seeds of kindness, the ripples are endless.  

Wild Ideas: Let Nature Inspire Your Thinking - Kelsey

This book is a perfect example of literature that helps foster investigations.   This gorgeous new picture book is a favorite read aloud that celebrates wonder.  We can celebrate curious minds and also helps set the tone for a year of "wonder-ful" investigations.  Here's a recent  padlet to further celebrate the joy and wonder of nonfiction... #NFJoy!

My Pen by Christopher Myers

"All you need is your imagination. There are a million pens in the world and each one has a million worlds inside it.  Let those worlds inside your pen out!" 

That is exactly why- this is a must-have to kick off writing workshop.  What a great way to launch a year of writing possibilities.
  

Inside this Book (are three books) by Barney Saltzberg 

Another book to explore writing possibilities.  This book is a great introduction to writing workshop or our primary authors.  What I love about this mentor text is that it celebrates student voice and choice.  We can write about our everyday life.  We can writer about our observations of the world.  We can write poetry (anytime of year) and we can make our writing exactly what we want it to be... and then share it with the world.  The last page says, "Because books are better when they are shared."  

Check out the author reading from this book trailer.  

Rufus the Writer by Elizabeth Bram

Yes, that is story stand.  Who needs  a lemonade stand when you can read and write stories instead?  Yes... that is exactly what Rufus does.  Celebrate reading, writing and community all in one.  Rufus had me at hello.  

Have I Got a Book for You - by Melanie Watt

This is not a new title, but it fits the category for my #pb10for10 theme.  Getting to know our students as readers and knowing how to help "sell" books and match books to our readers, is one of our most important jobs as reading advisers (nod to Teri Lesesne).  The narrator is a "salesman" who can help facilitate the conversation around finding good fit books, book reviews, book talks or just support all around book love.  

How to Read a Story by Kate Messner

Honestly, Kate Messner is a genius!  I am so in love with this book.  If you haven't already seen this gem, you must run to your local indie book store today.  I would say hit the library, but there is no way that this book will remain on any library shelf.  This is the book that every teacher must own.  Sorry... but not really.  I love the way that this book demonstrates the process of reading.  From finding a comfy spot, to finding a buddy, finding the right book, reading and starting all over again.  Share this book and help your students fall in love with reading.  

I am Yoga--- comes out September 8th 

Finally... reading, writing, and thinking... involves the heart, mind and body... so number 10 is a soon to be released title by Susan Verde and Peter Reynolds ( an original #heartprintbook author).
This book is  a wonderful addition to a list of launching must-haves.  This latest title, like most of Peter Reynolds' books, touches the heart and minds of its readers. The author's note includes a NF twist- defining yoga poses and listing the benefits of yoga.   Students can benefit from the study of yoga or the ideas and journey through a range of  emotions and situations, using playful imagination, being creative and calming the mind and body.  

Counting ON

Students and smiles above are from Robert Seaman Elementary school in  Jericho, NY. 

Every day counts. 

We know that there are special first days and last days. They should be celebrated. Yet, when we celebrate firsts and lasts, there tends to be an emphasis on the beginning or ending of an event. As life long learners, we know that every day has its own endless opportunities. 

Some teachers count down the days til the end of the school year.  Let's count on. 

Every day counts. 

Let's count on the number of days we have to make a difference. 

Let's count on thoughtful and reflective teachers who make every day count. Let's count on teaching and learning.  Let's count on learning and planning for more learning.  It doesn't end in June. 

Let's count on learning for, with and from our students. 

Let's count on learning and growing together. 

Let's count on smiles and celebrate moments. 

Every day counts. 

Thankful for the teachers and students that I can count on. 

What do you count on for your learning community? 

Grateful that I can count on the readers and writers in the Two Writing Teachers community. 

Let's Dance

It's happening...
Did you hear? EdCamps are everywhere!  

EdCampLDRNY 7/13/15
EdCampLI 10/3/15

nErDCampLI 11/7/15

You may be wondering what's up with all of the EdCamps? Free unconferences for educators?  Weekends at schools? Working?  Some people may think it's crazy.  But the answer is simple, it goes back to one word... Love. 

"Your work is going to fill a large part of your life, and the only way to be satisfied is to choose great work.  And the only way to do great work is to love what you do. If you haven't found it yet, keep looking. As with all matters of the heart, you'll know when you find it."  -Steve Jobs 

Join the movement and the magic. It isn't crazy, it's just a celebration of learning and collaboration. It's about dancing together. 

Leadership lessons and dancing guy: 

If you are reading this, you already listen to the music of Twitter. You have your own rhythm going. Join us and let's dance together. 

Love what you do? Want to be inspired by others that are passionate about teaching and learning? Attend an EdCamp or nErDcamp. Dance with us.   

Here on Long Island, the following events are happening in collaboration with Hampton Bays, Jericho and the East Williston School Districts. Grateful for the support from these learning communities. 

July 13th join the EdCampldrNY to be held in Hampton Bays, NY. 

October 3rd attend EdCampLI to be held  in Jericho, NY. 

And super excited to announce the 1st annual nErDcampLI to be held November 7th in the East Williston, school district.  Inspired by #Nerdybookclub founder,  @ColbySharp's #nErDcampMI, these nerdcamps are EdCamps with a literacy twist. The focus is for book- loving, literacy-loving educators and include connecting with amazing  #RockStarAuthors! 

If you are #NerdyOnLI or a Tri-State Nerd- join us and spread the nerdy word: 

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-1st-annual-nerdcampli-tickets-16444262231?ref=estw

I look forward to a crowded dance floor. Please save me a dance. 

Crazy Love

Regie Routman has gifted our profession with books like, The Essentials Series: Raising Expectations and Results in Reading, Writing and Transforming our Teaching.  Regie has given us Invitations: and encourages educators to reflect upon their practice and participate in conversations that lift the level of our teaching and learning.   

Last month, at #ASCD15 I had the opportunity to spend a day with Regie. 

We celebrated  reading, writing, teaching and learning. Regie's most recent "must-have" PD book, is Read, Write, Lead.  "This is a book about hope, learning energy and possibilities. It is also a book about joy in teaching and learning." Regie's book is filled with quick-wins and asks all educators to see themselves as teacher-leaders and leader-teachers.  Regie asks us to reflect: 

"It's not how to get students career and college ready.  It should be how do we engage students' hearts and minds."

One way to reach the hearts and minds of our students is to tap into their passions and to celebrate their learning journeys.  It was thrilling to reflect on the power of read alouds as part of our learning journey.  Regie said, "Every administrator, teacher and educator should start their meeting with a read aloud."  I knew I loved her, but loved her even more when she read to us from Kwame Alexander's Newbery winning title, Crossover.  

 

I love Regie because her work has always supported my beliefs about teaching and learning.  I spend every day as a life-long learner and an all-around nerd. I try to demonstrate my passion for reading, writing, and learning.  Regie consistently reminds us about the culture of celebration.  

It's funny people think I am a little crazy- hyper- geeky- nerdy- over the top.  Although there may be some truth to that, I think it is important to spread a little crazy.   I think we all have a little crazy in us. Ok, maybe the word passion is better.  Isn't crazy/passion that drives us to do better, read more, write more, share more.  As lead learners, we need to tap into that crazy. 

Regie talks about the optimal learning model: a cycle of reflections, responsive teaching and celebrations. Regie asks us to be reflective about what matters and what seems important to us.  What do we celebrate? What do we value? What fuels our passions?  Just as we model process of learning for our students, we must engage in purposeful, planned, celebrations too.  Having the opportunity to participate in conferences, share literacy snapshots with others through social media, be part of personal and professional learning networks, this helps me to sustain this feeling of joy and spread a little crazy... #PDlove. My passion grows and is energized by the collaboration from the communities that I work with and learn from.  

"Working hard for something we don't care about

 is called stress.  

Working hard for something we love 

is called PASSION." 

- Simon Sinek

Regie has gifted us with professional books like Read, Write, Lead and reminds us that it is the collective responsibility of  educators to create a culture of trust, collaboration and enjoyment. Learning should be engaging, enjoyable and relevant.  When it is... it is like a vitamin B shot. Celebrations lead to agency.  When we shift our focus to discuss the joy and the heart of our teaching... that empowers all learners and lifts everyone and everything.  That is what inspires my work daily and fuels my crazy. 

With a nod to friends like, Chris Lehman and Kate Roberts, I try to celebrate learning through the lens of love and joy.  Is it crazy to want to spend a day in PJs and learn?  This past weekend, I had the pleasure of participating in a very joyful learning experience. It was a "pajama-pd day" also known as #TheEdCollabGathering (guided by Chris Lehman and the Educator Collaborative friends).  This online event offered a variety of " vitamin shots" with voices and choices for PD opportunities.  All were live streamed but have been archived here: https://gathering.theeducatorcollaborative.com/.  

Save the date, the next gathering is happening September 19th with Penny Kittle! 

I am grateful for the inspiration and the "vitamin B-shots"  I receive from educators like Regie, and from gatherings in real life and virtually, that make this crazy love all a reality. 

ASCD15 Swag Bag: Love of Learning 

Happy learning and spreading #PDLove!  Where do you get your daily dose? 

For more on Crazy #PDLOVE check out my post for The Educator Collaborative on #LiteracySnapshots.  

Share a Smile

A Slice in Memory of my Grandmother

               Thank you to Two Writing Teachers for the invitation to share 

with this community of writers.  

This week marks the anniversary of my grandmother's death.  I know I was extremely blessed to have her in my life for as long as I did. My grandmother was an amazing woman. Grandma had a major impact on my life.  She was grandmother, friend and teacher.  She taught me so many things. We have "Sarah-isms" in my family. Some translate better in Italian. :)

Grandma touched the lives and hearts of everyone she met.

Grandma was a NYC school crossing guard. She was there for countless number of children during rain, shine, sleet and snow. Bitter temperatures didn't affect her warm heart. A crossing guard is defined as someone who helps people cross intersections. Life has many intersections. She touched so many lives, those known and unknown.  There are births, deaths, marriages; crossroads at all ages and stages.  Grandma was always there with an ear to listen, a hand to hold, and a meal to fill our bellies.  More importantly, she filled us with her love.  And at every intersection her heart was open. 

"Smile, it is the key that fits the lock of everybody's heart." - D'Angelo

I can picture her standing over her stove countless hours to prepare our favorite meals.  It gave her pleasure to watch us eat.  It made her smile. Nothing made her happier than sharing a smile.  No matter what,  no matter where, she always had a kind word for someone or a smile. Even strangers. Grandma would share stories about how her smile changed someone's day.  

It is pretty simple. Give a smile, get a smile. Smile and the whole world smiles back at you. Grandma used to say, "It doesn't cost a thing to give a smile."

This week is Random Acts of Kindness Week:

https://randomactsofkindness.org/

Share kindness. 

Give a smile, get a smile. 

"A warm smile is the universal language of kindness." - Ward

Here's a link to an older post with a book list of mentor texts that make me smile: 

http://mccarthyjoellen.blogspot.com/2014/12/universal-language-of-kindness-ward.html

#SOL15 Snowflakes

Thank you Two Writing Teachers for sharing the invitation to participate with this community of writers.

Faced with two blizzards in two weeks... snow has been on my mind.  Inspired by the exciting Newbery win for  Kwame Alexander and Crossover (his brilliant MG novel in free verse poetry) I thought I'd play around with a little slice of poetry.



Snowflakes
UNIQUE
No two alike
Each flake
f
 a
   l
    l
     i
      n
        g
on their individual journey

Like our students
             g
           n
         i
       w
     o
   r
g
at their own pace

Snowflakes
UNIQUE
Yet as they travel together they thrive

We watch
warmed 
by their bright lights
they stick together
and overwhelm us with their beauty
they
*S*P*A*R*K*L*E*

Snowflakes
UNIQUE
We want them to
R                E
   I             S
    S          I
     E      R
       and

Congratulations Kwame! 

#BookLove all around for the authors and their snowflake books for readers. 

  For a complete list of all of the #ALAMW15 winners: 

http://www.slj.com/2015/02/awards/alexander-and-santat-win-2015-newbery-caldecott-medals/#_

http://t.co/gvFKQ3t8Qb  (PDF version) 

Superpowers

Thank you to Patrick Klocek, Jennifer DeHayes & the learning community at Farmingdale"s  @WWP_Dalers for sharing this literacy snapshot. 

Learning is your own personal journey, but you don't have to do it alone. 

For me, books are my co-teachers, mentors and a source of #BookLove. Lucky for me I always have a sidekick to rely on.  

Check out Deb Pilutti's book and see what your favorite superhero rules to follow are.  I have chosen to highlight following:

• Every superhero has at least one superpower.That's what makes him super!
• Superheroes must rest so that they can recharge...
• Every superhero needs a sidekick. 

If I had a superpower, my superpower would be the strength in learning from and with others.  That is why I am so grateful for my PLN.  I have sidekicks to learn from and with every day.  When we collaborate we grow our ideas, support one another and get better for our students.  I think that is the real superpower.