Posts
I know, I know! I haven't posted in 3 DAYS!!! I feel horrendously guilty over this and thought about it daily... here's what I've accomplished in all my "slacker" time since I wrote last:
1) Read The Help by Kathryn Stockett (awesome fictional Civil Rights story about black maids in Jackson, Mississippi - 444 pages!). Yep, read the whole thing over a weekend for homework!
2) Finished Pedagogy of the Oppressed by Paulo Freire. Holy cow! I think that may be the toughest book that I ever really read (didn't even skip any). Very complex, but it was also REALLY good.
3) Planned a unit that I will present tomorrow in class about how we're going to use our Writer's Notebook this fall (or late summer, really... less than 2 months now!). I have found some wicked cool ideas for our front cover!! Curious? Google "altered text" or "altered books" and "junk art" and you'll kind of get a little sneak peak.
So, my laundry is piled high in a crumpled heap on the dryer; my desk is a disaster (I'm sure that is no surprise at all); and I haven't blogged like I promised. BUT I have fed my brain well.
I hope everyone has had a lovely, lovely June. My class ends this week, so I'll actually have some free time. Might have to hang out at Barnes and Nobel...
Happy Tired Tuesday!
Ms. Hagen
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
Saturday, June 26, 2010
Making our Writing Matter
Good Morning! It's still a bit dark this morning as I write this. I'm hopeful that it will turn out to be a pretty, sunny day so the kids and I can head over to the Humane Society today for a carnival fund-raiser.
The idea of helping animals is nothing new to me. Fourteen years ago, I picked out Maude, my little kitten who would drink orange juice and eat yellow rice and beans from the table when my back was turned, and Shakespeare, who was nestled a pile of sleeping puppies, from the Humane Society in Tampa. This has carried through to this year with our adoptions of Sasha, Domino and Sally. I know I've given them a home, but it's hard to really feel that I'm helping them when they bring so much joy to our lives. They're just our pets and we love them.
The critical literacy class I'm taking (which is done next Thursday) has opened my eyes to so many other needs in our world. We have spent many an afternoon looking at issues of education, poverty, power, and the consumer society we live in. On Thursday we took a field trip to St. Francis House, a hospitality house that helps men who are homeless. We watched a video on Dorothy Day and the Catholic Workers, people who dedicate their lives to helping others. Right now we're reading a book called The Help by Kathryn Stockett. The main character is just out of college back in her hometown of Jackson, Mississippi in the early 1960s. She is a writer and takes on a very dangerous project of interviewing black maids to tell their stories of working with white families. It's very risky, but she feels that maybe she can change attitudes by giving these women a voice.
That is the heart of writing - giving voices to people. Last year we focused on finding our own voices, telling our stories. I wonder how this might grow, how we can find the stories that need telling so that we too might help others through our words.
Happy Saturday!
Ms. Hagen
The idea of helping animals is nothing new to me. Fourteen years ago, I picked out Maude, my little kitten who would drink orange juice and eat yellow rice and beans from the table when my back was turned, and Shakespeare, who was nestled a pile of sleeping puppies, from the Humane Society in Tampa. This has carried through to this year with our adoptions of Sasha, Domino and Sally. I know I've given them a home, but it's hard to really feel that I'm helping them when they bring so much joy to our lives. They're just our pets and we love them.
The critical literacy class I'm taking (which is done next Thursday) has opened my eyes to so many other needs in our world. We have spent many an afternoon looking at issues of education, poverty, power, and the consumer society we live in. On Thursday we took a field trip to St. Francis House, a hospitality house that helps men who are homeless. We watched a video on Dorothy Day and the Catholic Workers, people who dedicate their lives to helping others. Right now we're reading a book called The Help by Kathryn Stockett. The main character is just out of college back in her hometown of Jackson, Mississippi in the early 1960s. She is a writer and takes on a very dangerous project of interviewing black maids to tell their stories of working with white families. It's very risky, but she feels that maybe she can change attitudes by giving these women a voice.
That is the heart of writing - giving voices to people. Last year we focused on finding our own voices, telling our stories. I wonder how this might grow, how we can find the stories that need telling so that we too might help others through our words.
Happy Saturday!
Ms. Hagen
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
Writer's Notebook Cover
Writer's Notebook is on my brain!! Right now, I'm thinking about the cover. Remember last year how I required you to have a 3-ring binder with a clear, plastic cover and then we personalized our covers? This year, I want to do something similar except I want you to have more ownership over it. So, like I said yesterday, you get to choose what kind of notebook works for you (once school supplies are out in July, I'll go on a little exploring mission and give you a preview of what's available). Then we'll personalize the front cover. So far, I'm thinking about photos, words that mean something to you, stickers, that kind of thing. But what if we branched out further and took cameras out around the school and took pictures of each other for our notebooks or things we liked; or what if we created poems to put on the cover? My brain is whirring, trying to push beyond my first thoughts, so that we can create some really cool covers that we're proud of!
I think I'll get the people in my class to create their own covers so that we have lots of samples to look at! Feel free to send me your ideas!
Happy Creative Thinking Wednesday!
Ms. Hagen
I think I'll get the people in my class to create their own covers so that we have lots of samples to look at! Feel free to send me your ideas!
Happy Creative Thinking Wednesday!
Ms. Hagen
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
Writer's Notebook
Yes, it will return this fall. Our Writer's Notebooks will be back - filled with our noticings about ourselves and our noticings about the world, and, most importantly, it will also be filled with what we notice that we believe should be different than it is now, and what we might do about that.
Next week, my final project is due for my class. I must admit that I'm nervous because besides a lot of thinking, I have not started my project. A week is not a lot of time, so today I'm committing to some serious planning. My project, I decided yesterday, will focus on our Writer's Notebook. It will start with daily writing, just like last year, but it will also be a tool to review our thinking and discover what matters to us, a springboard for bigger writing - stories, poems, essays, pamphlets, and other pieces. It will be a place to capture and examine our thoughts before talking to others about what matters to us. Ultimately, it will help us connect our lives to our world and to make plans to do something to make our world a better place.
The style of your notebook is totally your choice this year. Lat year we tried the binder, so that you'd only have one thing to bring to class. I'm not sold that it is the ultimate Writer's Notebook for all of us. If you liked the binder, go for it! Keep your Writer's Notebook (TOGETHER) in there. If you didn't, find something else that works for you - something mobile, useful, and something that you love. Maybe you find a fat, 5-subject notebook in lime green that calls your name. Maybe it's a black and white marbled composition book. Maybe it's one with Hello Kitty or a Transformer on the front! Your choice.
I know it's only June, so do you really have to start thinking about your Writer's Notebook yet? No. Live your lives fully this summer. Notice the world around you. Make it your habit to be awake, thinking people who LIVE in this fascinating world of ours!
Happy Tuesday!
Ms. Hagen
Next week, my final project is due for my class. I must admit that I'm nervous because besides a lot of thinking, I have not started my project. A week is not a lot of time, so today I'm committing to some serious planning. My project, I decided yesterday, will focus on our Writer's Notebook. It will start with daily writing, just like last year, but it will also be a tool to review our thinking and discover what matters to us, a springboard for bigger writing - stories, poems, essays, pamphlets, and other pieces. It will be a place to capture and examine our thoughts before talking to others about what matters to us. Ultimately, it will help us connect our lives to our world and to make plans to do something to make our world a better place.
The style of your notebook is totally your choice this year. Lat year we tried the binder, so that you'd only have one thing to bring to class. I'm not sold that it is the ultimate Writer's Notebook for all of us. If you liked the binder, go for it! Keep your Writer's Notebook (TOGETHER) in there. If you didn't, find something else that works for you - something mobile, useful, and something that you love. Maybe you find a fat, 5-subject notebook in lime green that calls your name. Maybe it's a black and white marbled composition book. Maybe it's one with Hello Kitty or a Transformer on the front! Your choice.
I know it's only June, so do you really have to start thinking about your Writer's Notebook yet? No. Live your lives fully this summer. Notice the world around you. Make it your habit to be awake, thinking people who LIVE in this fascinating world of ours!
Happy Tuesday!
Ms. Hagen
Saturday, June 19, 2010
Simplify!
Happy Saturday Morning to Everyone!
As I sit here this morning in my little office space, I realize that somehow I've accumulated a lot of stuff again. It looks crowded and cluttered, which makes me feel crowded and cluttered. So, I'm going to spend some time today getting rid of some more stuff! What fun! The past two days I've simplified my schedule, slowed down so I'm not rushing around; I've tried to focus on one thing at a time. Today's I need to do the same!
Here's what my simplified focus brought me...
1. I finished the adult novel I was reading for my book club. It was not my typical read, but I found a lot of value in it. I'm not going to blog about it because it isn't something I want you to pick up out of curiosity! The next book club book is all for you!
2. I found that going over to school and sitting at the hallway table by the big window allows me to finish my homework for class in 2 hours, not the 3 1/2 it has been taking me at home (as I let the dogs in and out ... several times, answer phone calls, check email, check Facebook, get a cup of coffee, get a snack...). Single tasking with homework has made a huge difference!
3. I snuck in a little nap which made me feel refreshed and energetic so...
4. I vacuumed the whole house!
Now I'm off to single-task on the most important job I have - being a mom. The cherubs should be up soon!
Ms. Hagen
As I sit here this morning in my little office space, I realize that somehow I've accumulated a lot of stuff again. It looks crowded and cluttered, which makes me feel crowded and cluttered. So, I'm going to spend some time today getting rid of some more stuff! What fun! The past two days I've simplified my schedule, slowed down so I'm not rushing around; I've tried to focus on one thing at a time. Today's I need to do the same!
Here's what my simplified focus brought me...
1. I finished the adult novel I was reading for my book club. It was not my typical read, but I found a lot of value in it. I'm not going to blog about it because it isn't something I want you to pick up out of curiosity! The next book club book is all for you!
2. I found that going over to school and sitting at the hallway table by the big window allows me to finish my homework for class in 2 hours, not the 3 1/2 it has been taking me at home (as I let the dogs in and out ... several times, answer phone calls, check email, check Facebook, get a cup of coffee, get a snack...). Single tasking with homework has made a huge difference!
3. I snuck in a little nap which made me feel refreshed and energetic so...
4. I vacuumed the whole house!
Now I'm off to single-task on the most important job I have - being a mom. The cherubs should be up soon!
Ms. Hagen
Thursday, June 17, 2010
Sleepy, rainy morning
I awoke this morning from a dream that my basement was flooding and that my attic (which I don't have) was leaking buckets of water. I had also bought a baby leopard, which I was informed a bit too late, was really beyond the safe age to own a baby leopard, and that I should probably sell it quickly. As my sleepy brain came out of its haze, I realized that it was thundering, and that Sally was whining in her kennel. I looked enviously at Shakespeare who in his doggy-old-age has become blissfully hard of hearing. He was deeply asleep, unaware of an approaching storm, a howling puppy or anything else around him.
I often have the bad habit of filling my life with too much to do. I like to be busy and on the go. But days like today, when nature rolls her soft clouds into the sky and douses the world with rain, I think about the value of less to do and going slow. When I do less, I have space to ponder, to play with ideas, to listen to the thoughts in my head. I get to sit back and live the details of my life instead of watching them zoom past.
Last night we went downtown to Flat Branch Park. My kids were fascinated with the catfish and gar brought in by the conservation department. They stood and stared in wonder. They felt the smooth, wet skin of the twitching fish as the man held it in the air. They asked, "What is that?" about every detail on that fish. The same happened as we looked at a snake, frogs and the pelts of a fox and an otter. Slowed-down curious brains, soaking in the world around them.
Today instead of rushing to get as much done as I can, I vow to slow down, to revel in a long, summer day, to focus on each task purposefully. I'll watch the rain and all my little leopards playing so that I don't suddenly discover that they too are grown and now it's too late; I missed it.
Happy slowed-down Thursday!
Ms. Hagen
I often have the bad habit of filling my life with too much to do. I like to be busy and on the go. But days like today, when nature rolls her soft clouds into the sky and douses the world with rain, I think about the value of less to do and going slow. When I do less, I have space to ponder, to play with ideas, to listen to the thoughts in my head. I get to sit back and live the details of my life instead of watching them zoom past.
Last night we went downtown to Flat Branch Park. My kids were fascinated with the catfish and gar brought in by the conservation department. They stood and stared in wonder. They felt the smooth, wet skin of the twitching fish as the man held it in the air. They asked, "What is that?" about every detail on that fish. The same happened as we looked at a snake, frogs and the pelts of a fox and an otter. Slowed-down curious brains, soaking in the world around them.
Today instead of rushing to get as much done as I can, I vow to slow down, to revel in a long, summer day, to focus on each task purposefully. I'll watch the rain and all my little leopards playing so that I don't suddenly discover that they too are grown and now it's too late; I missed it.
Happy slowed-down Thursday!
Ms. Hagen
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
Class
Good Morning!
I realize I've gotten into an every other day pattern... that may continue for a while! I'm taking a class at the University, and I am doing a lot of reading daily (3+ hours). All my morning free-time isn't happening so much. I know, it all sounds like excuses! At least I didn't say the dog ate something, which around here, with two playful puppies and a mischievous cat, that is a real possibility!
So, what is all this reading I'm doing for class? The class is called Critical Literacy, which means we are studying ways reading and writing (education as a whole) should prepare students to be fully human beings, not just people who can do a job. We talked briefly about the purpose of education in our Civil Rights Unit, but I have learned so much more about what it means to be a fully alive, fully human person, who is a thinking, acting being. We've read articles and books about how to make classrooms a place of true learning for teaches and students; we've read about people who are powerful and make lots of decisions, and we've read about those who have no power, no voice in this world. And we've questioned everything - why are there so many poor people in a world that is so rich? Why don't some people have access to the same education as others in our country? Why are there standardized tests? Why do so many kids drop out of school? And so much more.
This is making me plan some interesting units of study for 7th grade. What if we did book groups that studied other countries? What if we looked at immigration into our country? What if we looked at the material/consumer culture that we live in (the culture of buying stuff)? We could also use our writing as action - poetry and stories to express what we're learning; letters to people; newspaper articles.
I want our classroom to be a real place where we all are engaged (yes, reading and writing lots) with real-world issues - we can find them in novels, articles, stories and poetry. And we can write them ourselves. Our Civil Rights Unit was just a small taste!
OK, off to read about No Child Left Behind ... now, that's excitement! HA!
Happy Tuesday!
Ms. Hagen
I realize I've gotten into an every other day pattern... that may continue for a while! I'm taking a class at the University, and I am doing a lot of reading daily (3+ hours). All my morning free-time isn't happening so much. I know, it all sounds like excuses! At least I didn't say the dog ate something, which around here, with two playful puppies and a mischievous cat, that is a real possibility!
So, what is all this reading I'm doing for class? The class is called Critical Literacy, which means we are studying ways reading and writing (education as a whole) should prepare students to be fully human beings, not just people who can do a job. We talked briefly about the purpose of education in our Civil Rights Unit, but I have learned so much more about what it means to be a fully alive, fully human person, who is a thinking, acting being. We've read articles and books about how to make classrooms a place of true learning for teaches and students; we've read about people who are powerful and make lots of decisions, and we've read about those who have no power, no voice in this world. And we've questioned everything - why are there so many poor people in a world that is so rich? Why don't some people have access to the same education as others in our country? Why are there standardized tests? Why do so many kids drop out of school? And so much more.
This is making me plan some interesting units of study for 7th grade. What if we did book groups that studied other countries? What if we looked at immigration into our country? What if we looked at the material/consumer culture that we live in (the culture of buying stuff)? We could also use our writing as action - poetry and stories to express what we're learning; letters to people; newspaper articles.
I want our classroom to be a real place where we all are engaged (yes, reading and writing lots) with real-world issues - we can find them in novels, articles, stories and poetry. And we can write them ourselves. Our Civil Rights Unit was just a small taste!
OK, off to read about No Child Left Behind ... now, that's excitement! HA!
Happy Tuesday!
Ms. Hagen
Sunday, June 13, 2010
Book suggestions, please!
Good Morning!
This summer, I've been reading TONS of adult literature so far: articles and chapters of books for class, a fiction book for my book group, nonfiction writing books and life books, and blogs that I follow, but as of yet, I haven't read a single young adult novel. So, today I'm on a quest to find some good ones - I've put out the call on Facebook; I'm going to check the Mark Twain and Truman Awards list, and I'll look on YALSA's website (an organization that lists all different kinds of award winning books), and I'll also google young adult books to see what I can find.
My other great resource? YOU! Drop me a comment and let me know what fantastic books you're reading, or what I should avoid. I'll let you know soon what I'm finding!
"Be who you are and say what you feel because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind." - Dr. Suess
Happy Sunday!
Ms. Hagen
This summer, I've been reading TONS of adult literature so far: articles and chapters of books for class, a fiction book for my book group, nonfiction writing books and life books, and blogs that I follow, but as of yet, I haven't read a single young adult novel. So, today I'm on a quest to find some good ones - I've put out the call on Facebook; I'm going to check the Mark Twain and Truman Awards list, and I'll look on YALSA's website (an organization that lists all different kinds of award winning books), and I'll also google young adult books to see what I can find.
My other great resource? YOU! Drop me a comment and let me know what fantastic books you're reading, or what I should avoid. I'll let you know soon what I'm finding!
"Be who you are and say what you feel because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind." - Dr. Suess
Happy Sunday!
Ms. Hagen
Friday, June 11, 2010
Did I mention that 3 is my favorite number?
Good things in my life tend to come in three's. I don't plan it that way; it just seems to happen. So it should come as no real surprise that I started the process today of adopting our third dog. Yes, number THREE. I never thought in a million years that I would have any reason to own more than one dog. Shakey and I have been together for 14 years. And then came Sasha, our own little moose. And now today, the latest baby (named by my spunky Princess-in-training - child #3)...Sally. I suggested Violette. She answered (in her best Junie B. Jones voice with her hands on her hips), "Yea, but her name is Sally. Sally Princess Hagen."
So, apparently in my life, I'll keep downsizing my stuff with many trips to see my friends at Good Will. But somehow I don't think the number of fuzzy children in my life is going to shrink!
Luckily the other dogs are VERY happy. Shakespeare now has the peace and quiet he has longed for since Sasha came into our lives. And Sasha has her very own playmate who wants to romp and play just as much as she does.
Needless to say, my THREE children are also quite excited!
Happy Saturday!
Ms. Hagen
Thursday, June 10, 2010
A new book to love
You all know how I love fonts on my computer, right? So, I got this new book called Journal Bliss by Violette (isn't that a lovely name?), and it's about doing an art journal, where you have words and drawings (doodles, sketches, decoration). Anyway, the part I'm on is about creating your own fanciful lettering. I remember back when I was in middle school, and probably high school too, that I loved to experiment with different handwriting styles. I'd write big, then small, loopy, then straight. And yes, I think I even did the hearts above the i's at one point (although that's a little embarrassing to admit).
Anyway, I do remember the joy of just plain old writing when I was having fun with my handwriting, so I'm going to give it a whirl. "Be free Enjoy Jump Skip sing Dance unabashed experiment be the Creative Being that you are!" says Violette. So I will!
How will you "be the Creative Being that you are" this summer? Will you write? Will you doodle? Will you come up with your own Lettering style? You might even be able to submit one as a new font! That would be cool!
Happy Writing!
Ms. Hagen
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
Blogging is kind of lonely!
Hello kiddos!
I'm reading all these articles and books about classrooms, and a lot about talk between adults and kids (right now I'm supposed to be reading about pen pals, but I'm taking a little break). It got me thinking that blogging is one-sided conversation; it's just me talking at you. Now you know how I enjoy talking, but without all your questions, your thoughts, and your comments, it's a bit lonely. Is that me saying I miss you guys, after all of three days into summer vacation?? Maybe I'm just avoiding my homework! :)
Conversation really is much more fun when there's more than just me, so drop me a comment! Let me know you're all still alive, well, and thinking! I'll try to plan a get-together soon!
OK, I'll get back to my homework now!
Ms. Hagen
I'm reading all these articles and books about classrooms, and a lot about talk between adults and kids (right now I'm supposed to be reading about pen pals, but I'm taking a little break). It got me thinking that blogging is one-sided conversation; it's just me talking at you. Now you know how I enjoy talking, but without all your questions, your thoughts, and your comments, it's a bit lonely. Is that me saying I miss you guys, after all of three days into summer vacation?? Maybe I'm just avoiding my homework! :)
Conversation really is much more fun when there's more than just me, so drop me a comment! Let me know you're all still alive, well, and thinking! I'll try to plan a get-together soon!
OK, I'll get back to my homework now!
Ms. Hagen
Freedom of Choice in Writing
I just finished my homework for my class today - lots of introductions to ideas that I now want to know more about! I was struck today by a quote in the book For a Better World: Reading and Writing for Social Action that says, "the experience of coming up with something to say, developing intention and purpose, invoking an audience, and speaking out in the world gives one a sense of having important things to say and the language with which to say them" (3). I thought immediately of our Writer's Notebook and my adamant insistence that YOU COME UP WITH YOUR OWN TOPICS. I knew that this was important, for you to value your own experiences, but there's more to it. Choosing your own topics and choosing your own words both help you to be free, to grow up seeing that you can be someone who changes your own life (for the better, I hope!), and you can also be someone who helps change the lives of others.
I'm just at the tip of the iceberg on this empowering idea, but right now, I'm content to know that writing your own ideas, stories, poems, songs in your Writer's Notebook is GOOD. Now I hope to learn ways to make it GREAT. More to come...
I see the sun peeking out in the cloud-filled sky. Maybe my walk on campus will be more pleasant than I imagined this morning!
Happy Tuesday to all!
Ms. Hagen
I'm just at the tip of the iceberg on this empowering idea, but right now, I'm content to know that writing your own ideas, stories, poems, songs in your Writer's Notebook is GOOD. Now I hope to learn ways to make it GREAT. More to come...
I see the sun peeking out in the cloud-filled sky. Maybe my walk on campus will be more pleasant than I imagined this morning!
Happy Tuesday to all!
Ms. Hagen
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
Books!
Hello again - I said I'd post twice since I missed yesterday (due to Blogger's technical problems). I just read a post from one of my favorite teachings blogs, http://twowritingteachers.wordpress.com about a way to read books online for free, called We Give Books. You can check it out at http://www.wegivebooks.org/p/how-it-works
It's a great way to read some good books; plus, books are donated to people around the world who need books. How great is that?
Speaking of reading, I'm off to do MY HOMEWORK! I started my class, "Critical Literacy Across the Curriculum" yesterday, and I have read some very cool stuff (3 articles and a book chapter, to be exact). My mind is already spinning with ideas for next year, but since nothing is definite, I won't share quite yet.
I hope you all stayed dry today, and that your first week of summer is going as well as mine!
Happy Tuesday!
Ms. Hagen
It's a great way to read some good books; plus, books are donated to people around the world who need books. How great is that?
Speaking of reading, I'm off to do MY HOMEWORK! I started my class, "Critical Literacy Across the Curriculum" yesterday, and I have read some very cool stuff (3 articles and a book chapter, to be exact). My mind is already spinning with ideas for next year, but since nothing is definite, I won't share quite yet.
I hope you all stayed dry today, and that your first week of summer is going as well as mine!
Happy Tuesday!
Ms. Hagen
Poetry
Yesterday when I went to post, Blogger wasn't working! By the time I could get back on, it was writing group time, so I'll share a draft of my poem this morning and something more later on.
BOXES-
all our stuff
piled in the garage
stacks and stacks and stacks
of brown cardboard
Where do we begin
making this house our home?
Do I find dishes -
spoons, plates, coffee mugs?
Do I open the books -
Billy Collins?
Sark?
Junie B. Jones?
Do I look for a box with photos -
the Disney trip?
the family around the Christmas tree?
dimple-skinned babies with chubby, creased arms?
Is this how I make a home?
Is this the right box to unpack?
No.
It's pizza covered in ham and pineapple
with the family on a Friday night.
It's a summer afternoon
with crayon-shaped water-shooters
spraying the backyard.
It's the kids
munching pink bagels with grape jelly
splashing in tub with blue-haired Barbies
sleeping under a tent of stuffed animals.
It's Domino the cat
high on the white TV cabinet
nestled in green leaves.
It's Shakespeare and Sasha
noses to the glass
tails thumping to their own rhythm
waiting to come in.
It's a pen in my hand,
a notebook on my desk
gazing at the sun
in the pink and orange sky.
Have a fantastic day! Later I'll tell you about all my HOMEWORK!!!
Ms. Hagen
BOXES-
all our stuff
piled in the garage
stacks and stacks and stacks
of brown cardboard
Where do we begin
making this house our home?
Do I find dishes -
spoons, plates, coffee mugs?
Do I open the books -
Billy Collins?
Sark?
Junie B. Jones?
Do I look for a box with photos -
the Disney trip?
the family around the Christmas tree?
dimple-skinned babies with chubby, creased arms?
Is this how I make a home?
Is this the right box to unpack?
No.
It's pizza covered in ham and pineapple
with the family on a Friday night.
It's a summer afternoon
with crayon-shaped water-shooters
spraying the backyard.
It's the kids
munching pink bagels with grape jelly
splashing in tub with blue-haired Barbies
sleeping under a tent of stuffed animals.
It's Domino the cat
high on the white TV cabinet
nestled in green leaves.
It's Shakespeare and Sasha
noses to the glass
tails thumping to their own rhythm
waiting to come in.
It's a pen in my hand,
a notebook on my desk
gazing at the sun
in the pink and orange sky.
Have a fantastic day! Later I'll tell you about all my HOMEWORK!!!
Ms. Hagen
Sunday, June 6, 2010
Introducting My Desk!
Good Morning! I'm giving up trying to sleep in. Yesterday, I woke up at 5:30; today 5:32. By the time I am sleeping to a reasonable hour, it will be time to get up early again! I know, you guys don't have this problem!
Well, since I'm up, I thought I'd introduce you to my workspace today. Whenever I've moved somewhere new (college dorm, house, classroom), I always felt better once my desk was organized. (You might not know this since you've seen what my desk at school often looks like!) Anyway, I have a little corner in my family room that has my desk, computer, bookcase, filing cabinet and a few pretties. I have a window which right now looks out on to blooming orangish-yellow lilies and the rising sun. The little shelf in the picture above, however, is the best. It has my favorite decorating colors (pale blue and green which remind me of the ocean), a splash of pink (of course!), a great quote, these cute little painted words, and my wonderful supply of pens, markers and colored pencils. The walls have yet to be painted andI haven't hung up my big bulletin board or my pictures, but those will come.
I think office is too formal a name for my creative little space. I'll have to call it something better. Maybe I'll read some Anne of Green Gables for inspiration. Haven't read it? OHHH! You're mising out - it's fantastic, especially in the summer! The author is L.M. Montgomery - check it out!!
Happy Sunday!
Ms. Hagen
Saturday, June 5, 2010
I'm Grateful!
On this first official day of summer, I'm going to look back at all the great things about this school year.
1. Our lap tops! I never dreamed I'd EVER have a full classroom set of laptops where we could jump on the internet, write a paper, or create poetry whenever we wanted. That has been a dream come-true!
2. Loving Poetry Mondays! I've always done a poetry unit in my classes before, but never I never chose a day to just create poetry. I'm grateful that we tried it, but I'm more grateful that you all jumped in and created fantastic poems. AND you liked it!!
3. Our Civil Rights Unit! I learned as much as you did - with our research and our projects, all our lives were changed. The Rosa Parks movie was just frosting on the cake.
4. Our classroom! I was really nervous about moving back into a "regular" classroom after spending two years teaching in the commons (which was HUGE!). I was worried we'd be cramped, crowded and grouchy. But we were not! After re-arranging several times to get things just right, our room was terrific!
5. YOU! What can I say about this year's team?? You love to read (over 2,500 books this year); you came with me on all the writing journeys that I took you on; you corrected me when I forgot HHH; you teased me when I needed it (Skittles...need I say more?); you listened intently to my passionate speeches about your future; you got me accused of cheating on the writing assessment because you did so well; you guys were terrific. I am so lucky to have one more year with you!
Happy First Day of Summer!
Ms. Hagen
1. Our lap tops! I never dreamed I'd EVER have a full classroom set of laptops where we could jump on the internet, write a paper, or create poetry whenever we wanted. That has been a dream come-true!
2. Loving Poetry Mondays! I've always done a poetry unit in my classes before, but never I never chose a day to just create poetry. I'm grateful that we tried it, but I'm more grateful that you all jumped in and created fantastic poems. AND you liked it!!
3. Our Civil Rights Unit! I learned as much as you did - with our research and our projects, all our lives were changed. The Rosa Parks movie was just frosting on the cake.
4. Our classroom! I was really nervous about moving back into a "regular" classroom after spending two years teaching in the commons (which was HUGE!). I was worried we'd be cramped, crowded and grouchy. But we were not! After re-arranging several times to get things just right, our room was terrific!
5. YOU! What can I say about this year's team?? You love to read (over 2,500 books this year); you came with me on all the writing journeys that I took you on; you corrected me when I forgot HHH; you teased me when I needed it (Skittles...need I say more?); you listened intently to my passionate speeches about your future; you got me accused of cheating on the writing assessment because you did so well; you guys were terrific. I am so lucky to have one more year with you!
Happy First Day of Summer!
Ms. Hagen
Friday, June 4, 2010
The last day of school!
We made it! The very last day of your 6th grade career. We've been signing yearbooks, t-shirts, shoes, and socks.... all morning! It's been a really good year. We read lots of fun stuff (over 2,500 books team-wide!); you wrote a million notebook entries, stories, essays, and poems. We used our new laptops to do Power Points, Photostory projects, and, of course, lots of essays. I watched you blossom from my baby 6th graders to almost 7th graders. And, unlike many teachers, I am always sad when the school year ends. Not sad that summer is coming, just sad that I don't get to see my school family all summer, and that I don't get to do reading and writing with you all every day. Really (no sarcasm at all, even if you find that hard to believe!).
But instead of staring at the door that's closing, I'm choosing to turn around and look at the one that's opening...the one full of no 5:15 alarm clocks, sunny, warm days, reading and writing whenever I feel like it (and my children will let me!), and lots of painting at my new house. Oh, and a little planning for 7th grade will of course sneak into my brain! We'll have adventures in Greek mythology, how-to speeches, learning how to persuade without whining...
Happy Summer my Little Readers and Writers! Tomorrow starts the real world of summer blogging!
Ms. Hagen
But instead of staring at the door that's closing, I'm choosing to turn around and look at the one that's opening...the one full of no 5:15 alarm clocks, sunny, warm days, reading and writing whenever I feel like it (and my children will let me!), and lots of painting at my new house. Oh, and a little planning for 7th grade will of course sneak into my brain! We'll have adventures in Greek mythology, how-to speeches, learning how to persuade without whining...
Happy Summer my Little Readers and Writers! Tomorrow starts the real world of summer blogging!
Ms. Hagen
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
Anxiety, Anxiety, All Around
It's very exciting to have followers - a real audience, not just random ramblings. Thanks, guys!
So, I'm getting ready to be a student again. Monday to be exact. I'm taking a course in Critical Literacy at the University, and I'm not sure what all I'm going to learn about. I guess that's how you all feel going into most of your classes; you have no idea what you're going to learn.
I have some anxieties too. What if there's TONS of homework? What if there are mean people in my class? What if they're all super-creative, high-tech, geniuses and I feel really dumb?? Should I take a laptop with me? Should I buy a really cute notebook and some fun pens? Backpack or bag? Clothes - what kind? Shoes? AHHHHHH!
I know. You're thinking that this is really good for me, aren't you? You're thinking that this is just how you felt when you walked into middle school last August, not knowing what to expect. You were probably 10 times as scared as I feel. After all, I have been a college student before.
Well, here's what I think. I think I'll just be me. I know I love to read and write, so I'll just do the work the best I can. I'll bring my cute notebook, pens and my laptop because all that makes me happy. I'll wear shorts, a t-shirt and my Chacos because they're comfortable. And I'll carry my backpack because it's way more comfortable to walk around with than my bag. And if I'm not cool, I can live with that.
Anxiety gone? No. I'll keep you posted on how it goes!
Have a fantastic Wednesday afternoon!
Ms. Hagen
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