Blogs
Saturday morning. Open Feedly after about a week away, see 45+ unread blog posts. Get overwhelmed, close the tab. Remind myself that it’s not homework. Read a few blog posts, marvel at people’s ability to post quality reflections and meaningful responses on a regular basis.
One blog post recommendation – this one from Kelsey of the Girl Next Door podcast and Rising*Shining blog. She created a portfolio of her work. Like, everything she does for work! Writing, editing, house management, kid management, everything! Me: “MUST DO THE SAME!”
Books
Angie Cruz’ novel was amazing. The narrator, Rossmery Almonte, is a national treasure. Patchett’s book – nibbled on a few essays and returned it after a few days. Twyla Tharp’s book is being inhaled by me- an easy read, along the lines of “the Artist’s Way” by J. Cameron. Stephen King audio book is only 4 (!) hours long, can you believe it? He usually churns the books by the pound but this one is brief. Enjoying it very much.
Work
Had a wonderful, productive week with students. Had a conversation with the chosen few along the lines “I love you, and I will help you learn, but I’ll also make sure you will work in my class. I need to see more effort from you.”
Another highlight is that I found a great idea for the Hispanic Heritage Month on Teachers Pay Teachers. I then bought said project ($3.95), manipulated it to fit my students’ needs, tightened it up, and voilà, an amazing and different way to celebrate Hispanic Heritage! Why is this different? Because usually we do people of Hispanic heritage and that’s wonderful but this… 🥰
In essence, students research one Latin American brand/business they randomly select and create an infographic with essential information about their brand. Some of the brands are Bimbo, Marinela, Fabuloso, Suavitel, Chocolina, Cafe Bustelo, Melhar, De La Rosa Mazapán, Goya, P.A.N. and others.
The project also prompted a field trip to a hispanic supermarket with L and R this afternoon to load up on snacks from some of the above brands. Who doesn’t like Gansito? A classic!
September
When I look back at September… I feel good. As projected it didn’t feel super busy. But the month of September passed us by really fast.
I did a good job organizing my classroom and starting the school year strong, in my very own classroom. When T was traveling for work, I was tremendously overwhelmed but did my best to keep my head above water.
I did well on Back-to-School night. I had a chance to meet L and R’s teachers. I took down dead morning glories from our window boxes. I met Lisa! We decorated for Halloween. Both kids are loving gymnastics. Halloween costumes are ordered and started arriving. I booked flights, secured an Airbnb, and insured our spring break trip – to Paris (just the kids and I, T can’t take that week off).
Flu shots. Library visits. A 6 month teeth cleaning and check up for me. A few rainy days, family movies nights. Sleeping Beauty, Elemental, and Hercules. Trivial yet important stuff. And absolutely nothing major to complain about.
Mom of Children 