tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-63808348160437938032024-02-06T23:17:49.474-06:00Flowers for FerdinandInspired by Munro Leaf's classic story, this little blog collects inspiration and smiles like flowers, in the form of posts. Art Craft DIY Lovel i zhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01584456267312005759noreply@blogger.comBlogger23125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6380834816043793803.post-80411332774836876392012-08-13T17:08:00.001-05:002012-08-14T21:15:01.133-05:00Flower number 21: Is there such a thing as secular spiritualism for the classroom?<h4>
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #c27ba0;">After a little bit of reflection, it felt like something was missing-- I've updated some parts, with purple text. </span></i></h4>
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A last resort?</h4>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">"What do you do with the child who does not respond to tutoring, counseling support, mentor support, has already been retained, and has been placed in special education? When it's a symptom of their home culture, how do you reach them when he or she seemingly refuses to learn what you have to teach?"</span></h4>
Some educators would argue that, that's just not even possible; every child is open to learning; and of course there are child study teams, social workers on campus, and child protective services to help, but this was the question I posed for one of my professors while working on my teaching credential many years ago.<br />
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It had been a very challenging week-- a third grade student in one of my mentor classrooms announced to the class that his birthday wish was to be dead. <br />
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In all of my glorious, let-me-save-the-world, naivete, I couldn't handle it. I had never heard a child speak about depression, despair, or suffering. I had never heard a <i>child</i> speak of <i>suicide as an option. </i><br />
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What I did know, was that this-- although new to me at the time--was now going be an additional challenge to overcome while faced with the pressure of the state exam. I immediately felt completely helpless. So I brought it to my professor:<br />
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"Prayer" she answered, "Pray for them." <br />
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Now, a little bit about me, and my views: I am completely one hundred percent against religion in the classroom; I believe in the separation of church and state. In fact, I am "one of those people" who totally support that little girl who refused to say the pledge because of the "one nation under God" line.<br />
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Oh, still reading? OK, so, for me, there's a sense of camaraderie with a side of humor between my fellow educators, when the answer to such extreme situations is "pray"; it just seems so often to be a desperate, last resort:<br />
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I once worked down the hall from a teacher who started bringing holy water into her classroom. It goes without saying that I compassionately reached out to this teacher, but while our laughter was hysterical, her motivation was definitely justified and very seriously focused toward a higher power helping her teach such a dreadfully challenging group.<br />
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The joke in the small talk of my principal and fourth grade teammates, that the only thing left to do a week before the state writing exam was to "pray" --was actually, most definitely serious.<br />
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And when my team teacher comes back on Monday morning, telling me she had our classes in her prayers at church on Sunday, I giggle because it just floors me every time, to know I'm teaching a group of students whose opportunity for success is so dire that it requires prayer as a teaching strategy.<br />
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I'm not teaching my students to pray, soooo. . .</h4>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">So, I'm curious to know how many fellow educators are including their classes, or even, particular students, in their prayers, not just out of a habit of asking for blessings-- but out of pure, nothing-else-has-worked, this-is-the-last-straw, I'm-going-to-have-a-nervous-breakdown, desperation? Being the proponent for secular education that I am, I looked to science. At the same time, I'm open to spiritual practices. So of course, I'm interested whenever the twain </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><i>do meet.</i></span></h4>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">Dr. Martin </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">Seligman</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"> is the Director of the Positive Psychology Center at the University of Pennsylvania and founder of positive psychology, a branch of psychology which focuses on the empirical study of such things as positive emotions, strengths-based character, and healthy institutions. </span></h4>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">He proposes "Two good reasons that well-being should be taught in schools are the current flood of depression and the nominal increase in happiness over the last two generations. A third good reason is that greater well-being enhances learning, the traditional goal of education. Positive mood produces broader attention, more creative thinking, and more holistic thinking."</span></blockquote>
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I'd like to present the idea that practicing positive thinking and believing, or asking the universe, or God-- for specific things, or open-ended things-- may actually benefit the classroom. If one teacher is doing this per 30 kids, couldn't it be more beneficial for everyone involved in the class community to participate?<br />
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Some points to consider about (Science in Quotations) and Spirituality</h4>
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<li>A study conducted by scientist and minister Dr. Franklin Loehr experimented with praying for seeds. One pan of seeds received positive prayer; one received no prayer; the third pan received negative prayer. This experiment has been repeated several times with the same results. Seeds that were prayed over produced the most plants; seeds that received negative prayer were stunted in growth. <a href="http://www.ehow.com/about_6821588_positive-thought-plant-growth.html">[1]</a>[<a href="http://books.google.com/books?id=ERJS6fHA600C&q=" target="_blank">2]</a></li>
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<li><a href="http://www.masaru-emoto.net/english/emoto.html">Dr. Masaru Emoto</a> has dedicated years of his life to examining water crystallization and the effects of various music, speaking and thoughts on water formation. Positive music and thoughts produce variously shaped, intricate water crystals. Negativity produces deformed water crystals. <a href="http://www.ehow.com/about_6821588_positive-thought-plant-growth.html">[1</a>] His experiments suggest that because our human bodies are mostly made up of water, we need to be aware of the positive and negative influences the world and our thoughts have on us. <a href="http://www.masaru-emoto.net/english/index.html">[4]</a></li>
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<li>David R. Hodge, an assistant professor of social work in the College of Human Services at Arizona State University, conducted a comprehensive analysis of 17 major studies on the effects of intercessory prayer -- or prayer that is offered for the benefit of another person -- among people with psychological or medical problems. He found a positive effect. "There have been a number of studies on intercessory prayer, or prayer offered for the benefit of another person," said Hodge, a leading expert on spirituality and religion. "Some have found positive results for prayer. Others have found no effect. Conducting a meta-analysis takes into account the entire body of empirical research on intercessory prayer. Using this procedure, we find that prayer offered on behalf of another yields positive results."<a href="http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/03/070314195638.htm">[5]</a></li>
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<li>Dr. Larry Dossey, spoke of the science behind prayer in 1993, on Oprah. Yes, more Oprah on my blog-- always. (BTW, this interview is fabulous, and Oprah is hilarious.)</li>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small; font-weight: bold;"><i>Dr. Larry Dossey Interviewed by Oprah in 1993</i></span></div>
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Inviting children's higher powers into the classroom: good idea?</span><br />
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I probably don't have to tell you that for every point listed above, there's a whole bunch that present arguments to debunk the experiments. But for those teachers who do believe in these ideas, what can it hurt? If it helps to stay centered, and feel positive, and able to send that positivity out to students, then maybe there's something happening that's beyond the science experiment. But how would you go about teaching these ideas to students, when it seems that the "science" behind it is as questionable as creation theory?<br />
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In every 12-step program, there is a recognition of a higher power --even for agnostic members; a need to be able to call upon something that is larger than you; something to be able to let go of one's troubles and fears; something as a guide when the going gets really, really rough. With so many children coming from families suffering with addiction, neglect, abuse, and various forms of co-dependency, or even students who don't have a family, I am wondering if it makes sense to actually teach children to find a higher power (of sorts), to call upon when they're trying to be successful within the classroom?<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;">In his blog post <a href="http://njpsychdoc.wordpress.com/2012/02/16/looking-to-a-higher-power/" target="_blank">"Looking to a 'Higher Power'"</a> Dr. Nicholas Jenner PHYS.D M.A. explains rather simply, I thought:</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;">The following quote says much about why children turn to a “higher power” in their search for inspiration.</span></blockquote>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;"> “There is an old saying in Alcoholics Anonymous: In the disease of alcoholism, spirituality is the first thing to go and the last thing to come back. Compared with alcohol, the troubled family may be far more efficient at committing what Alice Miller calls a “soul murder”. Abused children are robbed of their faith in the goodwill of other people and their belief in a safe world”</span></blockquote>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;">For an abused child to recover this faith, his or her view of the world must be reconstructed.Violence and abuse change a child’s image of his or her surroundings as just and orderly, along with their view of self. It is not surprising that many survivors turn to spirituality in all its various forms. Spirituality with basics beliefs suggesting that there is a higher power that offers faith, connects people to others and their surroundings is obviously attractive to anyone who has not experienced faith. Survivors often find in spirituality a world they could not find or did not exist as an abused child. [<a href="http://njpsychdoc.wordpress.com/2012/02/16/looking-to-a-higher-power/" target="_blank">10</a>]</span></blockquote>
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I'm not suggesting a Judeo-Christian focus, and for Pete's sake, I'm not promoting prayer in the classroom, but possibly teaching the children to find something "greater than themselves" or something "other than themselves"--or better, find something powerful within themselves-- to focus on; to turn to, which in turn gives them the confidence to believe in themselves. If their families have taught them about God, or Jesus, or Buddha, fine. But some of the students haven't been introduced to such a thing-- and we are certainly not going to worship in the classroom.<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;">In responding to Oprah's comment, from the 1993 video (above) with Dr. Larry Dossey, when speaking about <i>The Wizard of Oz,</i> I think that's a really simple explanation: Glinda, the good witch, tells Dorothy she had the knowledge and power within herself all along. We realize, just as Dorothy, that the ruby slippers were not her "higher power" but that she found her powerful will from within. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;">Wouldn't that be something, if more of our students had a powerful will within themselves; a higher power to believe that they could succeed, to feel strong and brave enough to take chances in learning, and to enjoy the path along the way.</span><br />
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So what's a teacher left to do?</strike></h4>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;">So we need to be a Good Witch, or some kind of Jedi Knight, knowledgeable of The Force</span></h4>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple; font-weight: normal;">We're not here to host the weekly CODA for 4th Graders, and we don't even have enough time as it is, to teach core content curriculum. It'd be swell, as teachers, to wave a magic wand like Glinda, and just instill these things into our kiddos. However, there's that old classroom community theory, that the more time you take teaching and modeling things like community, positive character traits, etc., that the children will feel safer, and will have a better relationship with you, their teacher-- ultimately learning faster, or learning things the first few times you do it. If we're talking about getting the students to believe in a higher power from within themselves, I'd say it would have to be worth every minute.</span></h4>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">In researching a solution to this, while maintaining a secular focus, I found some great ideas concerning the teaching of positive thinking in the classroom, and to help guide the student toward self-awareness; the knowledge that they have the strength within themselves to carry-on, and to be successful. In other words, to help them find the higher power, within themselves.</span></h4>
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<b>Two exercises from Seligman's website, <a href="http://www.authentichappiness.sas.upenn.edu/default.aspx" target="_blank">Authentic Happiness</a></b><br />
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<i>Three-Good-Things Exercise: </i>We instruct the students to write down daily three good things that happened each day for a week. The three things can be small in importance (“I answered a really hard question right in language arts today”) or big (“The guy I’ve liked for months asked me out!!!”). Next to each positive event, they write about one of the following: “Why did this good thing happen?” “What does this mean to you?” “How can you have more of this good thing in the future?” </div>
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<i>Using Signature Strengths in New Ways: </i>Honesty. Loyalty. Perseverance. Creativity. Kindness. Wisdom. Courage. Fairness. These and sixteen other character strengths are valued in every culture in the world. We believe that you can get more satisfaction out of life if you identify which of these character strengths you have in abundance and then use them as much as possible in school, in hobbies, and with friends and family. Students take the Values in Action Signature Strengths test <a href="http://www.authentichappiness.sas.upenn.edu/entry.aspx?rurl=addchild.aspx%3Fcid%3D0%26turl%3D%2FTests%2FSameAnswers_t.aspx%3Fid%3D314">(www.authentichappiness.org)</a> and use their highest strength in a new way at school in the next week. Several sessions in the curriculum focus on identifying character strengths in themselves, their friends, and the literary figures they read about, and using those strengths to overcome challenges.[6]</div>
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<b><a href="http://www.buddhanet.net/e-learning/buddhism/meditate/howtodo.htm">Guided meditation </a> for students can be very beneficial, and can be a completely secular, self-driven activity that students can do themselves once practiced enough in the class.</b> One that I really like is the <a href="http://www.buddhanet.net/e-learning/buddhism/meditate/rainbow.htm">"Rainbow Meditation"</a> from <a href="http://BuddhaNet./">BuddhaNet.</a> I don't think it's necessary to talk about Buddha and spiritual beliefs here, either. I think it's a wonderful way to help students focus on their positive abilities, and their place in the world. [7]</div>
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<b>Treating each student as an "Expert" </b>In one case a teacher said to his students, “Everyone in here is an expert. You all know that? You are all experts. What does it take to be an expert? It takes the ability to read, the ability to persevere, and self-discipline.” He went on to explain to his students that he knows they possess these qualities because they’ve proven it to him already. Every day he reminded his students that they were all experts. Whenever a student didn’t turn in his homework or was late he’d say, “No homework? Remember, self-discipline. You’re an expert…” [<a href="http://www.teachhub.com/5-powerfully-positive-teaching-practices" target="_blank">8</a>]</div>
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<span style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font: inherit; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><b>Have your students create “me” commercials.</b> They can videotape commercials in which they pretend they are selling themselves for job openings. This activity encourages your kids to think and talk about their positive qualities. This activity also helps them develop their creativity. [<a href="http://www.livestrong.com/article/128161-positive-thinking-children/#ixzz23Sh13y4O" target="_blank">9</a>]</span><br />
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<b>Happiness or Gratitude Journals </b>I've been doing Gratitude Journals with my students for a few years now, but I haven't found them to be very effective. I'm going to focus in on Happiness Journals and let you know how that works out.<br />
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<br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;"><b>Positive Affirmation </b>After teaching what the term self-esteem means, teachers and parents can educate kids more about it by giving them ways that they can improve their self-esteem. This activity encourages children to understand the importance of a healthy self-esteem and to work toward having a positive attitude. Start the activity by letting the children know what a positive affirmation is. The National Mental Health Information Center reports that an affirmation is a positive statement that you make about yourself. Give them examples such as, "I'm a good person," and "I'm a good friend."Have the children individually write down five affirmations, and then have each child pick one affirmation that he likes the best. Give children a sheet of paper and instruct them to write down their affirmation and decorate the page with stickers, crayons and colored pencils. Have each child staple his affirmation in the front of his planner or notebook, so he will see it on a regular basis. [<a href="http://www.livestrong.com/article/144578-activities-to-learn-about-self-esteem/" target="_blank">11</a>]</span></div>
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<br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;"><b>Decisions, Decisions</b> In every situation, we have a decision to make. How will we react? In this game, four players split into groups of two. One player from each team is given the same script, and must say to the other player something like "I don't think we should be friends anymore" or "Your brother stole your allowance money" or "?our mom just lost her job and you don't get to take that trip to the water park."Players have 60 seconds to think of a response. One team is directed to respond in a negative way, while the other team is instructed to respond in a positive way. Afterward, the entire group can discuss their responses together. Have each player think of a time when responding positively has been easier or difficult, or a time when a positive reaction would have changed the outcome for them. When will a negative response help you get your way? Does a negative response ever lead to positive results? How can a positive response lead to positive results? Are others more likely to help you get what you want when you're positive? [<a href="http://www.ehow.com/way_5329550_game-ideas-positive-attitude.html" target="_blank">12</a>]</span></div>
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<b>Books for Kids: </b></div>
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Emoto Peace Project features a book, <i><a href="http://www.emotoproject.com/english/picturebook/english_prana_vita_version/cover.html" target="_blank">The Message from Water</a></i> by Dr. Emoto<br />
<i><a href="http://www.susanpatron.com/reviews.html#power" target="_blank">The Higher Power of Lucky</a></i> by Susan Patron<br />
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These are just a few, and I'm anxious to hear what others are doing.<br />
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Has this been successful within families, or classrooms? This definitely feels like just the beginning of something much larger. . . so let's see how this goes!</div>
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References</h4>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">[1] Positive Thought & Plant Growth By EricB, eHow Contributor</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">[2]Rev. Franklin Loehr. <a href="http://books.google.com/books?id=ERJS6fHA600C&q=">The Power of Prayer on Plants</a>, 2006</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">[3] Mctaggart, Lynn.The Intention Experiment: <a href="http://theintentionexperiment.com/the-germination-intention-experiments-2">The Germination Experiment</a> theintentionexperiment.com</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">[4] Office Masuro Emoto: www.masaru-emoto.net</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">[5] ScienceDaily (Mar. 15, 2007) — <a href="http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/03/070314195638.htm">Does God answer prayer? Researcher says "Yes"</a></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">[6] Dr. Martin Seligman. <a href="http://www.authentichappiness.sas.upenn.edu/default.aspx" target="_blank">Authentic Happiness:</a> <i>Positive Education, an Overview</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">[7] Buddhist Studies: Buddha Dharma Education Association and BuddhaNet: <i><a href="http://www.buddhanet.net/e-learning/buddhism/meditate/guide.htm" target="_blank">Guided Meditations: Teaching Meditation in the Classroom</a></i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">[8] Ignacio Lopez, Ed.D.<a href="http://www.teachhub.com/" target="_blank">Teach Hub:</a> <i><a href="http://www.teachhub.com/5-powerfully-positive-teaching-practices" target="_blank">5 Powerfully Positive Teaching Practices</a></i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">[9] <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica; line-height: 13px;">Mike McLaughlin. <a href="http://Livestrong.com/">Livestrong.com</a> <i><a href="http://www.livestrong.com/article/128161-positive-thinking-children/#ixzz23Sh13y4O" target="_blank">Positive Thinking for Children</a></i></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica; line-height: 13px;">[10]</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;">Dr. Nicholas Jenner PHYS.D M.A. Boundaries of the Soul: </span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;"><a href="http://njpsychdoc.wordpress.com/2012/02/16/looking-to-a-higher-power/" target="_blank">"Looking to a 'Higher Power'"</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;"> </span></i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">[<a href="http://www.livestrong.com/article/144578-activities-to-learn-about-self-esteem/" target="_blank">11</a>]<a href="http://Livestrong.com/">Livestrong.com</a>: <i><a href="http://www.livestrong.com/article/144578-activities-to-learn-about-self-esteem/" target="_blank">Activites to Learn about Self-Esteem</a></i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">[<a href="http://www.ehow.com/way_5329550_game-ideas-positive-attitude.html" target="_blank">12</a>] eHow Mom: <a href="http://www.ehow.com/way_5329550_game-ideas-positive-attitude.html" target="_blank"><i>Game Ideas for a Positive Attitude</i></a></span></div>
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l i zhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01584456267312005759noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6380834816043793803.post-17214125720199206102012-08-09T19:25:00.002-05:002012-08-09T22:19:29.306-05:00Flower number 20: motivation, memory, and poetry<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><a href="http://www.sehinton.com/" target="_blank">S.E. Hinton's</a> The Outsiders, adapted for screen.</span></div>
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In the movies, the characters are always reciting lines of poetry to each other. Take <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0086066/" style="font-style: italic;" target="_blank">The Outsiders</a><i>. </i>Here, Ponyboy recites <a href="http://www.poetryfoundation.org/bio/robert-frost" target="_blank">Robert Frost's</a> <i><a href="http://www.poets.org/viewmedia.php/prmMID/19977" target="_blank">Nothing Gold Can Stay</a>. </i>And he's a teenager! OK, OK, it <i>does</i> take place in the sixties, and there are plenty of baby boomers out there who may have had to memorize poetry by rote while in school. Here, our character says he memorized it because he never understood what <a href="http://www.poetryfoundation.org/bio/robert-frost" target="_blank">Robert Frost </a>meant. I doubt I'd be able to memorize anything I couldn't understand.<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind</span></div>
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More current, is the setting for the film, <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0338013/combined" target="_blank">Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind</a>, which takes its title from <a href="http://www.poetryfoundation.org/bio/alexander-pope" target="_blank">Alexander Pope's</a> poem, <a href="http://www.poetryfoundation.org/poem/174158" target="_blank"><i>Eloisa to Abelard</i> </a>. The theme of the film is based upon this poem, and here, Kirsten Dunst's character recites a couple of lines of it in order to show off a little bit-- inappropriately charming her boss.<br />
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Does reciting poetry still happen in real life? Did it ever? And for what purpose? Not counting song lyrics or limericks, I've never been anyplace, outside of a college course, where someone volunteered a few verses of prose.<br />
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Showing off, or not, being able to recite a poem in its completion, in public --is impressive. But I bring this up because unless I start now, I will probably never live either of these scenes in real life (well, at least for Kirsten Dunst's, let's hope not). I was never made to memorize poetry in school, and although I enjoyed reading, and was fairly studious, I never took it upon myself to do this. It's a little sad in a way, but then again, why would I? </div>
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This brings me to the point of my post: I've always wanted to require poetry reciting or memorization, of my fourth graders, to improve their speaking skills and encourage my squeamish kiddos to peek out of their shell (in the most gentle, non confrontational way, mind you). In fact, the education secretary of Britain, Michael Gove has this idea too. Back in June, the <a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/education/2012/jun/10/primary-school-children-recite-poetry?INTCMP=ILCNETTXT3487" target="_blank">UK Guardian</a> reported that Gove is requiring grammar school children to memorize and recite poetry in order to increase the rigor of the curriculum. </div>
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From Year 1, at the age of five, children will be read poems by their teacher as well as starting to learn simple poems by heart and practise recitals. </blockquote>
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The programme of study for Year 2 will state that pupils should continue "to build up a repertoire of poems learnt by heart and recite some of these, with appropriate intonation to make the meaning clear". [1]</blockquote>
Here in my state, we don't have fourth grade standards dictating the memorization of poems, however, at the very least, I am considering adding this practice to my language arts block. Here's why it makes good sense to me:<br />
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<ul>
<li>It may encourage the confident use of the English language (or whatever language the poem is in).</li>
<li>It offers students an experience to a wide range of culture (and quite possibly, history) outside of their neighborhoods, television, and ipods.</li>
<li>It seems that memorization might be a workout for the brain. </li>
<li>Offering students the opportunity to memorize a poem may also offer them a mantra to turn to within themselves-- to feel centered.</li>
<li>There is an awesome sense of accomplishment in memorizing a poem in its completion.</li>
<li>Public speaking is a very important skill that everyone needs</li>
<li>The rhythm and rhyme; the assonance, repetition, alliteration; intonation and expression may inspire or improve writing skills</li>
<li>The feelings expressed in poetry may encourage a compassionate connection to other humans [2] [3]</li>
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I'm not saying rote is the way. There should be a study; a discussion of the vocabulary, the word choice, the figures of speech involved, and even the history that surrounds the poem. And joy-- there should definitely be joy presented in poetry study.<br />
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A love of literature is going to make a comeback if I have anything to say about it-- in my class, at least.<br />
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<a href="http://www.susanwisebauer.com/">Susan Wise Bauer</a>, author of <a href="http://books.wwnorton.com/books/detail.aspx?ID=5497">The Well-Educated Mind: A Guide to the Classical Education You Never Had</a>, argues that memorisation “builds into children’s minds an ability to use complex English syntax.” The student “who memorises poetry will internalise” the “rhythmic, beautiful patterns” of the English language. These patterns then become “part of the student’s ‘language store,’ those wells that we all use every day in writing and speaking.” Without memorisation, the student’s “language store,” Bauer says, will be limited: memorisation stocks “the language store with a whole new set of language patterns.” [4]</blockquote>
So in order to motivate students to follow my lead when it comes to loving poetry, I am going to use a poem that is about, ahem, motivation. How. . . meta? It was introduced to me through another teacher friend of mine, and I'd like to spread the word. Those of you who have read <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1558746099/102-7001014-7473727?ie=UTF8&tag=chisouforthes-20&linkCode=xm2&camp=1789&creativeASIN=1558746099" target="_blank"><i>Chicken Soup for the Kid's Soul</i> </a>will recognize Jillian K. Hunt's inspirational words:<br />
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<b>Believe in Yourself</b><br />
Jillian K. Hunt </blockquote>
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Set your standards high<br />
You deserve the best.<br />
Try for what you want<br />
And never settle for less.</blockquote>
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Believe in yourself<br />
No matter what you choose.<br />
Keep a winning attitude<br />
and you can never lose.</blockquote>
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Think about your destination<br />
But don't worry if you stray<br />
Because the most important thing<br />
Is what you've learned along the way.</blockquote>
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Take all that you've become<br />
To be all that you can be.<br />
Soar above the clouds<br />
And let your dreams set you free.</blockquote>
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In introducing the poem, I plan to show the students all of the stanzas, as it is presented here. Then, I plan to quickly introduce point of view and pronouns in order to replace the you/your with I/my so that the children internalize the words and feel a sense of ownership of this comforting message. Setting it to music would be an extension that I'd love to do by bringing in my guitar or uke, but I may be getting carried away.<br />
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Starting the poem study during the first week of school in order to start building community should prove to be beneficial as they will be more comfortable with poetry by the time they get to the actual poetry unit. Verse by verse, or stanza by stanza, we'll work socially in partnerships or groups to learn this. By the time our state exam comes around, perhaps they'll be able to ground themselves by hearing their internal voice whispering the words, "believe in yourself...believe in yourself".<br />
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Maybe one day that will be one of my grown-up fourth graders looking at a sunset, while remembering a Robert Frost poem they once learned. I can only hope.<br />
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References<br />
[1] The Guardian UK:<span id="goog_1700505338"></span><a href="http://www.blogger.com/"> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif; line-height: 15px;"><i>Primary school children to be expected to learn and recite poetry </i></span></a><br />
[2] Jim Murdoch, The Truth About Lies:<i> <a href="http://jim-murdoch.blogspot.com/2010/04/learning-poetry-by-heart.html" target="_blank">Learning Poetry by Heart</a> </i><br />
[3] [4] Jeff Cobb, Mission to Learn: <i><a href="http://www.missiontolearn.com/2010/07/memorize-poetry/" target="_blank">7 Reasons to Memorize Some Poetry</a></i></div>l i zhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01584456267312005759noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6380834816043793803.post-58512881121735035362012-08-05T14:48:00.000-05:002012-08-05T14:48:02.075-05:00Flower number 19: 30 days (or forever) of happiness<h3>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">"Remember this, that very little is needed to make a happy life." </span></h3>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"> --Marcus Aurelius</span></h4>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Marcus Aurelius, huh? Well, I looked him up. He was born in 121 A.D. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">I know that Rome was the center of the universe in its time and all, but if we're talking about materialistic living, and our needs and wants-- I'd say, that is a pleasant perspective.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">I was inspired by something I came across today while on <a href="http://www.oprah.com/own-super-soul-sunday/super-soul-sunday.html" target="_blank">Oprah's website.</a> Yes, Oprah's. (I don't have cable, so I'm quite behind the times on a few things, mind you.) She has introduced a project that is totally, right up Ferdinand's alley. I like it so much, I'm going to share it with you, too, you know, in case you missed it on Oprah's page. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">It's called <a href="http://www.oprah.com/oprahdotcom/Finding-Happiness" target="_blank">30 Days of Happiness</a>. It's a happiness journal. (Oprah is introducing it as a social media thing with Twitter, but I don't tweet.) I'd like to think that the 30 days would extend to forever, but seeing how it is that we get a little squeamish with commitment, well, let's just go with 30 for now. It was inspired by <i><a href="http://www.elizabethgilbert.com/eatpraylove.htm" target="_blank">Eat, Pray, Love</a></i> author, <a href="http://www.elizabethgilbert.com/eatpraylove.htm" target="_blank">Elizabeth Gilbert</a>, and there's nothing new here. Oprah's interview with Gilbert was in 2007, after all. And it is not so different from those gratitude journals that everyone is doing. More on that in a minute.</span><br />
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So all you do is look for it. The happiness. And when you have it, you write it down. Done. Smiles. Warmth.<br />
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Get inspired by watching Oprah talk about it <a href="http://www.oprah.com/own-super-soul-sunday/Celebrate-30-Days-of-Happiness-with-Oprah-Video" target="_blank">here</a>. Or, a little bit more, below:<br />
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So now that I've been inspired, I got to thinking again. Uh-oh.<br />
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<li><b>I like this better than a gratitude journal.</b></li>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"> "Ohmygah how dare you!" Here's why: If you're stuck in a rut, or really angry about something, you might be able to find something to be grateful for, but you might not. Because you don't want to feel like you can't even do a dang gratitude journal right, you might write "I'm thankful for air so that I can breath." But if that rut lasts a little longer-- and if you are so self-disciplined that you actually open your journal to a fresh page, the energy and focus might get lost: you're merely going to write what you wrote the day before, "Air. I'm thankful for air, okay?!" </span></ul>
<ul><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">(Now, those of you who live by your gratitude journals might argue, and I agree, that after being filled with gratitude day in and out, that you actually start feeling thankful for everything, in every moment of your life. This isn't realistic for me. I certainly don't have that kind of time to focus on every activity, and I certainly don't want to answer with that condescending "blessed" when simply asked, "How are you?" Did you just win the gold medal in the London Olympics? Overcome cancer? Won the Showcase Showdown on The Price is Right? More often than not, you didn't do anything really magnificent. It's like you have some special secret--and you might; and I'm happy for you; but really, gratitude can be private. Please don't put yours onto me. Oh, I can hear the arguments coming.)</span></ul>
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<li><b>With a happiness journal, you have to <i>seek out</i> happiness. </b></li>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">Whereas the gratitude journal is a reflection of your day, the happiness journal is that, </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><i>plus the motivation to find that which makes you happy, while you're actually living your day</i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">. It's focused; it's driven. It's motivated by the journal, just in case you're having one of those days where you can't seek out the motivation within yourself. What are the chances that everyday you'll find happiness in the same exact thing? I don't know the answer to that yet. I do know, that if you go lookin' for it, you'll find it. Sometimes, in the simplest places, you'll find it. </span></ul>
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<li><b>Teachers: wouldn't this be a fabulous project for students? </b></li>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">I might be overly optimistic about this, but wouldn't this project teach self-awareness and build self esteem for our young scholars? My thoughts are, starting on the first day of school, if teachers "gift" each student a notebook, or have them make their own books, or just use filler paper in a binder, etc., the journal could be used as a personal reflection at the end of the day.</span></ul>
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<li><b>Bonus! </b></li>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">I've been trying to come up with a focused, independent activity for students to do during dismissal routine, and I think this is it! I mean, you could still have them write one thing they learned today, but wouldn't it be more motivating to write down where you found happiness during your school day?</span> </ul>
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So no matter if this is something that is "tweeted", written in a beautifully bound book, or on scratch paper, I will try this for 30 days. School is going to start in less than that, so that gives me plenty of time to try this out. Hmmm... as for using it as an experiment with students, I'm beginning to like the sound of it. My hypothesis is, that more of my fourth graders will answer "Yes" to the age old question, "Do you like school?" and you know, as their teacher, I might too.<br />
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<br />l i zhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01584456267312005759noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6380834816043793803.post-36506493775233284082012-07-30T12:49:00.000-05:002012-07-30T13:10:30.746-05:00Flower number 18: inspiration in a pretty (fun) paper alphabet<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://digitprop.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/P1190573.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="246" src="http://digitprop.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/P1190573.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Paper brought to you by <a href="http://digitprop.com/alphabet/">Digitprop</a></td></tr>
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<a href="http://digitprop.com/">Digitprop</a> has created, and shared, a beautiful paper <a href="http://digitprop.com/alphabet/">alphabet</a>. Wasn't that nice? Just print out and create! I can already think of so many things to do with these little guys... how 'bout you?<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://digitprop.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/alphabet_collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://digitprop.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/alphabet_collage.jpg" width="360" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo by <a href="http://digitprop.com/">Digitprop</a>. This is one <a href="http://digitprop.com/alphabet/">amazing resource</a> for fun. </td></tr>
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Everything you need is in their zipped up file, free for downloading, printing, and creating! Great for preschoolers, yes, but can't you see these used as a fun decoration in a child's room? I'm going to print some out and place in my classroom -- maybe "R E A D" or "D R E A M" or "W R I T E" or "I M A G I N E" . . . I can't wait to get started!<br />
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Download the letters individually <a href="http://digitprop.com/alphabet/">here</a>.<br />
Download the complete set <a href="http://digitprop.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/papercraft_alphabet_pdfs.zip">here.</a><br />
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Please share how you used these awesome letters by commenting, or submitting photos to the <a href="http://www.flickr.com/groups/flowersforferdinandpool/pool/">Flowers for Ferdinand Flickr Pool.</a> I would love to see how your were inspired, and what you created ...or how you played games with these guys.<br />
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Big thanks to <a href="http://digitprop.com/">Digitdrop</a> for their awesomeness.<br />
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<br />l i zhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01584456267312005759noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6380834816043793803.post-35054595892394252702012-07-29T22:38:00.000-05:002012-07-29T22:38:20.651-05:00Flower number 17: book making with studentsFinding an authentic purpose for your students to practice the skills they've learned in your class is big. In a language arts block, one of most challenging tasks is to get the whole class set on writing with joy and excitement.<br />
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But when you've got it, there's nothing like it.<br />
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Forget writing skills for a moment-- seeing the entire group focused and writing their passionate little hearts out is what success feels like when you're a teacher.<br />
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One way to present an authentic purpose to your students is to have them write a book. There are so many steps in this project, and I've done it a few different ways, but my inspiration has been reignited through the artistry that I have found in so many online communities. I'd like to share them with you here, in hopes that you might want to explore this art from with your class, your children-- or yourself.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0zNEAVtnhSk/UBX39XdUl5I/AAAAAAAAAio/c0sZgPnDdT0/s1600/makingbooks.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="391" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0zNEAVtnhSk/UBX39XdUl5I/AAAAAAAAAio/c0sZgPnDdT0/s400/makingbooks.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My favorite page for making books with children is just that:<br /><a href="http://Makingbooks.com/">Makingbooks.com</a> from <a href="http://www.makingbooks.com/aboutsusan.shtml" target="_blank">Susan Kapuscinski Gaylord</a></td></tr>
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<a name='more'></a>On <a href="http://Makingbooks.com/">Makingbooks.com</a>, Susan Kapuscinski Gaylord offers teachers, parents, and kids great step-by-step tutorials for very easy, fun book making. She has a terrific page for teachers on how to get started. Here's another one from her <a href="http://blog.susangaylord.com/2010/09/bee-accordion.html">blog.</a><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyLTQSjpWDnmdoje4H05r8Jb9lY_1LzcuMC_0MQUnAZGKji3iV32zuRDRgzkmaX36XFHIlLa2iy_0nCk1nwiOEyNQpWP2oyvNz-Y6zSSOMYN9xuySo9mokPeyr8i_pmO0jrL-8FYL3Mk31/s400/bee+accoridon+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="190" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyLTQSjpWDnmdoje4H05r8Jb9lY_1LzcuMC_0MQUnAZGKji3iV32zuRDRgzkmaX36XFHIlLa2iy_0nCk1nwiOEyNQpWP2oyvNz-Y6zSSOMYN9xuySo9mokPeyr8i_pmO0jrL-8FYL3Mk31/s400/bee+accoridon+1.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Bee Accordion</i> at <a href="http://Susangaylord.com/">Susangaylord.com</a></td></tr>
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Below is another accordion book tutorial. I really like accordion books because they're fun for little hands to fold, and great practice for following directions and planning. They're also able to expand for presentation.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://birdandlittlebird.typepad.com/.a/6a00e550e99ce588340115713ac4d2970c-500wi" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://birdandlittlebird.typepad.com/.a/6a00e550e99ce588340115713ac4d2970c-500wi" width="340" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://birdandlittlebird.typepad.com/blog/2009/07/bookmaking-with-children-accordian-books.html" target="_blank">Bird and Little Bird</a> presents a wonderful <i>accordion book</i> tutorial</td></tr>
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Next, is a tutorial for an ancient art form-- Chinese book binding. This looks tricky, but it gives wonderful step-by-step instructions just for children.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="http://castleofcostamesa.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/View-of-back-side-of-book-1024x875.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="341" src="http://castleofcostamesa.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/View-of-back-side-of-book-1024x875.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Super tutorial for an ancient Chinese book binding style at <a href="http://castleofcostamesa.com/free-craft-ideas/ancient-book-binding-tutorial-for-children" target="_blank">Castle of Costa Mesa</a></td></tr>
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Finally, here are two unconventional books that have stolen my heart. I can imagine using these styles in all shapes and sizes for so many reasons other than an artist book or treasure book. I think these formats would fit well with math and science in particular! Who says you have to keep writing practice in the writing block?<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.marthastewart.com/sites/files/marthastewart.com/images/content/pub/kids/2005Q2/mka101353_sum05_box_collections_xl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://www.marthastewart.com/sites/files/marthastewart.com/images/content/pub/kids/2005Q2/mka101353_sum05_box_collections_xl.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.marthastewart.com/275300/kids-art-projects/@center/276975/marthas-crafts-kids">Marthat Stewart's</a> <i>Treasure Chests<br /></i></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.stephanie-davidson.com/index.php?/portfolio/button-book/" target="_blank">Stephanie Davidson's</a> <i>Button Book,</i> as featured on <a href="http://theartroomplant.blogspot.com/2011/02/stephanie-davidson.html" target="_blank">The Art Room Plant</a><br />
BTW, <a href="http://www.stephanie-davidson.com/" target="_blank">Stephanie Davidson</a> sells this little gem in her <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/stephaniebutton?ref=pr_shop" target="_blank">Etsy shop</a>.<br />
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Pretty soon, I'll share photos and offer up some tips for hosting your class' very own Book Fair!<br />
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Happy Writing!<br />
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<br /></div>l i zhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01584456267312005759noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6380834816043793803.post-74352727798492670482012-07-28T15:10:00.001-05:002012-08-10T17:23:43.364-05:00Happiness is a Talking Cat<div style="font-size: 0.8em; line-height: 1.6em; margin: 0 0 10px 0; padding: 0;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/flowersforferdinand/7663943910/" title="Happiness is a Talking Cat"><img alt="Happiness is a Talking Cat by FlowersForFerdi" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7270/7663943910_fc1323a956.jpg" /></a><br />
<span style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/flowersforferdinand/7663943910/">Happiness is a Talking Cat</a>, a photo by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/flowersforferdinand/">FlowersForFerdi</a> on Flickr.</span></div>
Tell me all about it! Jasper has so much to say.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09207182338594837294noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6380834816043793803.post-16099443195543091502012-07-27T21:29:00.001-05:002012-07-27T23:31:37.361-05:00Flower number 16: seababy besties<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Amigurumi is so cute, you could crochet a warthog with a hyena stuck to its butt and it would still be irresistible. Upon teaching myself to crochet many years ago, I instantly attached myself to the patterns created by Tamie Oldridge (previously known as Tamie Snow) at <a href="http://www.roxycraft.com/default.htm" target="_blank">Roxycraft. </a><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.roxycraft.com/images/deepseanbabieslogo400.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://www.roxycraft.com/images/deepseanbabieslogo400.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A set of Tamie Oldridge's amazing patterns from her <a href="http://www.roxycraft.com/Amigurumi_sea_babies_info.htm" target="_blank">pattern shop at Roxycraft</a></td></tr></tbody></table>She was, and is, making darling creatures --tiny animals and make believe friends. Her patterns totally helped me perfect my crocheting ability, and in no time, this self-taught girl was crocheting up a storm. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NlbgHpW0xm0/UBM6930rZwI/AAAAAAAAAaY/JebnAySwd6o/s1600/fff16.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="390" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NlbgHpW0xm0/UBM6930rZwI/AAAAAAAAAaY/JebnAySwd6o/s400/fff16.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OeP08MjcyWY/UBM8Ihpo9hI/AAAAAAAAAag/rE6WLSOCTG8/s1600/fff16d.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="340" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OeP08MjcyWY/UBM8Ihpo9hI/AAAAAAAAAag/rE6WLSOCTG8/s400/fff16d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
After crocheting one of her charming little fish, I was hooked. (Pun intended) I continued through the years and more recently, I made these three sea creatures for the new baby of two of my dear friends. I used <a href="http://www.roxycraft.com/default.htm" target="_blank">Roxycraft's</a> pattern as a basis for the little green fish, but improvised a lot for the baby puffer and octopus. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2Pyd8-QvpcM/UBNBXluZQEI/AAAAAAAAAa8/6xySTXBJUao/s1600/fff16b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="390" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2Pyd8-QvpcM/UBNBXluZQEI/AAAAAAAAAa8/6xySTXBJUao/s400/fff16b.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>For the octopus, I crocheted a sphere and sewed a piece of red fabric into it. I stuffed it slightly, so that there would be a cushioned feeling, and she could put her little hand into it, much like a puppet. This would make it more fun to play with, as the 8 long legs twirled around quite well. As for the legs themselves, they were easy-- I just had to make 8 of them. 3 rows each, the sides were stitched together, and the seam closed shut with a light pink strip of yarn. Each leg was completed with one teeny tiny tentacle.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NqLvV8bTHh4/UBNCmzUTh5I/AAAAAAAAAbE/3URzsdXf9TY/s1600/fff16e.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NqLvV8bTHh4/UBNCmzUTh5I/AAAAAAAAAbE/3URzsdXf9TY/s400/fff16e.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>The baby puffer fish was improvised by first crocheting a box and then decreasing until it closed up. This little one was given a couple of little bells so that shaking it is so much fun. The tail got a pouf and she definitely had to have big, puckered fish-lips.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aC6Rd6o9Hj8/UBNJaoNf-VI/AAAAAAAAAbo/3cG-39gpLT8/s1600/fff16c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="316" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aC6Rd6o9Hj8/UBNJaoNf-VI/AAAAAAAAAbo/3cG-39gpLT8/s320/fff16c.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Throughout the years of creating little amigurumi friends, I always embroidered their faces on. I've seen some terrific ones made from felt, or even plastic materials too. In any case, these three friends were some of my favorite creations, and they were so fun to give to a beautiful newborn baby.<br />
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Crocheting can be so relaxing and rewarding --especially with an amigurumi project. They really just get cuter and cuter with every stitch. You know, maybe I'll give that ol' warthog a try. <br />
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How 'bout some inspiration: <br />
<a href="http://roxycraft.com/">Roxycraft.com</a><br />
<a href="http://www.amigurumikingdom.com/" target="_blank">Amigurumi Kingdom</a><br />
<a href="http://www.gourmetamigurumi.com/" target="_blank">GourmetAmigurumi</a><br />
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l i zhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01584456267312005759noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6380834816043793803.post-30136885467033109152012-07-26T22:57:00.004-05:002012-07-26T22:57:47.427-05:00Flower number 15: don't press my buttons!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
"Don't press my buttons!" Yeah, yeah, yeah... but I've come across some ideas on the web and around town that are going to entice people to do just that. This post isn't about anything I've done, but more like what I might do some day. Or, what you could do, if you have buttons. So, upon Instagramming today, I "liked" this photo, below. Isn't it great? I thought so too.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Olde Soul Print Shop Button Packs <i><a href="http://oldesoulprintshop.com/" target="_blank">from their blog</a></i></td></tr>
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It's part of the collection from <a href="http://oldesoulprintshop.com/" target="_blank">Olde Soul Print Shop</a>. Usually you can take a gander at real good lookin' drawings and logo design in their thread, but today they featured this creative way for displaying their fantastic branding on buttons. I loved it so much-- it got me thinking. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Button Bat <a href="https://www.facebook.com/TheReallyRottens" target="_blank">from The Really Rottens</a> is cute as a button. ;)</td></tr>
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"This reminds me of something" but what was it? Well, it was the awesome little handmade, origami, shade-wearing, bat-- courtesy of Austin's coolest surf band, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/TheReallyRottens" target="_blank">The Really Rottens</a>. This was easy enough, and I imagine, cheap! The band left these little guys around the tables at the venue, free for the taking. They definitely got picked up and played with by adoring fans, and for sure helped spread the word. The rockin' word, that is.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Abby Larson's Seating Cards from <a href="http://www.stylemepretty.com/" target="_blank">Style Me Pretty</a>, featured in <a href="http://thebridalcollection.blogspot.com/2008/07/super-cute-seating-cards_4553.html" target="_blank">Today's Bride</a></td></tr>
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So then I got to browsing, and brainstorming. These little buttons are so easy to make, so cheap, and so much more fun than a business card, why not use them whenever possible? I loved this idea for seating cards at a wedding. I would have never thought of that.</div>
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So those of you who own button machines-- I say, get creative! These ideas for branding, marketing, or partying, are definitely a great way to share your love.</div>
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<br />l i zhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01584456267312005759noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6380834816043793803.post-25391513548354287932012-07-25T22:36:00.000-05:002012-07-26T02:50:29.690-05:00Flower number 14: chinese takeout cupcakeChinese food takeout is such a treat I made it the theme of a dinner party. It's easy decorating, with beautiful gold and red paper goods, and an even easier menu. Where dessert is concerned, I know you're wanting to say fortune cookies. I said cake.<br />
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Pinteresting my way through some mouth watering ideas, I came across this beauty from <a href="http://dotstreats.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Dots Treats!</a> based in Miami. This was featured on what might be thee cutest cupcake blog, <a href="http://cupcakestakethecake.blogspot.com/2008/04/fortune-cookie-cupcake-and-more-from.html" target="_blank">Cupcakes Take the Cake</a>. So, with just a few days to prepare, more than a few states away from Miami, I decided, like any good crafter-baker-extraordinaire: "Hey, I can do that!" </div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ArKf9wjYDgA/UBCy5VPeDfI/AAAAAAAAAYE/-Bu6n_uLoaE/s1600/fff14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="308" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ArKf9wjYDgA/UBCy5VPeDfI/AAAAAAAAAYE/-Bu6n_uLoaE/s400/fff14.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Chocolate cupcakes piled high with swirled icing, and sprinkled with specks of gold were the delicious parts. To make them beautiful, I decorated fortune cookies a few different ways. Chocolate melts and red, glittery, sparkles were just what I needed for the marvelous presentation that I wanted.<br />
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I can just picture it: you open up your folded takeout container expecting beef and broccoli, but to your surprise, there is a beautiful, candy-coated, tower of cookie and chocolaty cake. Smiles for sure.<br />
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<br /></div>l i zhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01584456267312005759noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6380834816043793803.post-21754099068186504102012-07-24T17:17:00.004-05:002012-07-27T12:47:30.312-05:00Flower number 13: an armoire storyThis is the story of an armoire that became so much more.<br />
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Walking through the Mountain View, California Ikea store, a poor student teacher hunted for the perfect solution for holding a television, dvd player, and a small dvd collection. It had to be cheap, tidy, cute, and above all else, petite-- for, this dream furniture fixture had to fit in a tiny studio apartment.<br />
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At last, there it was, in the children's furniture area: a baby armoire. She took it home, built it, and disposed of the clothes-hanging-pole which she had to admit would be awfully cute for baby clothes. But not this time around. The armoire felt very happy to be filled with the well loved films and boxes of letters and unfinished crafts.<br />
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The student teacher soon became a real, third grade teacher, and the sweet baby armoire continued to serve its purpose, nestled quietly in that tiny studio apartment, until one day, an envelope arrived. The teacher realized within this envelope was her new apartment lease. Her rent was to be raised by an amount exceeding one hundred dollars. The armoire became nervous. Would she have to move?<br />
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Alas, the solution was to relocate to another state, where rent was much cheaper than that of the beautiful California Coast. The quaint baby armoire knew it was for the best when the teacher put it in her parents' garage. She went away to become a fourth grade teacher."I'll be back for you some day" she said.<br />
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That day came, and for another year, the baby armoire sat in the teacher's new bedroom. It's purpose changed quickly over many days, as teachers don't have much time for television watching.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Better Homes and Gardens <i><a href="http://au.lifestyle.yahoo.com/better-homes-gardens/craft/articles/a/-/7935872/declutter-your-craft-cupboard/" target="_blank">Declutter your craft cupboard</a></i></td></tr>
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Having found <a href="http://au.lifestyle.yahoo.com/better-homes-gardens/craft/articles/a/-/7935872/declutter-your-craft-cupboard/" target="_blank">inspiration in this beautiful mama-sized-armoire-turned-craft-cupboard</a>, it was decided that an updated appearance was needed.<br />
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First, she painted the baby armoire white, and the inside gray. She taped up areas for gray stripes to be added. The armoire started to feel a little better with a fresh coat of paint! "But what about the inside of the doors?"<br />
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The teacher found that she didn't like taping up designs to be painted. She used <a href="http://www.billiemonster.com/blog/article/chevron-pattern-printable-template" target="_blank">this paper template for chevron stripes from Billie Monster</a> instead! And, she loved it. She left the sides a little longer to add some lightning-bolt-esque pizazz.<br />
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When all of the pieces were dry, the baby armoire was filled with hanging sweater shelves to hold yarn, boxes for paper, and magnetic strips with containers for odds and ends. It became the inspiration point for new and unfinished projects, plans, and happiness. Full and content-- that's how the baby armoire looked. Fabulous-- that's how it felt.<br />
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<br /></div>l i zhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01584456267312005759noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6380834816043793803.post-33646871950537020722012-07-23T16:12:00.002-05:002012-07-23T16:21:29.437-05:00Flower number 12: an end of year partyThe end of the year amidst tweens who are totally spent after a season of testing is just silly. No one wants to work anymore. We all just want to play. A fun reward for students is a class party because if you can't beat 'em, join 'em. And parties are fun. So. Are. Muppets.<br />
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For our Muppet Party, I printed coloring sheets, played Muppet music on Spotify, showed YouTube videos about the making of Muppets, and some Jim Henson projects. And, at the end of the day, we played Muppet Karaoke with our classroom technology.<br />
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Of course, the party would not be complete without Kermit cupcakes inspired by <a href="http://simplybeingmommy.com/2011/11/21/kermit-the-frog-cupcakes/" target="_blank">Crystal at Simply Being Mommy</a>. Green frosting and Mentos = Smiles.<br />
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Piggy Pops were a spontaneous invention. I used giant regular and strawberry flavored marshmallows, food coloring, and lollipop sticks. These are super fun for posing in front of the camera. </div>
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Speaking of posing for the camera, we made a Muppet Photo Booth using a template from <a href="http://family.go.com/disney/pkg-disney-character-fun/pkg-muppets-crafts-recipes-printables/" target="_blank">Disney Family </a>and some old 3D movie glasses! <br />
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<br />l i zhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01584456267312005759noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6380834816043793803.post-81183107429573453132012-07-23T14:31:00.002-05:002012-07-23T16:16:32.827-05:00Flower number 11: love bloomingHappiness is morning light, morning light.<br />
Darling Koko and blooming calendula tea.<br />
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<br />l i zhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01584456267312005759noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6380834816043793803.post-4761961395225053602012-07-16T17:11:00.002-05:002012-07-16T17:11:51.032-05:00Flower number 10: circus trees!There's a chance you might know Gilroy, CA because it's just south of the bay area, or because it's the last stop on CalTrain. If you are a jazz enthusiast, you might know that it's the birthplace of Ivie Anderson and her beautiful style. What I do know is that anyone who has ever driven through Gilroy, California will immediately remember, no, I mean, <i>smell </i>that it is "The Garlic Capital of the World". But, something I found out, on my recent return to the central coast, was that it's also home to <a href="http://www.gilroygardens.org/learn/circus-trees.cfm" target="_blank">Circus Trees</a>.<br />
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Once the enchanted creation of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tree_shaping" target="_blank">"tree-shaper"</a> <a href="http://treeshapers.net/axel-n-erlandson" target="_blank">Axel Erlandson</a>, the beautiful living pieces of art were fostered and adopted by architect <a href="http://www.markprimack.com/pages/tree_circus/tree_circus.html" target="_blank">Mark Primack</a>. Read all about it, or travel to the agricultural center of the world, on the central coast of California, and see these fun trees for yourself at <a href="http://www.gilroygardens.org/" target="_blank">Gilroy Gardens</a>.<br />
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Not a circus tree, but definitely a good one:<br />
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And yes, Ferdinand would be pleased to see there are even Spanish Corks.<br />
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<br />l i zhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01584456267312005759noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6380834816043793803.post-40984278584057160872012-02-12T13:38:00.000-06:002012-07-25T17:58:33.380-05:00Flower number 9 :: three little bearsWith a nice sheet of redwood, what's a girl to do? A little research on how to transfer images onto wood brought me to a solution using my printer and some clear, acrylic caulking. It's a rough outcome, with plastic-y edges, but when placed on a wall, and viewed from afar, my Three Little Bears are growin' on me.<br />
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If you'd like to try the ink-jet transfer, you should. It's really easy.</div>
Here's how:<br />
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Choose an image and make the necessary edits to it in Photoshop. I posterized this photo of a redwood tree. Print it out using regular paper and an inkjet printer.<br />
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Using a clear, acrylic caulking medium, spread a thick, even layer of it over your picture. Smooth it out as much as you can. Place it face down onto your wood and wait a few days for it to dry.<br />
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Spray, or pour a little water onto the dried image. Using your index finger, gently rub the water into the paper. This will start to pull the paper away from the caulking medium, which is adhered to the wood. You will start to see that your image is left behind! <br />
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<br />l i zhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01584456267312005759noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6380834816043793803.post-73061663744834556302012-02-09T18:06:00.000-06:002012-07-25T18:00:11.013-05:00Flower number 8 :: the grand conversation: part three<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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The reading project is still underway. If you have no idea what I'm talking about, it's called <a href="http://flowersforferdinand.blogspot.com/2012/01/grand-conversation.html" target="_blank">The Grand Conversation</a> and you can find out about it in <a href="http://flowersforferdinand.blogspot.com/2012/01/grand-conversation.html" target="_blank">Flower number 4</a>, and in <a href="http://flowersforferdinand.blogspot.com/2012/01/grand-conversation-part-two.html" target="_blank">Flower number 5</a>. Everyday we all have something to look forward to: our letters! Some kids are really getting a kick out of drawing the characters. Even if some of us have a lot more work ahead of us concerning grammar and punctuation, I couldn't be prouder of my little readers. Take a look:</div>
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<br />l i zhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01584456267312005759noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6380834816043793803.post-73695379836802981392012-02-04T19:03:00.000-06:002012-07-25T17:51:08.589-05:00Flower number 7 :: pozole whettaIt's the first cold day after having a week of summery weather (in February?!) To add to this very slight chill, comes the cozy, sleepy, aftermath of startling thunderstorms from the night before. So, I need something to go with my sofa, sweatshirt, blankets, and streaming video: S O U P.<br />
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It's pozole! It ain't vegan, or vegetarian of course. Shoot, it ain't even organic. The thing about this pozole is that I made it in about 10 minutes (not adding waiting time for it to simmer). Also, it's cheap, it's low calorie, and spicy enough to get your sinuses goin'. I give you Pozole Whetta:<br />
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Ingredients:<br />
1 20 oz. package Tyson Grilled and Ready Fully Cooked Southwestern Style Boneless Chicken Breast Strips<br />
1 box of chicken broth<br />
4 cups of water<br />
1 large can of white hominy (29 oz) <br />
3 small cans of diced tomatoes with habanero chili<br />
1 can of corn, rinsed<br />
1 onion diced<br />
3 jalapeno peppers chopped with seeds<br />
3 Tablespoons Mexican Oregano, dried<br />
1 Tablespoon chili powder<br />
3 tsp New Mexico Chili Powder<br />
cilantro<br />
avocado<br />
sour cream <br />
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Directions:<br />
In a large pot, heat the oil, and add the frozen chicken. While it's warming up, chop all the ingredients and open all the cans. Drain and rinse everything that needs to be rinsed. Add everything to the pot. Stir and bring to boil. Let simmer, 20 minutes, or until you feel like it's ready. Stir and taste as it goes to make sure you've got the spiciness to your liking. (This could be organic with better grocery shopping. It could also become veggie or vegan with omissions and substitutions.) Enjoy!<br />
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<br />l i zhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01584456267312005759noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6380834816043793803.post-21089445003677495182012-01-12T18:13:00.000-06:002012-07-25T17:55:05.866-05:00Flower number 6 :: let them eat cake and punch<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
This reminds me of a fun weekend with friends last September. <i>Let
Them Eat Cake and Punch</i>. </div>
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It's my Marie Antoinette paper cut birthday
card for Nikki (left) and stylized photo of the birthday girl, herself (right).</div>
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</div>l i zhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01584456267312005759noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6380834816043793803.post-68136609552368418242012-01-10T18:27:00.000-06:002012-07-25T18:00:35.352-05:00Flower number 5 :: the grand conversation: part twoSo, I actually heard one of my girls start up a conversation today --about a book!<br />
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The Grand Conversation Project is the new reading program that I started with my class and it is off to a very successful start! To find out more about it, see <a href="http://flowersforferdinand.blogspot.com/2012/01/grand-conversation.html" target="_blank">Flower number 4</a>. I am very relieved, that of the two sections I teach, only one scholar from each has been disqualified for not participating. As of today, each student has four letters collected and stored in their folders.<br />
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When prompted to share, "Who has a letter that when you read it, you thought to yourself, 'That's a great letter!'" my students' hands shot up into the air, and as we shared out, we ran out of time. They love it.<br />
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Here are letters from the students with the quickest hands (They all wanted their letters to be shared). Oh, and you'll note that we are all on different levels of reading and writing.Of course, names have been removed.<br />
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H a p p y R e a d i n g !<br />
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<br />l i zhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01584456267312005759noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6380834816043793803.post-53373487966947763992012-01-08T12:11:00.000-06:002012-07-27T13:07:25.253-05:00Flower number 4 :: the grand conversation: part oneGetting my fourth graders motivated to find a good book, commit to reading it, and finish it is hard enough without having them demonstrate their ability to do so on some sort of reading log, calender, or chart. They start out strong and get super bored along the way. But really, can you blame them? We're talking about kids who would rather run around outside or catch up on their Call of Duty. I had to come up with something more engaging, more social, more fun.<br />
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I am proud to introduce a new reading project called, The Grand Conversation.<br />
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:: P U R P O S E ::<br />
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The goal of the Grand Conversation Project is to encourage engagement, support in reading comprehension and fluency, increased reading minutes, as well as increased writing practice. Most of all, I expect there will be a lot of new social interactions being made --friendships, discussions, and maybe even an argument every now and then. <br />
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Here's how it works: Each day, students are to complete their required reading minutes. When completed, they are to write a letter to one student in class (as assigned, but more about that in a minute) to express his or her thoughts, responses, emotions, and items learned. The next morning, he or she places the letter in the mailbox of the student-recipient. Because the class keeps to a very systematic chart, everyone in the class will receive a letter that morning. They even have the option of writing back, continuing the grand conversation of reading, for as long as they want! <br />
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:: P L A N :: <br />
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Make sure that students have a plan, and understand their reading requirement. This also includes a plan of where they are going to do their reading.<br />
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:: O R G A N I Z E ::<br />
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Generate and distribute a student list for students to keep track on. The following steps are important, as it allows for the basic idea of every student receiving a letter, to work. <br />
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Have them put a star next to their name. Depending on the age level, and ability to follow directions, you may need to be extremely explicit, or just model it for them.<span id="goog_837547394"></span><span id="goog_837547395"></span><br />
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:: P R A C T I C E ::<br />
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Have students read for at least 20 minutes in class. Distribute stationery like the one below. It has an example with starter-topics for them to write about. They can cut or tear off their letter and then put it in the mailbox of the recipient. Later that day, (a little anticipation never hurt anyone) have the students read their letters and put them away in their folders.<br />
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:: D I S C U S S ::<br />
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After the students have practiced, and are completely compelled to participate, is the best time to discuss expectations and consequences. Guide your students in a discussion with questions like:<br />
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<li><i>"What do you think might happen if I was supposed to write a letter to the student next on my list, but I really dislike her, so I didn't?"</i></li>
<li><i>"What could happen if I write to my best friend about some gossip I heard at lunch, instead of writing about the book I read?"</i></li>
<li><i>"How might you feel if you are the only student in the class to not receive a letter? Has that ever happened to you?"</i></li>
<li><i>"What do you think the consequence should be for students who do not do their required reading, and do not write their letters?"</i></li>
<li><i>"How many chances should we give students before they are kicked-out of the project?"</i></li>
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My fourth grade class decided that if a student is absent, he or she will be given the opportunity to make-up letters, and the student(s) on the receiving end will demonstrate compassion and understanding. <br />
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The students recognized that the project would fall apart, and eventually fail if students were not following guidelines, or simply not participating, so they suggested that two chances should be given for missed letter writing and after that, they are kicked out of the project. Students who are kicked out must complete an alternative homework assignment. <br />
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Students agreed that they would alert an adult (me) to any inappropriate language being written.<br />
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:: R E F L E C T ::<br />
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This is such a fulfilling and rewarding part of the project --not just for the teacher. The excitement on the students' faces as they read their letters could not be ignored. <br />
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For more reflection, including photos of actual student letters, read <a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=6380834816043793803#editor/target=post;postID=6813660955236841824">The Grand Conversation: part two. </a><br />
<br />l i zhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01584456267312005759noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6380834816043793803.post-89423230915821539462012-01-06T22:17:00.000-06:002012-07-25T17:57:29.281-05:00Flower number 3 :: two treesI love little handmade trees so I made a couple myself. The first one is made from dollhouse shingles. The second one from felt and pins. Found the inspiration over <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/10351446@N06/4165387649/in/set-72157622953020204/" target="_blank">here</a> and <a href="http://suite101.com/article/craft-a-christmas-tree-from-a-magazine-or-paperback-book-a318710" target="_blank">here</a>. Adding little flags from scrap paper made them really cheerful, so I leave them up year round!<br />
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</div>l i zhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01584456267312005759noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6380834816043793803.post-69578673325198138652012-01-04T18:44:00.000-06:002012-07-25T17:53:10.879-05:00Flower number 2 :: santa babies: A Cookie MemoirOne of my favorite things to do is decorate sugar cookies.<br />
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It all started years ago, by watching my mom decorate cakes at home. "It's royal icing," she explained, "it's like glue." I watched how she put the icing in the bag using a spatula without getting it all over her hands and arms. How she piped on clear goo like drops of dew, was mesmerizing.<br />
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Early on, I learned that sugar cookie dough has to be refrigerated, and that it tastes so good, like almond extract. I also learned that cookie decorating is a lot like coloring in a coloring book-- but better. You draw the lines. You flood the color.<br />
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One year at Christmastime, I used angel cookie cutters to make a dozen little Elvises, clad in what else, but rhinestone jumpsuits. I found just enough time this year to stick to something a little more traditional: Santa. However, they came out a bit "baby" looking.<br />
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So, there you go:<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b>Santa Babies</b></span></div>
To bake cookies, follow <a href="http://www.bettycrocker.com/recipes/sugar-cookies/90993177-b5fe-4cc7-a6b6-8f58913d36e8" target="_blank">this recipe</a> by Betty Crocker.<br />
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To decorate cookies, you'll need to make some <a href="http://www.wilton.com/recipe/Royal-Icing" target="_blank">Royal Icing</a>, following <a href="http://www.wilton.com/recipe/Royal-Icing" target="_blank">this recipe</a> at Wilton.<br />
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For the Santa Babies (and friends, pictured) I used an icing bag (no fancy tip), with a tiny hole punched out. I used this to do my outlining.<br />
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Next, I added about a teaspoon of water to a small portion of that icing, to flood the white parts of the cookies. To do this, you could fill another bag with a tiny hole, but I just used a spoon to drip-drop the icing in, and watch it smooth itself out. I repeated this step in additional bowls, first with red, second with green, and finally, with black. I carefully flooded in the tiny parts of the cookies again, and again, using just a spoon.<br />
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Royal Icing can be tricky the first time around, so I've given you some notes below:<br />
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Some Notes on Royal Icing:<br />
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<li>Buy meringue powder</li>
<li>It can harden up pretty quickly like cement, so drape a wet paper towel over your mixing bowl.</li>
<li>The amount of food coloring you add can actually make the consistency really watery if you don't use gel type coloring. --maybe too watery.</li>
<li>These cookies took a while to dry, once I flooded the icing. I needed to allow them to dry out overnight before I packaged them. (While in a humid apartment)</li>
<li>If you're packaging them, simply cut up some waxed paper or parchment paper and place between the cookies.</li>
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</ul>l i zhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01584456267312005759noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6380834816043793803.post-13613911505978327502012-01-03T23:20:00.000-06:002012-07-25T17:54:50.249-05:00Flower number 1 :: The First Flower for FerdinandThe first flower I have for Ferdinand is an oldie.<br />
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I love winter break because it means time away from, time to miss, and extra time to snuggle up with, Jasper and Koko. I read a bunch of different <a href="http://www.vetstreet.com/our-pet-experts/how-long-can-i-leave-my-cat-home-alone" target="_blank">opinions </a>on the interwebs about how long is too long for kitties without a human companion, but I had to settle with an auto-feeder and friend check-in combo, during my week away. They snuggled up quite a bit when I came home.<br />
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This is a small, acrylic portraiture I made of them a couple of years back.<br />
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I guess it's old-mews.<br />
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</div>l i zhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01584456267312005759noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6380834816043793803.post-50818533297172276642012-01-01T15:36:00.000-06:002012-07-27T22:23:02.639-05:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 24px;">Hi there. </span></h4>
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I'm Liz, and it's a pleasure to make your acquaintance, I'm sure. This is my blog, and I would like to tell you a little bit about it. Flowers for Ferdinand came to be as a place to share what I love to do, inspired by the words of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Munro_Leaf" target="_blank">Munro Leaf</a>, in his tender telling about <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Story_of_Ferdinand" target="_blank">The Story of Ferdinand the Bull</a>.<br />
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If you've never heard of Ferdinand, he's the little bull who, unlike his bull peers, would not fight the matador. He's the little bull who is so happy to just sit and smell the flowers under his favorite cork tree. There are many interpretations of this little story, but I have based my blog on one take of it: like Ferdinand, I try to find the simple pleasures in life, and hold them dear to my heart. I try to stay true to that. Happiness is found within, and these days, I'm finding a lot of it.<br />
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Writing the blog, and being able to share it with friends and family, near and far away, brings a smile to my face. I hope, if you take the time to read, that you smile too.<br />
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Let's do what we love to do, and pass it on.<br />
I would love for you to be inspired too, and in time, be able to share your happiness here.<br />
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I would love to hear from you! Please send your ideas or comments to <a href="mailto:flowersforferdinandblog@gmail.com">flowersforferdinandblog@gmail.com</a>.<br />
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<br />l i zhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01584456267312005759noreply@blogger.com0