Author Archives: Leah

So, very last reflections on an amazing experience. The last day was bittersweet for me. One student brought me a little present in a gift bag, an ornament plus a small candle! Our favorite juvenile delinquent who has to be walked through the hallways … Continue reading →

Yesterday was THE DAY. I decided to give advice to the principal. Amazing how this Ph.D. gives me license to do that, despite my “youth” and lack of experience. So I did it. I took some notes with me, and she wanted a copy. And she listened. My advice … Continue reading →

It struck me today how writing seems to make a difference. Our students who write seem to pass these tests, even if their writing quality leaves a bit to be desired. Others whose “essay” consists of three sentences fail every single time. A quality, bu… Continue reading →

This week we’re “preparing” for the final. The two teachers didn’t agree about what to put on the final, but unfortunately it’s not any of the pretests we gave them. I think it’s a comprehension test. I’d like to see fluency comparisons. Not that we d… Continue reading →

Whew, was I sweating today! When I came in the teachers and parapros were discussing “those people” who “come in and think they have all the answers” despite lack of experience / not being in the trenches. I don’t think they ever considered I was one o… Continue reading →

Today we watched what was to me a quite moving video in tribute to the four victims of the Birmingham Church bombing in 1963, the one that was mentioned in the book we’re reading. As I was watching I was wondering whether the video makes any impression… Continue reading →

Well, without a doubt, today was THE day. I forgot who I was until I was halfway home. Today I became “the teacher,” with both teachers out, plus we were down a para. I learned so much today, and remembered what it’s like to be “the one.” I certainly f… Continue reading →

I’ve been noticing distractors lately, and whether they’re actually helpful or harmful. The sped teacher I’m working with dislikes tapping, rocking, anything like that, and mentions it to students when they do it. I tend to allow them if it’s not too d… Continue reading →

I was reading the epilogue of “Watsons Go To Birmingham – 1963″ with a small group. Unfortunately the reading level jumps from something they can handle to something way out of their league — new vocab, long sentences, and it’s history. It’s the histo… Continue reading →

Today was such a rewarding day. Even though I was assigned four students, none of whom I would characterize as really engaged with the material usually, all four were just wowed by the chapter we read. We ended in a place in which you’re not sure wheth… Continue reading →