It’s been over two years since I was teaching full time at a high school in Brooklyn. While it seems like much more than that in many ways, I still vividly recall the peaceful feeling during those week-long school breaks. Seriously: ahhhhh.While those days are long gone for me, week-long school breaks still happen for my children -- like they are right now for you NYC parents with children in public schools. Let me tell you about the one our family had in my New Jersey town this past February.One of the great things about these school breaks is the ease it brings the boys. There’s no … [Read more...]
First Grade, Here We Come
Dear Jake,You are about to be a first grader, and I am so proud of you and how far you have come. You are one of the brightest people I know and in my opinion you’re a prodigy. You are sweet, affectionate, loving, mind-bogglingly handsome and so darned smart I am having a hard time putting it to words.You are the most important thing in my life. I love getting up in the morning to wake you. I love taking you to school and picking you up. And while I’ve struggled at times with my emotions and patience, I have loved every moment I’ve been lucky enough to spend with you.I will always … [Read more...]
‘Old Yeller’ Still Holds Power to Teach
Mrs. Becham, my third grade teacher, sat in front of the class holding everyone’s attention as she read Old Yeller. My seat was in the back of the class, where she purposely had put me so I could distract the least amount of people with my antics. But she didn’t need to worry on this day. My attention was completely on her, and the kids around me were focused on her as well. My chin rested on my perched hands as I listed to the fate of Old Yeller.And then she read it … “I stuck the muzzle of the gun against his head and pulled the trigger.”My back stiffened as I raised my head off my … [Read more...]