Tales of the Looking Glass

Did I Do Enough?

2011-12-17T19:54:00.001-05:00

As my first official students took their exams, I couldn't help but wonder this. I think it's something that most teachers probably ask themselves during any kind of assessment. All this thinking has got me prepping myself for next semester. Starting with the big picture in mind helps keep every action focused.

By the time you leave my class today...

2011-10-30T21:36:00.002-04:00

It's pretty easy to post an agenda on the board. Unfortunately, this doesn't always describe exactly what students are supposed to pull from each lesson.

Well, the GREAT Southwest has provided me with a laminated sign to post that will help point students to this information. It's a bright, hot pink color with these words:

By the time you leave my class today,

you will be able to ...

I didn't realize it, but students who are informed of exactly what they are supposed to be learning tend to perform, I think, 27% higher than those who don't. This is pretty significant. If something as simple as informing kids of what they're about to learn can make THAT much of a difference, well, I'm happy to oblige!

Without Much Fanfare

2011-10-03T22:58:00.001-04:00

Every person should experience the joy of being celebrated individually. Tonight, my family and I did just that for my aunt. She's more than special, so we wanted it to be very special. While we originally had a mondo elaborate plan in mind, she made it clear that a huge fanfare wasn't what she wanted. A small family get-together at Boma, an amazing African-inspired buffet in Disney's Animal Kingdom, was ideal.

I think that one reason we didn't think of anything small at first was simply because she's so worth something elaborate. She always goes SO far out of her way for EVERYBODY. So this once in a lifetime chance to express our genuine love for and thanks to her was an opportunity like no other. How taken aback we were to learn that this blessing to our lives wanted no more recognition than a family dinner and chocolate cake. It just goes to show what's important to her: spending time with the people she loves.

Poo Poo the Gorilla and an Amazing Bell-Ringer

2011-10-02T16:51:00.001-04:00

If students enjoy bell-ringers as much as I do, then they'd much prefer using them as ammunition in a paper snowball fight than think about them outside of class.

Enter Poo Poo, a gorilla who escaped from the zoo, and the topic of Friday's bell-ringer. After a lesson including public notices, I asked my students to create their own. Here was the students' task:

The results were incredible! Not only were they a delight to grade, but they were obviously fun for the kids to complete. Even students who normally avoided bell-ringers were active in creating some really cool work.

Sir Coolman was only a tad impressed. "So, what will you do with this new realization?" he asked me. I looked at him with a facial expression that embodied "duh!" and turned back to my plans. It wasn't until he'd evaporated behind his glass while wearing a smirk of anticipation that I realized his point:

How do I follow that up?

Social Networking for Academics

2011-09-24T22:59:00.001-04:00

If there's one thing I've noticed, it's the fact that middle school students are absolutely nuts about online social networking. The Facebook craze has been so powerful in its influence of the culture that it is responsible for many new problems, such as cyber-bullying. Despite its cons, it's here to stay, for a while at least. So, rather than simply pretend that it doesn't exist, why not incorporate it in the classroom? I've been conducting a little research on this very topic, the results of which have not been as exciting as I had hoped. While much of what I've found is very informative, I haven't found the bells-and-whistles sites I'd hoped for, ones with example sites and illustrated pdfs and the like. So, until I find more or am willing to use my own brain power, however, I'm stuck with what's available. Here are some of the really good links I've found so far.

100 Ways You Should be Using Facebook in Your Classroom
10 Tips for Using Facebook in the Classroom
Using Facebook in the Classroom
Start the New Year Using Social Media
Drive Belonging and Engagement in the Classroom (A PDF file)
Examining the Use of Facebook in the Classroom (A YouTube video)
13 Enlightening Case Studies of Social Media in the Classroom
Social Media Classroom: New Web 2.0 Platform for Education
Teachers Embracing Social Media in the Classroom

A Long Time in Coming

2011-06-18T20:16:00.002-04:00

It was rough;

Rough like sandstone against dry elephant hide being dragged

It was tough

tough like shoe-leather well-done.

It was hard;

hard like diamonds,

but just as valuable.

And so the results of mining

the combined knowledge of human kind

specified to the needs of one for nurturing

and guiding

as resulted in this wonderful find:

my diploma

After all these years, today's mail carried with it a wonderful document. My diploma came in the mail today. It was unexpected and happily received. I almost don't know what to say. I actually had rolled it around in my head last night, being that I didn't completely believe that I had actually finished. Today, I received the concrete representation of my labor.

I know that this is like life. Sometimes, it's hard to be humble when enduring unfair treatment. It's not always the most enjoyable activity to sacrifice pleasure for something else. But when it's all over, we will receive the reward of our labor. I'm so glad I didn't give up.

Glory to Your Name: Another Personal ESOL Moment

2011-04-10T11:18:00.003-04:00

I am a part of the Praise Team at my church, the West Cocoa Mission Church, in Cocoa, Florida. Well, our Minister of Music asked us to be a little more participatory in choosing songs for the praise team. She asked us to at least choose some and giver the lyrics to it. That was like a year ago. So far, only one praise team member has done this, and it only happened about a month ago.

Today, I was listening to JangoRadio, the Internet radio portal where users get to develop their own stations. I was listening to one of my Sunday Morning stations, when Byron Cage's "Glory to Your Name" began to play. Being at a computer, I remembered my previously failed task of gathering new songs for the praise team, and quickly found the lyrics to the song.

Rather than stopping here, I also began to look up chords for the song to aid our musicians. During my search, I found this phenomenal tutorial on YouTube that breaks down the entire song for the piano.

Dahv is AWESOME!!!!! There are lots of online musical tutorials, but many of these are only previews and segmented versions of an actual tutorial that the user has to pay for in order to get. Dahv's tutorials are TOTALLY FREE!

Our Minister of Music is pressed for time. So, I thought I'd help out by trying to learn this song on the piano.

There was a time when this would not have been very difficult for me, even following the tutorial at the speed presented. But that time has long since passed.

What was once familiar territory for me has slowly transformed into a foreign landscape. As soon as I played a chord, the keys were instantly foreign again, even with Dahv practically spoon-feeding me the correct notes. Needless to say, I was not happy with myself. I literally screamed and pounded, having my first grown-up tantrum of the year.

The thought occurred to me that the frustration, the emotional and physical exertion, the inadequacy I felt must be common to students dropped into a world where the culture and words are all foreign. I can't imagine what this must be like for them.

As an adult, I was able to utilize the tools at my disposal to assist me in learning the chords. I found a visual of all the chords for piano, even those real funny-looking ones with all the weird numbers. I had already located a copy of the lyrics that included the correct chords for the song. I was able to use the combination of these tools to figure out how to play the song on my own as opposed to simply following along with Dahv, no reflection on his superness. Dahv's tutorial is practically perfect for those learners who work well with visuals and explanations. But I am more of an auditory learner in a way that I am able to learn piano songs best by figuring out the correct notes on my own. While I have yet to learn the entire song, I'm sure that using the same kinds of adaptations used for students of limited English proficiency will help me to re-acquire the familiarity I need for my fingers to again prance knowingly across the keys.

Week 02 Reflection: Semi-Intrinsic Fuel

2011-01-30T23:11:00.002-05:00

This week has taught me that, no matter what rewards are promised, a teacher must engage in the tasks of the profession to for intrinsic rewards. The pay is not even reasonable considering the amount of education and personal funds that are required to engage in the practice at even a simply satisfactory level. The amount of personal time that must be devoted to the tasks of the profession "after-hours" is ridiculous. In addition to this, other professionals, even educational professionals, seem unenlightened as to the many facets of the daily life of the Exceptional Education teacher. However, as was previously discovered in my investigations, this fact only reinforces my dedication to the field. The ultimate goal of this profession is the transfer of understanding to students; and I am incredibly motivated by this ultimate goal.

In all truth, lack of gratitude from others is can be very discouraging, especially when compacted with the disapproval of students who are much more likely to rather be playing a video game or watching television than learning seemingly meaningless algorithms. But this is a part of the overall challenge for the teacher. It is not the student's responsibility to automatically be inspired to learn what the teacher is presenting. Rather, it is the teacher's duty to create a learning experience that inspires the student to participate, learn, and retain the learning that has taken place. This challenge works to help me in maintaining a renewed level of interest in helping each student.

It is with this level of renewed interest that I am likely to engage in the upcoming week. I have grown more and more familiar with the students with whom I work, and so I understand how to present the upcoming subject of basic division. I have taken numerous factors into consideration and have begun to plan what I believe will honestly be very effective learning opportunities that will help to cement the concept into their battery of knowledge. I plan to work with this group of students beginning tomorrow morning, and hope to see the fruits of my labor, even if it is only on their faces as that adorable little look of enlightenment. But even if this reward is not given to me, I will be even more inspired to seek it, altering my instructional practices in hopes of eventually causing the students to prove their mastery of the concept, even if not the procedures right away. So, it is with anticipation of the best that I enter this new week; may the students be as inspired as I am.

Week 01 Reflection: Management Procedures and Philosophy

2011-01-21T22:56:00.001-05:00

Despite my beginning fears about the new experience, I have come to ADORE my placement at Longleaf Elementary with Mrs. Sigrath, a fire-fairy whose lightning speed and matching mind make her beautifully suited to the fast-paced field. She uses every opportunity to convey useful information about the field of special education to me. She informs me of the expectations of teachers as well as laws governing the procedures of exceptional education. She makes me aware of seemingly minor things that can have a great effect on the classroom system, including procedures and overall systems of management.

In the classroom, Mrs. Sigrath has an incredibly practical and effective system of management. She uses a token system that rewards students for participating in academic discussions and in making connections with the concepts addressed during lessons. I’ve heard terrible things about this kind of system, especially a clinical aspect. But in the real world of teaching, it seems incredibly affective. We were all very surprised when a student with autism initiated responses during a reading lesson, something not at all very common for that particular student. This student also works hard all day for the opportunity extra rounds on the carousel in his backyard. Other students also make wise choices, knowing that their actions will have consequences. I think it might be helpful for some of these students to see in a tangible way how their actions have consequences. I have seen that it inspires students who may not otherwise be willing participants to engage in meaningful learning activities.

I think that this is an excellent system when used correctly, as Mrs. Sigrath does. She wants the students to succeed and it’s obvious in her mannerisms and speech. I would have enjoyed being one of her students. I think this is because of her positive attitude and obvious concern and care for her students. Her system of management will be incredibly easy for me to adopt because it occurs naturally for me. I am happy to have the opportunity to work with her.

Max and Mina: A Lesson on Social Skills

2010-10-27T21:00:00.001-04:00

In accordance with the assigned projects for my Applied Behavioral Analysis course, I had to create a narrative presentation of a specific social skill. This little animation is the result.

GoAnimate.com: Max and Mina Meet for the First Time by BlissBud

Like it? Create your own at GoAnimate.com. It's free and fun!

Wintry Wonder and a Celebrity Visit!

2010-10-08T19:16:00.005-04:00

What a blast! While we didn't get to do everything I'd wanted to, we did get a lot done.

First, we read the book and discussed its illustrations and content.

After lunch, I broke the news to them that someone had mixed up all of the events from the story, and that I needed their help to get them back into the right places.

I was surprised at what the kids seemed to enjoy the most. I suppose my surprise was based on the fact that I hadn't originally planned on including it in the lesson. It was a "Then What?" creative activity that chronicled the activities of Peter, the main character of Ezra Jack Keat's The Snowy Day, after his friend in the book had to go home. While they were at activity and lunch, I took some photos of Peter all around the school. When they came back, I uploaded them to my teacher's laptop and created a PowerPoint in about 3 minutes while she transitioned the students from lunch. The result was lots of screaming and smiles. During the time I was presenting, kids kept leaping up from the carpet, running towards the door and peeking through the window to catch a glimpse of the approaching hero.

I had no idea that they would react this way. Something that I had considered menial seemed like the icing on the cake to them...except, that is, for th real icing. When I placed a light package of sugar cookies on the Docu-cam, it was as if I'd ripped open an industrial sized package of delight. By the end of our lesson, they'd all gotten to make their very own snowman face cookie, using white icing for snow, candy corns for noses, and mini M&Ms for eyes and mouths. In order to accommodate a love for candy corns, one student expressed, "You can have two noses!" Others followed suit, and one student presented to me a snowman with noses all around the perimeter of his face.

In all, this was a priceless experience. Seeing them enjoy this activity was worth any preparations and time I spent in creating it for them.

Tomorrow's Forecast for Florida...Snow!

2010-10-06T19:12:00.004-04:00

Tomorrow is Read for the Record, a national event that tries to break world records for the most people reading the same book at the same time every year. This program is lead by Jumpstart, an organization devoted to tackling the literacy crisis affecting our nation. This year's book is Ezra Jack Keat's The Snowy Day. This beloved children's classic shows the fun of enjoying a winter's day of snow and ice. The main character is

Anyway, I'm SO excited about tomorrows lesson...I'm leading it! I've got SOOOO many ideas. But I realize that I have to remember time constraints. Still, I have to overplan rather than not have enough planned for the kids. I can't wait to see the looks on their faces when they experience snow, some of them for the very first time!

Here's a quick list of some of the activities I've got in store for the day:

Reading - The book of the hour, The Snowy Day

Life and Social Skills - Dressing for the Weather (PDF file)

Math - Temperature; Snowflake patterns

Critical Thinking - ... I've got something for this, but I've forgotten exactly what it is!

Science - Snow Experience (PDF File)

Social Studies - Where does it snow?

Music and Creative Expression - Snowy Scene Collage (PDF File); Snowflake Picture

Wellness - Snow snack

I've got some more about the experience on my site.

Anyway, I'm off to dream of snowflakes and ice to rest up and prepare early for the day's activities. How fun!?!

5 Reasons to Love October

2010-10-01T22:23:00.003-04:00

1. Cool Days

Literally. After blazing Florida heat, we've been enjoying chilly days in the upper 70s. It's SO nice!

2. Special Days

October is pretty important month:

Breast Cancer Awareness Month
Down's Syndrome Awareness Month
National Cyber Security Awareness Month
Tackling Hunger Month
And the list goes on, and on, and on...

3. Colors

October is a time for bright reds, oranges, browns, and yellows. It's an excellent time for art projects using these colors and also for incorporating actual items from nature into projects.

4. Lots to Learn

It's a super time for science lessons about the change of the seasons, trees and leaves, harvest (where our food comes from), time, nature, preparing for the future, and all kinds of terrific things! Even math, language arts, science, music, reading, art, wellness, and drama can all be linked to the theme of autumn with some pretty excellent results. Here are a few great places for ideas.

Scholastic Autumn Lesson Plans and Ideas

Nick Jr. - Fall Into Autumn Lesson Plan (*Note: This page automatically loads video that starts off with a commercial.)

Education World - Awesome Autumn

5. Beauty!

Autumn is a beautiful time in many places throughout the world. While we don't get to enjoy the incredible silent fireworks of forests with leaves changing colors, we can enjoy photographs and video. Bringing in actual autumn leaves for crunching, pumpkins for exploring, and corn for popping (and perhaps munching) is an excellent experience for kids, no matter their challenges.

October is just a really cool month for working with kids.

I'm so excited!

3rd Grade Short Response

2010-09-30T20:42:00.005-04:00

How's this for detail?

Question: What might happen if an animal did not teach its young to hunt?

3rd Grade Answer: It would get hungry, and then it would get so hungry and die and turn into a skeleton and then to dust/

Saving Our Pwanet

2010-09-27T22:23:00.003-04:00

I was amazed today as a bold Kindergarten student approached the teachers' recess bench to complain about planetary injustice that he had observed on the playground.

"Dose guys ova deya ah dwopping theya fun bands into da main sewa line! Dey not taking caya of pwanet oath. Is de onwy wiving pwanet!"

Translation: "Those guys over there are dropping their fun bands into the main sewer line! They're not taking care of planet earth. It's the only living planet."

"Amazing that someone so young could recognize ecological injustice, even from the confines of the playground," Sir Coolman commented.

"Yes. Do you think adults will ever catch on?"

"That, my dear, remains to be seen," he said, and faded back into the glass.

Hippety Hop!

2010-09-21T21:57:00.000-04:00

While online today, I was messaged by Sir Coolman to network with others. I later found this cool site and did my very first blog hop. A blog hop is when bloggers share links and visit each other. It's a simple and cool concept.

After participating, Sir Coolman asked what I could pull from the experience to apply in the classroom. "Anything at all?"

"Well, this general idea is important in various aspects of life. Share and share alike, I suppose. Everybody wants lots of blog traffic. But few are willing to give traffic to others. In this way, everybody gets some of what they want and can come across some really excellent blogs, and..."

"I didn't ask anything about how this blogging experience can help you to create generalizations about blogging! My focus is..."

"I know. Education."

"Then you should also know that I am expecting you to communicate a way you can transfer this experience into the realm of teaching."

Honestly, I hadn't given it that much thought. But something soon became apparent. "When teachers work together, each willing to make minor sacrifices for each other, the whole school benefits. Sharing tips, advice, or information that can help someone are all very valuable things to pass along. Sure beats gossip!"

"Much better," he said. "Next time let's see if we can stay to the point."

Sure thing...grouch!!!!

Life as a Princess

2010-09-19T20:09:00.005-04:00

I am a princess. That's the bottom line. God is King. He's my Father. I'm royalty.

It has become apparent to me that all females should experience being royalty. At least once in her life, every little girl should know that she is a princess. Add to this knowing that your God's princess, and you've got the beginnings of high feelings of self-worth.

Tyndale recently released its My Princess Bible, a colorful board book made for little girls. While it's not an actual Bible, it is a small collection of some of the interesting women of the Bible and how they fulfilled God's call on their life.

Each story contains two fill-in statements for an adult to write the name of the little princess who owns the Bible. The statements correspond with the actions of the person in that story.

The illustrations in this are culturally sensitive. The bright, vivid cover shows a rainbow of princesses featured in some of the Bible story. In fact, the seemingly most prominent woman on the book's front cover is actually Queen Esther. I was impressed with how noticeably dark her skin is. The book also shows smaller princesses - little girls playing dress-up in royal garb. Like that grown-ups featured in the book, they too represent a wide array of cultures. However, I was disappointed with the darkest little girl's appearance. She looked...inexpressive. She looked like she didn't know where she was or that she was a little afraid of the artist in the same way a child might not feel comfortable with a photographer. Perhaps this was the effect the artist was trying to accomplish. Either way, they still managed to create an excellent visual presentation of the women in the stories presented.

Overall, I would definitely consider purchasing this book for a little girl ages 2-4. It's a great addition to any preschool library. I hope that Tyndale will follow this lovely collection with one similar for every little prince.

As required by the US Trade Commission, Tyndale House Publishers provided me with a free copy of this book.

When Kids Have to Say Goodbye

2010-09-06T17:18:00.003-04:00

As I implied yesterday, saying good-bye to someone you love dearly, even when they're just going on a trip to another part of the world, is difficult. With children, the effects can be much more devastating.

When a child suddenly experiences a temporary loss of someone they love, it is bound to affect them emotionally, socially, academically, and sometimes even physically. The child's loved-one may not be present for a number of reasons: military deployment, incarceration, illness, job-related travel, hiding from legal troubles, gang- or mob-related hiding. The children who come to our public schools may face any one of these issues. The effects of this loss on the children can lead to a number of conditions: decreased performance in school, increased problem behaviors in school, and more.

While it is easy to become upset when a student lashes out at the teacher with some form of emotional outburst, it is important to remember this: all actions have a cause. People do things for a reason. Unless you have an idea as to why a student is acting a certain way, sometimes the best way to combat disruptive behavior is to follow a number of these suggestions:

Breathe deeply. When you release, let your anger go out with it.
Talk calmly and realistically with the student.
Offer positive reinforcement for appropriate behavior.
Offer some form of creative or expressive outlet as an academic choice for the student.

Teachers must remember that, no matter how much we love our students and want to help, we are, in most cases, not qualified to act as an actual counselor. If you notice that a child is having difficulty coping with the absent of a parent, refer them to the school psychologist or counselor. Likewise, if you're not exactly sure how to help a student or what your actions should be, don't hesitate to ask a trusted teacher, a teacher-mentor, or school counselor.

Below are a few articles and resources I've located that deal with helping children with displaced parents.

The Problem of Increasingly Absent Parents

Absent Parents: A Discussion Board to Discuss Issues Related to Having or Being an Absent Parent

Practice Notes: Working with Children with Parents in Prison

In Their Own Words: Military Deployment Effects on Children

The Effects of an Absent Parent on a Child's Life (Life 123)

Deployment and Children

Bye-bye, buddy

2010-09-05T20:39:00.001-04:00

Today, I attended a small Bon Voyage party for my friend who is moving to Macedonia. After church, I ran home and freshened up before heading to the party. Another friend of mine was hosting it and he showed his culinary talents by preparing bar-b-qued ribs, arroz con pollo, and salad. It was really delicious. He outdid himself.

My friend informed us of his attempts to learn the Macedonian language. He's able to read the script well; so well, in fact, that he can't read the English version of Macedonian words. He's a tenderhearted individual, and I think he will get along ok...but he's also known for being a jerk as well.

During the party, I kept feeling really tired. It wasn't until I got home that I realized I was a little depressed about my friend leaving.

It's not very comforting that his international flight takes place on September 11th. But I will simply keep him - his life and his soul - in my sincerest prayers. I have seen time and time again that God does answer them.

Considering how hard it is for me to loose a friend for a measurable period of time, how tragic must it be for a child who looses a loved one, even for a short amount of time?

A Hidden Enemy?

2010-09-04T15:06:00.003-04:00

A scratchy nose irritated me from sleep this morning. When I opened my eyes, I saw why.

There was an "a" on my face. I thought it was an ant, at first. But when I put on my glasses, I saw thousands of letters running in and out of the book I'd fallen asleep reading the night before.

So, naturally, I ran and grabbed Sir Coolman form my drawer. I showed him the tiny little letters running and tumbling about like a swarm of insects. He looked more worried than I thought he should for something as seemingly harmless as letters. After observing things, a bright blue light shot from the face of the mirror and every letter was back in place on the pages of my book.

"How did this happen?" I asked him.

"Someone purposely released them from the pages." A wave a worry flashed across his face.

"The same "someone" who sent me the dragon warning, I suppose."

"Most likely," he said. "But don't loose any sleep over it."

"Too late for that," I told him before we began our day's session of learning to teach.

PLEASE don't forget to check out my interactive posts!

The Perfect Guide to Blogging

2010-09-02T23:07:00.000-04:00

Blogging has not be around long enough yet to have generated a large amount of articles of notable scholarly merit which discuss the most functionally appropriate procedures and practices. But since these are boring anyway, and experience seems to be the best teacher, I am happy to report a fantastic resource for bloggers. Blog Guidebook is a fantabulous community of women who blog. In addition to connecting users with like-minded bloggers, the site offers valuable blogger-tested tips, videos, and more. It's definitely worth the click.

Open House

2010-09-01T21:11:00.001-04:00

I came in quietly tonight. But despite my attempts to just have a night where I went straight to bed, Sir Coolman lit up my room. I pulled the mirror from the drawer to see his face. “And how did things turn out?”

“Before I even got there, the place was packed.” Starting at 6:00 PM, parents had filled the parking lot of Longleaf to attend the first Open House event of the year. Because of the number of students and family members, the school hosts two separate Open House events: one for VPK – 3^rd grade, the other for students in grades 4-6.

I had had the opportunity to observe, and occasionally provide input, during the first night of Open House. But unlike the mainstream classes, the class I am observing has less than 10 students. Because of this, specific times were provided to individual families so that an even that was more like a parent-teacher conference took place for each student in the classroom. Because there is so much to talk about in regards to the progress and needs of these students, this was an excellent idea that enabled specific questions to be answered and input given.

“Did you come to any conclusions based on what you saw tonight?” Sir Coolman asked.

“Actually, yeah,” I assured him. During each session, I had noticed several components the teacher used which might make foundational guidelines for any future Open House events I attend. So I rattled off a short list of what I saw:

1. Be positive AND realistic. No matter how much we want our students to succeed, it is important to acknowledge both the strengths and needs in the classroom. The only way to help them grow is to acknowledge where they need some extra attention.
2. Address both social behaviors and academics. Especially for students with special needs, both of these areas are important. Social skills are one the absolute most important skills for students with special needs. Any weaknesses in the unspoken curriculum of social acceptance must be addressed to ensure success through life.
3. Provide student work. Show parents exactly what their students have been doing in class. Provide work that illustrates any specific points you need to make parents aware of.
4. Show what you're teaching. Parents like to know what is going on in the classroom each day. Provide them with a quick overview of current lessons and what's to come in the near future.
5. Reach out in kindness. A teacher’s job is to help prepare a human being for life in the world. But even the most practical strategies and instructional methods are rendered nearly ineffective without parental and community support. Build rapport with families in the child’s interest and gain a stronger edge on helping them learn.

“I say! That’s very insightful. Good work, old girl.”

I turned to him in irritation. “Just a hint for the future, Mr. Mirror Man. NEVER call a woman in her early thirties old anything.”

“Noted,” he smirked before fading away.

PLEASE don't forget to check out my interactive posts!

After a long day...

2010-08-30T21:54:00.004-04:00

Despite yesterday's frightening letter, today was a wonderful day. It seems that the kingdom of Longleaf is beautiful place where students are nurtured as if the place were a greenhouse for children.

I was enjoying a series of recollections about the day with Sir Coolman when he stopped mid-sentence and smiled. "Well! It seems you will be enjoying a guest," he said and glanced towards the door.

Soundlessly, it opened. A tall stranger stood in the doorway. He looked tired, elderly, and appeared to be trying out for the part of Moses. "He...hello. Can I help you?"

"Oh he doesn't speak your language. you might want to hold your breath, however."

I didn't have time react before I was doused by a small cloud of tiny particulates, seemingly sand. Instantly, I was overwhelmed by an unwelcome scent-the unmistakable smell of morning breath. I tried blowing the particles away, sputtering to remove every grain that had managed to accumulate anywhere on me. Sir Coolman laughed. "I warned you," he laughed. "Had that happen to me once. Dear, dear, you must have been more tired than either of us had realized."

"Oh?" I said, irritated as I continued brushing away the stinky powder the stranger had thrown all over me. The stranger stood silently, as if waiting for something.

"In deed. That's the Sand Man, you know. He doesn't come for just anyone or any minute reason. And my...what a fierce strength he works. So, I suppose you'll be no good for the rest of the evening. Tomorrow, then."

"Wait! You're just gonna leave me here with this guy?"

"Of course, dear. He's here to make certain that you have quality resting and are rejuvenated for the morning. Look out!"

Apparently, my brushing sand away was not what the Sand Man wanted, and he hit me with another, even bigger cloud of what must have been his most potent product.

"Sweet dreams, darling," I heard Sir Coolman say, his voice fading from view as did the view of the stranger tiptoeing from my room as I lie stretched out on my bed.

PLEASE don't forget to check out my interactive posts!

Dragons or Dragonflies

2010-08-29T21:30:00.007-04:00

It's rather unnerving to be awakened before sunrise by a tiny knock on the window. Nevertheless, this morning found me already awake and in great turmoil. I'd just received a letter. It's contents were simple, yet they were extremely powerful:

Beware the dragons of Longleaf

As unsettling as it is to receive an anonymous letter warning of terrors lurking within the village where I will enter in the morning, I ran to my drawer and pulled the mirror from its box.

At the touch of my hand on its hilt, Sir Coolman appeared before me. He held an expression of deep concern. "No idea who sent it?"

"Someone wanting me to fail, perhaps."

The look on his face deepened. "Yes...yes, in deed," he said, more to himself than to me. Then he brightened a bit. "However, whether or not there are dragons or dragonflies which await you, your training has been adequate."

Instantly, I was in the middle of a bog enveloped in a gray haze of fog. To my left stood an enormous dragon. It stood on its hind legs, fangs bared, a guttural roar spewing from its diaphragm. And right next to it, buzzing in its most sincere fury, hovered a tiny dragonfly made its noisy dissatisfaction apparent. Then suddenly, the dragon, in its enormity, began to shrink. And within a few moments, both the dragon and the dragonfly were the same exact size, the dragon using its now miniature wings to stay in the air. I walked up to the both of them and aimed a can I hadn't previously noticed was in my hand. In bright letters printed around the can was the word "knowledge." I aimed, released the contents of the can onto the two of them. Instantly, they both fell to the earth, convulsing in death pangs until they were both still. The next moment, I was standing back in my room, holding the mirror. "Thanks," I told Sir Coolmam. "I'm sure now that I'm ready for anything, be it dragon or dragonfly."

And I most certainly am.

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A Reply from the Kingdom of Longleaf

2010-08-28T15:25:00.008-04:00

I am happy to report that, when I woke up this morning to a knock on my door, the same messenger whom I'd sent to the kingdom of Longleaf stood before me with a reply in his hands.

The message informed me that I will be working directly with the head governess of the Special Division of Primary Students. I am so looking forward to it!

From what I can tell, the governess and I are almost identical on our beliefs as to the role of the teacher. It seems that we both view the filed of teaching much differently from that of presenting. We are not simply to present ideas to our students. We are to teach the student new ideas and skills. In order to do this, we must speak the inner language of each individual student. I will have the care of only 7 students, but I know that I have my work cut out for me...I'm so excited!!!!

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