"The Gardener"

"The Gardener"
The school was abuzz with excitement. Carefully crafted paper flower gardens danced on the hallway walls. Photos of family and friends were displayed on the bulletin board praising how these people had taught someone in our school something about making the world a more beautiful place... "Our family friend John is in the army. He taught me about making the world a more beautiful place by teaching me about being patriotic." On their way to the classroom, proud third grade students stopped to admire the garden they had created on CES Clean Up Day, bearded irises, chives, sunflowers and more were coming to life before their very eyes. Radiant flower postage stamps created in art lessons were hung for all to see.

Must be the week of "One Book, One School".

"The Gardener" by Sarah Stewart was at the root of all the goings on. The story is set in the 1930's. A series of letters tells the story of a young girl who must leave home to live with her uncle in the city. Her passion is gardening and even with the difficult circumstances she manages to create beauty.

Every year CES, with the help of some very generous donations from community businesses, purchases a book for each family. The students take the books home to read with their families. The following week is full of activities and classroom discussions centered around the story. The culminating activity is across grade level book discussions. Students, staff and community members gathered in the gym. Students were split into small groups led by a teacher or special community guest. Then the discussions began. My group consisted of 2 fourth graders, 3 second graders and 1 third grader. Connections, inferences, questions, deep thinking and not so deep thinking, all were shared. A murmur of voices lifted the adventures and thoughts of the young gardener. A hush came over the crowd as a video and sound track portrayed the emotion of the unknown, the beauty of a little girl and her mixed feelings about returning home.

After returning to our classroom the excitement of the morning lingered as students shared new thoughts they had gained from others perspectives. A true gem in the teaching profession.

Branch Lake

My first trip to camp during the hot May weather inspired this acrostic poem.

BRANCH LAKE

Beautiful sunsets cast their rays across shimmering ripples.
Restful, relaxing, rejuvenating.
An overgrown path leading to the pond of the lilies and the ambitious beaver's lodge.
Nodding off on the hammock, swinging gently reading tales of long ago.
Canoeing to the mystical island where, in the minds of children, (and sometimes adults) magical things happen.
Happy hour on the back deck - laughter, reminiscing, family, story telling, friends, fun.
Loons peaceful calls lull me to sleep at night.
A serene sail in the summer breeze.
Kitchen is a place for a summer breakfast of bacon, eggs, home-fries and fresh perked coffee.
Exactly twenty-one more days from now!

Students Cinquain

Students
Creative, Curious
Daring, Entertaining, Exhausting
Amazing in their uniqueness
Kids

Changes

So I find myself in the midst of yet another life change. My middle son, 22, just graduated from U-Maine. He got it in his head that he would try a change, Florida. A few months back, he began talking about moving and trying something new. While glad he has grown to be an independent, well rounded individual, my heart strings are tugging and groaning. Change...I don't like it! A week ago he headed off with his small Honda Civic overflowing with his most prized possessions. Trying to put on an air of encouragement, I hugged him and waved good bye as his car disappeared round the bend in the driveway. Over the course of the last week, memories have flooded my mind...how he talked about dadoos (cookies) when he was three, pee wee league games, highschool events, how he could joke around and make me laugh even when I didn't feel like it. Life is constantly changing. While my mind accepts the fact that he needs to experience life and all it has for him, my heart is calling him home.