Kindergarten: Finding a classroom home during students’ Age of Exploration
Kindergarten? Kindergarten. Kindergarten! If you had asked me a year ago the grade level I’d be least likely to teach, that was the answer. But here I am: In a […]
By any other name, subtle race stereotypes still haunt us
“My name is TRACEY. You should know that. I’ve worked here for six years.” Embarrassment crept up the back of my neck as I mumbled, “Sorry.” It didn’t matter. she […]
First day of 5th Grade: A year to learn about yourself and make (good) memories that last
First day of 5th Grade. A new school year. A new, grown-up “tween” world view. A new uniform shirt color. She told me at breakfast this morning she felt nervous, […]
When her feelings turn from tender to toxic, best strategy is keeping my mouth shut
What’s bothering her? She’s barely 10 years old. What weight of the world is she carrying? Is there something big going on in her life, or is she simply submerged […]
Turning 10: A milestone among memories — but hoping she’ll never outgrow her inner child
10 years old. Double digits. Whoa. I remember standing in the upstairs hallway of the house I grew up in, contemplating my own 10th birthday. “A decade old,” I told […]
Saying goodbye to Ted — and realizing death among peers has become a natural part of life
I call it “in the zone.” Pretty vague, I guess. For me it means you’ve reached the time of your life when it’s no longer a shock when one of […]
The biggest threat (choose one): Muslim extremists, nuclear attack — or our own guns?
It’s deja vu all over again, as Yogi Berra used to say. Howzat? We recently marked the 100th anniversary of the passage and implementation of the Immigration Act of 1917. […]
She found coal in her stocking Christmas morning — I must’ve had rocks in my head
“If you’re not good, Santa is going to leave coal in your stocking!” Sure, we’ve all heard it. Said it. Understand the implications of the threat. But have you ever […]
This year’s Santa Claus: Hoping her beliefs evolve – not vanish
To believe, or not to believe. Last year, we wondered if it was the last Christmas for Santa Claus with Young Daughter. It’s bittersweet, since she’s been a fervent believer […]
Close encounters with 9-year-olds: Please keep me from looking ‘stupid’
I should’ve seen it coming. Never pretend to understand the 9-year-old mind, for your efforts shall be fruitless and fraught with frustration. What am I talking about now? (A question […]
