So today the only poem I'm going to share was written by Elliot this past September.
Water Park
Jumped off a pirate ship
Cold liquid
Sharks swim around me
Scary water slide.
100 miles an hour
Having fun too!
Hot sun
A raft
For 3 of us
Like riding on a zooming
Alligator
When we removed Elliot from public school he was a struggling first grader. Writing was his most difficult subject. That he wrote this poem several months ago is a big deal. I remember it as my best teaching day. We had been reading from a book of poems called Cold Stars and Fireflies by Barbara Jester Ebenson. Elliot and I sat outside on our sun deck in the back and read each poem aloud, sometimes more than once. When it was his turn to write, these poems were fresh in his mind, as was the idea that a poem is about taking the memory of something very special and making a picture with words. He liked that writing a poem was less labor intensive than writing long sentences. I put the poem in a collection of his work and only recently rediscovered it. Holding those sheets of lined paper and remembering where we began, I felt uplifted and encouraged that what we're doing is valuable.
As the months roll on through our little home school, I'm gaining momentum. A feeling that this is a natural way of life is starting to set in. Just this week I received the news that we'll have two more students attending our Friday writer's workshop. Will teaching begin to feel like riding on a zooming alligator? Probably not. But I'm thankful that it's now starting to feel more like a river rafting ride than a journey on a sinking Titanic.
Today we'll be reunited with Elliot's three cousins who are also home schooled and who travel the country as a family. They surprised us last night, arriving with armloads of pizza and filling our house with rigorous play. Because Richard's family is mostly in Missouri and mine is mostly in Michigan and Ohio, family visits are a huge event. The adults had an equally great time, sharing stories of faith, work and parenting. I went to bed feeling restored. Had angels brought them to us, in my time of miserable whining? To show me what an extraordinary time of life this is? If so I'm truly thankful.
Jumped off a pirate ship
Cold liquid
Sharks swim around me
Scary water slide.
100 miles an hour
Having fun too!
Hot sun
A raft
For 3 of us
Like riding on a zooming
Alligator
When we removed Elliot from public school he was a struggling first grader. Writing was his most difficult subject. That he wrote this poem several months ago is a big deal. I remember it as my best teaching day. We had been reading from a book of poems called Cold Stars and Fireflies by Barbara Jester Ebenson. Elliot and I sat outside on our sun deck in the back and read each poem aloud, sometimes more than once. When it was his turn to write, these poems were fresh in his mind, as was the idea that a poem is about taking the memory of something very special and making a picture with words. He liked that writing a poem was less labor intensive than writing long sentences. I put the poem in a collection of his work and only recently rediscovered it. Holding those sheets of lined paper and remembering where we began, I felt uplifted and encouraged that what we're doing is valuable.
As the months roll on through our little home school, I'm gaining momentum. A feeling that this is a natural way of life is starting to set in. Just this week I received the news that we'll have two more students attending our Friday writer's workshop. Will teaching begin to feel like riding on a zooming alligator? Probably not. But I'm thankful that it's now starting to feel more like a river rafting ride than a journey on a sinking Titanic.
Today we'll be reunited with Elliot's three cousins who are also home schooled and who travel the country as a family. They surprised us last night, arriving with armloads of pizza and filling our house with rigorous play. Because Richard's family is mostly in Missouri and mine is mostly in Michigan and Ohio, family visits are a huge event. The adults had an equally great time, sharing stories of faith, work and parenting. I went to bed feeling restored. Had angels brought them to us, in my time of miserable whining? To show me what an extraordinary time of life this is? If so I'm truly thankful.
That's an excellent poem by Elliot! I like the fact that you read the book of poems aloud with him because the voice helps to convey the meaning of the poet's words. I'm very happy to know that you're reframing circumstances and savoring the excitement of negotiating those white water rapids. Have a wonderful day, dear Jenny!
ReplyDeleteElliot is blessed to have you as his teacher and his mama.
ReplyDeleteI have been in this teaching business a long time now with language arts and writing as my specialties. I know how to quickly recognize quality teaching. You, my friend, are a quality teacher.
Someday, if you do decide to enter the public school arena, those kids are going to be transformed by your teaching. Really, I do hope you write a book someday about the lessons you create and your ideas for teaching. It would benefit many.
Dear Shelly and Shady, I am humbled and inspired by your friendship and these unforgettable comments. Your love heals all those wounded parts inside! And Shelly, can I be your student teacher?
ReplyDeleteWhat a great poem he is really doing well and that is a credit to you as his teacher and mummy..........
ReplyDeleteexcellent poem! doesn't it just make your heart feel good to see how far he's coming?
ReplyDeletehope you had a great visit with family!
I have a feeling that if I had it to do over again today, I would be choosing the home schooling option. I have only admiration for what you're doing, and it sounds as if you're having some great success. I loved the poem - such freedom and joy in it!
ReplyDeleteEnjoy your family and the gift of their visit.
Of course angels brought relief in your time of need! :) Angels know the healing power of pizza and rigorous play.
ReplyDeleteYour blog is lovely. So uplifting and beautiful. I can't wait to read more of what you have inside that soft heart of yours. :)