Of pigeons and neighbors...

I like pigeons. I realize this is a rather bold statement but ever since I picked up Mo Willems incredible series documenting the life of one lone pigeon I have been drawn to the cooing wonders.

(If you have not read them I would suggest you start with Pigeon Wants a Puppy, the raw emotion written on those pages is fantastic. Although Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus is a classic that brings me near to tears with its bittersweet ending.)

When I moved into my apartment on the 4^th floor several months ago I was actually delighted by the colony of pigeons that was roosting on my windowsills. Their cooing and the occasional thump/shudder when they crashed into my windows become a familiar part of home.

Well, is seems as if my neighbors could not disagree with me more. Last Tuesday instead of the familiar sound of pigeons I was greeted with a new sound when I got home from work- that of frantic hammering and the clatter of a ladder. Curious as to what the commotion was I opened my window to investigate. This is the new addition I found installed on my neighbor’s windows.

I’m still a little nervous ever time I open my windows now. One poor planned landing by an unsuspecting pigeon would have disastrous results!

And expect the next installment of Mr. Willems series, Pigeon Wants a Crowbar, this summer!

Accomplishment

I’m covered in grease, my hands are sore, arms tired, and my fingers hurt like never before. But today I changed a flat tire on my bike… all by myself. Booya!!

this was about half way through, it got a little messier (and painful) as I went along

Yes, I did try to get a bolt off by turning it the wrong way. Yah, I almost threw the wheel across the room trying to get the tire off. And I might have come close to tears when I couldn't get that pesky little wire in the right place for the shifters. But I did it and yes, I'm rather proud of myself!

So now I can finally go on my ride! Except, after all that... I'm kind of tired. Maybe I'll ride tomorrow?

By your pupils you are taught

I’ve recently become reacquainted with the song “Getting to Know You” from the King and I. You know, the one that Anna sings with all her cute little Siamese students. Well here, just watch...

I love the line- “if you become a teacher, by your pupils you are taught.” Children are amazingly observant. They also love to share what they observe (be it good or bad!). Here is my favorite example that happened just last week.

Last week was a little crazy. Lots of meetings, data study and things that had to get turned in. By Thursday morning I was having a hard time getting my head in the game for literacy small groups and was running all over the room trying to get something finished and done. By the time I finally got to my small group table and started fumbling around for my supplies Diego was a little concerned.

He looked at me and asked in a very serious tone, “Miss. Gates are you nervous or just really busy or something?” How’s that for observant!

I stopped and laughed, “Well Diego,” I put on my best explanation voice. “I have a lot to get done before we go on break and not quite enough time.” He considered this and came back with a zinger of a reply. “Miss. Gates, you always say we have a lot to get done and we always get it done. And you don’t want to waste our small group time.”

Ok, so first he’s right; I do always say, “we have a lot to do today” (they really do listen!). And second, he’s turning my own words against me. I don’t take away recess time in my classroom, I make a trade. If you waste my teaching time then I trade for some of your recess time to catch up. And yes, I reteach whatever I was doing when the “trade” was made during recess (because I’m that nice of a teacher and want to make sure you learn it all!). Time is very valuable in our classroom.

Thanks for reminding me Diego. It will all get done sooner or later and I should use the time I have for what is most important (in that case a lesson on contractions). Lesson learned!

Oh, and I totally want a dress like that to teach in someday!