DAY 10 Read. Write. Dream.
Well last day is already behind me. And I knew the students would do well presenting. Had an audience too. A few parents. Adults from several programs. Judges. And about ten cute ones, wide eyed and young. They were sitting up front listening to me talk about the importance of reading and the novel Money Hungry, being entrepreneurs and the like. Good audience they were.
The young people in Read. Write. Dream. read some of the pieces they had written. I love that several of them wrote some impressive beginnings to stories. I spoke to the audience about creating pictures with words. Reading. And how much interesting stories students had written often with only an interesting photo as a prompt.
Presenting can bring about the shakes even with adults. No shakes today, but I could see a little nervousness. And who wouldn't be nervous? Afterwards, while the judges did their thing, I invited the little ones to go and talk to the older students sitting at desks. It was so cool to see the 13-14 year olds sitting with their posters spread out, flanked by 6-8 year olds asking questions, leaning in, captivated at times.
I asked the older students how many wanted to be entrepreneurs. About four out of thirteen said they did. How many made the decision after the program? About three. Plus a few young ones even put their hands up. I was giddy. I wanted to teach Money Hungry with the entrepreneurial aspect because I always felt the two were a perfect pair. Raspberry like so many youth, has an entrepreneurial spirit. She is always in pursuit of opportunities to work and make more cash. But she doesn't think of herself as an entrepreneur, I believe. Readers of the book might not think of Odd Job as one either. Yet they both are. So are many students in the classroom, so lets give them the information and skills to make a career out of it, was my thought. Having students write up a business plan for Raspberry's boarding house gig would be a great teachable moment. Wish I'd thought of it during the class
I'm hoping other people will do something along these lines with the book. But mostly I hope the students I was blessed to work with will keep reading, writing and dreaming of owning their own businesses. It's the American way after all. Oh, and who won? I'm not telling. In my eyes, we all did.
By the way, thanks for hanging with me on this journey. I think I learned as much as I taught. Until next time, Read. Write. Dream.
Friday, August 3, 2012
Day 9 Read. Write. Dream.
Busy day. Students working like bees preparing for presentations tomorrow. Amazing to watch them finalize things. Gathering info to include on posters. Selecting written pieces they want to read before parents and other students.
I thought they would have to rehearse and rehearse. Silly me. They ran through their presentations once for everyone and a few times among their business groups. They found ways to remember their parts, taping bits of information on the inside of the poster. Finding their own voices to hand off to the next person or start the introductions, not simply saying what I had suggested.
It's funny one guy asks me just about everyday what time they'll leave, when they leave the same time everyday. But he was smiling cheek to cheek when I told him that he and the others how proud I was of their group. They gave a terrific presentation.
Asked everyone to complete a two question survey about how well the program went and what they would change. Awesome, wouldn't change a thing, one student said. I was surprised. His momma made him come and he wasn't always happy about it. Liked journaling, the posters, my part (presentation) were other comments. Too much talk someone said. Were they talking about me? Not sure, but I can be a chatterbox. What about the book, the book, the book, I thought? They liked the book. But this is summer. And their peers are in pools and hitting the zoo. So I guess I'll take awesome, even though I know as I write this which things need to be scraped or improved or remember the time someone said they were bored.
Tomorrow is the final day and presentation. They will knock it out of the box make their parents happy and move on, I'm sure. I will remember them as my first Read. Write. Dream. group. I will think about what worked, what I could have done better and what next. And I will never look at teaching the same again. Or students either, I hope. You can not know young people in a day, a week or two. But I swear I saw them grow and change. Or maybe we all did. Not so much changing, but revealing pieces of ourselves a little more to one another along the way. Maybe that was our real education
I thought they would have to rehearse and rehearse. Silly me. They ran through their presentations once for everyone and a few times among their business groups. They found ways to remember their parts, taping bits of information on the inside of the poster. Finding their own voices to hand off to the next person or start the introductions, not simply saying what I had suggested.
It's funny one guy asks me just about everyday what time they'll leave, when they leave the same time everyday. But he was smiling cheek to cheek when I told him that he and the others how proud I was of their group. They gave a terrific presentation.
Asked everyone to complete a two question survey about how well the program went and what they would change. Awesome, wouldn't change a thing, one student said. I was surprised. His momma made him come and he wasn't always happy about it. Liked journaling, the posters, my part (presentation) were other comments. Too much talk someone said. Were they talking about me? Not sure, but I can be a chatterbox. What about the book, the book, the book, I thought? They liked the book. But this is summer. And their peers are in pools and hitting the zoo. So I guess I'll take awesome, even though I know as I write this which things need to be scraped or improved or remember the time someone said they were bored.
Tomorrow is the final day and presentation. They will knock it out of the box make their parents happy and move on, I'm sure. I will remember them as my first Read. Write. Dream. group. I will think about what worked, what I could have done better and what next. And I will never look at teaching the same again. Or students either, I hope. You can not know young people in a day, a week or two. But I swear I saw them grow and change. Or maybe we all did. Not so much changing, but revealing pieces of ourselves a little more to one another along the way. Maybe that was our real education
Wednesday, August 1, 2012
Day 8 Read.Write.Dream.
Not much to say today. Several students went on a trip. The remaining students practiced for Friday's presentation. They did a really good job. Practicing over and over again can be a chore even for adults, but it didn't seem to bother them much. They got better each time, more confident. Made me remember the first time I stood before a crowd. I was maybe eight at church for a spelling bee. Don't remember being scared, but I'm sure I was. I do remember that I went down on the first word. It was bottle or bottom, truly it was. Spelling was never my thing. Am better now but will never be terrific at it. I am not that little girl anymore, however. But here is a bit of who I am. Someone who rarely quits. Who works hard, tries hard, and is brave enough to take on challenges that some folks wouldn't think about. I push past my limits. I don't let scared stop me. I think outside the box. I believe in underdogs, speaking to strangers on the street, hugging students during visits, rewriting, rewriting, rewriting, and family.
I am not perfect, which is why I guess so many of my characters are so wonderfully flawed.
In two days the workshop will end. I shall keep blogging I believe. Thank goodness it won't be everyday. I'm sure you and I both will be happy about that. But blog I will. I think I like it. Not sure what I shall write about. And know this. I am a hit and miss kind of girl. Sorry if you had other notions. I come and go on facebook and twitter with a flash and a bright light. Then disappear. I'm sure people say what the heck....or where'd she go? Trying to do better. Wish I could just stay put and be steady appearing daily or weekly or something like that. But know this, with writing and my daughter I am very consistent, steady ever present. And with this workshop too. Showing up every day. Not just because I am being paid to by the way. But because I promised I would. And with promises, I am usually, most all of the time someone who keeps them. Ain't perfect...just me. Sharon G. Flake. Having the time of my life! By the way thanks. It's nice to be out here with you folks.
Tuesday, July 31, 2012
Day 7 Read. Write. Dream. Remember
I never take naps. Until about seven days ago that is. My daughter laughs. She makes comments like now you see what it's like to leave home and work with people. I leave home all year long, traveling hours, speaking three times a day interacting with students, lunching with them, dining with faculty, only to do it again the next day sometimes for an entire week even. I burn a ton of energy, but like my daughter says, this is different. In class you have to be on your toes in another sort of way. To be prepared for the insightful questions, the quick student who finishes (truly finishes) before all the rest. To tell a student again what you just told him three times before, making sure you don't crush a spirit but you still get your point across. No it is not the same as visiting a school and speaking, leaving all of the correcting, homework and assignments to the real teachers. But it's no ride in the park either.
Raspberry Hill, the protagonist in Money Hungry, would probably tell me "Miss Sharon, when are you going to get back to talking about me? Enough about those students. I'm the reason you connected with them in the first place, aren't I?"
"Yes, you are Miss. Raspberry." So here's what we did with the book and with little miss redhead today. As always Raspberry is trying to make another dollar. That's how she and her friends end up working in a boarding home that's in grave condition. Before reading the chapter I let students take slips of paper from a bag. The papers said things like You are the man in the wheel chair. You are the women with oatmeal on her face, or the man who hides his money among the lettuce. They were to pay close attention while I read the text and to what I said about their characters. Then they had to write a letter to the Better Business Bureau as that character, complaining about treatment, and proposing the action they wanted taken. The students with problems writing letters last time still struggled, but the details on the board helped them a little more than the paper I gave them before. I also found a teacher's manual that showed paragraph, by paragraph, what students could focus on in a persuasive letter. Several good pieces came out of it. Some still need a bit of help. Read the work of a girl who couldn't seem to get the letter writing at all the other day. For some reason this time things clicked, great letter. She got into the character, was not stomped by the form. Reading it and giving her a "you go girl," was my way of celebrating her in public. She deserved it.
Hey we were to have a banker come today to discuss the power of saving your money and maintaining good credit. She blew a tire along the way so no pig banks for the students. Maybe another time. Truly sorry she didn't come for other reasons. The Communications managers with about ten minutes preparation were going to introduce her, close out her presentation and give her a gift. That group is made of all sorts of students. They had all agreed and were eager to take it on. Sometimes life gets in the way.
Students did get their business cards. Ten each. So cute. After most had them in their hands and were on their way out, a girl asked what are these for? Sometimes we assume things. Don't explain because we think everyone knows the purpose of things. Most of the students did I think. They have parents in the workplace, some high up I believe. Message to self. Do not assume. You don't know everything, and no one else does either. I hope I remember that long as Friday passes.
Raspberry Hill, the protagonist in Money Hungry, would probably tell me "Miss Sharon, when are you going to get back to talking about me? Enough about those students. I'm the reason you connected with them in the first place, aren't I?"
"Yes, you are Miss. Raspberry." So here's what we did with the book and with little miss redhead today. As always Raspberry is trying to make another dollar. That's how she and her friends end up working in a boarding home that's in grave condition. Before reading the chapter I let students take slips of paper from a bag. The papers said things like You are the man in the wheel chair. You are the women with oatmeal on her face, or the man who hides his money among the lettuce. They were to pay close attention while I read the text and to what I said about their characters. Then they had to write a letter to the Better Business Bureau as that character, complaining about treatment, and proposing the action they wanted taken. The students with problems writing letters last time still struggled, but the details on the board helped them a little more than the paper I gave them before. I also found a teacher's manual that showed paragraph, by paragraph, what students could focus on in a persuasive letter. Several good pieces came out of it. Some still need a bit of help. Read the work of a girl who couldn't seem to get the letter writing at all the other day. For some reason this time things clicked, great letter. She got into the character, was not stomped by the form. Reading it and giving her a "you go girl," was my way of celebrating her in public. She deserved it.
Hey we were to have a banker come today to discuss the power of saving your money and maintaining good credit. She blew a tire along the way so no pig banks for the students. Maybe another time. Truly sorry she didn't come for other reasons. The Communications managers with about ten minutes preparation were going to introduce her, close out her presentation and give her a gift. That group is made of all sorts of students. They had all agreed and were eager to take it on. Sometimes life gets in the way.
Students did get their business cards. Ten each. So cute. After most had them in their hands and were on their way out, a girl asked what are these for? Sometimes we assume things. Don't explain because we think everyone knows the purpose of things. Most of the students did I think. They have parents in the workplace, some high up I believe. Message to self. Do not assume. You don't know everything, and no one else does either. I hope I remember that long as Friday passes.
Monday, July 30, 2012
Day 6 Read.Write.Dream.
Second week, first day. No tears. Today while studying Money Hungry, we looked at boundaries and when someone might have gone too far. Raspberry swipes money from a friend. She does put it back when her conscience gets the better of her, but does that mean she didn't steal? Are there times when we go to far? What boundaries do we put in place for ourselves and others? Why do we even need them? Conversation picked up as students were able to discuss the boundaries they have in place for themselves and others. Interesting what things are off bounds, like borrowing clothes and cell phones. Wouldn't have thought that about the cell. At least not in the short run. A few girls say they'd lend clothes but far less than I'd suspect. Dating people with the wrong color hair or ugly feet was out of bounds as well. It's a middle school world folks. But they were serious about not letting people hit or hurt them. Nice discussion followed written assignment about the expectations they had for the people who entered their space, or for themselves. Things got even more serious and pointed. Several expected to go to college and have the ability to do so. Others expected high QPA's or to listen to adults more, not fight, always do their best. Oh by the way, I read their files for the first time on Saturday. Nice to finally put names to faces, and work to students. Most people fell in a good place, having completed more work than not.
On the entrepreneurial side, everyone has a job now. Finance manager, Communications manager, etc. Class was busy working on posters for final day presentation. Lots of buzz, especially since finance person was meeting with banker for cash, to pay for things like Fictitious Name Search. I swear I'd love to know if someone's ever done a study on fake money as a motivator. Seems one can get as much return on that as real money when it comes to students. I guess it feels good to have cash no matter what. And truth be told, the stuff does look real. Hey...wonder if Walmart would let me buy....no...I think they put you in jail for doing that.
Friday, July 27, 2012
Day 5 And on the fifth day she cried
Came up with this great idea. How do I know it was great? Because the students loved it. Or was it the candy?
Created a game around the entrepreneur side of things. Don't worry teachers each day we do literacy around my novel Money Hungry. Oh. Not today though, sorry. Today a few students began to write a letter about their businesses, to another organization.
The business game was to reinforce or to teach things around entrepreneurship and 99 percent of them were on board, asking questions, answering them. Later when we started the letter and a few got stuck saying it's too hard. I asked about one of the traits of an entrepreneur. "They know things get hard but they don't quit 'cause things do get hard." Okay that's not a 100 percent accurate quote from the student, 'cause I ain't in there taping them. But the quote is very close.
Packing up. Ready to leave. I cried. Wish they were happy tears. They weren't. I'll just say that a business letter is not the Constitution.
Here's what I think. Be mad at me if you like. Some people think God is judging America for all sorts of things like homosexually, abortion and more. I don't, but think what you wish. That said I am certain God is ticked off about what we've allowed to happen to our young. He's got to be. And they've got to be too.
Oh Sharon where have you been? I can hear you now with your coffee and pomp. Right here. In the inner city. But I am the one who can see without seeing. That has been absolutely necessary to do the kind of work I do. It is also what it's like to walk in my head. I notice and I do not notice, and I am glad for that. Otherwise, it is like watching the news all the time, which I do not. You begin to believe that all you see is all there is. And I have always known there was more right where these students live and dream. Walking up the steps these five days. Putting my bags down. Writing on the big, tall teacher pad. I wait for them to enter. I hug, I smile, I laugh. I teach. I believe. Have always believed. That I can change the world. Even when I trip over my feet. Skin my knee. Take on too much. I believe. That all of God's babies deserve better. So why is it, that this nation seems okay when so many do not get it?
Created a game around the entrepreneur side of things. Don't worry teachers each day we do literacy around my novel Money Hungry. Oh. Not today though, sorry. Today a few students began to write a letter about their businesses, to another organization.
The business game was to reinforce or to teach things around entrepreneurship and 99 percent of them were on board, asking questions, answering them. Later when we started the letter and a few got stuck saying it's too hard. I asked about one of the traits of an entrepreneur. "They know things get hard but they don't quit 'cause things do get hard." Okay that's not a 100 percent accurate quote from the student, 'cause I ain't in there taping them. But the quote is very close.
Packing up. Ready to leave. I cried. Wish they were happy tears. They weren't. I'll just say that a business letter is not the Constitution.
Here's what I think. Be mad at me if you like. Some people think God is judging America for all sorts of things like homosexually, abortion and more. I don't, but think what you wish. That said I am certain God is ticked off about what we've allowed to happen to our young. He's got to be. And they've got to be too.
Oh Sharon where have you been? I can hear you now with your coffee and pomp. Right here. In the inner city. But I am the one who can see without seeing. That has been absolutely necessary to do the kind of work I do. It is also what it's like to walk in my head. I notice and I do not notice, and I am glad for that. Otherwise, it is like watching the news all the time, which I do not. You begin to believe that all you see is all there is. And I have always known there was more right where these students live and dream. Walking up the steps these five days. Putting my bags down. Writing on the big, tall teacher pad. I wait for them to enter. I hug, I smile, I laugh. I teach. I believe. Have always believed. That I can change the world. Even when I trip over my feet. Skin my knee. Take on too much. I believe. That all of God's babies deserve better. So why is it, that this nation seems okay when so many do not get it?
Day 4 Read.Write.Dream. Bet you were wondering...
So what happened to me, I bet some of you are asking. All my happy chatter and then nothing. Friends close to me worry when I go silent. I am one of those people who hardly ever shuts up. Well maybe now that I am 56 I've quieted down a tad. Figure it's my brain aging and all that jazz. But go with my friends. If I shut my trap, I'm musing. Or sad, scared. Never in a deep funk though, hardly ever deal with stuff like that.
It was an 85 day I think, if I had to give myself a score. My teacher friend says if that's the grade I'd give myself I'm doing great. I am a perfectionist. Hadn't realized it until a few years ago. If you saw my inside hallway, or the bathroom I've yet to complete after five years, you would wonder about my claims. Okay my daughter is saying it's been seven years. Onward Sharon. Focus. The entrepreneurship side gets the students juices going. Today was no different. But I am learning maybe I have to give students more specific tasks to do. To perhaps let each table go to the computers one by one instead of my way: "okay time for entrepreneur class." No they don't run off like horses. But zip they sure get across the class quick. I also don't think I had made sure each child had enough to do. So a team might have had three folks plugging away today, one finishing a project and one twiddling his/her thumbs. But truly, most students don't twiddle. They will talk or move or whine. Better for them to work
I think it was a day about me more than them. Looking. Reassessing. Thinking how can I do things differently, better. Take meditation. The day before students were a little wiggly. That night I thought hmmm. There's a RIF employee in the room with me. I am the spokesperson for Reading is Fundamental locally. And they are one of the big sponsors for me while I work with the youth. Anywho (yes I meant what I just said) she meditates along with the class while I walk and remind folks to close eyes, relax. I asked her if she wanted to do the meditation, thinking she might have a skill set in that area that was stronger than mine. I was right. Those babies were gone, in another world in seconds. I am learning what I hope students will learn. People are on the planet to help and guide. If you let them you will spend less time roaming int he wilderness.
Late at night, looking over the next days work and how I might improve it, I thought about the day, the students, me. But more and more I think about teachers. I am convinced they must be angels, even the rotten ones. To be able to give ones full attention. To care about this child and that one. To look to see if Malcolm needs you, if Mary can keep up, If Ja'mal is on task after being distracted by his neighbor. To rub the back of the girl who always gives the answers as well as touching and smiling at the ones who don't (not on purpose for me just comes naturally). To make a course correction while teaching knowing it will mean more time at the computer late at night. To be ashamed at having raised ones voice a tad to loudly. Or to have passed by one child who needed you for another one only realizing to late what you've done. It is an awesome responsibility. It is difficult, heart touching work. But who else is supposed to do it?
As I said, I come about an hour early. I work late into the night. I consider myself blessed. They have let me into their world. They trust that I know what I am talking about. And everyday they draw closer. Not bad, I'd say. For a woman with a bathroom that people mistake for a closet.
It was an 85 day I think, if I had to give myself a score. My teacher friend says if that's the grade I'd give myself I'm doing great. I am a perfectionist. Hadn't realized it until a few years ago. If you saw my inside hallway, or the bathroom I've yet to complete after five years, you would wonder about my claims. Okay my daughter is saying it's been seven years. Onward Sharon. Focus. The entrepreneurship side gets the students juices going. Today was no different. But I am learning maybe I have to give students more specific tasks to do. To perhaps let each table go to the computers one by one instead of my way: "okay time for entrepreneur class." No they don't run off like horses. But zip they sure get across the class quick. I also don't think I had made sure each child had enough to do. So a team might have had three folks plugging away today, one finishing a project and one twiddling his/her thumbs. But truly, most students don't twiddle. They will talk or move or whine. Better for them to work
I think it was a day about me more than them. Looking. Reassessing. Thinking how can I do things differently, better. Take meditation. The day before students were a little wiggly. That night I thought hmmm. There's a RIF employee in the room with me. I am the spokesperson for Reading is Fundamental locally. And they are one of the big sponsors for me while I work with the youth. Anywho (yes I meant what I just said) she meditates along with the class while I walk and remind folks to close eyes, relax. I asked her if she wanted to do the meditation, thinking she might have a skill set in that area that was stronger than mine. I was right. Those babies were gone, in another world in seconds. I am learning what I hope students will learn. People are on the planet to help and guide. If you let them you will spend less time roaming int he wilderness.
Late at night, looking over the next days work and how I might improve it, I thought about the day, the students, me. But more and more I think about teachers. I am convinced they must be angels, even the rotten ones. To be able to give ones full attention. To care about this child and that one. To look to see if Malcolm needs you, if Mary can keep up, If Ja'mal is on task after being distracted by his neighbor. To rub the back of the girl who always gives the answers as well as touching and smiling at the ones who don't (not on purpose for me just comes naturally). To make a course correction while teaching knowing it will mean more time at the computer late at night. To be ashamed at having raised ones voice a tad to loudly. Or to have passed by one child who needed you for another one only realizing to late what you've done. It is an awesome responsibility. It is difficult, heart touching work. But who else is supposed to do it?
As I said, I come about an hour early. I work late into the night. I consider myself blessed. They have let me into their world. They trust that I know what I am talking about. And everyday they draw closer. Not bad, I'd say. For a woman with a bathroom that people mistake for a closet.
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