Honoring the journey—then and now
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Why I speak gibberish
What was your first word? Of course, you don’t remember, but maybe your mom does. Or your dad, especially if it was “Da Da.” My oldest child’s first word was “Ah-ee.” Luckily, I knew that this two-syllable utterance actually had a meaning. Otherwise, I might’ve missed this watershed baby book moment. She was referring to…
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The Parts We Play
Her slim, veined hand rested in mine, as we sat on the generic floral couch in the wood-trimmed lounge. A piano nearby hinted that Uncle Bob or Aunt Becky might drop by unannounced for a Sunday afternoon visit in the parlor though only a perky nurse-in-training poked her head through the open doorway to be…
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Poetry Is an Acquired Taste
Poetry is an acquired taste, kind of like roses. Often, we don’t appreciate certain things until we acquire a little maturity. That’s certainly true of me and poetry. When I was a kid, like brussel sprouts, poetry was foreign to me. It had a suspicious odor about it, and I instinctively knew that I wanted…
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Remember This in Your New Reading Plan
The book is well worn, its pages creased and soft, the edges frayed. The cover even has some teeth marks on the corners. That’s because it’s embroiled in a survival battle. For a second generation. “Moo moo buzz buzz pop pop pop!” I never tired of reading Mr. Brown Can Moo, Can You? by Dr.…
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A Real Snow Day
Before digital learning stole our winter joy “Looks like it might snow tonight,” says my husband as he turns to the weather channel. “See that dark blue band? It’s headed right toward us.” He pushes the thick comforter back to the footboard of the king-sized bed. He is never cold; but I’m usually freezing. He…
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Only in My Dreams
Rugmini says I have been here before. In a previous lifetime.
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Where to Even Begin?
A runaway mule team that nearly mows down two women? A quarrel between two sisters who claim to be pacifists? A public argument between a female Northerner and a male Confederate sympathizer? For several months, I debated about the best narrative hook for my novel based on the true diary of my Quaker ancestor who…
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It’s time for teachers to be more inclusive.
My Indiana Writing Project colleague Kathy and I are pushing for a change. From all teachers! With all the hoopla about the science of reading, by now, most teachers and administrators know that using explicit instruction is required for successful ELA skill development. In addition to reading with purposeful mini lessons, writing frequently with explicit…
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We were on a quest
The single-lane gravel drive through the line of trees gave a shady respite to the heat of the June day. We snaked the car up the hill. According to the ochre-colored map, we had turned off old US 40 in the right place, but there wasn’t a tombstone in sight. In fact, as our tires…
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An Indian New Year's Day Outing
With inspiration from my new young friend Today is Vishu, the Malayalam New Year. Yesterday, the streets of Palakkad, Kerala, India, were filled with newly constructed vendor stands selling fruits and vegetables for offerings to the gods and special meals. They were also crowded with people, budding entrepreneurs and consumers eager to make their last-minute…
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