Well…it's another bitterly cold day in Iowa. Let me just say, I'm thankful to be a warm home and not have to battle any of the issues that might happen with traveling or being outside. But, what does a teacher do on a snow day? My snow days 20 years ago might have involved playing games with my daughter or baking cookies. Alas, she's grown up and has her own high school classroom in warm Tucson. Thanks to technology, a 'snow day' isn't really a day off from work.
Upon getting up this a.m., I logged onto the live webcast of ALA's presentation of the 2014 award winning children's books. How exciting to hear the presenter announce the Newbery award medal to Kate DiCamillo for Flora and Uylsses! Awesome story. Following the Twitter feed for all of the comments about the winning books, from authors and librarians and teachers, was absolutely exhilarating. So many people across America who want to promote great literature for young people. Since I was home from school, I could be an active participant in the discussion.
Then, thanks to technology, I could Skype with my sister in China about some resources she has access to for some of our students who are beginning an inquiry unit on China.
Next, a colleague and I will be working on this year's Iowa Children's Choice Battle of the Book quiz together via googledocs. No need to get in our car, go to a meeting, or battle the cold.
The day is yet young, still have time. I started reading The Real Boy by Anne Ursa and am totally enthralled with the storyline and characters. Make a hot cup of tea and get some cookies going?
So, snow day or work day? Looks like it's a beautiful combination of both!
Upon getting up this a.m., I logged onto the live webcast of ALA's presentation of the 2014 award winning children's books. How exciting to hear the presenter announce the Newbery award medal to Kate DiCamillo for Flora and Uylsses! Awesome story. Following the Twitter feed for all of the comments about the winning books, from authors and librarians and teachers, was absolutely exhilarating. So many people across America who want to promote great literature for young people. Since I was home from school, I could be an active participant in the discussion.
Then, thanks to technology, I could Skype with my sister in China about some resources she has access to for some of our students who are beginning an inquiry unit on China.
Next, a colleague and I will be working on this year's Iowa Children's Choice Battle of the Book quiz together via googledocs. No need to get in our car, go to a meeting, or battle the cold.
The day is yet young, still have time. I started reading The Real Boy by Anne Ursa and am totally enthralled with the storyline and characters. Make a hot cup of tea and get some cookies going?
So, snow day or work day? Looks like it's a beautiful combination of both!