Books Boys Borrow

That's Alliteration. Also known as, my favorite literary element to actually put into use. Love me some alliteration. Now on to the reason why I actually used the alliteration in the first place . . . books that young males actually enjoy.
How do I know these young males actually do enjoy these novels, because teachers truly do see and hear everything. I see them at the classroom bookshelf suggesting what a fellow dude should read or explaining the "pretty coolness" of one novel to the others. Honestly, they try to be slick about the whole exchange, but the excitement gets to them and they just can't hold it in, poor things. So here's the books that keep them coming back and are constantly being passed around:

This kid is them, he needs money, a girlfriend and his parents to get off his back about how he spends his free time. I'm always surprised to see a guy reading this because there is a definite love story here, but who am I to judge.

I've never read this, I want to though and every week I have a male student complain that it's not on my book shelf yet. Best description I've heard of this book," I want to be them, well maybe just look like the guys who play them on t.v.- girls like that. "

The conversations seem real, the thoughts seem real and the majority are because the book is based on the authors life. While my Hispanic males devour this book so do my other male students and it's nice to see all of them taking a deeper notice in a culture that surrounds their everyday life.

I love the underdog winning plot of this novel and so do the majority of my male students. Whether their sports fanatics, trying to adjust to a different environment themselves or the little guy just trying to survive they always remember this book.

Here's another one I've never read, but can without a doubt suggest for two reasons: 1.) Walter Dean Myers is a wonderful writer that knows how to tell a story that makes even teenage boys abandon their lives and revolve around a book. 2.) Every school I've ever stepped foot in not only has a copy of this in their library, but the copy is always battered, beaten and blindingly reminiscent of better days ( there's that alliteration again).

I'm sure their are many more books that boys can't keep their grubby little hands off, let me know and I'll definitely try to add them to my classroom bookshelf.

A Treat for You

As a treat to make up for my long absences, because I know what an addiction I can be ( humility is not my best character quality) I figured I'd share this lovey blog . . . literally the blog is all about love. The blog Le Love is built through reader submissions and on the day I discovered this I thought how intriguing, reassuring, comforting and sometimes affirming- I must share this with others.

The website is chalked full of inspirational pictures, my heart flutters

Also, included are text and quotes that are so relate able you will go home in check your house for bugs 'cause you've definitely probably uttered a few.

Enjoy, lovely readers, hope it's a simple way to pass the time in a hectic day.

Young Adults Read Too, Thank Goodness

Yeah it's been awhile. What can I say, my house isn't clean and therefor I have no clue what to do with my life. Honest to goodness if I had a male counterpart living with me he would have promptly moved out last Friday- before the biggest damage even occurred.
BUT no worries , I have some great first round picks for Young Adult readers! And my favorite part is that every adult I know loves these novels just the same as any teenager, so jump in and read along.

This is the author of Beastly, and she's even better here. Flinn takes an assortment of Fairy Tales, mixes them with one big modern Tale adds a love triangle and BOOM!

In the same day I discussed this book with a fellow teacher, I also held a discussion with a Sixth Grader walking down the hall. This series is addicting to the point that every time I finish a book I feel like my best friend has gone on vacation ( the sixth grader agreed).

This is the first series by author Suzanne Collins , you know the lady who penned Hunger Games, and in my humble opinion the former is much better than the latter. Honestly, this character takes control of his destiny despite what the book jacket might lead you to believe. Plus the love and heartbreak surrounding this series lingered much longer than I expected.

All of my students, male and female have devoured this book. Honest too goodness it does not stay on my shelf longer than a day and my student are constantly discussing the book. I believe anyone who has ever had a crush can believe and fall in love with this book. Plus, I laughed out loud numerous times.

My male readers, especially my ones that hate reading in the first place have all read this book. I have three copies on my shelf that are all always checked out and will probably have to be replaced next year due to the fact that they are falling apart. Myers is an awesome author in the first place, but man something about this book hooks the young male mind frame and refuses to let go.

Have no fear this is only the beginning, next week I actually plan to split the the post into gender because even though about every boy in my class has read Shooter I've never seen a girl pick the book up. At the end of the day, some books are gender specific and they're still great books.

Feel free to let me know any suggestions you have, trust me I love finding out new books to read for myself, but also in one week alone I hear the question, " Miss what should I read" about 13 times- new suggestions are much needed. 

We Interrupt the Regular Scheduled Programming . . .

 . . . For State Mandated Testing, booo! Next week I will continue to on the series of suggested books, picking up with young adults AND because you dear readers are sooo patient there will indeed be two post.

Until then my hard working parents, here are some t.v. shows that keep distracting me as I wonder up and down the aisle refraining from reading questions and giving thanks that someone was kind enough to invent "wear your jeans to work" day. Put the kids to bed, snuggle up with your favorite warm blooded animal or glass of bubble- whatever makes you happy and get ready to zone out.

Bent:

Amanda, how we've missed you. What better welcome back date than this fine gentleman beside you and a box of laughs. She's a good girl doing everything right, but everything keeps going wrong and he's a bad boy barely holding on, but still making it work. The cast is great and the anticipation even better. My favorite quote, " You didn't break, just bent."

Best Friends Forever:

Great laugh out loud moments of a grown up, healthy best friend relationship. Seriously, you will laugh out loud. The show has not premiered yet, but check out Hulu for a sneak peek. Favorite quote: " Fighting weight, gotta get back to your fighting weight."

Happy Endings:

This started out with one scenario of a couple breaking up, but keeping the friends and ended with a great group of friends who know entirely too much about each other to start looking for new friends- not that they want or need too. Favorite Ongoing Quote: " Bitch, it is four a.m."

Smash:

This show is like Glee, only everyone is an adult or at least they're suppose to act like one. The voices are great and there are some genuinely funny moments. Favorite Quote: Every time someone breaks out in song

Whitney:

I love her stand-up and I love her show, but really I love her the comedic genius that is her and her on-screen boyfriend. Seriously, they are that couple that you would actually be willing to hangout with in your free time. Favorite Quote: " Hey TeenWolf, oh yeah I remember you."

GCB:

You know what it stands for, don't pretend. First I love Annie Potts, I was raised by her and Julia Sugarbaker and she's just as great in this show. All these women carry their own comedic story lines and don't be fooled they're tough as nails. This show reminds me just how powerful a left handed compliment can be when delivered just right. Favorite Quote: "And if anything goes wrong, Gigi can just shoot 'em".

What are you watching to zone out from a busy day, or maybe you're like I used to be with no cable or internet and just stick to reading. Either way let me know what takes you away for a bit at the end of a busy, busy day. 

A Few Good Distractions

Sometimes, heaven forbid I get a little distracted during my day. Thank goodness it usually occurs during sustained silent reading so no young minds are harmed, but for these distractions I'd be willing to risk a few young minds.

Dr. Avery, oh my. Honestly it's not Jesse Williams, the gent who plays Dr. Avery, but truly Dr. Avery who I find irresistible. The character is a great guy, hard working and just goofy enough that his great looks aren't too intimidating, but don't be fooled because he's a highly assertive man. 

A rebel with a cause, I just saw this movie over spring break with my little sister and man oh man was I okay with the scarce clothing. 

This guy is a model that liters my pinterest board. If I ever meet him I will promptly me handcuffed about 20 minutes after we make eye-contact. Seriously, Je t' adore. 

They just don't make them how they use to AND don't even get me started on the greatness of Paul Newman and Joanna Woodards marriage. 

Please, please do. Nerd love at it's greatest.  

Don't Play the Video Game, Read a Book . . . Please, Oh Please

So a week before spring break I talked about books to start your children out reading. Now we're at the stage where you can tell a fire is growing, but don't know where to direct it or you can tell the fire is dwindling and are in search for some fuel ( sorry about the metaphor, but I am an English teacher). 

This kid is hilarious, my whole family adores these books (as in parents and siblings because I don't have my own kids or husband yet). And the narrator is the same age as your kid, so they're going through the same things at the same time. 

"Yo'or a wi'zard H'ry". Enough said. But seriously, I grew up with Harry, and cried at the end of the seventh book because it was over ( I still haven't seen part 2 of the last movie, I just can't say goodbye). 

Anything, she writes your daughter will love, the first two series above are friendly to all genders, but she focus's on young ladies and only features strong relatable protagonist. 

This is the book that introduced me into classics. I love the quiet language and stories in this book- every character is written so well and with such love. 

Please note that this post is geared towards kids ages 8-14, the next step is young adult a genre that I love so dearly and might flow into more than one post.

If you have any other suggestions for this age group please let me know, I would love the insight. 

Tuck Them Tight, Read Them Right and They'll Dream Wonderfully All Through the Night

Whenever I'm telling some unbelievable, but oh so true story about a thick headed student of mine my friends always laugh and then ask with horror in their eyes, " how am I going to make sure that's not my kid?" 

And I always respond to them, just read to them as much as possible, as often as possible and as many different styles as possible.

Since obviously the reading starts young here's some starts:

Kids, love him, the rhyming and the characters are home to the fresh imaginations.

People who love me still give these books to me as presents, AND I learned why not to tell a lie, about too much junk food, and not talking to strangers from this family.

Girls and BOYS, love these characters with personality and imagination.

Love the love and friendship, The Season book was the first book I ever read to my parents . . . they were trying to see if I had just memorized all the others, proved them wrong and still have the book to this day.

There are so many more, but these are no without fail crowd pleasers- even adults cannot get enough. 

In a soon to come blog, I'll move past the "tucking them in for the night" stage and on to the maybe "grounded  from television you'll actually pick up a book stage".

Who says the reading has to be confined to bedtime?!

Boys Can Wear Pink Too



Dexter looking fetching in a pink tie, there is irony here- I hope you find it.



Recently a mother picking her son up from school was greeted with a great story . A student the day before had worn a pink shirt to school and some students had bullied him calling him "gay". In response the other students agreed the following day to all wear pink to school to show that the color of your shirt makes no difference who you are as a person. 

They all did it too, the mom said that she looked around a flood of children had were wearing pink.

This is actually a campaign, founded by the Boys and Girls Club- check it out.

A wise teacher once told me that students learn their judgements, social habits and conversation topics from their parents. Not a groundbreaking comment, but one that some people forget, especially when it comes children. Children hear and see much more than we give them credit for and in the day of kids turning into adults too soon it is nice to see that some of their adult decisions are way better than anything any adult could come up with.

And Thank You

I had to make parent contact today twice and both times it was quick, to the point and we were all on the same page- LOVE IT!
It makes my day when parents realize that discipline is not a bad thing and that their children are just that, children learning the ends and outs of life. Think of how many corrections and lessons learned we go through as adults . . . now flashback to when you were a kid living on a dream . . .now enjoy that "light bulb moment".


I love this, light bulb moments make you grow!

 Granted some students have more growing moments than others, which as parents can be frustrating, but I guarantee your child is more frustrated with you in the " I just cannot do anything right" phase of life. How we as parents and teachers not only react to their growing pains, but help them learn from them can make or break who the will become later in life.

So thank you to the parents who work with me as a teacher, and to all the parents and teachers out there that although they may sigh and shake their fist to the sky often, they refuse to give up on their children.

HAHA, whatever it takes?!

It's Been THAT Kind of Week . . .

On Sunday me and two other female friends moved the majority of my apartment that I shared with a squirrel and faulty dishwasher into a well lit, much cheaper dwelling that posses its own washer and dryer (be jealous New Yorkers). Unfortunately we didn't move everything, which has made for a very busy week.

So today I usher in a blog trend for those weeks that just fly by, "A Picture a Day"! Instead of a big long blog you only have to read a quick little photo summing up all that I would say for each day- you know in today's instant gratification world you're secretly excited . . .

Monday

We all feel this way, You are not alone.



Tuesday

Great Advice from a great man.

Wednesday

I think the same thing every, single day.

Thursday


Love the color combination, JCrew was made for teachers, just not priced.

Friday

I L.O.V.E. this movie and so do you.

Have a wonderful weekend, veg on the couch, hang with friends, dance the night away and laugh with those you love!

Show a Little Love

 It's Valentine's Day!

Isn't this lovely.

 Parents how often do you show your children that you love them, tell them that you love them, hug them with the words I love you hanging in the air or tuck them into bed with a kiss on the forehead and soft "I love you"?

I love hearing my parents tell me they love me, I love how they hug me a little tighter when they're sending me on the road again and I love how without a doubt I know there are two human beings out in the world who really do love me for me ( yep, they're kinda spectacular parents).

Often though I meet students who have no connection with their parents, who only view their parents as either a cash register or someone they see often, but not someone whose love they can always count on me. When parents ask me for advice I always want to ask, "When is the last time you said I love you" or " How often do you tell them you love them"?

So go home tonight, and instead of showering them with gifts tell them all about the many ways you love that they are your child, mostly importantly please just tell them you love them.

Awww, no denying he loves his girls.

Do Not Embarress the Family Name.

Did your parents tell you this growing up? Do you tell your kids this?


Other advice parents tend to differ on.

My parents are constantly telling my siblings and myself this advice, every first day of school, every time when spent the night at friends house, when I left for college, on my first day as a teacher and I'm sure my dad will whisper this in my ear on my wedding day. 

Another teacher mentioned this concept to her class and was met by utter silence, the students had no idea what she meant. I did the same thing in my class and a common response was, " why not, my parents always embarress me!" I explained that it wasn't the same thing and still could not figure why it was so important or even made a difference. There were a couple who understood, but even then peer pressure is a mother and the pack usually leads.





She represented her Family Honor very well.

As a teacher I cannot help, but imagine what it would be like if every parent told there child this before they left for school and meant what they were saying. 

Now When is This Due?

It's happen in every family across the country, I did this as a child, my little sister has done this and I've awkwardly enough witnessed numerous of my friends do this to their parents ( never a good moment). The supposed responsible student waits to the last minute to start working on a homework assignment that was assigned weeks before.


Holly Homemaker, she lives for last minute projects

 My most infamous last minute project would belong to 8th grade IPC, "Rat Trap Race Car" and man did I get what I deserved in the end. I waited until two nights before to work even start buying the materials for a project that had been assigned for a month. Yes granted the teacher didn't give out the rubric until a week before it was due, I could have at least bought the actual rat trap went it was assigned.

After suffering a major melt down, my parents finally intervened, but only after a speech on responsibility and two weeks worth of grounding, not to mention the guilt I felt for being such an inconvenience when my parents intervention turned out to be having one of their colleagues ( oh yeah, by the way, my parents are educators too) aid me in completing my car.

I wish, don't even know where to start on this car.

Remember when I said I got mine in the end, welp I did. Yep, just as it was my turn for my car to impress everyone in class and more importantly my teacher, the wheels fell off the car. Since, I wasn't the mastermind behind the whole design I was no good as pit crew and just had to learn a lesson the hard way.


This was my grade, but the circle completely joined because my teacher was OCD.

 
So parents, how do you stay on top of your students assignments? Have any of you ever had procrastination go so wrong? What advice do you have for teachers and parents to work together in these situations?