"But it's too hard, Mr. Johnston." That was the reply after a week of Slice of Writing for my students. We started out with 48 students, roughly half of the students I see on a daily basis. I'd emailed daily, reminding... Continue Reading →
Today, I had practice at 6:30 AM, school starting at 8:15 AM, and parent/teacher conferences that run until 7:00 PM. I was up at 4:45 this morning to bake cinnamon rolls (I cheat with these and use frozen ones), to... Continue Reading →
My wife and I moved into this community in 1999, with previous stops in Missouri, Alaska, and Minnesota. At the time, we'd spent shorter amounts of time in each place for college and jobs. At the time, our oldest daughter... Continue Reading →
Wow, we are in September? All ready? I started this last night, and just didn't get it finished because I've been late getting home, late getting supper, and late getting to bed. Not exactly how I want my school year... Continue Reading →
I know: - "learning is messy." - "a quiet classroom isn't always learning." - "I know my class is engaged by the noise level." - Insert your own volume-based educational statement here. Heck, I've said some of those things out... Continue Reading →
This week has been another difficult week, a week where I've walked out wondering how a 19 year veteran teacher can constantly feel like a first year teacher. Don't get me wrong, I love what I do, but we've come... Continue Reading →
Just a little while ago, our fifth grade teacher invited our class to go outside with some of her students to get some sun, enjoy the beautiful weather, and just be sixth graders. Who are we to turn down an... Continue Reading →
Last fall, five of my sixth graders, a group of seventh graders, and eighth graders had the chance to attend a STEM workshop geared towards middle school students. Apparently, I failed to write about that experience. Today, this is my... Continue Reading →
Have you ever gotten on that amusement park ride that your kids love, but you look at with trepidation? You are sitting there thinking to yourself that this may not have been the best idea and suddenly, you are screaming... Continue Reading →
The Life of a Conflicted Teacher 