by Dawn | Jul 19, 2014 | parenting, Teaching
Declan wants zombies. He loves the video game Plants vs. Zombies. “Mom, go to Amazon.com.” Amazon.com rests somewhere between mind reading and magic, suggesting things I didn’t even know I needed. The mail carrier brings them with a smile. It’s...
by Dawn | Jun 23, 2014 | Teaching
I look at my alarm, which did not go off. I get up. I make coffee. I sit down. I’m up early, same as usual. There is one difference. It is the first Monday of summer. No school today. No classes to teach. It’s even better because The Boy still has school...
by Dawn | Feb 5, 2014 | Teaching
Last night was our second parent night. I feel honored when families take the time to come see me. Anyone drives a couple of towns to pay respects to a child’s education is someone for whom I’m very grateful. Many can’t come–parents who work or...
by Dawn | Jan 17, 2014 | Teaching
Gum is evil. It’s something I didn’t understand in my younger days. Now I do. I used to think gum was good. When kids’ mouths are closed, I teach, kids listen. I used to use Jolly Ranchers for this. I’d give loud kids two Jolly Ranchers each. I...
by Dawn | Dec 2, 2013 | education reform
I just got a bill for fifty bucks. I had a leak in my boiler. As a rule, I don’t fix things that explode, flood, or have the potential to cause international incident. I’ll sheet rock a hole, patch, paint, lay flooring like a drunk Irishman, tile, and...
