And That's a Wrap! Another School Year in the Books
Newsletter #70
Starting Fresh
The wonderful thing about teaching is that at the end of every school year we get reflect on the past ten months and then dream about the upcoming year. It is a fresh start.
For years that feel more challenging, the end of the school year comes with a sense of relief, the feeling of survival, and the acceptance that we did the best we could under the circumstances. For years that seem like an ideal class of your favorite students, June brings more sadness, much accomplishment of the wondrous moments, and a wish that we could spend more time together.
No matter what, though, teachers experience appreciation for having the privilege of playing such a vital role in the lives of students. These young people are full of potential and consistently work hard to meet expectations, despite the difficulties they may face at home or in school.
I get to witness their discoveries about mathematical strategies, unjust histories, and making amends with their friends. We all learn about life alongside each other. For that, I am grateful.
Book Report: RIDING THROUGH RICE FIELDS: A TRIP TO THE PHILIPPINES
Written by Michelle Sterling
Illustrated by Bianca Austria
When this book opens, we can see and feel the distance between Mateo and his Dad, but when they visit the Philippines, a change in Dad occurs as he returns to his homeland. Mateo eagerly joins his Dad in the verdant countryside, the adventure of catching a fish by hand, and even climbing a coconut tree. The illustrator Bianca uses a variety of perspectives and beautiful shadow work to showcase wide landscapes, detailed food spreads, and a close-up of a flat tire. Even through challenges, Mateo learns how powerful the warm and generous spirit of Filipinos is. I enjoy the way the writer Michelle incorporates so much of the culture with the inclusion of kalamansi, patintero, tamarind trees, and sampaguita. She deftly represents the closeness of Mateo and Dad as a seed from the Philippines to be planted at home so their relationship can bloom.
Themes: family, love and acceptance
Discussion Ideas:
What do you think Mateo wants at the beginning of the story and how does he achieve getting it by the end?
How does their visit to the Philippines help Mateo understand his Dad better?
Mentor Text For:
sentences structure variety: simple, compound, complex
vivid descriptions
strong verbs
use of quotation marks in dialogue
the use of an em dash
the use of ellipsis
Buy the book!
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Weekly Progress Report
This is a section for “stuff I did” that relates to my writing career. I believe in celebrating all wins, big and small alike.
revised a manuscript
sent the manuscript to my agent
started to work on a rewrite of a story
attended a storytime for Hope Lim’s latest picture book AT THE WINDOW
Sending you courage and grace in all you choose to do,
Susan
Congratulations on making through this year with its very challenging ending! I hope that summer brings you time for rest, reflection, and recuperation. Celebrate finishing this one well before moving on to the next one!
Congrats on getting to the end and on the wins!