December 7, 2007
Let me just say for the readership’s benefit that my autocratic demands re: grammar and spelling in the classroom are suspended in the blog. I know 99% of you are typing fast with no coffee, you’re doing this at some ungodly hour in the morning or night, or you’re in between preps and grading (like, er, myself, at this moment). And by the way I’m absolutely delighted, but a little saddened, at the amount of you emailing me privately but not commenting (because you’re….SCARED?) Dudes, you should see my drafts. Step up and fuget about it.
December 9th, 2007 at 9:48 pm
Go Dina! I want to make some wise guy text message acronym, but it’s not coming off my fingertips right now. Great post
December 9th, 2007 at 9:56 pm
That would be something like ROTFLMAO, on my end. By the way, I’m so glad we’ve reconnected in the edublogosphere. I had no idea this was what you were doing with your life! Very cool. Maybe you can explain Twitter or Technorati to me when you have a spare several hours…
December 10th, 2007 at 10:20 pm
Thanks for making me laugh.
Yes, this is where I spend sometimes too much time.
I also do a weekly webcast at EdTechTalk. You can check us out at http://www.edtechtalk.com/21cl. You can get me on twitter at http://twitter.com/alexragone
Sometimes it’s just too much. I unplugged this past weekend and so we could cut down a Christmas tree and spend time with family. It was nice.
It’s good to reconnect online, Dina.
I’m really enjoying your blog. Thanks.
December 11th, 2007 at 8:54 am
From our retired school psychologist, Margie:
I am now on my sixth attempt at sending a blog message. Oh my goodness. I think I have FINALLY discovered my problem. I have been writing the anti-spam word in the wrong place. On my computer it is VERY difficult to see the box where I am supposed to put in that word.
The essence of all of my messages is to thank you, Dina, for the reminder that perfection is not required for sharing ideas. I have also attempted to say, bravo for starting this blog, for being so thoughtful, articulate, willing to share and learn and most of all for being the respectful, patient and encouraging person. Your enthusiasm for life and celebrating the goodness in others is contagious. Thank you.
I appreciated the personal reflections about your brother. I also recognize the wider message of concern for everyone whose earthly journey carries special challenges.
Our task as teachers and life long learners ourselves is multifaceted. It is way too seductive to fall into despair or discouragement by satisfying educational requirements and standards to such an extent that we lose ourselves. Or, even lose ourselves to the negativity monster that sits on our shoulders and robs us of our inherent positive creativity. The kids feel this too.
Anything that helps us pause and think about the seeds of greatness that both they and we possess is a light toward which we must move. A blog can just be one of those lights that we shine for each other in the fog of the daily grind where we truly can miss obvious road signs.
Again, thanks.
We must question each day how we can best be with our kids in the stage they are in and show them the path toward discovering the outrageous wonder of the universe both within and in the external world. Hmmm. Teaching is one of those wonders.