Showing posts with label what. Show all posts
Showing posts with label what. Show all posts
Tuesday, May 30, 2017
Japanese Brush pens are an occasion to what else draw!
Japanese Brush pens are an occasion to what else draw!
Gray ink brush pen, Muji black ink brushpen. A couple chinese calligraphy classes allows me to relax. The red ring you take off--it separates the ink from the brush array when inside the package. I kept it. Im a pack rat.
Delaying gratification. Been wandering into the Kinokuniya stationery store as a matter of course each time Im in Japan Town. I have more than enough drawing implements in my satchel. I have three or four sketchbooks in there, kneaded erasers, pens, pencils, ,waterbrush (and unopened spare), watercolor set, various hoarded coffee shop napkins for blotting, fountain pens--I am prepared for a drawing opportunity. Though most days I will not find one.
The bag is heavy. I have my GF-1 in there for photos that I will regret not taking, a copy of "And there you are" because this book was intended to replace the habit of carrying sketchbooks all the time. See Ive lost an entire bag with contents like mentioned above. Including a camera.
Old habits. "Then the terrorists win" internal argument loops and fades, results in carrying a reconstituted clone of the same bag, contents and all, anyway. Why not. If Im not drawing then what the heck Id just hang it up and buy a doughnut franchise.
But when the drawing does show up all recrimination is erased. More drawings want to show up. The need to try brushes and notebook papers and feeling some stories out glide in. The day is brighter in one corner.
The coffee helps, too.
Available link for download
Wednesday, April 5, 2017
Just in case you wanted to know what we look like
Just in case you wanted to know what we look like
In our Easter Clothes! This is only the 2nd family portrait that weve had made since that little one came into the family. The bad thing about this fact is that the first Family Portrait with all 4 of us was done just this past Christmas! Yikes!
Family Portrait
On the knitting front - Ive completed Branching Out (see it at our Branching Out KAL!) Ive started another in the same colorway for either my SIL or my MIL - not sure yet!
Available link for download
Sunday, February 12, 2017
It’s Monday What Are You Reading
It’s Monday What Are You Reading
I’m linking up for the first time with a great reading linky, It’s Monday What Are You Reading, hosted by Shelia at Book Journey and Jen and Kellee at Teach Mentor Texts.
The reason I decided to move from 2nd to 5th was ultimately decided by books. As I thought about how big 5th graders are compared to 2nd graders…and all the attitude they might bring in their bigger selves…I suddenly had an epiphany…with bigger bodies comes bigger reading skills – well maybe that’s not a hard fast rule, but in elementary school I think it makes sense!
Reading...essentially my favorite sport! Don’t get me wrong some of my little second graders were great readers. But no matter what kind of reader you are as a second grader, well…you’re no fifth grader. So, my love of reading and desire to teach rich literature at a higher level I accepted the position!
I’ve since checked out about 40+ books from the library. I’ve always read a lot of YA literature. But, I haven’t been keeping up. Plus, a lot of the YA literature I read is geared more towards high school or middle school readers…so I’ve been reading.
Here are some pictures of this – you can’t read all the titles but you can get a sense of “she’s compulsively checking books out of the library…and may not be in complete control”.
I try to get the same amount of books in English and in Spanish because I will need to make sure to read and provide my students with equal opportunities to read authentic literature in both languages – no easy task my friends!
Here is what I’ve officially read or am reading most recently:
1. Steven Layne’s “Igniting a Passion for Reading”. This is not a book I will be reading to my students, rather it’s a professional development read. I am halfway through and am convinced Steven Layne and I are teaching soul mates. Everything he says or recommends I’ve either done in one – but less purposefully, or have contemplated. One thing he recommends is for teachers to focus their “personal for pleasure” reading on books that fit the age group they are teaching. I haven’t been doing very good at this…so teacher vow: “I solemnly swear to read MOSTLY YA lit this year” (except for during my commute when I listen to books). I highly recommend this book if you are looking for ideas for reading or are looking to be inspired!
2. Judy Sierra’s “Que locura por la lectura” which also comes in English “Crazy About Reading”. This is a book that is great for almost any grade level. It’s well written and clever. Older kids will appreciate they lyricism and wit of the text. I’m looking forward to using this to set the tone in my classroom – Reading is AMAZING!
3. Gordon Zorman’s “The Island”. This was my first read by this prolific author. It was a little slow to start but I’m a sucker for anything that is a series! I love following characters indefinitely. I think this will be a great read for 5th graders – they will have to “freshen up” on their nautical vocabulary though!
4. Andrew Clements’ Frindle. I LOVED this book. The characters were all likable and the school setting didn’t feel contrived at completely out of touch the way some do. This is another read I hope to share with my students this year.
5. Thanhha Lai’s “Inside Out & Back Again”. I’m about a quarter through this book. This is an interesting read about a young girl in Vietnam during the Vietnam War. It is written from her perspective in verse. This isn’t a book I would normally pick up, as I prefer prose, but it is well done. I’m amazed at how much of her spirit, wit and will come through this writing style – more so than in your average novel!
6. Julie Kagawa’s “The Immortal Rules”. The first in a trilogy – which means it leaves the reader desperate for the second book. Typical! After Twilight I haven’t really read any vampire books, but this one was more “The Passage” meets “Hunger Games”. I enjoyed it, and found the writing to be well done and the characters interesting. I’m curious to see how the story continues. I do not think I’ll be sharing this one with my fifth graders. :)
7. Pam Muñoz Ryan’s “The Dreamer”. I’m actually reading the Spanish version “El soñador”. A good friend of mine did not enjoy the English version, but so far I’m enjoying the Spanish version. This story is about Pablo Neruda a famous Chilean poet. I’m only part way through but is following him through his childhood. The books is written in a mixture of prose, verse and stream of consciousness all from Neruda’s p.o.v. I do not know that this would be a great read aloud as a whole, but there are many brilliant sections with beautiful language for teaching visualizations, sensory language and figurative language. Also, if you ever want a peek into the mind of someone who is brilliant/incredibly easily distracted this book does it! Anything by Pam Muñoz Ryan is bound to be good in my opinion.
Do you have any recommendations for 5th grade? I’m making near daily library trips, so recommendations are BIENVENIDOS!
Come “friend” me on Goodreads if you’re a YA reader too!
my read shelf:
Happy Reading!
Mrs. Castro
Available link for download
Friday, February 3, 2017
ITs malignant narcissism and what you can do to rise above the noise
ITs malignant narcissism and what you can do to rise above the noise
IT department optimism does not translate into IT department budget. Thats what Jonathan Feldman wrote about in this Information Week piece. Their study provides lots of interesting insight into how many working in IT see things compared to, well, the rest of the business. Im not surprised.
While were on the subject, Ive recorded a video on ITs role in fixing this problem and wrote a new piece for TechTargets SearchWinIT.com site on why understanding management gets your IT department what it needs.
If youre going to move ahead - heck, even just survive - in IT, its critical to understand how the desire for gain or fear of loss are at the basis of every "sale" you make. Stop thinking of yourself as an IT person and, instead, as a business professional whos helping the business move forward and accomplish its goals by leveraging IT.
Available link for download
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