To Blog, To Blog, To Blog!

I very much enjoy blogging!  I have three personal blogs and several with my classes...AND each of my students has his/her own blog!  Why do I blog?  The power of reflection is immense, and this genre has become quite the journal of my literary life.  I, also, enjoy reading other's blogs and follow many within my Feedly account.

Blogs I Follow

• Literary Life:  I follow many, including some literary peers and giants in our curriculum area, including Dana Huff, 
• Crafty Chics
• Devotional Delights
• Bookish Thoughts

Growth Mindset: Is This a Sign of Intelligence?

Carol Dweck in her video entitled  The Power of Believing That You Can Improve discusses her research on fixed and growth mindsets.  (Later, in this article, she updates her findings.)

Dweck supports the growth mindset when she states, "

Oh, Cute Little Ladybug! NOT!

Just no!  Get out!  I will place you in your eternal home = the vacuum cleaner.  For several years now, these beautiful ladybug want-to-look-alikes have invaded my home, my space, my domain.

In the article Ladybugs or Asian Beetles, the author informs us that these critters were intentionally released, "Over the past 15 years, USDA, the Forestry Commission, state and private agencies have released this ladybug in several locations in the Northeastern part of the US."  What?!  Intentionally released these pests?

ISIS: Enemy of the State and World?

Here, in the good ol' United States of America, we often are so busy with our busyness that we forget the enemies we have abroad.  One of those remains the group ISIS, a group of militants who have little appreciation for the manner in which Americans live nor do they seem to appreciate the belief systems of many US citizens, was recently conquered (or were they) in a seizure partially enabled by own military.

According to Annie Barnard and Hwiadi Saad in their article "Raqqa, ISIS ‘Capital,’ Is Captured, U.S.-Backed Forces Say," they report, "American-backed forces said...they had seized the northern Syrian city of Raqqa from the Islamic State, a major blow to the militant group..."  With the assistance of the US military, this group diminished in size and power, resulting in a victory for all who oppose this group, a group that is harsh to its captives (yes, see pics of beheadings and burnings...or not).

Now what? "The fall of Raqqa threatens to inflame relations between Kurds and Arabs, who have been fighting the Islamic State in an uneasy alliance with the United States-led coalition... Most immediately, they may be at odds over the future governing of Raqqa."  Fighting one's culture does seem to be a battle one cannot win.  Therefore, when the US goes in and assists and then leaves, very often no change has really occurred, as those living there simply cannot leave the past, their embedded culture, behind.

My concern?  This:  "The United States Central Command stopped short of declaring victory, saying that 'more than 90 percent of Raqqa is in S.D.F. control,' a reference to the Syrian Democratic Forces, an American-backed militia group made up of Syrian Kurds and Arabs."  Do the math.  That leaves 10%.  Too many for too much celebration, for this group seems to have not problem recovering, recruiting, and retaliating.

This groups concerns me, for they greatly despise what so many stands.

Hacking...Hack! Hack! Cough! Oh, No!

People would hack into other's private information should have special kind of punishment awaiting them.  In The Week's article entitled "You Have Almost Certainly Been Hacked,"

According to the staff writer at The Week, "...some in the security community are advocating that businesses go on the offensive, breaking into their attackers' systems to steal back or delete stolen data or even damage their computers."  Add two sentences of CM.

Last Friday while doing a good deed, my credit was hacked.  Add two sentences of CM.

A three-sentence conclusion.

Benefits of Extracurricular Activities

Dark.  Moist.  Alone.  For hours.  For 58 hours.  A student on a group trip with Indiana University, Lukas Cavar, according to The New York Time's article entitled "Student Trapped in Indiana Cave...," spent those hours contemplating his future after losing contact with his college group.  Trips such as these are so important, but one must consider at what point does the trips lose their value.  Despite an occasional horror story, though, extracurricular activities should be an option for all students. 

According to Jess Deli, central region coordinator with the National Cave Rescue Commission, "she could not comment about what happened to Mr. Cavar but said in general, caving is safe and there are 'very few' rescues that happen across the nation."  This trip should not be the standard by which future trips are measured, for as Deli notes, the percentage of such successful excursions are positive. 

As a sponsor of a various extracurricular groups during my 27 years of teaching, I strongly support the value of being involved in activities outside the classroom, as they encourage friendships and help develop leadership skills.  Even now, I continue to be active in groups outside my job, including the Arkansas Reading Association and Arkansas Teachers for National Board Certification, both of which I hold a board position.  Through these I have met and worked with some tremendous leaders across our state.

For these reasons, students should push themselves to join a group that will further develop their leadership potential, resulting in opportunities for personal growth and possibly even financial gain via scholarships.  While some might consider this a trivial matter, the positives so far outweigh the negatives.

Diverse, I Am!

Qtr 1, Blog Post #3
_______________

In two articles recently published by Washington Post, the authors feature some creatures (...mammals and animals!  The nerd in me loves all the rhymes!).  These living beings, while common, swim and stand to their own unique color schemes (NOTE the alliteration!)

Tall and White.  According to an article entitled "Rare white giraffes spotted in Kenya" by Thomas Johnson, "White giraffes are rarely spotted in the wild, and the conservation group said it's aware of only two previous confirmed sightings — in Kenya and Tanzania."  I am so glad they did!  How beautiful...and odd-looking...they are!  Watching them in the video, I could only think that how perfect they look, yet how curious they look.  Through no choice of their own, they were created just to be white and unique.

Music and Ears. I, too, have an oddity in my life.  I play the piano yet have never had a "real" lesson in my life.  If I hear a song long enough, I can play it.  And weirder still?  The less I think about the song I am playing, the better the fingers play the song.  This gift I treasure and use this unique blessing only to bless others, playing the piano at church, for weddings, and for funerals, never accepting pay, for this talent I do not own.  I am simply the vessel through which the piano is played.

Surely, during this tumultuous time in our country and world, we should look around, find the unique and appreciate even more why each was created as he/she was, especially when endowed with gifts beyond our control.  Embrace and magnify the "oddities" to the betterment of ourselves and be a blessing to those with whom we have contact, always striving to make our current setting a better place.

Transcending Time

Qtr 1, Paragraph 2
Texts:  Sir Gawain... and "The Lady of Shalott"

Assignment:  Write a three-chunk paragraph supporting a trend that transcends time.
______________________________________

TS

Chunk 1:  Sir Gawain

Chunk 2:  "The Lady of Shalott"

Chunk 3:  FDR - Connection outside of the text

CS


When finished, complete the following:

• Highlight in yellow sentences 2, 5, 8
• Proof for use of No-No’s
• Underline two appositive phrases.

______________________________________

Potential Topics

• Leadership
• Relationships
• Mother Nature...and her support...or lack of
• Importance of Attire/Clothing
• Leaving Comfort Zones

______________________________________

Mrs. Gillmore's Sample!

Simply put, no matter the era, no one escapes the journey of life.

In Arthurian literature Sir Gawain, the proves true when...

Also, in "The Lady of Shalott," author Lord Alfred Tennyson continues this trend within his poem in 1831 when he writes, "

Transcending to modern times, my life reflects the concept of a journey as I reflect on the phases of my life.

Based on this evidence, cycles continue and bumps abound, yet the journey of life remains a constant.

Thinking...about Thinking

Qtr 1 - Post #2
____________

To think...or not to think: that is the question.

As a teacher, I say, "Yes!"  

As a student, I say, "What?!  Who has time for that?!"  

As a thinker, I say, "About time!"

In Business Insider's article entitled "I've Adopted a '2-Hour Rule'...," author Zat Rana asserts, "...in the field of education, there has been a lot of work done on the idea of reflective thinking since the 1980s, and it's something that is now seen as a critical component of being an effective teacher."  With this, I heartily agree, and in continued support of this belief,  I have now been blogging for nearly a decade, spending time thinking, writing, reflecting.  Not on just one blog, either!  I am a bit of a glutton, for I blog somewhat consistently on three personal blogs and with my students on our class blogs.  

Also, about twice a year, I pick up a notebook, dividing the pages into sections for each of the responsibilities in my life, adding notes even then, creating task lists.  I carry this notebook everywhere, to work, to church, to various events, adding to the pages notes, questions, even more lists.  Then, after a time, I leave the notebook in a stack, for the purpose has been served, resulting in my being able to think, resulting in my accomplishing more, resulting in more success.

Unfortunately...or in conclusion, I just do not know if enough will take this topic seriously, for the world we live is just so busy being busy that time does not allow for just thinking, for many would view this as doing nothing, as a "waste of time."  Yet...if this tactic were good enough for Newton and Darwin, then why not for Mrs. Gillmore...and for you?!

Hurricanes: T Not Needed

Qtr 1 - Post 1
___________

Thus far, hurricanes have slammed the good ol' United States...in a harsh, destructive manner.  First, Harvey...and then Irma.  In essence, this year has forced...not encouraged!...my learning more about this natural disaster.

According to National Geographic, new information for me about hurricanes included, "A hurricane's high winds are also destructive and may spawn tornadoes."  High winds, I knew, but tornadoes I had not, thinking that the winds would just be too strong.  Not so, for an seen in the picture to the right, tornadoes were quite prevalent during Hurricane Irma.

This year, a yet-to-be-formed tropical storm will be named Tammy.   No, thank you.  Just no!  Before Hurricane Irma arrived, student Irma and I chatted about this and decided that, while we would appreciate our names in the newspapers, this, no this, definitely would not be our claim to fame.  Hummm...Mother Nature did not listen to our chatter, for here came Hurricane Irma, leaving too much destruction, devastating all in her path.  She was just very nice.

In conclusion, hurricanes need to take a break, and those in the paths of Harvey and Irma need time to recover and rebuild, time to focus on the day-to-day needs of survival.  These people, America supports.  Yes.

Where I'm From

Assignment:  Using George Ella Lyon's poem "Where I'm From" as a model, draft and then type your own version of this poem.

• THEN, for each stanza, add three participial phrases that describing the images in the stanzas.
• Click here to preview a list of active verbs you may use to create your participial phrases.  Try to NOT use a verb more than once.

Mrs. Gillmore's Poem

I am from tires, 

from Chevrolet, and batteries,

• unloading by the truck load,
• washing many used cars,
• driving my detailed rides.

I am from the creek beside our house, 

(cold, running, 

it tasted like frozen ice cubes),

• overflowing into our tire shop,
• catching crawdads that pinched,
• removing leeches from my feet.

I am from the zinnas, 

the marigolds,

whose weeds I had to remove.

• filling the beds with color,
• planted yearly by my mother,
• resulting in my now planting them, too.

I am from peanut butter pie and a stubbed nose,

from Ollie Jo and Wilford.

• eating enough dinner so dessert I could have,
• carrying on the Friel genes
• blessed beyond measure by them both.

I am from the yard sale bargains

and no TV's,

• obtaining "Best Dressed in Who's Who,
• watching the "one-eyed devil" at the neighbors,
• growing up different but okay.

from "rise and shine" and "you look nice."

• groaning for just a few minutes more of snooze time,
• complimenting me every Sunday morning on my design,
• waving that final good-bye.

I am from "Only Believe"

with beliefs solid, strong,

and the piano I play by ear.

• learning one note at a time,
• staying true to my convictions,
• absorbing, singing word after word.

I'm from Friel and Irish descent,

popcorn and fried chicken.

• frying as only my momma could,
• making dad's snack every night,
• giving credit for my red-hair.

From the work habits of my ever-doing parents,

the miles traveled to and from church three times every week.

• owning multiple businesses,
• mowing all the surrounding yards,
• cleaning house every Saturday morning.

I am from the box in the back of the closet,

stuffed to the top,

many black and white,

easier years later to view.

• preserving memories of parents and siblings from years past,
• bringing to life the faces now deceased,
• absorbing who I was, who I am.

I am from those moments - 

standing, oh, so proud --

family traits I do possess.

#4 One Day...When I Grow UP

In year 26 of teaching, at the age of 50, one day before I retire, I want to have my doctorate.  Although the timing seems poor, as we will have two kids in college next fall, this secret, not-so-minute desire...now revealed to the whole wide blogging world...keeps bubbling to the surface, seeking to find an outlet.  Yes, without a doubt, I am a nerd, one who loves school, classes, teaching, learning, ever professionally growing.

Why now? This degree is the next step on the rung of my professional career ladder, especially since Arkansas State University has since changed their degrees, resulting in my two endorsements now being equivalent to their specialist in curriculum...AND especially since I do not aspire to obtain any of their other educational specialist degrees (superintendency, gifted and talented...).  Thus, this becomes the next natural step.

Why now?  That husband of mine?  He just keeps encouraging me, always saying he would like to be married to a doctor, to Dr. Gillmore.  That does make him a definite keeper!

Why now?  For the first time in some time, I am ready to return to being the student, to breaking out of the box in which I have resided for maybe too long (?), to meeting other professionals, to thinking...learning...creating...challenging me.

Twenty-six years in teaching and 50 years of life probably does equal the right timing to choose to enter the next phase of my life.  Taking that first step has actually already begun, as I gather transcripts and resolve myself to this:  no better time exists than now.  Then...I think...homework?  Papers?  Presentations?  Hours of studying?  Tell me:  am I really ready for this?

2017's My One Word

INTRODUCTION:  My one word for 2017 is diligent, continuing a now seven-year tradition from which I have gained much more insight about myself.  In what ways do I need to become more diligent, more conscientious?  I suspect in many, including personal and professional areas of my life.

CHUNK 1:  In some ways, some would say that I chose this word.  Maybe I did, for as the month of December rolled around, I did begin thinking of what my next word would.  I think.  I read.  I ponder. I listen.  I read some more.  I awake at night...and think.  This time, no word came.  Until.  Until New Year's Eve...about 10:30.  Then, I knew.  My one word would be diligent.

CHUNK 2:  I would say, though, that diligent chose me.  So how does a word choose me? Hummm...it just happens.  (I know...I am not supposed to use the word it.  That's right...I am counting on my students NOT reading this!)  So how does a word choose me?  I just feel that nudge, that conviction.  When I think of another word...and I did...my brain just immediately shifts back to this word.  As I assigned this word choice assignment to my students, this method worked for some of them, for before I was finished, I heard some saying, "My word is..."  Words do choose people.  Ask them.

CHUNK 3:  Some harbingers that might suggest this word's success in my life would be my diligence in completing tasks I begin in a timely manner.  This is already occurring as I continue to clean out areas of my life within my house, including closet, some boxes of papers, but, no...not my books.  Maybe this will occur throughout this year as I progressively work with this word...but I love books.  I own too many.  I have stacks I have never read, but I need them in case one day I want to read that particular book that I bought once upon a time that even, unfortunately, I cannot remember where nor why nor when.  Sooo...I will remain diligent as I continue to clean...for the most part, that is.

CONCLUSION:  For these reasons, I look forward to the results of this word diligent in my life...both its impact on me and the ways in which this word will affect others in my life.  From my previous years' experience, I know this is a life-changing experience...if taken seriously.  Just the other day, a lady shared with me her word...and then her two previous words and the impact they had had on her.  Awesome!