The daily meanderings of a teacher

Bird Droppings September 24, 2023  It is about understanding I read a student’s psychological report years back who could decode almost any word put in front of them. The confusion comes when trying to tell you what was read. The two components of reading, decoding and comprehension are needed to be a successful reader. I…

Bird Droppings September 22. 2023Walking and listening among the Cotton Woods I walked outside earlier, as I do many mornings, listening, observing, trying to understand this reality I am walking about. The sky was brilliant this morning, with a slight haze settling over the cornfield and visible clouds. Over the years, I have spent many…

Bird Droppings September 21, 2023Searching for integrity “Do not believe in anything simply because you have heard it. Do not believe in anything simply because it is spoken and rumored by many. Do not believe in anything simply because it is found written in your religious books. Do not believe in anything merely on the…

Bird Droppings September 20, 2023Seeing all is connected and intertwined. As I thought about the Sydney J. Harris passage below and walked out to my car, I thought of my quiet spot on my back porch where I meditated, and something hit me. I generally sit facing east towards the rising sun; daily, the gossamer…

Bird Droppings September 18, 2023 Is the seat of the soul in the heart or mind? I believe I was prepared from childhood to discuss this topic. It has been many years since my first introduction to Native Peoples. I remembered my father’s Little Strong Arm and Black Eagle stories when I was three or…

Bird Droppings September 17, 2023It takes more than one strand to make a rope, in life and education. “You cannot contribute anything to the ideal condition of mind and heart known as Brotherhood, however much you preach, posture, or agree unless you live it.” Faith Baldwin Every day, as I talk to teachers, parents, and/or…

Bird Droppings September 10, 2023 Can we see a gray world in color? My wife shared a photo she took earlier while walking of spider webs along the power lines, a common event on cooler wet mornings when the dew settles on the webs. I was inspired to go out and take a few photos…

Bird Droppings September 8, 2023 Grandparenting/Teaching is telling our students and grandchildren the stories. I have been lazy lately. I have been reading and documenting notes for my dissertation but have not pulled them up in a few days. I am finishing up the first three chapters of my dissertation. My title has changed over…

Bird Droppings September 4, 2023 Ponderingerest is that even a word? Coming up are some exciting days. One is an interesting yet solemn day marked by dark memories; twenty-two years ago, I started teaching again after a twenty-three-year layoff; thirty-four years ago, we brought a new baby home. So many memories are coming up this…

Bird Droppings September 3, 2023 It is about understanding I read a student’s psychological report years back who could decode almost any word put in front of them. The confusion comes when trying to tell you what was read. The two components of reading, decoding, and comprehension, are needed to be a successful reader. I…