Friday, March 11, 2016

Five Questions Part 2

Here is question 2 of the challenge I started yesterday.

2.  Share two accomplishments that you are proud of this school year.

Becky is a reluctant reader.  In the beginning of the year she would show up every morning with a pile of large encyclopedia-type books.  Her weekly reading logs were barely filled out and every time I would talk to her about what she was reading she was at a loss for words.  She read parts of many things but didn't have much to say about any of it.

I can understand readers like Becky.  I am not one to plow through novels that don't interest me.  Recently I told someone about a book I had abandoned and they tried to convince me to keep going.  "It gets real interesting once you get to about page 250."  Sorry, I don't have time for that.

I tried many books and authors with Becky and found little success until about 6 weeks ago when I told her to look over Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH.  Something happened.  Her reading logs showed up with fewer missing entries and she was talking to me about what she was reading.  When she finished I told her there were a few other books in the series.  Her eyes lit up.  She wanted to read more.  I quickly bought the next book in the series and had it in her hands two days later.  I'm not ready to say I've "cured" her of reluctant reader syndrome, but at least we're heading in the right direction.

On a more personal note, I'm proud of my own ability to take better care of me this year.  Through the winter months I strived to leave work before the sun went down.  I get to work somewhere between 6:45 and 7:00 each morning- meaning I often pull into the parking light with my headlights on.  Somewhere around the beginning of November I decided that I deserved a little more me time each night.

For the most part I was successful.  Getting home a little earlier meant I could make my way down to the gym and put in a little on the exercise bike.  It also meant I could eat earlier and, in turn, get to bed earlier.  More exercise...more sleep. That's what I call a win, win situation!

2 comments:

  1. May we all leave work a little earlier and a little happier each day. I like to know that you're choosing "you time" and smiling more as a result.

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  2. Awww...Mrs. Frisby...what a wonderful read! I'm so glad your Becky found something she loves. I'm sure you will guide her towards many more great books before the year ends. Congrats on more "me time" too--I think teaching is one of the hardest jobs to "draw the line" in. We tend to put in more hours than anyone knows. Good for you for putting yourself first!!

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