Patrisha

February 16, 2005

Thursday Afternoon

I thought I left myself enough time to walk up to the school but I was a few minutes late because I underestimated how slow I would have to go to be safe. And, of course {insert an “Oh, NOT again” eyeroll in here}, I went in the wrong door yet one more time . Fortunately, when I got there and went into the office to ask directions, someone I knew from the library-worker days was there and walked me over. Poor Nick was sitting patiently waiting for me. I signed in and we went to lunch. This week he bought lunch and, again, ate none of it except his apple.

After lunch we went into the auditorium to read and he wanted to read the simplified version of The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe. So, he read that to me and we talked about the pictures which were excellent. There was a lovely picture of the inside of the Faun’s cave with a table with a boiled egg in an English egg cup and another egg with an egg cosy! Oh, and sardines on toast! Anyway, after the story ended where she came back through the wardrobe, I said to him, “Would you like to know what happened next?” He did, so I read a chapter and a half from the actual book. We got up to the part where Edmund meets the ice queen and the next chapter is called Turkish Delight. I explained to him what that was and asked him why he thought that was the chapter title. He gave me a very well reasoned {although incorrect} answer. But it will give us a hook into the chapter next time…

Also, while I was reading, he stopped me once to ask me what “spiteful” meant but mostly, he was riveted to the story. In the few minutes we had at the end, I asked him would he like to have Edmusd for a friend. Of course he said no so then I asked him why. He said because Edmund was mean–then corrected himself to say spiteful. Then, to my surprise, he had also noticed that Edmund had said “That’s just like a girl!” when he thought his sister Lucy was hiding from him. Nick said, “All girls are not like that but some boys are!” I told him that what Edmund was doing was called generalizing—when you used one example to make a statement about a whole group. It will be interesting to see if this very articulate fourth grader remembers all this next time.

I had a lovely time! I miss teaching. I went out the door I am supposed to come in by and so now I know which one it is! LOL

Until later..

gray tabby

February 17, 2005

i love it when kids get hooked on books. i love the inner workings of a child’s mind. they are so full of questions. they really seem to love it when an adult takes the time to give them answer. i bet he remembers! take care,

greeneyes&sunflowers

: ) what a delightful time! *huggs*

Redsirens

Sounds like you two are hitting it off wonderfully.

Sounds like you are an excellent reading companion. I would never think to ask those questions–so thought-provoking.

Cassandra

I just have to get a better (firmer) loveseat so that LR & I can do more reading. I want to foster that sense of adventure & discovery in him too.

TheWoodsprite

Nick is a neat boy! How wonderful that you have met him and get to work with him! I really enjoyed reading about it! hugs, Weesprite

Kathleen

Don’t feel bad, I lose my way all the time. I have no sense of direction and have to pay close attention to which hallway I travel down in places like hospitals, etc.

bleeding*star

My mom read the entire Narinia Cronicles to me when I was in 4th and 5th grade. I still love them to this day. RYN: I love that song too. Its called the Luckiest by Ben Folds, although my favorite version is done by a group called Sons of Pitches. Check out the full lyrics – http://www.opendiary.com/entryview.asp?authorcode=D190839&entry=10145&mode=chapter&chapter=1 ~rory

All Cats Rule

Mezzo

How exceptional that you get to do this…… Years from now, this little boy will tell HIS children about you, and the time you spent together. Nice legacy! Love ya! ~M

MargUK

I’m really interested in your tutoring here – I’m thinking of taking a break from counselling & training in adult literacy tutoring but I think there are several areas you can work in. It sounds very satisfying though and I would really love the one to one situation & seeing someone get real joy out of reading/writing.

What you’re doing is teaching in its finest form – unfortunately, there’s not much of it around any more.

~Slappy~

Glad you enjoyed yourself … I guess next time you’ll have all the directions and timing down with no problems!

Shi

Nick sounds like one smart cookie.

RosieLyn

Nick sounds like a very intelligent little boy. What he is getting from you is very special and will last throughout his lifetime. What you are doing will have far reaching consequences.

tae's heartbeats

it sounds like it will be good for you to be able to teach some a little again. 🙂

ryn: I’ve never been much for salad dressing. My mom used to make salads with iceberg lettuce, tomatoes, and cucumbers, just floating in her homemade white vinegar and oil dressing. To this day I can’t abide the smell of vinegar, and I wouldn’t even taste salads till I was in my 20’s. I prefer ranch dressing, but even so, use it sparingly. I like a taste, not gooped all over!

Telynor

I think it’s grand that you’re doing this.

Gypsy Spirit

RYN: wow, great to meet you, thanks for dropping by my diary. I would LOVE to find that particular site where you were able to download Leonard Cohen’s music…..please can you get back to me with details…?? I can’t afford much in the way of new CD’s these days…..haven’t even heard of “Dear Heather”… hugs

Ginger Rogers

I love kids but don’t think I would like to teach a whole class.