Greetings!

Teachers andadministrators would agree in saying that February is actually the longestmonth of the school year. We haven’t seen sunshine in weeks, the snow won’tmelt, kids are antsy, and educators lose patience. We could all complain forhours about the situations and incidents that are bothering us lately, but weall know that complaining only brings others down. Instead, I have a questionfor you all:

What positivesuccess story do you have from your classroom this week? This month?

I’d like toinvite you to post your positive stories of success, regardless of theirmagnitude, as I “websit” during this long month of February. With that,I’d like to invite you to read one another’s success stories. Refresh yourmind, refresh your teaching, and celebrate the positive moments that keep uswaking up each morning to an unpredictable day amongst students.

Here’s mine:

Recently,I had two eighth grade students run into my classroom and up to my desk, priorto the morning bell. When I looked up from the papers I was grading, Rachelspitted out, “Mrs. Annable? Umm... I heard that you read Amanda’s book thatshe’s writing, and she said that you gave her some feedback.” Amanda nodded atme and smiled. I smiled back, thinking of the fifty page beginning to aphenomenal fantasy novel Amanda has recently worked on. Rachel went on, “Well,here. I want you to read mine too, I mean, please, if you get a chance.” Acrossmy desk, she nervously handed me a packet of typed pages. I took the packetfrom her, nodding. “It’s not much, what I’ve done, but it’s the beginning.” Itold Rachel I would absolutely look at her draft, on the inside, I was shockedthat I didn’t know Rachel liked to write outside of class. Turning to Amanda, Iadded, “How about yours? Do you have the next section yet?” Grinning, shereplied, “Not yet, I’m working on it.” The girls hurried out of the room as Ithought, I’m so glad that quiet Rachel was able to approach me to share herwriting which she seemed so proud of. How can I motivate others to do the same?

Happy writingand happy teaching to you all. I can’t wait to hear about your successes andpositive moments.

LMWP luv,

Jill Annable