tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-79639154061008129212024-03-05T00:14:52.934-06:00Inkling SpotMs. Lhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11300265521777730938noreply@blogger.comBlogger125125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7963915406100812921.post-57555462579021182212020-06-24T16:04:00.000-05:002020-06-24T16:04:23.815-05:00June 2020Some context (and flowers): <div><br /></div><div>When I was 16, I moved out of my parents house. My first roommate didn't stay, so I think a nine-weeks into the semester, I moved to a different dorm room and with a different roommate. My senior year of high school, I had my own room (<3) for the whole year. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfm5C1HGrkZj69s774oXxlCIo5YbXB2-URazMm9yTtdQVpwjVtn0SX08YBM9RGQU2TfGXIZ0N1NFSVcDzuQ8lC6RvXvJaFy3egmKq9MCrRFVihVjpTU79-qD_NcW5K06fvve5kolJrtHU/s4048/IMG_20200530_102326.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4048" data-original-width="3036" height="205" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfm5C1HGrkZj69s774oXxlCIo5YbXB2-URazMm9yTtdQVpwjVtn0SX08YBM9RGQU2TfGXIZ0N1NFSVcDzuQ8lC6RvXvJaFy3egmKq9MCrRFVihVjpTU79-qD_NcW5K06fvve5kolJrtHU/w154-h205/IMG_20200530_102326.jpg" width="154" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>When I went to college, I moved in with a girl from high school. A bigger dorm room opened up at semester, so we moved in with another girl we knew from high school to make a triple. I am pretty sure I worked a summer tutoring gig that required me to move in to a different college dorm for 6 weeks. I transferred to the same college campus, and my roommate again left a few weeks in. So, I had a single for a semester, but had to get a roommate at semester. So, my 2nd semester of sophomore year, I moved again. That summer, I moved out, then back to campus for another round of summer tutoring. My junior and senior year, I kept consistent dorm and house-mates-a near miracle. </div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxeURNRaAAEUymabdP1Y_e9kvQKGHpeyDubmjBkeC-t3_oADXCPHc8moz2CPqcNf6Ax3Er-LuiUq2ff0TsPN9ukS6zz7TyKDA5fzHof6ACyJirTB_nSnIrWh2AE57XO2iWAVWGYNXHXww/s1794/IMG_20200530_134725_284.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1794" data-original-width="1080" height="164" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxeURNRaAAEUymabdP1Y_e9kvQKGHpeyDubmjBkeC-t3_oADXCPHc8moz2CPqcNf6Ax3Er-LuiUq2ff0TsPN9ukS6zz7TyKDA5fzHof6ACyJirTB_nSnIrWh2AE57XO2iWAVWGYNXHXww/w98-h164/IMG_20200530_134725_284.jpg" width="98" /></a></div>Post-college, I moved back home for a few weeks, then off to summer training in Mississippi to be a teacher. Then, an apartment for 2 years, moved back in with the parents for a couple more years, off to OKC for a summer, and then to Tulsa for two different apartments over 3 years, and then back to the parents until I bought my house 1 year and 8 months ago. Since I bought my house, there has been a global pandemic and I've been fired and hired somewhere else. So, even with home ownership- either my job or my housing will change at most every 3 years. </div><div><br /></div><div>After spending four months largely trapped in my house, I've started nesting....sort of. The flowers are growing, the tomatoes are happy, and there is exactly one painting hung on the wall. One window has curtains. I've found some solace in cleaning and sorting, organizing and donating. It's something I can control in the face of more and more death in this country's pandemic disaster (over 124,000) and the uncertainty of teaching life in the fall. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXabCANp-5gT2xQlGneL0zG6WBS0X5s6nJQklms6oiod0duN5tNZVGPRyYXflTlrsbvxZC674MleQmyyG3pLsqHHSw4Vx3ycF-zsjiuiIYHZk9DmEb2fOWzgrBiaw73_MBeeIKZECqW_A/s4032/IMG_20200613_090820.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="131" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXabCANp-5gT2xQlGneL0zG6WBS0X5s6nJQklms6oiod0duN5tNZVGPRyYXflTlrsbvxZC674MleQmyyG3pLsqHHSw4Vx3ycF-zsjiuiIYHZk9DmEb2fOWzgrBiaw73_MBeeIKZECqW_A/w98-h131/IMG_20200613_090820.jpg" width="98" /></a></div></div><div><br /></div><div>Trusting that this is a space worth investing in, that a space that only me and the dog enjoy is worth investing love, money, and effort in, is a challenge to my deepest fears and insecurities. It means something to hold the truths equally important- this is a real moment in time that is worth enjoying for the here and now while also acknowledging that life guarantees nothing- no control, no tomorrow, no health or wealth.</div></div>Ms. Lhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11300265521777730938noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7963915406100812921.post-71794248650190526982020-04-24T15:18:00.003-05:002020-04-24T15:18:51.345-05:00April 2020<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtxyeQ5mv9x23oMURAF2b1NBFjDCq4XFsBKfVlVzzUAotmJxOzqSl9W7NexWkGa5p3CV3ZQtygkdEthgWzgdHoc67gqBaQisfx9z9wIsd7rg4Jb2uFjGIOpgCb-UVGzmMVSj4-Dfqpo9E/s1600/IMG_20200422_143210.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtxyeQ5mv9x23oMURAF2b1NBFjDCq4XFsBKfVlVzzUAotmJxOzqSl9W7NexWkGa5p3CV3ZQtygkdEthgWzgdHoc67gqBaQisfx9z9wIsd7rg4Jb2uFjGIOpgCb-UVGzmMVSj4-Dfqpo9E/s200/IMG_20200422_143210.jpg" width="150" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipRDqPbDzu2EK04K7wuAlLG5krTgS5QBEBI9vS8WKHBac15DElaheIAjTfs8hFckjRsnYZ9f0TpR4R_fx4tYVkHwPdALh3w8Hs0LtaYR9fSpTCnMkGC-P-Ry-neebgMC74bOs3NR6rVd0/s1600/IMG_20200330_180007_273.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipRDqPbDzu2EK04K7wuAlLG5krTgS5QBEBI9vS8WKHBac15DElaheIAjTfs8hFckjRsnYZ9f0TpR4R_fx4tYVkHwPdALh3w8Hs0LtaYR9fSpTCnMkGC-P-Ry-neebgMC74bOs3NR6rVd0/s200/IMG_20200330_180007_273.jpg" width="120" /></a>Waves of anxiety and panic have pursued me for the better part of a month- at times receding into a time and space that might be the purest peace and comfort that anyone can ever had, but always quickly snatched away into cold terror, waking up gasping in the middle of the night, restlessly wandering.<br />
<br />
I know I am not alone- but that's almost adding to my own feeling of drowning. Over 40,000 Americans dead. Over 26 million unemployment claims. Borders closed. Journalists expelled from China. Empty grocery shelves. Negative oil prices. <br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv_yIbd8LeV1P5y-vdnPJLaUit8MvdcD7EhV2-sU_i6XwYWK4_rB_yJexs1DYMepI2jpgOCECRvQdfAaHaV5Wv1wmw1OHoiLLYWZgdEB0kVDNL3goz1SBGonhIv42HBW51Eym_WTtFfCM/s1600/IMG_20200408_094716.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv_yIbd8LeV1P5y-vdnPJLaUit8MvdcD7EhV2-sU_i6XwYWK4_rB_yJexs1DYMepI2jpgOCECRvQdfAaHaV5Wv1wmw1OHoiLLYWZgdEB0kVDNL3goz1SBGonhIv42HBW51Eym_WTtFfCM/s200/IMG_20200408_094716.jpg" width="150" /></a>Without going into the specifics, I need a job. I want to continue working in education, but ideally, I want to move outside of the classroom. It does not look like that is possible. Many school districts are not staffing the phones, and have essentially frozen their hiring process.<br />
<br />
I want to continue to make positive steps- carefully hopeful, but also recognizing that 1) this is a terribly rough time, 2) it's not my fault (the employment/the virus), 3) extreme times call for flexibility. I don't know what the future will hold, but I can only manage the hour by hour, minute by minute and remember- this is a wave that will pass too.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Ms. Lhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11300265521777730938noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7963915406100812921.post-48816381929145044772019-08-24T16:36:00.002-05:002019-08-24T17:09:01.413-05:00Lawnmower: A Review<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf4lsSuKCFZnWfD2-9iyRN9E-QRYJPzb3nlOy5SHYNK-pEx9NMsDITCKWElLM2eHscRnXyk3MfxGJPsKqjAuDFx2kWdB6asHI56ru-66LJBRfMYReN64cC4nTl9jWW9NZicGHgbanRkX0/s1600/mower.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1044" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf4lsSuKCFZnWfD2-9iyRN9E-QRYJPzb3nlOy5SHYNK-pEx9NMsDITCKWElLM2eHscRnXyk3MfxGJPsKqjAuDFx2kWdB6asHI56ru-66LJBRfMYReN64cC4nTl9jWW9NZicGHgbanRkX0/s200/mower.jpg" width="138" /></a></div>
<i>I wrote this review over on Amazon- however, I would not be surprised if it is not approved. Either way, I am memorializing it here. </i><br />
<br />
It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single woman in possession of a good lawn must be in want of a large, expensive, and loud gasoline powered mower- or at least, that is the assumption in my very red-state neighborhood. Neighbors, family members, and complete strangers have voiced their opinion on how I choose to maintain my own yard, never mind their consistent values of self-determination. They seem to consistently judge me as equally liberal or foolish. Of course, this has more to do with my gender and location, than it ever had to do with the utility of my mower.<br />
<br />
I have maintained my yard independently with this mower for the entirety of the spring and summer in northeastern Arkansas. This year, has been particularly wet and my grass has grown with wild abandonment. It has been a good mower, never failing me. The only maintenance I need to regularly pay attention to is clearing out any grass that has wrapped around the axle of the wheels. This takes me approximately 30 seconds. I can also easily heft this mower over my fence, instead of walking around to the gate. Equally important to me, I can listen to podcasts or music while enjoying the great outdoors. I do not disturb anyone-human or animal- with my mowing. No frogs or even bugs have been needlessly killed in my pursuit of an orderly yard. Furthermore, I feel a double helping of pride when I look at my yard, because I do not require anyone else's assistance.<br />
<br />
I highly recommend this little mower, if this speaks to you. However, I am doing a disservice if I do not caution you- if you live in a place where men routinely lean over your fence, tell you that you are wrong or a filthy hippie, while spitting tobacco at your flowers, then I must tell you- something about this mower will invite new levels of derision. Of course, you wouldn't be one to find yourself on this page if such things bothered you. So, just be ready to scare them with threats of global warming and canceling out their votes as often as possible- whatever keeps you happy.Ms. Lhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11300265521777730938noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7963915406100812921.post-22664190021336734752019-08-03T17:32:00.003-05:002019-08-03T17:34:16.397-05:00Letter to Governor BullockDear Governor Bullock,<br />
<br />
I wanted to reach out to you to offer some feedback, but I first wanted to say that I am deeply sorry for your nephew's tragic death. No family in this country should have to go through such a heart-breaking moment. Unfortunately, far too many Americans share in that horrible grief.<br />
<br />
In the recent Democratic debate, I heard you frame your beliefs around gun violence in this country around three things: 1. being a gun owner, 2. being a hunter, and 3. your nephew's death. You have every right to share the story of your family's grief in the way that you feel is proper, but I think you missed an opportunity to center the reality of gun violence in this country on victims, and not those who are centering their identity on a recreational activity.<br />
<br />
In the wake of yet another mass shooting, this time in El Paso, Texas, I kept thinking about your words. Every American who sets foot in a school, church, theater, concert, or the local Wal-Mart has more of a right to safety than the right of a gun owner to own high powered assault rifles. Democrats must be the party that gets something done to prevent our country from being one absolutely torn apart by the grief of gun violence and mass shootings.<br />
<br />
I can empathize with your position- you sounded like someone who has had guns at the center of your cultural identity for a very long time. I understand that identify intimately. However, my beliefs have grown and evolved as I have become increasingly horrified by the blatant violence all around this country, but especially effecting communities of color. As someone running for the highest office of the land, I ask that you reconsider how you phrase that identity- will you be someone stubbornly proclaiming your highest priority is gun ownership, and that to have a valid opinion you must own a gun? Or will you be someone who honors the life of all of those who have needlessly been lost on the alter of gun violence, and speak their names and concerns first?<br />
<br />
Thank you for considering this important issue, and respectfully,<br />
-Ms. LMs. Lhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11300265521777730938noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7963915406100812921.post-16843404730381080862018-12-31T19:07:00.001-06:002018-12-31T19:07:55.689-06:00New Year's Eve<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9B8nH72Q18JNYHjbR-Rz4XLaFhvTiw7DbM_brntl8h6HEFTZDlsJoyJJDl4rTt8EuIELtbpu_sFBS4K-Uw-SZL3aIXOjabnDxyphyphenhyphen2VxCfQrW6DvrCNNY6ckWQUhF54zkCw_NicPpmcI/s1600/IMG_20181019_070237.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9B8nH72Q18JNYHjbR-Rz4XLaFhvTiw7DbM_brntl8h6HEFTZDlsJoyJJDl4rTt8EuIELtbpu_sFBS4K-Uw-SZL3aIXOjabnDxyphyphenhyphen2VxCfQrW6DvrCNNY6ckWQUhF54zkCw_NicPpmcI/s200/IMG_20181019_070237.jpg" width="150" /></a></div>
I've struggled to write anything in honor of ending this calendar year. In teacher life, the end of the year is May, the beginning is August, so December just doesn't feel exactly like the end of anything-it's more of a middle feeling, a not quite done thing.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2630Z_-9PskneD5peXNYQP1f0lHwtNa0oD8IVpmU2eq9Q2MInVVkpvjej3L97BMZ5JXt1-KA8KTo8otco17vTEvre1KIfUhudT_EAB84VkkkJVJVlZwGT2gzM2ovCjQoqlOLlexnlvNI/s1600/IMG_20181011_200119_215.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1458" data-original-width="1458" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2630Z_-9PskneD5peXNYQP1f0lHwtNa0oD8IVpmU2eq9Q2MInVVkpvjej3L97BMZ5JXt1-KA8KTo8otco17vTEvre1KIfUhudT_EAB84VkkkJVJVlZwGT2gzM2ovCjQoqlOLlexnlvNI/s200/IMG_20181011_200119_215.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
In my life, I feel like I have crammed the equivalent of a year in under 6 months. I left a job and moved in with my parents for four months, leaving Oklahoma for Arkansas. I searched for a house, made an offer on a house that was denied, bought a different house, then moved into that other house. While that was going on, I took one graduate class, and put off working on my final internship until the last possible moment. I turned thirty; a few weeks later, I pulled off a semi-miracle and turned in my internship assignments, and completed the master's degree. Oh, and I designed and executed a 9-12 grade curriculum- that went (mostly) okay.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFDLazPf3L64OX3LIkmnLXnILPHoSLCzkegaj518TUqvCNqypikYBSlwAzJJfaKxMcPeEpbvJ29Ej_9l5bF-I2zKx8DqPVHwCssog0Zf4V9jJL790mplBS6KjXV-bQEYe5LvHC-GIXP74/s1600/IMG_20181209_082513.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFDLazPf3L64OX3LIkmnLXnILPHoSLCzkegaj518TUqvCNqypikYBSlwAzJJfaKxMcPeEpbvJ29Ej_9l5bF-I2zKx8DqPVHwCssog0Zf4V9jJL790mplBS6KjXV-bQEYe5LvHC-GIXP74/s200/IMG_20181209_082513.jpg" width="200" /></a><br />
Here and now, at the end of December, I just feel drained; even writing the overview of the last few months feels frantic. I did not participate in much holidaying- the only tree in my house is the desktop-size one from a classroom of mine from the past. I didn't decorate it.<br />
<br />
Going into the next semester and into the next year, I want to find some sort of rhythm that feels somewhat sustainable to me. I like being busy and working towards goals- so I need to find some new goals that feel right.<br />
<br />
I'm just struggling to figure out exactly what those goals should be- I suppose I need a healthy dose of inspiration. But first-rest.Ms. Lhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11300265521777730938noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7963915406100812921.post-61574205443908312202018-08-03T22:14:00.000-05:002018-12-23T20:11:20.711-06:00Text Selection: Another Teacher MomentI have spent over $800 of my personal money on books for my classroom. A few friends have sent over books, which I am eternally gratefully, but one of the problems is balancing buying copies for whole class (10-20 copies), book clubs (3-5 copies), and independent books (1 is fine- more is cool too!) And, before you ask, my principal told me there was no money until the end of the school year, and all evidence in the room points to maybe purchasing 2 class sets a year at most.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqX7CUy4qepS8WpWtvu4qp7e0R-NqHcbjBQQA8oENVDvaPzH__pu3Hj6qfZVtT66EYl3KrhSXWUQSTWFMir3385_T8QFdPzdwqNxr-se8at5M2iAynXtWmw0hGaEab0fxtw6aVdxtxH4Q/s1600/IMG_20180710_133606.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqX7CUy4qepS8WpWtvu4qp7e0R-NqHcbjBQQA8oENVDvaPzH__pu3Hj6qfZVtT66EYl3KrhSXWUQSTWFMir3385_T8QFdPzdwqNxr-se8at5M2iAynXtWmw0hGaEab0fxtw6aVdxtxH4Q/s200/IMG_20180710_133606.jpg" width="200" /></a>I know that a problem I have right now is that a lot of the diversity I have (authors of color and women, characters of color, books written in the last 50 years, LGBTQ characters), lives in the book club and independent world. I'm hoping that there will be kids who love an independent book enough to want to make it into a whole class book- which I'm cool with, I just have had genuine trouble finding enough copies to make a class set or, honestly, to justify the cost. I just can't get wholesale prices for many of the more recent books.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_hgBa4Kwaeck3nW5lBkKx-JQ20zDBuAZYLjuGC6GLXDQ6PGgbEyGJJgPyj0wK8ecKawhrNWppHYffjW-VwiJriv9nsoQwR5SLiZ3tW9lmVBfJ5VrTGI1MGat5A11Bx8VxeaZxwJTEn4o/s1600/IMG_20180710_133608.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_hgBa4Kwaeck3nW5lBkKx-JQ20zDBuAZYLjuGC6GLXDQ6PGgbEyGJJgPyj0wK8ecKawhrNWppHYffjW-VwiJriv9nsoQwR5SLiZ3tW9lmVBfJ5VrTGI1MGat5A11Bx8VxeaZxwJTEn4o/s200/IMG_20180710_133608.jpg" width="200" /></a><br />
And yet....sitting in my classroom currently are class sets of "Divergent" and "Hunger Games"- both totally great books, but I question whether they are meaty enough to warrant having a whole class slog through them (never mind recent movie adaptations). But...at some point recently, the school purchased them.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbaRDOOD2q47Mkd4xT7mL-H0P7sDqOE4jFW0v8JImbOTPTbFzGzXk7yQjj5KKfOR0QTqOPv_PJxbc2OvwW3RVnWR8NsGA35UE1hzYMbCb0WAhVArW9tylfLzyY0CZr7jaAK0zR5w8fzvM/s1600/IMG_20180710_133555.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbaRDOOD2q47Mkd4xT7mL-H0P7sDqOE4jFW0v8JImbOTPTbFzGzXk7yQjj5KKfOR0QTqOPv_PJxbc2OvwW3RVnWR8NsGA35UE1hzYMbCb0WAhVArW9tylfLzyY0CZr7jaAK0zR5w8fzvM/s200/IMG_20180710_133555.jpg" width="150" /></a>Which leads me to a conversation with my bestie.....the biggest thing I've been thinking about lately is that incredibly complicated, and politically and morally, fraught choice of text choices. (Wow-am I ever overthinking this....but that's genuinely how it feels!) So, of course I talked to my best friend about it. He loves books, reads a lot of YA books, and frankly- has great tastes. I told him that one of the challenges I was thinking about was picking between "The Scarlet Letter" (have read- loved) and "The Crucible" (haven't read). And he said something that stabbed me in the heart....<br />
<br />
"<b>The AP class at</b> [REDACTED-the high school we both went to] <b>read both. We didn't read both because we weren't supposed to go to college." </b><br />
<b><br /></b>
I stopped.<br />
<br />
I had thought a lot this summer about how text selections communicate the value of different identities. Students deserve to see themselves in the authors and characters we read about, and not as flat, side-kicked, or evil characters- but as the richly, fully human, types they truly are. And also....students deserve to have texts put in front of them that communicate my full belief that they will conquer college level texts one day.<br />
<br />
So, I went home from having lunch with my bestie, and I went over to Thriftbooks and spent $90 on 20 copies of "The Crucible" and 10 (more) copies of "The Scarlet Letter."<br />
<br />
I know their is a lot of need in a lot of corners in the world....but if you would like to help support my quest to provide rich and varied texts to my students, I'd appreciate it- and so will my students! https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/CFNUZ97C7KU2?&sort=default<br />
<br />Ms. Lhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11300265521777730938noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7963915406100812921.post-8620809618856724472018-07-29T22:40:00.000-05:002018-07-29T22:40:15.277-05:00Teacher Life Update<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii3OBDuSHkucjsG6377yfzrlQBSZXH0xjVkHDRykSs09OQIkxT6_kOBPXVVYlTQr7pYgRMvybMKvpWh8-akmehu2boJ9V-bB8q1It1V-_wIYkOxJ7FwxaPI0tIBGyMKkXNrJ_2BQXBSgo/s1600/IMG_20180727_115806.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii3OBDuSHkucjsG6377yfzrlQBSZXH0xjVkHDRykSs09OQIkxT6_kOBPXVVYlTQr7pYgRMvybMKvpWh8-akmehu2boJ9V-bB8q1It1V-_wIYkOxJ7FwxaPI0tIBGyMKkXNrJ_2BQXBSgo/s200/IMG_20180727_115806.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Teacher Desk</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Since the last time I've updated, I've accepted a teaching job across the state line in Missouri, and moved back to rural Arkansas. I have been busy trying to make a decision about housing, while staying at my parents, taking summer graduate classes, and trying to reset my orientation back to teacher. Oh, and planning for my fall internship for graduate school. So....definitely not busy. Nope, not at all.<br />
<br />
I will be the English teacher for 9th-12th grades. When I met with my principal, he was supportive of my plans to implement what amounts to a readers/writers workshop model. (I'm excited to finally get the opportunity to try this model out- especially after reading <i>180 Days </i>(Gallagher and Kittle) and <i>Novel Approach </i>(Roberts) this summer). I asked about curriculum guidance or required texts per grade, and for the first time in my teaching career....I sort of have free reign. This is both really exciting, and.....well, a big responsibility. My priorities are preparing 11th graders for the state state (of course), but I also have other concerns.<br />
<br />
Since students can read almost anything, within reason and my personal budget, I have a few things I am considering:<br />
<br />
1. I want students reading a volume of books, and I want kids to have experience reading in a variety of groups. I want my units to include independent reading, book clubs (reading the same book with 1-4 other students), and probably 2 whole class opportunities to experience a book or play all together. <br />
<br />
2. I don't want students exposed to books based solely on my tastes, or on tradition. And since I expect mostly white students in a rural community, I feel pressure to find diverse authors and characters, particularly positive LGBTQ representation, different ethnic and racial background, and English language learners.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfYE55ZmBTnMfrmFjdbBQiQ05A8R87M1K4QJ7hWkOslmxkdDmroRynKmu6F3RoB8z8KuDtPj2x1E4aLBFziRPXlDAMEAmMNUnPOjhoXOknwzgglfnfqGqhzPPU88aGqzhTIeeQwZAe0K4/s1600/IMG_20180727_115738.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfYE55ZmBTnMfrmFjdbBQiQ05A8R87M1K4QJ7hWkOslmxkdDmroRynKmu6F3RoB8z8KuDtPj2x1E4aLBFziRPXlDAMEAmMNUnPOjhoXOknwzgglfnfqGqhzPPU88aGqzhTIeeQwZAe0K4/s200/IMG_20180727_115738.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Built in shelves AND windows!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
3. I am also mindful of how I pace 4 different grades can either make it unnecessarily challenging for me, or I could spread the load out to be more manageable. For example, balancing 4 whole class novels at once feels hard; balancing potentially 4 grades with 4-5 different book club options going on sounds like a potential hot mess.<br />
<br />
I have built a decent beginnings to a classroom library for independent, choice, reading- but I am concerned for creating enough choice in level with enough copies of individual titles for book clubs. I am also needing to make a decision between The Scarlet Letter and The Crucible for 11th grade so I can order copies, and a little at a loss for 12th grade whole group texts. I have a rough draft idea to do a Southern Lit themed year, or plan for choice: give students the option between a couple of different combinations of whole class texts. If you want to creep on my planning thus far, here's a <a href="https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1Ujvv5_GfCCECO7O8Z2OvD8gz4C2YX21xBgFsmdyisHE/edit?usp=sharing" target="_blank">link</a>.<br />
<br />
In good news, I have heard we are ordering chrome books for students (Yay!). I also feel like I have a decent handle on how I want my writing units to look like, where every grade follows 3 deepening laps in 4 chunks (not exactly genres) of Narrative, Informational, Argumentative, and Multi-Genre. I think if every grade is following the same chunks, I can differentiate the models, and cross-pollinate (if you will), having students write to each other and share their writing.<br />
<br />
If you happen to be reading, and would like to help with books for my <a href="https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/CFNUZ97C7KU2?&sort=default" target="_blank">classroom library</a>, I'd greatly appreciate it!<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: right;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="_5wd4 _1nc6" style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; display: flex; flex-flow: row-reverse wrap; font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, system-ui, ".SFNSText-Regular", sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 1.28; padding: 0px 0px 1px; text-align: initial;">
<div class="._1dlq _h8t" style="flex-direction: column; font-family: inherit;">
<div class="_5wd9 direction_ltr clearfix" data-hover="tooltip" data-tooltip-content="8:25pm" data-tooltip-position="right" id="js_awb" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; min-height: 24px; zoom: 1;">
<br /></div>
</div>
</div>
<style>
<!--
/* Font Definitions */
@font-face
{font-family:"MS 明朝";
mso-font-charset:78;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:1 134676480 16 0 131072 0;}
@font-face
{font-family:"Cambria Math";
panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4;
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:-536870145 1107305727 0 0 415 0;}
@font-face
{font-family:Cambria;
panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4;
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:-536870145 1073743103 0 0 415 0;}
/* Style Definitions */
p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal
{mso-style-unhide:no;
mso-style-qformat:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
margin:0in;
margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:"MS 明朝";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}
.MsoChpDefault
{mso-style-type:export-only;
mso-default-props:yes;
font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:"MS 明朝";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}
@page WordSection1
{size:8.5in 11.0in;
margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in;
mso-header-margin:.5in;
mso-footer-margin:.5in;
mso-paper-source:0;}
div.WordSection1
{page:WordSection1;}
-->
</style>Ms. Lhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11300265521777730938noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7963915406100812921.post-44474624598277051842018-04-14T21:23:00.000-05:002018-04-14T21:31:24.035-05:00A Few Words About Acrylic YarnSince January, I've done my best to avoid buying yarn, no matter how crappy my day has been or how much I've wanted to forget about my troubles for a minute in the local big box craft stores. I knew that I wanted to buy some high quality yarn when I went to the Dallas Fiber Festival, and I knew the only way I could psyche myself up to make the purchases was if I knew I had not indulged in several months. And besides, I needed to finish up an assortment of half-started projects anyway.<br />
<br />
In the last 2 years or so, I have had the luxury of living in a city, and not only that, I have lived one street over from a Michael's, JoAnn's Fabrics, and a Hobby Lobby. When I have been particularly sad or anxious, I have gotten into the habit of visiting these stores. It's not like I've bought something every time I've been in- heck, I walked around two of them today and made no purchases. However when I have made purchases, all of those purchases have been acrylic or acrylic blend yarns. I will admit to not having a clear intention of what to make for most of those purchases, though I've been really into crocheting blankets, and generally bought enough of any one purchase to make what I guesstimate would be enough to make at least a small baby blanket to an afghan.<br />
<br />
While I was acquiring for the first time what felt like an unlimited stash, I began listening to an assortment of podcasts, getting back into reading blogs, and generally tentatively stepping back into the crafty community at large. And that community was loud and clear- acrylic was evil, crap, and only suitable for the homeless and others who could not be trusted to properly launder things.<br />
<br />
That ideology was not shocking to me- I had heard all of these things when I started loom knitting seriously in college. I also recognized that there was a huge divide between the knitters that I followed through podcasts and blogs, many of which were sponsored by wool based yarn companies, and the crocheters online who were either independent or sponsored by the big yarn conglomerates I could easily shop for in the big box craft stores.I get it- I don't fault folks for trying to pay the bills.<br />
<br />
However, I know that I am uniquely privileged- I have access to local yarn shops and big box stores in my city. That's something I didn't have access to where I grew up and went to college. If I want to purchase yarn when I'm visiting my parents, my options are Wal-Mart or a 45 minute drive to the Hobby Lobby. That being said, the local yarn shops in my area are not open the hours of the big box stores, as conveniently located, or frankly, as welcoming to browse aimlessly.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ_7rAjU4RYoLa_WCxWwXGnJ9caCphvnc_-oZTEpnTVDSvTivRIYDhzxCMcMSjiaPQQer5ptP8_gjgcubs0TZqXRWspD5YgSDJDMD8dxS-nM9tAQI3K5aYFlDQy-XGq7k3XMDLZzpLh6U/s1600/IMG_20180414_210921.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1367" data-original-width="1600" height="170" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ_7rAjU4RYoLa_WCxWwXGnJ9caCphvnc_-oZTEpnTVDSvTivRIYDhzxCMcMSjiaPQQer5ptP8_gjgcubs0TZqXRWspD5YgSDJDMD8dxS-nM9tAQI3K5aYFlDQy-XGq7k3XMDLZzpLh6U/s200/IMG_20180414_210921.jpg" width="200" /></a>I didn't dare whip out my acrylic yarn project, even with everyone knitting and crocheting away, while at the Fiber Festival. I don't think anyone would have said anything, but I knew better. I'd rather look like the weirdo with no knitted accessory present (I have gifted almost everything I've made at this point), walking around alone, then be the idiot sitting next to piles of wool using the "crap" option. I intentionally signed up for a lecture based knitting class, and sheepishly participated in a crochet class with a skein that said "Wool-Like" on the ball-band. I skipped the seats on either side of me and hoped everyone near me didn't recognize the label.<br />
<br />
This is where I've landed in my thinking about acrylic vs natural fibers:<br />
<br />
*We (crocheters/knitters) should attempt to stop being judgy McJudgies. People outside of wealthy, typically white, neighborhoods <u>don't have easy access to local yarn stores</u>. Plenty of folks don't want to shop online for yarn, and so for access or budget reasons, you get the materials you get.<br />
<br />
*Acrylic yarns are not the same as they were in the past- many of the premier acrylics are pleasant to work with and soften with time. However, they aren't natural fibers- they won't stretch, they won't block or felt, and they will melt in extreme temperatures.<br />
<br />
*The project should dictate whatever fiber is used. I am not someone currently making socks, sweaters, or delicate or lacy fabrics. I have some projects in mind that are like that, and I get that I will have to pony up for more expensive fibers if I want to make those things.<br />
<br />
*I like making baby blankets and afghans. There is <u>no way</u> I could afford to make those projects with purely natural fibers.<br />
<br />
*That being said, I want to transition to more natural fibers for the same reason I didn't use a straw today at lunch. No, I don't want a medal, but I do want to be part of a movement away from unnecessary plastic use.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMgwThYtCmGnmVD5Ofp-NFvfqHiI_7Ozwdmt_x0BJUhl4sZQzv1SlHn2sWe5ozDiCXN-fFWgaUu8qqljfQWI1JBPyljvF7a73U2UvBkAIJ9TwaCQH-vR6nC8BbEJ88DV7twTgpi-pROlA/s1600/IMG_20180414_203828.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMgwThYtCmGnmVD5Ofp-NFvfqHiI_7Ozwdmt_x0BJUhl4sZQzv1SlHn2sWe5ozDiCXN-fFWgaUu8qqljfQWI1JBPyljvF7a73U2UvBkAIJ9TwaCQH-vR6nC8BbEJ88DV7twTgpi-pROlA/s200/IMG_20180414_203828.jpg" width="200" /></a>*I have saved up for months to buy "the good stuff" while I was at Dallas. This is what I got. From what I guesstimate, this will make 3 pairs of socks and a shawl. If that's all I worked on, I think this would keep me occupied for 2-3 months at my current pace. If I exclusively bought yarn like this:<br />
-I couldn't afford to give so many of my projects away. (Like I said, I saved for months to feel okay with this purchase.)<br />
-What would I do with the other months of the year?<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivktsQwDdi_8iLwgXOFJfRDk0c3xEaU5L6ZlGYWe2cj_UY8vP-KDQxqLuK9w6mFviAma5vXaHthY4RoP8wgR5UB6xpygtk9OHfFj77Q_nR2co7_qIO9dGhVWopZFkci4WoGKY1sMMPyXM/s1600/IMG_20180414_203844.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivktsQwDdi_8iLwgXOFJfRDk0c3xEaU5L6ZlGYWe2cj_UY8vP-KDQxqLuK9w6mFviAma5vXaHthY4RoP8wgR5UB6xpygtk9OHfFj77Q_nR2co7_qIO9dGhVWopZFkci4WoGKY1sMMPyXM/s200/IMG_20180414_203844.jpg" width="200" /></a><br />
<br />
I fully intend to purge my stash of yarns pretty soon; there are some projects I'm just not interested in anymore, and I've made peace with that and can forgive myself. I also know that I want to switch to having projects in mind before I buy yarn (as much as possible-I know myself a little too well). However, I think acrylic yarns will probably have a place in my crafting life for a while.<br />
<br />
<br />Ms. Lhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11300265521777730938noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7963915406100812921.post-20950000877589353532018-02-12T23:15:00.001-06:002018-02-12T23:15:12.557-06:00How I Organize Digital PatternsThis is probably a really dorky post, but one of my all time pet peeves is disorganized files. One of my favorite organization systems I've created is my ststem for keeping all of the patterns orderly. I don't think this is a finished system, but maybe it will give someone an idea!<br />
<br />
I keep all of my downloaded files in .pdf format. If there is a blog post or non-.pdf file, I use printfriendly.com to clean up any advertisements or fluff that isn't relevent.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibX0W-soMQl4Z8df8AiEND8stsZ7IPdo8qRJhMflb1DouOca6vUmS499_oR17ZJiGtuuzo7Ch79lvc3VHDXG_JdNcy_wap1xnzjyFOwC7oggvgIxzFNkHZLxBb6bgNYGcwd3z2QgGPprU/s1600/Screenshot_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="492" data-original-width="272" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibX0W-soMQl4Z8df8AiEND8stsZ7IPdo8qRJhMflb1DouOca6vUmS499_oR17ZJiGtuuzo7Ch79lvc3VHDXG_JdNcy_wap1xnzjyFOwC7oggvgIxzFNkHZLxBb6bgNYGcwd3z2QgGPprU/s320/Screenshot_1.jpg" width="176" /></a>I first created a general "Patterns" folder on my flashdrive. You can see from the screenshot (left), that I use a common naming convention. Basically, type of craft/thing being made/title of pattern.<br />
<br />
FOR THE LOVE OF ALL THAT IS GOOD: If you are in charge of organizing a lot of documents for yourself or others, please come up with a naming convention. See how everything stays in alphabetical order? BEAUTIFUL. <br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1_90dk920jzt9FbW2KfXGLZP6P6k6d5OfBOVBAl-qO83OCUgUUp3Tkual9M9gzdDEZD92hcM9lvN_ew-Z15er2mS047iPDlLabTe3aTn4SP1hq4byJc8M3-vPh8ErFTkUf-doQjDQjdQ/s1600/Screenshot_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="68" data-original-width="199" height="68" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1_90dk920jzt9FbW2KfXGLZP6P6k6d5OfBOVBAl-qO83OCUgUUp3Tkual9M9gzdDEZD92hcM9lvN_ew-Z15er2mS047iPDlLabTe3aTn4SP1hq4byJc8M3-vPh8ErFTkUf-doQjDQjdQ/s200/Screenshot_2.jpg" width="200" /></a> As this folder got...well, a little long, I noticed there was some natural groupings that needed folder. As of right now, I've made the three folders on the right. Since I've been on a big crochet blanket/afghan/baby blanket kick lately, I decided to dive into organizing that particular folder further. I created two main sub-folders: CALs for patterns released over several weeks (i.e, crochet a-longs), such as the Atlanticus CAL, and then a subfolder called Center Start.<br />
<br />
Why this folder? Well, I'm secretly very excited to tell you about this genuis idea I had for organization! I've found that I've really enjoyed doing center start blanket projects since I can just use however much yarn I have to make whatever size blanket I can make that many rounds of- baby, toddler/lap, couch blanket....You get the idea.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0MO0l8qiU25CtCJx2etXm6gDrn58iEQjFnCLqhSCmY4PRb0Xv68sVbJkpygO4g91Uzq0l3uYhN1vg23aZ8MA0Xqp4kHkmjOC3E9szRO65rnlTENMTsAEF_EGYguK8orUsv7Y2XhLyTkY/s1600/Screenshot_4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="447" data-original-width="272" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0MO0l8qiU25CtCJx2etXm6gDrn58iEQjFnCLqhSCmY4PRb0Xv68sVbJkpygO4g91Uzq0l3uYhN1vg23aZ8MA0Xqp4kHkmjOC3E9szRO65rnlTENMTsAEF_EGYguK8orUsv7Y2XhLyTkY/s320/Screenshot_4.jpg" width="193" /></a> A couple of weekends ago, I went through all of my CrochetAfghan, CrochetBabyBlanket, and CrochetBlanket files (and no, this variation doesn't bother me-to me, it connotes size differences) and created the center start folder underneath the crochet blanket folder. I've found myself using this folder several times as I planned projects for my existing yarn stash.<br />
<br />
So, there you have it- my system. I'd like to figure out ways to "tag" these files for different yarn weights or specific yarns I have in mind, but for now, all I want to know when I go to look for a pattern is CraftType/Thing Being Made and does it need a foundation chain or not.<br />
<br />
Oh, and this is my current project...And it's a center start crochet blanket, in case you were wondering.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglZdG8NQwYMeUrciiV73HstTSA2Xh_hz2DKQksSc1oMmgqkEDtHLsAmKibszpnZk_txcXAY4ah9oj089icnnLRgsmETfhTarJ-JjTc1phgGrHwmcVxpZn1E6fPLPznQ5_DPnIYeOAaGtc/s1600/Screenshot_5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="462" data-original-width="445" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglZdG8NQwYMeUrciiV73HstTSA2Xh_hz2DKQksSc1oMmgqkEDtHLsAmKibszpnZk_txcXAY4ah9oj089icnnLRgsmETfhTarJ-JjTc1phgGrHwmcVxpZn1E6fPLPznQ5_DPnIYeOAaGtc/s320/Screenshot_5.jpg" width="308" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<br />Ms. Lhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11300265521777730938noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7963915406100812921.post-34617604537262295202017-12-30T17:48:00.000-06:002017-12-30T18:34:12.885-06:00Some things I made, and some things I learned, in 2017<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I know this may sound bizarre to some, but a lot of things changed for me due to the election of 2016. I simply could not take all of the vitriol and, well, crazy that became my facebook. I love lots of podcasts and NPR, but even they seemed just too much. I want to always be involved and informed, but I simply can not be angry and anxious all of the time. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Once upon a time (circa 2008), I was very much into crafting blogs and found a sort of peace and belonging in that community. So, since google reader is gone (#RIP), I flooded my facebook with knitting, crochet, loom knitting, and bullet journal groups to get away from all of the arguing and hate and to recapture a peaceful corner of the internet. It inspired me to find my way to The Crochet Crowd over on YouTube and finally learn how to crochet. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRCSrsjqXHBgRlOVSu_S5mnVYIGav-GPVlKIN0l5qXNelofEL7la0thYawZ01V_XKxyLx7BS4mGXLGkAhJI0TTEQX9w1SDzOahL2e-Pv7AU-H7KTuzmIrULMqNef5xXt0zd4PLxpeQDuE/s1600/IMG_20170501_194927.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRCSrsjqXHBgRlOVSu_S5mnVYIGav-GPVlKIN0l5qXNelofEL7la0thYawZ01V_XKxyLx7BS4mGXLGkAhJI0TTEQX9w1SDzOahL2e-Pv7AU-H7KTuzmIrULMqNef5xXt0zd4PLxpeQDuE/s200/IMG_20170501_194927.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I played around with some cotton and attempted to make a washcloth at first, but lesson learned- making even edges requires counting. Instead, I discovered<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yOQ6GBjTjO8&index=5&list=PLGS4Xf0AhosP7E_7GLYZafWeaz6AI5AAo&t=617s" target="_blank"> Bella Coco's excellent tutorial</a> over on Youtube to do the "virus" shawl. It turns out, the pattern became viral, and you could definitely tell in the Facebook groups this year! I used Lion Brand's Shawl in a Ball, and I gifted this project to my mom for her birthday. I learned that Youtube tutorials are an excellent way to learn new stitches or basic patterns. Better late than never!</div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_097YJhMq91X0EB00NtsBCe8H5eTq1H3kdDXIhqsmX7BAJ-LcHQCtRoMc5hcScPfxUhCW_0rEODv2vSoGyGvoZkqQMN42Ga0qb9V6ffA5fIkH6RuzjIWAMM6mdKgB3g3RS15WTzfUDlw/s1600/IMG_20171222_145350.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_097YJhMq91X0EB00NtsBCe8H5eTq1H3kdDXIhqsmX7BAJ-LcHQCtRoMc5hcScPfxUhCW_0rEODv2vSoGyGvoZkqQMN42Ga0qb9V6ffA5fIkH6RuzjIWAMM6mdKgB3g3RS15WTzfUDlw/s200/IMG_20171222_145350.jpg" width="200" /></a>I made this window-pane inspired scarf using Lion Brand Shawl in a Ball Metallic. I made this project mainly during meetings at work, which was easy to do with the simple mesh pattern and one ball. This became a Christmas gift. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrlu9KjbhT0HDnZqDrlw5Y5TOxFGI-W_PNq_RMstyp0U7YjMPvdkKB1PgswB0gmwpSZpwl6nTSDafw065D9mdh0yPt1mjmG4xqB9JW2LlvrtOh7pIKo9Aj3u6hMmOs80zliBWMeDjHiKg/s1600/IMG_20170325_153214.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrlu9KjbhT0HDnZqDrlw5Y5TOxFGI-W_PNq_RMstyp0U7YjMPvdkKB1PgswB0gmwpSZpwl6nTSDafw065D9mdh0yPt1mjmG4xqB9JW2LlvrtOh7pIKo9Aj3u6hMmOs80zliBWMeDjHiKg/s200/IMG_20170325_153214.jpg" width="200" /></a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghaS4MjOEJ0EAEfgawWObcKCF2skRINBe90ml19PmA49joZlXX7bd8zIWJYmcDq76-sOFiMlTjB5VDMVyd97dkxHoZunSnp2pn2RG3hWrIrAGdrar1TI4euSOKhU0Agb4y_ngm7Vdx1Hk/s1600/Snapchat-536056702.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghaS4MjOEJ0EAEfgawWObcKCF2skRINBe90ml19PmA49joZlXX7bd8zIWJYmcDq76-sOFiMlTjB5VDMVyd97dkxHoZunSnp2pn2RG3hWrIrAGdrar1TI4euSOKhU0Agb4y_ngm7Vdx1Hk/s320/Snapchat-536056702.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
Oh the siren call of big projects I haven't yet finished.... I made a whole pile of granny squares this year. They are easy enough to do, and they are easy to fit in my bag to work on during spare moments or in meetings. The problem was that since I used cotton yarn, and I need to a) block, b) lock in the color so it won't run in the laundry, c) decide on a method to join the pieces together.<br />
<br />
For the<a href="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/x9LjXdQE9wI/hqdefault.jpg?sqp=-oaymwEWCKgBEF5IWvKriqkDCQgBFQAAiEIYAQ==&rs=AOn4CLAnhI4DeEk11zVyKgoCbn8vKci8Iw" target="_blank"> Dusty Snowflake Afghan</a>, I enjoyed creating the motifs and have connected several more since this photo. I haven't moved on very quickly however since the two colors of the motifs requires that I carry around two skeins of yarn. I'm using I Love This Yarn in a variegated blue and a white.<br />
<br />
I hope to complete both of these projects early in 2018. We will see.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/x9LjXdQE9wI/hqdefault.jpg?sqp=-oaymwEWCKgBEF5IWvKriqkDCQgBFQAAiEIYAQ==&rs=AOn4CLAnhI4DeEk11zVyKgoCbn8vKci8Iw" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/x9LjXdQE9wI/hqdefault.jpg?sqp=-oaymwEWCKgBEF5IWvKriqkDCQgBFQAAiEIYAQ==&rs=AOn4CLAnhI4DeEk11zVyKgoCbn8vKci8Iw" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD9y-vEx-or7J9avNYku0YD9YW_9U8xRGRmk-LZCsBbLA9_g1VLe1dO-N-8C3FeIBb3tqau6RZ10hsdAB-lEQ68HpBAvaw-pMhxSU3UsDvJd14r9Fx4h4ixpalHun9L-2xHhFoQ2WY_MU/s200/IMG_20171222_153131.jpg" width="150" /></a><span style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></span><span style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></span></div>
Oh, how I love to make baby blankets! They are just the right size to hold my attention and to play with different stitches. Because I had enjoyed doing a virus shawl, I decided to use Lion Brand's Mandala in a virus blanket. I recently gifted this to a friend who is having her second baby girl. While the color changes initially really annoyed me (do you see that line of dark purple? Oy), I've since realized how to change colors without a lot of fuss, and feel comfortable making my own choices when necessary. Besides, you can't beat the yardage in each Mandala cake. Though I feel like there's a whole other blog post around Mandala yarn...<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUiub95f4kVW9RJvahNXcHoG8Czp9qKRPaiDKtUXm3pgxqYutrZfRFxxzZUU9zqFeSb34_WewNGNbzAgsQnTXzYrL3IY5JbQFjdX-GJB7P5-yTcL63w3E05aCEJQA197q9zoE0NYtGHKY/s1600/IMG_20170514_203421.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUiub95f4kVW9RJvahNXcHoG8Czp9qKRPaiDKtUXm3pgxqYutrZfRFxxzZUU9zqFeSb34_WewNGNbzAgsQnTXzYrL3IY5JbQFjdX-GJB7P5-yTcL63w3E05aCEJQA197q9zoE0NYtGHKY/s200/IMG_20170514_203421.jpg" width="200" /></a>I also fell a little in love with baby blanket sized corner to corner projects! The great thing about using something like Caron Cakes (original kind) or Caron Jumbo Baby Skeins, is that I found that you can use one cake or skein for the increase side, and one for the decrease side. They are easy projects to carry around, easy to do while watching tv, and come in interesting and baby-friendly color and textures. The C2C pattern also creates a tight fabric without a lot of holes. I know that Caron Cakes has some wool content that tends to make folks nervous about laundry, but all of these projects have turned out just fine in the machine wash and dry!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/x9LjXdQE9wI/hqdefault.jpg?sqp=-oaymwEWCKgBEF5IWvKriqkDCQgBFQAAiEIYAQ==&rs=AOn4CLAnhI4DeEk11zVyKgoCbn8vKci8Iw" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBEdf-mwhBugtmibgnXbx7uZk4i80e3uxGPR2ctnLdtm3L_kn2fme3Od0QZP9l5qQXLhKrBufAVFhllshF-nUmGwuPLG4TLZuvA82KcZ98vQrrKqan0ukcvD8ni68eq7rHnduhsynqnBY/s1600/IMG_20171227_180826.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBEdf-mwhBugtmibgnXbx7uZk4i80e3uxGPR2ctnLdtm3L_kn2fme3Od0QZP9l5qQXLhKrBufAVFhllshF-nUmGwuPLG4TLZuvA82KcZ98vQrrKqan0ukcvD8ni68eq7rHnduhsynqnBY/s200/IMG_20171227_180826.jpg" width="150" /></a></div>
My 2017 Magnum Opus: a basic ripple pattern I modified from The Crochet Crowd's 2015 stitch game. I had grabbed an assortment of original Caron Cakes as they were on sale, and I just wasn't in love with any of the smaller projects I saw. As I looked at the colors together, I thought I would try a ripple blanket. I learned how to do color changes, and for the first time with a back and forth design, I actually ended up with straight edges!<br />
I started this project in July, and by the time it was long enough to cover my feet, it was getting cold. I finished it in time for Christmas Eve, and gifted it to my mom. I originally intended to include a border, but ran out of time and, frankly, patience.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFlkWIwlWhIWn-JFa8IQUqhN7APBKWWirSP6F7Dmk0ifVkUsXnaUjDnGsgNe57wA58k07UYTUl4vcbx2RCBYG4xM2hLLfruQQyaKVGyvbDMemzk7u8uWueX7431rahefUG4aBpjfS_hWs/s1600/received_10211652256875056.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="964" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFlkWIwlWhIWn-JFa8IQUqhN7APBKWWirSP6F7Dmk0ifVkUsXnaUjDnGsgNe57wA58k07UYTUl4vcbx2RCBYG4xM2hLLfruQQyaKVGyvbDMemzk7u8uWueX7431rahefUG4aBpjfS_hWs/s200/received_10211652256875056.jpeg" width="120" /></a>Coming soon in 2018...I started this beautiful shells pattern in Lion Brand's Mandala Chimera.I thought it would be a baby blanket, but I think I am going to keep going into a throw. I really don't have a clear plan, and I'm okay with that!<br />
<br />
I've recently also attempted needle knitting. I've wanted to learn how to knit for years, and well, so far, it's been a struggle. I've twisted most of my stitches, and have struggled to finish a project, especially when I've become pretty fast at crochet. However, after doing some reading, and listening to the first 100 or so episodes of Knitting Pipeline, I am determined to get better!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgQH9xbZl9xhWSg7nvE6YRJqhsbPjXmA_R_FB9bUwwZqBejnjOegtzTBR5Y7v8u08m0B2yzA_Fm-KlBnfqx1uwGdMbahwbDa2g2BfhzENFvepDi4VltwTUC_Au92BGdbzeJ6wW_H_aovM/s1600/IMG_20171114_224233_312.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1458" data-original-width="1458" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgQH9xbZl9xhWSg7nvE6YRJqhsbPjXmA_R_FB9bUwwZqBejnjOegtzTBR5Y7v8u08m0B2yzA_Fm-KlBnfqx1uwGdMbahwbDa2g2BfhzENFvepDi4VltwTUC_Au92BGdbzeJ6wW_H_aovM/s200/IMG_20171114_224233_312.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
Things I've learned:<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Go to YouTube for video tutorials- seriously. </li>
<li>Patterns aren't scary- I just need to go slow and steady. </li>
<li>I like portable projects best: especially baby blankets! </li>
<li>Beware the siren call of afghans- they are a commitment!</li>
<li>Oh, how I love buying yarn....but actually in writing all this up, I notice that I've mostly used just a few types of yarn. I want to use up more of my stash of yarn this year and do less shopping without a project in mind. </li>
</ul>
Ms. Lhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11300265521777730938noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7963915406100812921.post-18712921935302911292016-01-27T22:59:00.001-06:002016-01-27T22:59:51.938-06:00Looms: A Review<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Technically, I've been loom knitting since I was about 7. With a little googling around, I found the original <a href="https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=images&cd=&ved=0ahUKEwjk7bLPusvKAhUB2R4KHf-HBj4QjRwIBw&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.etsy.com%2Flisting%2F257992310%2Fauthentic-lisa-frank-yarn-works-kit-near&psig=AFQjCNH1-6Vqv5gGCqt3D8PCqD-d3t2mAA&ust=1454034301395559" target="_blank">Lisa Frank set </a>that included a weaving loom and two knitting looms: a French-styled knitter and what LF dubbed a sock loom. I could never figure out how to make anything other than really long tubes using the basic instructions, but little did I know then that this formative experience would set me off on a long journey, leading me to finally open <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/Inklingspot" target="_blank">a side business</a> and to teach others how to loom knit. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
As such, I wanted to introduce you to my looms, and give my two cents worth of opinion on your options, in case you'd like to start looming! All opinions are my own, and I purchased all of the looms below. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><u>Basic Looms for the Beginner</u></b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><u>#1 choice for beginners:</u></b> On the left, my first set of Knifty Knitter brand looms, bought at Wal-Mart many years ago. In the middle, the modern equivalent, Loops and Threads brand, bought at Michael's in 2015. On the right, the Hobby Lobby equivalent, also purchased in 2015. (In case you are wondering why I have three basically identical sets: I left the original set of looms at my parents house when I moved to Oklahoma, so I bought the middle set. While traveling for work, I got more or less marooned in a storm, and ended up purchasing the set on the right out of sheer boredom.) </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:AllowPNG/>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]-->
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves/>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:DoNotPromoteQF/>
<w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther>
<w:LidThemeAsian>JA</w:LidThemeAsian>
<w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/>
<w:EnableOpenTypeKerning/>
<w:DontFlipMirrorIndents/>
<w:OverrideTableStyleHps/>
<w:UseFELayout/>
</w:Compatibility>
<m:mathPr>
<m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/>
<m:brkBin m:val="before"/>
<m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/>
<m:smallFrac m:val="off"/>
<m:dispDef/>
<m:lMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:rMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/>
<m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/>
<m:intLim m:val="subSup"/>
<m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/>
</m:mathPr></w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
DefSemiHidden="true" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="276">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="59" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]-->
<!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;}
table.MsoTableGrid
{mso-style-name:"Table Grid";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-priority:59;
mso-style-unhide:no;
border:solid windowtext 1.0pt;
mso-border-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-border-insideh:.5pt solid windowtext;
mso-border-insidev:.5pt solid windowtext;
mso-para-margin:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<!--StartFragment-->
<!--EndFragment--></div>
<table border="1" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="MsoTableGrid" style="border-collapse: collapse; border: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-padding-alt: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-yfti-tbllook: 1184;">
<tbody>
<tr style="mso-yfti-firstrow: yes; mso-yfti-irow: 0; mso-yfti-lastrow: yes;">
<td style="border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 2.05in;" valign="top" width="148">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin2Gjt6HCsxa3NNcGw9DPU7KfYuiLHvSjhLV5p92F_DJ98JJDHPULV7zTgVTXf8JqHEnuTx255tRK77zCQUlxTs9jVXXX7bHwzWRzCldoNJDdnc63pEjMI_tChKatSWV-SMR6HGHjLZ8s/s1600/IMG_1387.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin2Gjt6HCsxa3NNcGw9DPU7KfYuiLHvSjhLV5p92F_DJ98JJDHPULV7zTgVTXf8JqHEnuTx255tRK77zCQUlxTs9jVXXX7bHwzWRzCldoNJDdnc63pEjMI_tChKatSWV-SMR6HGHjLZ8s/s200/IMG_1387.JPG" width="150" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
</td>
<td style="border-left: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 2.05in;" valign="top" width="148">
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU4AJ2b6W-13-BuBwvfz_ZDN2Cp2pCMUv8LeWgoWqEcb3i7ePx7sqLWJYG1Ia4f7sEs3yGrcSS4maKuIy3uCRkf_b0AVoJIDpHdFXJOvunlZU1HaOvovZ0TYNr9UDNIm1v5pOCvqGgcLE/s1600/IMG_1385.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU4AJ2b6W-13-BuBwvfz_ZDN2Cp2pCMUv8LeWgoWqEcb3i7ePx7sqLWJYG1Ia4f7sEs3yGrcSS4maKuIy3uCRkf_b0AVoJIDpHdFXJOvunlZU1HaOvovZ0TYNr9UDNIm1v5pOCvqGgcLE/s200/IMG_1385.JPG" width="150" /></a></div>
</td>
<td style="border-left: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 2.05in;" valign="top" width="148">
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNWN5aDrl3v9lWOfad3xlwpZaKEkX4v2p5l_yB1bVdHZT33sKdSGUDncPTr4PTMZd2WKPJdJV9SvrVqcZk0YMr3iWTdiBRaqSO4qmz7CZzx4jMah9xlgjtfoH385eHgTD9VOZktnW02Wo/s1600/IMG_1386.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNWN5aDrl3v9lWOfad3xlwpZaKEkX4v2p5l_yB1bVdHZT33sKdSGUDncPTr4PTMZd2WKPJdJV9SvrVqcZk0YMr3iWTdiBRaqSO4qmz7CZzx4jMah9xlgjtfoH385eHgTD9VOZktnW02Wo/s200/IMG_1386.JPG" width="200" /></span></a></div>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /> </div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b>Why I recommend:</b> At under $20 (usually closer to $10-15), these sets are so close to each other in design, that a quick search will give you access to literally hundreds of patterns. Each of these looms are large gauge looms, meaning that the space between the pegs on all of these looms is approximately 3/4 inch. This makes them particularly easy to work with for all ages, and those with arthritis or other dexterity issues. A large gauge also generally makes a loose and stretchy fabric, perfect for hats. </div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The Knifty Knitter brand is no longer readily available, but you may find a set at a yard sale or online; it is also highly sought after in certain sizes (see Ebay). Loops and Threads set comes with all but the smallest loom shown here, which I purchased separately. The plastic of the Hobby Lobby set seems a little less firm to me, though I have not had any pegs to break. </div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b>What you can make</b>: <a href="http://www.loomahat.com/round-loom/" target="_blank">A lot of things</a>. I've mostly used these looms for scarves and hats, mainly to donate or gift. You can also make flat panels and blankets, but I prefer straight looms. </div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
NOTE: I DO NOT recommend the Boye brand currently available at Wal-Mart and other locations. Other people <a href="http://www.loomahat.com/boye-loom-set/" target="_blank">can explain why</a>, but I'll just say that I think the peg design is difficult to work with, and I have not been satisfied with the quality of the construction.</div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYF_DyfAKRddnvBdXVGT59kR8wcvluj2dkMPVkJ9NMq-XNnSE6LQmy5UuO9oO1DL7S0US-rAusNw4XZNfwhA-FCc9yx5TuV67WgCIi32PTRcDGdHWR6Nr5TfxiEwS1KUveAxyk_45vPqc/s1600/IMG_1403.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYF_DyfAKRddnvBdXVGT59kR8wcvluj2dkMPVkJ9NMq-XNnSE6LQmy5UuO9oO1DL7S0US-rAusNw4XZNfwhA-FCc9yx5TuV67WgCIi32PTRcDGdHWR6Nr5TfxiEwS1KUveAxyk_45vPqc/s200/IMG_1403.JPG" width="200" /></a> <b>#2 choice for beginners: </b>Knitting Board recently came out with the super large peg zippy loom. It comes in pieces of four pegs that can easily snap together to form either a straight loom for panels, or additional corners can be added to knit in the round.<br />
<b>Why I recommend:</b> Super bulky yarn is very popular at the moment, and the zippy is perfect for using either bulky yarn or several strands of yarn together. Each zippy loom piece is under $10, and most projects I've made only require two pieces. Because it is so large, it's super easy to <i>see stitches, </i>making it the perfect loom to learn new stitches that can be translated to other looms. To be totally honest, I didn't understand how to do purl or other basic stitches until I watched a video using a zippy loom. Also, I've been AMAZED at how different yarn looks using a super large gauge.<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<b><u><span style="font-size: large;">More specialized looms...</span></u></b><br />
<b><u><br /></u></b>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaUkbMd7OnERPfoq0rpOsgtoNuxrYSPUbevummy4vordupqAit5kdgMA41ubstUnllfdhWZg3DvZZRnftBm0S4YYsU5LZXpdrGoOF8ShXeTIJQvQxvnVZ9zlo7WTmyb74L0BWDKS3M1f0/s1600/IMG_1384.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaUkbMd7OnERPfoq0rpOsgtoNuxrYSPUbevummy4vordupqAit5kdgMA41ubstUnllfdhWZg3DvZZRnftBm0S4YYsU5LZXpdrGoOF8ShXeTIJQvQxvnVZ9zlo7WTmyb74L0BWDKS3M1f0/s200/IMG_1384.JPG" width="150" /></a></div>
<u style="font-weight: bold;">So you're ready to commit...</u><br />
I love my large gauge looms, above, and I do most of my projects with them. However, recently I've become interested in doing projects with finer patterns, including cables. At left is my set of CindWood Looms, custom made to have 5/8 inch gauge. CindWood Looms are only available online, come in a variety of styles, including round, long, and afghan shapes, and a variety of gauges. You can also customize your peg color!<br />
<br />
<b>Why I recommend: </b>My CindWood looms are made from MDF wood with nylon pegs- this means that these are looms are ultra sturdy, slightly heavier, and yarn glides over the pegs easily. This is basically the Cadillac of knitting looms, ya'll.<br />
<br />
<b>Why I pause: </b>This set is made in the USA by a small company-it's not a mass made product, and the price reflects the care and quality of the product. I am so glad I bought this set, but I pause to recommend these looms, particularly to newbies, because this set cost over $50. Because it is not as readily available, patterns are also not as easily available.<br />
<br />
<b>Go Long, Baby-maybe for beginners: </b>Sometime long ago, I bought a set of long looms from Knifty Knitter, left. Over the years, I think I've lost all but two. Recently, I bought the Loops and Threads loom, right, and the All-in-One loom from Knitting Board.<br />
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:AllowPNG/>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]-->
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves/>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:DoNotPromoteQF/>
<w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther>
<w:LidThemeAsian>JA</w:LidThemeAsian>
<w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/>
<w:EnableOpenTypeKerning/>
<w:DontFlipMirrorIndents/>
<w:OverrideTableStyleHps/>
<w:UseFELayout/>
</w:Compatibility>
<m:mathPr>
<m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/>
<m:brkBin m:val="before"/>
<m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/>
<m:smallFrac m:val="off"/>
<m:dispDef/>
<m:lMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:rMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/>
<m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/>
<m:intLim m:val="subSup"/>
<m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/>
</m:mathPr></w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
DefSemiHidden="true" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="276">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="59" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]-->
<!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;}
table.MsoTableGrid
{mso-style-name:"Table Grid";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-priority:59;
mso-style-unhide:no;
border:solid windowtext 1.0pt;
mso-border-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-border-insideh:.5pt solid windowtext;
mso-border-insidev:.5pt solid windowtext;
mso-para-margin:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<!--StartFragment-->
<!--EndFragment--><br />
<table border="1" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="MsoTableGrid" style="border-collapse: collapse; border: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-padding-alt: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-yfti-tbllook: 1184;">
<tbody>
<tr style="mso-yfti-firstrow: yes; mso-yfti-irow: 0; mso-yfti-lastrow: yes;">
<td style="border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 2.05in;" valign="top" width="148">
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUU57gEwN6IPAYSZGwO4Z2mMEMFhLPEBRsm1c3TpfdO7JVfxxL1mX7_94idRwtfhHIdWyJa_RdIGD5Bh5CYKVJJRpQmBOCQ1WWmJt82QgK5L8TKPowuohMsq9-M15GLKf-9efdSbUhtPc/s1600/IMG_1392.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUU57gEwN6IPAYSZGwO4Z2mMEMFhLPEBRsm1c3TpfdO7JVfxxL1mX7_94idRwtfhHIdWyJa_RdIGD5Bh5CYKVJJRpQmBOCQ1WWmJt82QgK5L8TKPowuohMsq9-M15GLKf-9efdSbUhtPc/s200/IMG_1392.JPG" width="200" /></a><o:p> </o:p></div>
</td>
<td style="border-left: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 2.05in;" valign="top" width="148">
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p> </o:p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNj7SV5vjjrUZuZ1fUUCtJsY-EhXYkfR7fSTBrv9ytzA4AHNEq-WxH50_xXxWCIWnx3s7PfqF4d11XfIsscs_sQQZTWiuTNPTxyZ2jnSVdNKEHCJymS1wVZzUnCClxm4PAK5Pr0JFNqsg/s1600/IMG_1398.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNj7SV5vjjrUZuZ1fUUCtJsY-EhXYkfR7fSTBrv9ytzA4AHNEq-WxH50_xXxWCIWnx3s7PfqF4d11XfIsscs_sQQZTWiuTNPTxyZ2jnSVdNKEHCJymS1wVZzUnCClxm4PAK5Pr0JFNqsg/s200/IMG_1398.JPG" width="150" /></a></div>
</td>
<td style="border-left: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 2.05in;" valign="top" width="148">
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p> </o:p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB1o10bGepmx4vNftv9M4ptzG9AO9FiDxD7Hd-28GzSka35ji7e8xf4N6-qvYCIrPc6GUOQ_fZOdJMdb04pLnVGJDk-RvVq8y78pAQ0WwfrG6uusUKxzNGzeWdJhmusIGvLgn7zMwLYCc/s1600/IMG_1393.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB1o10bGepmx4vNftv9M4ptzG9AO9FiDxD7Hd-28GzSka35ji7e8xf4N6-qvYCIrPc6GUOQ_fZOdJMdb04pLnVGJDk-RvVq8y78pAQ0WwfrG6uusUKxzNGzeWdJhmusIGvLgn7zMwLYCc/s200/IMG_1393.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<b>Why I recommend: </b>Long looms are great for creating either wide panels, or thick fluffy projects by knitting back and forth across the loom. This will create a more seamless, or less hole-y, look compared to the Zippy. Personally, I adore the Loops and Threads loom on the right. It is the right size to tote around for knitting on the go, and it handles bulkier yarns really well with it's wide gauge. The All-in-One is truly all-in-one because it is adjustable to either knit in the round or as a long loom.<br />
<b>Why I pause: </b>Remember when I said that you can do flat panels on a round loom? The longer blue loom in the left hand picture can create the same width panel, within an inch, as the large yellow round loom (above-to the left). I've also found that many patterns can either be adjusted for a circle or a long loom, but that may ad a layer of complexity that is frustrating.<br />
A set of plastic long looms can be more expensive than a set of round looms, for not a whole lot of pay-off in the range of projects that you can do. The All-in-One loom sells for around $40 retail, but can almost always be snagged with a coupon at JoAnn's or other craft stores for much less. I haven't completed a project on it yet, but I am impressed with it's construction and pegs- it's also a finer gauge and adjustable from socks to shawls and blanket sizes. That being said, the loom to the right was under $10.<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>And, in case you were wondering what those funny looking looms were... </b>Afghan Looms, sometimes called Serenity or Infinity Looms, are s-shaped looms that are specialized for very large panels, mainly for blankets or shawls. Most importantly, you probably don't need a specialized loom to make a large panel, unless you are making a bed-sized blanket-but if you do decide to go big, know that many knitters have found these looms too large to easily tote around, and a little awkward to hold. I recommend sitting the loom on a flat surface, like a lap desk or table, to use.<br />
<br />
On the left, I have a green Loops and Threads Infinity loom, and on the right, I have the Knitting Board Afghan Loom. I have a <i>very strong</i> <i>preference</i> to the loom to the right. The green loom has a larger gauge, meaning the cloth has larger holes and is looser. It is also made from more flexible plastic- these two factors made it even more difficult to maneuver the loom, and also made me doubt it's ability to hold a heavy panel of fabric without warping. The Knitting Board Afghan Loom is a finer gauge and is SOLID. I don't feel the same wiggle in the middle as I do with the green loom, and I believe in this loom enough to start my 365 day Temperature Blanket project on it. <br />
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:AllowPNG/>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]-->
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves/>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:DoNotPromoteQF/>
<w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther>
<w:LidThemeAsian>JA</w:LidThemeAsian>
<w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/>
<w:EnableOpenTypeKerning/>
<w:DontFlipMirrorIndents/>
<w:OverrideTableStyleHps/>
<w:UseFELayout/>
</w:Compatibility>
<m:mathPr>
<m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/>
<m:brkBin m:val="before"/>
<m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/>
<m:smallFrac m:val="off"/>
<m:dispDef/>
<m:lMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:rMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/>
<m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/>
<m:intLim m:val="subSup"/>
<m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/>
</m:mathPr></w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
DefSemiHidden="true" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="276">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="59" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]-->
<!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;}
table.MsoTableGrid
{mso-style-name:"Table Grid";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-priority:59;
mso-style-unhide:no;
border:solid windowtext 1.0pt;
mso-border-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-border-insideh:.5pt solid windowtext;
mso-border-insidev:.5pt solid windowtext;
mso-para-margin:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<!--StartFragment-->
<!--EndFragment--><br />
<table border="1" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="MsoTableGrid" style="border-collapse: collapse; border: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-padding-alt: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-yfti-tbllook: 1184;">
<tbody>
<tr style="mso-yfti-firstrow: yes; mso-yfti-irow: 0; mso-yfti-lastrow: yes;">
<td style="border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 2.05in;" valign="top" width="148">
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p> </o:p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhenajtxg7kEm_Cqz5GkerqbVJlYyIrxrDejgZ2L3zavHK0c0-fZg06O7qdlj1yH1edXWhZJcg26ruoAjVveUGHDyge0LncO0M88izdMFbwkKrALVUuuxKGq6dQf3KlN_sApSg97yHtIJc/s1600/IMG_1394.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhenajtxg7kEm_Cqz5GkerqbVJlYyIrxrDejgZ2L3zavHK0c0-fZg06O7qdlj1yH1edXWhZJcg26ruoAjVveUGHDyge0LncO0M88izdMFbwkKrALVUuuxKGq6dQf3KlN_sApSg97yHtIJc/s200/IMG_1394.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
</td>
<td style="border-left: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 2.05in;" valign="top" width="148">
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
</td>
<td style="border-left: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 2.05in;" valign="top" width="148">
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p> </o:p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQCEE5swuCbSIPfcEolef2f_DkDjDOz1teeH8dNv9Ez3lAASnX4i_lhIkbBKwjGc6TJ6iizjaPniiW4m-IaOWUPDM7ZIeSkB1EukBEBq9pNhd46_rG7ANuXQfxdQKhV2NTaAmBtpJo-QE/s1600/IMG_1396.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQCEE5swuCbSIPfcEolef2f_DkDjDOz1teeH8dNv9Ez3lAASnX4i_lhIkbBKwjGc6TJ6iizjaPniiW4m-IaOWUPDM7ZIeSkB1EukBEBq9pNhd46_rG7ANuXQfxdQKhV2NTaAmBtpJo-QE/s200/IMG_1396.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Those are my thoughts on my knitting looms, thus far. My only strong opinions are on the afghan looms (Knitting Board > Loops and Threads) and on the circle looms (NOT Boye; biggest bang for your buck). Other than that, it really depends on what projects, designs, or patterns you are interested in tackling, and what your budget allows.<br />
If you hold a loom for a few hours, you'll develop some strong opinions. If you have an opinion, please leave a comment below! Happy Looming!<br />
<br />
<br />Ms. Lhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11300265521777730938noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7963915406100812921.post-24215444126831208372015-02-17T20:27:00.000-06:002015-02-17T20:28:07.312-06:00Pursuing Growth and Health<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMgExU5xFb8_auRBJ0oCBKJcAJKfMsvGhQfPDurxahG9e_FJyaqMt3x4ehLC2uZuK9y1ZPZczQNHOJXWpIPqFazCM9GBfKhLb-t3HAIK-9C-3iVaCTYNiqqRpV0oJJorXqcnPUYFhJBeQ/s1600/download.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMgExU5xFb8_auRBJ0oCBKJcAJKfMsvGhQfPDurxahG9e_FJyaqMt3x4ehLC2uZuK9y1ZPZczQNHOJXWpIPqFazCM9GBfKhLb-t3HAIK-9C-3iVaCTYNiqqRpV0oJJorXqcnPUYFhJBeQ/s1600/download.jpeg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
For the majority of educators, putting themselves "out there" becomes a common job requirement. Presenting a lesson after a new haircut, tripping in front of students, or just plain starting a new year all require a sort of jumping out of your comfort zone. As new priorities, dictates, and research come down the pipe, the majority of educators are observed and evaluated much more frequently than in the past and have revised both content and pedagogical directions of their classrooms drastically. On top of that, educators are facing a myriad of critics: everyone from parents and politicians to strangers and comedians on social media have an opinion on changes to education. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
However, it's not like educators are necessarily more comfortable with putting themselves forward for critique or potential rejection than the non-education population. I have seen educators refuse to go to a professional development without knowing someone that will be at the session. I have heard many educators refuse to revise lessons with changing curriculum or testing because the current rumblings in politics lead them to mistrust the validity and consistency of those changes. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
As for myself, I am consistently seeking out those "leave my comfort zone" opportunities. I have honed my interview skills, reflected, researched, and practiced- and failed. Spectacularly. Embarrassingly. Painfully. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Even as I write this, I know what to say to myself- so? Suck it up. It's part of growth; it's all a learning experience. Every failure is just the chance to grow. It's your 20's....they are supposed to suck. What kind of model are you to students if you are not approaching failure as a chance to grow?</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
That's all true, but I just coming back to the idea from <a href="http://www.teachingthecore.com/">Dave Stuart Jr.</a>'s e-book "Never Finished"- no teacher starts out burnt out. NO ONE. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
So, backpedaling a bit, what can individuals do to prevent burnout and what can system-level organizations do to build up professionals? Here, have some info-graphics! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP1EVcrISOdPm2PNEgfEUses4MPgB-x1pCuFHg6z8Gqp8hWWU4YOu6KiEXjlKRVmJTmW5OcwYY7FBgDBKpFJmGe1K4qmY3OdKgkyGIpQLvtsSQRPSnTI-5VtBCfSio5G7PkI31frTAMmM/s1600/Preventing+Burn-Out.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP1EVcrISOdPm2PNEgfEUses4MPgB-x1pCuFHg6z8Gqp8hWWU4YOu6KiEXjlKRVmJTmW5OcwYY7FBgDBKpFJmGe1K4qmY3OdKgkyGIpQLvtsSQRPSnTI-5VtBCfSio5G7PkI31frTAMmM/s1600/Preventing+Burn-Out.png" height="400" width="265" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
In a nutshell, make sure you are prioritizing <b>your </b>long-term growth, and not just professionally. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
While I am a big fan of personal responsibility in creating healthy careers, I think all organizations, schools, and professional development opportunities should take a serious look at their applicant process. Specifically...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1Kt9xe6bjxzohyphenhyphenC9WkN_gLXSFxLAwo7QzNRJO0zm2Hjw5545-AYrcjq_ccIp-FHwNBF0UoMFipULZESbbfEHu5BQFitdYs_9E6ic7WVhT1bH4OVGTrSFINFiV8AM2Wzl0BqpfNENdvsc/s1600/TAKE+ME.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1Kt9xe6bjxzohyphenhyphenC9WkN_gLXSFxLAwo7QzNRJO0zm2Hjw5545-AYrcjq_ccIp-FHwNBF0UoMFipULZESbbfEHu5BQFitdYs_9E6ic7WVhT1bH4OVGTrSFINFiV8AM2Wzl0BqpfNENdvsc/s1600/TAKE+ME.png" height="400" width="265" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Whether you are selecting students for a writing competition, or one day hiring candidates, you have the power to build people into leaders or contribute to bitterness and burnout. Be sensitive.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Love and light,</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
-Ms. L</div>
<div class="page" title="Page 2">
<div class="section" style="background-color: rgb(100.000000%, 100.000000%, 100.000000%);">
<div class="layoutArea">
<div class="column">
<span style="font-family: 'OTS-derived-font'; font-size: 8.000000pt;"> </span></div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
Ms. Lhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11300265521777730938noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7963915406100812921.post-19751153123370599382015-01-25T19:01:00.001-06:002015-01-25T19:01:30.707-06:00Mercury Retrograde<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAFzmoOg2n828nA1E2zXaCK533lMhoE4qPEJDNqtdez0z6dE7c6VNBaHv55rkOi2n2fiLuB1pM9hGpJDgxoV_-K36G1glIVp6AAQf69TBcc024JsJBUMP_np7SeliyjIqLb_7JghjWBoI/s1600/brain2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAFzmoOg2n828nA1E2zXaCK533lMhoE4qPEJDNqtdez0z6dE7c6VNBaHv55rkOi2n2fiLuB1pM9hGpJDgxoV_-K36G1glIVp6AAQf69TBcc024JsJBUMP_np7SeliyjIqLb_7JghjWBoI/s1600/brain2.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Credit: the internet search for "Mercury Retrograde"</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
It's been a pensive week. Maybe it's the resolution season, or just the gathering of W2's for taxes, or just the whispers of change in the air. Or maybe it's because I am a scientist gathering evidence, a historian looking into the past for clues to the present, and an unmoored artist, all rolled into one.<br />
<br />
I realize that the past was not clean, neat, or pain free. I also know that the future also demands different things, causing my own personal evolution, and therefore I simply cannot be static-ever. So, it's not exactly nostalgia that I'm feeling; it's just that I feel the need to self-assess and evaluate my own professional and personal growth and make sure I am not swerving towards some foggy cliff in the near future. I feel like things have gotten a little too wonky to not suspect cliffs.<br />
<br />
I've re-read old emails from ASMSA (circa 2006), my application for Teach for America, and emails from my my earliest days of teaching (circa 2011). I've re-read sections from <i>Eat, Pray, Love- </i>a book I vividly remember reading in the winter of 2007-2008. I've been drawn back to books that formed my initial thoughts about education: <i>Teach Like A Champion, Teaching as Leadership, </i>and the big green manual of required readings.<br />
<br />
After all of that introspection, I cried- a couple of times, really. I cried because I was both ashamed of the girl I was at ASMSA and because I <i>missed </i>her- I was once someone who was independent enough to leave home at 16 years old, and insecure enough to cling to people. I had meaningful relationships- now, I have obligations. I felt painful twinges of guilt reading my application to Teach for America-where are my fundamental values as a teacher today and do they line up with that application, now five years old-or should they even line up any more? Am I really making an impact in educational equality for <i style="font-weight: bold;">all </i>students, not just the ones that pass through my classroom?<br />
<br />
Not that there aren't things to celebrate! Of course, in my fourth year of education, things that were once incredibly complicated or strange to me as a new teacher, suddenly make sense to me. I have a new critical understanding of <u>all </u>educational theories, arguments, and texts, including things I once accepted without question. I also have the ability (<b>finally)</b> to have some free time; it's taken four years to reclaim Sundays, to not sleep through the news most evenings, and to not fight semi-regular panic attacks. I have even left school with just one bag on occasion lately.<br />
<br />
However, to paraphrase/quote <i>Hairspray,</i> "I'm hungry for something that I can't eat!" Yes, I have miles and miles to go professionally, but I don't want to build my life solely around my professional life, or give up my core values professionally-there has to be some balance. As I consider next steps and next jobs, I don't want to sacrifice my values or abandon the good things about myself. Self-reflection is good-it's just uncomfortable.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9KE-hVa3823TRQswctrKcpO73ebQfDONeLIgwACmzprSAhhTxsfoIHp1P5vRAqjLRFboL66cEAMriK_hm-FDwFdXYsP6q-oRiPajVZwIPJbTi8FyhmWkHO576X-95b5B7OKNqvz1DcKs/s1600/Mercury-Cartoon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9KE-hVa3823TRQswctrKcpO73ebQfDONeLIgwACmzprSAhhTxsfoIHp1P5vRAqjLRFboL66cEAMriK_hm-FDwFdXYsP6q-oRiPajVZwIPJbTi8FyhmWkHO576X-95b5B7OKNqvz1DcKs/s1600/Mercury-Cartoon.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
Ms. Lhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11300265521777730938noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7963915406100812921.post-27089457713176932952014-11-27T11:05:00.000-06:002014-11-27T11:07:08.069-06:00Thanks-givingSometimes, the thanksgiving posts that clog my social media soaked life sound an awful lot like a celebrity at an awards show: <i>"First of all, I want to thank God and my manager..." </i><br />
<i><br /></i>
I get it-it's good to take stock and give thanks, even if it's only once a year. It's just terribly ironic that many Americans give thanks on their Facebook page, eat a huge meal, and then spend hundreds of dollars online or after a rousing fist-fight at the local mega-mart.<br />
<br />
As for me, I'm going to eat a reasonable lunch with my parents, review math skills for my upcoming GRE, and hopefully catch a movie later. We're not big on sharing, so here's my thankful list.<br />
<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>thankful for a good memory of good times</li>
<li>thankful for forgiveness </li>
<li>a huge world </li>
<li>good books and good people who love books </li>
<li>teachers to look up to</li>
<li>my own good health</li>
<li>my Dad's sense of humor</li>
<li>my mom's strength </li>
<li>baby calves</li>
<li>friends and thought partners</li>
<li>concerts</li>
<li>sinus medication</li>
<li>seat belts </li>
<li>dependable shoes and vests</li>
<li>wild animals and wild spaces</li>
<li>Vegetarians</li>
<li>Stubborn people; kind people; artists; historians;</li>
<li>Fairy tales and musicals</li>
<li>Fast shipping</li>
<li>Old men and tattooed ladies </li>
<li>Foster and adopted families</li>
<li>Glasses </li>
<li>High schoolers that like Lisa Frank stickers</li>
</ul>
<br />
<i><br /></i>
<i><br /></i>Ms. Lhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11300265521777730938noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7963915406100812921.post-70256664036265631712014-10-02T20:44:00.000-05:002014-10-04T15:46:57.799-05:00The Power of Honesty in TeachingListening to NPR book podcast this weekend, I heard a powerful quote from the author of <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Seriously-Not-All-Right-Years/dp/1936182580/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1412291679&sr=8-1&keywords=5+wars+in+10+years" target="_blank">this book</a>: control your memory or it will control you. This quote shook me because a very good friend recently told me that they were HIV positive. I was immediately upset, not just for my friend, but that there is such stigma associated with it. I know that within my own community, there is zero conversation or awareness of HIV, even though we <a href="http://www.arkansascsh.org/tinymce/filemanager/files/ar_hiv_combo.pdf" target="_blank">know</a> that our kids are often engaging in very risky behavior. So little has changed in the years since the epidemic first took place in many rural and suburban southern communities that they have become the <a href="http://wgno.com/2014/09/24/documenting-the-stigma-of-hivaids-in-the-south/" target="_blank">new</a> <a href="http://www.wbhm.org/News/2014/RuralHIV" target="_blank">epicenter</a> of the <a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/national/health-science/changes-must-be-enacted-to-address-the-epidemic-of-hivaidsin-the-us-south/2014/09/29/7c8b69ee-4411-11e4-b47c-f5889e061e5f_story.html" target="_blank">HIV/AIDS</a> <a href="http://www.wyff4.com/news/number-of-new-hiv-cases-climbing-in-the-south/28364062" target="_blank">crisis</a> in <a href="http://www.washingtonblade.com/2014/09/24/states-deep-south-hardest-hit-hiv-study/">America.</a><br />
<br />
So, I was faced with a quandary to chew over as I drove to a planning meeting for Arkansas Delta Writing Project- how would I 'control' this event in my life into something productive and less ugly? During our meeting to plan the upcoming reunion ADWP session, it hit me- like most questions I have in my classroom, writing would be the answer. One of my new ADWP teacher-buddies even shared how she got her 5th graders writing in order to deal with a classmate's very tragic death. I borrowed strength from this teacher-friend and decided to launch a conversation in my classroom. Ready or not, inaction was not an option.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMmgHGgYj1Oq3vQQzbqaNdSM3C3lvUGNzhji8zDOIaPsKrymTiqucyBGntB1OGVrH8Lvnj4_0W57kC0r9aLtz1xqWvK-XcczZ3H0KuD7eXVSDgKvnjsXQcqPkIR57avI4CqGNNgdzAFUc/s1600/Notebook.Writing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMmgHGgYj1Oq3vQQzbqaNdSM3C3lvUGNzhji8zDOIaPsKrymTiqucyBGntB1OGVrH8Lvnj4_0W57kC0r9aLtz1xqWvK-XcczZ3H0KuD7eXVSDgKvnjsXQcqPkIR57avI4CqGNNgdzAFUc/s1600/Notebook.Writing.jpg" height="320" width="180" /></a></div>
This was one of the scariest teaching moments I have ever approached in a classroom. I quickly took my journal scribblings and created a hot-mess of a short story. It was heavy on the flashbacks and dripping with raw emotion-a lot like a lot of my student's writing. I gave it to my students with no author attribution, and truthfully, I didn't know whether to tell them it was me. I gave a basic mini-lesson about peer conferencing, taken directly from ADWP, told them I would model how to conduct a peer conference using my piece. I read it, then let kids give a praise and a suggestion or question.<br />
<br />
I did decide to reveal that I was the author in all of my classes, but in the process we had some really intense and fruitful conversations in my classes about giving feedback to writers and building a strong community. Some of my students who had just viciously torn apart my writing were deeply apologetic and contrite when I revealed I had written a personal story. In most of my classes, we also had good conversations about viruses, immunizations, ebola, bullying, and having tough conversations.<br />
<br />
To finish out our conversation, tomorrow students will set up their blogs and begin creating their writing portfolios. I encouraged students to spend the rest of the class working on a previous journal prompt, their own personal narratives, or their article of the week response. While walking around conferencing with students, a few students whispered to me <i>"can I tell my story, too?" </i>A few students for the first time pushed their notebooks to me and asked <i>"is this good?" </i>A few students stuck around after class to tell me about their novels, raps, or how they always write when they feel depressed.<br />
<i><br /></i>
Perhaps this is the seedling of a positive classroom culture, and perhaps I have what it takes to nurture it into more of an oak tree. There is this whole underground creative vibe to my class that just needs to be coaxed out through my own honesty-it's scary, but so very worth it.Ms. Lhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11300265521777730938noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7963915406100812921.post-40338149048101284402014-09-02T18:53:00.000-05:002014-09-02T18:55:29.057-05:00September Blog Challenge: Best of Teacher Technology Information<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiWNG8HImDGQJcQJzocThyphenhyphenJLbdKZ0KpzzxebWB-zALgiD9DVEWX4D1q6FcU3OgvkPFs2ypGFumMVruj21ASm5jkdrWSH5-qo77VQ7EPt_VjFXREaj5yvF2A9kNV4tCx0KkWNVCnxAX2vA/s1600/Add+text.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiWNG8HImDGQJcQJzocThyphenhyphenJLbdKZ0KpzzxebWB-zALgiD9DVEWX4D1q6FcU3OgvkPFs2ypGFumMVruj21ASm5jkdrWSH5-qo77VQ7EPt_VjFXREaj5yvF2A9kNV4tCx0KkWNVCnxAX2vA/s1600/Add+text.png" height="400" width="266" /></a></div>
Two of the biggest challenges facing teachers wanting to use more technology in the classroom is the availability of devices, whether that's iPads, laptops, or cameras, and getting cut-to-the-point professional development. While there are certainly ways to gain access to more devices independently, such as creating a Donor's Choose project, that issue is often more of an administrative and school-site issue. However, I think teachers can gain access to high quality technology-centered development if they are willing to both demand higher quality professional development within their own schools while taking ownership of their development. One of the easiest ways to grab on to new professional development opportunities is to explore the internet (of course!) Here's a few ideas to get you started...<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b><u>Best General Sites to Squeeze Professional Development Out Of (Least Time Commitment)</u></b></div>
<div>
Pinterest, Twitter, Facebook- I consider these "passive" professional development opportunities. You sign up, follow a few key people, but then it is up to you how much time you want to spend. Don't know where to start? Here's a brief list. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
1. Pinterest: Search for the specific device or lesson you are interested in integrating technology. Got 1 iPad for your class? Search "1 iPad classroom." You can also follow boards you find through your searches. Of course, you could also start with <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/inklingspot/teacher-technology/" target="_blank">my board</a> for teacher technology. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
2. Twitter: I suggest starting by following your favorite authors, professional or not. I follow <a href="https://twitter.com/KellyGToGo" target="_blank">Kelly Gallagher </a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/neilhimself" target="_blank">Neil Gaiman </a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/StephenKing" target="_blank">Stephen King</a>. Each of those twitter accounts are thought provoking, funny, and inspiring. Teachers will also really enjoy following different hashtags for professional development, such as #Engchat for English teachers. (Also, definitely follow #teacherproblems for a bit of humor.) </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
3. Facebook: Have teacher friends at different districts? Teach in a large district? You can take ownership of your development while gaining crowd-sourcing power by creating content groups on Facebook. You should also check out professional organizations content groups on Facebook. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b><u>Individual/Group Blogs (Medium Time Commitment)</u></b></div>
<div>
<ol>
<li><a href="http://www.coolcatteacher.com/" target="_blank">www.coolcatteacher.com </a> Ran by a real teacher, Cool Cat Teacher focuses on many technology hints and tips. I really recommend the "Tips for Beginners" (top right hand side of the page) as a good starting point. </li>
<li><a href="http://www.alicekeeler.com/teachertech/">http://www.alicekeeler.com/teachertech/</a> Also, a general website chalked full of teacher technology tips. </li>
<li><a href="http://www.teacherpop.org/">www.teacherpop.org</a> Teacherpop is a website ran by Teach for America as a blog and resource page for new teachers. It often has technology-centered resources. </li>
<li><a href="http://theinnovativeeducator.blogspot.com/2012/03/top-10-technology-blogs-for-education.html" target="_blank">This best of technology list</a>. I bookmarked this list and occasionally click on a different blog. Don't be afraid to run a google search for your content and technology, or your grade-level and technology. You never know what blog you might kick up! </li>
</ol>
<div>
<u>Upcoming posts</u></div>
</div>
<div>
<ul>
<li>Organizing files and professional development records </li>
<li>Grading faster and more effectively </li>
<li>Prioritizing technology skills for students </li>
</ul>
<div>
Feel free to comment your favorite technology professional development resources or make suggestions! </div>
</div>
Ms. Lhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11300265521777730938noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7963915406100812921.post-19578737857256737652014-08-31T21:27:00.000-05:002014-08-31T21:27:27.533-05:00September Blog Challenge: Google Drive AppsMy school is currently in the middle of seismic shifts in technology. Just this year...<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>New evaluation system using the website Bloomboard to manage files and meetings</li>
<li>All teachers now have Macbook Airs (previously desktops running Windows) </li>
<li>Lesson plans to be uploaded through Google drive</li>
<li>Moving to a new online gradebook system-called TAC for teacher access system </li>
</ul>
<div>
I'm sure other schools are also finding themselves attempting changes in technology; unfortunately, it seems like there is just never enough time in the school day to do everything teachers have to do, never mind the new technology tips and trips! However, technology <b>can</b> save time and deeply engage students. So, I'm challenging myself to blog about some of the new technology tips and tricks I've found really helpful through the month of September in the hopes that it might help someone out in internet-land. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
My first topic: <b>Making Google Drive work for you... with apps! </b></div>
<div>
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHtjFGd2_1kVeqplJl56XM2L9myHraVv66aKhXiLOGDW08EiWuoU0xw5XH8ldWkgB7NRfvqO1pwTB_4DP8OR5GvaVLWsq8kBVWs8K2k09VXQPD-Ctkerx7-582EaFWKz1BuaK-oYf6Mko/s1600/google.drive.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHtjFGd2_1kVeqplJl56XM2L9myHraVv66aKhXiLOGDW08EiWuoU0xw5XH8ldWkgB7NRfvqO1pwTB_4DP8OR5GvaVLWsq8kBVWs8K2k09VXQPD-Ctkerx7-582EaFWKz1BuaK-oYf6Mko/s1600/google.drive.png" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
<div>
In Google Drive, when you click the big red button in the upper left corner marked 'create', you will have the option of using all of Google Drive's version of documents, presentations, and spreadsheets. For your every day life, these programs work perfectly well. However, for many teachers, they just don't have the same features as more traditional programs, like Microsoft's Powerpoint. My favorite app to replace presentations and Microsoft's Powerpoint in Zoho Show. Here's how to use it: </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
At the bottom of the create page, you will see the button marked "connect more apps." I searched for "powerpoint" and found Zoho Show. You will have to click "yes" to make it the default program to open powerpoint files and other slideshows. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQLdfaOu1aOf-DieIRXJ2-woirvBjIAdqN8ryFAHfB3ysuVriM4MXy5QaougnQyn_s6XbYk0ldoLJQY_Vs2RTjWzqZXZ8P6LDsCGUK_Pvz-UuLawEtXv1YNKAxo2ujqD6IMY_rrE8M99E/s1600/apps2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQLdfaOu1aOf-DieIRXJ2-woirvBjIAdqN8ryFAHfB3ysuVriM4MXy5QaougnQyn_s6XbYk0ldoLJQY_Vs2RTjWzqZXZ8P6LDsCGUK_Pvz-UuLawEtXv1YNKAxo2ujqD6IMY_rrE8M99E/s1600/apps2.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Once you connect Zoho Show, just click "create" then "Zoho Show." To use this app, like most other apps, you must click accept in order for it to connect with your email and other security features. After that, it will offer you 15 templates to choose from, but then the basic arrangements are a lot like Powerpoint. Here's an example: </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFrmPYMIuct4db79tuA9Bjnsp_-hmyjSu6nCDBXoT2Btqb39X4M35BhbPeMpn5lPezpadHpFps4naL6_dGV3RAF9GTIHKUI9O_z-x7W9Nr5fc052fUqbN7fme4z0Slbozc3suQyDDV9G4/s1600/zoho-how-to.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFrmPYMIuct4db79tuA9Bjnsp_-hmyjSu6nCDBXoT2Btqb39X4M35BhbPeMpn5lPezpadHpFps4naL6_dGV3RAF9GTIHKUI9O_z-x7W9Nr5fc052fUqbN7fme4z0Slbozc3suQyDDV9G4/s1600/zoho-how-to.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I have personally really loved using Zoho Show; I haven't really even missed Powerpoint! If you find yourself missing certain programs but only have access to Google Drive, try searching in the app store for replacements. You might find something really awesome! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
</div>
Ms. Lhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11300265521777730938noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7963915406100812921.post-19290663009892819872014-08-25T21:12:00.000-05:002014-08-25T21:12:38.072-05:00The Power of ChoiceToday was one of the only days in my teaching career where I walked away feeling like I had truly done the right thing by every student. Being an educator means that you will never know for sure if you are doing the right thing; everyone has an opinion about what you should be doing in your classroom, after all. Test prep, close reading, word walls, exit tickets-I've been advised to do all of that (and more) at some point in every single class period-as if there really is some perfect recipe for a lesson. Hint: there really aren't magic bullets in education. Sorry.<br />
<br />
But here at the beginning of my fourth year, after a very special summer with the Arkansas Delta Writing Institute, I plunged into my classroom with something resembling confidence. Okay, maybe that's not the right word-fear mixed with passion multiplied by commitment all poured over the top of years worth of reflection, sweat, and tears (all baked at 350 degrees for 8 to 10 months-to terribly mix my metaphors).<br />
<br />
The balance to strike at the beginning of this year at my school is schedule changes, technology hot messes, and getting to know students in a meaningful way, all while itching to get started on whatever standards or units that have been shoved at you or you've carefully developed and edited-whichever. In my first week of school, my students read two non-fiction articles, set up writing notebooks, and worked on internalizing a growth mindset through discussion and a short exit ticket.<br />
<br />
It was just alright-maybe a little energizing to actually meet students. But then today happened. <br />
<br />
I took all of my classes to the library and all of my students checked out a book and established a page amount goal, based on Penny Kittle's <i>Book Love</i>. The only real direction I gave was in selecting a title that wasn't too terribly difficult.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggvjjVYTzi4-O0mwkAL00b7SBENORf6OWxflfYGA0YDfdZIXRLIjyYGVkbciKz1EHw16uq4ihnOaQy5tylt_XC8CAGYM1UFSExmHrijaJP6EcC7PMnUq2v7xshAulUP13eJipDuixkS2Q/s1600/library-books.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggvjjVYTzi4-O0mwkAL00b7SBENORf6OWxflfYGA0YDfdZIXRLIjyYGVkbciKz1EHw16uq4ihnOaQy5tylt_XC8CAGYM1UFSExmHrijaJP6EcC7PMnUq2v7xshAulUP13eJipDuixkS2Q/s1600/library-books.jpg" height="234" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Blatantly borrowed stock photograph. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Did some of my kids wimp out and get really easy reads? Absolutely. Did some of my kids want to re-read books from junior high, probably out of a lack of confidence? Yes. But <i>In Cold Blood, The Things They Carried, </i>westerns, sports books, biographies, and non-fiction books about wars were all checked out by kids <b><u>who were excited to read</u></b>. I was able to talk to almost every single student about books in a meaningful way. I gave a mini-lesson about dialogue on the side. Even my most reluctant readers walked away with a book and at least 20 minutes of reading.<br />
<br />
My principal came in at the beginning of first period and asked if we were doing a research paper; I said no, we were just checking out books. I felt a twinge of embarrassment and shame-<b>just </b>checking out books? What was I doing? It turns out, I was building the foundation for life-long readers.<br />
<br />
I feel energized and passionate; I still have a long way to go to sustain a meaningful and productive independent reading program in my classroom that leads students to increasingly challenging books. I am working on building in choice and creativity, as well as argument and research, into my writing units. But-I've jumped in. No going back.Ms. Lhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11300265521777730938noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7963915406100812921.post-31572727808149832132014-02-03T22:48:00.000-06:002014-02-09T20:57:53.863-06:00Life Organization: Arc vs. Erin Condren PlannersI have yet to find the <i>perfect</i> planner organization system. I want my planner systems to be paper-based, flexible, and very mobile. In the last year, I've tried an Arc system (from Staples.com) and an Erin Condren life planner.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif3ffiiOk91uM_hEcoyI1z_oK5urusFDoAHboMQOBzzPKco-RwekTEAiZA2NxLQJb7pxVc7_vBkC9XuXzEM2JKnjtqElCioTqWM-CyXCgakMM2OzJ74gHo4HEZbZ61UV6icy09vk4vH0w/s1600/IMG_1251.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif3ffiiOk91uM_hEcoyI1z_oK5urusFDoAHboMQOBzzPKco-RwekTEAiZA2NxLQJb7pxVc7_vBkC9XuXzEM2JKnjtqElCioTqWM-CyXCgakMM2OzJ74gHo4HEZbZ61UV6icy09vk4vH0w/s1600/IMG_1251.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I fell in love with the Arc system because it is highly customizable. The hole punch is an expensive one-time purchase, but the notebook cover was very reasonable. It uses a series of discs to bind the pages together, so I can move pages and sections around and replace covers. I decided on the full-sized poly-plastic cover. This was great because I simply printed the pages I needed weekly or monthly. Crazy week? Different planning guide. While using this notebook, I had a monthly plan, daily plan, and a reference section. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpFIw5L-Kwwyrpte1dUqiuiSeXjLPrMwE2JFgH1SnFPDBdv6v2q8Lujpw21i_K5ferQi95TZi_yj1B1K9GhCFpr3ym12AvyyR6Q15537HgfB3GZPnSxP07kXRe-Cpvf_oWlRrfL79VOpg/s1600/IMG_1245.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpFIw5L-Kwwyrpte1dUqiuiSeXjLPrMwE2JFgH1SnFPDBdv6v2q8Lujpw21i_K5ferQi95TZi_yj1B1K9GhCFpr3ym12AvyyR6Q15537HgfB3GZPnSxP07kXRe-Cpvf_oWlRrfL79VOpg/s1600/IMG_1245.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
One negative I found with the Arc system is that regular printer paper tended to curl, as above. Most of the pages, such as the weekly pages, could be tossed at the end of the week. However, I like to keep at least the monthly pages as a record of professional development, major appointments, etc. I did purchase larger discs, but my goal was to keep my notebook very mobile-but then where do I put the record sheets?<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhITsJEMVY76IvL8PedRe5bFzbkeyPa4EiPjffUprrKbg_WeK3PyWr67y93c_57iifF6U6dMg38SS8VPI3yZQwbOFK7iQ3pyA1t0DvIuQ5tlHiLRyubcjpYRidRnwxETillPWGXxY_Xuxk/s1600/IMG_1250.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhITsJEMVY76IvL8PedRe5bFzbkeyPa4EiPjffUprrKbg_WeK3PyWr67y93c_57iifF6U6dMg38SS8VPI3yZQwbOFK7iQ3pyA1t0DvIuQ5tlHiLRyubcjpYRidRnwxETillPWGXxY_Xuxk/s1600/IMG_1250.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
However, my biggest problem was simply the size and remembering to print or hole punch, creating a <b>hot mess. </b>I left the expensive hole punch at home, but I did almost all my printing at school on standard paper. Really, a slightly heavier paper would be better. My Arc will stick out of my beloved Timbuk2 purse, so I tended to leave it in my school bag on the weekend. This was a problem because I constantly needed to add to my calendar when out with friends or at church.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I have now switched to an Erin Condren Life Planner. While expensive ($50 before adding accessories), it is very sturdy. The paper is a good weight, the spiral is metal with a plastic coating for smooth page turning, and the tabs are laminated. While I have largely been impressed with the excellent quality, the plastic zip pouch in my planner split along the side a few days into carrying two felt pens. The company credited my next purchase for $10, and I duct taped the split closed- a hassle, but not a deal breaker. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5wz8PCpVVPIshQOs45AnJpQJjS0bM1wIS9l9S9kUGCV8dc3XwNq3Ml_o9yzPoRhIzfRenwynX4f3fJGKd7kmrWd9SF0PztsW1DTd4_CXhyfIrH8LkF8SFLElIGnU08r_LMLXSub5Z5Nk/s1600/IMG_1247.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5wz8PCpVVPIshQOs45AnJpQJjS0bM1wIS9l9S9kUGCV8dc3XwNq3Ml_o9yzPoRhIzfRenwynX4f3fJGKd7kmrWd9SF0PztsW1DTd4_CXhyfIrH8LkF8SFLElIGnU08r_LMLXSub5Z5Nk/s1600/IMG_1247.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I did not purchase the additional pen holder ($8 really?!?), but perhaps this pouch was not designed for pens; if so, they should fix that!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq_DWvYhgZHbyoW9exgfCGSZ1Z9COr5hzOPwHBniz_wzunL_kDqaLPtFrAPIkpFOT7Bg2KmIqt8wJn5seujYOVX9BI2blULCho7p1Io0LnyeSiH3HU3eWZ1hBMuecmMXF3WJ2Yes2L8ko/s1600/IMG_1249.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq_DWvYhgZHbyoW9exgfCGSZ1Z9COr5hzOPwHBniz_wzunL_kDqaLPtFrAPIkpFOT7Bg2KmIqt8wJn5seujYOVX9BI2blULCho7p1Io0LnyeSiH3HU3eWZ1hBMuecmMXF3WJ2Yes2L8ko/s1600/IMG_1249.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The best parts? It easily fits into my bag! Its basically adorable! I bought my planner, and then my mother, school counselor and her daughter all bought one: s<i>erious </i>planner envy. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4pJDwC9aZ8nqdGDp3O-ykRdXA2iKbWux-pu5qaktLILKvdNVCU-S049zdMIm94Qz-Ks4C4JANhjAfLrGXBACa2sxKQ34OMWpRD6ZtJ8Vz5NPhLHVqDv_bPiLhzwNPrzmZjn-aIRs6O5o/s1600/IMG_1237.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4pJDwC9aZ8nqdGDp3O-ykRdXA2iKbWux-pu5qaktLILKvdNVCU-S049zdMIm94Qz-Ks4C4JANhjAfLrGXBACa2sxKQ34OMWpRD6ZtJ8Vz5NPhLHVqDv_bPiLhzwNPrzmZjn-aIRs6O5o/s1600/IMG_1237.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
The monthly planning squares are a decent size and I use the note section to record flexible deadlines and the like.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn8R1c3Xp1ueS8rAn6RFJTyupyPAH2zOy3JbkX1c0NRZzz5xr-zC26iVjclTCdW81X2AjX6tDcd7dzzTEe-4t-3b2CV0x7HYTkOt8Q57aACRjJuNKJeJEAEsl0Gn42pjkoNZqN_SbzZGk/s1600/IMG_1246.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn8R1c3Xp1ueS8rAn6RFJTyupyPAH2zOy3JbkX1c0NRZzz5xr-zC26iVjclTCdW81X2AjX6tDcd7dzzTEe-4t-3b2CV0x7HYTkOt8Q57aACRjJuNKJeJEAEsl0Gn42pjkoNZqN_SbzZGk/s1600/IMG_1246.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
The weekly pages are on two pages with spaces for notes to the left and below. However, it's automatically divided into morning, day, and night categories. This doesn't allow for as much flexibility for crazy weeks as my Arc. Generally, the list of things I need to complete during my second period planning period fills the morning square completely, never mind the things I complete from 5:30-7:45 before school!<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEhbJNTVXVLQPJyFJ6DrTnhVOHb3jn9iQcF9X1ZtQFIn1AX4zhwHUYinmlAsw_QGtNfS4yyQIQvScqxJRRWHyRZ-Me5s8PFxgFSVt7askD9C8WlcVp9FVtWbDAkqtMJJmOXSxiltwRpQk/s1600/Arc.weekly.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEhbJNTVXVLQPJyFJ6DrTnhVOHb3jn9iQcF9X1ZtQFIn1AX4zhwHUYinmlAsw_QGtNfS4yyQIQvScqxJRRWHyRZ-Me5s8PFxgFSVt7askD9C8WlcVp9FVtWbDAkqtMJJmOXSxiltwRpQk/s1600/Arc.weekly.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Weekly Worksheet copyright of <i>The Together Teacher (thetogetherteacher.com). </i><br />You should really consider checking out the blog and<i> The Together Teacher </i>by Maia Heyck-Merlin<br /><i> </i>if you are into creating an organized teacher life! </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
By comparison, I could easily customize my weekly worksheets in my Arc, with spaces to divide my goals for the week by my role as a teacher, friend, etc. I could break down my day by hour or by morning and night. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b>In summary:</b> I like my Erin Condren planner and will definitely finish the calendar year with it. However, in the long term, I feel my planning needs will force me back to my Arc. I can easily print several months worth of weekly planning sheets.To improve on it, I would suggest printing paper that will be referenced constantly on heavier stock or put into a page protector/folder insert. I also need to position my hole punch near wherever I'm doing my printing, and create a designated place to put old monthly and weekly sheets. I have also considered buying the half-sheet sized cover for the Arc or (*SIGH*) resigning myself to an even larger purse- thoughts?</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Feel free to share any suggestions, or share your organization systems in the comments! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
Ms. Lhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11300265521777730938noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7963915406100812921.post-61851492182395137432013-09-17T19:41:00.000-05:002013-09-19T20:09:30.956-05:00Unit 1 Reflection<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5gsmihd28NhPUWUId3bcr3AerY_FUo7nARSBTmcrUL5hGyEbfek2SqITZ3CcelRGKHHp6U1RHikIO3KlBQYznMWS3XulPanLzxOcsG07zaJR8M0StFGbw_0k4394lcmB65MEOpoyTz18/s1600/catandmirror-281x300.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5gsmihd28NhPUWUId3bcr3AerY_FUo7nARSBTmcrUL5hGyEbfek2SqITZ3CcelRGKHHp6U1RHikIO3KlBQYznMWS3XulPanLzxOcsG07zaJR8M0StFGbw_0k4394lcmB65MEOpoyTz18/s1600/catandmirror-281x300.jpg" /></a></div>
More often than not, when teachers "reflect," they don't often see an honest picture. It has taken me literally years teaching to honestly reflect. There are always good things and strengths, and always things that could be better. <br />
<br />
Positives so far in my first unit:<br />
1. I've been using Kelly Gallagher's "Article of the Week" to make sure I teach nonfiction skills along with the short story unit. My kids have written a 1 page response for each article and have read about Tesla electric cars, Seamus Heaney, and how to improve their brains.<br />
<br />
2. I tried a Socratic Seminar for the first time, and it ROCKED. The kids had rich conversations and a better written response as a result.<br />
<br />
3. We read The Scarlet Ibis, The Necklace, The Gift of the Magi, and will be finishing up The Red Headed League soon. We had some very rich conversations. I loved how mad some of my students were at the end of the Necklace.<br />
<br />
4. I have developed an easily updated system for Bell Ringers. I'm loosely following Kelly Gallagher's outline of grammar skills found in "Write Like This!"<br />
<br />
Negatives/A chance to grow: <br />
1. My unit plan turned out to suck. I did not effectively backwards plan assessments, nor plan for effective learning goals with effective exit tickets. I'm going to have to get better about grading meaningful assignments based off of clear learning goals and assessing smaller chunks. 3 short stories in one unit test? WHAT WAS I THINKING?!<br />
<br />
2. I did not effectively pace my reading assignments. Part of this was because I truly struggled to gain data about my students. It was easy for me to look at some basic writing samples and see some giant holes in their writing understanding. But, I did not start the year with reading levels. I went from the last two years looking at DRA scores to only having anecdotal information passed on from lower grades. I don't know how to effectively gauge reading levels for 150 students.<br />
<br />
3. I want my students to be able to continue to develop their writing into multiple page assignments; we are scheduled to write a 2-4 page research paper in January and I want students to start that assignment with some foundation writing skills. However, assigning a 1 page response for homework, even after reading the article in class and modeling an outline gets me a 50% return rate.<br />
<br />
4. Vocabulary instruction-what vocabulary instruction?<br />
<br />
Next steps:<br />
1. I am starting to Kill A Mockingbird with more resources; I will find exemplar assessments to align standards and learning goals to weekly sets of chapters by the end of the week. I will build an end of unit assessment based off of those weekly quiz questions/essay topics.<br />
<br />
2. I will research high school reading assessments for next year. I will consider asking the grade below me assess students at the end of the year.<br />
<br />
3. I need to better incentive smaller homework assignments; starting this week, I will assign 1/2 page paragraphs or short grammar practice-after looking at the unit assessment results, we could use some more practice.<br />
<br />
4. I've bought a couple of vocabulary instruction books. I will find pre-made lists from Mockingbird, or I will have kids preview the texts and make a vocabulary list/per chapter. Either way, I will find a system and try it. If it doesn't work, at least I tried something in this unit.<br />
<br />
Since you read this whole thing, have something cute from the internet:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiy5duWXIGqqJESAx165GfL3VpY1tMluLc1KFhWRDGZolyw3BiNVJKi5MG9oOmY0ejJwYZY9X4VIes25H0RUtg1cR8nm6Zbj9aNRVuS1djxSgmWt9Pw1WBZGuiljgy1UnuvfoEJ4XUqCo/s1600/derp.puppy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiy5duWXIGqqJESAx165GfL3VpY1tMluLc1KFhWRDGZolyw3BiNVJKi5MG9oOmY0ejJwYZY9X4VIes25H0RUtg1cR8nm6Zbj9aNRVuS1djxSgmWt9Pw1WBZGuiljgy1UnuvfoEJ4XUqCo/s320/derp.puppy.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Ms. Lhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11300265521777730938noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7963915406100812921.post-51218381983411556672013-09-15T19:32:00.000-05:002013-09-15T19:32:00.505-05:00A Cautionary Computer Tale<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
I've been getting up early, getting to school around 6:30, and generally getting home around 6. Not particularly healthy, I know. Unfortunately, it's my computer who paid for it. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRuTTPPHU1ghoXLrhZ_Rzj6VZYsi1cj1Hk_BdpqRCgT7cq1K9ImhgrtfGPfq7_ssbcsaax7V9GEfehNp_i-jabXqlXTj5ze80FIZWZ5YvCLpQW-nzVfHWvD1LybPtMyj-TTFDeeztoEKI/s1600/dent.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRuTTPPHU1ghoXLrhZ_Rzj6VZYsi1cj1Hk_BdpqRCgT7cq1K9ImhgrtfGPfq7_ssbcsaax7V9GEfehNp_i-jabXqlXTj5ze80FIZWZ5YvCLpQW-nzVfHWvD1LybPtMyj-TTFDeeztoEKI/s320/dent.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Inside the white square, above, is a tiny dent. Funny story. I had let my iPad charge last weekend and then carelessly laid it on top of some clothes I hadn't put up yet. I was up late the other night making notes for the next day; when I finally went to sleep, I laid my macbook gently on the floor next to my bed. In a hurry to find a shirt the next morning, my iPad fell from the chair and onto my macbook. I hurried to school without another thought. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
That afternoon, I opened my laptop to find this: </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5YmGoJfHK5UI1Dtc3qcJPJ1prskAro-rbwp_wGXE3DKaCTAgEdFh0NoWkXtf9HSN4ZKGeQ4NbNdsG6Jzp01nMFH92jYmxqxNBKnQIzqLIOH34vWoqbKFgDD3Hi0n2KgIXa7AGaNUsrTU/s1600/IMG_1141.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5YmGoJfHK5UI1Dtc3qcJPJ1prskAro-rbwp_wGXE3DKaCTAgEdFh0NoWkXtf9HSN4ZKGeQ4NbNdsG6Jzp01nMFH92jYmxqxNBKnQIzqLIOH34vWoqbKFgDD3Hi0n2KgIXa7AGaNUsrTU/s320/IMG_1141.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
I didn't know whether to throw up or cry. I did neither.<br />
<br />
My nearest Apple store is more than a two hour drive; when I attempted to call Apple support (cue the internet laughter), I was prompted to cough up $20. Yeah. Right. I called a few other repair places and got estimates of at least $400 to $800; all said at least a month repair time.<br />
<br />
I went with a friend to Best Buy to bemoan the state of windows laptops; did you know they are mostly touchscreen now?!? Crazy. I was generally more impressed with tablets, but I still need a laptop for managing music, using Office products, managing teacher files. Anyway, I decided to buy another macbook pro, this time with a three year protection plan.<br />
<br />
My first macbook would have been 2 years old in two weeks. Moral? 1. Naked laptops should never be left unattended. 2. Always buy the warranty. 3. NEVER leave laptops on the floor.Ms. Lhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11300265521777730938noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7963915406100812921.post-48828966884075904162013-08-17T21:06:00.000-05:002013-08-17T21:06:56.532-05:00Classroom Tour, 2013-2014!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<object width="320" height="266" class="BLOGGER-youtube-video" classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=6,0,40,0" data-thumbnail-src="http://img.youtube.com/vi/qHDy_b33cCQ/0.jpg"><param name="movie" value="http://youtube.googleapis.com/v/qHDy_b33cCQ&source=uds" /><param name="bgcolor" value="#FFFFFF" /><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /><embed width="320" height="266" src="http://youtube.googleapis.com/v/qHDy_b33cCQ&source=uds" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
When I think about starting my third year of teaching, all I can think about is the song above. Even though I'm moving from a small district to a large one and from elementary to high school, some things never change, including the facts of teaching in high poverty areas. Even though my new district is whiter and more affluent, it is still over 60% free and reduced lunch. In fact, some parts of setting up this year feel exactly like the first time I set up a classroom: not enough materials, not enough information about expectations, and equipment that just doesn't work. But, just like always, the bottom line is creating an environment and a curriculum for <i>the kids.</i> Here's my shot at creating the environment part. </div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG-oih_XW-OBUqgOKQaKCdRhyphenhyphenowtxMTzRR2upYCNealHsZZcen2vzkd3Ms_RnlbuImHOR9mHAr0g5Os5gLuZ-qA4D19W1DzdoF42SFj-2xrJr0fNBBP64PV5iD0wDikL_LJ7Ekzig13pY/s1600/IMG_1131.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG-oih_XW-OBUqgOKQaKCdRhyphenhyphenowtxMTzRR2upYCNealHsZZcen2vzkd3Ms_RnlbuImHOR9mHAr0g5Os5gLuZ-qA4D19W1DzdoF42SFj-2xrJr0fNBBP64PV5iD0wDikL_LJ7Ekzig13pY/s320/IMG_1131.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The outside wall; I had the poster printed up at the local print shop.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrz-3LBUYoKAhyphenhyphenzo3kRc9mZ_MsX_4UT3ecRYV9R7Sab1FJfX4RCzv-VF5IADQg9Rirwsk4d6dZEGvse2Pc25omsFPhIlyNLpBHJxY_SGfshXen9YNstOY7GH_aBWIYkEZGQ1I84vGuz9k/s1600/IMG_1132.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrz-3LBUYoKAhyphenhyphenzo3kRc9mZ_MsX_4UT3ecRYV9R7Sab1FJfX4RCzv-VF5IADQg9Rirwsk4d6dZEGvse2Pc25omsFPhIlyNLpBHJxY_SGfshXen9YNstOY7GH_aBWIYkEZGQ1I84vGuz9k/s320/IMG_1132.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The back of my classroom.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
One great thing about my current district is the availability of actual textbooks. I'll have a class set and see if I need to check out books to individual students for homework and make-ups.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgQDGE0PMZP71qiQBp1VmrMt5LmKEXzDv_jSfj883DuKao1x64XCh-14R3c5KmubpPb9Of8p9HX8kwyCdBlY3g2RL-msvMAH2JFiXjluyIHQ2-poAQv9d0nxz-a6LD2QNKDvEWZ2vWSrc/s1600/IMG_1133.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgQDGE0PMZP71qiQBp1VmrMt5LmKEXzDv_jSfj883DuKao1x64XCh-14R3c5KmubpPb9Of8p9HX8kwyCdBlY3g2RL-msvMAH2JFiXjluyIHQ2-poAQv9d0nxz-a6LD2QNKDvEWZ2vWSrc/s320/IMG_1133.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My massive dry-erase board.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I was able to recycle both a parts of speech poster and a word choice poster. My plan is to start grammar instruction in the first unit with a review of parts of speech and word choices; I'll just have to see where my students are at with some sample writing. And, yes, my student desks are in boring rows. I didn't know how else to fit 30 desks!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUFOJGXkxePE8Ryxla3apImWFnpABKuv_tfaiSA2QzYTdzjRMK-E7VfJFF2NzPunJE2nj2TV79tcZGaXWlzrcAEKQRJki9WtF-4X8u7gbWeJvwT8CA54D9dwvfHh0fog0Isn4aw3Y2keQ/s1600/IMG_1134.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUFOJGXkxePE8Ryxla3apImWFnpABKuv_tfaiSA2QzYTdzjRMK-E7VfJFF2NzPunJE2nj2TV79tcZGaXWlzrcAEKQRJki9WtF-4X8u7gbWeJvwT8CA54D9dwvfHh0fog0Isn4aw3Y2keQ/s320/IMG_1134.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Student materials and turn in zone. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Just inside the door, I have my trays to turn in work by class period. Underneath the table, I have extra binders and paper for students to use if they need either. I also have a red cup with pencils, hand sanitizer, a hole punch, and a stapler. </div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiofkkq2n96MsRhrk09Q6UBcuqiEZmwwPGIKDr6L7259WUUFHEoUQ7JAmiOA1ZxTrzevhIKt3QjpgZ_yBpBRCMNFIjyUzKO5pBcrIDLnU816q9N3lJ4TJeqohADSdZ_W7t1FpzMltviuK8/s1600/IMG_1136.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiofkkq2n96MsRhrk09Q6UBcuqiEZmwwPGIKDr6L7259WUUFHEoUQ7JAmiOA1ZxTrzevhIKt3QjpgZ_yBpBRCMNFIjyUzKO5pBcrIDLnU816q9N3lJ4TJeqohADSdZ_W7t1FpzMltviuK8/s320/IMG_1136.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My desk area.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
My desk is a discard from a local bank, so it's roughly the size of a tank; not ideal, but so much better than my previous teacher desk! I have my computer on a table, instead of taking up desk space, which is nice, but I'm not totally in love with it facing the door. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqUBl9K3CLV7qgzf1ZvFOqjMd94iYSK0PApWpW34WOLfU5B4mw5byACCh1YCA2Y9fMwdleBNa66EMoV7lpIb9Qd13-l97cOMG1K-5wYhTcDNQXfFTXEbRVth8AiXXK6_WTIhAt2y-ep_0/s1600/IMG_1138.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqUBl9K3CLV7qgzf1ZvFOqjMd94iYSK0PApWpW34WOLfU5B4mw5byACCh1YCA2Y9fMwdleBNa66EMoV7lpIb9Qd13-l97cOMG1K-5wYhTcDNQXfFTXEbRVth8AiXXK6_WTIhAt2y-ep_0/s320/IMG_1138.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Unit Binders</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I am probably most excited and proud of this. I am creating binders for each of the 6 units this year. I have tabs for vision/big goals, lesson plans, assessments/modified assignments, and tracking student data. I plan on keeping virtual and hard copies of lesson plans and major resources with the hope that I can actually teach the same units next year <i>and make them better!</i> So far in my short career, I haven't taught the same grade or subject more than once. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2XdQI2RiYGmW9S5VwOzefbqinZQXCR-GLlrJDt3lsX_Q2xABa6NBR6J5t4SidEOsQaQ59ICZRqfKgulNefdglnuJNqAwGQvhTvuz-GTs_G3v9bTILu_xxnYhbYmnvvmXlkgpgsc6wWYo/s1600/IMG_1135.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2XdQI2RiYGmW9S5VwOzefbqinZQXCR-GLlrJDt3lsX_Q2xABa6NBR6J5t4SidEOsQaQ59ICZRqfKgulNefdglnuJNqAwGQvhTvuz-GTs_G3v9bTILu_xxnYhbYmnvvmXlkgpgsc6wWYo/s320/IMG_1135.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
I'll leave you with this excellent quote that will be the focus of my first unit.Ms. Lhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11300265521777730938noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7963915406100812921.post-68660322739256477632013-05-12T16:10:00.002-05:002013-05-12T16:10:57.919-05:00Alumni-hoodYesterday was my last professional Saturday with Teach for America. An approximately 3 hour drive to Cleveland, MS, a panel discussion, a vision-setting session, an Arkansas-specific session, then I picked up my overly large certificate of completion, and that was that. Soon, I will have my 5 year teaching license and join the ranks of more than 20,000 alumni.<br />
<br />
I guess after two years, I wanted some sort of final closure, like a graduation ceremony. However, the point of Teach for America isn't exactly to provide some sort of definitive closure or answer. In my experiences and current understanding, the problems in poor communities and in failing/struggling school districts are ever present, very complicated, and ultimately something to be fought against, not necessarily permanently fixed.<br />
<br />
I'm caught up in a lot of emotion about my TFA experience. I feel like I've grown up a lot, establishing something of a more settled set of core beliefs and needs than I left college with. But I also feel like a failure personally and professionally on many fronts; did I consistently raise kids self-confidence, skills, and test scores? I did the best I could always, but that wasn't always enough. Did I do like my fellow 6th grade teacher advise and "drive my own happy train?" Not consistently and not enough. Am I satisfied with the currently political-educational climate, my kids current lot in life, education in general? Absolutely not, but these aren't the only issues I'm frustrated with.<br />
<br />
Going forward, I'm understandably terrified. I'm job hunting. As cheesy as it sounds, my passion remains with teaching Arkansas kids; it's frustrating that charter schools in other states are so much more interested in me as a teacher than local school districts. I'm not sure where I will be living or for how long post-June. I need to get my kids ready for one more unit test, a science fair, and a field trip to Little Rock. I have an End of Year conversation with my TFA manager.<br />
<br />
Here's to the next step: figuring out alumni status.<br />
<br />Ms. Lhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11300265521777730938noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7963915406100812921.post-59033803561184521312013-01-17T21:08:00.001-06:002013-01-17T21:08:52.945-06:00"Modern" Family Housing<b><a href="http://abcnews.go.com/WNT/video/kind-homes-modern-american-families-18242945">Modern American Housing (ABC news)</a></b><br />
<br />
The above news article is just one moment in something I've been thinking about a lot since graduating college and moving into my own apartment. I'm currently renting a small two bedroom apartment alone. Things that have rocked....<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>I can spread out, put furniture wherever, decorate however, and do laundry whenever I want to. </li>
<li>I can be weird at will.</li>
<li>Don't want to eat? Who cares! So don't.</li>
</ul>
<div>
Things that have sucked...</div>
<div>
<ul>
<li>Do want to eat? Too bad! Everything you bought is slowly rotting. </li>
<li>Do want to eat? Well, if you make something, you know you are just going to watch it rot, right?</li>
<li>Upset? Call mom. Talk for 2 hours.</li>
<li>Still upset? Troll facebook. Feel more alone. Go back to above instruction. Repeat.</li>
<li>Still hungry? Want company? TOO BAD.</li>
</ul>
<div>
I really think I'm going to move back home, provided I can find a job. Yeah, it's not a totally perfect thing, but I think ultimately it will be a perfect temporary move. No, I don't know what I'm going to do with all my furniture. No, I'm not sure I will ever see a date ever again (but what else is new?) </div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
But-I will have...a big upstairs bedroom; a movie watching lounge area; someone to share laundry, cooking, and grocery duties with (who happens to know my crazy habits AND be willing to accomodate them); room to make improvements outside and inside. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I don't think it's a perfect situation, but I do think it will be better than what I currently have. I really don't think I was meant to live alone. I do need alone time, but I also need social time. I also think that humanity, in general, has only gotten this idea of launching adult children into the world (sans marriage) after their education is complete/on hiatus within the last 40-50 years-ish. I think society tends to be more stable with strong multi-generational bonds. Yes, adults should go be adults: pay bills, be able to make independent decisions about sex, accept consequences; but what if parents could allow their adult children to do all of those things while sharing economic and emotional duties of living under the same roof? </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
This will most likely be a temporary situation, unless I find employment I LOVE. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I just wish more families could build the healthy bonds that create a safe place for young and old; where every member is equally valued, encouraged and supported to grow; and everyone could achieve financial and social stability and happiness. </div>
Ms. Lhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11300265521777730938noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7963915406100812921.post-53010861805742464122013-01-15T20:46:00.000-06:002014-08-31T21:23:32.460-05:00I believe.Herman Melville "[contemplated] a godless universe" in his one-hit wonder of a novel, aka Moby Dick. While this was SHOCKING in the nineteenth century, it's now the norm. The moral universe that govern most books, movies, music, etc. doesn't just contemplated a godless universe-it assumes a godless universe is a fact.<br />
<br />
I read "Game of Thrones" over Christmas break. As a lover of epics like Lord of the Rings and Narnia, I was shocked by the lack of a moral balace to "Game." I don't mind sex, violence, or whatever in my media.<br />
<br />
But. I was deeply bothered by the moral universe behind "Game." "Bad" guys and "good" guys were much the the same, facing much the same fate in the end. There wasn't a rhyme or reason for it some much, either.<br />
<br />
There hasn't been much in the way of rhyme or reason in my life as of late.<br />
<br />
Okay, I guess this is what life is like post-college. Or, so I have heard. (Thanks, HBO & "Girls.")<br />
<br />
I found myself circling back to God. Two years as a middle school teacher, coming home to a empty apartment every day....well, I guess it was time.<br />
<br />
I want to write about my faith.<br />
<br />
My often lack of faith.<br />
<br />
My need for friends I can see everyday. My need for a relationship. My need to deeply love my friends talking to me on facebook chat (right now), calling (every couple of days), and going to eat pizza (most weekends).<br />
<br />
My need to write.<br />
<br />
Can I overcome "Game of Thrones" message of a godless universe? Probably not. But can I overcome my own feelings of godlessness with honest writing? Yes.<br />
<br />
<br />Ms. Lhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11300265521777730938noreply@blogger.com0