Dear WinkWorld Readers,
Readers of WinkWorld know that I have been writing about prairie pedagogy because it fascinates me to see the powerful teaching and learning (a.k.a., pedagogy) that is going on in these tiny, tiny schools on the prairies. In addition, I want to help maintain the history of these schools. Missy, the teacher, is my second cousin, and I find her exceptional as a teacher. She pays no attention to me when I’m in the classroom which I love.
I am crazy in love with the students of this school.
However, let me be honest: The reason I am particularly motivated to finish this document is because I feared that the enrollment (seven students) was just too small, and the district might have to close the school. However, at the beginning of January 2024 we had a population explosion with five new students being enrolled.
Dare I hope? Perhaps what I feared will not happen; perhaps, the end is just a new beginning?
In this issue of WinkWorld, I will share several news items which interest me. First, I will share two short stories of the first week of school when five new students joined the previous seven students. Next, I will share about an international teacher literacy book club. In addition, I plan to update my photo on my web page. Finally, I will share a bit of health news.
Two Short Stories about the First Week of School in January 2024
It has been cold and frosty on the kids’ playground.
During the first week of class the reading lesson was on inferences. Suddenly, one of the new students had an a-ha moment. In their family’s chicken coop, he found some broken eggs, and he inferred that they had a skunk in the area.
Two of the new students and one of the previous students were studying the American Revolution by making invisible ink quotes like the spies used during the American Revolution.
The students and I each have an amaryllis plant. We share pictures every day or two as our flowers begin to open. Missy said that when the students entered the classroom on January 3rd after a long two eek break, there were audible gasps as they saw what the amaryllis had done in their absence.
A Story about an International Teacher Literacy Book Club in Montenegro
Out of the blue I received a message from Marina Avvakumova, one of my treasured Masters’ students from years ago in Mallorca, Spain. She had a very specific question: What should be the first book which they use in an international literacy teachers book club? I have considered this question in other occasions, and I knew immediately what my answer would be.
The Power of Reading
by Stephen Krashen
I believe it relates equally well to first language acquisition and also to second, third, etc. language acquisition. Experienced and novice teachers will find it meaningful and compelling. Teachers in this group represent the following countries: US, UK, Turkey, Russia, and South Africa.
Here are a few links about this Krashen book
Deb Harrison, a teacher in WY, wrote this article telling about her experience with The Power of Reading when she was a grad student in one of my classes.
The post below is a fun Powtoons created by Deb, also.
Marina now lives and teaches in Montenegro. Where in the world is Montenegro?
Meet dear Marina
Time Marches On: A New Photo
Turns out, I no longer look exactly the way I did about 10 years ago when that previous photo was taken.
A word about health
This is the first WinkWorld I have done totally on a dictation program. The reason for this is that I have been diagnosed with essential tremors in my hands. I always sort of knew I was going to get this as it is hereditary, and I have watched several in my family who had it. It has taken my script away from me and much of my ability on the computer keyboard. This is a real bummer, but the good news is that there are no negative cognitive consequences that come with essential tremors.
Thank you to Missy Urbaniak, Marina Avvakumova, Stephen Fleming, Deb Harrison, and Dawn Wink.
at 2:05 pm
You’re still as beautiful and resilient as ever! Hoping Brian and I might get a chance to see you when we arrive in Tucson next week.
at 7:31 pm
Looking forward to seeing you!
at 9:13 pm
Joan,
I love the pictures of the school, the students, the amaryllis, and your updated photo! I always enjoy reading your work and your first book, Critical Pedagogy: Notes From the Real World changed my life! I wish I could come and visit you in Tucson. :). I am sure this dictation will not slow you down for a minute. Love to you!
at 4:31 pm
Thanks, dear friend. I am happy that you enjoy the stories. Stay warm in Michigan.
at 9:18 pm
My birthday buddy… thinking of you and know your strong will may change how you do things, but not that you will get them done. Hope to see you and the other Encantadas very soon!
at 4:35 pm
Hey birthday buddy, we
miss you out here. Hope we connect soon. Love you.
at 11:08 pm
Loving this positive & delightful writings from your “pen” & warm heart my long-time Friend! I fondly recall the beautiful seeds that were planted & nurtured in my 4 Kids mubds & Spirits, during the amazing year in a “Prairie School” the year we lived on a Ranch near Williston, ND…before coming to the Cascabel in the Land of Enhancement❤ Your delightful Spirit continues to impact mine, in such positive ways…as does your Beautiful Daughter’s as well💜
at 4:36 pm
Love hearing from you. Hope all is well. Stay in touch. Thank you love, Joan.
at 1:05 am
Dear Joan- I am sorry to learn of the essential tremors that are currently taking over your ability to write, but…knowing you, JW, this is not going to stop you from writing, publishing, or other academic endeavors! And, you look fabulous 🙂 always have.
XOX – Chris
at 4:38 pm
Hey dear friend and colleague. Thanks for your ever consistent support. Love staying in touch with you. Big hugs.
at 4:38 pm
Hey dear friend and colleague. Thanks for your ever consistent support. Love staying in touch with you. Big hugs.
at 3:54 pm
Love you Joan! Keep dancing to your love language on the prairie—- that of positive thinking and action.
at 4:40 pm
Janice, thank you for your kind words. xo
at 11:49 pm
Dear Joan,
You are an inspiration and as beautiful as ever! I treasure you as one of my dearest friends!! Keep writing!!
Love, Janet ❤️
at 5:05 pm
You are such a super friend. Love you!
xo
at 6:53 pm
xo
at 6:40 pm
Hi Joan,
Loved your 3 short stories. The country school comes alive in your stories & pictures! Would be so neat to visit & see the school in person! The students & Missy have been most fortunate to have your visits & input!
Stay strong & know you are appreciated by so many! Ione from Mobridge! 😍
at 4:15 pm
THANKS SO MUCH! Love my connections in Mobridge. xo
at 6:54 pm
Love my Mobridge connections, too!
at 6:54 pm
Love my Mobridge connections, too!