Author: Jennifer Wood Laird
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Micro Moves/Micro Shifts
Change is inevitable in all facets of our lives. We change our hairstyle, our eating habits, our routines, our friends, and even our needs versus wants with NO explanation. I make changes every day which result in me doing something different because something in my life isn’t working. So tell me, why do educators need…
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50 Precious Words
In my journey to become a published picture book author, I’m submitting my writing for critique. It’s a frightening concept; rejection is hard. The most recent challenge was to write a story for kids using 50 words. You have to be very selective. I received Honorable Mention accolades! Try it!
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What My Dog Really Thinks of Me…
Today, I had an argument with my son. While I overplayed something, my teenager underplayed it, sending me into a downward spiral and ugly rant. It was over something stupid; but nevertheless, I raised my voice and concerns. And after the dust settled, and we had kissed and made up, my dog looked at me…
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There’s Good in Goodbyes
Driving home from an all day volleyball tournament had me driving and drifting (my mind-not my car!). Six hours of whistles and cheering left my daughters asleep and me enjoying the music and my thoughts. The lyrics to Taylor Swift’s new song, All of the Girls You Loved Before had a line where I ended…
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Please Deliver Before Delivery
I was a nanny for seven years to the sweetest family. Their oldest is about to deliver her first baby. This letter is addressed to her. Dear RMC, The irony of my letter is you won’t really know when your last supper will take place prior to your delivery. For this reason, (and a million…
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Let Your Worries Go with a Worry Stone
When I was between the ages of 10 and 12, my dad pulled me into his office and handed me a worry stone. He showed me how to rub my thumbprint back and forth and suggested I rub my worries away. At the time, our family was struggling to navigate split households, broken hearts, and…
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Cheers, Tears, and Fears for our (Tier) Students
I am the RtI Coordinator in my district which services 2000 students. Today, we had reading data meetings for our intermediate (3rd-5th) level students. After a three year plan and literacy audit, our 90% Reading Goal has been successful in grades K-5. All our students are growing as readers! We have built such a solid…
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African Elephant or A Fricken Elephant!
If you’re reading this, you’re most likely an educator. And, you most likely chose the world of education because you enjoy kids and the unpredictable things they say. I’ve been meaning to script this story since it happened two years ago. It’s entertaining and reminds me why I love being a mom and a teacher.…
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Good Grief! Why I Bought a Funeral Dress During the Pandemic
Another Slicer’s recent post on funerals sparked this memory. Thanks for the inspiration, Glenda! Weird fact…my sister and I bought funeral dresses during the pandemic. It wasn’t because I was scared of dying per say; rather, I felt like the pandemic taught me how to live. For the first time in my life, I felt…
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The Allure of Being Pulled in Opposite Directions
It’s Sunday. I’m on my last day of our beach vacation. I wake and do a body scan-nothing hurts. Then, I do a mind scan-no worries. I have nothing pressing my mind, nothing aching or pulling me in any direction. It’s going to be a lovely day; I will use every minute to its fullest.…
Jennifer Wood Laird 