SAUDI ARABIA AND KASHMIR 8:43 AM Tukiyooo 0 THE WAHHABI INVASION: HOW SAUDI USES ITS FINANCIAL SOURCE IN ORDER TO RADICALIZE KASHMIRVia India TodayThe famed Sufi tradition and spirit of KASHMIRIYAT in the Valley, already ravaged by decades of insurgency, faces a new challenge. Wahhabism, an austere, puritanical interpretation of Islam promoted by SAUDI ARABIA, is making deep inroads into KASHMIR due to the efforts of the Jamiat Ahl-e-Hadith, which calls itself a religious and welfare organisation.Background Information: NEW MOVEMENThttp://news-these-days.blogspot.com.ar/2012/08/saudi-arabia-origin-of-wahhabism.htmlSwelling congregations flock to about 700 mosques that the organisation, which registered itself way back in 1958, has built across the Valley. Practically every village along the picturesque, poplar-lined, 60-km stretch northwest of Srinagar towards Gulmarg has one or more Ahl-e-Hadith-funded mosques. The new mosques and their attendant madrassas make for a contrasting picture with the hundreds of dilapidated mosques built over centuries in the age-old Sufi tradition. Unlike worshippers at the older Sufi shrines, Ahl-e-Hadith mosques are overtly more conservative: women wear burqas or at least a headscarf, while the men sport beards and don skull caps; their traditional salwars end just above the ankle in accordance with Wahhabi tenets. “Young Kashmiris are restive and disillusioned. To them, Ahl-e-Hadith is a new, more committed and determined option.” Mohammad Yousuf Tarigami, CPI(M) legislator SAUDI ARABIA PLANS TO EXPAND MOSQUES AND MADRASSAS CONSTRUCTIONS IN SOUTH EAST ASIA Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) Police and Central intelligence officers say Ahl-e-Hadith’s funding comes primarily from SAUDI ARABIA. Based on US intelligence, they believe that the House of SAUD, rulers of SAUDI ARABIA, had in 2005 approved a $35-billion (Rs 1,75,000 crore) plan to build mosques and madrassas in SOUTH ASIA. “Wahhabi groups across Jammu and Kashmir were beneficiaries of this largesse,” says a senior police officer.SAUDI CHARITY NGOS FUND WAHHABISM Intelligence sources say SAUDI charities and private donors route zakat (charity) money to J&K through illegal hawala channels. It increases during the Eid season. Whenever mosque managements are questioned about it, their explanation is that it is donation or goat-skin money. All organisations registered under the Foreign Contributions Regulation Act (FCRA), 1976, have to submit their annual balance sheets to the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA). “Not one organisation registered under the FCRA in J&K accounted for money coming in from SAUDI ARABIA,” says a senior MHA official. However, there is no way to keep track of funds received by organisations that are not registered with MHA. Most of the organisations, which have contributed to the growth of Wahhabi and Ahl-e-Hadith movements in KASHMIR, are not registered.Background Information: See: WAHHABISM AT THE DOORSTEPS OF EUROPE http://news-these-days.blogspot.com.ar/2012/07/wahhabism-in-bosnia-herzegovina.htmlSources in the Intelligence Bureau admit that they are aware of the large-scale illegal funding, but add that they cannot do much due to the sensitive internal situation. “We have taken up the issue several times with the state police but nobody wants to get into it. It suits them to ignore it,” claim sources.Paramedics at a diagnostic centre run by the Jamiatahl-e-Hadith in Barbarshah, Srinagar.WORLDWIDE SAUDI WAHHABI TACTICS - FROM BOSNIA TO ASIA: FUNDAMENTALIST INDOCTRINATION BY WAHHABI IN MADRASSAS, SCHOOLS AND UNIVERSITIES Admitting massive cash inflows to the Valley, a senior state police officer says that the bulk of the illegal funds meant for Wahhabi groups and other hardline factions are physically transferred across the Line of Control and at the trading station in Uri in the form of hard currency-both real and fake INDIAN currency notes-taking advantage of the barter trade being permitted between J&K and PAKISTAN-Occupied Kashmir. “Checks by customs officers are at best cursory. There are no X-ray machines and other standard international border control equipment. The army merely observes the goings-on,” he says. The officer adds that it is impossible to quantify the smuggled funds and that no agency-Central or state-has made any effort to do so.What concerns police and intelligence officials more is the possibility of Lashkar-e-Toiba and Tehreek-ul-Mujahideen militants relying on Ahl-e-Hadith members to provide them hideouts. “Indoctrinated Wahhabis are the least likely to turn in Islamist militants to the police,” says a senior intelligence official. “A knee-jerk response could be dangerous. The organisation is doing a lot of good work and has a considerable following.” Mehbooba Mufti, People’s Democratic Party chief Scarcely visible a decade and a half ago, Ahl-e-Hadith now claims over 15 lakh members, over 16 per cent of Jammu and KASHMIR’S Muslims. Besides the 700 mosques and madrassas it built, Ahl-e-Hadith is believed to have funded 150 schools, several colleges, orphanages, clinics and medical diagnostic centres. It has also proposed an Rs 200-crore Islamic university, Transworld Muslim University (TWMU), in Hyderpora, Srinagar, affiliated to leading SAUDI institutions. The proposal was referred to a select committee after state Congress chief Saifuddin Soz opposed it in the Legislative Council on October 9, 2010.TWMU is planned as a multi-disciplinary institution with a stated mission to “facilitate a new generation of leaders in medicine, science, technology and religion based on the Shariahâ”. Ahl-e-Hadith is already engaged in setting up key faculties within its existing institutions across Srinagar. Accepting responsibility for halting the proposal, Soz was reticent about his reasons for refusing permission, since the proposal was cleared in February 2008 by then Congress Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad. Official sources claimed it was blocked, following intervention by J&K Governor N.N. Vohra on the advice of security agencies. Both the ruling National Conference and the Opposition People’s Democratic Party (PDP) had supported the bill. PDP head Mehbooba Mufti cautions that any decision to scuttle the university must be preceded by a thorough investigation into Ahl-e-Hadith’s sources of finance. “A knee-jerk response could be dangerous. After all, the organisation is doing a lot of good work and has a considerable following,” she says.LIKE IN BOSNIA, WAHHBISM IS EXPERIENCING INCREASING POPULARITY AMONG YOUTH PURISTS ON THE PROWLWahhabi codes run counter to the age-old Sufi tradition.Wahhabis forbid invoking names of prophets or ‘pirs’; Shrines are viewed as ‘deviant’ and forbidden.Stringent dress codes are prescribed for both men and women. Men must grow beards, wear a prayer cap and keep trousers just above their ankels; women must observe purdah.Music and dance, even loud laughter and demonstrative weeping at funerals, is actively discouraged.Alcohol, tobacco and other stimulants are prohibited.Women are dissuaded from working except where their families are in financial distress.Gender segregation is actively enforced. Men and women are discouraged from socialising in public forums. The organisation’s rapid proliferation and increasing popularity among youth is making KASHMIR’S predominantly Sufi-Hanafi community anxious. “Opportunities for better education and secure future draw young KASHMIRIS for whom Ahl-e-Hadith represents a new, untested alternative,” says CPI(M) legislator Mohammad Yousuf Tarigami. The conservative Jamaat-e-Islami, too, is nervous at the prospect of ceding political ground. Ahl-e-Hadith’s feisty General Secretary Abdul Rehman Bhat, 65, insists, “Delhi is unwittingly playing into the hands of separatists like Syed Ali Shah Geelani, who are opposed to our university.” Hurriyat leaders Geelani and Mirwaiz Umar Farooq belatedly voiced support for the university in a joint statement in November. Non-committal on the Wahhabi proliferation, Geelani says the greatest threat to KASHMIRIYAT is from “the occupation forces deployed by INDIA”. But Tarigami says Ahl-e-Hadith is contrary to the Jamaat’s ideological framework: “The Jamaat- e-Islami leadership perceives a dilution in their own brand value.”AHL-E-HADITH-RUN ENGLISH COACHING INSTITUTEThe Jammu and KASHMIR Peace Foundation (JKPF), a Hanafi organisation devoted to reviving historic Sufi shrines, believes that a sinister process of “fundamentalist indoctrination” is under way in Wahhabi madrassas and schools. Based on a district-wise count, JKPF’s Chairman Fayaz Ahmad Bhatt, 40, says nearly 7,000 mosques, including 911 in Srinagar, preach the orthodox Wahhabi brand of Islam. KASHMIR’S non-Muslim minority, too, views the Wahhabi ingress as a “conspiracy to Talibanise KASHMIR”. “The Taliban had also sprung from PAKISTANI madrassas funded by the Wahhabis,” says former Kashmir University professor Kashi Nath Pandita.Ahl-e-Hadith leaders vigorously deny all links to Islamist extremist groups. “We are more liberal than those that criticise us,” says Bhat. He points out that former Ahl-e-Hadith president Maulana Showkat Ahmad Shah was assassinated by Tehreek-ul-Mujahideen militants outside a mosque in Srinagar’s Maisuma locality on April 8 because he opposed extremism.Bhat talks about the Ahl-e-Hadith-run English coaching institute for adolescent girls just above his Barbarshah, Srinagar, office and the diagnostic facility and pharmacy on the floor below that offers services at concessional rates. “No one is turned away, not even CRPF (Central Reserve Police Force) jawans,: he says. He also points to the Salafia Muslim Institute, the co-educational school with 800 children on Srinagar’s airport road in Parraypora. “We get strict about scarves for girls only after Class VI,” says Principal Mufti Altaf. Students are segregated by gender after Class II.Ahl-e-Hadith has two registered charities that are eligible to receive foreign funding under FCRA. But the organisation denies receiving any SAUDI money after 1996. Bhat, however, admits there are grants and scholarships for students to go for studies in Jeddah. He claims that the money spent on building new mosques and schools is raised via zakat. The total annual collection from all 700 mosques Ahl-e-Hadith claims to run across the state is around Rs 2.5. Even if one were to accept Bhat’s claim that it costs them only Rs 10 lakh to build a new mosque, the organisation would have ended up spending much more in building the 350 new mosques it has since 2004 than what it gathered through zakat.Mehbooba is not overly worried about the Wahhabis because she believes KASHMIRIS would never surrender their inherent freedom so easily. “Sufism is not merely a religious belief but a way of life. Women here did not take to the burqa even when militancy was at its peak,” she says. Her confidence is cold comfort, given the rapid growth of the Ahl-e-Hadith’s influence.More Background Information:http://news-these-days.blogspot.com.ar/2012/09/dagestan-syria-comes-to-russia.htmlhttp://news-these-days.blogspot.com.ar/2012/07/sunni-versus-shia-middle-easts-new.html SAUDI ARABIA AND KASHMIR THE WAHHABI INVASION: HOW SAUDI USES ITS FINANCIAL SOURCE IN ORDER TO RADICALIZE KASHMIR Via India Today The famed Sufi tradition and spiri... Read more »
Information Literacy Program Internship - DiMenna-Nyselius Library, Fairfield University 8:02 AM Anonymous 0 Information Literacy Program Internship - DiMenna-Nyselius Library, Fairfield University, Fall 2013. Description of Program: In concert with the mission of Fairfield University, the DiMenna-Nyselius Library Instruction Program seeks to develop information-literate lifelong learners. We define information literacy as the ability to recognize when information is needed; to effectively locate and organize information while considering the myriad of information sources and formats available; to logically and critically evaluate and assimilate information while seeking objective truth and personal meaning; to synthesize and use information to communicate conclusions persuasively; and to apply these skills ethically and legally throughout life, with a sense of social responsibility. Qualifications: Interns must be currently enrolled in a graduate level Library and Information Science or School Media program. Relevant class work in reference or instruction preferred. Description of Internship: The Intern will play an active role in our Information Literacy Program. The Intern will: Work closely with the Instruction Coordinator to design and deliver approximately 8-10 library instruction classes. The exact number and types of classes will be determined through careful review of the Intern’s experience and interests, as well as our Program’s needs. Have the opportunity to observe seasoned instruction librarians, and receive substantive feedback on content and delivery of instruction. Work collaboratively with faculty on lesson plans. Depending on experience, career interests, and need, the Intern could also produce a project related to our instruction program. The Intern would work closely with the Instruction Coordinator on such a project. Meet regularly with the Instruction Coordinator for ongoing feedback and discussion. Depending on experience, previous coursework, and interest, readings and discussions of information literacy related readings may be included. This internship is an excellent opportunity to work in an academic environment, learn about Information Literacy Standards in theory and in practice, and gain valuable instruction experience. This internship begins in late August and runs through December, 2013. Contact: To apply, send a brief letter of interest and availability to Christina McGowan, Assistant University Librarian of Reference & Circulation Services, cmgowan@fairfield.edu, (203) 254-4000 x2465. Information Literacy Program Internship - DiMenna-Nyselius Library, Fairfield University Information Literacy Program Internship - DiMenna-Nyselius Library, Fairfield University , Fall 2013. Description of Program: In concert wi... Read more »
Viewpoints 8:00 AM Tukiyooo 0 The new World-Architects eMagazine includes the feature "Viewpoints: Uncommissioned Work of Architectural Photographers" that I put together with my fellow W-A curators. Click the link or photo to see the feature and read a little bit about it below.The importance of photography in promoting buildings and architects is undeniable. But what about the uncommissioned work—the personal explorations, the fine art exhibitions, the free work, the side projects—that architectural photographers undertake outside of their commercial jobs? That is the focus of this Insight, which gathers ten photographers from around the world and presents three photos and three questions and answers on their unique viewpoints. Viewpoints The new World-Architects eMagazine includes the feature " Viewpoints: Uncommissioned Work of Architectural Photographers " that I ... Read more »
Computer Lab Supervisor - Bristol Public Library 7:54 AM Anonymous 0 Computer Lab Supervisor - Bristol Public Library. Summary: Schedules and oversees public use of computer equipment in the computer lab and throughout the library system. Assists users and staff with public computer equipment and software, Public Access Catalog, the Internet and various databases. Schedules public use of computers in the Computer Lab. Provides training and classes to the library users in various computer software applications and related topics. Trains library staff in the use of new equipment and software as needed. Performs basic troubleshooting. May assist with installation of new equipment and software. Ensures library policies and procedures for the use of computer equipment are followed. Reads relevant publications and attends training workshops. Assists throughout the library when necessary as deemed by the supervisor. Working Conditions & Physical Demands: Works in indoor or office environment. Regularly required to sit, talk, or hear; stand and reach with hands and arms. Frequently required to stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl. Occasionally required to climb or balance. Frequently lift and/or move up to 40 pounds. Work Hours/Schedule/Type: Full time position, 37½ hours per week. Works Monday through Thursday and alternate Fridays and Saturdays from September through June. Work Monday through Friday during the months of July and August. Qualifications: Associate’s Degree in Computer Science or related field with one (1) year experience; education and experience may be substituted. Experience in conducting computer training programs and experience in public libraries preferred. Must have knowledge and be proficient in the use of Microsoft Office Suite, Windows and the Internet. Requires ability to communicate with staff and the public in a non-technical level, and in a cooperative and courteous manner. Ability to work independently with minimal supervision. Ability to remain current in computer operation skills, maintenance and basic troubleshooting. Salary: $18.73/hr. Generous benefits. Complete Online Application: www.bristolct.gov. Deadline: Friday, April 5, 2013. Equal Opportunity Employer. Computer Lab Supervisor - Bristol Public Library Computer Lab Supervisor - Bristol Public Library . Summary: Schedules and oversees public use of computer equipment in the computer lab an... Read more »
Library Assistant - West Haven Public Library 7:44 AM Anonymous 0 Library Assistant - West Haven Public Library, seeks a part-time circulation assistant (16 hours per week) days, evenings and Saturdays. Under the direction of the Circulation Supervisor, duties include: charge items in and out, answer telephone, assist patrons with library resources, shelving, patron registration and inquiries. Excellent customer service and computer skills are essential. High school diploma or equivalent required, prefer Bachelor's degree and library experience. Please e-mail cover letter and resume to: Director, West Haven Public Library, 300 Elm St., West Haven, CT 06516 or dir@westhavenlibrary.org. Resumes will be reviewed as they are received. For full consideration, please send a cover letter, your resume by March 29, 2013. No telephone inquiries. EOE/MF. Library Assistant - West Haven Public Library Library Assistant - West Haven Public Library , seeks a part-time circulation assistant (16 hours per week) days, evenings and Saturdays.... Read more »
Children’s Library Assistant - West Haven Public Library 7:39 AM Anonymous 0 Children’s Library Assistant - West Haven Public Library, seeks a part-time Children’s Library Assistant (16 hours per week) days, evenings and Saturdays. Under the direction of the Children’s Librarian, duties include: charge items in and out, answer telephone, assist patrons with library resources, shelving, patron registration and inquiries. Excellent customer service and computer skills are essential. High school diploma or equivalent required, prefer Bachelor's degree and library experience. Please e-mail cover letter and resume to: Director, West Haven Public Library, 300 Elm St., West Haven, CT 06516 or dir@westhavenlibrary.org. Resumes will be reviewed as they are received. For full consideration, please send a cover letter, your resume by March 29, 2013. No telephone inquiries. EOE/MF. Children’s Library Assistant - West Haven Public Library Children’s Library Assistant - West Haven Public Library , seeks a part-time Children’s Library Assistant (16 hours per week) days, eveni... Read more »
Interim Library Director - Raymond Library, East Hartford 7:23 AM Anonymous 0 Interim Library Director - Raymond Library, East Hartford. The Interim Library Director will be responsible for overseeing and directing the relocation of the Raymond Library staff and services to a temporary location in order to accommodate for the expansion of the current facility. The expansion project for the Raymond Library is scheduled to last approximately two years. Minimum qualifications include a Master’s Degree in Library Science and six years of progressively responsible experience in library work, including two years in the supervision of a library department. Qualified candidates with a working knowledge of automated library operations will be preferred. Salary Range is $88,763 - $107,403 plus benefits. Applicants should complete and submit the attached application to: Town of East Hartford, Human Resources Department, 740 Main St., East Hartford, CT 06108. Closing date for return of completed application is April 5, 2013. The Town of East Hartford is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Interim Library Director - Raymond Library, East Hartford Interim Library Director - Raymond Library , East Hartford. The Interim Library Director will be responsible for overseeing and directing ... Read more »
Beauty in Black and White - the Film Noir Art of Guy Budziak 6:00 AM Tukiyooo 0 Humphrey Bogart and Lauren Bacall in The Big SleepGuy Budziak is a woodcut artist whose striking high-contrast prints evoke dense and haunting images from classic noir, proto-noir and neo-noir films. My recent Nightmare Alley blog entry featured Guy's rendering of a tantalizing moment from the film:Tyrone Power, Ian Keith and Joan Blondell in Nightmare AlleyGuy studied painting and earned his BFA at Wayne State University in Detroit, his interest in printmaking confined to a class or two he’d taken along the way. After moving into a downtown Detroit neighborhood, Guy began checking out film noir rentals from a nearby public library with a sizable movie catalogue. His dedication to painting would wane, but his passion for film noir would lead to his move into woodcut printmaking; a friend urged him to create art inspired by his love of noir. His first piece, completed in 1999, was an image from Out of the Past. A few years later Roger Ebert, a great fan of the film, would buy (note: see Guy's comment below) a print. Robert Mitchum and Jane Greer in Out of the PastIn 2008, Guy’s image of Alain Delon in Jean-Pierre Melville’s 1967 neo-noir Le Samourai appeared on the cover of Ginette Vincendeau’s book, Les Stars et le Star-Systeme en France (The Stars and the Star-System in France), published by L'Harmattan. In 2012, Giuseppina Magazine, a lavish art, entertainment and fashion quarterly ($48 per issue) published a six page spread spotlighting Guy’s work. In the interview that accompanied his images, Guy was asked what he found most intriguing about film noir. “…I think above all else it is mood, mood and atmosphere perhaps more than anything. Night and fog, and rain, of course. While I can appreciate those films inhabited by gumshoes garbed in trench coats and fedoras and femme fatales in slinky gowns, these components aren’t mandatory for me. What many don’t realize is that the real stars of noir aren’t necessarily writers, actors or directors, but rather cinematographers, directors of photography, those responsible for the overall LOOK of these films.”Giuseppina Magazine #11From now through April 21, Guy’s prints are for sale at significantly reduced prices. I’ll soon be framing and hanging the print of Nightmare Alley I just purchased and Iencourage those interested to click here to go to his website and view an entire gallery of his incredible art. Guy can be contacted through his site for information on how to purchase prints. Robert Ryan in On Dangerous Ground Film Noir film noir art Guy Budziak The Lady Eve (author) woodcut printmaking Beauty in Black and White - the Film Noir Art of Guy Budziak Humphrey Bogart and Lauren Bacall in The Big Sleep G uy Budziak is a woodcut artist whose striking high-contrast prints evoke dense and h... Read more »
St. Ives Timeless Skin Apricot Scrub Review 5:06 AM Tukiyooo 0 As a teenager I would always use St. Ives facial scrubs, I loved the way it made my skin feel so soft to the touch and that it worked as well.Then I couldn't find them anymore in the stores so I stopped using their products.Funny because when I used this product I've always used the Apricot Scrub!I came across their website and noticed that they had new products and thought I have got to try them since I am a huge fan, which brought me to this review today.I was sent a wonderful new apricot scrub called Timeless Skin and it firms and tones skin as well as cleans your pores for a fresh all natural glow.Verdict:I am in love with this new product because it makes my skin feel soft and it's also easy to use.Just moisten face with warm water, squeeze a small amount onto finger tips and rub it on, then rinse.Now how easy is that?Whoa, they even have lotions and body washes!I would love to try the coconut one! Facts:HypoallergenicDoes not contain animal ingredientsFormulated without parabens and phthalatesnon-comedogenic You can find Timeless Skin care and other St. Ives products at:Stop and ShopWal-mart Shaw'sRite Aid and more!Be sure to look them up!Face Book: https://www.facebook.com/stivesWebsite:http://www.stives.com/ St. Ives Timeless Skin Apricot Scrub Review As a teenager I would always use St. Ives facial scrubs, I loved the way it made my skin feel so soft to the touch and that it worked as we... Read more »
Fascinating fascinators! 3:39 AM Tukiyooo 0 It has become very fashionable to wear "Fascinators" to Irish weddings rather than the more traditional hat. I saw lots of fascinators for sale in Boots and Penneys (Primark - not to be confused with JC Penny) this morning. Normally a fascinator will set you back about €25 euro in somewhere like Marks & Spencer's or Monsoon Accessorize but they were only €11 in Boots and half that in Penneys. My sister got a very nice fascinator in Dunnes Stores so do shop around if you are looking for one! They tend to be either clip in or on a band. If you are anyway crafty you could easily make a fascinator to coordinate with your wedding outfit. Fascinating fascinators! It has become very fashionable to wear "Fascinators" to Irish weddings rather than the more traditional hat. I saw lots of fascin... Read more »
How do you earn a student's trust so learning can start? 3:27 AM Tukiyooo 0 [View the story "140 Character Conversations: Dear Teacher, Dear Student," on Storify]140 Character Conversations: Dear Teacher, Dear Student,On Twitter recently, I had a series of conversations between a fictional teacher and his/her student. They got such an incredible response, that I've taken those conversations and captured them here. Hope you allow these 140 character conversations cause you to start thinking.Storified by Vicki Davis· Mon, Mar 25 2013 03:25:18Launching a mini letter series on Twitter between a student and teacher. Stay tuned and add your own.Vicki DavisIf you decide to write a fictional series like this on Twitter, disclose it. Or others will think that you are writing something based on your classroom RIGHT NOW. Always be transparent.Conversations It took a while to learn these things, but teaching starts with a relationship between two people who care. They won't come to the classroom caring about you at all, so you have to start. But once you earn their trust, what you'll experience is a highly rewarding profession where you know you're making a difference. Dear teacher, I want 2believe I'm special, but if u don't look me in the eye & don't call me by name, it's hard to.~ Your studentVicki DavisDear student,I get busy sometimes and forget you need to hear your name, but tomorrow I'll do better.Love, your teacherVicki DavisNo guilt, teacher. When you see something you're not doing right, start today. You can't live life in the rear view mirror.Dear teacher,Calling me by name is a start, but how about knowing what I'm interested in learning more about?Know me to reach me.~StudentVicki DavisGet to know the personal interests of students.Student-I want to reach you. There are so many of you and just one of me. I'll do passion projects but you'll have to bring it.~TeacherVicki DavisI've had a personal interest or 20% time project in my classroom since last year. Last year was fantastic. If you want to see what we did, you can look at our wiki.Dear student, I will love you even when you don't love yourself. I won't give up on you, so don't give up on me. Love, your teacherVicki DavisTeacher-You mean I can pursue my passions? Can passion and learning really happen at the same time. I'm not sure if I believe you.~StudentVicki DavisStudent-We have a lot to cover in my class, but yes, you can bring your passions. Let's make learning fun together. OK?~TeacherVicki DavisOddly, some students want me to tell them what to do for their "passion project." We don't settle on a project until I see the sparkle in their eyes. I track all of these projects and activities on the free workflow program, Trello.Teacher- I know you have lots to cover but sometimes you move on when I don't get what you've just done! Why can't it be personal?~StudentVicki DavisStudent-I know I'm moving too fast sometimes but I don't have the flexibility I used to have to slow down. It upsets me.~TeacherVicki DavisWARNING: If you don't personalized learning in a face to face environment, someone will find a way less expensive to do it online. We must be personalized learning professionals. You know how sick you are of hearing 21st-century. Just wait, personalized learning is about to be a new buzzword.Teacher-I had a hard night last night. Mom and Dad were fighting again. So hard to think about Algebra when I'm so confused.~StudentVicki DavisStudent-I looked in your eyes today & knew something was wrong. I let you sleep & got in trouble when my admin came in. Worth it.~TeacherVicki DavisThis one tweet about letting students sleep had more response than any other part of this story. I thought it would be telling to include a few of those responses here.@coolcatteacher I've done the the same thing. We never know what happens when a child is not with us. We teach children 1st, content 2nd.Kelly Gibson@coolcatteacher this one resonates with me ;) #LetThemSleep sometimes you just know they need itDawn G.@coolcatteacher @ydmason That has totally happened to me. And I’d do it again.Michael Gier@coolcatteacher love it. But necessary sometimes, right? Been done with the little ones, too.Elizabeth Goold@coolcatteacher been there too, it's always the right choiceLydia KirkmanThe Breakthrough: Trust leads to Honesty Dialog about LearningNow. Finally, the time has come. When they finally know you care and trust you, they will let you teach them. It does happen. For some kids it takes a few weeks but most, for me, it takes several months. Teacher-Every day you ask about me &call me by name. I might believe that you care. BTW I need help on an Algebra problem.-StudentVicki DavisStudent-I love you. I'm happy to help you after school. I'll keep working to earn your trust. You're worth it.~TeacherVicki DavisTeacher-You might think I'm worth it, but I'm wondering if Algebra is worth it. How am I going to use this anyway? Frustrated. ~StudentVicki DavisAt some point, if students are honest, they will question the importance of your subject. Even if they like you, this point is critical because you need to take the chance to demonstrate the real-world importance of what you're teaching. You'll hear them say it and you have to take time to cover this. The drawback of scripting, is if you don't have an empowering admin, you can kill the love of learning right here. When students know it has real world applications AND that you love them AND that you'll help them learn - you're a triple threat teacher.Student-Tomorrow we will do some real-world problems and you'll see that Algebra will help you with your life.~TeacherVicki DavisTeacher-You care. I see that. Your class counts. I see that too. I don't see how I can learn this stuff. I really don't.~StudentVicki DavisNow it happens. They know you care. They know the class is important. Now, they question themselves and if the effort is worth it. Don't give up, you're almost there. You're trained to do this! Show them you know your stuff and help them learn how to learn. You have to leave them with an ability to teach themselves because there are sorry teachers out there. They are lucky you're not one.Student-I specialize in helping students learn. I'm trained in this. Let's figure out how you learn best together.~TeacherVicki DavisTeacher-You mean, your job is to help me learn how to learn? Really? Don't you get paid the same whether I pass or not?~StudentVicki DavisStudent-I'm here because I love my students &I love teaching. That is the only reason anyone would stay in this job. It is tough.~TeacherVicki DavisTeacher-I wish there were more like you, sometimes I think teachers just want to get rid of me. My parents do too. Makes me sad.~StudentVicki DavisIt often comes back to kids wondering if they matter. They want to feel important. They want to know they are here for a reason. Never forget the human side of what you're doing. You're not feeding data into a machine or shoveling food into a mouth. You are trying to help an organic, trembling brain learn something and it is a lot more complex. Truly, the human mind is the last frontier.Student-You matter. The world needs you. I will remind you until you believe me. I hope this will bring you joy.~TeacherVicki DavisTeacher-You have given my hope back to me. Because you love me and I know it, I'll learn from you. I can trust u with me.~StudentVicki DavisStudent-When you learn, you remind me why I teach & make the struggle worth it. Thanks for trusting me enough to learn from me.~TeacherVicki DavisHeroic Teaching and honestyTeacher-You are the one reason I want to come to school. I'm happy to walk in your classroom door. I'm safe. U r my hero.~StudentVicki DavisWhen you have this opportunity, be careful. A lesser, more self-centered teacher would get prideful. Pride and arrogance will kill the relationship and your potential for other relationships with students. I take these comments and put them in an "at a girl" file in evernote and treasure them when I have a bad day.Student-Thanking me is the greatest gift you could give. If you only knew how insecure I am about whether it is all worth it.~TeacherVicki DavisThis is the second most responded to tweet. Teachers are insecure. Like buying a jewel with all you have, we are spending all we have - our lives - to educate children. Until you've been there, you don't know the joy and the self-doubt that comes from giving everything you have to kids. Teacher-I struggle with wondering if school stuff is worth it too, but I believe you when you say it is. Believe that I need you.~StudentVicki DavisTeacher, you are important. You are noble. You want the students to believe you when you say they are important. Believe them when they speak kindness to you. It is the least you can do.Student-I look back on our relationship & see that learning only comes after trust & respect builds. You taught me something~TeacherVicki DavisWhat 140 character letters would you add to this conversation? How do you earn a student's trust so learning can start? [ View the story "140 Character Conversations: Dear Teacher, Dear Student," on Storify ] 140 Character Conversations: Dear Teacher... Read more »
anatomy of a gallery wall 2:30 AM Anonymous 0 Happy Monday! I trust that y'all had a splendid weekend. We got pummeled with more snow than we should have for the whole month of December, never mind the fact that it is almost April. Mamma ain't happy. I've got some flip flops burning a hole in my closet. I need spring!I want to thank all of you for your kind words about the girls' room and all of your great questions. You know how to make a girl blush! There were lots of questions about things on the gallery wall so I thought I would tackle those today.Here are the specifics on what I included and why.1. Keep it personal. This is a 'commissioned original'. I wanted something vertical so I asked my uber talented graphic designer bestie to take some lyrics and make them pretty. This is from a song, I Will, by a little band called The Beatles. I sing this each night to the girls (Eve sings along). They are the only ones allowed to hear me sing unless cocktails are involved.2. Add something with dimension. A craft I did with the girls for Valentine's Day. It is their handy work and they are very proud of it.3. Humor is important. Let me introduce you to Herb. 'Herbie' to his friends. The hubs got the ceramic dear head for Christmas and as soon as he opened it the girls were smitten. It was Amelia's idea to put Herbie in their room and the hubs was gracious enough to share him. Right now he wears some forsythia for this season I hear we are supposed to get someday called 'spring', but Amelia is on the hunt for the perfect antlers (aka branches) that we can make glittery. Because when you think of a mounted deer head, you think of glitter. At least I do.4. Art is in the eye of the beholder. An unsolicited piece by Amelia herself. She came into the kitchen one day over the moon to show this off. My favorite is a toss up between the swing on the tree and the paver walk. The girl is a genius obviously.5. Include something that includes all the colors of your scheme. One of my favorite watercolors from MaiAutumn.6. More pretty watercolors my parent's gave Eve for her 1st birthday. And yes, the one on the right is in there sideways.7. You need an 'awww' factor. I keep several pieces of clothes from the early baby days (no matter what my mom might tell you about my sentimentality) and this is one of the few items that both of them wore. This is the hat that both girls had on when they came home from the hospital. How I wish I had better handwriting.And good gracious, have you ever tried to take a picture of something behind glass?! It isn't pretty, and neither are the pictures.8. History. The girls' birth announcements. Memories.9. Add a bit of life. Mean I know as they are no longer alive, but the girls love butterflies. And the yellow ties into the colors of the room. Any random group of things can become cohesive thru color.10. Break the routine. A vintage oval gold frame from my stash. Something nice and round...or oval, helps to break up all the squares and straight lines.11. Words to live by. Kate Spade has spoken. Amen Kate.12. Lessons Learned. I believe I wrote this in sixth grade. There is also an accompanying illustration that severely dates me. Let's just say Benetton was one of the stores featured. They did have great rugbys. I'll keep that little drawing for myself.13. B. Baumgartner. No expanding on that really.And yes, I used my tried and true template hanging method and it worked like a charm. Take that plaster.So that is how I go about picking what little nuggets make it up on the wall. How do you pick what goes on your wall? anatomy of a gallery wall Happy Monday! I trust that y'all had a splendid weekend. We got pummeled with more snow than we should have for the whole month of Decem... Read more »