How am I doing in here? What’s my grade?

Mamacita says:  There will always be students who have no idea of their standing in a class; honestly, when a student says to me, “How am I doing in this class? What’s my average?” I want to scream. Even if … Continue reading

How Anne Frank Helped Me Score Free Classroom Novels

Mamacita says:  Every year, for over twenty years, I taught a unit based on The Diary of Anne Frank.  This title refers to the stage play; Anne’s actual diary is titled Anne Frank: Diary of a Young Girl.  Please don’t … Continue reading

It’s Hoosier Persimmon Pudding Time Again!

Mamacita says: It’s beginning to edge onto autumn (translation: it will soon be autumn) and here in southern Indiana, and that means it’s time to start thinking about persimmons.  It’s time to think about pawpaws, too, but this post is … Continue reading

Those Who Burn Books Will, in the End, Burn People.*

Mamacita says:  Banned Books Week is coming up this month – Sept. 30 – Oct. 6, 2012.  It always saddens me to be reminded that there are such huge hordes of ignorant masses in the United States, and yet, sigh, … Continue reading

My Mother’s Hands

Mamacita says:  My mother hasn’t been feeling very well this week, so I’ve gone over there every night after school to bring her some food, do a few little chores, and make sure she’s still there.  If you know what … Continue reading

Hands Off My Pencils or You’ll Be Sorry

Mamacita says:  Hey, it’s THAT TIME again, so say “hello” to my annual post about how community school supplies are a terrible idea and are, in fact, contributing to the lazy downfall of our nation. . . . . School … Continue reading