Escaping the Giant Wave by Pat Kehret

I was turned onto to this book when I subbed in a fourth grade classroom. It was their read-aloud book from which I read them a chapter. I found that I wanted to know more about the book, so I reserved it at the library.

I really enjoyed this easy reading. It is a fiction book, but it could be a true story someday. The book is based on vacationers who encounter a tsunami while visiting the Oregon coast. Would you know what to do? The children in this book did, and it made a difference.

Subbing

I have spent some of my free time substitute teaching.  I have found that I enjoy it, and I really do miss my classroom kids.  I like the variety of subbing and getting to know different grade levels and their expectations.

It is amazing to see the differences between the urban school district where I spent my teaching career, and the suburban school district where I current sub.  In the urban school district it seems that there was a great deal of concentration on social norms and school norms that the suburban children seems to come to school knowing.  Walking in the hall is a different experience in the suburbs.

The suburbs seem to have a great deal of diversity and proof that their taxpayer money is well-spent.  The children are generally the same no matter where you go, but the accommodations that are provided by the suburban school district for their children are wonderful.

One day I may have my own classroom full of kids again, but I am enjoying my small snippets with kids.

PS

I actually ran into one of my students that I had in Kindergarten last week.  He is now in the third grade and seems to be doing well.  Good for him!