In light of the historical inauguration today, I asked a class of 3rd graders to write 10 suggestions for President Obama. All twenty of these students are immigrants or children of immigrants from Mexico or another South American country, hence the grammar and spelling errors in their writing. Despite that, their wishes and messages are loud and clear… I never cease to be amazed by the little ones surrounding me…
10 Suggestions for President Obama
by Jennifer Mendoza, 8 years old
1. Give papers to Mexican people for immigration, like my parents.
2. Do not send any more soldiers.
3. Do not be mean with all the people of the United States.
4. Give money to poor people.
5. Give things like books to schools.
6. Fix Houses because in my house water goes in the house.
7. That people that work a lot pay them lots of money.
8. That people that go visit their family do not come hiding in a car or through mountains.
9. Give better jobs to Mexican people.
10. In my school the computers work, but sometimes they don’t work.
10 Suggestions for President Obama January 21, 2009
Librarian of the Day February 25, 2008
Believe it or not, I am the librarian of the day at the elementary school that I sometimes work at. Contrary to the common misconception, being a librarian might just be one of the most pleasant jobs in a school, in my opinion. It is pleasant, because you get to READ to kids. The effects stories have on kids, no matter the age, is magical to discover. Even the most defiant student can be grabbed and kept on the carpet for a straight 15 minutes, maybe more, depending on age, if the story is good and being told in an animated way. Kids being intrigued by knowledge and learning is probably one of the most beautiful things. Their little faces looking up at the pages, anticipating for the turn of page, their little crisscross-apple-sauced legs, oh… so adorable and pleasant. It all creates a very warm and fuzzing feeling inside the heart of this librarian.
Books, words, pictures, and story-telling… The magical power of a librarian!
Classroom Fun! August 26, 2007
Last week, I got to help my friend, Jessica, setup her first ever 5th grade classroom. Even though I’ve decided to take this year off from teaching, a part of me is still undeniably missing the classroom and the kids… But as it turns out, I can still have the best of both worlds. 
* gotta always share the duties of a classroom… and everyone student should have a job, even if it’s a made up one.. 
btw, this is the most tan i’ve ever been, and probably the most i’ll ever be ;( i like to be dark…
* i thought hard in coming up with this ven diagram idea for a ‘question and concept’ board. little did i know i had to work even harder cutting those circles out of fabric.. but it’s all worth it!
* no matter what, can’t let them chairs squeak. besides, mr brown worked hard polishing them floors
* jess believes that a love for reading can be better fostered in a more inviting environment, i agree!
