Fictional Stories in Science

Hello Everyone!

It has definitely been awhile since I last updated, posted, researched, and the list goes on, even into many other aspects of my life, as I have worked to navigate the waters that are 2020.

I hope you are all well and navigating the waves the best that you can, because, truly, that exactly what we ought to do…the best we can and knowing that “the best we can” looks very different every day, sometimes every second of the day.

Grace.

I remember at the start of 2020, I had my middle school students do some reflection and goal setting for 2020, and I did the work alongside them. We completed one of those “What’s My Word” activities (like you see below…our was from “The Think Builder”).

My word was “Transition”. Really.

I had no idea the layers, nor the duration, that that word was going to take on in my life, and in all our lives.

So what was my reason for selecting it? What 2020 transitions did I see for myself?

For one, I knew I was going to resign from my current teaching position as a middle school Science & ELL Co-Teacher. My last four school years as a co-teacher had its opportunities and its joy, but it also had its struggles. The big one was that I didn’t feel it was the role for me. I thought about pursuing my love of having my own classroom, especially at the elementary level, but I hesitated. What I needed was a pause from the traditional, and I craved an exploration of the “what if…” of life. I plan to write more about those “what if…” prompts in the next coming weeks, but I will summarize and say…

Currently I am living in Mexico.

I decided to PBL (Project Based Learning) my own life and pursue some passion projects, of which, international travel was among them. Not the vaca type of travel, but the grounded, connection to community, daily living type of travel. Additionally, I wanted to pursue my love of picture books and science more, dive into this site and share even more with all of you!

But then, as you know…Covid-19 happened.

However I still went forward with my plans and am so glad I did. I have absolutely loved it here. I have been here for a little more than five weeks and plan to stay for a total of two months.

So, why the delayed TLC for this site?

Well, for one, there was exploration of the city, the stores, and truly saying “buen día” to every one I have met.

And, two…you know when you have someone you respect and adore ask you for a favor? Well, that happened, even before I left in early September. A 3rd grade teacher at one of our local elementary schools had her baby early and a message appeared from the principal asking me if I would fill in as the long-term sub.

Not fully knowing how that would work out with my departure date, and so much unknown (aka the daily lives of us all), I say “yes”, and we did, indeed work it out. During “red” (online only) and even during “yellow” (hybrid). Then, after 8-weeks of connecting and teaching those awesome 3rd graders, I had to say goodbye for now.

Now, I am here. Grateful, still navigating the changing waters, and turning my mind and heart to my passion projects.

Thanks for sticking with me, visiting the site, and sharing it with others. I appreciate it! The site may change over the next couple of weeks, but what won’t change is my love of sharing science stories, those we live and those we read, with all of you!

Sending my very best to each of you!

–Kalynda