America's First Daughter by Stephanie Dray & Laura Kamoie

It felt so good to get back into historical fiction!  I've been reading a lot of contemporary fiction and non-fiction, and usually historical is what I read above and beyond anything else.  Somehow I got turned around, but I will be changing that up and incorporating more historical fiction reviews.   

America's First Daughter is a 580 page novel about Martha "Patsy" Jefferson Randolph, the eldest child and one of only two surviving children of Thomas Jefferson and his wife, Martha Jefferson.  Tall and red-headed like her father, Patsy lead a life that was full of triumphs, tragedies, and sacrifice. Erica Kane has nothing on Patsy.  Seriously, this woman couldn't catch a break. 

The novel is based on the thousands of letters Thomas Jefferson wrote in his lifetime, and opens with Patsy going through her father's letters after his death, burning many of them in order to shape his history--and protect him and others in the family.  Each chapter begins with part of an actual letter written by Jefferson to either his family or one of his many friends and political allies.  They help frame what is to come in that chapter.  Patsy's love and devotion to her father drives pretty much her every decision, beginning with the death of her mother when she was just a young girl.  Jefferson, devastated and near suicidal after his wife's death, leans on Patsy to guide him through his grief.  She sees herself as his protector, and as Governor of Virginia, no one must know just how much Jefferson has descended to near madness.  Patsy has to shoulder a lot of burdens early on in life, and while I was hopeful this would change, oh, I was wrong.  

This novel takes the reader from Monticello (which is always in a state of construction, falling down, never completeness) to Paris, during Jefferson's tenure as Minister to France for a newly formed America, and back again to Monticello.  Told through Patsy's eyes, we see her grow up, grow strong, and find love.  But the course of true love does not run smoothly for Patsy, and her heart is broken.  Patsy does marry Thomas Randolph, and eventually gives birth to eleven children; ten of whom survive to adulthood.  I think that is just remarkable.  But beyond her superwoman ability to survive childbirth that many times in the early 19th century, is Patsy's strength in understanding that her father was someone who gave his whole life to his country, even at the cost of personal happiness.  And Patsy did the same thing, in devoting her life to her father.  Sally Hemings plays a large role in this novel as well; she was Patsy's Aunt, if I followed the convoluted family tree.  Her  maternal grandfather was Sally's father; Sally's children by Thomas Jefferson were Patsy's siblings.  Phew. Confusing.  This was a big issue between Jefferson and Patsy, and the struggle Patsy goes through to understand why and come to peace with Sally runs throughout the novel.  If I got anything from this novel, it was to be careful what you ask of others, and what you promise a dying loved one. It can trap you and haunt you the rest of your life.

This novel had me stopping and Googling everyone I read about:  Patsy, Jefferson, Thomas Randolph, William Short, Sally Hemings and children....I spent a lot of time reading about them.  I am always a bit hesitant to read historical fiction based on real people because inevitably there is something completely out of left field that isn't true.  As a history gal, I hate to think people will read historical fiction and believe every bit of it is true.  Patsy's relationship with William Short is something that may or may not be true; it makes for a good plot movement in this novel, but I can't find anything factual that ever mentions the two of them as lovers.  I'll leave that up to you to decide. 

You will enjoy this book.  Oh, my heart ached for Patsy.  She is one tough cookie.  It took her a long time and a lot of angst to get there.  She lived her life much as her father did, sacrificing personal happiness for the greater good.  But her love for her father, as his for her, is admirable, and comes across the pages quite clearly.  Reading about my country in its early growing pains and struggles  reminds me that even today, we still have issues of race, equality, and the role of the government in the everyday lives of Americans.  Elections were nasty, and people weren't above spreading malicious gossip to damage reputations.  People haven't changed.  And life was not easy for a woman caught between duty and love.

Rating:  9/10 for a thoroughly entertaining and thought provoking novel about  family, an incredible woman, and what we will do to keep and protect our lives.  I loved reading about post-revolutionary America, Paris as it tumbled into revolution, and so many famous fathers of our country.  

Available in paperback, e-book, and large print hardcover. 

  







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Why Educate “Whole Children?”

I was recently a finalist for a superintendency in a nearby district, and while responding to questions that were posed to me by the middle school staff during my site visit, I shared a story with them about some students at my current school.

During the meeting with these educators, I told them that I was not an “MCAS driven” principal.  MCAS is the state test for Massachusetts, and like many other states that have mandated,  standardized tests, it’s primarily used for accountability purposes.  My staff and I also use it to try and inform ourselves on where we can celebrate successes with students and where we can make improvements.  Over the course of six years that I have been a principal in Lexington, very little has come from my office related to MCAS, other than the minimal reminders for parents and students to get a good night’s rest and eat a good breakfast, along with our annual report card that I am required to share with the public.

Shared via azcommunitypress.org

Aside from MCAS, I’ve been especially proud of the work my staff has done around RtI, providing intervention for many children in our school in the areas of reading, math and writing.  They have worked diligently and collaborated with one another across grade levels and with departments to create and deliver Tier II interventions for students, and that has resulted in students being more successful and our school having fewer special education referrals. On some level, that has also helped our MCAS scores, although, I’ve not placed an emphasis on intervention helping with a state test, but rather, helping students be more successful with school.

Additionally, I have continued to be impressed with the work staff have been doing to address the social-emotional needs of children.  As a school, we’ve committed to Responsive Classroom as the “umbrella” for our work in building classroom communities, along with PBIS, which we’ve used to help students be clear about our expectations.  But those two things alone can not be the mainstay of our work.  Teachers are using mindfulness activities with children, yoga, breathing techniques, and using opportunities where mistakes lead to greater learning.  We’ve also done work with students around civic mindedness, having students help others in and around the school community.

Classroom instruction with our school counselor has also been a part of our work related to social-emotional learning, providing students with lessons, discussion, and opportunities to learn how to navigate friendships, solve problems, react to situations, and how to be upstanding school and community citizens.

Shared via http://www.tes.com

So, by now you are asking, what does this all have to do with educating “whole children”?

As part of my interview process and after sharing that I was not an MCAS driven principal, I went on to share a story about two students who came to have lunch one day in my office.  One of the students had her name drawn as part of our bi-weekly drawing where students get to have lunch with me and my assistant principal.  On this one particular day, the fifth grade student brought a classmate who happened to be a student attending our school as a student in our ILP (Intensive Learning Program), a district wide program that serves children with Autism Spectrum Disorders. It also just so happened that this student had more limited communication than some other students in the program, and definitely more limited communication than the young girl’s non-disabled peers.

That was one of the best lunches I’ve had with students.  She interacted with that student and treated him no differently than any of her other peers.  She could have easily chosen to bring another classmate that had more ability to communicate with her, however, she chose to bring someone that may not otherwise have had the opportunity to be picked.  She also genuinely chose someone that she would enjoy having lunch with.

As I shared this story with the middle school teachers, I explained to them that no test out there would publicly measure the levels of empathy and compassion this young lady showed by inviting her friend to lunch with her that day. MCAS, while showing what some children know academically, does not provide a picture of “the whole child”, which is where our moral responsibilities rest as we work to educate ALL children.

Do we want to create a society where people place a value on their relationships and interactions with others? Or do we want a society where our children grow into adults that are devoid of the ability to connect with others, show empathy, build relationships, and care for one another?

Our students deserve every opportunity to learn academics AND social skills that will prepare them for their future. So policy makers, yes, we will administer your tests, and non-educators, yes, we teach more than math, and writing and reading.  And yes, we will  partner with parents and families to create an atmosphere where students feel safe and feel that they can make mistakes and learn.

Shared via wholechild4awholeworld.wordpress.com

As we all should do, the next time you are reviewing data for your students and you are asking yourself how you will teach everything that needs to be taught, ask yourself the question, “What would our world be like if we did not educate whole children?”

 

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Sweet and Spicy Beef Kebabs

Sweet and Spicy Beef Kebabs are a delicious twist on traditional kebabs. Pair them with BUSH’S® Beans to create the perfect meal that you’ll enjoy all summer long.

This is a sponsored post on behalf of BUSH’S® Beans. Thank you for continuing to support the brands that make My Baking Addiction possible.

You know those people that grill in their driveway regardless of the weather conditions? That’s us.

We live in Ohio, so we’re pretty used to crazy weather patterns. For instance, the day I grilled up these Sweet and Spicy Beef Kebabs, it was snowing and lightening at the same time. I totally didn’t grill while it was lightening, even us Ohio grillers have to draw the line somewhere. My line is lightening.

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Choosing Breast Implants: Saline vs Silicone Gel Implants

If you are considering a breast augmentation, one of the decisions you will have to make is choosing a saline or silicone gel implant. You’re not alone if you have many questions about which implant may be right for you. For several years, saline implants were the only type of implant available except under special […]

The post Choosing Breast Implants: Saline vs Silicone Gel Implants appeared first on Fairview Plastic Surgery Centre.

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Shaughnessy Residences from Alabaster Homes

Stylishly designed townhouses coming to Marpole. Details are still very limited but this one is a real eye-catcher. Formworks Architechtural gets the credit for that beautiful exterior while Occupy Design have been responsible for the interiors. We’re expecting great things.

The post Shaughnessy Residences from Alabaster Homes appeared first on Vancouver New Condos.

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Advantages of Timber Frame Homes

Once you’ve decided to build a custom home, there are a number of choices that you need to make including the type of home you would like to build. Currently, one of the most popular styles of home is a timber frame home.

A timber frame home is very similar to a post and beam home in that you have the advantage of wood and timber features without having an entire home built of logs. Full logs are used as the main structural support for the home. The big difference between post and beam and timber frame is that post and beam logs are round with a more natural and rustic feel where timber frame logs are square. Here are some other benefits of timber frame homes:

Open Concept and Strength

Have you thought about what it would be like to have an open concept home, working in the kitchen while looking through the living area and out into the backyard? A timber frame home can give you this freedom.

The strength of the timbers allows for less load bearing walls and an open floor plan free of obstructions. This type of framing has been used for centuries, especially in older churches, because of its strength and durability as well as its beauty.

Waste and Sustainability

There is generally less waste in using the entire log in a timber frame home than using dimensional lumber for framing a traditional home. Dimensional lumber is generally cut in the forest, hauled to a mill, cut to size, shipped to a distributor then to a local building supply store, and once on the job site will be cut again. Wood used for timber frame homes is typically handled less which means less cost. Once at the site, the logs will be fit to size and some adjustments will be needed, but waste will be minimal.

Esthetics

With a custom built log home you have the option of having your framing logs visible on the outer or the inner walls of your home. The sheer beauty and strength in being surrounded by perfectly placed timbers gives a sense of safety and comfort. Anywhere the timbers are exposed adds character and a design that is unique to every custom timber frame home. You also have more choice in where to place windows and doors with less load bearing walls and an open concept.

If you are considering building a custom log home but want to get away from the traditional full scribe log home, a timber frame may be a great option.

Check out our Timber Frame Plans and Galleries to give you some different ideas and concepts. Don’t be afraid to mix, match and integrate your own personal tastes as well. If you have any additional questions feel free to contact us.

Still not sure of the difference between full scribe, post and beam and timber frame? Check out this article.

The post Advantages of Timber Frame Homes appeared first on Artisan Custom Log Homes.

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Does one become a “Lead Learner” in any organization if no one knows what they are learning?

This lovely woman came up to me during my session the other day, and talked about how she just signed up for Twitter.  She then shared, that she always gets excited for these days, but then struggles because she realizes how far behind she is of other people in the classroom.

My response?

I shared with her that just by signing up for Twitter and creating her own account, she had actually moved ahead of others in the same room that had been on Twitter for a long time, but weren’t necessarily trying anything new on this day.  Not that there weren’t opportunities, but that they seemingly felt they may have “arrived”.

When she said this, she reminded me of a tweet I recently saw where an educator said that a recent PD she attended was great for other teachers, but it was all stuff that she had already knew.  It bothered me because do not have any responsibility for our own learning, or is just what we are waiting to be taught?

I was reminded of the following quote from Stephen Downes:

The other thing I shared this day, that I would be a lot more comfortable hiring a teacher that may have struggles but is open to learning and growing, as opposed to a teacher that may see themselves as an “expert”, but doesn’t need to grow any longer.  Eventually, the teacher who needs to grow, but is willing to do just that, will actually surpass the other. But the other part is that they are a learner, and are trying to understand not only what they are learning, but how they are learning.

The moment we feel we have “arrived”, is the moment we might as well pack it in and call it career. As education develops and we know more about learning, we will constantly be reaching for a target that is seemingly, and beautifully, just out of our reach.

We can always get better, so we should.

 

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