Tools of . . .

. . . communication.

This is the tool I need when I'm reading and marking student papers as fast as I can -- a double pencil. Well, "fast as I can" is not really true because I don't think I am fast at all.

But I am confessing that I have not yet transitioned to grading papers online --which would limit me to using hi-lighting and marking them with little bubble comments.

I realize that most students don't really welcome constructive criticism, so finding the balance between telling them what needs correction and what they have done correctly is always a delicate balancing act. Mostly they just want to see at "A" somewhere on that paper.

I most often write my thoughts with pencil; however, when I want to compose an essay of my own, I'm handicapped without my keyboard.

I know my students prefer texting to talking, and I am increasingly enjoying texting (going over my AT&T limit every month now), but I am not a master at using the teeny-tiny keyboard on a cell phone.

So today I am appreciating the use of a pencil and my standard-sized keyboard.

I'm posting late tonight because I've been watching the TV special: Jamie Oliver's Food Revolution. He's from the UK and so very interesting. One moment in the program he is in a classroom with a display table of fresh grown produce and asking the youngsters to identify them -- they don't even know what a tomato is. The program is an eye-opener.

America needs a wake-up call regarding food and regarding education and (well I hate to think how long this list could be), so I'll just stop before I get started.

Have a great weekend.
Good night from Southern California.
Rosie (& Mr. Fun), aka Carol

P.S. Your warm and wonderful comments yesterday were affirming. Mr. Fun wanted me to tell you he took the shot of the tractor. I said, "Honey, I think they realize that." I almost got him to write my blip tonight because he's the one who thought I should blip the double pointed pencil. But you know, writing a blip is just to serious for someone named Mr. Fun!