Author Archives: mrbrentg

This week in Grade 9, we started to dig into #ProjectSpeak. An inquiry-based learning opportunity where students identify a topic they want to discuss and share with others based on their feeling that it is important. I have two grade 9 classes, and for the sake of exploration, I have one with an essential guidingContinue reading “We don’t talk about it”

I realized that it was October today; I already knew it was October but the realization that it is already October hit me hard. The month of September is always such an adjustment for the kids and me. Routines need to be established, we spend time figuring everyone out, and we learn to adjust ourContinue reading “Where did the month go?”

Summer is coming to an end. It has been a restful and weird summer. Starting with Covid we set a tone for just reading, tanning, and swimming. I have loved my time in the yard and the low-stress summer that has afforded me time to recharge for the coming school year. Now we sit 40Continue reading “The final hours”

About 5 years ago I was packing up my Elementry classroom in preparation for my move to junior high. I was told that I would be teaching a “hard” group of grade 8 students. They had a reputation which often happens. I was warned. I am not a huge fan of those warnings. I thinkContinue reading “5 Years”

Sometimes I feel like I am in the ocean, Just floating Peaceful Slowly but surely the water moves a bit more A slight shift at first Nothing to worry about Then a splash Creeping over my face Gasp for air Another comes and another The Struggle comes So does the storm Panic searching for reprieveContinue reading “Drowning”

The break is something always needed A moment to breathe To collect myself Tune Out There used to be an excitement in heading back to work I guess there still it but it is different The difference between a yell and a whisper There is still a joy but it is more subtle It isContinue reading “Back to the Poetry”

Choosing Joy Sometimes I sit in the morning just staring at the mirror How will the day go So many possibilites The Multiverse of any given day Sometimes the person looking back is not one I am happy with Frustration Failure Weakness There is that moment though Deep Breath Lift the weights Get to workContinue reading “Day Nine- 30 Poems 30 Days”

I was supposed to write yesterday but it was busy and after getting home from the hospital I just decided to lay down haha so today is a 2 for 1. Dreams I ask my students to dream To ponder what would be the best case scenario So many dreams are so simple Health HappinessContinue reading “Day 8-30 Poems in 30 Days”

SpaceI saw a news story onceThe headline read, “Giant Goldfish found in lake”Fish grow to fit their environment Every year we re-pot some of our plantsThey just stop thrivingRoots fighting over space and nutrientsSometimes I think students face pots too small.Early wake up callsRules they must followDo it the right wayNo choiceIgnored voiceI think thereContinue reading “Day Six- 30 days 30 poems”

No Regrets The Road Not Taken A poem and a life lesson To explore it or not Not every road is open Sometimes we lose our way But the choice is ours No Regrets