What Was Sarah Doing In 3rd (and 2nd, and 4th, and 5th and...) Grade?

When I was teaching third grade, I provided my students (and often the school) with an extensive library of over 3,000 volumes. Despite offering this remarkable resource in my room, I also took my kids to outstanding public, private and university libraries all over Southern California.

I tried to impress upon my students the value of reading well not only in third grade but that reading would be important throughout their lives. The children learned that reading comprehension at their young age poured a foundation of future literacy, success and fulfillment. They learned that reading, understanding language, and a well-rounded vocabulary were crucial building blocks to not only lifelong literacy, but also their self-esteem and gaining respect by writing and speaking well.

Sarah Palin speaking about the economic meltdown:

“Well, you know, first Fannie and Freddie, different because quasi-government agencies there where government had to step in because the adverse impact all across our nation, especially with homeowners, is just too impacting.”

I wonder what Sarah was doing in third grade that prevented her from building her foundation?

I’ve listened to her interviews before and after her selection as McCain's VP nominee, and none gave me the impression that she was skating on anything but a very, very thin layer of ice on understanding the issues facing the country she unblinkingly insists she is prepared to lead.

Consider this exchange in the recent Hannity Palinmercial:

Hannity: What is our role as a country as it relates to national security?

Palin: "Yes. That's a great question, and being an optimist I see our role in the world as one of being a force for good, and one of being the leader of the world when it comes to the values that -- it seems that just human kind embraces the values that -- encompass life and liberty and the pursuit of happiness, and that's just -- not just in America, that is in our world.

And America is in a position because we care for so many people to be able to lead and to be able to have a strong diplomacy and a strong military also at the same time to defend not only our freedoms, but to help these rising smaller democratic countries that are just -- you know, they're putting themselves on the map right now, and they're going to be looking to America as that leader.

We being used as a force for good is how I see our country."

Instead of Palin power dating at the United Nations and flashing her smile and eyes and legs at guys from countries outside of Mexico and Canada, she would benefit everyone...her family, Alaska and the United States by returning to third grade and building a better foundation.

My Labor Days Past

When I was teaching 3rd grade, Labor Day (and basically all summer) was filled from sunrise to midnight with last minute preparations to receive my new students. I always took pride in creating an environment that promoted intellectual discovery and that was welcoming and safe.

The photo above shows just one corner of my classroom. You can see that I really encouraged reading by offering a comprehensive library of over 3,000 volumes. I'm lucky the fire inspector never visited. I'm certain I would have been required to get rid of the plant and the bright twinkling Christmas lights the children loved so much. They always wanted to do their studies under the lights.

Another teacher who was recently forced out as I was, asked me if I missed teaching...missed the Labor Day rush to be ready. I told her what she already knew, that she will especially miss the kids who were eager to learn and discover new things but will not miss the incompetencies of principals and administrators.

In my 15 years, I think I am proud of many accomplishments. A few include creating an environment that made my students (and parents) always feel welcomed, loved, unique, smart/capable, and appreciated. My carefully designed curriculum enhancements were unique, fun, relevant and challenging for my students. Of special note are my creations such as the 1,500 square foot garden I built for my students (you can see a photographic history at http://www.jefflowephotography.com self-published, 200 page interactive texts on sea life/whales, Santa Catalina Island and many more, as well as special units on wonderful literature and plays such as "Where The Red Fern Grows" and "Phantom of the Opera".

Some ask me if I miss teaching. My answer? I think you already know.