Dongles, Sherlock Holmes, and Stuff That’s None of My Business

Mamacita says:  I’ve been reading about the “dongle incident” and doing some serious thinking.    I’ve also been doing some serious head-shaking, and some equally serious wondering about where the line should be drawn between private conversation and public listening. … Continue reading

You Are More Important Than A Piece of Paper

My students tend to get stressed when it’s quiz or test time. I want to tell them not to worry so much, so I think I will do just that: Dear students: It’s just a piece of paper. No piece … Continue reading

What Is Education?

Mamacita says:  It was his third strike for the same offense.  Last Wednesday morning, after class,  I had to play “Plagiaristic Confrontation” again, and it was no fun. It’s never fun. All throughout my career, I’ve listened to teachers brag … Continue reading

Miss Wilder and the Bent Pin

Mamacita says:  I’ve been a hugely obsessed fan of Laura Ingalls Wilder and all of her books since before I could read. I first visited the Laura and Almanzo’s Mansfield, Missouri, home when I was in college, and at first … Continue reading

A Sympathetic Reply to Your Email, Student Dear.

Mamacita says:  Now ordinarily, as anyone who knows me already knows, I’m a firm believer in staying up late and sleeping in, whenever possible.  When I think of all those exhausted teens being dragged from their beds because some early-bird … Continue reading

Self-Esteem is EARNED. So Is Shame.

Mamacita says:  I wanted to put a picture of dysfunctional, misbehaving students here, but I got so angry as I searched for a freebie, I had to stop. Because I’m going to lay it on the line here, so stand … Continue reading