I did some classroom modeling today for primary and intermediate teachers in eastern Illinois, St. Clair County, to be exact. The weather is fabulous: cool and breezy. The countryside is beautiful: green trees changing to copper and gold. The teachers are right on target. I was happy to see that first grade students are able to write 3-4 sentences on the same subject by the first week in October. Generating several sentences on a given topic is a "must" for kids at the end of their kindergarten year. Then, in first grade, we can continue to build on those skills.

For Grayson

By man’s appointment, you arrived early,

Tonight our tiny angel flew away to Jesus. Although our hearts are breaking, we know God does not make mistakes and we trust in Him. Thank you for praying for this darling little boy and standing by us with love and friendship.

Many of you are praying for our little grandson, Grayson, born premature, weighing only one pound eight ounces. I cannot begin to tell you how comforting it is to know that you are praying. I believe in miracles and this baby needs one. Every day he hovers between life and death. He is too little to hold, and his parents grieve that they are unable to cuddle him. Please continue to pray that the virus and infection leave his body and that his blood platelets will rise. We already love him and are not giving up hope.

    When I think of Miami, I usually think of sandy beaches, people on roller skates, palm trees, and Cuban food. But now, I have something else to add to my Miami reveries.

   On Saturday, I spent the day presenting a high-energy writing workshop to 250 Miami teachers, sponsored by the Dade County Reading Council. They welcomed me with amazing enthusiasm...the day was magical. The workshop was held at Royal Palm Elementary School, renown for its beautiful art displays and royal palm landscaping.

News Flash! Another darling idea just came in from Kellie Blanco, a teacher at Osceola Elementary School in St. Augustine, Florida. Here it is in her own words: "In my class we talk about similes and metaphors so much I have a program I have implemented. At Halloween time you can get chocolate eye balls. I put them in a jar on my desk with a label that says, 'keeping an eye out for similes and metaphors.' When we are reading aloud or silently, the students must try and spot a simile or metaphor. When they do, they must state it and give the real meaning. If correct, they get an EYEBALL!

One of the things I love about my job is the great feedback I receive from teachers all over the country. Here's one from a teacher at Lascassas Elementary School in Rutherford County, Tennessee.

Our son, Aaron, and his wife, PJ, were expecting a baby boy, due January 10, 2009. Last week, Grayson Phillip Odom was born 17 weeks early as a micro-preemie, weighing only one pound eight ounces. He was perfectly formed and beautiful but extremely tiny, as you can imagine. Since that day he has been fighting for his life with one illness or medical condition after another. Would you please join us in prayer for this little boy? He is struggling to live and has an uphill battle ahead of him. We believe in a God of miracles and are asking Him to save this precious little baby.