Author Archives: Carrie Mattern

NaNoWriMo Madness

People tend to think of the month of March as March Madness in most areas of the United States, but for me, November was much more terrifying and emotional. Sure I love the Cinderella team beating the ego driven top … Continue reading

Posted in Blog | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

Friday’s English Work

Instead of making checklists or assignment sheets, Mattern students will view this page for their computer tasks. ALL students must first read before asking questions. Come to the front desk today with any questions. Ask 3 before me. English 11 1. … Continue reading

Posted in Links of Interest | Leave a comment

What they don’t tell you.

I am battling anxiety. I was never one to openly talk about much, but I am better on paper, so here it goes. I hope at least one person benefits from this post, or at least doesn’t feel so alone. … Continue reading

Posted in Blog | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Learning through Travel

Paul and I are not very good at remembering to pack toys for our children when we travel. For Paul, it is not a necessity. The military planner inside him has to make sure each and every item we take … Continue reading

Posted in Links of Interest | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

For my juniors, who tend to flounder.

The Day We Went Outside “Find a poem,” I asked them, “outside where it’s nice.” They stared blankly, through sleep-filled hungry eyes, And then a girl interrupted the crickets chirping with, “Um, Mrs. Matter-ren, like, why did you hide poems … Continue reading

Posted in Links of Interest | Tagged , | Leave a comment

2014 Summer Reads

Every summer I compile book lists based on the every other day post from my friends begging for a new book suggestion.  With that, my top 5 will all be made into movies soon (or already may have been so … Continue reading

Posted in Blog | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Is that a scratch?

I just read a piece online called, “Jupiter’s Dot and Mine. Why Life is Unfair.” I saw it on my Twitter feed, then later, Facebook, so I clicked.  I actually read it (see NY Times article, Faking Cultural Literacy for … Continue reading

Posted in Blog | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Snake Eyes

Recently my son came home with a stuffed snake that he and his auntie bought at a garage sale while visiting family in MN. His snake was wrapped around his waist while he slept in the car, and upon arrival … Continue reading

Posted in Links of Interest | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

A Summer of Sunsets

Wearing dress pants to work today solidified it: summer is over. The end for you may have been Labor Day, your first day without kids at home, the last ‘hot’ one, or even your last boat ride. For me, though, … Continue reading

Posted in Blog | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

All Aboard!

We began our journey to Thomas in the early morning, which was a great idea for our early risers! The train suggests an arrival a half-hour before departure time, and we did, so we were able to board immediately without … Continue reading

Posted in Blog | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment