I don't remember the exact moment I met Franki or even who introduced us but I do know she has influenced my teaching, my writing, my reading and even my being. It doesn't take but a second to feel like you're friends Franki. She is so humble, she truly seems unaware of the impact she has on so many people.
I love that Mary Lee invited us to celebrate Franki's birthday in this way. This is a great way to show Franki how many lives she has touched and as we are mostly speaking as educators its not just our lives but also the lives of our students (20 some each year)! That's an impact that can't be denied!
I am hesitant to list the Franki influences in my life. The connections are so interwoven, they are almost impossible to unravel… but, I guess there are a few standout…
Franki taught me that readers are Still Learning to Read beyond first grade! This was especially helpful when I moved from first grade to a 2/3 loop! #ifnotforFranki I would have been floundering in supporting and pushing second grade readers!
I am sure as I read on in this weekends #ifnotforFranki post I will be reminded of another influence Franki has made. Her connections and touches are truly to embedded in who she is and who she's touched they are impossible to separate!
Thank you Franki for being Franki!
Love this--thank you so much! You remind me how lucky I am to teach in Columbus and to have so many amazing people to learn from and with. So glad we are friends. And yes, we'll always have Peter:-) Sooo funny! Love that you mentioned that!
ReplyDeleteI was hoping you'd mention Peter. Bahahaha. I think you are so right, it is hard to unravel all the connections and things Franki has helped us to do, to know, to discover.
ReplyDeleteCathy
You two were hysterical at NCTE13! Fun memories!!
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