SORGHUM MOLASSES AND BISCUITS

 "One day . . . or day one.” -- Anonymous

February: Cherokee Month of the Bone Moon

SEL:  #3 Self-Management

SEL:  #4 Relationship Skills    

Digital Learner:  #2 Creative Communicator

Perspective: outlook or point of view.

My father was a volunteer fireman in the 1950’s, newly married, and was used to dealing with the public. He went into the corner grocery and asked for sorghum by pronouncing it as “sa’gum.” The clerk had owned this neighborhood grocery for 40 years and was wise to the ways of his customers.

 “Sir, I don’t believe we have such a thing. What’s it look like?”

“It’s brown, sweet and you pour it on biscuits - - but it isn’t honey.”

“Ah,” replied the man, “not honey, I believe you want a molasses called "sor' gum." That’s the way we say it here in Denver.”

“My wife sent me for it.”

“Where’s she from?”

“Tennessee.”

“Young man, you need to learn how to talk southern, it’ll save you a lot of confusion in the days to come.”

As time went by, my father learned to decipher such Tennessee expressions as: doesn’t know split-beans-from-coffee, good-garden-seed! Catawampus (sideways), kitty-corner (diagonal), discombulated (confused), heebie-jeebies (fear), gumption (resourcefulness), fixin’ to (getting ready to), carry it (bring it), yonder (inches or miles), mash (push buttons as in an elevator), larapin’ good (tasty), and crick (small-flowing stream). 

From my mother’s perspective all was well. From my father’s perspective, even though English was being spoken, mis-communication ensued. Ever happen to you?

Aloha love, 

Carla

I am committed to being an effective member of the global digital community. Montana Cat Tales for Life-Long Learners publishes children’s picture books, for ages 4-8, on earth science, feelings and emotions, and social-emotional learning (SEL). These books work to help children understand themselves and their place in the world through animal characters and diverse human companions. They provide Learning-to-Learn Skills for Early Readers, sight-words, and phonics to enrich academic development.

Commitments of a Digital Citizen (2022): I am inclusive. I engage with others online with respect and empathy. I am informed. I evaluate the accuracy, perspective, and validity of online information. I am engaged. I use technology for civic engagement and to be a force for good. I am balanced. I prioritize my time and activities online and offline. I am alert. I know how to be safe online and create safe spaces for others.  digcitcommit.org  ISTE.org   

The 5 SEL Competencies:  Self-Awareness, Social Awareness, Self-Management, Relationship Skills, and Responsible Decision-Making. CASEL.org

The 7 Competencies for Technology in Education: Empowered Learner: I use technology to set goals, work toward achieving them, and demonstrating my learning. Global Collaborator: I strive to broaden my perspective, understand others, and work effectively in teams using digital tools. Digital Citizen: I understand the rights, responsibilities, and opportunities of living, learning, and working in an interconnected digital world. Creative Communicator: I communicate effectively and express myself creatively using different tools, styles, formats, and digital media. Knowledge Constructor: I critically select, evaluate, and synthesize digital resources into a collection that reflects my learning and builds my knowledge. Computational Thinker: I identify authentic problems, work with data, and use a step-by-step process to automate solutions. Innovative Designer: I solve problems by creating new and imaginative solutions using a variety of digital tools. ISTE.org  

Disclaimer for Blog This site cannot and does not contain social-emotional learning (SEL) or technology in education advice. These materials are provided for general informational and educational purposes and are not a substitute for professional advice on any particular concerns or circumstances involved. This Blog: Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) For Everyone! aims to share ideas and best practices, in good faith, only. Any information sent to Carla Chapin, or to Montana Cat Tales for Life-Long Learners, LLC, through the website, Internet, or email is not secure and is done so on a non-confidential basis. The original content of the websites Carla Chapin, Montana Cat Tales for Life-Long Learners, LLC and the Blogs: Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) For Everyone!  and Montana Cat Tales for Life-Long Learners, are copyrighted materials and are subject to the restrictions and protections set forth in the Copyright Act.