BLOOMING IN BUCKETS

 October 2025: Cherokee Month of the Harvest Moon

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

 

SEL:                     #1 Self-Awareness              #5 Responsible Decision-Making

Digital Learner:  #1 Empowered Learner      #3 Digital Citizen

A kind word to one in trouble is often like a switch in a railroad track. . . an inch between wreck and smooth sailing.                                                                                                                                  – Henry Ward Beecher (1813-1887)

     The fence posts to my gate had to be replaced this summer. I dug up my beautiful, golden-Asian lilies, stuck them in buckets, and dumped them on the patio. They bloomed where they were planted instead of in the ground.

    I wish I could bloom in buckets. I stay connected and realize one person’s kind words make my day, Oh, thank you for reaching out, for coming back. C. S. Lewis said, There are far, far better things ahead than any we leave behind. I believe it. It’s true in my life.

    I started writing children’s books 4 years ago and decided to delay my dream until I could launch      3 books in a set, one book every 30 days, 2x a year = 6 books per year. (Children’s literature is a dense market.) I discovered a passion for earth science and humor when explored by kittens and puppies. A dream delayed, not gone . . .

     I will be publishing chapter books on WWII and the Post-War Era in the next few years. My mother and aunt worked on the Nuremberg Trials 1946-1948. As a secondary history teacher, I became fascinated by the untold stories not presented in WWII fiction. I’m going to bloom-in-my-buckets, enjoy the journey, and see where it leads. I’ll be starting a Newsletter this winter: Vignettes of WWII & the Post-War Era, little windows into the past. What fun!

 Aloha love,

Carla

Mission Statement: I am committed to being an effective member of the global digital community. Montana Cat Tales for Life-Long Learners, LLC publishes children’s picture books for ages 4-8, on earth science; emotions and feelings; and social-emotional learning (SEL). These books work to help children understand themselves, their place in the world through animal characters and human companions, and to find their authentic voice. They provide Learning-to-Learn Skills for Early Readers, sight-words, and phonics for academic enrichment. My chapter books are WWII historical fiction and help students to read between-the-lines while using critical thinking skills.

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

I Have Digital Literary Skills: I can locate information: I use digital technology to effectively search for relevant and reliable information sources. I can evaluate sources: I analyze sources of digital information for credibility, bias, and influence. I can interpret meaning: I determine meaning from various digital sources that represent multiple perspectives. I can express my ideas: I create digital content to express myself and voice my ideas. I can communicate with others: I safely and responsibly collaborate with and learn from others online, including those who think differently than I do. I can navigate technological ecosystems: I’m aware that my online actions influence my digital landscape, I leave a trail, and impact my privacy.   getdigitalskills.com  ISTE.org

Commitments of a Digital Citizen: 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 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 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.