Peace in Workshop

The act of paying attention brings us peace. — Julia Cameron

Yesterday I was thinking about how life is messy and how often it is human nature to try and cover-up the mess instead of face it head-on.  As the day went on, I began thinking about Writing Workshop in these terms.   Anytime we teach in response to student need, life is going to get a little hairy.  Sometimes we try to cover-up this reality.  We begin trying to control Writing Workshop.  We want it neat and tidy, expected and perfect. 

This just isn’t a reality.  Writing Workshop is predictable, organized, and structure.  These things are necessary in order for authentic, individualized teaching to happen.  Yet when we begin meeting students at their point of need, it can become messy. 

Going into this week I’m going to pay attention to the important moments in Workshop . . . those points when I’m meeting the needs of my students.  Those times when unexpected, necessary learning is occurring.  The points where the state standards are being met in genuine ways.  I’m going to depend on the words of Julia Cameron — “The act of paying attention brings us peace.”  If nothing else, this week I’m going to be authentic in my instruction — messy parts included!