Here in the States we are coming out of a holiday weekend, so I thought it could inspire today's post. As we've celebrated Independence Day, I've been thinking about how with freedom comes responsibility. This transfers to writing workshop. If you follow along regularly, then you know choice has been on my mind a lot lately.… Continue reading Let Freedom Ring
Author: Ruth Ayres
Unhurried. Finding the magic in the middle of living. Capturing a life of ridiculous grace + raw stories.
Choice in Deadlines
Some were asking me to "say more" about giving students choice regarding deadlines. Here are a couple ideas in order to empower students to have more choice in finding what works best for them as writers. First and foremost, I have to say I believe in deadlines. Writers have deadlines. If Stacey and I didn't… Continue reading Choice in Deadlines
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Thinking About Choice
One of the sessions I attended at the conference last week was June Yazel's "The Power of Choice." It has been rattling around in my mind since. June believes choice is the defining factor of writing workshop. I believe this too. Sometimes it seems as though we strip choice away from writing workshop. I'll be… Continue reading Thinking About Choice
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Mentors
One of the common threads running through the All-Write Conference was having mentors. I'm wondering who are your favorite mentors to use in your classroom and to use for your own writing. For me, I enjoy using Jacqueline Woodson and Jane Yolen in classrooms as well as for my own writing. In addition I hope… Continue reading Mentors
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Reflections
I just got back from a dinner with J. Patrick Lewis. After dinner Pat spoke and inspired me to teach and write and live more intentionally, more light-hearted. This comes on the heels of a day with Katie Wood Ray, Sharon Taberski, Franki Sibberson, and Sarah Weeks. Am I a lucky girl or what? Although… Continue reading Reflections
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Individualize Writing Process + Standardized Tests
Sometimes when I write in this forum it is about topics I have thought through and know exactly where I stand and what I think. Other times I write here in order to figure out what I think. These are the thoughts which make me most nervous to post. However, if I never post my… Continue reading Individualize Writing Process + Standardized Tests
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Finding Time to Write
Of all the things I've done to become a more proficient teacher of writing, the act of putting words on a page has had the biggest influence on my practice. As I've engaged in being a writer, I've learned the nuances of the craft. Being a teacher who writes influences my instruction more than anything else. However,… Continue reading Finding Time to Write
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Words that are Speaking to Me
It's over now. I'm at the end of the summer following my senior year; I have my diploma in a lockbox and the advantage of hindsight. But I want to tell it [the story] without that advantage -- tell it as it unfolded -- Mr. Simet says any story is only true in the moment.… Continue reading Words that are Speaking to Me
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Summer Reading
What are your reading plans this summer? I thought I'd take a minute to share some professional books about Writing Workshop. I've divided my "recommendations" into two categories. New-to-Writing Workshop-Philosophy Primary: About the Authors by Katie Wood Ray and Lisa Cleveland Intermediate: The No-Nonsense Guide to Writing Workshop by Davis and Hill Middle School: In… Continue reading Summer Reading
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A Few Changes
If you look closely, you may notice a few changes around here. Our header is slightly different, we're sporting a new button for our motto, and the Slice of Life button is a new color. Most significantly, though, is the Blogroll on the right. It is organized by category. Keep an eye on it this… Continue reading A Few Changes
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Words that are Speaking to Me
Writing a first draft is very much like watching a Polaroid develop. You can't -- and, in fact, you're not supposed to -- know exactly what the picture is going to look like until it has finished developing. --- Anne Lamott, Bird by Bird: Some Instructions on Writing and Life
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Gratitudes.
It's been a long time since I've made a list of gratitudes. Isn't it interesting how embedded in the word gratitude, is almost the word attitude? I've found if I make a list of things I'm most thankful for my attitude always improves. So today I'm thankful for: A job that allows me to make a difference… Continue reading Gratitudes.
