Category: reflections

reflections · Reflective Practice · research · resource · technology · Web 2.0

QR Codes

Ruth Ayres4 Comments

My kids are junkies when it comes to QR Codes. They love spotting them. They are addicted to the thrill of scanning. They like the possibility of where the QR Code might take them. Today in the Tech Workshop (which should be renamed to Taking Time to Tackle Technology), we talked a little about QR… Continue reading QR Codes

process · reflections · Reflective Practice · revision

What are you writing?

Ruth Ayres7 Comments

Short post since my internet is slow at best, although nonexistent is more accurate. My school was canceled today. I spent a lot of my day writing. I've been revising my query letter and my first novel. So far the first 38 pages have been revised into 18. It's hard work. Hard. Hard. Work. Not to mention… Continue reading What are you writing?

adolescent literacy · big picture · challenges · change · choice · education · inspiration · reflections · Reflective Practice · writing workshop

Teach the Writer

Ruth Ayres7 Comments

I wish we could change the world by creating powerful writers forever instead of indifferent writers for school. ---Mem Fox I just want to take a deep breath and read those words again. Exactly. "Powerful writers forever instead of indifferent writers for school." Sigh. This is why I'm thankful for writing workshop. It helps us… Continue reading Teach the Writer

reflections · Reflective Practice

GUEST BLOG POST: Patrick Allen

guestteacher11 Comments

Patrick A. Allen is a literacy consultant and a 4th grade teacher from Denver, Colorado. He is the author of two Stenhouse books: Conferring: The Keystone of Reader’s Workshop and Put Thinking to the Test (coauthor). You can contact him at patrickallen6@msn.com. Randi Allison recently retired from Douglas County School District in Parker, Colorado. She… Continue reading GUEST BLOG POST: Patrick Allen

professional development · reflections · Reflective Practice

More All-Write Reflections

Ruth Ayres3 Comments

I know I've spent several posts talking about the All-Write Summer Institute. This is because it was BIG! Here are more thoughts and reflections from the 2011 Summer Institute. Unfortunately I'm afraid I've missed some. If so, please forgive me and leave the link to your reflection in the comments. Perhaps you aren't a blogger,… Continue reading More All-Write Reflections

guest blogger · reflections

GUEST BLOG POST: Taking Time for Reflection.

guestteacher7 Comments

Julie Johnson, the author of Raising Readers and Writers, has taught for 20 years in both special and general education.  She currently teaches third grade in Hilliard City Schools where she finds great pleasure  integrating reading and writing workshop with technology. She is the 2010 recipient of the Donald Graves Excellence in Teaching Writing Award… Continue reading GUEST BLOG POST: Taking Time for Reflection.

reflections

Monday Possibilities.

Ruth Ayres6 Comments

People grumble, growl, and roll their eyes when it comes to Mondays. Monday mornings are good fodder for jokes. However, I like to look at Monday as a day of possibilities. It is the opening day of a week waiting to unfold. What did Monday offer you? For me, I'm looking forward to understanding the… Continue reading Monday Possibilities.

primary grades · process · reflections · Reflective Practice

First Grade Reflections

Ruth Ayres7 Comments

Today Maggie Gayton asked her first graders to write a reflection about what they have learned recently as a writer. Her students, using pictures and words, reminded us of the power of writing workshop and the importance of  reflecting on our writing lives.Maggie will post these reflections on her Celebrating Writers bulletin board along with… Continue reading First Grade Reflections

reflections · Reflective Practice · Slice of Life Story Challenge · sundays for the soul · Write: It's good for you!

Sundays for the Soul: SOLSC Reflections

Ruth Ayres13 Comments

Here is a roundup of reflections from Slice of Life Story Challenge. Trust me, there's not much better than this for your soul. (My apologies if I missed yours. If you wrote a reflection and it's not on this list, pleasepleaseplease add it to the comments.) One of the common themes throughout the reflections is… Continue reading Sundays for the Soul: SOLSC Reflections

reflections · Reflective Practice · Slice of Life Story Challenge

SOLS Challenge in the Classroom

Ruth Ayres

I am thrilled to hear so many plans to extend Slice of Life Story Challenge to your classrooms. Thank you to those who have shared their thinking. My friend Ruth Metcalfe (she posts in the comments as "the other ruth"),  has generously shared her reflective thinking, anchor chart, and templates for a SOLS Challenge book… Continue reading SOLS Challenge in the Classroom

olw · reflections

OLW 2011

Ruth Ayres12 Comments

My One Little Word finally found me. I'm looking forward to seeing the way it wraps itself around my world and changes me bit by bit. Already I've found it weaving its way into my life. I believe relationships should be at the heart of all we do. People matter and I'd like to be… Continue reading OLW 2011

holiday · reflections

The Eve of the Eve of the . . .

Ruth Ayres4 Comments

Hannah, my oldest daughter woke up this morning and said: Today is the eve of the eve of Christmas eve. I paused and counted the days back from Friday, smiled and said, "Yes, you're right, it is." "Well, then, I think today deserves a celebration," she smiled at me. It is this excitement I want… Continue reading The Eve of the Eve of the . . .