Category: slice of life

slice of life · Slice of Life Story Challenge

What is a Slice of Life?

Ruth Ayres8 Comments

The month long Slice of Life Challenge will begin in March. Until then, we have Slice of Life Tuesdays, where we encourage you to share a Slice from your life. It's a simple way to practice what we ask of students -- to write for ourselves and be part of a community of writers. I… Continue reading What is a Slice of Life?

slice of life · wn entry

Ruth’s SOLS: Mean Girls

Ruth Ayres10 Comments

My third grade daughter came home yesterday after school upset because she was: Kicked out of the Horse Lover's Club at recess. One girl told another girl I don't love horses enough and they don't want me in it. But they don't know what's in my heart and that I love horses more than almost… Continue reading Ruth’s SOLS: Mean Girls

slice of life · wn entry · Write: It's good for you!

Ruth’s SOLS: Away.

Ruth Ayres5 Comments

This afternoon Stacey said to me, "You don't know what to do with yourself, do you?" She was right, I had no clue. Afternoons are the busiest part of my day. When I walk in my door at 4:30 I am completely consumed with family life. The afternoons with Stacey have been quiet and relaxing.… Continue reading Ruth’s SOLS: Away.

slice of life · wn entry

Ruth’s SOLS: Starting School.

Ruth Ayres6 Comments

For many, today marked the start of a new school year. For my son, it marked the start of a school career. He went to school for the very first time today. I went with him. I was excited and nervous; happy and sad; looking back and looking forward --- all rolled into one big… Continue reading Ruth’s SOLS: Starting School.

first day · focus lesson · minilesson · slice of life

Ruth’s SOLS: First Day Minilesson — What is Writing Workshop?

Ruth Ayres10 Comments

Here's a little Slice of Life from the first student day. As a coach, the first day is one of the days I miss the most about being a classroom teacher. Thankfully,  Christi Overman (she blogs during the school year only, so you'll want to check back regularly on Chocolate for Teachers) invited me to… Continue reading Ruth’s SOLS: First Day Minilesson — What is Writing Workshop?

fiction · minilesson · slice of life · wn entry · Write: It's good for you!

Ruth’s Slice(s) of Life: A New Minilesson Idea

Ruth Ayres3 Comments

Slice 1: All morning I waited for Laurie Halse Anderson's post about the writing challenge for today. Although a little apprehensive about whether this would be worthwhile, I found myself writing interview questions and then answering them in the voice of a dad. Well past the required fifteen minutes, I was still writing, learning all… Continue reading Ruth’s Slice(s) of Life: A New Minilesson Idea

music · slice of life · wn entry

Ruth’s SOLS: Listening to Photograph by Nickelback

Ruth Ayres7 Comments

On Friday, after Andy and I spoke at Nate's funeral, the song "Photograph" was played as the service progressed. Although I've listened to it many times before, it now clings to my heart. I'm reminded how music can make us feel and remember and itch to write. A photo of Nate sits on our mantel.… Continue reading Ruth’s SOLS: Listening to Photograph by Nickelback

slice of life · wn entry

Ruth’s SOLS: Nate

Ruth Ayres21 Comments

Less than 24 hours after eating gummy worm brownies with Nate, Andy and I found ourselves standing in a hospital room with his family. Although Nate was young and strong, he had a weak heart. On Saturday he was doing some back flips off a boat and had a hard time catching his breath. He… Continue reading Ruth’s SOLS: Nate

community · slice of life · Slice of Life Story Challenge

SOLSC & Community

Stacey Shubitz10 Comments

It's funny how the Slice of Life Story Challenge has created a virtual community of writers.  In November, Ruth and I met up with Bonnie Kaplan and Kevin Hodgson when we attended the NCTE Annual Convention in Philadelphia.  Two weeks ago, I found myself in a session with Kelly Sandborn, who was one of our… Continue reading SOLSC & Community