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.
Category: slice of life
Ruth’s SOLS: Starting School.
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.
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Ruth’s SOLS: First Day Minilesson — What is Writing Workshop?
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?
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Ruth’s Slice(s) of Life: A New Minilesson Idea
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
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Ruth’s SOLS: Listening to Photograph by Nickelback
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
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Ruth’s SOLS: Nate
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
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Join Us for Slice of Life Today!
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SOLSC & Community
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
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SOLSC
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Vanquishing Evil (Ruth’s SOLS)
Never fear, Hannah, Stephanie, and Sam are on a quest to capture "Ronald Darkin," who is plotting to drop a peanut butter and jelly bomb on our house. They have top secret maps, magic rocks, deluxe weapons (made with aluminum foil), a wagon with super-powers, traps, and a plan to save the world. They've been… Continue reading Vanquishing Evil (Ruth’s SOLS)
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Speaking to Me
Coming off of Slice of Life Story Challenge, these words are speaking to me today: To live content with small means; to seek elegance rather than luxury; and refinement rather than fashion; to be worthy, not respectable; and wealthy, not rich; to study hard, think quietly, talk gently, act frankly; to listen to stars and… Continue reading Speaking to Me
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My Playlist (Ruth’s SOLS 16/31)
I used to be the kind of writer who needed silence. Then I became the kind of writer who could write with music, as long as there were no words. For many years, I used music in my classroom with a strict no words policy. Then I started writing a book. And had a tough… Continue reading My Playlist (Ruth’s SOLS 16/31)
