“America was not built on fear. America was built on courage, on imagination and an unbeatable determination to do the job at hand.” -Harry S. Truman
Category: wn entry
Revisiting the Writer’s Notebook with “Revision Centers”
The last quarter of the school year signals a time of mixed feelings - the year is almost over, and even though we look forward to restful summer days, there is the sadness of knowing that this particular group, this classroom family, will never be together in the same way again. There is a lot… Continue reading Revisiting the Writer’s Notebook with “Revision Centers”
#slice2013: 14 of 31
“Everybody--even monsters--needed a little attention once in a while.” ― Rick Riordan, The Lightning Thief {Care} WRITE. Each day in March write a slice on your own blog. SHARE. Link your post here (using the SAME username each day) before the comments close. (Comments typically close around 5 am.) GIVE. Comment on at least three other slices.… Continue reading #slice2013: 14 of 31
Persuasion with Karen Caine
Last week I was fortunate to spend the day with Karen Caine. Are you familiar with her work? It is the book that I have had to buy the most -- SIX times -- because my copy keeps coming up missing. (Luckily Karen signed a copy for me last week, so I should be able… Continue reading Persuasion with Karen Caine
A Special Visit
The more things change, the more they stay the same. --Alphonse Karr Last Saturday my cousin got Bar Mitzvahed in New York. I tacked-on a few extra days to my weekend away so Isabelle and I could spend some time with my parents. In addition to spending lots of time with family this past weekend… Continue reading A Special Visit
I’ve been studying sentence structure…
I was watching or listening or reading something this week --- I don't remember what -- but the message was: You can't be a writer if you're not a reader. True. (And probably the reason I don't remember who said it since this little tid-bit is fairly common knowledge.) The person went on to say:… Continue reading I’ve been studying sentence structure…
What are you thankful for?
November is always the busiest month of the year for me. When I was teaching full-time, November meant Parent-Teacher Conferences (and NCTE starting in 2007). Now that I'm out of the classroom, November means consulting appointments, speaking engagements, and NCTE. My husband and I also host Thanksgiving in our home each year so that means… Continue reading What are you thankful for?
Reflections on September 11th
Ten years have passed since September 11th, 2001. In 2001, I lived in Manhattan when the planes hit the Towers, the Pentagon, and a field in Shanksville, PA. Today I live in Central Pennsylvania where the Susquehanna River has crested and has flooded the streets displacing many people from their homes. While natural disasters are… Continue reading Reflections on September 11th
{Discover. Play. Build.} More on Maps
Last week... Stacey blogged about updating heart maps. (See everything we've blogged about heart maps here.) B. blogged about hand lists. I was reminded about writing close to the bones. I kept thinking about my slice of life pepperoni pizza. Aren't these just fancy lists? you may be wondering. The short answer is yes. But… Continue reading {Discover. Play. Build.} More on Maps
“A” Collection (Ruth’s SOLS)
I collect the letter A. I think it's fun to hide them throughout the house and in my office at school. I like to tuck them into unexpected places. On top of a picture frame, above a door, beside a table lamp. Recently I gathered several of them and placed them on our mantel. I… Continue reading “A” Collection (Ruth’s SOLS)
Ruth’s SOLS: Mean Girls
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
Thinking About Others
Most schools in this area are on break. However, my daughters' school is not one of them. They continue to go to school through Wednesday. Today I volunteered in my first grade daughter's classroom. If you are lacking a little spirit this holiday season, then you should volunteer in a first grade classroom too. 🙂 Among… Continue reading Thinking About Others