Remembering the Miracles of 9/11/01
“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
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 … 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 … 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 … 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 … 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. … 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 … 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 … 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. … 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 … 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 … 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 … Continue Reading Thinking About Others
Ruth’s SOLS: Away.
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 … Continue Reading Ruth’s SOLS: Away.
Remembering September 11th
If you teach eighth grade or younger, it is highly unlikely that your students personally remember the events of September 11; many of our students weren’t alive when the attacks … Continue Reading Remembering September 11th
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 … Continue Reading Ruth’s SOLS: Starting School.
One Time Stories
Do you know the old saying, “The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree?” I’m experiencing it first hand. My oldest daughter, Hannah, was given a writer’s notebook by her … Continue Reading One Time Stories
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 … Continue Reading Ruth’s Slice(s) of Life: A New Minilesson Idea
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 … Continue Reading Ruth’s SOLS: Listening to Photograph by Nickelback
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, … Continue Reading Ruth’s SOLS: Nate
Ruth’s Memoior-ish Monday: Bridal Shower.
This weekend I went to a bridal shower and I was reminded of my own wedding preparations. Isn’t it strange the way time plays with your mind? It seems like it … Continue Reading Ruth’s Memoior-ish Monday: Bridal Shower.
TWO WRITING TEACHERS 