It's time to start talking and imagining and getting excited about the 6th Annual Slice of Life Challenge. Here are a few things to begin considering. If you've never participated, now is the time! You'll need to start a blog. I promise you can do this. If you have any questions, just ask. Stacey or… Continue reading Pumping Up for March Slice of Life Challenge!
Category: Write: It’s good for you!
Writing Unapologetically
One of the lines from the Voices Strong class mantra, taught by Christy Rush-Levine is Write Unapologetically. I love these two words side-by-side standing for genuine marks on the page. Today, I planned to write a blog post right now, in the rich moments of the morning. I've been planning this writing time for weeks… Continue reading Writing Unapologetically
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Gratitude List
Oops...I was supposed to post this yesterday. Oh well, here we go... Gratitudes Dirty Dishes. I cook for my family. We eat together. Again and again. So I smile as I wash and remember not everyone has the abundance of food as we do. Muddy Floor. My kids play outside, and they run inside, not… Continue reading Gratitude List
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Voices Strong Reflection
Remember a few weeks ago I visited Christy Rush-Levine's classroom? As a reflection for our curriculum director, principal, and school board, we (Andrea Komorowski, 6th grade language arts teacher; Shelley Kunkle, 7th grade language arts teacher; Deb Gaby, corporation reading coach; and me) put together a video. It's long (and you know my rule about… Continue reading Voices Strong Reflection
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A Little Writing Love
As an instructional coach, a key part of my job is to encourage and inspire teachers. This is one of my favorite things about my job. It isn't easy to be the person who is always nudging people to grow, but it is fun to be the person who gets to offer doses of encouragement… Continue reading A Little Writing Love
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Writing Because…
One of the reasons I appreciate the opportunity to lead professional development is I get to continue pushing myself to new understandings and deeper learning. Every time I speak or work with a group of teachers, I gain a clarity and energy for teaching writers. When this doesn't happen, when my learning ceases, when I'm… Continue reading Writing Because…
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A Holiday
I hope you are spending your holiday in a way that restores your soul. I know I'm one of the earlier back-to-school people in our little community here. We've been back for three weeks. Some of you just started. And a few are still waiting for your first day of the new school year. Whatever… Continue reading A Holiday
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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
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Be a writer. It matters.
Today I met with a teacher who said these words to me: I don't like writing. I really don't like writing. Give me math all day long every day and I'm happy, but don't make me write. I appreciated her candidness. I love it when teachers are honest with me and I'm always humbled that… Continue reading Be a writer. It matters.
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WFMAD (Write Fifteen Minutes a Day Challenge)
Last year I joined the WFMAD challenge hosted by Laurie Halse Anderson. You know Laurie Halse Anderson, right? No matter what level of students you work with she writes books that you would be interested in reading (if you haven't already). Young Adult: Speak. Wintergirls. Twisted. Prom. Catalyst. Historical Thrillers: Chains. Forge. Fiction for Young… Continue reading WFMAD (Write Fifteen Minutes a Day Challenge)
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{Discover. Play. Build.} Character Wants
One of the best ways to get to know characters (or people in general) is to figure out what they want. Often these wants drive our stories Whether you are crafting a fiction story or living your own story, wants are a motivator for actions and choices. Today's {Discover. Play. Build.} challenge is focused around… Continue reading {Discover. Play. Build.} Character Wants
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{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
