Slice of Life Writing 2012 - The Challenge!

I've decided to take on the challenge of "The Slice of Life" writing for the month of March, to write everyday. I believe that to be good at teaching writing, we need to nurture our own writing lives. I know that I am a better teacher of writing when I have my own writing going on. I've already been reading some of the posts and Linda, at TeacherDance http://teacherdance.blogspot.com/2012/02/tabula-rasa.html, made it so simple as she told of the writing community she was a part of, "One writes, shares, receives support from and gives support to others, and works hard to get better." Thanks to Ruth and Stacy, Two Writing Teachers, for organizing this digital community of learners and giving us the challenge!

I know I want that writing community for my students, but I also need it for myself. I'm not even sure what I'll be writing for this challenge. Most often I think it will be reflections and me working to stretch out those small moments of my life, staying in the moment. So here I go...Happy Writing!

Sitting all in a row, some of us looking over notes, some chatting, there's a nervous excitement is in the air. I glance out of the corner of my right eye and I feel my heart beat with the tick of the second hand of the clock as it rounds again, the minute hand on the 9 and the hour hand aching to reach 7 o'clock, pm and I think, "Really, can 100 people possibly arrive in 15 minutes?" I jump out of my chair and look for a quiet spot. "Maybe in that cove where they store the chairs? No. Someone's there. What's that door?" I wonder. Aaaah a secret room. There's a galley kitchen connected to the presentation room. Pacing back and forth, practicing a few lines, my nerves calm and I take my place with my cohoarts, my partners in crime, my colleages, my dear friends. I know they have my back. The night came together like a puzzle, pieces falling into place. The parents came, 100+, and were eager to hear about our district's writing program, evidenced by their thoughtful questions and encouraging comments, each coach and our curriculum director shared their part with beautiful heart and elegance, the handouts, the coffee, the hashtag. Yes - we offered for parents to tweet about the event. I'm slightly disappointed that I'm the only one who's tweeted, but that's o.k.

I'm in awe of these women I work with, the parents in our district, the fabulous teachers, such a passion for learning and teaching and loving kids and wanting to see them grow. My heart swells with gratitude in this moment and to think, just over 24 hours ago my hands were trembling and fumbling to hold a mike, a clicker and turn my notes pages! What a journey this life is - it ebs and flos. I'm learning to find energy in those waves rather than fighting them. I think the way to do that is with support and on that note - thank you to this new writing community and letting me catch this wave with you!