Thursday, March 1, 2012


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!


16 comments:

  1. I'm excited about the challenge, too! I've been writing book and comics reviews for a little while, but haven't done much personal writing. I'm hoping the challenge will help me rediscover my writer's eye and build my writing community with wonderful tweeps like you!

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    1. You've got to love a good challenge - right?!? I'm right there with you for developing the craft. Let's spur eachother on! Look forward to reading your post!

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  2. First off, welcome to SOLC, it's such a great experience. Your description is great, I love the way you take the reader through your thoughts and what you are seeing. That's the way to slow the moment down.

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    1. Thanks - I did try to slow the moment down. I've been working on that.

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  3. Welcome...I felt your nervousness and your pride. You will find this is a community you can be proud of as well. Everyone here cares about writing...there is a lot of talent and compassion. No one judges...they all lead by example.

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    1. I love it that you felt that nervousness. I think that's what we try to do as writers. Cool~ It is comforting to know it's a safe place. I know I have so much to learn and I'm already learning about the craft from reading all the posts!

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  4. Let me start by thanking you for your kind words about my first "slice" on my neighbor, Sonny. Your piece was so wonderful to read - your description really allowed me to experience all you were feeling. I look forward to reading more. Thanks again!

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    1. Really - your piece was moving! Glad you felt in the moment. :) Thank you!

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  5. I love how you write that you are learning to find energy in waves. I am feeling that now too, patiently waiting to ride the positive flow! So glad to share in this slice of life journey:)

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    1. I think inspiration is contagious, because I know I've caught some from you! Looking forward to the journey together also.

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  6. I couldn't agree with Katie more - finding energy in waves is so important. Beautifully stated. Sounds like you work with some very special colleagues! So glad we'll both be doing the Slice of Life Challenge this year.

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    1. Thanks for the kind words. I feel priviledged to be in good company!

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  7. Jen,
    I have felt that exact same way before! Having been a teacher for 7 years, I feel comfortable speaking in front of children. In fact, it comes naturally to me. But, this year, as a Literacy Coach, I speak in front of adults much more often than I ever have before, and despite being confident in the content that I am presenting about, I still get nervous (and even a little tongue-tied) in front of adults. Thanks for sharing your feelings and vulnerabilities. I'm glad you have such supportive colleagues! :)

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    1. I'm still new to literacy coaching and I'm all about keeping it real! I think it's so important to be honest about where we're at and that we struggle and question. I know teachers respect that rather than having all the answers. I think coaching is successful when we take the attitude of figuring it out together.

      Next year it looks like we may become instructional coaches and take on math. I'm excited for this new challenge, but boy do I have lots of learning to do!

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  8. Glad you're jumping in.

    BTW: I LOVE the background of your blog. Tulip fields and windmills. Ah!

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    1. Thanks! I thought the windmill going round and round might match the concept of "keeping the conversation going." I hope it's a place that is refreshing!

      And hey - thanks for orgainzing this. I'm growing so much as a writer! Met you at NCTE with Ann Marie. :)

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