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A babe in the woods
This has been a really difficult week.No time to stop and reflect about teaching and learning.I’m either running to meetings or running to go home.And, in between all of that, I try to clean up the mess I make on my desk every day. My work area is starting to look better.I cleared up the… Read more
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The Writerly Ladies
Source:http://www.novel-software.com/whyyoushouldjoinawritinggroup.aspx Two friends and I have started a writing group. Yes! A writing group! I am thrilled and scared to death at the same time. I’m afraid of exposing myself through my writing, and I’m afraid of revealing myself as a bad writer. I have stepped outside my comfort zone. There’s no going back. It’s… Read more
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End of year reflection
It’s June 2nd.School ends on June 19th.That’s only 17 calendar days away;13 school days until summer vacation,and, I dread saying goodbye to my students,even though we’re all more than ready to leave school behind for fun, lazy summer days. I will miss…greetings in the mornings.unsolicited hugs.my crown and the title of class monarch. I will… Read more
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It’s the little things…
It’s the little things that matter. The unsolicited hug from a student… The student who watches me intently,trying to read my mind or having already read it,in order to decide how she can reviseand adjust her group’s presentation for the next day. The very simple question, “What was hard about this activity?”And, the very profound… Read more
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One Word
While surfing the net one day, I came across a very interesting site called http://www.oneword.com It offers a word a day for a one-minute quick write online. There is a built-in timer that tells you when your one minute is up. However, I have started using it as a 10-minute writing exercise for my grade… Read more
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Stuck, stuck, stuck
This Slice of Life March Challenge is not going well this year. I’ve had issues with internet connection.I haven’t been able to keep up with my students’ slices.I’m not finding small moments to write about every day.I’m experiencing what many of my students go through every day: I don’t know what to write about. I… Read more
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Day #2 – #innovategraded, Saol Paulo, Brazil
It’s 5:00 pm. Throngs of people wind their way across the room to reach the beverage table. They linger there as if mesmerized by the drinks and snacks. Lines snake around and behind chairs, tables, and small groups of teachers talking and laughing. After a day of workshops, the heat has taken its toll. My foot is… Read more
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Author Skypes
After six author visits to our classroom, five of them via @SkypeClassroom, I am more convinced than ever of the immeasurable value these conversations bring to students. Listening to authors describe their writing process is priceless. The writing tips and experiences of published writers mean a lot more to my students than anything I could offer them simply… Read more
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Slice of Life March Challenge
I’m embarrassed to say that I’ve tried to establish a daily writing habit numerous times in the past without success. I get excited by the latest writing challenge so I sign up right away. I get off to a good start and then…life interrupts. I miss a day and then guilt sets in. So, why… Read more
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Writing Every Day
For me, the New Year has always been about making resolutions and setting goals for what I want to change in my life. I usually wait until January 1st to start my new regime of exercise or a new diet or an attempt at a new outlook on life, but invariably I fail. I fail because… Read more
Elisa Waingort 