Here I am for year three of the March Slice of Life writing challenge.
Here I am, ready to write whatever comes my way each day. Every day.
Here I am, ready to bring myself the discipline I need to write each day. Every day.
The way I see it is this: I ask my kids to write all the time. Sometimes they feel like it, sometimes, they don’t. But they show up for me, for themselves, for the classmates – every time.
So this March, my daily writing practice is dedicated to my students, who are some of the best sports I know.
I might write some things I absolutely love.
I might write some things I’m not a great fan of.
But I’ll write, and I’ll put my work out there into the world each day.
Every day.
Here goes!
Soapbox: The Way I see Things 
So glad you are taking time to do something for yourself. Write — Happy Slicing fellow Slicer!
Happy slicing to you, too!
Why does writing bring both excitement and also a dread at times. I know our students do not see writing as a good time- LOL/
Exactly! It reminds me of my storytelling partner, who would give kid storytellers a penny to remind them that (just as Lincoln and his memorial bookend the penny) fear and excitement are two sides of the same coin.
I like the repetition of the beginning. I’m also digging the tone of this piece. I’m committed to writing too. We’ll see where it goes.
Thank you! As for seeing where it goes, that’s one of my favorite phrases to say out loud to myself: “We’ll see what happens.” It usually precedes me doing something brave. Or dumb. Dealer’s choice!
Love your approach to this challenge. Why should we not do what we ask our students to do every day? Not everything we write needs to be a masterpiece. What is important is that we write. Here’s to a great month of writing.
Thanks! I’ve tried to center the student experience this year in my classroom. I can’t say that I do it all the time, but this is one way that I can try. Here’s to the coming month!
Every day, we write. It’s what we do this month. I appreciate your slice for the tempo and the spirit behind it! I look forward to seeing what slices you share with us! 🙂
Good luck in our month of writing.
It’s what we do. Which gets me thinking. There’s so much of what we do that’s…just…what we DO. That might might a good post!
That’s such a great idea! I’ll tell my kids I’m dedicating the challenge to them too! Thank you!
So good to read your posts again!
Shaista, it’s good to “see” you again online, too! And…I haven’t actually told my kids yet. I probably should!
Ooooh! I liking this layout. I love how you phrased this – here we are and here we go!
Thanks, Raivenne. I kind of like to have fun with my writing, when I can!
Oohhh…I love the idea of this being dedicated to students. Many times they are the reason, the idea, inspiration, and subject of my writing. Happy writing!
This would be year six for me, but I decided to not sign up and just pop in on Tuesdays. You know I write every day anyway, so I’ll continue to do that but just not put a link here. I’ll look forward to your posts Lainie – you’ve got this!
I’ll bet your students will enjoy your efforts as well! Rock on!
You go Laine. Super excited to spend the next 30 days with you. I like the lense you’re writing from this year. This is the time where I really have the most fun writing with my students because I get to share a few pieces too. You got this
Writing is an act of courage. Sharing it, the ultimate act of courage. You are the Queen of Ridiculously Good (and Compelling) Ideas – l love every one you share! I love your amazing students as well, I am here cheering all of you on. ❤
This reads like a slice of manifesto. I really like the tone of “here we go.” It gave me the sense of taking the deep breath of anticipation (and in my case also a bit of trepidation) as I buckle in for a roller coaster ride. It’s year five for me, but it still gives me some anxiety. I need a little more of this, “Here goes” attitude.
Funny you should mention. MUCH of what I declare to the world could be considered quite manifesto-ish (I mean, my blog title might be a hint). Now that I’m thinking about it, how did I never put together that the word “manifesto” has the word “manifest” in it? I’m going to have to roll that one around in my brain.
You’re right – this month *is* a roller-coaster ride. Way to go on year five. That’s incredible!
YES! I think writing as you described is one of the best ways to really connect with our students and the work we ask them to do. I’m glad you are back this March! I can’t wait to read your slices.
You, too! I’m looking forward to this month.
I love how you structured this piece–I can feel your commitment to being present and to writing, even though it’s not always easy. Looking forward to reading your blog this month!
Thank you! No, it definitely isn’t always easy to be present in writing, but it perhaps is a little bit easier than I give it credit for, if that makes sense. Kind of like getting a shot – it’s the anticipation, the worry that’s much worse than actually sitting down to do it!
Yes here we go! Welcome back & I can’t wait to read your Slices.
You too! I’m so glad and grateful to see you back.
Dearest Lainie,
I’m so glad to join you again on this journey. I too, am year three, here! I love your first post. It echoes my sentiments with uncanny accuracy. May this venture be one of the utmost discovery and exploration for us both. Given the state of the world’s affairs, juxtaposed to our personal endeavors, I believe it will. Cheers to your phenomenal writing!
~Dr. Brown
You’re right, Carla. We need this growth and connection now, more than ever. It’s strange to me that I keep having to say it, and stranger still that I keep saying it more fervently, but here we are…
I couldn’t agree more! I’m comforted to know that there’s a Lainie out there. I imagine you bring sunshine where you go. Shine brightly!!
And I take comfort in your Carla-ness. ❤
I love this word!!! #lol. I will have to tuck that one away! Though I may use it on my husband (ha ha ha)!
Dedicating slices to students- I love this idea!
Thanks. They get pretty tickled about it too!