Soapbox: The Way I see Things

Slice of Life Tuesday: A Little of This…

You know that show, “Chopped?” It’s the one where four professional chefs compete against each other using mystery ingredients from a basket. It’s a test of skill and creativity.

It ALSO happened to be the source of one of my most genius moments in parenting. You see, my boys watched that show and loved it as much as I did.

Lo and behold, our family “Chopped” was born. Just like the game show, we would host a three-round competition spanning appetizers, main courses and desserts. Each course involved a “mystery basket” of 3-4 ingredients that everyone would have to synthesize into their own dish. My sons and I would take turns pulling mystery ingredients out of the fridge and pantry.* We’d give ourselves 20 minutes to prepare our dish, and we’d taste and judge our handiwork after each course. Each round would have its own winner, and we’d crown a champion of the day. It was, in my own humble estimation, a pretty crafty way to get rid of a bunch of leftovers from the fridge.

It’s also a pretty crafty metaphor for writing:
1. You’ve got to work with what you have.
2. People can work with the same prompt and be wildly different.
3. Sometimes you have a bunch of fun.
4. Sometimes it’s a flaming mess.
5. It’s a LOT of pressure.
6. But pretty satisfying nonetheless.

*My husband wisely recused himself from the game, most likely because he would have beaten the pants off us every time. That, and the fact that he has standards for what he will put into his mouth-hole.

One of the more successful desserts we’ve had. I believe we were working with graham crackers, almonds and jam.

Some kind of cherry-chocolate thing that was so sweet it nearly melted my teeth off.

This tasted…pretty much how it looked. But behold! Someone broke out the fancy china!
(The judges were unmoved.)

Just like in writing, you can *TRY* to be all super-fancy, but remember it can backfire on ya.

I once had a coach who said, “In order to have GOOD ideas, you have to have a LOT of ideas.” This…was an idea. I’ll just leave that there.

Thanks, as always, to the folks at Two Writing Teachers for the weekly Slice of Life.
Give ’em a peek!

Prompt and Reliable

Oh, WordPress. There you are again, with a prompt for the day. This time, it’s “Do you have a favorite place you’ve visited? Where is it?”

So let’s get real. As a teacher of writing, I find it very clear that WordPress’s prompt people know that adults are the ones pondering this theme. Were I a third grader with this question, this blog post would read:

Yes. The Beach.

But since I’m a grown human who very well knows that the subtext of the prompt is, “and please do tell the world about it,” I suppose I’ll add a touch of elaboration.

But just a touch.

Picking a favorite place to be is like picking a favorite book. Or a favorite song. Or a favorite student. There are too many to name, and giving voice to a single one isn’t fair to the rest of them.

Still, there’s probably a theme to the places I feel happiest. There’s sun, and sand, and air, and water, and a feeling that the heaviness of life is buoyed somewhat. It’s the sand between my toes, the breath-stealing shock of a cold wave that takes me by surprise, the feeling of the sun’s warmth and the ambient noise soaking in as I lie facedown on a towel, and the recognition that I’m in this particular space because I was able to achieve some degree of separation between Life and Moments to Breathe.

There are worse things.

Slice of Life Tuesday: Hidden Inspiration

Did you know that WordPress gives you a prompt when you start a new post? I certainly didn’t. I just kind of glossed over whatever print was under “add title” and took it from there without ever actually reading the text. I’m not sure what that says about me, but I’ll leave that up to you and your ever-so-active imagination.

So…does that prompt change every day? Every week? Is it a set of prompts that rotates every so often? Will AI recognize if I actually post on that subject and try to get me to write on other stuff? If I drafted another post today, would it give me the same prompt or a different one? Do other people get the same prompts I do?

Well, friends, there’s only one reason why I noticed and read the prompt today. It’s because between all of the avenues and corners of my life, I have been swimming in words, in wordcraft, in wordsmithing, in articulation of all manners of things. Some of you followers may have noticed that I’ve been a little…spotty in my posting. Yeah. Don’t think I haven’t noticed, either.

Anyway, the reason I noticed and read the prompt today was because I had spent a solid two minutes staring at a blank screen, wondering what on earth I was going to post about today. Nothing seemed…worthy. Or, at least, nothing seemed like it was worth going INTO for just one post. I’ve got everything I can write about, but I’ve digested none of it so far. Who knows? Maybe that’s the purpose of writing more often…so that I CAN articulate it more.

But the prompt (and yes, I’ll have to check on it tomorrow) from today is…”Give five things you are good at.”

Only five? I could have more fun with this than FIVE. So here goes. I’m good at:

Making granola.
Leaving cabinet doors open in the kitchen.
Scratching my dogs where they like it best.
Achieving a perfectly-sharp pencil.
Quoting from my favorite movie.
Doing handstands.
Making my students stand on their own two feet.
Removing shoes without untying them.
Falling asleep.
Getting my husband to pick the restaurant we go to.
Telling people why I’m a member of their fan club.
Punning around.
Hugs.
Messing around with numbers in my head.
Getting to the heart of things.
Picking the right Flair pen for the job.
Making lists.

Gratuitous pic of this week’s birthday girl

Slice of Life Tuesday: Priorities

A notebook that reads "Ridiculously Good Ideas"

Today’s post comes as part of Two Writing Teachers’ Slice of Life Tuesday. Give them a peek!

I can’t lie. I’m…a little under water right now. There are lots of moles to whack in my personal and professional life and don’t get me wrong. I’m doing it. I’m doing the thing! Still, I couldn’t help but think of this poem I wrote a while back. I think it holds true in its insistence on grace and self-forgiveness. Enjoy.

Priorities

Sometimes when I shower, I
(full of distractions) grip the soap
Too tightly, and
It pops right out of my hand.

I used to
Reach for it blindly,
Block it with my elbow,
Slow it down with my knee,
All to keep it from
Hitting the shower floor;
A valiant effort
That many times worked. Until
One morning, my distracted self once again
Grabbed the soap.
As it slipped through my hands,
Time
Slowed
Down
And I thought
Well, maybe.
Maybe it would be okay this time
And no one would be hurt
And no one would get angry
And heroics look silly anyway
And I maybe could just

Let
It
Fall.

Slice of Life: Toying Around

Today’s post comes as part of Two Writing Teachers’ Slice of Life Tuesday. Give them a peek!

As a teacher of gifted children, I’ve long used Frayer Models as a way of helping kids organize their thinking about topics. I’m all for ways to help kids visualize their thinking, develop generalizations, and synthesize their knowledge.

*Image of the standard Frayer Model from the technotes blog*

To be honest, though, I’ve never felt like they’ve gone…RIGHT. As in, my kids have struggled with them. Especially with the definition part. It’s like they’re starting right off the bat without much understanding or context. The definition quadrant is always a toughie, and their work has always fallen short.

This year, I decided to shake things up. My fifth graders are studying the development of human language over time (yes, it’s as cool as it sounds), and we’ve begun with the question of: What even IS language anyway? What counts?

I wanted to use a Frayer Model to have kids naturally explore the concept of language. This time, though, I decided to have us go from the concrete to the abstract. I completely left the “definition” quadrant unlabeled, and did a little re-arranging.

I started the lesson by modeling for the concept of “Recess.” I thought that starting with examples and non-examples would give them a smooth start and room to build.

After showing the first three quadrants, I divided the kids up and let them start their thinking about language.

Several minutes in, it was time to drop the markers and go “idea shopping.” It’s one of my favorite strategies. Kids walk around the room reading others’ work, gathering ideas they wish they thought of, and considering new thinking that gets sparked in the sharing.

After their “shopping trip,” kids added more to their three quadrants, and then it was time for me to model quadrant four: the DEFINITION. I really wanted this quadrant to be a synthesis of the other three. Here was my example:

Once I finished, I let the students have at it* with their own definitions of language. They did NOT disappoint.

One of the best parts of this lesson? Acknowledging how hard it was for the kids to put together this definition, and then telling them how very difficult and messy it was for even linguists to nail down. They felt validated in the struggle, and pleased to know they had done some solid academic work.

It was…a GOOD DAY.

*as I was walking around observing, I heard one of my students use the phrase “have at it” when talking about attempting the next quadrant. My teacher heart swelled, just a little.

Slice of Life: So How Are You?

Today’s post comes as part of Two Writing Teachers’ Slice of Life Tuesday. Give them a peek!

How are you doing,
I asked my writers to say
(Only in haiku)

So of course you know
The questions rolled right on in
How much, and can I,

Is it okay if,
Am I maybe allowed to,
Do you think it’s right?

And what is so great
About taking these loveys
Under teacher-wing

Is the chance to say,
Eye to eye and heart to heart:
I trust your judgement.

Just write the stanzas
The paper’s asking of you
Just let the ink flow.

Satisfy yourself
And write something you just love
Or not. It’s all fine.

And sure enough, the
Magic began to happen
Once they discovered

How five-seven-five
Is really just our thinking,
However it comes

And five-seven-five
Is not a stumbling-block
But a stepping-stool

For thoughts, ideas. For
Frustrations, excitements. For
Silly strains of words.

All of it gathered,
Displayed for each other to
Read and just enjoy –

And enjoy we did,
Connecting our lives and our
Feelings, poem to poem

And leaving, I hope,
With a better sense of how
It feels to be seen.

Slice of Life: What If?

Today’s post comes as part of the Two Writing Teacher’s Slice of Life Tuesday. Check ’em out!

Today is a confluence of remarkable things.

First, I should tell you that I’ve started a writing club at both of my schools. For eight weeks, I run a weekly group for 4th and 5th graders after school. I get the 2nd and 3rd graders this winter. Let it be known that we are having a BLAST! I’m not quite sure what (or if!) any final product will be, but boy oh boy are we having fun expanding our practice.

Next, I should make you aware that Katherine Applegate – yes, THE Katherine Applegate, of The One and Only Ivan / Bob / Ruby and Wishtree and Crenshaw and Home of the Brave a bunch of Animorphs books and the soon to be released Odder – yes, THE Katherine Applegate who has won a Golden Kite Award and a Newbery Medal – Katherine Applegate CAME TO OUR SCHOOLS and YES I AM SHOUTING because it was a truly amazing experience.

And what was so amazing for me? All of what she said to the students. It’s what I’ve been shouting from the rooftops for any kid, teacher or parent who will listen. Write! Write a bunch! Write what moves you! Write for yourself! Write stuff you love! Write stuff you’re not a fan of! Write! Write! Write!

She spoke. I beamed. I felt validated, seen, energized.

My writing club kids talked about what resonated with them: the need to write, the importance of doing research, and how critical it was to put our passion into a form of self-expression.

And there was one more thing. Katherine Applegate challenged the students to consider, any time they were stuck, the question: “What if?” and let their imagination run from there.

Of COURSE. What if?

So this week, our writing club played with the idea. What if? What if? What if? The kids came up with fantastic, insightful ideas. And throughout the next week, we’ll be posting them all around our schools for other kids to ponder about, to roll with, and – who knows? – maybe to write about.

Enjoy a sampling of sheer brilliance.

That’s a metaphor for untapped talent, if I’VE ever seen one!

Just wait until this writer starts in on composing allegory. Stand back, friends!

Slice of Life: Ridiculousness

I’m running a couple of writing clubs right now, one for each of the schools that I teach at. This go-around, I’m working with 4th and 5th graders. This coming winter, I’ll work with 2nd and 3rd graders.

In my description of the class, I mentioned that we would have a mix of writing, creative games, and oral work on stories. And yes, there would be fun. Because otherwise, what’s even the point?

I’ve now met once with each group, and it was a blast! We started with a game of story ball, tossing the ball to learn one another’s names as we also worked to create a story. There I was, thinking that our activity would be just a mixer, a fun little thing that paved the way for what was to come next.

Lo and behold, it was a learning experience for me. At both schools, here’s what I noticed:
1. When kids are called on (by me or a classmate), they have a habit of addressing only me, looking at only me as they give an answer. We’re going to chip away at that one.
2. Some kids have stuff they like to put in every story they tell, whether or not it might make sense in the one that’s going on in front of them.
3. We have a lot to learn when it comes to expanding possibilities, and moving stories past disconnected events. Oh…so the duck dad and son were playing basketball? Let’s dig into what that game looks like. Hey…they were on a road trip to Dubai? That might go in a few directions.

Speaking of expanding possibilities, that was the focus for our first session. Many of them mentioned that they loved writing because it let them be creative in whatever direction they chose. I wanted my students to take that creativity and run with it. I wanted them to experiment with a story completely unbound from the constraints of reality.

So each class had an assignment: work together in partners or groups to develop the MOST ridiculous story possible. One class worked on why they didn’t eat breakfast, the other developed excuses for missing homework. After having time to work on stories orally together, groups told their stories to the whole class and voted on the one that was the most entertaining and utterly ridiculous.

What good came out of our first session? Well, the kids were able to see that we as creators can put together any set of circumstances and let it fly. I wanted students to realize that no matter HOW ridiculous and far-fetched their stories might be, a reader or listener will be right with them, as long as the events make sense together and the story is well-told.

And even more importantly? Judging by the smiles and giggles, they had FUN. I can’t wait to see where we go next!

As for who won each of the contests and will receive the much-anticipated dollar store prizes, well…I’m keeping my lips sealed til the group meets next time!

Slice of Life: All in a Good Bake

Here I sit on the couch. It’s the end of a long, productive and busy day – a good one! – and rather than channel my energy into housework or data entry or emails, I’m watching episodes of the Junior Bake-~~Off~~ Show (see that, Pillsbury? we’re good, we’re good!).

This show is one of my absolute favorites. And it’s not just because I’m a baker at heart. It’s not just because the folks on the show are so delightful, charming, and kind to one another. I’m realizing (from my campsite on the couch) that this show – the kid version in particular – satisfies me on a deep, emotional level.

As I watch, I’m realizing that this show, and the kids on it, have lessons for me and my students to learn:

Sometimes the bake goes sideways. Yep. Sometimes it’s the humidity in the tent. Sometimes the bread just doesn’t prove correctly. Sometimes there’s a missing egg, or salt, or an unset jelly. What are you going to do? Dry your tears and keep going. It won’t be so bad.
Sometimes the bake goes well. Really, really well. And people will compliment you on the precision of your icing, or the rise of your sponge, or the level of flavors you’ve given them. Say thank you and know that you’ve done something well because this is something you’re good at.
Sometimes time is not your friend. There are times you will be frustrated because your pie just doesn’t have enough time in the oven, or you’re behind because you had to restart your caramel, or perhaps your cake doesn’t have the chance to cool before frosting it. Or maybe time got away from you and the pancakes burnt, or your egg whites got lumpy. Reconfigure, rework, and improvise something. Maybe breathe a couple of times. You’re going to be okay.
Putting something into the world is both an act of courage and a release of control. And maybe the people who taste it will love your flavor profile, or maybe they’ll think there was too much lavender in the mix, or maybe they’ll wish the pastry had been a bit flakier. You’ll still be standing at the end of the tasting session. Promise.
There’s a reason why the hosts are comedians. Because when things are at their most tense, their most terrible, the most dark and dim, it’s sometimes helpful to have someone else remind you that a botched batch of biscuits is not a ten on the awful-meter.
Compadres are a special thing. When all of the folks around you are as excited about your passion as you are, there’s a certain feeling in the air. Knowing you’re in the company of people who GET YOU is a magical, magical thing. And being able to craft and create together side by side is a thing of awe. Enjoy it. RUN with it.

There’s more learning to be had, but quite frankly, it’s time for me to get back to the show. The kids are about to make choux pastry self-portraits. Will all of this young talent astound me?

YOU BET.

One of my creations – hamentaschen, to celebrate the Jewish holiday of Purim. Maybe some day this would be a technical challenge – BOY would that be a toughie!

Slice of Life: Choice Writing Time

Some folks out there might know I’ve been at work behind a writing initiative for my school district. The answer is yes! I have big and grand plans for what I think my colleagues and students and I can accomplish, if only we put faith in ourselves and align our instruction with our philosophical and moral compass. Which sounds lofty and wonderful. But that’s not why I’m writing today.

This year is about NOT asking much. This year is about little things that accomplish a lot. This year, the focus is on low-investment, high-reward tweaks and changes. This year, classroom teachers are only asked to do two things:

Post a copy of a school-wide Writer’s Creed (more on that in another post)
Spend 15 minutes a week letting kids write whatever and however they wish.

That’s all.

Psst…

You and I may both be well aware that it might not end there. We might both realize that once students get a sense of freedom, of autonomy, of choice, of trusting themselves…they may not want to let it go. And we might both realize that once teachers get a sense of the power that comes from offering said freedom, autonomy and choice, THEY may not want to let it go.

…but you didn’t hear that from me.

Anyway, I’ve been in several classrooms now to introduce writing time, and it’s been a blast. I’ve gone in with my notebook as well, writing right alongside students and teachers. So today, for your reading pleasure, I bring you glimpses of the kiddos I inevitably see from class to class, the kinds of kids we find in every class when it comes to writing time. Cheers! Let’s make a toast to these loveys:

The sitters-and-thinkers
The lookers-at-their-neighborers
The write-a-bit-and-give-a-quiet-gigglers
The dogged starers at empty pages
The spend-half-their-time-finding-better-spots-to-sitters
The earnest pencil movers
The just-can’t-keep-it-to-themselvesers
The all-of-a-sudden-and-repeated-emergency-bladder-havers
The can-I-ask-you-if-this-is-right-ers

All of them. All of these friends – and more! – have a space at our writing table. I observe them from classroom to classroom, and I can’t help but feel love and excitement for what’s to come. As the year goes on, I cannot wait to see what they bring. Buckle up. It’ll be a fun ride.