Tag Archives: teaching

Slice of Life Day 13: The Light Dawns

Some folks out there know all about my recent foray into crowdsourcing. It’s been a game-changer for my fourth-graders, and it’s been fun to share our discoveries. We’ve also been working on the importance of using the language of craft no matter what the medium: arts, sports, literature… So. Today. I had my kids doContinue reading “Slice of Life Day 13: The Light Dawns”

Slice of Life Day 11: Technically Speaking

There I was, all set to publish a post gushing about the online Slicer meetup we had yesterday evening. What a good time it was! We shared where we were from, how many years we’ve been slicing, what types of writing we really enjoy, and what challenges we’ve faced as writers. I always have anContinue reading “Slice of Life Day 11: Technically Speaking”

Slice of Life Day 10: Current Sitch

There are lots of places around my house that I could work. I could sit in the recliner chair with my feet up, right in the middle of the family room. I could also sit on the family room couch, right next to the hubs as he watches TV. I could nestle under my favoriteContinue reading “Slice of Life Day 10: Current Sitch”

Slice of Life Day 9: Letting the Nerd Flag Fly

I ama puzzler, a worder,a counter of things(though I can’timagine anyonesurprisedto knowthat’s mentioned in myanswer key) I ama planner,a thinker,a system worker-outer(because I gave youtwo guessesand the first onedidn’t count) I am a watcher,a wonder-er,a looker at skies(and I admit that’s the “C”of myall-of-the-above) I started this post thinking it was going to be aContinue reading “Slice of Life Day 9: Letting the Nerd Flag Fly”

Slice of Life Day 7: Planning and Plotting

Today, I took advantage of a rare day of light classes and meetings to work with a fellow colleague (co-conspirator?) to develop poetry units for a couple of grade levels. Sure, we knew we needed to use the Common Core Standards as the basis for content, but c’mon. It’s POETRY. We want our units centeredContinue reading “Slice of Life Day 7: Planning and Plotting”

Slice of Life Day 6: A Story of Our Own

Earlier today, I posted an article to Two Wring Teachers on “crowdsourcing” as a tool for story building and revision. When I read the post to my fourth grade students (the subject of my article) I could see their nods and smiles as confirmation that, together, we did a GREAT THING. Even my most ruggedContinue reading “Slice of Life Day 6: A Story of Our Own”

Slice of Life Day 5: Testing the Waters

I don’t enjoy writing fiction.

THERE. I said it.

There are times, though, that I do need to pull something together, especially when I’m demonstrating a process with my students.

My students are crafting stories in the style of Leo Lionni. Below is my work-in-progress. I thought I’d share it with you here. Who knows? I may even end up finishing it at some point. If so, you bet I’ll post again!

Slice of Life Day 4: Spring Peepers!

You could say I’ve been preoccupied lately. Still, one thing that connects and reconnects me with the natural world, is the watch for signs of spring each year. Crocuses and newly-green shoots stop me in my tracks, green shoots call to me from barely-thawed ground, and the smell of rain in the air brings me hope. Today, I chanced to hear one of my favorite sounds on my afternoon commute.

Slice of Life Day 3: 5-4-3-2-1

Lilahdog and Winnie (also known as Pooh Bear) Thanks to Britt for today’s inspiration. Come for the cool post, stay for the insightful thoughts! This post in 5-4-3-2-1 5 things that made me smile today* My dog Winnie (who was afraid of our other dog Lilah upon first meeting her) nudging her sister outside to run aroundContinue reading “Slice of Life Day 3: 5-4-3-2-1”