I found myself listening with stars in my eyes and in my brain as she discussed how she teaches writing to her students. How does she manage to accomplish so much with only 24 hours in a day? I actually asked her that and she answered, "I have a lot of early mornings."
Hmmm...I have a lot of early mornings as well, and I don't have nearly as much to show for it. What have I been doing with my time?! It's time to start writing! NOW!
She keeps a writer's notebook right alongside her students where she plays with words and tries out her ideas. I love the idea of a place where we can experiment with thoughts and language with no judgment--no editing allowed until later. She includes things like lists, lyrics, phrases, clauses, paragraphs, doodles, photographs, torn papers, fragments, etc., etc., etc.... I have kept journals on and off (mostly off) throughout my life, but I realize now that I've been editing myself too much--writing with others in mind instead of myself--and I haven't fully allowed myself to experiment. No more of that approach! Writers need material and a writer's notebook can provide that material. It's time for me to explore and record. I decorated a brand new $1.99 composition book this morning and once the glue dries, it's ready to be filled. My plan: fill that notebook at least halfway by the time school starts at the end of August so that I can use it as a mentor text for my senior Advanced Writing students and continue writing beside them. Write on:)
Vicki - I too was inspired by Penny Kittle! I love that you who teaches High School Seniors and me who teaches Kindergarteners could be so inspired by the same presenter. It just reminds me that there are some basic principles that are at the foundation of who we are - and no matter how young or how old, expressing ourselves through thoughtful writing is such an important part of what we need to be doing regularly. Thank you for sharing about how you are going to be even more intentional about modeling that for your students this year - they will grow even more as writers. I am walking away with some convictions of things I need to be doing more with my kindergarteners as well. I love that these conferences inspire us to continue to grow as professionals - what a blessing it was to be at LIM!
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DeleteVicki - You are not only an excellent model in your writing, but you are an outstanding model of an educator who keeps learning and growing. I love your desire to continually impact young lives as a positive role model. Model on!
ReplyDeleteMary
Vicki,
ReplyDeleteI love your blog. I specifically liked the link you added to Penny Kittle's website, as well as the link to Literacy in Motion. This is helpful for individuals looking to delve deeper into the topic. Additionally, I liked the pages you added: Currently reading, Favorite Books of 2014, and Favorite Quotes. This is a great resource for those looking for suggestions and/or inspiration.
Nicely done :-))
I felt the same way about Penny Kittle, Vicki! I loved how you said you listened with stars in your eyes, I was totally inspired by her workshop and was starstruck by her in general. I've read Booklove and most of Write Beside Them and have incorporated a lot of her ideas into my classroom and teaching philosophy. But listening to her in person was a real treat. I decided to go to Literacy in Motion because of her...she didn't disappoint! But the other presenters were so incredible as well, so I'm so glad I decided to go! I feel like I have so many things I want to do next fall, I teach seniors like you and also sophomores, I need to start processing and planning! I'd love to hear about how you incorporate writer's notebooks in the fall!
ReplyDeleteVicki,
ReplyDeleteLike so many others, I was moved by Penny Kittle's words as an educator. I found myself wondering the same thoughts as you- How can she get through so much with her students in the school day? I would love to observe her in the classroom! I love that you are taking inspiration from her and running with it. The writer's notebook she described is such a powerful way for students to see their writing transform. I felt energized and ready to be with my 6th graders in the fall after hearing her presentation. She has so many tips that can be useful with a variety of age levels. I have been meaning to tell you in class that I am a Prairie Ridge alum! I graduated in '04. I never had you as a teacher but I remember you! What a small world :)