Well, I made it through the first week and I like the space, the faces, and the ideas at NVWP ISI 2015.
From the four writing domains, I chose Writing for Self. It is the easiest for me, and I want to reflect on all we have done the first week.
I like this type of environment...not all the way organized, but there is at least someone (Amber) keeping an eye on the clock so that we meet our Daily Purpose. These opportunities to be in the same room with other teachers can become a disaster of discussion and no focus. We all love to talk about teaching...and to be able to talk about writing with 16 other teachers of writing is just delicious.
The first day was the first time I have ever read my writing out loud to teachers and gotten feedback. I wasn't nervous about the writing, just the way I deliver the content. I tend to swear. It throws some people off. The most important thing I learned is that the Writing Group can be any writing I want it to be. ANYTHING. The possibilities are endless. What will I write, for my work, or myself. I have been doing a lot of writing for work...it would be nice...
Tuesday started better, and continued on the UP trajectory. We got to experience the first two demonstration lessons. I HATE "teaching" peers, so that is the least exciting thing about the NVWP ISI 2015 for me. I guess practice makes perfect, so I need to live through it. I am so glad Joe and Maggie were first! I loved Joe's low key approach. It was a nice opener. It got us discussing writing. I was able to see what I actually do and what I tell my kids to do are drastically different in the writing process. I tell them what I think I am supposed to tell them, not what I really do. It was like a punch to the gut. I have to stop regurgitating the linear process I memorized (but didn't follow) in middle school and give my students options to personalize the process for them. WOW! Personalize the writing process? Who would have thought THAT?!? Then, Maggie floors us with a glimpse into her classroom. (I think that is going to be the best part, getting to see people's classrooms through their demonstration lessons...) I am totally stealing her idea too! I have heard of writing territories in the past, and even think I got a list in one of my undergrad classes. I have not seen it adapted for students to connect to the words. The heart map, the dislike sign, the wondering question mark, even the hand trace for 5 emotions. I am doing it all exactly the way she did at the beginning of the year so students can have something to go to for stamina writings (the first 4 minutes of class is just like the morning pages in my classroom.) I used to have a prompt which connected to the lesson, and even had kids share out, but I think I am changing that. Just write as much as you can in the 4 minutes, use your writing territory, and get it out. Then, we met our reading groups. I am in the theory group. I think it will be nice to have the one focus for the reading group. It is like I am doing research for a research paper, and I don't have to write the paper. Bonus!
Wednesday was great! I got to eat chocolate and describe things like I haven't since I was in school...#forgottenlessons. I will totally use this in my Journalism class as well. Perfect! I even got to sit in the cool and calm of early childhood illustrations. I liked my time in "April's classrooom." I can't believe I have never heard of the madman, carpenter, architect, judge. I will probably build my entire school year around this concept! (Q1=madman, Q2= architect, Q3=carpenter, Q4=judge) WOAH! Thanks, Sarah!
Thursday. The final day of the first week. OK. Last night, I had to make myself sit at the table outside of the classroom for 2 hours before I could bring myself to stop the thought parade going through my head and just write something I want to write for the public. I haven't written something like that in so long. I could feel the rust flaking off that side of my brain while I tried to create a piece worthy to share in writing group. I made it, but it took some major grinding of the gears. Before the share outs, we got to see Gaby's classroom and what she gives to her kids every day. I want to be her student. So BAD! The smells, lighting, and gentle tone would make me feel more at home than anything I can think of in elementary school. She would be the cool teacher everyone wants to hang with at lunch. Then, Amy L. goes up front. Wow! The caliber of teacher we have in this writing group is amazing! We get to see a glimpse into her classroom as well. After lunch, we have writing group. I share my piece and get some really helpful feedback. Asking me WHO I am writing for. I need to think about that before I continue writing. Interesting writing group. Amy L was a shock because she wrote in a stuffed mouse voice and came up with a lovely Christopher Robin-esque tale. Gaby, Diane, and Peter also had completely different things to share. It was just nice being in a writing group. #newexperiences
Can't wait to see what I get to write about next Friday!
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