Slice of Life
Monday is fading, and there is only one word for this one. Busy.
I’m catching a morning flight tomorrow and will be out of my office all week. I will be away from home all week. It is the last day of the month. First quarter reports had to be turned in today. Therein you have the causes for much of my more than normal busyness.
My workshop supplies, documents, and books are packed. My carry-on bags are packed. I now need to check the El Paso weather forecast so I can pack my personal bag.
Tuesday morning, this will be the view from my window on take-off.
Look what came in my mail today! Just in time for me to take as flight reading material. I won it in JoAnn Macken’s April give-away. Thank you, JoAnn! It is nestled in my carry-on. I will be enjoying it with my morning coffee on board.
And I threw in two other books, favorites of mine.
I’ve lost track how many flights Brave Companions has made with me. History, biographies, and David McCullough are at the top of my list of favorites. I’m always inspired by this book. Tomorrow I plan to reread the chapter (every chapter is about a different person) about Louis Agassiz, one of the greatest scientist of his day. McCullough shares at length about Agassiz pedagogy. I’m inspired every time I read it.
Can you tell I’ve already read Craft Moves by Stacey Shubitz? I’m taking it along because I want to revisit Stacey’s words and my notes in the margin and on yellow stickies. Working on craft moves with mentor texts has long been my approach to teaching writing, as well as developing my own. Thank you, Stacey, for writing this book. It is a gem!
Here’s to a spectacular week for one and all as we head into MAY!
Head over to Two Writing Teachers for more slice of life stories #SOL18
I love returning to favorite PD books during the summer so I can refresh my thoughts and lessons. I always find something new or an idea I forgot to try. I, also have “Write a Poem Step by Step” to read soon. I’ll need it as I hone my poem writing skills. Safe travels.
Thank you, Glenda. You are so right about returning to PD books. That’s one reason I want my own copy.
I always am interested to find out what you are reading. I am interested in Craft Moves because our district is trying to move toward more writing material support for our teachers. We are considering Lucy Calkins Units of Study, but many feel it is hard for teachers to work through this dense, but outstanding, material.
I hope your journey is relaxing and fun.
If you go to Stenhouse.com, you can take a peek inside book covers. Somehow we have to create a culture of writing so teachers write… like we do in these blogging communities. I believe they struggle with teaching writing because they aren’t writing. Perhaps the first PD move should be setting up a framework in which teachers are engaged as writers … and doing it so it fits within their “day.” The doing would naturally lead to much learning… and that would impact the teaching.
Next year, our PD focus will be writing. I like your idea of having teachers write; I also read it in a book on coaching. I think I will give it a try. I’ll let you know next fall…
(I’ll also check out Stenhouse.com.) Thanks.
You have great travel companions. Safe travels and a successful week away from home.
Thank you, Terje. It was a very good week.
Looks like you have some great companions for your travel.
Yes, great books are great companions!
I have two copies of Stacey’s book, one all annotated and one spare to give away soon. I like going back to favorites also to refresh my compass. Welcome to May. Have a wonderful trip.
Yes, it’s so important to refresh the compass!
I love this little peek into your pre-travel rituals. Great book choices! Safe travels!
Thanks, Michelle. It was a good trip.
Misery loves company- so busy too! I hope the week away is all that you hope for!
Thank you; it was a good week.
What lovely reads you have to take on your week long journey. Amazing the goals we set. Busy people get things done!