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Writers Life Life Twice!

Thank you to Ruth Ayres for providing this space to share our celebrations. Please join us and share your own!

One of my favorite quotes about writing is from Natalie Goldberg, "As writers we live life twice..." This is so true! This week in school we have been writing a lot. I shared this quote with them. We discussed it and talked about what it means. I love sharing quotes with my sixth graders because it connects us and it makes them think beyond themselves.
On Friday, I introduced the idea of the slice of life writing to them. Usually, I start this much earlier in the year, but this year I tried to wait. I shared my slice from this past week and talked them through how I created it. We talked about writing stories from our lives and about small moments. The idea of a small moment is a difficult one for an eleven year old, but it feels like we got it this time. I asked them to spend a few minutes walking around with their notebooks and sharing ideas for slices with classmates. 
As we were creating our anchor chart with topic ideas, someone suggested, "Video games." I wondered aloud if this idea was too big and noticed a hand wildly waving in the back of the classroom. He said, "I've got it! That moment when you beat the video game!" YES!!! We tried it on our other ideas...playing football? No. That moment when you score the winning touchdown. Hearing their excitement and motivation makes me excited! I love how they want to tell good stories to each other. I can't wait for them to start sharing those slices with the world!
I celebrate the risks that sixth grade writers are taking. I celebrate the power in writing together and reading together. And I celebrate All Write Conference in June. I just registered. I can't wait!! Who else will be there?!?!

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Comments

  1. Margaret SimonFebruary 20, 2016 at 2:23 PM

    I'm worried about getting my students pumped up for the challenge. Some are starting off with a negative attitude. We have new little moment notebooks and I'm planning to create a padlet for writing ideas.

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    Replies
    1. Michelle HaseltineFebruary 20, 2016 at 4:18 PM

      The challenge will be optional, but we will post on Tuesdays.

      Delete
  2. RamonaFebruary 20, 2016 at 3:11 PM

    I miss doing SOL in the classroom! What if I sent some favorite slices from former students to your students? I'll send you a message on Twitter so we can trade emails.

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  3. JulieanneFebruary 20, 2016 at 4:15 PM

    SOL in the classroom is a huge undertaking! I look up to you for your energy and excitement you build with your kiddos. I figure I'll introduce it to my kids and they can if they choose to. This has to be a choice they make. I'm thinking about creating a box of found objects that can inspire. We'll see what happens!

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    Replies
    1. Michelle HaseltineFebruary 20, 2016 at 4:17 PM

      Thank you, Julieanne! The challenge will be optional, but we will post slices on Tuesdays.

      Delete
  4. Linda BFebruary 20, 2016 at 5:13 PM

    I like the way you presented the slicing, Michelle, with those "small moments". And hope you enjoy having your class do the challenge. It takes a lot of time, but the consistent writing was great for my students. I'll keep an eye out for them. (Yes, I'll be at All-Write) I didn't know it was time to register yet.

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  5. Holly MuellerFebruary 20, 2016 at 5:20 PM

    We're gearing up for the March Classroom Challenge. My 6th graders, who did it last year, are excited! I plan on going to All Write! I need to register. :-) Maybe it will finally be the place and time when we'll meet in person!

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  6. elsieFebruary 20, 2016 at 7:22 PM

    What a month it will be, slicing with students! I love that they narrowed the topic to "the moment" that makes a difference. I will be at All-Write too. :-)

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  7. Terje February 21, 2016 at 3:43 AM

    Getting ready for a writing challenge is scary and exciting at the same time. I hope both you and your students will have fun along the way.

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  8. Jen VincentFebruary 21, 2016 at 9:23 PM

    Fun! I've never been to All Write but it's definitely a conference I would love to attend someday! So far it just hasn't worked out with other plans but hopefully it will sooner rather than later. Small moments are hard to pinpoint but it sounds like you had a great conversation with your students!

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  9. Carol VarsalonaFebruary 23, 2016 at 3:34 PM

    i'm excited for your exciting events last week, Michelle.

    ReplyDelete

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