Writing makes sense of my world. When I sit down, with my notebook or at a keyboard, things make sense. That's not to say that writing is easy! It's not. Writing is necessary for me, like breathing or eating. When I go without for awhile, I feel out of sorts.
This year, I'm part of an inaugural staff in a brand new middle school. New beginnings. I decided to take a risk and invite other teachers to join me in my writing practice. I sent an email last week to invite teachers. Here's what I said:
I worried that no one would respond. I was wrong. Teachers from all content areas responded with interest. More than a dozen teachers replied and I'm hoping more show up to write. Math teachers, science teachers, and English teachers...getting together to write.
Tomorrow we begin. We will gather together and write. Reflect. There will be quiet and thinking and a little bit of chocolate. I can't wait to spend an hour writing with other educators. If this goes well, I may expand it to Mondays too.
Tomorrow we begin. We will gather together and write. Reflect. There will be quiet and thinking and a little bit of chocolate. I can't wait to spend an hour writing with other educators. If this goes well, I may expand it to Mondays too.
My notebook and pens are ready! Writing Wednesdays are almost here!
Thank you to the Two Writing Teachers for this amazing platform to write and share writing! What a wonderful community you've created! I'm honored to be part of it. Join us at Two Writing Teachers.
This is so great. I love that you put out the invite and they showed up. I wish we did that at my school (Well, I guess I could do it but I wish our admin would see the value of it and do it)
ReplyDeleteKevin
How exciting! You're building a community of writers. Your school is so lucky. I hope to read more about this soon!
ReplyDeleteThis is fantastic! I love your poem about the notebook as a "gift." We celebrated writing on Day 1 with a Dance Party and wrapped notebooks! You are extending this celebration to the adults who care for the children needing inspiration. Well done and have fun tomorrow!
ReplyDeleteWhat a great practice to establish in your school. Wish I was there to join! I will write with you in spirit ...
ReplyDeletethis is fabulous! we,too, have started a writing/teacher research group thanks to Ralph Fletcher's, Joy Write! Looking forward to the stories and writing that emerge from your group!
ReplyDeleteWOW! This is fantastic!
ReplyDeleteI love that your new school is making you feel brave and empowered to do such a wonderful thing for yourself and your colleagues. People who write together form a community and connect in much deeper ways. I can't wait to hear how the experience goes.
ReplyDeleteI find you to be incredibly inspiring, Michelle. I know I've said this before, but you are one wise soul in addition to being one grateful teacher. Thank you for shining your light in this world. (No wonder your favorite color is yellow!) xx
ReplyDeleteBravo, Michelle! What a gift you are to your school and colleagues. Keep us posted!
ReplyDeleteSo exciting! What a wonderful thing to spearhead in your school. I'd love to hear how it goes!
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