Challenge reflection #SOLC

 

The Slice of Life Challenge ends today!

Two Writing Teachers

It was good to be back writing.  Although I didn't have lots of comments on my writing (I'm a late-night slicer), I realized it didn't matter.  What mattered is that I took time out of my day to craft a slice and put some thoughts into a post.

Each year I get less and less concerned about writing for my audience.  Maybe that comes with age (I'm 50+ now)?  Don't get me wrong, I love to write a witty, funny piece that resonates with lots of people.  

But after ten years of writing during this challenge, 

I understand that writing is for the writer.

Thanks to all my fellow slicers, and congratulations to us all!  Whether we wrote for all 31 days or not, we are writers.  We shared our thoughts and supported each other through comments and community.

Thanks to the Two Writing Teachers group for hosting the challenge.  It was good to dust off the blog and my writing brain to jump into slicing again.  

Bright moments #SOLC

 

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This week has been especially bumpy at school as we navigate to the last day before spring break (FINALLY!).  Kids are tired and grumpy, and I'm exhausted trying to keep my reading lessons engaging and entertaining.  To finish the week, I'm determined to note some of the bright moments this week (not in any order):

• When we read about two brothers who survived the 2011 Joplin, MO tornado, my 6th grade groups were completely engaged in reading, looking for text evidence and discussing the text.
• One of those 6th grade students is now referring to himself as "an unpublished author."  He has written around five books (I think it's two different series) and illustrated a bunch of comics.  When he said he wasn't an author, I corrected him - he's definitely an author!
• After the tornado reading, a student shared a nonfiction book she wrote on Book Creator about tornadoes when they studied them in science.
• One of my 7th graders turned to his classmate and said in all seriousness, "Dude - have you seen your scores? You really need to get your head in the right place."
• One of my silent, earbuds-always-in 8th graders put his phone away and totally focused on an assessment.  His score improved by an incredible amount.  I saw the tiniest smile on his face when I congratulated his focus and effort.  

These moments remind me of why I appreciate working with young people.  Now I have a few more ounces of patience for tomorrow.

Role Reversal #SOLC

 

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As I drove home from work yesterday, I checked in with my oldest daughter, Lindsey.  She relocated to the west coast about a year ago.  She's always talked about living in California or New York, so it was no surprise when she made the decision to move there.

Unlike me, Lindsey went out of state to school, and then lived far from home for her first job (and even farther for her second job).  Now she's working for a company who encourages employees to work remotely, so she is set! She has the ability to work from anywhere in the world (as long as she manages the time zones).

Yesterday wasn't an easy day at school, by far.  I ended up yelling at my last group of 8th graders because two boys decided to wrestle and push another one to the ground.  Not my finest hour of teaching, but at least no one was hurt.  (They thought it was hysterical).

As I drove home, Lindsey and I talked about lots of topics:  her recent trip to LA to see a friend, her ceramics class, and when I will travel to CA to see her.  I responded with a bunch of venting and whining, my struggle with imposter syndrome, and how many days left in the school year.

As Lindsey talked me through a few scenarios with some direct words (she is a clear communicator), it felt like a role reversal.  I have always promised myself that I wouldn't lay my problems on my children, but this felt different.  I was the person who needed someone to listen, and Lindsey was the person who could process and offer suggestions.

It really is amazing to watch your children grow into adults with glimmers of their former tiny selves.  They still keep their youthful attitudes and perspectives, but they stretch and grow into people that are ready to face the world.

Restless Day #SOLC

I'm writing (almost) every day in March

in the Slice of Life challenge at

Two Writing Teachers

Yesterday the more I spoke and read and answered questions, the worse my throat felt.  It didn't help that my little room without a window has one fan, one HEPA filter and one Arctic Air (brought my own mini AC) fan blowing all day. (That's a whole other slice!)

At the end of the day I put in for a sick day.  I pulled together plans, made copies, over-explained everything (because that's who I am.)

Today I'm supposed to be resting.  But I can't.

I'm someone who struggles to finish things.  Even emptying the dishwasher.

I've tried lists, reminders, sticky notes.  Ugh.  This brain keeps spinning.

I did manage to finish a crossword puzzle from three weeks ago, and now I'm typing this slice.  Maybe I'll be able to nap later?  Who am I kidding?

My (supposed to be) restful day is full of restless energy.

 

Growing Pains #SOLC22

 

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It's only my second year (out of 21 years total) that I've taught middle school reading.  I don't really count last year ... we were virtual, then hybrid, and I pushed in to ELA classrooms to provide interventions.  

It's always been easier for me to connect with older vs. younger elementary students, so I wasn't too worried about moving to middle school to teach 6th graders and most 7th graders, but I definitely was reluctant when it came to 8th graders.

Last year, I spent the early months of 8th grade teaching time apologizing.  Apologizing for text and strategies that were probably too easy for them.  Most of the group were working at nearly grade level, and the other students who weren't didn't engage as much.

Thankfully, I had one student who loved to read.  I made sure to deliver books (with parent permission) that she ordered, and she always participated in all the reading, writing and discussions we did.  Eventually the 8th graders and I found our learning groove (one in person, one remote). I stopped apologizing and just taught.

This year, I have two groups at each grade level, all in person, and lots of different personalities.  I haven't done as much apologizing this year, but there's been lots of negotiating (work first, electronics later), listening to their rants ("The science/math/etc teacher is so mean!") and snack-supplying (middle schoolers are ALWAYS hungry). 

Many of my 8th graders challenge me in different ways.  I'm now realizing that they are struggling to figure out who they are outside of their family.  They need to push back on SO MANY things in order to figure out their independence.  I'm doing my best to balance reading instruction with social-emotional conversations.  Above all, I'm trying NOT to react to some of their antics (if everyone is safe, a little goofy behavior is ok... right??).

Whew.  They have growing pains, and so does my teacher brain!

What's next? #SOLC21

 

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Two Writing Teachers

Our pandemic plans are going well with the 6th graders in my reading intervention groups.  We focus on a skill and choose a variety of texts and tools that will help them practice the skills.

Since it's my first year delivering middle school reading interventions, I have to admit, I'm struggling at times with the 8th graders.

Don't get me wrong - they are a great group of students.  We've built rapport and mostly do the assignments I provide.  They really like the collection of spooky stories book I bought each of them so they could have their own text to read.

As we approach 4th quarter, I'm trying to figure out what's next.  I see two of the students in person every other day, and then work with three others remotely on the opposite days.  When I shared my thinking about "what's next" today, I mentioned that I'd like to do more writing.  

"Yes," said S.  "We are always on our Chromebooks."

I mentioned this writing challenge and said I was working to write every day on whatever I choose.  I wondered out loud if that sounded interesting to them.

I got a couple of shrugs, but that won't discourage me.  As we walked back to class I replied, "We will figure something out."

That's what we will do.  We will figure out (together) what's next.

Dear Chris #SOL18

Dear Chris,

It's been awhile since you've typed on the blog.  I like the new layout.  Sure, the original orange background was snappy, but the new blue is soothing.

Source

It's December, and you know what that means.  Undue stress for you as you manage your expectations compared to reality.  Luckily over the years you have learned to accept and appreciate help with decor, baking and events.  You are making lists and getting started on your shopping and card writing (Thank YOU, early Thanksgiving!).  The holidays will be magical if you let them.

As far as work, your students are gems this year, even though you have thirty-five and you are using a cart to visit them in class.  You will figure out ways to share Flashlight Friday and Hot Chocolate Snowy Day Reading with the classrooms you visit.  In fact, the teachers may love the extra fun that you bring.  Be patient with them and yourself.

Dearest Chris, center yourself, collect your markers and cards as you participate in 12 Days of Love Letter Writing.  Some of the stories are heartbreaking, but you have the power to send positive messages to people who need them.  You'll also write to two acquaintances who have lost loved ones, and a family member or two.  May lots of comfort pour from your cards into their hearts, even if it's just a small gesture.

Now go and do your best.  Make sure you take time to relax and laugh and enjoy this month.

From your friend, yourself,
Chris

Join the Slice of Life community.

Write. Read.  Respond.

Two Writing Teachers

Finale #SOLC

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Two Writing Teachers

What?  Today is March 31st?
Already?

This year I sliced many days, but not all.  I gave myself grace and realized that this challenge 
(for me) is more about...

• a yearly "dusting off" of my blog
• reigniting my love of writing
• reconnecting with Slice of Life e-friends
• making new e-friends
• reading LOTS of inspiring slices

...than writing every day.

I'm returning home from an amazing trip to Arizona to see my best friend, Beth, and her family.

There's so many ideas swirling in my head, and so many photos to share.

But today I will just write a little post about writing.

Writing can be as easy or as hard as you make it.  I've learned to not worry (too much) about what others think of my writing, and if my slices will be "good enough" to post.

I hope you feel the same way about your writing.  If you don't feel as confident yet, know that this feeling will eventually come as you keep writing and sharing your ideas.

Thanks to Stacey and her team at Two Writing Teachers for making March all about writing, connecting and stretching.  You are appreciated!

Thanks to all the slicers who wrote and commented and grew as writers.  

Wasn't March fun??

One little word

It's hard to choose a word, especially my One Little Word.  I usually take a while, but it's nearly the end of March!

This year I'm looking to make slight changes (ok, I also need to lose a boatload of weight, as if...)

How can I put into words that I'm doing ok with food, exercise, stress, work and relationships.  I just want to choose better food, exercise more often, keep my stress level down at work, and continue to nurture my relationships.

Better?  I'm not doing too badly.  Improve?  I've already been trying.

Next stop?  The thesaurus.

I try many different words on for size:  grow, thrive, rise, persist, uplift.  Nothing fits right.

I click synonyms, avoid antonyms... until I find it.  The word I need right now.

peace

I'm always looking to find peaceful moments to calm my spinning brain.
I strive for my family to get along and be kind and calm.
I hope the world will work together to reduce violence towards one another.
I want to give myself peaceful grace for doing my best and being enough.

There. I found my word.  Now I get to work towards achieving it.

Click here for more information at Two Writing Teachers and here for info from Alli Edwards 
about One Little Word (OLW).

https://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/mother_teresa_107846?src=t_peace

That's a wrap #SOLC17

Today ends the Slice of Life Challenge
It's been fun to write (nearly) every day in March.
See you on Tuesdays, Slicers!
Two Writing Teachers

Today wraps up the Slice of Life Challenge at Two Writing Teachers.  I approached this challenge with my improved attitude:  do the best you can and everything will work out fine.

Today also ends the weekday portion of my spring break.  Today I'll open the teacher bag for a bit and look through the assessments I gave before break, decode the new-ish intervention program I'm using with first graders, and make some plans for next week.  Since it's a rainy, cold day, it's an easy day to curl up on the couch with my schoolwork.

This weekend I'll spend some time tending the soil in the vegetable garden plot (and get muddy!), attend two concerts, and do some grocery shopping.

I've enjoyed reading slices and writing them.  I'm hoping to keep up slicing on Tuesdays and write about more books I read!

Thanks to my readers and fellow slicers for your comments!  It's been fun!

I'm excited for April and better weather (more sunshine!!) and the warmth of spring.

So long, March!

BFF #SOLC17

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Write every day in March
Write from your heart.
Two Writing Teachers

I met Beth in 1973 when our parents bought new houses on the same street.  She lived on one side, and I lived on the other, three doors down.

We attended kindergarten together.  We played all sorts of dress up games, forcing my brother to be her husband or pizza guy or our pet dog.  We rode bikes, swam in our backyard pools and sang Billy Joel songs at the top of our lungs.

In 1979 (mid-4th grade) our parents both looked for new houses.  Would you believe they bought lots on the same street in a new town?  They didn't even find out this exciting fact (Beth and I squealed!) until each had put down a deposit.

My brain is a spinning top filled with ideas, music, books, words and worries.

Beth has a great way of clearly stating what needs to be done, she has a great flair for decorating, and she's generous with her time and advice.

In August, Beth moved to Arizona with her husband, cat and dog.  When she was here in Illinois, she was a 30 minute ride away.  We saw each other pretty often for dinner and other fun events.  I'm so glad for the internet, texting and good old phone calls to connect with my friend, especially when I get super wound up about life.

Thanks for being my BFF, Beth!

Collaboration #SOLC17

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I usually run reading groups back-to-back from 8:15 a.m. until 12:15 p.m.  Then I emerge for lunch and return to my room for two more groups at 1:00 p.m.  I travel the hallways with my kinders and first graders, but I usually don't see my coworkers until after school.

This week, PARCC testing adjusted our schedules.  I didn't see as many students, and I had some opportunities to reconnect with some staff members inside and outside my building.

I adore my students, but this reconnection reminded me that there are many great minds and ideas around me.  I've been planning our spring reading night with just a couple of colleagues.  Today I started brainstorming with three others, and the ideas were phenomenal.  A couple more teachers stopped by my room while their students were in specials and we planned an entire spirit week.

Standardized tests threw off the whole school schedule, affecting students and teachers (!).  I'm grateful for the reconnection with my staff across small moments this week.  Our students and their families will benefit when they attend our reading night!

One Little Word? Not yet. #SOL17

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Two Writing Teachers

2017 started yesterday, right?  Yeesh - I'm 38 days late to that party!  Whooosh - this new year is already flying by.  Lots of excuses and reasons I haven't written on the blog or read a lot of books:

• grad school AGAIN (ESL endorsement 84% complete)
• new principal ('nuff said)
• second year at new school
• too much paperwork I keep putting off
• lots of political tweets and news and events to follow
• everything else has bumped writing out of the way

This year I'm trying something new (because I'm refining and trying strategies every day) of stopping and thinking before I jump in to:  answer for someone else, raise my hand to volunteer or help a child or adult do something that they are capable of doing themselves.

So that leaves me with the question... what IS my One Little Word for 2017??

Is it...

• stop
• pause
• mindful
• reflect
• choose

Calling all readers ... do you have some advice?  I tend to talk about being intentional with my fellow teachers, but I'm too impulsive for that one.

Thanks for listening.  It was good to write and get this out of my head.  

Nearly Calm #SOL16

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This weekend I was a soggy, weepy mess.

There wasn't a reason in particular, but I guess you could say it's been pretty stressful since August.

Lindsey (oldest daughter) went back to U of Iowa for her junior year.  She has lots of committments (RA, UISG senator, student!)

I have a new principal.  She's an instructional leader with clear expectations.

Interventions started weeks of assessment, meetings and data collection, 

Allison (youngest daughter) started freshman year at ILStU and has collected new friends and has lots of opportunities for growth (read:  oversleeps!)

Jeff started building my Little Free Library in between weekly trips to the east coast.  He's been away more than home, so the LFL is only half built.

I started a new grad class and twice! my book order was canceled.  My assignments are late.

WHEW.

Then tonight I took a walk.  My phone hasn't pinged with any "Mom help!" messages. 

The sky was a beautiful pink.  Data meetings are finished, I can focus on teaching.

I worked on the door of my LFLibrary.  I breathed.  I had a piece of chocolate (and another).

I realized that I don't need to stress. 

I just need to stretch 
and do my best.
and eat more chocolate
and breathe.

BElive in YOUrself

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Allison showed me a picture on Pinterest.  "I love this quote.  See how the BE in believe and the YOU in yourself is highlighted?  I'm going to make this for my wall."

My youngest daughter loves to surround herself with inspirational quotes and crafty projects.  She's a creative mind amid lots of practical, linear thinkers.  She needs constant reassurance that she is OK and doing the right things in life.

As much as I tell Allison and my oldest daughter, Lindsey, that they are perfect just the way they are and to celebrate their strengths, I've struggled with the my own self-esteem over the years.  My internal voice likes to remind me that I need to work harder to be organized, be leaner, be less of a talker and get things finished!

This summer I have worked on self care.  Reminding myself (like I tell my daughters and my students) that I am human.  I am a work in progress that doesn't need to be anyone but myself.  It has taken me 46 years on the planet (and a LOT of meditation) to realize that it is just fine to be who I am, quirks and all, and be passionate about what I do and what I love.

Wow.  Heavy stuff.  But not really.  I'm feeling lighter and less stressed and more grounded!
Why? How? One big help?

This summer I immersed myself back into the world of books. 

•  I downloaded a pile of YA books from the library and devoured them.
• I visited Little Free Libraries and added to the collections.
• I sat under a tree at school each week and handed books to families.
• I worked through two grad school classes for my ESL endorsement and made sure I spread book love through the class discussions (predictable!)
• I attended NErdCampMI in Parma, MI, with my new book-loving teacher-friend (Meghan Hernandez!), surrounded by thoughtful teacher leaders (Cathy Mere!), librarians, authors, and many, many book heroes.

This summer I took a deep breath.  I realized I don't need to BE anyone but ME.
Quirks (clicking pens), habits (eating chocolate), loves (books, music, family), and dislikes (broccoli!).

BElieve in YOUrself.

The Reading Nest #SOL16

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Be brave :)

It's April.  We have less than 30 days of school (yes, we will finish in MAY!)

and my little "birds" are flap, flap, flapping their "reading wings."

I, the sweet, smiling enabler, take on a new persona every spring.

My little birds are not very happy with me.

I become the mama robin

who has sat on the eggs in my nest

keeping them warm and safe from predators.

My little birds are chirp, chirp, chirping

hungry for more words,

longer books 

("Can I have a chapter book, please?")

Their reading wings are the strongest they have been all year.

They really don't want to try to fly.

They are too scared, but

I begin to nudge them closer to the edge of the nest.

When they look at me with big, worried eyes, 

waiting for me to help them with a tricky word,

I pause, I count in my head, I prompt them,

"You try."

They can usually get the word, but I'll whisper help if they need it.

Some of my brood are stronger than others.  

They teeter on the edge of the nest,

encouraging their fellow "feathered" friends

to join them in a trial "flight" with a book.

These birds are ready for short flights on their own.

They refuse to wait for an introduction to the text - 

they jump right in and begin reading on their own,

usually leaving the safety of the table for a comfy spot on the floor

where they exclaim,

"I can read it by myself!"

Some birds need a bigger push towards the edge.  

These are the birds that I will welcome

back to the nest in August.

These are the birds that need more meals

of strategies, easier texts and positive reading experiences.

I will always be back at the nest

where the little ones can find me

amid a variety of juicy texts.

From McHenry County

Future Slices #SOL16 31/31

It's the annual Slice of Life Story Challenge!

Read other slices, join our community of writers at

Two Writing Teachers

Wow.  March is over!?!!?  

I've enjoyed reading slices from everyone.

Your comments mean the world to me, even if I'm not so great at replying.

I tried to visit lots of blogs over the month,

yet I know I missed a whole lot of your writing.

I hope you will continue to slice throughout the year on Tuesdays.

I try and write when the muse moves me (or Michelle nudges me)

But sometimes my slices sound like the same old things...

family, chocolate, books, chocolate, funny stories, teaching.

I'm think my future slices will be about ...

• Daughter #1 continuing to be successful in her studies and finding her new roles at college (orientation guide and resident assistant)  not too stressful
• Launching daughter #2 out of high school and into college where she will make good decisions (getting to class on time!) and continue to grow as a young adult
• Husband #1 (LOL) will stay his course of eating well, exercising and being an all around awesome guy
• Teaching and learning with my students 
• Funny stories about the above process
• Books, books, and more books (maybe more nonfiction!)
• The Little Free Library I hope to install in my yard this summer and maybe one at school, too!

Thanks for coning along for the Slice of Life Challenge ride!

Connections. Passion. It's all good.

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happenings this week at
Ruth Ayers Writes

Connections.

After six days of new teacher orientation, staff meetings, unpacking boxes and learning names, I was READY to welcome students to school this week.  I joined the Car Line Crew in the mornings, and I have the opportunity to greet students as they arrive at school.  I joked that I felt like I was a footman at a gala event with a red carpet!  I grab a door handle and out pops a celebrity student who has been delivered for a day full of learning.  

My new school services preK four-year-olds through fourth graders, so the kids are adorable and excited to be at school.  They are lined up very early each morning.  The students and staff have such connections to each other - it's really a big family.   At the end of this week I received two hugs from kids passing by me as I sat in the hallway assessing other students.  They had just met me!

(Side note - I have been smiling so much that my face hurts!  I feel like Dug from "Up")

Passion.

All of the staff - returning, veteran, new and seasoned - have a passion for teaching, a driving force to help our students succeed, and a helpful attitude.  Everyone has been patient and good listeners as I tell them my goals and my background.  Even though they may not be excited about some assessment or instructional directives, they are keeping the students in mind.  It shows!

It's all good.

To take a quote from Pete the Cat, it's all good.  Students are wondering who I am, but they are quick to return a smile.  I've walked the wrong way to my classroom and passed one room twice trying to find a teacher.  I am trying to be respectful when making suggestions, realizing that the way I've done assessment, grouping and data mining may not be the only way.  I'm working extra hard to keep my former students and colleagues in my heart and off my mind, but I feel their encouragement.  I can do this.

One day left #SOL15

This was the picture my mom took in August after we worked in my classroom all day.  It's not really flattering, but it's an important picture.

I see hope, fear, exhaustion and excitement.  My first year in a classroom bigger than 8 x 8 feet.  A new adventure.

Tomorrow is the last day.

I still feel hope - will the kids remember the high points of this year?  Daily 5, field trips, making friends.

I still feel fear - did I do enough to prepare them for 2nd grade?  For college and careers?

I still feel exhaustion - teaching is a full-bodied, brain-draining profession.

I still feel excited.  Each morning is a new day, a fresh start.

Tomorrow is the last day.  It's been a year of roller coaster emotions.

Finished SOLC #31

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Finished is a word I rarely use.

I hear, "I'm done!" from my first graders way too much.  I want to say to them, 

"You're not done (because you're not a casserole), and you will never truly be finished, 

unless you give up."

To me finished means...

you stop changing

you stop growing (emotionally, socially)

you stop learning.

Finished means you have moved on and never want to return 

to this project, this person, this anything.

I prefer to use the words in progress.

I'm in progress of becoming more organized

(all right, who am I kidding)

I'm in progress of becoming a better 

mother

teacher

friend

listener

wife

exerciser

(I walked a mile today!)

eater.

I don't know if I'll ever be finished with anything

or anyone.

The Slice of Life Challenge is over today,

but the writing continues,

on Tuesdays,

or any day you care to write.

Thanks for stopping by and sharing your thoughts.