#SOLSC23: Choices
Drive time Sunday gave me time to think, organize, and ready my brain for blogging this week on the downhill side of the Slice of Life Challenge.
What can I write about?
- Lady Hawkeyes win and advancement to the Sweet Sixteen
- Driviing Conundrums
- My uncle’s story about the river flooding so quickly that he had to watch his brother dive underwater to unhitch the horse from the wagon so it wouldn’t die stuck in the river bed. Literally watching his brother risk his life for the horse.
- Current quilting projects
- Formatting issues with my blog posts
- “Response-ability”
Each of these bulleted items could be a slice or two or three. What to do? Start writing and see what surfaces? Take a walk and narrow down the topics to just two or three?
So I started typing. And here is my draft.
— — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — —
Saturday I spent five hours in Zoom PD. Willingly. By choice. In years past I’ve wished for Saturday Reunions to have remote access to save time, $ and resources required to travel. Saturday I was grateful for the learning! There was a theme across the sessions whether it was Lucy, Amanda, Brooke, Rachael, Janet, Phillip, Gene or any of the other sessions I attended.
Response – ability
That was the theme! Not to be confused with “responsibility”. In education, responsibility typically deals with accountability and fidelity. Responsibility makes me think of more of a teaming, “We are in this together approach as we work on common goals in similar ways.”
Response – ability
This word conjures up possibilities. Possibilities in the way I respond to students. In the way I respond to parents, teachers, community, and administrators. It also conjures up choices. I’m thinking that this is “freeing” as I can be “responsive” both to and for students.
Responsive to students is a common discussion thread in our #CuriosityCrew group from #G2Great. Our roles deal with students, teachers, and administrators from PK – college. We collectively believe (like many others) that our fidelity is to the students sitting in front of us, first and foremost. Our goal is learning. Students learning.
So what does it take for students to be learning?
Instruction needs to meet student needs. It’s not “everyone on page 40”. Instruction is explicit. Instruction is differentiated. Instruction is designed to move at a pace that ensures students learn and also close gaps where necessary. This is instruction that is “response-ability” for teachers. Teachers are expected to as well as able to “respond” to students. If 75% of the class doesn’t understand concept x, we can reteach and check for understanding again. We make sure that learning and not “coverage of content” is the focus.
Response – ability
New concept
Old belief
Values students.
Values learning.
Embedded in a sense of urgency
But not limited to a pacing guide.
Responsive
To students.
Response – ability.
Additional Resources:
“Recall that response-ability, in its most succinct iteration, is “an ability to respond, to respond to the world beyond oneself, as well as a willingness to recognize its existence” (Kuokkanen, 2007, p. 39).”
link – https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-3-030-61299-3_7#:~:text=Recall%20that%20response%2Dability%2C%20in,39)
Poetry: “Response-ability” https://powerpoetry.org/poems/response-ability
What does response-ability mean to you? How does it fit into your life?
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Thank you, Two Writing Teachers, for this daily forum in March. Check out the writers and readers here.
#SOL22: Anatomy of a Twitter Chat
And so it begins …
“Would you … Could you …?”
Shared Expectations
“Possible dates are: ___, ___, or _____. Would any of those work?”
Back and forth:
Quotations, questions and a deeper understanding from authors about their goals. Ordered, proofed and developed in Canva.
Pretweeting prep by #g2great (usually @drmaryhoward)
Rest of team is responsible for RT and “likes” as tweets pop up.
Anticipation builds . . . the day of the chat. Questions, questions, quotes, and time speeds up.
…
The chat opens with welcoming comments. An opening quote. The pace quickens as more folks join the chat. Conversations. Friendships. Literally chatting.
And then questions begin to drop. Replies. Volleying RTs and likes. Conversations deepen. Threads develop. Multiple answers. Sometimes with additional pictures, quotes or links for more clarification.
Q1. A1.
Q2. A2.
Q3. A3.
Q4. A4.
Q5. A5.
Q6. A6.
Just when the chat is getting interesting, a final quote pops up. An announcement for the next chat and then a flurry of goodbyes and Thank Yous.
Time’s up!
….
But wait,
There’s a Wakelet where Mary collects the Tweets.
And then a blog post on LiteracyLenses.com
Last week was our chat for The Gift of Story with John Schu.
Wakelet Link
Blog post by Kitty Donohoe link
And then tweeting out the links to share the wisdom.
But there’s always more …
What motivated you to write this book? What impact did you hope that it would have in the professional world?
Oh, so much motivated me to write The Gift of Story: Exploring the Affective Side of the Reading Life. In truth, I think more about who motivated and inspired me to write this book than what.
For sake of space, I’ll share three bullet points.
*Newbery Medalist Kate DiCamillo inspired me to look at my heart and the hearts of others in new ways through her books, the
conversations we had at conferences, her Facebook updates, and the inspirational text messages she sends me.
*Terry Thompson helped me dig down deep through his thought-provoking questions and compassionate heart. He’s a brilliant
editor and friend. I’m so lucky and grateful!
*Most importantly, every child I’ve interacted with over the past 20 years motivated me to write The Gift of Story. The impact
they had on me and my heart inspires me every day. I hope The Gift of Story inspires readers to talk about the affective side of
reading and learning and life.
What are your BIG takeaways from your book that you hope teachers will embrace in their teaching practices?
1. Read aloud every day.
2. Talk about the affective elements of story with their students.
3. Encourage their students and colleagues to finish the sentence starter Story is…
4. Celebrate Poem in Your Pocket Day with everyone on the campus.
5. Host an author or an illustrator.
What is a message from the heart you would like for every teacher to keep in mind?
Thank you for this wonderful question. I hope every teacher walks away from The Gift of Story feeling encouraged to read and read and read and evaluate wonderful children’s books. When we share our hearts in authentic ways, we inspire those around us to do the same. I hope they think about how every child who walks into their classroom has a story. I hope they establish opportunities fortheir students to tell their stories and find themselves in the stories of others. I hope they smile.
What chats have you been a part of? What part of a chat is intriguing to you?
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Thank you, Two Writing Teachers, for this weekly forum. Check out the writers and readers here.
Thank you to #G2Great and John Schu for sparking this topic and the quotes.
#SOL22: Talk
Oversell? Undersell?
The waiter was charming. “It’s the best. As a third generation LA resident, it’s the best.”
Tempted to scoff at the claim, I didn’t. And yet, “Tell me more,” did emerge from my mouth.
As a Midwesterner, I was doubting the claim. I was expecting “the sell” on the sea bass so close to the ocean. Seafood, yes. Or the pasta, in an Italian restaurant. Beef, not so much.
A bone-in ribeye, on a patio, with friends, a celebratory dinner.
Tender, flavorful, perfectly done.
Every morsel eaten.
Best steak in Santa Monica!
What talk matters? What talk is convincing? Who are the experts? How do you know the anticipation matches the outcome?
I can’t imagine that I will ever stop asking waitstaff about menu items. It’s truly a pleasure when the “sale” matches expectations. And now my chagrin. After googling beef production, my state lags behind California in beef production. We’re seventh and CA is fourth. Oops. A traveler with arrogance about quality beef is now apologetic. However, I do know quality steak! And you don’t have to be in a steakhouse to find a superb steak. Thank YOU, Il Formo! Thank YOU, Santa Monica!
And this week’s adventures will continue!
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Thank you, Two Writing Teachers, for this weekly forum.
Check out the writers and readers here.
#SOL22: Real Life!
Do I remember our first meeeting?
A park bench outside Thorndike. Early morning. One in running clothes and me with all my gear for the day: canvas tote filled with devices, electrical bar, and books. Pounds of resources to last the day. Goal: to have an initial face to face contact before the week was up.
What about the funniest meeting?
A message to meet up at Starbuck’s. Arrival. Waiting. “I’m here.” But nary a sign. Further messages. Who knew. Three possible Starbuck’s in a 5 block radius. The first try was unsuccessful.
Which was the most unexpected?
I was fan-girling. Excited to meet up in real life. “Fran, it’s so good to see you,” as I was greeted with a hug. Only a Twitter friend. Real life exceeded my dreams as we quickly chattered like decades long friends.
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
Through TWT, TCRWP, ILA and NCTE I’ve met many folks in real life. I thanked many during the March SOLSC, but I want to return to two very special authors and friends: Christina Nosek and Melanie Meehan. Their talents are exceptional!
#G2Great chats highlighted their most recent books the last two weeks.
Literacy Lenses – Reading link Literacy Lenses – Writing link
Please check out the Table of Contents of both books from the links with the book covers above.
Check out the free chapters and resources.
Check out the Literacy Lenses posts (Reading by Dr. Mary C Howard and Writing by me).
What is your level of confidence in your knowledge and skills about Reading? Writing? What about your level of competence? How do you know? What questions have you answered lately?
Both of these titles would be great for a faculty book study!
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Thank you, Two Writing Teachers, for this weekly forum.
Check out the writers and readers here.
#SOL22: And then . . .
Slicing every day in March.
31 consecutive days of writing
AND publishing.
I’ve written every day this year.
Short, long, and varied formats.
It’s a great habit.
But there was a hole
when I didn’t publish
for four days.
I could have.
But life kept me busy
And I didn’t.
I did write a #G2Great post (here) that I published
Three book reviews
But nothing on Resource-Full.
It’s great to be back
But the energy has dissipated.
Who will continue to write?
Who will be to busy?
Who will make time?
Why do you write?
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Thank you, Two Writing Teachers, for this weekly forum.
Check out the writers and readers here.
#SOLSC22: 31 and Finale
The plan for my “slices” in March began with this image.
A piece of cake. 31 days of thanking teachers. And then I listed the days and started listing the teachers. I hit a snag. I wanted a descriptor for each that would fit into the “total picture” of a teacher. But what if not all of my daily candidates were teachers? Was “educator” broad enough to cover all possibilities? And then to include family members? Non-traditional teachers?
My idea.
My rules.
My plan revised about 151 times during the 31 days of March.
Gratitude
All my thanks!
Those that I thanked . . .
The reasons that I thanked them. I remember days of feeling like the shipwrecked sailor on a desert island, lonely and in search of like-minded folks. I found them in places that I worked, where I lived, and across the miles via technology with twitter, book studies and PD. All of these words fit for teachers. Not necessarily every word every day, but they all fit.
Month at a Glance
| Date | Descriptor Words or Phrases | Person Thanked | link |
| 1 | Voracious/Professional Development | Diane Ruyle | post |
| 2 | Expertise | Kathy Schuitema | post |
| 3 | Kidwatching | Sharon Van Cleave | post |
| 4 | Collaboration | Joni Helton | post |
| 5 | Independence | Grandma Ruth | post 5 |
| 6 | Creating | Mom | post |
| 7 | Stewardship | Dad | post |
| 8 | Tips | Allison Jackson | post |
| 9 | Words Matter/Poetry | Margaret Simon | post |
| 10 | Being Kind | Kitty Donohoe | post |
| 11 | Action Research | Sally Donnelly | post |
| 12 | Courageous | Aunt Shirley Ruth | post |
| 13 | Reading and Responding to Blogs | Diane Dougherty | post |
| 14 | Cheerleader/Cheer Coaach | Johnny Downey | post |
| 15 | Curator | Jill Davidson | post |
| 16 | Brave | Susan Vincent | post |
| 17 | Fierce | Brent Gilson | post |
| 18 | Meeting Needs | Clare Landrigan | post |
| 19 | Decision-making process | Dr. Towanda Harris | post |
| 20 | Nurturer | Christina Nosek | post |
| 21 | Reader | Julieanne Harmatz | post |
| 22 | Writer | Melanie Meehan | post |
| 23 | Facilitator | Ryan Scala | post |
| 24 | Joy and Balance | Sandy Brumbaun | post |
| 25 | Librarian | Julia E. Torres | post |
| 26 | Coaching | Paula Bourque | post |
| 27 | Traveler | Erika Victor | post |
| 28 | Mentorship | Dr. Mary Howard | post |
| 29 | Sisters | Sherry and Pat | post |
| 30 | Sustaining communities | post |
How did you organize your writing slices this month? What were your common themes? Formats? Did you meet your goals?
See you next week or next year!
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Thank you, Two Writing Teachers, for this daily forum during the month of March.
Check out the writers and readers here.
#SOLSC22: 30
Day 30 of the Slice of Life Story Challenge.
I have spent the last 29 days thanking educators and teachers in my life. Today, I must add in the communities that have also been a part of my life. I know I needed at least 100 entries to even begin to recognize all the folks that have impacted my life. Even with this addition, I am sure that I have left some unnamed . . .
#TwoWritingTeachers where I began this weekly blogging and daily in March
#TCRWP where the community has been welcoming and I have learned how to write more concise Tweets and blog better in response to questions and comments.
#DigiLitSunday a short term weekly blogging about technology
#BookLoveFoundation
Morningside University grad classes
#EdCollaborativeGathering
So many #bookstudies
#ILA
#CCIRA
#NCTE
#G2Great community
#CuriosityCrew
and in my family: my brothers, the Ruth Cousins and the Elders that remain. So many lessons learned. So much laughter shared.
Thank you for your past and present teaching, mentorship and opportunities to learn and grow!
Special thanks to all the slicers! Who are you thanking today?
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Thank you, Two Writing Teachers, for this daily forum during the month of March.
Check out the writers and readers here.
#SOLSC22: 26
Day 26 of the Slice of Life Story Challenge 2022.
Today it’s a format that will lead to the reveal of an educator.
Six Word Stories
Best Maine guide for clam chowder.
Sparking writing and student literacy.
Using quick writes to improve literacy.
Midwesterner transplanted Maine literacy teacher coach.
Thank you, Paula Bourque, for your books, your passionate coaching, and your instructional expertise.
What formats help you determine the “most important information” to share? How do you know the format is effective?
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Thank you, Two Writing Teachers, for this daily forum during the month of March.
Check out the writers and readers here.
#SOLSC22: 23
Today is Day 23 of the Slice of Life Story Challenge.
As I started writing this post, I wondered if I needed a chart to mark similarities and differences between the honorees for this March blog series. I quickly discovered MANY similarities.
Blogs? Check
Presents at NCTE? Check
Have personally presented with her? Check
Numerous zoom sessions? Check
An author featured on #G2great? Check
So many ideas were swirling in my brain, but I had already decided on “Supporting Writing” as my focus.
Today’s “Thank You” goes to an author who shares similar thoughts about students leading their own writing seminars for their fellow students. We’ve tweeted about this often. We promote student independence as much as possible.
Current books:
Available later in March, 2022 . . .
Drum roll . . .
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Thank you, Melanie Meehan, for your expertise as a writer and as a teacher of students and supporter of writing teachers,
What questions do you have about writing? What writing do you support? What writing do you do yourself?
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Thank you, Two Writing Teachers, for this daily forum during the month of March.
Check out the writers and readers here.
#SOLSC22: 20
What a lucky day! My role is a photographer! Back up a couple of years and think Austin. Yes, Austin, Texas. ILA in July in 2018 in Austin, TX. I had checked in to my hotel and hiked across town to find a friend in order to celebrate a book birthday. And the celebration was huge. Two authors meant twice the celebrations. And twice the joy!
Not a surprise to me! Books. Authors. Some of my most favorite things.
At this time, I really had little idea of the meaning of the word “nurture” in regards to friends and family. Sure, we dealt with it in our work in schools (though it was NOT in my boss’s vocabulary), but the idea of how to really “Nurture” readers and writers was new.
And yet . . .
Teachers who were writers were ahead of the game in nurturing readers. And teachers who were readers were ahead of the game in nurturing writers. The reciprocity was alive and well for teachers who were studying the knowledge, the skills and the craft of both.
This was one of the pictures that launched my photographic career.
It was a short-lived career. But the memories of that day continue to nurture my soul as Christina’s second book is now available.
Thank you, Christina Nosek, for nurturing both my reading teacher self and my personal self for many years!
How do you nurture yourself? How do your nurture your professional self? How do you share your journey?
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Thank you, Two Writing Teachers, for this daily forum during the month of March.
Check out the writers and readers here.
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