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{sols} a write night out


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After the school bells rings, I quickly get organized and I'm off to start my other full time job of being a mom.  I can honestly say there are not too many nights that I get out or do what I want to do.  However, last night I took the evening off.

I didn't even hesitate when I received the invitation.  I checked the calendar and then signed up.  Put the date in our shared family calendar with the note:  Jon pick up girls!

Even after a long day of teaching, I was ready to go and learn and laugh with a teacher of writing legend.  I attended a local Illinois Reading Council conference featuring Ralph Fletcher.

Ralph shared his core beliefs, writing tips, mentor texts, love of prose, and the idea that nonfiction writing can be playful and non-formulaic.  He shared the power of story and words.  He quoted his mentors and other writing legends: Donald Graves, Donald Murray, Katie Wood Ray, and Georgia Heard.   He shared many examples of exploratory nonfiction writing and multigenre research writing.

Ralph's goal was to remind us that even in the midst of Common Core, we must continue writing our stories (narrative) and be playful and try different forms of nonfiction writing.  

It was an enjoyable night to sit back and enjoy Ralph's company.  We approached him during the break and he was so kind, easy to chat with, and provided some great advice.  Ralph signed one of his books and took a selfie with my favorite literacy coach (who I tried to convince to start a blog and join this writing community ...)

Ralph would agree.






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  1. JudySeptember 30, 2014 at 7:10 AM

    Good for you! So glad that you accepted the invite and enjoyed an evening of learning and sharing. A great way to start your week. Love ya, Mom

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  2. JulieanneSeptember 30, 2014 at 7:30 AM

    What a great opportunity. Love Ralph! So glad you got Jon to pick up the girls!

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  3. RamonaSeptember 30, 2014 at 11:03 AM

    I'm green with envy. So glad you were able to enjoy this wonderful evening of learning and laughter!

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  4. AnonymousSeptember 30, 2014 at 11:36 AM

    Glad you took the time for yourself. Ralph has been a guest of out Young Writers Academy twice. What a great inspiration.

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  5. TaraSeptember 30, 2014 at 11:38 AM

    Love Ralph Fletcher - what a treat to have seen him!

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  6. Tammy and ClareSeptember 30, 2014 at 11:45 AM

    So glad you were able to have the night off and spend it listening to Ralph Fletcher. What a special night!

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  7. LynnSeptember 30, 2014 at 12:20 PM

    Love that he shared the importance of keeping writing fun! Also glad you did something fun for you
    Because that too is important :-)

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  8. Stacey ShubitzSeptember 30, 2014 at 1:29 PM

    Ralph is phenomenal! So glad you had the opportunity to hear him speak.

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  9. AnonymousSeptember 30, 2014 at 3:58 PM

    Ralph, one of my heroes. He will be presenting at one of our Saturday Seminars in April. I'm hoping for my selfie with him as well. :) :) :)

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  10. Lee Ann SpillaneSeptember 30, 2014 at 4:16 PM

    That sounds like an awesome evening. I love Fletcher's work and turn to it often. What a treat to hear him at week's start and take that energy back to school!

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  11. Carol VarsalonaSeptember 30, 2014 at 8:23 PM

    How wonderful that you got to hear Ralph speak and take a photo with him. He is a wonderful presenter.

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  12. Dana MurphySeptember 30, 2014 at 9:05 PM

    Ha! A selfie with Ralph Fletcher! Who would have thought?

    We use a lot of his "stuff" in my district, too. We Skyped with him once. :)

    I'm glad you got out and did something just for you! We all need to do that every now and again.

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  13. ChrisSeptember 30, 2014 at 11:01 PM

    You met Ralph Fletcher!!! So glad you found PD that was what you needed and wanted. I'm sure we can convince the lit coach to blog! :)

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  14. Terje October 2, 2014 at 11:46 AM

    I am so happy for you! Yay!!

    ReplyDelete
  15. LoraleeOctober 8, 2014 at 9:24 PM

    Wow! It must have been so exciting!

    ReplyDelete

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