Literacy Learning Zone

Tangled i stare and wonder a tangled mess of cords and light bulbs where do i begin unraveling the twisted confusion i stare and ponder how this messy web resembles the heap of resources articles, blog posts, webinars, books suggestions overloading my brain from clarity i stare  and flounder not knowing where  to start unraveling this confinement knowing i just need to start doing the work i stare and consider starting at one end slowing weaving in and out taking my time carefully making knowledgeable decisions i stare  and admire the organization of streamlining of ideas as the lightbulbs are shedding light on new understanding

Nine years ago. She nudged me. She invited me to share my stories ... that I didn't even know were waiting. Nine years ago. I started a little blog for me. I crafted and created and wrote stories ... that mattered to me and a small community. Four days ago. She nudged me. Again. She invited me to share my stories ... that I didn't even know were waiting. Again. Today. She nudged me. Gently with a text. I have been thinking about her invitation ... wondering if I have more stories to share. Tonight. I opened up my notebook. I stared at the blank page ... the pen easily moved across the lines. Tonight. I'm ready to write. Again. Thank you, Ruth, for the nudge ... to write in a new space during this pause. To share in the power of story. ___________________________ {An invitation goes out to my Mom to join me. Again.  Are you ready to jump back in and share your stories?}

Slice of Life is  hosted  at the  Two Writing Teachers Join in and share a slice of your life.  _____________________________________________________ The last days of school are for ... reminders to exercise their reading brains making a reading plan of who? what? where? when? and why? filling their arms with new books to read at home and a notebook and pen to write story after story The last days of school are for ... small moments of connecting with each child noticing and telling of why they matter to me and this world sharing and caring as much as they need with hugs in between pouring all that I can into their hearts and mi...

Slice of Life is  hosted  at the  Two Writing Teachers Join in and share a slice of your life.  _____________________________________________________ I can't believe it's been almost a year without writing a slice of life or even a blog post. After years of writing. Nine years. 626 published blog posts. Most slice of life stories. To be exact. I know that my habit of writing slipped away. I chose to ignore the blog, the calls for slices, the messages from far away friends. I let it go. It's hard really to say why. I'm sure it's a combination of home and school. And to be honest, my heart wasn't in it. However, my heart has been e...

__________________________________________________ The March Slice of Life Story Challenge hosted  at the  Two Writing Teachers . Join us for a month of writing! __________________________________________________ My birthday is over, but I am so thankful for all the birthday wishes and reflecting back on all that I believe in . I also love to reflect back on my year of writing. However, I rarely take the time to click through my own blog. I have something even better . You see, my parents give me the best gift of all: My slices and blog posts from each year published in my very own book. This week I received volume 13. Over 100 pages -- from January's first post {Sigh.} to my last post of 2017 in mid-November, my interview with my friend/educator/momma/writer Ruth Ayres . I guess I took a break from writing in Dece...

__________________________________________________ The March Slice of Life Story Challenge hosted  at the  Two Writing Teachers . Join us for a month of writing! __________________________________________________ I am exhausted after a full day of learning with Ruth Ayres. Exhausted in a good way, of course. And, y es, I said THE Ruth Ayres. One of my edu-superheroes, whom I admire and adore. My head is swimming with ideas and thoughts. Ruth shared insights, teaching moves, and, of course, stories, about her own children and students that come from hard places. I was mesmerized by her every word. I always knew Ruth was an amazing momma-teacher-writer through her work with TWT, her blogs and articles, Instagram feed, and books. She does the hard work. The research, the writing, the balancing of this life. It's not ...

I love sharing book titles with close friends, so I'm happy you are here! I want to share a book that you must add to your to-be-read list. Ruth Ayres has a brand new book titled  Enticing Hard-To-Reach Writers   published by Stenhouse Publishers. It's another must read from Ruth. There are many professional development books available to learn about mastering our craft of teaching.   However, there are only a few that make a true impact -- and this is one book that weaves raw truth, research, practical ideas, and story all in one {cute} little package.  In  Enticing Hard-To-Reach Writers , Ruth allows her worlds to collide during the creation:  "In this book, I entwine my three story lines as educator, momma, and writer." (p. 6) And she does this in an amazing way through sharing stories of her family, adoption, children living in hard places -- and doing their best  -- and healing. She shares how we can use research ...