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

  Slice of Life is  hosted  at the  Two Writing Teachers Join in and share a slice of your life.  _____________________________________________________ The very afternoon my girls were out of school, they were already making plans. They disappeared into the playroom ... and an hour later they emerged. "Momma! Come and see what we did!" They called out. The girls transformed their playroom into a new space: a classroom for summer.  Using items "gifted" from their teachers and other handmade essentials, the girls created a learning space, including a daily schedule made of popsicle sticks and a magnetic pointer on a pipe clea...

Slice of Life is  hosted  at the  Two Writing Teachers Join in and share a slice of your life.  _____________________________________________________ When I get a text that says: "I'm free for pie night! Check your calendar!" I know that it's been too long since we have gotten together. We used to all work together at the same building and saw each other every day, but over the last couple years, changes have occurred and we are in three different buildings. Yet, these are my people. My tribe. And pie brings us together. Two of my closest friends (and colleagues) and I meet up for pie night. Pie night sometimes includes dinner a...

__________________________________________________ The March Slice of Life Story Challenge hosted  at the  Two Writing Teachers . Join us for a month of writing! __________________________________________________ Right now I am: ::sitting in the family room watching over the puppy who is resting from her surgery yesterday ::hearing the laundry flip and turn in the dryer dreading the final buzzer ::planning a return trip down to the Science and Industry Museum tomorrow ::celebrating how easy the stories have come to me over the last 26 days ::wondering why now -- on day 27 -- I don't know what to write ::borrowing this slicing format from my friend Terje ::accepting her gift of words because it's just what I needed to get me through another day of writing! Right now ...

__________________________________________________ The March Slice of Life Story Challenge hosted  at the  Two Writing Teachers . Join us for a month of writing! __________________________________________________ Last December, my friend Jen invited me to check out a new Orange Theory Fitness that was opening in the area. I told her I'd think about it. The next day, I received a flyer in the mail about this new Orange Theory studio. Now I really started to think about it. This is my year. My one little word: BELIEVE. I need to believe in myself that I can lose weight and grow stronger. But in order to do this, I need to do something different. Orange Theory it is. I signed up, but had to wait a month before it opened. Which then turned into two months and then three months. A little frustrating, but timing worked o...

__________________________________________________ The March Slice of Life Story Challenge hosted  at the  Two Writing Teachers . Join us for a month of writing! __________________________________________________ A couple days ago, in my {Today I} slice , I mentioned that the girls and I visited the Usborne book sale at the YMCA ... with no intention of buying any books. I just purchased a bunch of books through the Scholastic book clubs, and I also know that Usborne books are usually more expensive. But we ended up by eight new books. I found two great titles as did my girls, including a little gift for my school's social worker and psychologist. We have many kids who come from hard places, who bring a lot of baggage to school, who are just having a hard time with life. It is draining on us -- teachers, social workers, an...

__________________________________________________ The March Slice of Life Story Challenge hosted  at the  Two Writing Teachers . Join us for a month of writing! __________________________________________________ Over the weekend, the girls and I were out and about shopping for supplies to complete their biography posters. I enjoy browsing the home decor section of the craft stores. I need nothing, really, but it's always fun to look. To see if anything catches my eye and it's worth the money. I turned my cart down the first aisle to glance at the Easter and "It's spring" collection. It didn't take me long. I found just what I needed. Ok, something that I wanted. And, bonus, it was only $6.99 and 50% off. It's a cute little sign with glorious colors that will remind me every morning as I wake up an...

__________________________________________________ The March Slice of Life Story Challenge hosted  at the  Two Writing Teachers . Join us for a month of writing! __________________________________________________ Be the light the one who comforts encourages shows kindness When we feel that little nudge -- to send a text make that call When we hear the whispers -- to say a prayer buy a little gift Do so without embarrassment fear, worry judgement For it can give the greatest gift of hope, strength and love Little nudges can make a BIG impact -- and you may never know the depths But sometimes you may learn about the power of your generosity I believe those nudges, those whispers are God's way of connecting us And, in time, the gift of hope, stren...

Slice of Life is  hosted  at the  Two Writing Teachers Join in and share a slice of your life.  _____________________________________________________ I gasped when I opened the email. Out loud. In a meeting. A smile formed on my face. "No way." There was an invitation to attend a workshop with one of the most amazing teacher-writing-mommas out there. She just shared her new book with the world and I was a little tiny part of her journey . I quickly closed the email in disbelief. You see, she is the one who got me started writing slices of life on this little blog almost eight years ago. She's also kind of big deal. And the...

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 ...