Literacy Learning Zone

__________________________________________________ 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! __________________________________________________ It's one of those writing days.   I have been writing, like you, for almost twenty-six days straight.  For most of those day, I've written with minimal problems.  As a writer, I'm taking note of moments that may become stories.  Each day I think about a story I want to capture in my words and share.  I try to weave in a little word play and craft.  Time seems to be my only and biggest struggle. But, it's one of those  writing days. There is so much I could and should write about today.  I could write about a full day of birthday parties, roller blading fun, an amazing Easter worship service, an egg-cellent Easter egg dying part...

The Slice of Life is hosted  at the  Two Writing Teachers Join in and share a slice of your life.  _____________________________________________________ I love summer learning. I'm reading lots of picture books with my girls. I read two real big people books. I have read and dipped my fingers in many PD books. I've read a generous amount of articles and blog posts from educators I respect. I've conversed with many educators on Twitter and participated in a handful of chats. I attended ILA in St. Louis and also attended a four day interactive webinar last week. I've even participated in a Voxer PD group and started another group to continue our learning. It's ...

The March Slice of Life Story Challenge hosted  at the  Two Writing Teachers Join us for a month of writing! Sunday was just a gray, cold, rainy, windy day.   It was also my birthday .  And there was a little sunshine. My parents left to return home after a weeklong visit, I found my happy in all the new memories made. After a weekend of celebrating with my family,   I found my happy in a nap on the couch. My husband went grocery shopping this afternoon, I found my happy in only having to put the food away. We ordered in Chinese food for my birthday dinner,  I found my happy in the delicious crab rangoon. I watched a half an hour "birthday" circus show presented by my two girls, I found my happy in the singing and dancing of "Happy Birthday" on the high wire. After an enjoyable ...

March Slice of Life Story Challenge hosted  at the  Two Writing Teachers Join us for a month of writing! As my spring break slows to an end, Chris got me thinking with her slice from yesterday .    I suggested in my comment that her format would be a great mentor text and writing prompt for students as they return from spring break.  And, so, she also provided me with the perfect format for my slice! Spring break has been a gift.  A gift of time.  A gift of together.  A gift of relaxation. What I won't miss about this week: The cold (and snowy) first days of spring Being the ice skating mom (that's dad's job) The girls not always being loving to each other Planning and preparing breakfast, lunch, and dinner Keeping the girls busy and happy ALL day Patience during nap time ...

March Slice of Life Story Challenge hosted  at the  Two Writing Teachers Join us for a month of writing! Over the course of the month, I have been writing in the moment, usually about my girls or school.  I have not had that moment of writer's fear yet .   Yesterday was the first day of my spring break and it was amazingly relaxing ... so much so that my day did not even produce a slice worthy of writing.  Or, so I thought.   I ventured out of my usual routine and watched a movie with my husband sans my laptop.  After the movie finished and my husband was snoring on the couch, I grabbed my laptop to start creating a slice with no idea really in mind.  Yet, surprisingly, I was the least bit concerned.   One of my first stops was on Cathy Mere's blog and I read her poetry slice Sprin...

March Slice of Life Story Challenge  hosted  at the  Two Writing Teachers Join us for a month of writing! My spring break has been great so far.  Not much relaxation time or book reading.  This is only a "break from school" for me.  I'm usually a full-time mom and teacher.  Balancing my time is difficult, but I find ways to manage.  (Basically, I prioritize and I have learned to let some things go.) However, during a long break, such as this week, I'm a full time mom.  All. Day. Long.  There are no breaks when you have two active three year olds who are currently working on potty training (with some success!) and decide not to nap at home. So, having the extra he...

March Slice of Life Story Challenge  hosted  at the  Two Writing Teachers Join us for a month of writing! My girls have hundreds of books.  Okay, I do not know exactly how many books they/we/I have, but I do know it's a lot.  We have a lot of books.  I tell my husband they must just multiply because there are always new books. Books upstairs.  Books downstairs.  Books on the shelf.   Books in the kitchen.  Books in the bathroom.  Books in the bedroom.  Books from the library.   Books in a basket.   Books on the floor. And books I forgot all about . . . It's always fun to find a book that we haven't read in awhile.  Most recently, we f...