Literacy Learning Zone

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?}

__________________________________________________ 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 ...

__________________________________________________ The March Slice of Life Story Challenge hosted  at the  Two Writing Teachers . Join us for a month of writing! __________________________________________________ I usually write at night. Then the next morning, I take a few minutes to review, revise, edit, and publish. I like to be a day ahead during this challenge. Because, well, life is busy, and this relieves any of the "I still need to write today" thoughts. Well, I still need to write today. Last night after dinner, dishes, homework, and the girls were tucked into bed, it was finally time for me and some writing. "Hey, do you want to watch the episode of This is Us that we missed?" My husband, Jon, asked. Without hesitating, "Yea, that's a good idea." We have not had a quiet nigh...

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 ...