Literacy Learning Zone

The Slice of Life Story Challenge  is hosted by the  Two Writing Teachers . Parting Thoughts and Empty Spots Thank you,  Ruth , for sharing this novel idea - poetry in the iPod!  I had so much fun piecing the titles of the songs together.  The words were all there, I just had to change and rearrange! Beautiful Day - To Serenade a Rainbow Take the time Quiet your mind Heart and soul Imagine Deep in the heart Pictures and memories All the small things Little moments like that Addicted Stay Always on my mind Stuck like glue Every day All I wanna do Because of you Daytime Friends I learned from the best Wouldn't change a thing I can see clearly now Something to be proud of Everything I said The good stuff Farewell and goodnight 364 days to go Thinking about her was the same  as the hole you keep on feeling  with your tongue after you lose a tooth.   Time after time, my mind kept going  t o that empty spot,  the spot where ...

The Slice of Life Story Challenge  is hosted by the  Two Writing Teachers . I Could Write . . . I could write about writer's block: sitting next to my husband as he dozes on the couch. Tapping my fingers on the keyboard.  Wondering what to write.  I usually have two or three posts started, but nothing today. (Not bad in 30 days.) I could write about the student that told me today that she misses coming to my class.  She explained that if she doesn't read as good, then she'll be able to come back.  (Doesn't work that easily, my dear!) I  could write about the student who found out it was my birthday and mentioned that she could ask her mom to take her shopping to buy me a gift, but I told her the best gift of all would be to write.  Write me a story.  She agreed that would be a great gift. (Hope she brings me that story!) I could write about how proud I am of my mom and her new reading list/reviews blog.  She already has three p...

The Slice of Life Story Challenge  is hosted by the  Two Writing Teachers . 35 Birthday Wishes . . . Come True True love Twin daughters Loving family CJ, my clingy cat Strong friendships Undeniable faith Incredible blessings Good health Uncontrollable laughing Lots of giggles and silliness Precious time Picture books Much-needed vacations  Lazy naps Sleeping babies Cozy home Effective teaching Enthusiastic students Insightful learning Powerful words Thoughtful writing Supportive colleagues Colorful post-its and clicky pens Any shade of purple Changes in seasons Radiant sunshine Clear blue skies White puffy clouds Warmer days Flip-flops and pedicures Sandy white beaches Country music Netflix on demand Costco chocolate cake Many more birthdays to come!

The Slice of Life Story Challenge  is hosted by the  Two Writing Teachers . Ten Things I'm starting to reread some favorite books  for several reasons, including reading with new eyes: the eyes of a writer. In the delightful book Because of Winn-Dixie by Kate DiCamillo, Opal challenges her father to tell her ten things (one thing for each year she has been alive) about her mama because she doesn't remember her.  Opal also starts to create a list of ten things she knows about her dog, Winn-Dixie.  I decided to create my own "ten things I know about" list . . . the number ten (not for my age!) but because I thought it was a solid number.  I'm thinking this is a great way for kids to reflect on their learning as well! Ten Things I Know about the 'Slice of Life Story Challenge' One.  SOLSC awakened me to writing, blogging, and sharing with others. Two.  SOLSC opened my eyes, ears, and heart to the life around me, waiting to be w...

The Slice of Life Story Challenge  is hosted by the  Two Writing Teachers . Confidence in Sharing My mom was the first (and only) person I trusted and shared my blog with when I started it over a month ago. It takes oodles of courage to share writing with others.  I write, rewrite, delete, read, search for a better word, delete, read again, and   repeat this process four or five times.  Then I read it one more time in the morning.  It takes a long silent moment before I can click the "Publish Post" button at the bottom of the page.  Why do I feel this sense of apprehension? I think it was easier sharing my writing with the unknown few on Tuesdays for the Slice of Life.  However, now that we have spent almost a month getting to know each other, your encouraging words of support and understanding help continue to build my confidence as a writer.  My willingness to share with others, even those that I know beyond just my mother, is beco...

The Slice of Life Story Challenge  is hosted by the  Two Writing Teachers . Vacation is . . . Time Time with my parents and time with my husband and girls. Time to rejuvenate and time to forget worries. Time to watch and time to listen. Time to talk and time to laugh. Time to walk and time to relax. Time to read and time to ponder. Time to write and time to share. Time is vacation and the time comes to an end. Until the next vacation.

The Slice of Life Story Challenge  is hosted by the  Two Writing Teachers . Lovin' This Small Town Life is different in a small town. Livin' miles out in the backcountry. Lovin' the peace and quiet of nature. Listenin' to the birds singin' in the sunshine. Layin' back relaxin', breathin' in the fresh air. Lookin' at the brilliant stars in the black sky at night. Longin' to stay, just one more day. Leavin' for the long journey home. Loathin' big city life Lackin' this small town feel.