Celebration Saturday
Thank you so much to Ruth Ayres for providing this space for celebrations. I'm finding that focusing on things to celebrate make a world of difference on my outlook on life.
Three writing celebrations this past week...
First, my after school digital writing club shared their work with their parents after school on Tuesday. The library was filled to the max and the kids did a wonderful job of presenting their work. This was my first attempt at a digital writing club. I've had an after school writing club since 2007, but never one that focused solely on digital composition. It was a great experience. I learned a lot (like the importance of having another teacher on hand) and was excited when the fourth graders asked if we would do it again next year. I told them they could count on it!
Second, we had our Slice of Life celebration on Tuesday afternoon. Two cafeteria tables were laden with sliced goodies while third and fourth graders gathered to share their slices and the experience of writing every day for the month of March. It was so fun to be part of this celebration. The kids were proud of themselves and all they accomplished. (Although, the principal shared with me that her son asked her if she could fire me. He did not enjoy the experience so much. But since his mom was participating, he had no other choice but to complete it too.) We both got a chuckle out of that one. :)
The third celebration was a little quieter. Cathy Mere and I wrapped up our teacher digital writing group on Thursday afternoon over iced coffee and bubble tea at the local coffee shop. Those who were able, joined us and we talked about everything and anything that colors our world right now. We had a great group of teachers who were all willing to take risks, share with each other, and grow. Several blogs were born, other blogs were refined, and lots of conversation stretched our thinking to new possibilities.
A final celebration is for my own writing. To be more precise, it's really about my attitude as I work on two big projects. Instead of letting myself be overwhelmed and focusing on "all I have to do," I'm giving myself permission to tackle a little bit at a time and taking time for some fun in between the work. I'm finding it's a much healthier way to be. Why did it take me 50+ years to learn this lesson? I'm not really sure, but I'm glad that I'm finally getting it. :)
Here's to a week of celebrations to all of you.
Three writing celebrations this past week...
First, my after school digital writing club shared their work with their parents after school on Tuesday. The library was filled to the max and the kids did a wonderful job of presenting their work. This was my first attempt at a digital writing club. I've had an after school writing club since 2007, but never one that focused solely on digital composition. It was a great experience. I learned a lot (like the importance of having another teacher on hand) and was excited when the fourth graders asked if we would do it again next year. I told them they could count on it!
Second, we had our Slice of Life celebration on Tuesday afternoon. Two cafeteria tables were laden with sliced goodies while third and fourth graders gathered to share their slices and the experience of writing every day for the month of March. It was so fun to be part of this celebration. The kids were proud of themselves and all they accomplished. (Although, the principal shared with me that her son asked her if she could fire me. He did not enjoy the experience so much. But since his mom was participating, he had no other choice but to complete it too.) We both got a chuckle out of that one. :)
The third celebration was a little quieter. Cathy Mere and I wrapped up our teacher digital writing group on Thursday afternoon over iced coffee and bubble tea at the local coffee shop. Those who were able, joined us and we talked about everything and anything that colors our world right now. We had a great group of teachers who were all willing to take risks, share with each other, and grow. Several blogs were born, other blogs were refined, and lots of conversation stretched our thinking to new possibilities.
A final celebration is for my own writing. To be more precise, it's really about my attitude as I work on two big projects. Instead of letting myself be overwhelmed and focusing on "all I have to do," I'm giving myself permission to tackle a little bit at a time and taking time for some fun in between the work. I'm finding it's a much healthier way to be. Why did it take me 50+ years to learn this lesson? I'm not really sure, but I'm glad that I'm finally getting it. :)
Here's to a week of celebrations to all of you.
So many writing opportunities! What a great celebration! I love your "slicing" celebration. Looks yummy!
ReplyDeleteYour celebrations sound, and look, wonderful, Julie. And, that 'little bit at a time" is something I focused on over and over with my students, tremendous helpful to stress I think. Good for you!
ReplyDeleteWow - lots of writing celebrations with students, with colleagues, and for yourself! I'm glad that you are trying to tackle your current projects in small segments and celebrating along the way! I think Ruth would encourage that!
ReplyDeleteI love the idea of celebrations too-I think that's something the kids will always remember. What an awesome idea to have a digital writing club-a great experience for them I'm sure! :)
ReplyDeleteNot Just Child's Play