Ok, Fine, I'll go first!

So, at class the other night we decided that we don't use the blog enough.
One journal entry I made was about an emotional reaction I had recently.
I'll share it here in hopes that you will all share some of your writing, too.

Just driving by
You worthless punks!
You think your dirty boots belong on that stone?
You think it's funny to kick at it?

When we saw it toppled we were shocked. I couldn't believe someone could be so thoughtless, heartless, cruel. I believed it must have been an act of nature - a wind, lightning, even an animal. The reality set in when I saw the stones of other people's family members toppled too.

How dare you?
I'm beyond shocked, I'm angry!

You have no idea the pain contained in that stone, you have not an inkling of hurt represented by that one day that comes in every 365. Every June 24th my family stops. You didn't know that, did you?

I hope you never have to hold your dad's hand as he takes his last breath, when he's still too young to die.

That may look like fun to you, but that headstone, the one you picked to kick, is the one that I chose to stand for eternity.

Multi genre project takes a turn for the....better!

When we began discussing this project, I was very overwhelmed. More with the topic, than with the work. I kept thinking that no matter what topic I picked, I would just end up repeating myself with each genre that I wrote. I originally started with something autobiographical. Then, I switched to Autumn. It is my favorite season and a lot of special memories in my life occurred during this time. However, as I began writing, I noticed it was way too forced. My writing wasn't coming naturally and I was not enjoying it. I dreaded thinking about the project and, even more, writing! Obviously, not the point of the assignment. Then I decided to switch topics and began to write a letter to my brother. That is when I knew the topic of my project had to be my family. They are, without a doubt, the most important thing to me. I am blessed to be a part of an incredibly close family and I have so many great relationships within it. When I started writing about my family, the writing came naturally. I don't normally share my writing with anyone, but shared EVERY piece of this project with my family. They loved it and wanted me to share it with extended family as well. My sister was amazed at my work on my digital story and was eager to share it with all her friends as well. What a great feeling! So, what started out as a constant worry ended up being such a rewarding experience. :)

Here is the tool that I mentioned last night in class.

Thank You

Hi All,
I just walked through the door after tonight's class and what a wonderful evening it was. It was so interesting to see how each approached the multi-genre project. It seems that the success of our class has been in part with the participants and everyone's willingness to share a piece of themselves. Thanks so much for sharing and thanks so much for the feedback on my project.
Some asked for the link to my photoblog. It is a great format for writing. I started my blog in 2007 upon the insistence of a photography friend following a trip I took to Costa Rica. Although it has been sorely neglected over the last year or so, it does chronicle my life and my passing interests (I don't finish things either, Brenda.) Enjoy.

http://travelinma.blogspot.com/
Barbara

writing for an audiencee

It is late and for once I want to write for an audience. Not the open audience of Facebook or the bulletins at work. Last night I wrote in my journal but it doesn't seem enough. I apologize for being too personal. Granted, I know I expected to learn from this class but not on the personal level of my multi-genre project I didn't work on today. Or last night.

You will probably read in the paper. One of my coworkers died last night. On a field trip with the 6th grade class. We learned she died today. I learned early today and spent time with my coworkers-in person, texting, emailing. Last night when I knew she was severely injured and I wrote in my journal but tonight I want an audience. I guess I want a response. An answer. A release. From this class I am learning more then I ever imagined. Interesting how this class came alone when I needed it. Maybe Tuesday, when we go back to school, I will offer for the kids to write.

Writing is therapy. That is what I am learning. Last night I read how my writing could be... I don't know the word. I wasn't on the field trip but I keep hearing a few lines the children told me when they arrived back at school. The blood on Jess' hands. I can't get it out of my mind and didn't even live it like she did.

Part of me wants to write my every thought. But writing won't take the thoughts from my mind and that is what I want tonight.

Good News - Change of Venue

I have arranged for us to use Shibles room 159 on October 18 from 5:00 to 7:30. This will be a nice space for the sharing of Multigenre work. The room is unavailable until 5:00, so let's meet in 316 at 4:30 first to talk about any troubles with the student interview, etc.

Thank you all for your thoughtful work last night!

Interview questions

These are the questions generated in class by groups:

1. What are your struggles as a writer?
2. Where do you get your inspiration?
3. Where do you like to write?
4. What kinds of writing do you like to do?
5. When is writing hard?
6.What makes writing easier?
7.Who reads the writing you do?
8. What type of feedback do you look for from a reader?
9.Where is your favorite spot to write?
10.What are different reasons that you would write?
11. Who has influenced your writing?
12. How do you feel reflecting on your work makes you a better writer?
13. How have teachers affected your writing?
14. Where do your ideas come from?
15. Why do you write?

Common Core/Essential Standards

Our district is also looking at the Common Core and comparing them to our Essential Standards as identified in the Maine State Learning Results.  It is kind of confusing and seems like we just get one thing done and it is already time to re-do it.  Our goal is to have a brochure type of document for each teacher related to expectations at his/her level K-12.  I love the idea of having it all on a piece of paper and think that it will also be great to share with parents.