SWAN TURTLE
I had the most precious eggs. I had the most precious eggs.
Beautiful Beautiful
Delicate Delicate
Precious Precious
Eggs. Eggs.
I loved to I loved to
sit on them
and gaze at them gaze at them
all day long all day long
in anticipation of a in anticipation of a
life changing moment life changing moment
where I would where I would
become a parent. become
full.
I had the most I had the most
precious eggs precious eggs
that I laid last week that I ate last week
but they are gone now. and they are gone now.
Monday, July 11, 2011
Princess Engrudge Lover :)
In the depths of Detroit City
lives Princess Engrudge Lover.
She doesn't study textbooks
and teachers give her evil looks.
All the day she reads away
but Nifty the Dolphin cannot stay.
She's an AP English drop-out
But she loves until she'll flop-out.
She failed freshman year
but now, she sits here...
lives Princess Engrudge Lover.
She doesn't study textbooks
and teachers give her evil looks.
All the day she reads away
but Nifty the Dolphin cannot stay.
She's an AP English drop-out
But she loves until she'll flop-out.
She failed freshman year
but now, she sits here...
Sunday, July 10, 2011
Jackson's Java: DEMO!
Adding Detail with Specific Verbs!
ü Fold a sheet of paper in half to make two separate columns.
ü On the left fold, label the column “NOUNS”
ü On the right fold label the column by selecting a random profession.
ü Come up with at least 10 nouns in the left hand column.
ü Come up with at least 10 verbs that describe the profession on the right hand side.
v This is simply a brainstorming technique, but it could be fun to see what profession verbs you can pair with your everyday writing!?
--Image Grammar, page 29
Painting Models from the Nando Times!
Each day, the Nando Times displays sixteen images from news events around the world. These images are an excellent resource for student writing.
Students can examine the photos, select an image they find fascinating, and write a brief paragraph to describe the image using the brush strokes!
The small thumbnail images on the photo page can be enlarged by clicking on them. The categories listed below the thumbnails lead to an archive of additional images!
Enhance the Activity: Divide the class into five small groups and develop five learning stations—one area for reading, one for writing, one for discussion, one for listening, and one for writing on the internet. This way, if you only have 1 or 2 classroom computers, you can assign students to examine the pictures in groups of 4-5.
--Image Grammar, page 24
Smelly Cat...For Megan
Watch Mary Poppins and The Sound of Music
as much as you possibly can
When you are 16, sneak out with a friend....
.....and get in your car....
.....but go no further than your own driveway.
Blast your favorite song and sing at the top of your lungs.
Sneak back inside through the dark, and giggle till you fall asleep.
Read books.
Lots of books.
Have tea parties at wrestling meets.
Under the table...
....and spill water everywhere.
Float down the St. Clair River on a hot summer day
Eat Breakfast at Margaret Jeans
Go skinny dipping....
....but don't lose your bathingsuit!
Get a penpal...
....send her prizes in the mail.
Crush on a wrestler...
Get a tattoo.
Play hide-and-go-seek-in-the dark
......at Aunt Theresa's.......
......and hide in the basement corner cupboard...
......every single time.
Embrace on warm summer nights
Float
Dance before you walk down the aisle
Go to Ireland...
......view the countryside.....
......stop in each pub.
Call a friend--
---no matter the time of day or night---
---every single time you hear Journey.
Wear flowers in your hair
Play dress up....
....even when you're a grown up.
Make people laugh.
Live.
Love.
Laugh.
as much as you possibly can
When you are 16, sneak out with a friend....
.....and get in your car....
.....but go no further than your own driveway.
Blast your favorite song and sing at the top of your lungs.
Sneak back inside through the dark, and giggle till you fall asleep.
Read books.
Lots of books.
Have tea parties at wrestling meets.
Under the table...
....and spill water everywhere.
Float down the St. Clair River on a hot summer day
Eat Breakfast at Margaret Jeans
Go skinny dipping....
....but don't lose your bathingsuit!
Get a penpal...
....send her prizes in the mail.
Crush on a wrestler...
Get a tattoo.
Play hide-and-go-seek-in-the dark
......at Aunt Theresa's.......
......and hide in the basement corner cupboard...
......every single time.
Embrace on warm summer nights
Float
Dance before you walk down the aisle
Go to Ireland...
......view the countryside.....
......stop in each pub.
Call a friend--
---no matter the time of day or night---
---every single time you hear Journey.
Wear flowers in your hair
Play dress up....
....even when you're a grown up.
Make people laugh.
Live.
Love.
Laugh.
At Amelie's :)
The green lines
represent our minds
going this way and that
I like tony's hat
these chandeliers are phat
decor to the nine
and i wish i had mine
no bracelet on my wrist
a flower--no twist
i think i'm a poet
Jessie--you know it!
Sally writes with passion
Her chef is in fashion
I think I'm so funny
but i wish i made some more money
carrie--the joy and interest!
...what rhymes with interest?
Lacy is typing with her computer in tow
what is her topic? I cannot know!
Blue shirt and sunglasses:
perhaps we've met in WP passes?
Grace and ease--
--teach me, please?
Flowery shirt--just love the thought
I got here a bit late--what is it you bought?
This day is going to be
a first for me
But I cannot wait to see
from my pen what will flee?
...and of course, to revise
so y'all will think I'm wise...
represent our minds
going this way and that
I like tony's hat
these chandeliers are phat
decor to the nine
and i wish i had mine
no bracelet on my wrist
a flower--no twist
i think i'm a poet
Jessie--you know it!
Sally writes with passion
Her chef is in fashion
I think I'm so funny
but i wish i made some more money
carrie--the joy and interest!
...what rhymes with interest?
Lacy is typing with her computer in tow
what is her topic? I cannot know!
Blue shirt and sunglasses:
perhaps we've met in WP passes?
Grace and ease--
--teach me, please?
Flowery shirt--just love the thought
I got here a bit late--what is it you bought?
This day is going to be
a first for me
But I cannot wait to see
from my pen what will flee?
...and of course, to revise
so y'all will think I'm wise...
Writing Marathon
Yesterday's Writing Marathon was amazing! It was a small, personal group of inviting, invester writers...and it was invaluable. I have been writing like crazy ever since the Summer Institute began, and it was so cool to be able to step into (what seemed to be) the daily lives of other writers to watch their processes unfold.
To begin, Amelie's was incredible. I started off unsure of what to write: I was in the presence of greatness! Some Doctors, some serious intellectuals, some REAL writers! It was a bit intimidating at first because I didnt want my writing to seem juvenile...But eventually, I tried to put the fear aside and dig right in to the writing... But where to start?
A brainstorm...
Perhaps I could begin with my pieces for Megan (my god-daughter), or work on my demo, or maybe even just write about the descriptions and goings on?
The decoration and fast pace of the comings and goings of coffee getters provided some awesome inspiration...
So as I was staring down at Lil's green checkered bag (hoping that no one would notice that I hadn't started yet), I began to write about that bag, of all things...And my writing just continued on from there! (see at Amelie's :))
Next up: Smelly Cat with Lacy and Tony. What an amazing location! Smelly Cat is a bit smaller and more quaint than Amelie's, which provided for some great discussion mixed with some serious writing time. I decided to write a piece for Megan's Book, and got a great start to a poem for her that talks about Kristin (Megan's mom) and I growing up, but puts a flip to it...It is a kind of "To Do" List for her life. (See Smelly Cat...For Megan) I decided not to share this piece becuase it was VERY in process (and still is) and I was a little worried that only Kristin and I (and Megan eventually) would be able to understand it--It is a collection of inside jokes/memories of sorts. Instead of reading that, I read "A Day in the Life of Tom Sawyer" which I am currently obsessed with (perhaps because he is still in Michigan and I am missing him like crazy? Perhaps becuase it is the first poem I have written in a VERY long time that I actually took through the whole revision process?)...
Moving on to Jackson's Java... An awesome location to work! Tony, Lacy and I joined up with Cindy, Sally, Jessie, and Carrie, and it was amazing to see everyone in the process of working on their miscellaneous pieces. At Amelies and Smelly Cat I didnt want to work on my demo because those locations seemed to offer such beautiful inspiration and "chill" space...But In the presence of so many educational "specialists" and the much more centered nature of JJ's, I decided to bust it out and take a look. I got a new perspective on my piece; as I was watching Lacy and Cindy work through their own inquiries out loud/independently, I felt so inspired and proud to be included in a group of such productive and helpful thinkers/writers. I was glad to have Tony next to me to bounce ideas off of...even if you are just trying to think through something out loud, it really helps to have someone there to smile and nod. (If you're interested in the Demo, see Jackson's Java: DEMO!)
Our time at JJ's quickly came to an end, and we (hesitantly) put our writing up to go fill our bellies with some awesome Indian Cuisine! Deliscious food paired with excellent conversation made for an awesome lunch :)
I can't believe the day has gone by so fast! It doesnt feel like I have gotten anything accomplished, but as I look back through my daybook and consider my experience, I consider...
I wrote a poem about the writing group, I started a poem for Megan, I finished my Demo, and had AMAZING conversation all the way through (which, in itself, was invaluable).
At The Wine Vault as I was watching/listening to the Open Mic, I was so impressed and inspired by all of the writers present, and the varrying pieces that we are all working on. I am so lucky to be a part of such an amazing event, and now, a part of such a (fill in really intense word here that means amazing--but more) community of teachers, learners, writers, and friends.
I heart UNCCWP Writing Marathon 2011 :)
To begin, Amelie's was incredible. I started off unsure of what to write: I was in the presence of greatness! Some Doctors, some serious intellectuals, some REAL writers! It was a bit intimidating at first because I didnt want my writing to seem juvenile...But eventually, I tried to put the fear aside and dig right in to the writing... But where to start?
A brainstorm...
Perhaps I could begin with my pieces for Megan (my god-daughter), or work on my demo, or maybe even just write about the descriptions and goings on?
The decoration and fast pace of the comings and goings of coffee getters provided some awesome inspiration...
So as I was staring down at Lil's green checkered bag (hoping that no one would notice that I hadn't started yet), I began to write about that bag, of all things...And my writing just continued on from there! (see at Amelie's :))
Next up: Smelly Cat with Lacy and Tony. What an amazing location! Smelly Cat is a bit smaller and more quaint than Amelie's, which provided for some great discussion mixed with some serious writing time. I decided to write a piece for Megan's Book, and got a great start to a poem for her that talks about Kristin (Megan's mom) and I growing up, but puts a flip to it...It is a kind of "To Do" List for her life. (See Smelly Cat...For Megan) I decided not to share this piece becuase it was VERY in process (and still is) and I was a little worried that only Kristin and I (and Megan eventually) would be able to understand it--It is a collection of inside jokes/memories of sorts. Instead of reading that, I read "A Day in the Life of Tom Sawyer" which I am currently obsessed with (perhaps because he is still in Michigan and I am missing him like crazy? Perhaps becuase it is the first poem I have written in a VERY long time that I actually took through the whole revision process?)...
Moving on to Jackson's Java... An awesome location to work! Tony, Lacy and I joined up with Cindy, Sally, Jessie, and Carrie, and it was amazing to see everyone in the process of working on their miscellaneous pieces. At Amelies and Smelly Cat I didnt want to work on my demo because those locations seemed to offer such beautiful inspiration and "chill" space...But In the presence of so many educational "specialists" and the much more centered nature of JJ's, I decided to bust it out and take a look. I got a new perspective on my piece; as I was watching Lacy and Cindy work through their own inquiries out loud/independently, I felt so inspired and proud to be included in a group of such productive and helpful thinkers/writers. I was glad to have Tony next to me to bounce ideas off of...even if you are just trying to think through something out loud, it really helps to have someone there to smile and nod. (If you're interested in the Demo, see Jackson's Java: DEMO!)
Our time at JJ's quickly came to an end, and we (hesitantly) put our writing up to go fill our bellies with some awesome Indian Cuisine! Deliscious food paired with excellent conversation made for an awesome lunch :)
I can't believe the day has gone by so fast! It doesnt feel like I have gotten anything accomplished, but as I look back through my daybook and consider my experience, I consider...
I wrote a poem about the writing group, I started a poem for Megan, I finished my Demo, and had AMAZING conversation all the way through (which, in itself, was invaluable).
At The Wine Vault as I was watching/listening to the Open Mic, I was so impressed and inspired by all of the writers present, and the varrying pieces that we are all working on. I am so lucky to be a part of such an amazing event, and now, a part of such a (fill in really intense word here that means amazing--but more) community of teachers, learners, writers, and friends.
I heart UNCCWP Writing Marathon 2011 :)
Friday, July 8, 2011
Full.....Speed.....Ahead!!!!
Today was a whirlwind of AMAZING ideas! It was a non-stop info-fest....and I loved it!
First of all, another AWESOME warmup! My students do not always take to the "dance it out" theory, but this one was much less intimidating. I think they are going to love it!
Throughout this Institute, I have been experimenting with poetry (check out A Day in the Life of Tom Sawyer) and have been shocked/thrilled to have some success (and road blocks, too)...
One of the ways that I have been trying this is by posting to EAnthology first, getting some feedback, then blogging once I have edited. It has been helpful because I love getting an outsiders perspective whether it be good, bad, or ugly :)
The Inquiry Demo was pretty cool because I love establishing a community of learners and opening a dialogue to embrace our passions...
Sally gave me some great ideas for Socratic Seminars: I have always wanted to try this strategy, but didn't really have the tools to properly execute it...now I do :)
Workshopping a workshop classroom played the same role of helping me work through the insecurities of the unknown...
All in all, these 3 sessions were invaluable because (just as in the institute in general) collaborating with colleages is the most amazing and beneficial experience; everyone has so much to offer that sometimes I just like to sit back and take it all in :)
I was sooooooo impressed by what everyone came up with for the Digital Documentaries. I have heard of so many of these technologies, but have not seen them in action. Taking a glimpse into each other person's life is so inspiring! What a great way to send us off into the weekend--so much to think about!!!!!!
Can't wait till the marathon tomorrow...until then, I will just breathe in all of these amazing experiences :)
First of all, another AWESOME warmup! My students do not always take to the "dance it out" theory, but this one was much less intimidating. I think they are going to love it!
Throughout this Institute, I have been experimenting with poetry (check out A Day in the Life of Tom Sawyer) and have been shocked/thrilled to have some success (and road blocks, too)...
One of the ways that I have been trying this is by posting to EAnthology first, getting some feedback, then blogging once I have edited. It has been helpful because I love getting an outsiders perspective whether it be good, bad, or ugly :)
The Inquiry Demo was pretty cool because I love establishing a community of learners and opening a dialogue to embrace our passions...
Sally gave me some great ideas for Socratic Seminars: I have always wanted to try this strategy, but didn't really have the tools to properly execute it...now I do :)
Workshopping a workshop classroom played the same role of helping me work through the insecurities of the unknown...
All in all, these 3 sessions were invaluable because (just as in the institute in general) collaborating with colleages is the most amazing and beneficial experience; everyone has so much to offer that sometimes I just like to sit back and take it all in :)
I was sooooooo impressed by what everyone came up with for the Digital Documentaries. I have heard of so many of these technologies, but have not seen them in action. Taking a glimpse into each other person's life is so inspiring! What a great way to send us off into the weekend--so much to think about!!!!!!
Can't wait till the marathon tomorrow...until then, I will just breathe in all of these amazing experiences :)
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