A moment that felt good…

Our faculty meetings now begin with a “writing soft start.” Invitations for writing are projected and we are all given a few minutes to sketch, write, and reflect. We know that teachers that write are better teachers of writing and so we are making time for what we value. Today, as Dawn prepared to give the invitations, I called out to her, “Make it slice worthy…I don’t have anything for today.” She laughed and jumped up and clicked her heels together. I laughed, I’m sure others wondered what was going on…

The first invitation today is what I chose to write about, “Write about a moment that felt good.” In the four minutes that we had to write, this is what I wrote:

A second chance at a read aloud. The first time felt forced, somewhat unfamiliar despite the fact that the book was an old favorite. The plan wasn’t mine, yet I appreciated the new spins and moves.

Last week, at Teachers College, I sat next to Leigh-Ann for a day on talk-finding opportunities to layer in more talk for kids during read aloud, partnerships, and throughout the school day.

Amanda Hartman read aloud Thank You, Omu by Oge Mora, a beautiful story, with perfection. I sat in my seat marveling at her technique-why had I never thought to do that?

Today, an opportunity to try again.

This time I take on the new spins, add of a splash of Amanda Hartman, and a dash of me.

More ownership.

More joy.

 

So much gratitude for the soft start today.

Without it, I may not have had a slice

or

this moment to recount a good moment.