A Writing Life

Thank you to Two Writing Teachers for creating a place to share our Slice of Life.  Read more slices or add you own here.

Last week I was reading a slice at Carol's Corner and saw where she was joining Mary Lee Hahn at Poetrepository to write a haiku every day in December.  Haiku is my favorite poetry form to write and I loved the book Santa Clauses by Bob Raczka, so I thought why not?  

So far I have published every day.  Many of the poems revolve around Christmas memories in my house with my children.  I look at the tree and many ornaments bring back such special times I have shared with my family.  Since my children are now 19 and 23, this challenge has been serendipitous for me.

Then last Friday Mary Lee wrote on her Poetry Friday post about this December challenge.  Her words gave me much to think about.  She told about how she challenged herself last year, but she wrote alone.  This year is much different, as others have joined her.

She wrote, "I am learning (again) that while the writing habit opens my eyes to the world, encourages me to notice, and instills discipline, it is the community and the conversation that make it a writing LIFE."

When I think about how my writing life has changed in the past several years, I know it is because of the communities in which I belong and participate.  You, my dear slicers and writing/blogging friends, are what keep me writing and have influenced what I can now call, my writing LIFE.

So, being the reflective teacher that I am, I ask myself:  How could participating in writing communities affect my students' writing lives?  How can I create safe, risk-free writing communities which extend beyond the regular classroom for them?

This is now something I will think about over the Christmas break and be ready to implement in January.  Feel free to suggest any ideas in the comments section.  

Also, please check out my Christmas Haiku along with Carol's and Mary Lee's this month!  And feel free to join in.  It's never too late to start.

Poinsettia - December Haiku #7

red poinsettia 

"Flower of the Holy Night"

a gift for Jesus

©Leigh Anne Eck, 2015

Patchwork Stockings - Christmas Haiku #6

from the mantle hangs

Christmas patchwork stockings with

Santa's surprises

©Leigh Anne Eck, 2015

Anticipation - Christmas Haiku #5

slumber slips away
excitement envelops the
anticipation

©Leigh Anne Eck, 2015

The picture inside this ornament was taken nineteen years ago and still hangs on our tree to remind us of the excitement of Christmas seen through the eyes of a child.

Celebrate Turn #32

 

Each week Ruth Ayres extends an invitation to share and celebrate events, big or small, from our week.  This year I have numbered my celebration posts.  I am only at 32, so I have missed a few along the way.  I may not have written, but I have always celebrated.  I have learned it is the celebration that is most important. 

Today I celebrate finding the good.

Thursday night I attended my daughter Megan's first Christmas program.  Watching her students on stage, I stood in the back of the dark auditorium.  A young man with a hood over his head comes up to me and whispers, "Hi Mrs. Eck."

Did I mention it was dark?  He gets closer and laughs because he knows I can't see who he is.  "It's me, Nathan."  

And he hugs me.

Nathan (not his real name) was a student I had in my ELA class last year.

Nathan is in trouble again.  This breaks my heart, because I know Nathan is a good kid.  He has rough edges, and sometimes people see these edges as a reason not to care or a reason not to find the good in students.

And I am sure many believe that a kid with rough edges is not a person who hugs a teacher.

He told me what happened and how he was sent to our detention center, was on house arrest, and now on probation.  

When I had Nathan as a student last year and he would get in trouble, I always talked to him.  I always told him he was better than his actions, and that I believed in him.  He always promised he would try to do better.

I always found the good.

I did the same Thursday night.

After our conversation, I searched in my purse for my notebook and wrote down my email address and my phone number.  I handed it to him and told him, "Call me if you need help with anything. You're a good kid, and I still believe in you."

Nathan did not have to come up and speak to me.  Nathan did not have to hug me.  But he did. For me, that hug speaks volumes about trust.  That hug is a true celebration.

Life is so tough for many of our students.  I want to believe that Nathan will make it because he has the ability to do just that.  But he is also going to need someone who believes in him and someone to just find the good in him.  Nathan may have left my classroom last year, but he never left my heart.  

Today I celebrate finding the good.

Have a great week and may you find many celebrations along the way.

Snow Angel - Christmas Haiku #4

an angel image

disturbed by blowing snow dust

leaves only wing prints

©Leigh Anne Eck, 2015

Lighting the Way - Christmas Haiku #3

Picture from Flickr Creative Commons

in the horizon

one bright start lights the way to

an unlikely gift

©Leigh Anne Eck, 2015

Candy Canes - Christmas Haiku #2

peppermint delight

leaves behind sticky fingers

waiting to be licked

©Leigh Anne Eck, 2015

Snow Globe - Christmas Haiku #1

This week I was visiting Carol's Corner and saw where she was joining Mary Lee Hahn at Poetrepository to write a haiku every day in December.  Because I also love the book, Santa Clauses by Bob Raczka, I began thinking...and that is always scary,

Hmmm...sounds like a great challenge.  But do I really have the time to do this?

I also read Michelle's slice about her return to writing.

Hmmm...I really need to do this.

Then I saw on Twitter many tweets about #writedaily30.

Hmmm...Can I do this?

I have no idea what I am thinking, but hey, let's do this!

Flickr Creative Commons photo by JW Ogden

a Christmas snow globe

awakens excitement with

shaken memories

©Leigh Anne Eck, 2015

A Big Heart

Thank you to Two Writing Teachers for creating a place to share our Slice of Life.  Read more slices or add you own here.

I, along with many other teachers, have often expressed our gratitude for Two Writing Teachers and this community.  Last week my gratitude was lifted to a new level.

This year I wanted to start book clubs with my students as a different way to keep reading as a social event.  But in order to have book clubs for 100 students, I needed books.  Many of my fellow teachers have had projects funded through Donors Choose, so I looked into this as a way of acquiring funds to support this endeavor.  

Two weeks ago I submitted my first project for Donors Choose.  They suggested posting the project on social media, specifically Facebook.  I am not on Facebook, so I tweeted the link and wrote a short blog post explaining the details.

A few days later, I noticed a comment on the post.  It was from a fellow slicer asking about how to make a donation.  I sent her the information and it wasn't long after that I received an email that the remainder of my project was completely funded.

Bernadette from Haddon Musings, who I only know from sharing our slices on Tuesdays and our celebrations on Saturdays, opened her heart to my students.  Here is what she said,

"When I was a child, books opened up a world that wasn't known to me or available to me. Books fed my mind, gave me hope, and saved my life. But the ownership of a book was a rare treat. I hope your children aren't as in need as I was but it sounds like ownership of a book is still a treat to them. Enjoy."

Needless to say, my heart is full.  Bernadette does not know me personally.  She only knows me through our shared words from our own little corners of the world.  Because of her generosity, I now have 36 books making their way to my classroom and into the hands of my students.  I cannot wait to share this story with them.

Thank you, Bernadette!

Since my first project was funded so quickly and since it is that giving time of year, it was suggested that I start another project.  Here is the link to part two of my book club project.  

Bloggers note:  Since posting this slice I have had other slicers donate to my project.  I am so grateful for the support my students are receiving from my blogging friends.  Please know, my intention for writing this post was to share the amazing rewards of being a part of this community.  My heart continues to be filled ~ thank you!

Listen, Just Listen

Thank you to Two Writing Teachers for creating a place to share our Slice of Life.  Read more slices or add you own here.

Our state testing scores will soon be released to the public.  Yes, it has been almost eight months since we took the tests, and many school systems and districts are up in arms and voicing their concerns over the results.  Many are not happy; fingers are being pointed and blame is being spread.

Yesterday a conversation I had with a teacher put all of this in perspective for me.  

I know a teacher 

who has a troubled a student.

I bet you know one too.

This troubled student

has a story to tell.

They all have a story to tell.

We just need to take the time

to listen,

just listen.

Yesterday,

this student was sick,

quiet

and somber;

she wasn't herself.

The teacher asked her

to eat lunch with her

in the classroom.

She did.

They shared their lunch

and watched a cartoon.

The student told her story.

The teacher listened,

just listened.

She told the teacher 

about her family.

I bet you have heard this story too.

"Dad has been in jail...

he drinks alcohol...

step-mom was arrested last night..."

...and the story went on.

And the teacher listened,

just listened.

The teacher asked,

"Why did you tell me all of this?"

The student replied,

"You're my teacher.

I trust you."

Test scores now seem so...insignificant.

Can We Talk?

This week I submitted my first Donors Choose project - Can We Talk?.   I have heard of so many teachers talk about the "wonderfulness" of this organization, and I thought it was time for me to give it try.  Here is a little bit about it.

About the Project

Reading is a social activity, and I want my students to be able to participate in book clubs in order to talk about their reading experiences.  We have many sets of books, but they are old and yellowed and just do not appeal to my students' reading preferences.

I have tried to find a mix of genres, reading levels, and interest levels.  I am asking for multiple copies of the following books:

This is just a start, but hopefully I will find some generous donors to fund this project and continue to build my book club sets.  My goal is to have enough sets of books for each one of my 100+ students to take home and enjoy participating in our book clubs and talking about their reading experiences.  After all, isn't that what reading is all about?

More About My Project

Here is a link to take you to my project if you would like to learn more.

Celebrate Turn #31

 

Each week Ruth Ayres extends an invitation to share and celebrate events, big or small, from our week.  Please join us and celebrate your week!

Today I celebrate passion.

Two weeks ago, I gave a presentation with two colleagues from my school district at an educators conference at Indiana State University.  It is such a great feeling to share my passion for reading with other educators.  Here is a link to the news coverage of the event which also features our session. 

Our session stressed the importance of independent reading when much focus seems to be on testing.  Independent reading is something we just cannot afford to give up during our day.

This week we received a letter from one of the organizers of the event thanking us and giving us feedback from the evaluations.  At the very end of the letter, he included a P.S. which I almost missed. 

P.S. After taking into consideration the quantity of evaluations, it is clear that your presentation was one of (if not THE) highest rated at the conference. Congrats…and thank you :-)

It is rewarding to know that our message and our passion resonated with other educators.  After our presentation I was asked by another teacher in our district about writing a newsletter with reading and writing teaching tips.  As I consider approaching our curriculum department about writing this, I have decided to try some things out as blog posts first.  Who knows what will become of this, but sharing my passion is always something I enjoy.

Have a great week and may you have many celebrations along the way!

And It Finally Happened

Thank you to Two Writing Teachers for creating a place to share our Slice of Life.  Read more slices or add you own here.

When my daughter was growing up, she lived and breathed basketball.  For that matter, she still lives and breathes basketball.  Megan began attending high school games with me when she was 3 or 4 years old because my sister coached.  We would leave dad and little brother at home, and that would be our "girls night out."

When she was in elementary school, her principal was the announcer for the high school team.  She couldn't wait for Mr. Hackney to announce her name in the starting lineup.  He had that enthusiastic announcer voice that creates an exciting atmosphere.

But that never happened.

By the time she played high school ball, a new announcer was hired.  It just wasn't the same. Her senior year I toyed with the idea of asking him to return to announce for her senior night.

But that never happened.

I decided against it, and it is a decision I have regretted...until last week.

Megan is now part of the high school coaching staff, and her former principal is the announcer once again.  She sits on the sidelines while my sister and I now watch her.  Another TURN in life.

Last Saturday night I sat in the gym listening to him announce the teams' starting line-ups for this season's first home game.  At the end of the line-up, he announced the coaching staff, and I finally heard him say those words...Megan Eck.

No, it wasn't with as much enthusiasm as a starting line-up or when she would hit a three pointer.  But, nonetheless, it was a goose bump moment for me.

It finally happened.

This is Why We Teach

Thank you to Two Writing Teachers for creating a place to share our Slice of Life.  Read more slices or add you own here.

That first year of teaching.  I am sure many of you remember it well, and some of you may have tried to forget.  My daughter is currently living it.  I have not written much about her lately because it has been hard.

It has been hard to see her struggle.  It has been hard to see her frustrated.  It has been hard to see her doubt.

Megan's third grade class is one that stretches a teacher thin, especially a new teacher.  She has one particular student who is especially challenging.  Megan has spent much time and energy putting interventions into place in order to help "J" function in a classroom.  Megan has a special education license too, and she certainly has a heart for these students.

Megan comes from a home with two parents who love each other and love her.  She comes from a home with boundaries and rules.  She comes from a home that values and demands respect.  She comes from a home filled with laughter and good memories.

Many of her students do not.  Students like "J."  

A few weeks ago, Megan came home after a trying day with "J" and said, "Mom, she just wants to be loved."

I replied, "And that is why you need to find it in your heart to love her every single day, no matter how difficult it may be."

Friday, Megan shared with me a letter written by "J." 

My original post had a picture of the letter, but I have chosen to take that out.  This letter was written to Megan, and I want to keep it private.  But I do want to share some lines because they are reminders of why we do what we do.  And I know Megan is hanging on to these precious words to help her get through this first year.

You Are the Best of All

This is why I love you. 

And I never want to leave you because you care and love me.  

I know I'm bad but it does not make me hate you. 

Because you never give up on me and I know you never will.  

You are in the middle of my heart. 

This is why we teach.

The Value of Reading

Sometime during the last six months, I heard Donalyn Miller either speak or tweet these words.  (Actually, it was probably both!)

"All readers are valued and all reading is valuable."

These words have become my motto, my mantra and the first thing anyone sees when they walk in my classroom.  I now live and breathe these words.

Because I do live these words, I have become very attuned to situations when this is not the case.  Anyone who regularly reads my blog, knows that I do not like Accelerated Reading (AR).  I will not deny it, nor will I apologize for it.  I believe many other options exist for student motivation which are much better than AR, and I love to talk about them.  (I just presented this topic today to a group of teachers at a conference.)  I think teachers need to be aware of these options because for many teachers, AR is all they have ever known about motivating readers.  I do not fault them for this, but I do want them to think about something.

We have just finished our first grading period, which means it is time to honor readers.

But not necessarily all readers.

I have recently seen Facebook posts and tweets with those students who had the most points for the grading period.  (AR awards points for those students who choose to take tests after reading a book.)  

Again, because I live by Donalyn's words, I noticed something about the lists and the tweets and the announcements.  They were all upper grade students.

Well, of course they were.  They are the ones who can read the books with all the points.  But what about those kindergartners and first graders who are just beginning to read?  Or those second and third graders who are finding their way into chapter books?  They will never be able to obtain the same number of points in a grading period as those fourth and fifth graders.

But is their reading not valuable?  Are they not valued readers too?

Something to think about...

Celebrate Turn #30

 

Each week Ruth Ayres extends an invitation to share and celebrate events, big or small, from our week.  Please join us and celebrate your week!

Today, I celebrate collaboration.

I am actually posting this celebration on Friday night because I am leaving in the morning to present at a conference at Indiana State University.  

Two months ago I received an email regarding proposals for this conference.  I have only presented a PD for our own district, and the thought of presenting at a bigger venue excited me.  Although I was intrigued by the idea, I knew I did not want to do this by myself.  So...

The search began.  

I knew what I wanted to present, so I knew I needed to find a teacher who had similar beliefs. 

The search continued.

I knew I needed to find a teacher who was passionate about reading.

The search continued.

I knew I needed to find a teacher who loved professional development.

The search continued.

Soon after I received the proposal email, I moderated our district's second Twitter chat.  One teacher "showed up."

The search ended.

Although I knew of this teacher, I can't say that I actually knew her well.  We taught at different schools and taught different levels.  (She lives in that scary world of kindergarten!)  I had no idea how she felt about reading, but I was willing to take a chance.  That night after the chat, I messaged her and asked if she would be interested in presenting with me.  The next thing I knew she said yes and "volunteered" one her colleagues, and we were submitting a proposal.

The three of us have worked together this past month trying to contain our passion in an hour long presentation.  It has been a wonderful experience getting to know them, sharing ideas, and collaborating.  This is a TURN I was not expecting, but one that is stretching me professionally.  I am so thankful they said yes, and have had the opportunity to work with both of them.

Next week I hope to be celebrating our presentation.

Have a great week, and may you find many celebrations along the way!

My Ideal Life

Thank you to Two Writing Teachers for creating a place to share our Slice of Life.  Read more slices or add you own here.

This week I discovered a new website from Jen Vincent from Teach Mentor Texts, called Story Exploratory.  This website is a place to "find out how to discover the story inside of you!"

In one of the posts Jen reflects on her ideal life and finished this statement:  My life is ideal when...  She states, "I found that my life is most ideal when I'm spending time with my family, when I'm reading, when I'm writing, and when I'm taking care of myself by exercising, eating healthy, and spending time with my friends." 

She concluded that taking care of herself and her family was the most important part of her ideal life, but realized that she was spending a lot of time working. I know she has small children, and I am sure at many times, she feels that "mother guilt" that we feel when we do not always put our families first. She knew she had to make some changes to live that ideal life.

As I was reading this, I realized how my "ideal life" has changed. I didn't have to make changes; the changes were made for me.

I gave up my first career to stay at home with my two children. At that time, my ideal life was when I let the dirty dishes sit because I was playing outside or watching Barnie, when I read bedtime stories, when I got goodnight kisses, when I made homemade chocolate chip cookies and when we played in the wading pool in the backyard.  

That was my ideal life, and I do not regret one single day of staying home with them.

Now, my two children are almost adults, and I find that I have more time to put into my career. I will admit that when I first read Jen's post, I felt that guilt resurface.  I asked myself, Am I putting too much time into my career? Am I wrong for doing this? Am I neglecting myself and my family?

But now I realize the dynamics of my ideal life has changed. My family has different needs.  I have time to do some things just for me.

Now it is my TURN...which happens to be my one little word for 2015. I have several professional goals that I want to achieve, and at my age, I know I do not have as many years as most teachers in which to accomplish those goals.

I think our ideal life changes as our life takes TURNS.  Guilt should not be a product of those changes.

Right now, on this very day, my ideal life is when I'm cooking meals and cherishing the time to eat together, when I am handing out a couple of dollars here and there, when I'm doing laundry, when I am listening to their problems, and when I am going to bed knowing they are both safe at home.  

But it is also when I'm sharing my reading life with my students, when I'm writing my story, when I'm attending PD to become a better teacher, and when I'm setting and trying to achieve my own professional goals.

My ideal life may be different tomorrow or next year, but for right now, guilt is not a part of my today.