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Writing

9/6/2011

 
Last week, a five-day power outage prevented me from slicing. And the strangest thing was that I missed writing.

When we talk about identities in our workshops, my perception is always that I am a reader. Writing is what other, more creative, people do. I sympathize with the students who struggle to write. It is hard. I could (can) never meet a deadline and the process was (is) hard. It is no exaggeration that two paragraphs represent (-ed) at least eight hours of cross-outs, starting overs, and doubts. I have never just sat down and whipped anything out. 

Back in March, when I started to slice, I still viewed myself as a reading person. My aim, again, was not to Be a Writer, but a teacher who would be in a better position to help student writers. I felt it unfair to ask students to write, if I didn’t.

The daily challenge, which turned into weekly, propelled me to write. Did the process get easier? No. Did my pace ever pick up? No. I would spend so much time on these pieces, l often had to read and comment other postings the next day. 

Yet. I began to think of things I could write about as I pursued typical daily activities. I took note of what other slicers did. I started figuring out, in my head, different ways I could write about something. As I read, I wrote down interesting words. And finally, finally. ..when I read, it was easier to notice the craft involved. 

The act of writing on a continual basis shifted my perception. I am still a reader but one who has begun to think like a writer. This is what I want to tell my students. It will happen to them, if they keep writing.
Diana Martin link
9/6/2011 09:54:42 am

Your piece is so honest and has such wonderful voice. Do you feel like sticking with your writing has changed you as a teacher of writers?

the other ruth
9/6/2011 10:41:42 am

YES! This line--The act of writing on a continual basis shifted my perception--is it exactly! That is what happened to me when I started to write. Actually, I've started to live more like a writer several times; apparently it is not something that sticks the first time for me...or the second...or the third...

LInda Baie link
9/6/2011 10:53:07 am

It's good to hear the changes you've made through these months, & then to apply it to your students. You now know for sure that it's true. If you write, you will begin to think (& observe) like a writer. I hope you read this to them.

elsie
9/6/2011 11:07:12 am

Oh Nora, you are so right! I could have written this reflection, hence the name of my blog (elsie tries writing), with emphasis on the tries part. Eventually I may be able to drop the tries but for now that is what I am doing. The weekly challenge has strengthened me as a writer and I do enjoy your posts. I notice when you are not here, so keep writing and sharing.

Tara link
9/6/2011 11:15:35 am

You know, this was exactly my experience with slicing as well. So glad you took the plunge, Nora! And happy that your power is back, as well.


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    An Elementary Literacy Specialist, Reader, Quiet Follower of Teacher/ Education Blogs.

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