Writing a Slice
*One of my students gave me the idea to write my daily slice about writing my daily slice, so here goes! Make sure to check out her SOL this week! Andreia's Blog
I moved my laptop, cup of tea, and notebook over to the table in the corner. My desk seemed to be too crowded these days and I needed some space to work. I turned the desk just a tad bit away from the wall so my chair could fit comfortably behind it and I could still observe other students writing. I set the timer for 15 minutes, let everyone know it was blogging time, and made my way back to my seat to write my own SOL for the day.
I glanced once more at the group of students as they began the writing process. Some had keyboards attached to the iPad, others used their iPad keyboards. I understood the need for both, so let them decide which one they preferred. I glanced at the student on my right, working at the table with me, she was busy working on her blog. I looked down at my computer screen, already having my idea of what to write about today. Earlier in the week, a student and I had a discussion about writing a slice of life in the moment, as you were doing things. We both thought it would be interesting to document the moment as it happened, word for word, moment for moment. She has been doing this all week and I thought it was time to try it out myself.
I started typing about getting myself set up for blogging. This table in the back was extremely useful. It allowed me room to work as well as room for students to sit with me when they needed help. I contemplated using this table the rest of the week. I continued typing about getting my blog set up when one of my students approached me, "What does the word merciless mean?" This student wasn't participating in the SOL challenge, so there were instead working on IXL activities.
I glanced at the iPad and read the question, "A merciless critic is someone who would write what kind of review?" The student next to me glanced at the iPad, "Merciless is like giving no mercy, right?" I nodded, "That was the perfect way to define it. Thank you." The student selected an answer and went back to their seat. Both me and the student next to me went back to our blogging.
Writing about my writing was harder than I thought. I paused a lot and had to go back and reread things several times over. Hearing the keyboards around the room clacking as students typed away though gave me the motivation to continue pushing myself. I glanced around the room at student screens, all of them reaching at least a paragraph if not more. Suddenly, I heard the timer go off. My head popped up, along with several others. I took it as a good sign, meaning we were all focused on writing. I concluded my writing for the day, and got up to check on other students.
I usually have at least a couple of slices each month about slicing. It can actually be quite challenging to really focus in on our writing and figure out what we're doing as we write. I also once borrowed a format from a podcast I occasionally listen to, Song Exploder, where a songwriter/musician explains how a song came to be, and I wrote a slice explaining how I got the idea for and wrote the previous day's slice. Your student might find that a fun challenge too!
ReplyDeleteHow fun to write with your writers! I may have to try this- at least the blogging in the moment. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteI am so jealous! As an instructional coach, I convinced one of the teachers I work with to commit to the classroom challenge. IT was so cool! This year, I couldn't get anyone to bite. :(
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