Oh, man…are we really like half way finished? I’m sad! But there I go….not living in the “now”! I have to stop that…
Today, though, was probably one of the most important for me. And, it was because of Jessie’s poetry! Because poetry is so “hard,” it’s difficult for me to write or think about responding to. And sometimes my students give me writing that I have no idea how to start helping them, but I think I have a basis to come from in the revision process. But during our discussion this morning, I realized that ALL writing is creative, not just poetry. And it’s the language/titles/labels that I (well not just me, I guess) give to different types of writing that continues this cycle of one type of writing is more or less creative than another, so then the writers of that particular genre are labeled as more or less creative, and then how in the world can my students enter that world (or me, for that matter)? I mean….I’m not creative (“You must be mistaken. I can’t be a wizard. I’m just…Harry.” — from Harry Potter & the Sorceror’s Stone).
The mini-sessions were very informative and a wonderful way to get a ton of info at one time. I like how we could join in or not, but the community that we have become respected each other’s need to consume or create! Lacy’s part on writing workshop really helped me visualize a new way to see writing workshop, so I’m excited about planning that out.
And, I adored the Gallery Walk….and there were so many different ways that we expressed our writing histories. I’m wondering what my students would do with this? I do think it was very important to have this “performance” piece now, rather than wait until the end of the institute next week.
Stephanie's UNCCWP Daybook 
Dorry Altman
July 8, 2011 at 9:31 pm
I think that’s a big part of approaching poetry in the classroom . . . dispelling some of that mystique that surrounds it. Once it’s less foreign and more approachable, it’ll be easier for all of you. Look into the WritersCorps texts – sometimes for them to see other teens’ accomplishments helps – them and me! I also always try to write with my kids – especially when we’re doing poetry – and then we can help each other re-vise.
Lacy
July 10, 2011 at 9:16 pm
Stephanie, Your thinking on Friday was so inspiring to me. The way you are digging in to questions and getting to the why part of what we do is so awesome. It makes me want to keep pushing my own thinking. Talking to you in our small group on poetry really helped me get at some thinking I have been doing about the idea of experts… like whether we feel expert enough to respond to poetry. That totally connected with I have been writing about in claiming expertise in composition.