Out and About

Although I may not be spending quite as much time blogging this year, I’ve been finding myself far more active elsewhere online, and in my travels, I’ve found much to recommend. I’ll still be reflecting on what I’m learning and discovering here, but much of that is happening on the ground inside of the classrooms that I get to work in and in some of these spaces:

• The WNY Young Writers’ Studio is about to embark on it’s third year, and we’re growing northward regionally and establishing ourselves in several places online as well. Our ning is open to the fellows of our community, and you can now find us on facebook too.

• I’ve enjoyed getting to know Jenny Luca and Mike Poluk better as we’ve been co-administering the Working Together to Make a Difference ning–an online forum where teachers and students invested in service learning, charity and philanthropy can connect with those who share their desire to give back. What I love most about this space is the easy engagement that happens within it. Even the most tech-wary teacher would feel at home here, and Mike, Jenny, and I stop in regularly to address questions and build connections. Alden High School teacher Rob Currin initiated the Global Poetry Project within this ning as well, and he continues to invite writers from all over the globe to connect with one another “expand upon their cultural views through the reading and writing of poetry.” We are careful not to pressure any of our members into long-term time commitments or taxing projects. Right now, it’s functioning as a place where people can showcase their work with students in ways that inspire others without overwhelming anyone.

• And I’ve been keeping up with my favorite blogs as well. If you haven’t had a chance to stop by Nina’s Teaching Arena: Teaching and Learning in the Australian Primary Classroom, I recommend you pay her a visit. What I love most about Nina’s blog is the way she shares her work with her readers and how responsive she’s been to my questions and curiosities. Nina’s work with young readers and writers is quite relevant to much of what I’m doing as a literacy coach this year, and this is what drew me to her blog to begin with. Over time, I’m finding that I admire her purposes as a blogger as well. She shares her strategies, her successes, and her struggles with her readers….and I love reading reflections on her students’ work as well. I hope you will stop by and say hello!