This week, I’ve been telling some of the stories that are emerging from my work with the WNY Young Writers’ Studio. Specifically, I’m telling stories that suggest that children might be the best force for change within the field of education because in my experience, teachers tend to listen when kids make respectful requests of them. I’m also finding that empowering kids to advocate for themselves in this way begins with reflection, so I’ve spent…
Yesterday, I shared some preliminary findings from my work within the WNY Young Writers’ Studio, what I’ve learned, and how this is beginning to influence my next steps. I’m compelled by the idea of helping young people identify their needs (particularly as writers) and develop strategies and approaches that enable them to meet them. I’ve spent the last three years watching what can happen when kids take themselves, their work, and the dilemmas they…
Internship Coordinator Sheri Barsottelli and Monica Wrobel, Studio Fellow and Intern When I stand in front of a group of teachers and advocate for change, I tend to connect with those in the crowd who speak my language. When I coach inside of schools, I tend to learn a great deal from those who are eager to accomplish the same. When I facilitate Studio sessions, I find myself in the company of those I…
“The greatest sign of a success for a teacher…is to be able to say, ‘The children are now working as if I did not exist.’ ” — Maria Montessori I can’t believe we’re coming to the end of another year of Studio already. Before it’s over, we’ll be learning from one another one last time. Studio writers and teachers will share their expertise by leading conversations and informal sessions, writers will read and perform their…
I got to spend this afternoon writing with fourth and fifth graders from the Martin J. Gottlieb Day School in Florida, thanks to Andrea Hernandez, Silvia Tolisano, and the wonder that is Skype. Here’s the teaser for the day’s session, which Andrea and Silvia shared with writers ahead of time. Our session was devoted to establishing a wide collection of potential ideas and purposes for new pieces. Here are the slides that supported some of…
April is National Poetry Month! Ready to write? The Academy of American poets shares 30 ideas for doing so here. Scholastic provides a bounty of inspiration and lesson planning support on their site. Up for a poem-a-day challenge? Check out Poetic Asides, find yourself inspired by Bud Hunt’s daily photo prompts, and drop by local poet Amy Ludwig VanDerwater’s blog to congratulate her on writing a poem a day…for an entire year. She weaves some…
Here’s one of the problems with traditional forms of professional development: I’m invited to come in for a handful of days, kick up some dust, get people who are hungry for progress excited about the possibilities, and then…..typically for reasons beyond anyone’s control…… I leave. When I leave? Those possibilities often settle to the floor with all of that dust I was invited to kick up. How does this happen? It happens because the administrator…
…..is happening over here today. Join us!
This year, WNY Young Writers’ Studio writers and teachers have taken a deeper interest in blogging for personal or educational purposes. A handful of us have been blogging for a while, and others are eager to begin. In an effort to supplement what we do face-to-face and enable others who may not be a part of Studio to connect with our community a bit, I’ve decided to host a blogging boot camp right here on…
When I was in the classroom, I had the hardest time facing the end of the year. There was so much more I wanted to be able to learn with my students and there were so many things left to create and so many questions left unanswered. Don’t get me wrong: the days moved slowly at times for sure, but the years always flew right by us. I often found myself chasing after the loose…