Today ends my first ever Slice of Life Story Challenge. I joined when Two Writing Teachers sent out the invitation to latecomers, so technically I have not participated in the entire challenge. When I first began, even though I only needed to write for half a month, I wasn't sure if I could keep up with writing every day. Well, fifteen posts later, it turns out that I could do it! On this last day, it seems fitting to reflect on the challenge. These are my three big take aways:
- Writing every day is hard! Writing isn't something that comes easy to me so there were days when I had to force myself to write. Even on days when I didn't want to write, I was always glad I did. This is kind of how I feel about exercise sometimes. Like exercise is good for my body, I think writing has been good for my mind.
- Some days, I quickly came up with an idea to write about and, other days, I spent the entire day thinking before an idea popped into my head. This made me think about my students and how sometimes they are expected to come up with an idea quickly, such as on a state assessment - this doesn't seem like a realistic expectation.
- A writing community is important. I have enjoyed the Slice of Life writing community because it inspired my own writing. Knowing that others were writing every day and sometimes struggling with it, too, made me feel like I wasn't alone on this writing journey. Reading others' posts has also made me feel less alone in life. Reading others' perspectives and thoughts has provided me comfort during a trying time, but also possibilities for how I can respond differently to life or do better. Writing is truly a way to connect and learn about and from each other.
Thank you Two Writing Teachers and the entire writing community for this wonderful half a month of writing and sharing!
I've learned so much about myself as a writer that has helped me as a teacher. Your final reflection reminds me of that. I'm glad you joined us, and that you've been joining Clare and me, as well. It's good to connect. Connections are one of the positives during a tough time!
ReplyDeleteYou are so right about the connections being one of the postives! Thanks for all you do for this writing community!
DeleteYou are such a powerful example that the best teachers of writing are the teachers who write. Your reflection on your experience will make you a more empathetic and responsive writing teacher, Lisa. I am so glad you joined this community, and so sad that you suddenly had more time to do it. Also, I LOVE your notebook cover. I might have to find that one for my next journal/notebook. Stay safe. Be well. Keep telling your stories!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Paula! The notebook came from Amazon!
DeleteYay!!!! Congratulations on 15 straight days of writing and discovering that YOU CAN! I often think of the exercise analogy - I never regret having written or worked out even if the writing, in my opinion is yuck or the work out half ass - I always say, it's better than nothing! Now that you know you can...mark you calendar for next year!
ReplyDeleteYou are right - something is better than nothing and got it set in my calendar for next March!
DeletePowerful statements about writing - and I absolutely agree with you! I am so glad I found you here on #SliceofLife20! I agree - writing is hard work! Sometimes, I stepped away from a blog piece and went back to it. A writing community is important. Especially in today's world. Be well, Lisa. See you next year!
ReplyDeleteWise realizations to take away from 15 days. Time well spent, I'd say. Glad you made it and congratulations on the accomplishment!
ReplyDeleteSo glad that you joined and such wisdom in this post. "Writing is truly a way to connect and learn about and from each other." Sharing that with students and teachers will be a force of good for you in the future!
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