Saturday, March 1, 2014

Writing Anxiously...


Well, here I am writing my first slice for the 30 Day Slice of Life Writing Challenge.  I accepted this challenge with trepidation.  Not because I don't know what to write, I have lots of stories swirling in my head and if you know me you know that's true.  I love to write and when I sit down to write (most days, but not all days) words I didn't know I had just seem to find there way to the paper.  I am nervous because I am afraid my writing will sound pretentious.  I love words and when I read the words of others I think, I wish I could write like that, or that's a great word or phrase. I think I have been a bit of a word admirer most of my life. So now I as join this challenge I hope to find my personal writing voice, a voice that represents my thoughts and is authentic to who I am. 

I have had many gentle nudges and words of encouragement along my journey of writing, but @cathymere knows me well, maybe too well.  Cathy asked me to consider offering this challenge to my class!  This was an offer I couldn't say no too, this was something the class would have to decide.  So I presented the idea to my class as an option and the excitement in my room was palpable, kids cheered, some clapped and some even jumped to their knees with excitement.  Immediately we had 10 of 21 first graders committed to the 30 Day Writing Challenge, by the end of the day we had 17 committed and excited writers!  I am not sure where this journey will take us but I know we will find support and encouragement along the way. 


So now I have completed day one of the 30-day challenge! I already have a few ideas for tomorrow, we will see which worlds find their way to the page tomorrow.  

8 comments:

  1. It is an exciting journey, Deb - how wonderful for your kiddos that you are slicing long with them.

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  2. You are so brave to start out with you and your students blogging. I am sure you will love it! Have fun!

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  3. I am amazed that first graders participate in this challenge. I read another blog this week of first grade writing and I just love it! Good luck!

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  4. Deb,
    I'm so glad you decided to join the Slice of Life Challenge. I'm glad your class is joining, but mostly I think this is the perfect challenge for you. I know you have a million stories to tell. You notice everything….and you have plenty of voice to write. So I'm looking forward to following this journey. I'm also selfishly glad to have you (and a few other recruits) beside me to help when this gets tricky. Here we go!
    Cathy

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  5. Even though I get to hear about your "slices" in person, I look forward to seeing how you put it into words for your readers.

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  6. I'm nervous, too. Not about sounding pretentious, but about sounding stupid. I need to work on my fixed mindset : ).

    (Your voice sounds passionate and honest).

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  7. 31 days feels like a whole heck of a lot, doesn't it. (Some people have often asked me why I couldn't have picked February!) Once you hit March 16th you're going to feel like "I've got this!"

    Glad you're joining us, Deb!

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  8. Welcome! I love how excited your first graders are to take part as well! I haven't gotten brave enough to organize my 120 7th graders to take part, but I will be sharing my experience with them.

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