Hi writers. We’re officially back in school, so my big question for you today is how is that writing going?
My own writing is okay. Summer didn’t quite turn out to to be as creative as I’d hoped it would, as I didn’t produce a new novel draft. But I did find myself brainstorming characters, plots, and mostly imagining some new story worlds which is my favorite writing space to be in as anything is possible.
Now that school has started and I’m spending much more time in the classroom, the hard part is making time to write. If there’s anything I’ve learned over my last several years of being a #writerwithadayjob, it’s that I’ll never write the books I want to write unless I make time to write them. Writing is as much a habit as it is an art, and last month, I discovered a great way to start bringing more of it into my daily life.
A colleague introduced me to the Ethical ELA blog by Sarah Donovan, a former ELA teacher turned professor earlier this summer. Turns out it was the perfect timing because Donovan recently started up a 5-day writing challenge to encourage teachers to nurture their own writing space by coming together the third week of the month to simply write, share ideas, and inspire each other. Though my poetry skills are a bit weak these days, I’m jumping in. These aren’t polished by any means, but a raw look at my writing to say “Hey! I write too!”
If you’re a fellow educator who writes, join in this week! Today’s post shares the inspiration and writing prompt, and at the bottom, you can sign up for the email list to be notified of future challenges.
As for students, read my poem, then drop yours in the comments! The prompt is this: We all make lists. Grocery lists, To-Do lists, and more. What if you turned that list into a poem? Choose a topic based on your experiences or interests. Don’t worry about rhyme or rhythm, just focus on the poem that comes!
THE DOCTOR IS IN AKA 7 REASONS I SHOULD TEACH DOCTOR WHO THIS YEAR.
-
Because being labeled a geek in high school was hard
but now, I’m in charge and being a geek is cool. -
Because I love not knowing…it keeps me on my toes said no teacher ever,
but if the Doctor can do it, then I can too. -
Because time is wibbly-wobbly and
my students are few. Blink and I’ll miss my chance. -
Because we’re all capable of the most incredible change
but they might not get there without me. -
Because the universe is vast, complicated, and ridiculous,
but so are teens. -
Because episodes like “The Fires of Pompeii” make me
recontemplate the humanity of my students.
They aren’t the monsters hidden away in Vesuvius.
They’re the ones worth saving. -
Because
Brilliant.
Fantastic.
Allons-y
&
Geronimo
are words I might not ever hear from the mouths of my students
and that’s the burden of a teacher.
Feeling like you’re the only one left.
Happy Writing!
