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Kindergarten
Learning to write my name. I did not like to be called Sam....so it was all eight letters! Favorite book, however, was Green Eggs and Ham. -
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My Writing Timeline
Beginning of writing experience to the Present. -
Penmanship Trouble
I remember having to work on my abominable penmanship over the summer after 2nd grade. I can picture myself sitting with my pencil and workbook while I could hear other kids playing outside. Love the Little House Books around this time. -
4th Grade Deep Thinking
I remember being specifically aware that I was thinking deeper about my reading and writing in the 4th grade. Reading A Little Princess and The Secret Garden really stuck with me. -
Embracing the Journal
5th, 6th and 7th Grade I remember really enjoying Journal Writing. However, I remember being annoyed every time we were told we could not write fiction stories. Loved the Black Stallion Series and Little Women. -
8th Grade Research Project
I sill have my 8th Grade Country Research project (Irelend). I felt immense satisfaction at the pages of writing (by hand!) after all the time I had spent researching and assembling my report. Also, fell in love with The Lord of the Rings. -
Highschool Writing
I specifically remember working hard to revise and structure my first 9th Grade English Paper. By the end of APLit. in 12th grade I felt equal to the task of college applications. Also read of great deal of Fantasy and Science Fiction. First book I never finished was in AP Lit...Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance. I'm still planning to read it soon. -
College Writing
I remember procrastinating on my first paper and writing it the night before with little time for revision...and getting a good grade. I, unfortunately, took this as my new writing style until a rude awakening in a more demanding class the following year got me back in line. -
Teaching
During my first week of teaching (Drama and History to 7-12 graders), I assigned a Journal entry to my 7th grade Drama class. One boy wrote "I hate you" in his journal. I knew it was writing, and not me, he actually hated. I'm looking forward to learning more ways to be a Teacher Writer, and help my students find success and joy in their writing. -
Studying Children's Lit
For the next 12 or so years I began an extensive study of Children's Literature which involved extensive daily readings to a captive audience. Henry and Mudge books by Cynthia Rylant a big favorite, as well as Harry Potter. -
Thinking about Writing again
Looking forward to returning to the classroom and consider myself a teacher writer, even if I am not specifically teaching writing. Reading books recomended by my middle schooler. Hatchet, Wonder and Drums, Girls and Dangerous Pie.
