My Name Does Not Tell My Story
For the Birds
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The Art of Writing
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Becoming a Community of Learners and Writers
First days are nerve-wracking. Students sun-kissed, with a hint of green in their pool-doused hair, cling to their parents, seemingly shy. I feel that shyness too, yet know that I must make the first moves to begin the year-long process of becoming a community: one of learners and one of writers. I have no illusions that my students will grow up to be published authors–that isn’t the point of becoming writers. But I do want them to embrace the identity and the confidence that they are all writers with stories to tell. My students are an intricate tapestry of abilities, temperaments, and experiences. Even as first graders, they know how to read the world of school. They know already if they are seen as smart and capable and they know whether school feels like a comfortable place for them. And it’s up to me to learn to read them, to find out where a boost of confidence is needed, where some academic support would help, who needs an opportunity to stretch to reach new heights, ...
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