Thoughts From the West

Two years ago I started using notebooks in my college Literacy methods classroom.  I purchase a composition notebook for each student at the start of the semester.  We start each day with a Writing Into the Day prompt that sets the stage for our learning that class session.  I check notebooks three times during the semester to assure students are writing but also to inform me as to questions and topics that need revisited or reviewed. I love watching this writing blossom for some students.  I have one that has the most beautiful calligraphy skills.  Her labels and thoughts are ornate and thoughtful and express her personality within the content.  I have others that write down the minimum but even that is thoughtful and demonstrates understanding. My students ask the best questions.  When I check notebooks I struggle with writing back to them or not.  I feel like it's their notebook but I also can't help but enter a conversation, especially when pr...

Tragedy.  Seems like it is everywhere we turn these days.  There have been numerous posts on social media recently about students experiencing trauma and how teachers can support them.  There are posts about the trauma teachers experience while trying to support their students.  Stress levels are high.  I've posted previously about writing therapy and I've found it to be extremely helpful in my own life and in the life of my students past and present. However, there are days for all of us that the words just won't come. I've found myself recently sitting down to write and feeling as if the words are locked up inside of me and I cannot find a way to put them down on paper.  My journal sits open on my lap full of blank pages most days.  Perhaps by writing down my pain, my fears, my anger and anguish, it makes it real and concrete.  Perhaps it's that my feelings are a jumbled mess and I cannot sift through them well enough to put them down on pape...