Sunday, March 11, 2012

SOL #11 Short Reflection

It is Sunday evening reflection time. I have been tossing around my Lent message for several weeks. I find myself reflecting about the impact of my words all the time. I'm feeling the pressure to make it memorable. I have realized the role revision plays in the writing process and that feeling that there will always be ways a piece of writing could be improved.

What's been easy? Nothing! For me, nothing is easy about writing. I reread and retype constantly and still don't feel my words express the true meaning in my heart. It's good to be reminded of the difficulties writing brings when we saddle up next to a student who just can't seem to get the words to flow.

The challenge is to put words down on paper EVERYday. Now, those are words in a public community. It might be easier if the voice in my head was not whispering, 'someone may read your post and see how awful you write.' And, again, this reminds me to think about my students and how fragile they are about their skill and ability level.

There has been a few nights where I just don't think I write. Then I remember I'm not much a quitter and focus myself to write something. I try to do the kind of writing I ask my students to do; it helps to put one's self in their shoes.

The largest impact to-date is how powerful feedback is to a writer's motivation. I need to comment myself.

Thanks Two Writing Teachers for pushing me!

4 comments:

  1. Sometimes we need to tell that voice in the head to talk to someone else. The act of writing everyday is tough. If kids can do it, so can I and so can you. Hang in there!

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  2. I'm glad you're keeping at it - even reflecting on writing is writing. :) How's your Vanna?

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    1. Wendi,
      Thanks so much for your concern. She is better today, however I can't seem to get her to swallow a pain pill. She's too smart for her own good!

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  3. Your reflection shows the learning you are gaining. The voices in our heads do keep us from trying, but you have other voices too. Voices of encouragement and "I'm trying" and it's okay. I'm so glad you posted this. We all struggle with this. I agree with Elsie - Hang in there. Your voice does matter.

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