Each year when I begin the Slice of Life Writing Challenge, I am somewhat surprised at my feelings. The feelings in that week before the March 1 date approaches, during the month and reflecting as I wrap up a last post.
Initially, I was terrified. Putting my attempts at writing out there for anyone to read was intimidating the first year. But, through those fearful feelings, I learned so much about teaching young writers. Its that intuitive information teachers are always trying to develop. An experience we may not get from a class or journal article.
I grew to appreciate that reluctance of moving pencil across paper some students exhibit. I especially see this in August of a new school year, with a new teacher and new classmates.
Fingers quivering over linking up my feeble words that first year is similar to a student's momentary lack of writing confidence. And because of my initial slicing experience, I approach working with those students in a much different way.
I identify the intimidation, I encourage, I suggest. But in the end I require. I require words are submitted and submitted and submitted. Because the accomplishment fuels the writer. Pushing past fears taught me this and now I want those whom I work with to experience it. Experience and overcome a writing challenge.
You really grabbed those writerly feelings - that intimidation, that fuel we need that is met best through our own trying. I love this post - so true!
ReplyDeleteI hope your words speak to and motivate other writers like it did for me! You're right...there are so many benefits to this challenge, both personally and professionally. Looking forward to a great month of writing, writing, writing!
ReplyDeleteYour slice really hit home for me, too. This challenge is such a wonderful creation. Even as I question whether I should continue to blog, I knew I couldn't miss this!
ReplyDeleteIt's neat how your entire slice is snippets of emotions. I'll have to consider how I can do this in a slice this month.
ReplyDeleteRuth