Cherokee Rose Writing Project Network

I Am Poems

2009-10-05T15:27:00.000-07:00

Hey! Just had to let yall know that I am attempting the I am poems with my second graders this year, and so far they have be hilarious! I'll share more when they are closer to being finished. Right now we are in the rough draft stage of writers workshop.

Contact Doheny

2009-10-03T15:21:00.000-07:00

Ian, Yes, there are emails and phone calls. Doheny must not have your correct contact info. Write her an email and get back in touch.

Our literacy night will NOT be about AR. We want to encourage families to write together and are encouraging teachers to come with their families to write together also. You are most certainly welcome to come and observe and participate if you'd like. The CRWP teachers are organizing it and sorta of "hosting" it. We will see what develops from it.

I have recently been doing some reading on Family Literacy. Anyone out there with suggestions of what you have done before?
Mary

home and exhausted

2009-09-24T15:44:00.000-07:00

Just home from a CRWP meeting. Where were you people?

I am somehow exhausted from sitting in meetings all day. No contact with the children today at school and I am still exhausted.

I am however excited about family literacy night at our school (GHES) in November. The Cherokee Rose teachers are organizing it. And then we will see where it flies.

I am also excited to go to UWG next Wed and listen to the poet read his work. Everyone should come.
Mary

Are you out there CRWPers?

2009-09-20T15:42:00.000-07:00

What is going on in your four walls? What great things are happening with your students? How Cherokee Rose change your teaching?

I am doing Writer's Workshop this year and I am loving it. I am curious so tell me what you are doing.

Happy writing!

It's that time again!

2009-07-30T22:15:00.000-07:00

Are we all ready for a new year? I am actually excited since I will be teaching a new Writer's Workshop class. It will be a course for creative writers, mostly juniors and seniors. I intend to format it much like our Cherokee Rose experience including writing marathons, writer's notebooks, reading groups, and workshopping groups. We will publish a literary magazine at least twice a year. I look forward to the challenge. Good luck to everyone.

HI ALL- need some help

2009-07-22T21:28:00.000-07:00

I am in pretty desperate need of a room for rent near douglasville... if anyone has heard of anything out that way, please let me know... Or if you know of anyone that is either renting out an apartment or an extra room...

My car unfortunately died and b/c saturn is out of business, they no longer are making the electronic part i need.. So I am on a very long wait list for one. As such, it will be very difficult for me to even look for a place and I am on a very short schedule before school starts. Hope all is well.

Ian

Hi All

2009-07-06T12:21:00.001-07:00

Hi All,

Our house is still in disarray with boxes everywhere, but every evening Dan and I retreat to our back deck and enjoy the view. I uploaded a few pictures to share with you.

The view above is from our deck if you are standing at the railing. Our wireless connection is on the other side of the wall in our office so now you know where I am while I write to you.

This next view is what I see from my chair. Dan mounted the bird feeders yesterday and our yellow peppers in the pot on the rail were harvested for yesterday’s soup.

The stand of trees above has two chairs in the center where Dan and I can picnic in the afternoons. It’s also fun to sit under the trees when it’s raining (with umbrellas of course). All of these pictures are a bit fuzzy because they were taken with Dan’s cell phone.

Both Dan and I hope that all of you are enjoying your summer days. Let us know if you are ever in the Western NC area. We would love to see you. Contact me through email at psaurino@gmail.com. Our address is:

407 Monteith Gap Rd

Cullowhee, NC 28723

I wish you the best,

Penny

A SHYku

2009-06-24T07:04:00.001-07:00

Through the dark sky he will fly
I will be the mystery person
Heart attack cake will be mine

Recipe Request as per Miranda

2009-06-22T10:27:00.000-07:00

Hey,
I don't have the recipe for Birthday Cake. But Miranda strolled by my desk as I was eating my salad and requested the recipe.
It can be eaten hot or cold.

Chicken Wild Rice Salad
1 Box Uncle Ben's Wild Rice
Grilled or baked chicken (cut up)
1 can green peas
1 red bell pepper (chopped)
1 green bell pepper (diced)
2 scallions
Creamy Italian Dressing to your liking.
Chill
Eat hot from microwave or cold from fridge.
It will last me 5 meals!
Master Do

Give Them Cake

2009-06-22T10:16:00.000-07:00

The cake was way better than my photograph. Ian and I discussed the total awesomeness of "the cake". Ian decided it was so decadent it should be renamed Olgetree's Heart Attack Cake.

Whatever the name, we hope you will share the recipe for both the cake and FROSTING. Yum.

How are you feeling about your month?

2009-06-21T18:13:00.001-07:00

Hello,

I have missed hearing about what is happening.

What are feeling about your experience with Cherokee Rose? What have you gained? What ideas are you throwing away?

Has this month changed you as an educator? Do you have a plan of action for the next school year? OR ARE YOU EXHAUSTED AT this point and can not think anymore?

I was more exhausted.

Ode to the Potato

2009-06-17T08:08:00.000-07:00

HOW LONG DOES THIS HAVE TO BE?

2009-06-14T08:02:00.000-07:00

I don't know.
How long does it need to be?
Puzzled expressions appear.
No, they say,
How long do you want it to be?
I clench my teeth,
sigh and take a gentle breath.
How can my message overcome the tradition?
This is your story,
your poem,
your essay.
Tell it to yourself until you think it is done.
Make the reader in you happy,
and the reader in me
will most likely be content.
The old question
isn't going to be answered here.
Two pages,
fifteen-hundred words,
no longer pass these lips.
Perhaps some will turn in ten lines,
ten wonderful lines which
they will claim by saying,
Yes, I wrote this. Can I read it to you?
Others can't write fast enough.
Stay out of their way as
the pencil chases thoughts across the paper,
turning away from the edge at the last moment,
balancing on line after blue line,
writing from bell to bell;
some of them outside writers too.
They have stories to tell.
Perhaps with time
the old refrain will be replaced
with a new litany.
Will you read this and tell me what you think?
Certainly.
Can I submit this for publication?
If you wish.
Do I have time to do another draft?
I think so.
Easier questions to answer,
asked with a different urgency.

by Pete (Iowa City, Iowa)

Kamishibai stage

2009-06-12T16:51:00.000-07:00

hello guys,

If I could talk Robert into making some Kamishibai stages for around 75.00 would anyone be interested? I think he told me that he had around 50.00 invested in the materials when he made mine. But before I asked him I just wanted to know if anyone was interested. This would be a CRWP Special.

Courage and Voice

2009-06-10T19:16:00.000-07:00

A young author wakes up every morning and goes to bed every night not knowing if she'll see the next and still she puts all of her heart into writing a book to share so others with similar struggles can have hope. WOW! an amazing young lady. Her VOICE is heard loudly.

Article: http://www.nwp.org/cs/public/print/resource/853

Had to share.

Daily Log June 8 with pictures

2009-06-10T12:45:00.001-07:00

Daily Log June 8, 2009

Writing Marathon Friday was super fun!!

At the end of the day we discussed several of the benefits of the Marathon. Dan was surprised about how the experience of a place stimulated his writing. Brandi liked the freedom it offered in creative writing. Eston liked the ability to journey with those she was meant to be with – the karma of it all. Other comments were made about uses in the classroom. Some cautions we had before the event were the word Marathon as if we were going to write constantly, not knowing what to expect, expecting to have to share constantly in our circle, and concerns that no one would talk to us. Overall, it was a great experience, thanks to everyone for making it happen.

Monday:

Geary provided a nice variety of food for breakfast, including Kiwi glistening in the morning light of the classroom, and other fruit and sweets – thanks Geary

Kathleen read a beautiful poem called Honey, I love by Eloise Greenfield – really neat.

Julie shared the Daily Log, way cool.

Penny showed us new stuff on Google Docs, like how

Read Around of the Fletcher book: Julie did a great job leading the group

Dan shared about transition to visual image and writing specifics

Julie and Miranda noted similarities to Chad’s talk

Brandie and broke talked about character and trusting your reader

Julie talked about single detail, i.e. hat low, spitting

Kathy discussed meeting the audience in authentic ways, and making it Real for her students

Cathleen brought up having our students read their stories daily, rotating through the class

Brandi likes the Honey Bun stories

Eston likes the Katie to Mom story for its soulfulness, will use it as an example

Brooke likes Chapter 8 on endings, underlined lots of stuff, wants to make her kids more aware

Ian discussed starting with the ending; Eston doesn’t like a Hook at the end

Kathleen & Julie discussed drafting

Sheri liked used an object or something to be a thread throughout the story and influence the ending

Tammy introduced Debra and Diane as Teacher Consultants for us for a few days

Writing Time 9:30 – 11:00

TC Presentation: Debra Dilbeck: Creating a Character Sketch, Multicultural Multi-literacy Workshop

Georgia Performance Standards: See handout for specifics and other sources, and she showed examples to use from movies. i.e. Miss Jane Pittman, The Boy in the Stripped Pajamas, The Long Walk Home, The Great Debaters, Smoke Signals, and Anne Frank.

Defining Characterization workshop was way fun, we wrote character sketches of Miss Jane.

Cathleen reviewed where we were in our Reading Study Groups and introduced Julie for her Presentation:

Julie’s Burning Question: How can using personal pictures improve writing personal narratives?

She described writing techniques utilizing pictures as prompts, using her son’s writing about a broken leg as her example. She emphasized Modeling by the teacher.

Then she modeled how to use pictures to prompt students to write, and also discussed getting disposable cameras for use by the students. Examples showed how the pictures increase quality of writing, especially with focusing on a particular event.

Then we all wrote about a picture important to us, and several of us shared our writing. Thank you for finally sharing, Nena, we’ll have lots of tissue ready next time too.

God job Julie!!

Writing Groups were last – yep, my turn on the Hot Seat :>)~

Today’s Isms:

The writing becomes beautiful when it becomes specific;

End with Finesse;

Her parent held her hand like a question mark;

You don’t write right off the bat, you Draft;

Wrinkled as an old tobacco leaf;

Your writing is work-shopped whether you are there or not;

It’s all about the trust;

Trust the process

Great Article about Standards

2009-06-10T09:56:00.000-07:00

http://www.nwp.org/cs/public/print/resource/1962

An Idea for Responding to TDs

2009-06-10T09:14:00.001-07:00

Hello,

I am wondering if you all would like to do the Teacher Demonstration Response via Blog by using a simpler format than the one we practiced using on paper.

Benefits of this idea is that it is paperless. It gets everyone on the Blog. The format is simpler.

Drawbacks of this idea is that the Peer Response becomes public. Some of you may prefer a more private way of receiving response to your Teaching Demonstration.

I asked Julie if it was OK to make this public and she said yes.
So....Look this over and let's talk about your thoughts on doing TD Response this way.

Teaching Demonstration Peer Response

Presenter: Julie
Peer Response from Cathleen
Burning Question: How can using personal pictures help improve writing personal narratives?

Strengths

The example of the girl's writing about the Maze field trip before and after using the photo served to convince your peer teachers that this idea might work for other children to help with the issue of the “bed to bed” story in which children write a lot about very little.

The notion that teachers want to find ways to teach children to start with a small idea and grow it seems to have universal appeal in this group of teachers.

I thought it was an additional way to show modeling with the use of just one child as a kind of “fishbowl” that others watch.

Suggestions / Ideas
You could also use digital cameras for classroom shared events so that the cameras stay at school and each individual person has a personal perspective on the “shared event.” The results might be a great way to teach multiple perspectives.

I have seen the modeled writing that is created during the week, become used to teach editing, revision, word choice, stronger verbs so that by the time the teacher and students have completed a lot of the writing processes. You have a real sample of how “Messy” writing becomes in the process of creating a final draft.

Additional Related Resources:
Books:
Writing Our Communities. Local learning and Public Culture Edited by Dave Winter and Sarah Robbins
How to Write your Life Story by Ralph Fletcher

Thanks Julie!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Books of interest:
Eat Your Words by Charlotte Foltz Jones
The Butterfly by Patricia Polacco
Honey I Love, by Eloise Greenfield

Creating your own reading/writing group after the summer ends

2009-06-10T05:23:00.000-07:00

http://www.nwp.org/cs/public/print/resource/2695

NWR Articles

2009-06-09T17:16:00.000-07:00

Share Time

A Place for Talk in a Writers Workshop

http://www.nwp.org/cs/public/print/resource/239

I love this article. A must read!

2009-06-08T21:03:00.000-07:00

Writing Marathon Pictoral

2009-06-08T18:23:00.000-07:00

I will add some captions later

Young Writers

2009-06-08T10:35:00.000-07:00

For those teachers of the very youngest writers. I suggest reading Already Ready by Matt Glover and Katie Wood Ray. Excellent book, if you're considering the challenge of working with young children. I am also reading What Did I Write? by Marie Clay but it's more research based and not as practical. I think, it makes a good follow-up to Already Ready which is very practical.

I spent an hour this a.m. reading poetry - modern stuff that made me uncomfortable. That was the assignment, wasn't it? I have found one to memorize and now must get busy on it.

I haven't started my martian poem yet but I have made notes on what I observed.

You guys, keep working on. I know it's a mind-expanding, mind-blowing experience.

Go Write Win

Mary

My Apologies!!!

2009-06-08T06:28:00.000-07:00

Just wanted to say sorry for missing out on a wonderful experience on Friday. I am in the process of moving and it all started the day we started class so I had to take care of a few mandatory things on Friday. (Internet being my main concern!!!) Thankfully, I have the internet at my place now and things are flowing a bit smoother, along side of all the boxes. I saw the picture in the paper, and read about the wonderful experience. Jealous!!!!

-Miranda

Whoo Hoo!

2009-06-07T16:28:00.000-07:00

Hi Gang,

I figured out how you can be creative in Google Docs then send the document as a url to our blog. It's easy!!!! (Yes, Cher, lots of exclamation points)

If I can do it you can do it too,

See you on Monday,

Penny

The Walk About

2009-06-05T19:16:00.000-07:00

Just wanted everyone to know how much I enjoyed the Walk About (Writing Marathon). It amazed me at how much we miss when we don't stop to "Smell the Roses" and take in all that is hidden. Bowdon is a quaint little town full of valuable treasures, and I have missed the gifts that it has to offer because I'm always set on autodrive and go to my destination and back home. WOW! and Thanks to those for this gift. My walk had some unwanted detours, but when I got going it was AWESOME!

2009-06-04T20:04:00.001-07:00

2009-06-04T18:58:00.000-07:00

So, we talked about how to blog photographs easily. I have a free program on my computer to help me manage all my photographs for facebook and mom stuff like scrapbooking. It is called Picasa 3. Picasa 3 has a tool bar at the bottom of the screen that lets you blog about your photographs. Since we have been looking at so many wonderful children's book, I wanted to share mine. This is a wonderful story about a man who acts dull and stuffy. He has a rather gray personality. Then something happens in his life and he starts to act different. Amazingly his life starts to change because he is changing. It is very appropriate for Valentine's Day or any other time when you are working with self-reflection.

Thanks Eston!! Everyone Please Read

2009-06-04T16:08:00.000-07:00

Hello All. I learned something new today (thanks Eston). I learned that in order to have easy access to the Daily Log it is a good idea to become a "Follower" of this thread. When you click on the section for "Daily Log" click on the "become a follower" link. As of now only Mary, Eston, and I are followers.
Good Day today guys.

Haiku for Eston:
Learned something brand new
A follower I will be
Wow-so very cool

Ralph Readings

2009-06-04T15:36:00.000-07:00

What have you just said "yes" I agree? For me, it was a mentor is passionate. p.17-18
That is easy for me with my students. I get that excited high feeling when my seven and eight year olds realize that they can write their stories, share their ideas, and express their inner self. WOW!

I remember when a teacher I adored poured the cold water on my fire. I do not want to do that to my young writers.

p.32 Love of Words- I love words. "Words are the writer's tools." I love the sound, look, and feel of words. NERD! I know! It was moves me and motivates me. I use it to teach my students to move forward.

What are you thoughts about Ralph? What are you gaining from the book?

Haiku for Tami

2009-06-04T11:45:00.000-07:00

This is for Tami.
Ode to my naughty, black dog
Who brightens my day.

2 truths & a lie

2009-06-03T08:26:00.000-07:00

Hey follows,

I'm doing the daily log tomorrow and I thought I'd add in a "get to know you" activity. If you could respond to this blog in the comments with your 2 truths and a lie. Don't give away the answer.

Thanks for your participation.

Friday Marathon

2009-06-02T15:34:00.000-07:00

I was wondering if we will visit the Bowdon Historical Society Meeting Place and cemetery on our marathon. I am thinking of incorporating an activity I do with my British Lit. students every year there in my TD. It would be good to know. Perhaps I could schedule my TD next week while the visit is still fresh in everyone's mind.

Resources

2009-06-01T19:10:00.000-07:00

Wolf, S. A. (2004). Interpreting literature with children. Mahwah, NJ: Lawrence Erlbaum

Interpreting literature through writing, visual arts, and drama.
Leaning on literature, mentor texts, literary borrowing

Breakfast

2009-05-31T07:06:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone. Tomorrow is the first day and I have the pleasure of making sure you are all fed and ready to write. I'm making biscuits with all the trimmings. I will also purchase plates, cups, and forks that can be washed to keep us GREEN! Come hungry and see ya in the morning.

Debra

My TD

2009-05-30T12:03:00.001-07:00

I'll be discussing how teachers can help African-American English speaking students to code-switch to Standard English in their writing. I guess I'm focusing in on conventions and the editing stage of the Writing Process.

daily log post

2009-05-29T20:26:00.000-07:00

Penny, out of curiosity I checked the blog and then the daily log post. You see that I have managed to upload a photo as a follower. IF that's not OK, please remove me. I was seeing how difficult or easy it was for a digital alien. Have a good weekend.
Mary

Reminders for Monday

2009-05-29T15:40:00.000-07:00

Hey Everybody,

It is here. On Monday, you are no longer just teachers. You get to dive in head first into exploring the writer in you. Okay so here are some things to remember.

Claim a territory- (desk area)
Make it your own- If you are cold nature, bring a blanket!! You may bring a small lamp to place in your area. Bring anything that makes the space your own.
Going green- You have the honor of going green so you will need to bring your own dishes.
Don't forget you computer.
Get lots of sleep this weekend.

Hope your first few days are a blast. I will see you in the middle of the week.

luncheon

2009-05-28T18:47:00.000-07:00

Shoney, I know you are checking the blog so here's good news. The bank will help with the luncheon. I need details like where to sent the check. Yeah, Rose Girls Rock.

TD question and resource troubles

2009-05-28T15:41:00.000-07:00

I have found many resources online for my teaching demonstration but really don't have anything other than online articles. I was hoping that possibly someone out there might have literature on my subject in a book form. Although I am an aspiring 4-8 educator, I feel that the elementary school teachers might be able to help me out more in this area.

MY TD QUESTION:

How can educators inspire students to write with the use of music and the arts?

Obviously, this question is pretty broad but I am sure someone has used or read information on it. Keep in mind that I as of yet have not found a permanent teaching position so any literature is greatly appreciated.

Ian

Lost the Jump Drive

2009-05-26T17:31:00.000-07:00

Could someone send a blog with articles regarding author's purpose?
My T.D. question is now, "How does a writer grab and hold the attention of the reader?"

I have several ideas to help students write a strong lead, but need some articles to back me up.

Thanks,
Sheri

Hello Shoney

2009-05-24T17:53:00.001-07:00

I was wondering if you might have sometime this week to talk to me about my TD? I want to make sure I am on the right track. Call me when you have a chance.

Julie Chambers

770 328-7801 cell

770 830-6584 home

My Teaching Demonstration

2009-05-24T14:04:00.000-07:00

Hello to all,
I have decided to do my teaching demonstration on creative ways to publish writing. Let me know what you think.

Miranda

Mock Walk Today!

2009-05-23T13:47:00.000-07:00

Today was the mock walk. We walked around Bowdon , Ga and wrote. It was ..... one word does not describe the experience. I will try. Amazing? Super? I do not know how to label for you guys. I DO know that it will be something to make you think, act, and participate as a writer. Are you ready to see yourself as a writer? Are you ready for others to see you as a writer? I know before CRWP I did not identify myself as one. Today I went up to strangers in my community and introduce myself as a writer then a teacher in Bowdon. That is big leap for me. So start thinking! Writer! Then Whatever you are. I'M SO EXCITED! I am ball of energy right now. See you in June.

Asian-Americans in the classroom

2009-05-21T14:34:00.000-07:00

Hello Bloggers!
I just downloaded this article from the National Writing Project website
here is the URL
http://www.nwp.org/cs/public/download/nwp_file/10523/Carol_Tateishi_Taking_a_Chance_with_Words.pdf?x-r=pcfile_d

It illustrates how an incident (a student's essay) and a personal and professional interest in the topic of Asian-American learners sparked questions that this author used to lead the direction of this article.

Be sure to go to www.nwp.org to locate articles of interest to you. They have lots of resources that are teacher friendly.

Cathleen

MY TD

2009-05-20T13:13:00.001-07:00

OK, So I am working on a teaching demonstration on the use of technology to enhance the creative writing process in the classroom. I am still researching ideas beyond simply the traditional forms of technology including the use of video and photography (although it would seem it is already being used by someone else) to tell a story.

I have also been throwing the idea around of ART in the classroom in all forms and translating it to creative writing and story telling.

let me know what you all think. Another idea would be to combine the 2 ideas into some sort of interactive type lesson but it may be a little above my current understanding.

hope these last few weeks have been going smoothly

Needing some help

2009-05-19T12:36:00.001-07:00

Could someone from the Marietta or North Atlanta area please contact me..

Ian.kalway@gmail.com

thanks

EDIT: OK, so I had mini-freak out moment. I was out of town and thought that I had left EVERYTHING including books and all at a hotel in NC last week. Turns out, they were in my computer bag.

All is well now..

My TD

2009-05-17T10:14:00.001-07:00

Mine will be on peer conferencing, sharing with an audience, and author's chair.

Teaching Demo Topic

2009-05-16T09:11:00.000-07:00

This is my question:

"How do I use "real world" topics to movtivate students' writing?

Has anyone chosen this one already?

Sheri

My TD

2009-05-14T20:46:00.000-07:00

I am doing my TD on the importance of teaching narratives through personal experiences. I will use pictures for this. I am very excited.

Study Groups

2009-05-12T09:07:00.000-07:00

From reading your posts the 4 Study Groups will be on:

1. Authentic Assessment ( Members 1. Cathy)

2. Content Area Writing (Members: 1. Dan)

3. Writing as Art--personal writing (Members: 1. Sheila)

4. Peer Conferences (Members 1. Brooke)

Based on your recommendations I have ordered 4 copies of the following books.

1. Language Arts: Integrating Skills for Classroom Teaching
2. Content Area Writing: Every Teacher's Guide
3. Writing In A New Convertable With The Top Down
4. One to One (Peer Confernecing Book) by Lucy Calkins

Please email me to let me know which group you will be interested in joining. It will be first come first served.

T

2009-05-11T17:58:00.000-07:00

I found two books on assessing and using developmental appropriate practices with the GPS standards. I looked up the topic of authentic assessment. I am not familiar with any of them but the first one's table of contents sounds awesome! It appears to address all of my interest/questions with assessment:

Language Arts: Integrating Skills for Classroom Teaching
Mildred R. Donaghue 2009 SAGE publications
.
Practical Aspects of Authentic Assessment: Putting the Pieces Together
Bonnie Campbell Hill and Cynthia Ruptic

Anyone know anything about either of these and would like to explore this topic?
Cathy Steward

Centent Area Writing

2009-05-10T10:50:00.001-07:00

Hi All,

I am new to CRWP and am looking forward to meeting all of you on June 1st. Being a math teacher, I am interested in learning more about writing across the curriculum. It seems to be a hot topic in the schools these days. My first area of interest is the impact of writing in the Math classroom. However, if you are interested in content area writing and teach a different subject, we could explore other content areas as well. Listed below are two book suggestions. Let me know if you would like to join me.

Writing in Math grades 2-8

http://www.amazon.com/Writing-Math-Class-Resource-Grades/dp/0941355136/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1241977073&sr=1-1

Content Area writing: Every teachers guide

http://www.amazon.com/Content-Area-Writing-Every-Teachers-Guide/dp/0325009724/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1241976783&sr=1-5

Dan

Penny

2009-05-08T15:07:00.000-07:00

I have tried to email Penny, but the email address did not work. Does anyone know the correct address?

book group possibilities

2009-05-07T16:33:00.000-07:00

Like everyone else, I am feeling a little overwhelmed with teaching responsibilities at this time of the year. MY SENIORS ARE DRIVING ME CRAZY!! Anyway, I have been collecting books on writing for quite some time since I have felt burdened to write since I was a teenager back when the dinosaurs walked. Here is a list of some of my books if anyone is interested in borrowing them or using one for the discussion group: Stephen King's On Writing (this is his biography as well as advice about writing and a couple of our readings come from this book already), Susan Perry's Writing in Flow: Keys to Enhanced Creativity, Chrisotopher Vogler's The Writer's Journy:Mythic Structure for Writers, Julia Cameron's The Right to Write or The Artist's Way, and (my favorite) Writing in a New Convertible with the Top Down by Sheila Bender and Christi Killien. I have several others and will probably bring them to decorate my space the first week. Anyone interested in one of these for the book group?

Email Correction

2009-05-06T19:30:00.000-07:00

If you have been trying to contact me, the email address posted earlier is incorrect. I have two email addresses: psaurino@westga.edu and psaurino@gmail.com. Either one will do because I check both emails regularly. Here is my cell number if you prefer to talk to me by phone: 770-375-8791.

My topic and study groups

2009-05-05T12:25:00.000-07:00

Ok, so I was thinking of peer editing (conferencing), but it seems as though someone else has taken that topic.... is it me???
It was a long day on Saturday and I don't remember.

Anyone interested in writers workshop, especially implementation and using literature as models???

Teaching Demo Topic

2009-05-05T11:09:00.000-07:00

Hello,
I am starting to hear from some people about their TD (teaching demonstration)
Vocabulary (in writing it is often referred to as "Word Choice" has been taken.
Be sure to Blog your ideas and topics so others can see your thinking.
Cathleen

2009-05-04T16:07:00.000-07:00

Hey All,
Looking for a study group that is interested in assessment of writing. In particular: How can we assess writing using developmentally appropriate practices but maintain the GPS that drives us at the moment. Also, what criteria is assessed for developmentally appropriate writing practices for elementary. I have been told to use portfolios but don't know how to do this and never shown how and I don't know of any other assessments--My portfolios are just a collection of student work right now. I don't know of a good assessment book---but I do know of a book at our local bookstore: Developmentally Appropriate Curriculum by Marjorie Kostelnik (I think). Don't know how much this addresses with assessment, though.
Thanks,
Cathy

Another bad one

2009-05-03T17:14:00.000-07:00

Brand new writing friends
Different but with same goal
Learning together

Really Bad Haiku for you

2009-05-03T17:12:00.000-07:00

Summer Institute
The fun has begun again
I can't wait till then!

hello

2009-05-03T16:49:00.000-07:00

Hello Everyone,

I hope you all had a great day yesterday. I went home exhausted but enthusiastic about what we are going to study this June. I was looking through my bookshelf and saw a couple of cool books that have inspired me as a writer. If you are still pondering on what might be a study group topic that "sings" to you, there are a couple of starting points. You can look on your bookshelf to see if a book has influenced you and your teaching that you would like to share with others. You can also look at the Bibliography on the syllabus to see if anything stands out for you. Sooo.....what are you thinking so far?

Clarification for June 1

2009-05-03T15:57:00.000-07:00

Hello new bloggers from Summer Institute 2009!
Project facilitators met (that's Tami, Penny, Danilo, and I) today to plan a wonderful and exciting Summer Institute just for you!
What is due June 1 is the following:

Teaching Demonstration

That is all.... Just the Teaching Demonstration

To clarify what that means:
The Teaching Demonstration is an individual project. It should focus on teaching writing. We decided at the end of class that it can be something you have done in your class that has worked well for you.
You have a copy of my demonstration, you have a handout explaining the components with time frames for planning, and you have the response sheet where it reminds you what parts of the Teaching Demonstration we and your peers will be looking for when you present.

Topics that are already taken....
Peer conferencing
Publishing
Creating Character through Dialogue

You each have a mentor to facilitate your process of putting the Teaching Demo together

These students will look to Tami for help: Email Tami at togletre@westga.edu
Brooke
Geary
Nena
Brandi
Donna

These students will look to Penny for help: Email Penny@psaurino@westga.edu
Julie
Debra
Ian
Charlene
Sheila

These students will look to Cathleen for help: Email Cathleen at cdoheny@westga.edu
Miranda
Sheri
Cathy
Eston
Jan

The other assignment that we talked about at orientation is the Book Study Group.
What do you want to study and talk about in a small group? Put your ideas on Blog. Eventually you will hook up with others who want to talk about the same thing that you want to talk about.
Let us know when you have decided on a book.

I'm looking forward to this year's Summer Institute. It will be great! Really!
Relax. Breathe. Enjoy.

Cathleen

Welcome to the Blog!

2009-05-02T20:47:00.000-07:00

How was your first day? Was it what you expected? Are you overwhelmed? Any questions?

2009-03-31T13:46:00.001-07:00

Thanks to Christina Gilham, Mary Reid and Leslie Rutledge for providing student samples for the Congressmen visited in Washington at the Spring National Meeting.

2009-03-06T15:10:00.000-08:00

So I attended the PDK meeting at West George on Wed night. It wasn't what I expected somehow. Everyone was very friendly but not the targeted audience that I was prepared to promo CRPW to.

How is writing going for you personally and professionally? I have been trying to practice write everyday for at least 10 minutes. The kids at school have enjoyed trying new things. This week we wrote an ABC book on the theme of trains. If you can loosely associate a basketball court, ice cream, dolphins, etc with a train theme, then it works pretty well. We may consider some revision later.

The newest interest is Pirates. So next we may try our own version of Shiver Me Letters with all apologies to David Shannon.

Write! It's not a blog if no one reads it!

Mary

January Super Second Saturday

2009-01-11T08:20:00.000-08:00

Thank you, Leslie, for your wonderful demonstration during our first Super Saturday. Attendees consisted of both former SI participants and many first timers. I particularly enjoyed the Super Second Saturday format because it was so similar to what we exp experience during our CRWP Summer Institutes. Please blog your impressions of our January 10th continuation meeting or any other topic you would like to discuss.

Several participants asked me to post the recipe for my Sausage Egg Casserole which follows:

Ingredients

1 lb. turkey Italian sausage links, casings removed
1 medium green pepper chopped
1 Sm onion
1 package small curd cottage cheese (16 ounce)
2 cups reduced fat cheese
1 1/2 cups egg substitute (I used the Southwestern version)
1 cup fat free milk
1 cup reduced fat Bisquick
1 (4 ounce) can chopped green chilies

Directions

In a large skillet, cook sausage, green pepper and onion over medium heat until meat is no longer pink; drain, stir in the remaining ingredients. Pour into a 13 in. x 9 in.x 2 in. baking dish coated with nonstick cooking spray. Bake at 350 degrees F for 35-40 minutes or until a knife inserted near the center comes out clean. Let stand for 10 minutes before cutting.

I am looking forward to hearing from you. Let's get this blog active again. We have so many good writing ideas to share.

I wish you the best,

Penny

2008-11-26T07:16:00.000-08:00

So while attending the National Writing Project in Texas, we came up with this haiku (dedicated to Tami)...

San Antonio
My donkey has no front legs
I yii yi ole!

I need your help - Mary

2008-10-13T11:44:00.000-07:00

I have been writing today - what a joy to have time to write! I'm working on stories for my brothers' families for Christmas. If anyone has free time (right?), I'd love some help with these. I have emailed the story No, Roy, No to some former fellows. If you'd like to help, I'd love your input. If you didn't get a email copy, email me at marycreid@gmail.com and I'll send you one.

Hey, I vote for a four day work week so we can have one day to write!

Mary

Cherokee Rose Writing Group

2008-09-04T13:28:00.000-07:00

Hey guys,

We are getting together for a workshopping session on Sat. Sept. 13 at 9:30 a.m. at Gallery Row in Carrollton. That's the coffee shop on the square in downtown. Everyone is welcome to come. Bring a piece to workshop (6 or 7 copies to pass out). You can also bring a great quote or selection from recent reading or just a suggestion for others to consider.

Let me know via email if you plan to attend marycreid@gmail.com.

Thanks.

Happy Writing!

Mary Reid

Free writing Works!

2008-08-23T15:14:00.000-07:00

I've been using free writing and my kids LOVE it! I feel a bit unsure of the direction I want to take the class, but the students seem to be really enjoying it. They are writing at home and bringing their stories to share! They love to rip apart my writing! However, I have one boy who just hates to write. I am hoping to get him to come around. Any ideas?

$500.00 Stipends

2008-08-12T04:08:00.000-07:00

Hello All,

The $500.00 stipends are for your expenses to attend the NWP Conference in San Antonio and could cover your airfare/hotel bills. I will let you know in a later post how the stipends will be distributed.

NWP Annual Meeting

2008-07-23T19:26:00.000-07:00

Hey!
Hope everyone has enjoyed their summer. FYI- $500 stiffens for Fellows interested in going to the NWP annual meeting in San Antonio, Texas. The dates are November 20-22 (Thursday through Saturday). View the website for details: http://www.nwp.org/cs/public/print/doc/08am/home.csp
If you are interested give Tami a call at 770-634-1545

Suggestions for a book study

2008-07-11T08:32:00.000-07:00

Hi. I hope everyone is having a relaxing time off. I need some input from y'all. My principal would like me to suggest a good book for a book study for our faculty that deals with teaching writing. My first thought was the Lucy Clakins book, but they are also trying to implement the 6+1 Traits so I thought about the Ruth Culham books. Does anyone have any suggestions on what I might suggest? Thanks so much.

salad

2008-07-10T12:20:00.001-07:00

Amy...I was wondering if I could get your recipe for the salad you brought to the cafe. I have been craving it for some reason. If you have time...that would be fabulous. Thanks.

Finished a Book from IRA

2008-07-10T07:18:00.000-07:00

I purchased (Tami's not the only one with a book buying problem) Bringing Words to Life Robust Vocabulary at the IRA in May and of course had no time to read it in May or June. Wonder why?

So on the way to my brother's wedding yesterday (yes Shoney and Christina G., they got married) I finished it. It fits in so nicely with the other things I'm planning but not planning for my four year olds. Good literature, rich conversation about words. I'm excited.

Just this morning I typed my roster into the computer for the 08-09 Rosy Rabbits class. Now the little guys are becoming real to me. I can't wait to see their happy little faces and get to know them.

At Target I found Incredible Hulk Magic Doodle Boards. Think boys will want to write with those?

It must be fate. I have 12 boys this year and only 8 girls. I never should have chosen THAT burning question.
Mary

Exit Survey Thanks

2008-07-01T16:29:00.000-07:00

Thank you to those of you who have already replied to the exit survey posted on June 26th. Your comments, especially to the last 6 questions will be very helpful when we our writing our yearly report. Here is the link again so that you don't have to search for it.

http://spreadsheets.google.com/viewform?key=pz11IZXuS0kOJy1XJJwsaOQ

Most of all, I miss you all. I have had a wonderful afternoon catching up on your postings. Did you see the Haiku from Matt Purcell? Even he misses us.

Keep on Bloggin!

2008-06-29T12:09:00.000-07:00

Alright. Blogging is now one of my rites of passage. I can Blog all day long, but it is no fun if nobody blogs back! So Blog people BLOG! Let's keep this going! Tami has worn off on me. I ordered 70 bucks worth of books on Amazon!!!! Maybe we should start a book club blog!

An Awesome Website

2008-06-28T06:01:00.001-07:00

I know you all are winding down from the past few weeks, but I came across this website and thought you might want to look at it and share the wealth with teacher friends. There are some great ideas for student writing here.

http://www.twc.org/resources/writers-on-teaching-writing

Barbara

Lost

2008-06-27T10:37:00.000-07:00

I'm not sure why, but I felt the need to check the post...eventhough it's Friday. I was glad to sleep in today...now I just feel lost. I think I'll take the boys out to play. Hope everyone has a great summer. Kim

GCTE Conference

2008-06-27T09:11:00.000-07:00

The Georgia Council of Teachers of English Conference will be held at Jekyll Island in February. If you would like to present at this conference, please goto GCTE.net and click on conferences. A tab should appear for you to click. The proposal will come up in PDF. You can print one of those off and mail it to the address on the form.

Last Day Haiku

2008-06-26T05:45:00.000-07:00

The end of the Rose
No, not really an ending
Big new beginnings

You might be a CRWP Fellow if . . .

2008-06-25T16:44:00.000-07:00

You might be a CRWP fellow if . . .

You can eat and talk and write at the same time.
You dream of books, authors, and bunnies.
Your Amazon account is over the limit.
You check the blog to see what's going on.
You write about spaces, places, or beyond space, or whatever.
You crave peanut M&M's.
You ask your husband (wife) to workshop a birthday invitation.
You check the blog to see what's going on.
You leave the lights off in your classroom.
Your answer to all the questions in faculty meeting is "So what?"
You've booked your next vacation to Amicalola Falls.
You check the blog to see what's going on.
You have an inner bunny - or bunnies.
Your laptop is your new best friend, and so is Matt.
You are finally living a writerly life.
You check the blog to see what's going on . . .

Exit Survey

2008-06-25T14:09:00.001-07:00

Please complete the Exit Survey before leaving on Thursday, June 26th --
http://spreadsheets.google.com/viewform?key=pz11IZXuS0kOJy1XJJwsaOQ

Many thanks from your favorite Tech Team

Writing Project Blues

2008-06-24T11:12:00.000-07:00

I am so sad that everyone will be parting ways on Thursday. I know we have things that are planned through out the year, but I have already started to miss everyone!

Recipes for Cookies

2008-06-24T09:26:00.000-07:00

Fruit Pizza Cookies

1 package of Pilsbury 24 Pre-Cut Sugar Cookies
1 8 oz Philadelphia Cream Cheese SOFTENED (tastes better)
1 8 oz Cool-Whip
4-6 Tablespoons of Pineapple Juice or orange juice. Pineapple is better!
3 Tablespoons of Sugar
Fresh Fruit of your choice

Bake Cookies as directed on Package. Try not to over bake. COOL completely.

Beat Philadelphia Cream Cheese with sugar and pineapple juice until smooth.
After smooth, beat in Cool Whip.

Smooth mixture onto cool cookie.
Place well drained fresh fruit on top. I use MANY paper towels to blot fruit juices before placing fruit onto cream cheese mixture.

STRAWBERRY TEA CAKES

1 box Pilsbury Cake Mix -Strawberry
1 stick of melted BUTTER
1 Large Egg
1/4 cup of water ( IF NEEDED)

Mix until you get a thick cookie dough.
Cook on ungrease cookie sheet on 350 until edges are slightly brown and the top begins to crinkle.

ENJOY the calories!

Poem for CRWP

2008-06-24T05:57:00.000-07:00

Creating
Haikus
Eating
Reading
Others
Keyboards
Excitement
Engaged

Room 200
Online
Sayings
Enriching

I think I found some emotion down within

2008-06-23T18:00:00.000-07:00

Okay today when I said, "Ignorance is bliss", I have arrived out of my bliss and into pure emotion. During our writing time today I had a break through in a poem I was writing. I read it to Christina G and she thought it was okay, but I thought about this poem the whole way home and I am so excited to start working on it after I finish my professional piece. I tapped into my emotions that have been going on this month as we journied through the CRWP. I am learning to take that small ball of thread and make it into more! Thanks for letting me post my ramblings as I discover and drag that emotion, creativity and writer out of me.

Wow!

2008-06-23T05:16:00.000-07:00

I woke up early this morning and found an invitation from PennyS to the CRWP blog, so I decided to catch up on what's been happening since I missed last week with you. Your blogs are full of incredible intellect, energy and support, even when you're tired (or have an earache).

I'm looking forward to tomorrow. I'll bring some ideas you can use with your classes to get them talking about their writing and some online sources for writing lessons. And we'll take a look at a few video clips of teacher-led and peer conferences on writing.

I've told everybody since 1995 and my introduction to NWP what an evangelical experience it was. Can I get a witness?

Barbara

wordless books

2008-06-20T15:30:00.000-07:00

My Pre-K state consultant, Louanne, emailed me a list of wordless books that are available on Amazon.com. I have placed them on my wish list for future puuchases. If any one is interested I can share this list.

Does one remember how Christina searched for the books by lot on the web? I tried and couldn't find it again.

I spent the day asleep with medicine

2008-06-20T06:17:00.001-07:00

Well, I feel alittle better this morning. The ear still hurts, but my headache and teethache let up. Does anyone have any special family cure alls for a earache? My husband bought some drops for me that work okay. What did I miss yesterday? I slept the entire day, I woke up at 6:00 pm. I missed y'all and how was dinner?
It is back to bed for me.

Are we supposed to be on the down hill slide?

2008-06-19T19:49:00.000-07:00

Because I feel like I have more now to do than before my TLE. There are no more articles to read, and I have completed my TLE, but I think about all of the stuff that I have to get finished. I guess I just see one week left ahead of me and I know that this is crunch time. Does anyone else feel this way?

Make and Take Thread

2008-06-19T12:49:00.000-07:00

List your idea by adding a comment to this thread.

If you are sharing an idea, what materials will everybody need to bring

and or

List materials that you will share with the class

It will be fun! I am looking forward to experiencing all of your good ideas.

Anthology

2008-06-19T08:24:00.000-07:00

I want to include my hall football brochure as my narrative piece in the anthology, but I don't think I can do it in brochure format. But I sort of think the piece loses its punch without the pictures and the formatting. Any suggestions? Is there any way to put it in the anthology as an unfolded brochure?

booger friend

2008-06-19T05:26:00.000-07:00

While reading the Stephen King article, he was discussing the importance of having a single ideal reader. He goes on to add that he is happy that he has an ideal reader who would tell him if his fly is unzipped....this reminded me of when we were talking about having a booger friend. I have plenty of booger friends but not enough ideal readers.

CRWP Survey

2008-06-18T20:47:00.000-07:00

Please click the hyperlinked text below to access the CRWP survey. Thanks!

CRWP Survey

Free at last, free at last.....

2008-06-18T17:53:00.000-07:00

I feel so much better. I took a nap and did not feel guilty about it. It is wonderful sense of peace now that I have completed my TLE.

Conserve Space

2008-06-18T09:16:00.000-07:00

Wow! Realized I used way too much space. Conservation, here I come!

Ideas from the Front Line

2008-06-18T08:56:00.000-07:00

Ok, I'm here! I have entered into the Land of the Almighty Blog! Nice place. The digs look great! People, too! Kinda cool.

Here's my mission:

I am writing a Literacy Needs Survey for the faculty at my middle school. I want to know how I can best serve their literacy needs in the classroom. Would you help?

You can post your suggestions here in the blog. If you are stumped for writing actual survey questions, feel free to share what you think teachers need for success. Think about the "teacher's lounge chatter" What do teachers talk about the most when discussing school/classroom/student achievement?

I want to know what teachers need to be successful in the classroom. Possible topics are: types of professional development; types of teacher materials; suggestions for improving home/school connection; curriculum needs-how to teach "X".

That's it.

Thanks in advance,

Shavawn

mark twain

2008-06-18T07:50:00.000-07:00

I really love the quote by Mark Twain that goes: The man who does not read good books has no advantange over the man who can't read. To me this qoute sums up the growing issue of aliteracy in our country.