Joyful work

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    vivian chen

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    It’s been about seven years since I’ve had my own classroom and I’ve missed it since the first day I stepped away. This semester I have the joy of working with a small group of second graders in an after school literacy program. We are working on a fantasy writing unit together and we’re having so much fun.

    While I love working with teachers, I noticed a real difference when it came to planning for my young writers versus planning for professional development. I had a different kind of energy when thinking about learning experiences for kids.

    Maybe it’s because this is the work they’re doing? These are just a few examples of the characters they’ve created. 😄

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    H/t to Carl Anderson and his book, Teaching Fantasy Writing

    8 responses to “Joyful work”

    1. Anita Ferreri Avatar
      Anita Ferreri

      Yes, the joy of sharing writing with children is one of the greatest of celebrations. I envy your after school writing program!

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    2. Aetherias Moon Avatar
      Aetherias Moon

      I love writing fantasy. I’m so glad you are sharing that with kids!

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    3. franmcveigh Avatar
      franmcveigh

      Students are the real joy fir sure. Love lab sessions with students AND teachers for PD.

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    4. arjeha Avatar
      arjeha

      Students bring a joy and creativity all their own. There is a special sense of excitement in the air when working with them.

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    5. Trish Avatar
      Trish

      Thanks for sharing the planning pages. My favorite tip from Nancie Atwell was the “Interview with a Character,” a variation of your sweet second grade writers’ noodling about theirs. Also the story structure gives them the bones for all that fun “flesh” that’s coming. Love small group writing! Have a great time.

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    6. bullets and blanks Avatar
      bullets and blanks

      the illustrations are peak second grade! Glad you got to feel their joy. Thanks for sharing

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    7. Lainie Levin Avatar
      Lainie Levin

      I’m just going to say it now: if I get stuck in a dark alley, I’m bringing Cinny with me. She’s YOKED, as the kids say. =)

      As someone who hasn’t had a classroom for some time, I totally understand that deep longing for loveys of my own. And after about two decades, it’s STILL hard for me. I’m glad, though, that you’re still finding ways to get your kid fix!

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    8. Alice Avatar
      Alice

      These characters are adorable, fun, fresh, and unique. Way to go, kids! They are lucky to have you working with them to help them unleash their creativity. I agree, planning for teachers is so different than planning for kids.

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