Tuesday, September 24, 2013

Something bigger

at Two Writing Teachers!
"Are we going to work on our stories today?"

"Do we get to write today?"

"Mrs. M, will you look at my story?"

For the past week, my classroom has felt different.  As soon as my students walk into class, their eyes shine as they ask if we'll be writing today.  They search the "in class" section on the board to see if writing time is posted. Students who never do homework pull out folders and laptops, eager to show me paragraphs and pages they carefully crafted last night or over the weekend... voluntarily!

Ever since we became part of the StoryBox Project, my students have started to see themselves as real writers with stories to tell and information to share.  Some are writing about their countries or telling the story of how they came to America. Some are describing special friends and family members, sharing stories about their favorite activities, or even writing poetry.  Others are articulating their hopes, dreams, and struggles.  All of them are excited: excited to explore who they are, excited to share a piece of themselves with others, and excited to be a part of something bigger than our classroom.

Won't you join us?  Together, our words mean more.

6 comments:

  1. What an awesome project! I love how excited your students are to be a part of this. I'm sure their stories are fascinating. I can't even fathom moving to a foreign country and going to school when you don't know the language.

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  2. Thanks elsie! That's why I really wanted to do this project! My students have such incredible stories, and other students & teachers need to know them!

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  3. Every time I come to your blog, I find out something new! This is an amazing project! I want to find out a way that my ELLs could participate in this! We are in the middle of writing narratives and it is a struggle for most. Excitement!!!! That is what we need in my classroom as well!

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    1. It would be awesome if your students got involved, Jaana! We can chat more about it over email. :-) I think it would be really neat to connect our students somehow anyway!

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  4. I've finally caught up with your project, Jennifer, went back & read all the posts about the Storyboxes, & will share with my school. What an awesome thing you are doing. I am not surprised they are excited, & the motivation to share their stories sounds wonderful. Terrific to learn about!

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    1. Thanks Linda! We'd love for the StoryBox to make its way to CO!

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