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catalysts for writing
catalysts for writing
Here's an example: 18 November 2014 Boston: A Wicked Good Time A year ago today, according to my Facebook timeline which now serves as my memory, I was packing for a trip to Boston for NCTE and ALAN. I had no idea how amazing this trip would be and how it would impact my life in big and small ways. It was wicked good! For one, I had yet to discover the most amazing food in the history of the universe: the Florentine cannoli from Mike's Pastry. Where ya been all my life?! Seriously, somebody please ship me a box! I had not yet discovered the place I want to live if I ever leave Iowa. Oh, Boston! You had me when the sun magically appeared as I stumbled down the wrong street from the hotel and discovered Fenway! See the angelic presence in the center of the picture? My whole trip had that halo effect. And I got to wander around this most charming of historical cities with several of my favorite people: Brenna Griffin, Abby Hendrickson, and Kirstey Ewald. A year ago, I had not heard my childhood hero Judy Blume's genius advice on getting kids to read books you love: "Tell them they aren't ready for it yet. And walk away." All my teaching life of twenty years, I have revered the name Nancie Atwell. She has been the shining light of reading & writing workshop in my classroom. Her work In the Middle is amazing. I have every versions. A year ago, I had not met my teaching idol.
I attended the Adolescent Literature Assembly at NCTE, also know as ALAN, for the first time a year ago. I heard amazing talks from so many wonderful authors, it was almost overwhelming. I had yet to hear the most inspirational thoughts on hope from Joan Bauer. I had yet to hear the wisdom of real truths from Laurie Halse Anderson. I had yet to meet Rainbow Rowell, Bill Konigsberg, Chris Crutcher, Swati Avasthi, and a host of other wonderfully literate humans. I had not yet heard Natalie Lloyd's awesomely delicious read aloud of her novel A Snicker of Magic. Could anyone love words more than she does?! A year ago, I had not had an author respond to my Facebook posts WHILE I was reading his book, resulting in a meta-reading experience I will never forget and turning into an unforgettable school visit from the incomparable Matt de la Peña. I have been to NCTE multiple times, but this was a halcyon moment. I'm so thankful to my school district and to ICTE for supporting this trip and my professional development.
Did I mention the life-changing properties of the Florentine cannoli?
1 Comment
Delaney
12/8/2014 04:55:36 am
Sounds like a good time! By the way, those cannolis look AMAZING! Is this year even better than the last? Could you describe your best year you've ever head?
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AuthorMrs. Paulsen writes, reads, knits and shoots arrows. Archives
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