Today I announced to my students and colleagues (and you) that I have accepted a position at Oklahoma State University. I have known for a while but did not want to disrupt learning nor draw attention to myself; however, a vacancy was posted on the …
Inspiration The temperature in Chicagoland is warming up. Where do you live? Can you go outside? Yes? Perhaps today’s poem can be inspired by your neighborhood or literal (even figurative place) in the world. Go to the place. See if your sidewalk (or street, or …
Inspiration You have learned a lot in your lifetime. I bet you have some advice to give that would, if not make life easier for another, comfort them in their journey to make sense of this world. If you are up for it today, write …
Inspiration Writing poems can be intimidating. One exercise that spoken word artist Sarah Kay suggests to make poem-ing more accessible is making lists. The list itself can be the poem or the list can be a springboard for creating other poems. There are many list …
Some Inspiration Something I have noticed about teaching is that my identity tends to get wrapped up, even defined by my role in the life of students. I sometimes forget who I, Sarah, am — the quirks and gifts that I have carried with my …
Some Inspiration I imagine there are mixed feelings floating across this virtual space as cursors blink within the comment box below. What will you write today? Will it be any “good”? Every writer can attest that whispers of doubt are a natural part of a …
As you look ahead to April and plans for National Poetry Month (which we hope includes #verselove2019, Ethical ELA’s poem-a-day celebration), consider a week of seasonal writing brought to you by the amazing Anna J. Small Roseboro. What a gift she is to teachers and …
Freedom Writers. MacFarland, USA. It is a tradition at this school to play a movie the last few periods of the school day leading into a break. In this video, I have a few thoughts on this practice and the movie selections, which may or …
Twenty-seven voices echo phrases of twenty-seven weeks as a class. That line has alliteration. I think the tooth here represents something more, symbolic of the character coming loose. All three characters have a member of their family who sacrificed safety for the good of the …
Three days. Wednesday. Thursday. Friday. Three days to inspire. What can I do in the three days before we break for spring that will make students want to come to class, be excited to write? My friend, cousin, composer, author, musician, teacher, Regina Baiocchi, hosts …