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Slice of Life 26: Time for Pattern Seeking

By Janice Ewing

We are approaching the conclusion of the month-long Slice of Life Challenge (twowritingteachers.wordpress.com). I had been aware of the challenge in past years, and read some of the posts, as well as some of the weekly SoL posts that appear on Tuesdays throughout the year, but this has been my first experience as a participant. I began the challenge with mixed emotions – interest, excitement, motivation to strengthen my writing muscles, and that “what am I getting myself into?” feeling as well. I wondered what I would write about, in what genre, and whether I would explore one topic in a variety of ways or wander around the landscape.  Read more

Slice of Life 25: Teaching Humans

By Janice Ewing

Yesterday, I wrote about attending an informational session concerning the Being a Writer Program. The morning started with a collegial breakfast, and ended with my misplacing the validated parking ticket (of course I found it as soon as I got home, hiding in my messy purse), and receiving a get-out-of-the-parking-lot-free pass from the attendant because I was clearly coming from the same event as my colleagues. In between, there was a lot of food for thought.  In the previous post, I mentioned the assessment aspect of the program, which impressed me because much of it focused less on grades than on observation of writerly habits and participation in a writing community. Upon further reflection, something larger is standing out to me.  Read more

Slice of Life 24: Parking Lot Assessment

By Janice Ewing

This morning I attended an informational session about the Being A Writer program, held at a hotel in Philadelphia. The presentation was interesting and interactive. It didn’t hurt that the setting was comfortable and a delicious breakfast was served. There were many aspects of the program that fit well with the philosophy of the National Writing Project, including the emphasis on building a writing community, the concept of teacher as writer, and the use of mentor texts as models of writers’ craft. Read more

Slice of Life 22: On Writing and Renovation

By Janice Ewing

The quote of the day on the Two Writing Teachers’ site: “Start writing, no matter what. The water does not flow until the faucet is turned on.” – Louis L’Amour

I recognize this as a metaphor, but it has some literal connections for me as well. My husband and I recently had two bathrooms renovated. I had looked forward to choosing colors, vanities, and accessories, and thought the rest would be left to the experts. It did not turn out that way, entirely. We have an old house and apparently were living with lots of old problems, which had remained peacefully behind the scenes for years.    Read more