discovering a new character
Today’s #TeachersWrite quick write challenge is to put a character in the media center of a school. I love quick writes, because there is always something lurking just beyond the edges of my mind that I get to discover when I take a few minutes to scribble some words.
Today I found a new character — the media center specialist. I think I’m already in love with this quirky lady. I wrote fast and long (for a notebook entry), ending up with 400 words. Then I turned the page of my notebook to a clean sheet and began noting the things I learned because of the quick write.
How about you? What are you discovering as you spend some time with a quick write in your notebook?
Pssst…if you’re not writing along with #TeachersWrite, it’s not too late to join. Join us on Kate Messner’s blog. It’s summer writing camp for teachers…really, you can’t go wrong!
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![Mom. No. I will not go to bed. I will read more. If you don’t want me reading then you shouldn’t give me books like this. I’ve got to read more. Jason would have my back and you wouldn’t argue with him. [Flashes author photo.] •
Not to be dramatic, @jasonreynolds83 you are changing our lives.](https://scontent.cdninstagram.com/vp/ae861283c5f8b34c27a717d33c092001/5BC04A21/t51.2885-15/s640x640/sh0.08/e35/34372233_2079512992324362_2164491731377061888_n.jpg "Mom. No. I will not go to bed. I will read more. If you don’t want me reading then you shouldn’t give me books like this. I’ve got to read more. Jason would have my back and you wouldn’t argue with him. [Flashes author photo.] •
Not to be dramatic, @jasonreynolds83 you are changing our lives.")
![[Summer Kickoff] They are both on Book No. 2 of Summer 2018. This might be the first time ever they read more than me in a summer.](https://scontent.cdninstagram.com/vp/8fc80062c9e536dd31182d393fdc6613/5BBD4096/t51.2885-15/s640x640/sh0.08/e35/32730315_253861605350942_8405613368957730816_n.jpg "[Summer Kickoff] They are both on Book No. 2 of Summer 2018. This might be the first time ever they read more than me in a summer.")
I love that you hammered this out on paper! How interesting to see into someone else's process!
Ruth,
You are so great at encouraging thinking about process-the process is really where the learning is taking place and then leading to application in other areas…
I haven't reflected on my process yet, but it will be part of tonight's writing time.
Thanks for your inspiration!
Amy
Makes me think of your mom!
I love that you took it a step further to better understand your character. Neat!
Ruth, I so appreciate these views into your notebook. You explain yourself and your process in a way that I can grasp and learn from. Thank you for teaching me through your explanations.
What am I learning? I am learning that all those times that I hear teachers (us) complain that kids don't want to write or don't write much…. well… maybe it's because sometimes writing is hard. My stamina for spending a lot of time on writing isn't great yet! Also, I have a really tough time with fiction. It doesn't come naturally for me (yet?).
Thanks for the peek into the learning, Ruth. I like the idea of reading my writing like a reader & looking for the learning. I took the other way with the prompt, to keep on with a WIP, but probably should try this too, to develop a new character. I'm finished with school today, so maybe more time coming!