Slice of Life #1

As I pondered whether to attempt something I have encouraged students to do for thirty years, I thought back to my writing. No one truly ever encouraged me or discouraged me in writing and yet, each day I teach I encourage others to express themselves.  I am passionate about writing and yet, I do not write each day.  Well, that is not true...I do write each day but not for me --- not to listen to my voice.  

Presently I teach a writing course for pre-service teachers and I try to encourage them to listen and look for their voice in what they write. But my main goal for each class, each semester, each year is to allow the pre-service teachers to discover how important it is to think of their future students and ways to "see" and "hear" what each will share. I do not think that those that teach really have an opportunity to discover the power of the written word...and each teacher...early childhood, elementary, middle, science, math, social studies, etc. should be committed to help others express themselves through writing. I believe everyone should raise their voices and write so they and others can "see" and "hear" them.

So today is day ONE to allow my voice to be seen and heard.  I am both excited and scared.  How about you?