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Hidden Gems Book Talk

Convicted

The first time I read chapter 3 of Hidden Gems I felt convicted. I don’t read enough. It’s not that I don’t enjoy reading, but I have no time for it. Between grading papers and creating lesson plans, sometimes I feel like I’m missing out on life itself. Yet, somehow I’ve shifted gears and started to make reading for me a priority. Thanks to the Kindle I got from my amazing Sister-In-law this Christmas, reading has reentered my life with high-tech style. And thanks to the Kindle’s fantastic “clipping feature” highlighting sections of great language in these books has become second nature to me.

So, I’ve been learning about myself and what I love about literature. I love lines that make me say, “Me too!” and words that force me to pause and think, “I’ve never thought of it that way,” or spots where the beauty of written words just seem to take my breath away. I’ve been bringing these snippets to my classroom since Christmas. I often share ones I’ve recently highlighted in writing conferences or mini-lessons; sometimes kids will copy the words down into their journals and together we discuss how to craft writing that moves people.

What I have noticed is that the more I do this with real authors the more inclined I am to do it with my kids writing too. Unfortunately, I can’t highlight in their journals with the click of a button but, I do savor their words. Sometimes I text them to my neighbor or I call my roommate in from the next room. Every now and then my mom gets an e-mail that contains sentences stolen from my kid’s journals. It’s my goal to bring these lines into the classroom more often to let the kids hear the authors rising among us.

Here are some great ones lines my kids are wanted to share with you…

My dinner last night was a furious killing of precooked teriyaki.

It was only me.

Laura came charging like a bull just when I had just gotten used to her being silent and hidden like a cat.

Not only was he yelling at me, he used my word, used it as trash, calling me a redonkulous fool.

I don’t know how I’m going tackle this massive beast of a dishmonster.

This is going to be harder than a monkey fighting a bulldog and that’s the truth.

This weekend was like a box of chocolates fallen from heaven.

What words are you reading?

6 replies on “Convicted”

One of the biggest joys in my life is reading. Reading ANYTHING. I tell my own children as well as those that I borrow for a few hours each day that I have read the good, the bad and the downright ugly but that is part of the process. For every book that I read that I love and can’t wait to share, there are several others that just pass the time until the next great love is discovered in the aisles of Barnes & Nobles.

As a teacher, I live for the moments when I book talk books and watch them fly off the shelves. I live for the students who devour a book or series that I was able to recommend for them. To become a better reader, students often just need to make a connection to an author or series and then the struggling reader becomes an enthusiastic reader. I’ve watched my own children find their own reading passions–The Percy Jackson series for one, Gregor the Overlander for another and Mary Downing Hahn ghost stories for the third. Who would have guessed that my struggling reader would walk confidently up to the librarian at our local library and ask her to order every book written by his favorite author?

That is the power of reading.

I like the idea of writer’s “baring their souls”. Although what students are sometimes required to write about isn’t real personal, the act of writing is. Finding something positive to say is vital always. I also like the idea of teachers being like any other craftsmen and using specific writer’s language to comment to students about their craft. I assume that later in the book we’ll have some specific examples of that. I disagree with her comment on page 30 that there are only 2 times when correct writing counts. She may have just been throwing out some humor but “correct” writing still counts other than just for airline pilots and surgeons. I know of a teacher who was not hired because his application/resume had “incorrect writing”.

I thought that the two chapters had a lot of interesting points. I will be the first to admit that I don’t allow enough time in my classroom for writing. I tend to be much more focused on the reading aspect (I think partly becasue that is where my comfort lies). So for me, the last two chapters served as a push to get out of my comfort zone and allow my students the opportunity to write. I need to get a better grasp on how to move their writing. I love the language the author uses with her students, hoping I can internalize it.

As I was reading chapter 2 I was refecting on my high school and freshman year of college and my writing. What I thought was really good wrtitng in hs was instantly trashed in college. What a disappointment! As time went on in college, my writing became much like the PSSA’s, answer the prompt!!! It has been a pleasure to watch the students develop as writers as the year has progressed!

I really try to focus on creating opportunities for success with my students. Learning Support students are not the most confident. They sit in rooms with kids, that things come easy to and they get frustrated. Unfortunately, they are at a age where they really start to n focus on these things, thinking that they are “stupid.” A big part of middle school is finding a place to belong. Most of my students write the bare minimum and need constant encouragement through each writing assignment. They don’t love to just write. I think they would benefit from some journaling or free writing, so they can build writing stamina. It is very hard for me to find the gems in their writing when their writing is so concise.

In response to what words am I reading, the answer is everything and anything. I read more than I eat, which is saying a lot. I have never enjoyed writing for fun, but know how to when necessary. Reading for me is the most relaxing thing I can do. Reading helps me through stressful times in life and I always make sure I have a good book or my nook at hand(usually in my purse or car, there are few places I go without a book). I have authors that I love like Cassandra Clare, J.K. Rowling, Meg Cabot and Kelly Armstrong. Reading one of their books is like visiting with a good friend, they never let me down. I enjoy the lavish worlds and complex characters that they create with their words.

Ladies,

Considering the power of words and language and their ability to move us, I get such a positive feeling from reading your responses. I especially appreciate your candor, which is not always the easiest for us to show since it reveals a little bit of our vulnerability.

Rachel, I share your “I don’t seem to have time for reading for me” struggle, and Shawnmarie, I envy the time you make for reading. (I don’t know how you do it!) I was honored to witness the positive impact that has on the students in your classroom!

Following Rachel’s lead on highlighting rich language, Lauren, I love your line, “Reading one of their books is like visiting with a good friend: they never let me down.” It’s so true.

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