Spring is a great time to reflect on a body of work in your writer's notebook.
The reflective process is not dissimilar to editing but allows the writer to process how you communicate and what you choose to communicate with others.
The adage "writers read" is so true in my case as my review noted that I spent 80% of my writing time writing about my reading.
Thematic writing is also informative as it helps note my wonderings and tangents that may have been a product of great discussion with my students. Those conversations were rich and vivid and often led to excellent book recommendation or links to comic books we all enjoyed.
This year, my writing allowed me to connect to my male students in a way I thought was unattainable. I was able to move beyond the tertiary sports discussion and reach them based on themes and trends in their lives.
Writing also allowed me to improve my connections colleagues; namely, colleagues were all involved in small groups that promote writing and focus system of accountability that helped keep me focused and on track to write daily.
Noticings are more than reflections; they can also foster engagement and interaction with those you may think you have little in common.
I noticed that my writing has grown so much as my ability to communicate my thoughts and ideas in a concise and approachable style translates to a more interpersonal style of coaching and management with my classes.
As we approach the summer, what have you noticed and how will these noticings improve your practice and engagement?
Jean Samuel (@APSSamuelRdg6) is currently a middle school reading specialist in Arlington, VA. She is currently involved in research related to Ethics in Education and working with students of all ages who are diagnosed with dyslexia. She also writes a blog post at https://admiralsread.weebly.com can be reached via jasamuel33@gmail.com
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