- Included materials:
There are some threads that run through all of the pieces in this portfolio, and as I am finishing them, revising them and polishing them, I would like to address the project as a whole before I discuss individual pieces. First, nearly every Sacred Writing piece surprised me in some way. The prompts, free writing and awareness of the thoughts of others caused me to think of things from the past that had disappeared from my conscious thoughts, and caused me to have new insights. I know myself better than I did a few weeks ago. The ability to post my writing on the web is one of the most empowering new skills I have. I am now a 21st Century citizen of the world, no longer paper bound! I like paper; actually I love it, but I love E-Publishing as well! Each piece that I included is special to me, but the overall gain in knowledge of myself, and the encouragement and time to explore my mind in writing has liberated my spirit. In Virginia Woolf’s, A Room of One’s Own, she discusses that often women have not written in the past for lack of time, money and a place to write. Writing Project has provided me with a “room of my own”. Wow! How wonderful! The experience of learning the best practices of my peers has increased my repertoire of classroom ideas. My students will be delighted. I am grateful.
Personal Writing:
My Heidi
My personal writing piece is a poem. I chose it, not because poetry is something that I have done well for years, but because other than some Haiku from years ago, this is the first poem I have ever written. I am so proud of it because it is emotional, and from my heart. I did this. It is a poem, and it is real and I like it.
Ethnography:
My Ethnography was the first one, and now I am embarrassed. In boring plain terms, I outlined the previous day’s events. It was a laundry list; a very long laundry list. Actually it wasn’t all that long; it just seemed long. The group’s response to my endless ethnography is an excellent demonstration of the kindness of strangers. They applauded. Yes, and they did not know me well enough then to care personally for my feelings. I have so enjoyed the creative work of others on the chronicling of our days. I have learned much from my peers!
Professional Writing:
Georgia
As teachers and as human beings, we all experience moments of triumph and of failure. In examining my experience with Georgia, I felt a terrible sense of failure because Georgia did not move ahead as I had hoped. As I revised this piece that is from a professional prompt, I wonder if or to what extent I did fail. I know that I inspired Georgia to become more confident for a short time. I caused her to see herself in a better light. I cannot know if at some point, this sense of herself did not help her. One thing about teaching that is rather poignant is that we do not know the impact we have on students’ lives individually or collectively.
