Grab your cup of coffee and sit in a comfortable chair around this oak table and let’s chat! I am having my regular black coffee this morning but I can make you iced coffee if you prefer. Even though it is warmer it doesn’t stop me from drinking several hot cups. I think I will bring us glasses of ice water just for variety.
If we were having coffee, I would tell you I am participating in the Two Writing Teachers March Slice of Life Challenge. Teachers all over the world are posting on their blogs daily and at the TWT blog and then commenting on at least 3 posts. I have read some inspirational posts this week. I am going to miss this challenge when it is over.
If we were having coffee, I would tell you there was lots of testing this week at school. We have a district program called IREADY that requires a diagnostic 3 times a year. We are taking the end of year test a little early in preparation for the state test. There have been some incentives put in place for our 7th and 8th graders and they did much better this time.
If we were having coffee I would tell you I wrote everyday. I also started work on a coaching workshop that I hope to teach within the next year. I want to make it as interactive as possible – no PowerPoint! The other writing I did was reflective. I also worked on a few stories.
If we were having coffee I would tell you I read at least one essay, one poem and one short story every day this week to continue my Bradbury Trio program. I was just recording them in my notebook but now started a Google Folder to log some links. I finished one notebook and started a new one so now the lists are separated!
If we were having coffee, I would tell you our team consultant visited on Wednesday. He is always interesting to talk to. He talked about paying attention to students who are always doing the right thing. Some of the things he said caused me to write 3 notes to students thanking them for various behaviors. One student is a fantastic writer and I am always honored she shares her stories with me. Another student went up 26 points on his diagnostic test which is about 2 grade levels. A third student is always kind and smiling. She is uplifting to everyone around her. I also write a couple thank you notes to teachers. Thank you notes have power!
If we were having coffee, I would tell you the students I gave the envelopes to at first didn’t know what to do with them. In this digital age paper is not common. They weren’t sure if they should open them or not! The looks on their faces were cute and surprised.
If we were having coffee I would tell you I am enjoying the 10 day writing challenge. The prompts are interesting and different. The game name from the Day 1 prompt I liked so well that I am using part of it for my writer bio.
If we were having coffee I would admit to you I did not go to my in real life writing group this week. I was tired and the drive seemed too long to go. I had not prepared a story to share. There is a celebration event I will be going to next month. My online group was not as active this week on the Slack channel. There seems to be a lot going on with them swirling around spring break and college admissions and other life stuff. I have missed the conversations.
If we were having coffee I would tell you yesterday was spent outside. We went to the park and I went for another run. It was 50 degrees and sunny all day! Today will be an inside day with cooler temps and thunderstorms in the forecast. Today is about being low key, reading, and writing!
If we were having coffee I would tell you I loved this chat with you today! It really is a highlight of my week. What is the best thing that happened to you today?
Happy Weekend!
Other weekend coffee share posts are here
You can also read more posts from teacher writers at twowritingteachers.org
I am having my morning coffee and enjoying this chat. I’m interested in the upcoming coaching workshop (with no Powerpoint) that you are developing!
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You have had a busy week! Hope you were able to get some rest this weekend.
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It seems like it is always busy…I am working on it. Yes some rest thankfully
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Oh, oh! I wish we were having coffee because I want to respond to each one of your “If we were having coffee” paragraphs. I must tell you that I totally quit using PowerPoint / Keynote presentations in my all my workshops (I do PD full time as a consultant). I love my document camera! (HoverCam Solo 8) It makes me feel free again like I have a whiteboard and markers to spontaneously engage in learning. Yes, there is an outline, an agenda–a guide. I find myself often switching the order, or going deeper with a point, or chucking another point entirely. I can flow with the needs and interests of teachers. And I really, really love how it makes possible real-time, hands-on, in-the-front-of-the-workshop sharing with all teachers participating. BTW, love your form today!
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Thanks so much!
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Thank you for the chat! Love the thank you notes – I may steal this! And enjoy your cozy indoor day. See you next time:)
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Pingback: Weekend Coffee Share #sol19 | Reflect.Write.Share
You would have been great to share coffee with! I loved this format. Thanks for inspiring me!
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Thank you for the chat and coffee! It sounds like you have had a busy week. If we were having coffee, I would tell you that I have been sending letters to students for the last few years and it is awesome. I send them in the mail. It motivates students that many teachers struggle to motivate. Some kids write a letter back to me and send it to school.:) It was a great week of writing, teaching, parenting, and running. Today, it is 50 degrees and sunny (not typical for this time of the season). Thank you again.
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Of course! Notes to kids home I have done. I never had anyone write me back through the mail! That is fun!! Have a great Sunday!!
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My husband and I went to Fluid this morning – so delicious if you’ve never been! We like to get the Voodoo lattes. I love that you wrote thank you notes to people. They really are powerful. I think a lot of people underestimate them.
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I have not been! I will have to check it out! I love the idea of a voodoo latte
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I love reading about your writing life! If we were having coffee in person, I would ask you so many questions. In this virtual world, I will just return to your blog to read more words of wisdom.
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haha You being in Michigan and me in Northern Indiana maybe we will be at the same event sometime!
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That be awesome! I’m in southern Michigan!
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We will have to try to connect! Or make up our own “conference” and meet!
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As we share over coffee, I’d tell you how much I appreciate your positivity and hard work! Great post!
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Thank you Tammy for this uplifting, as always, post. I liked you sharing the power of letters. I agree with you.
Even though with Facebook and Messenger you can send a personalised note with photos, music, video, it’s not the same as receiving something to keep: to read again and again.
I love to send Christmas cards, Birthday Cards and Postcards when I travel, although I realise I am going more and more digital ! My bookcase is full of Postcards received that I can glance at everyday, rearrange, read again and think about the person who sent them: I then wonder when was the last time I saw them or spoke to them on the phone in ‘real life’ as you so rightly put it.
Keep on writing and sharing. Someday we might even meet if you wish to come to France or I am in your part of the States.
Take care,
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I’m a little late to the weekend coffee share, but I really enjoyed your post. From time to time it’ can be so rewarding to participate in challenges like the ones you described. Thank you for sharing them with us. The coffee was great! I like mine black and hot as well 🙂
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Thanks for having coffee with me!!! You are always welcome. There is no expiration on visiting
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Thank you 🙏
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