April 24th eMinutes RWP 2010

Good mornings and smiles were exchanged between 8:00- 8:30 . Teacher Consultants and Mentors arrived and ate merrily. There was some drama when the coffee maker once again decided to misbehave. Of course it was the decaf one. Bad decaf!

The morning's events began festivley with introductions and Sue presented things to come for our day and for upcoming ISI.
The first activity was lead by Mary Ann Loch. Particiapnts wrote down their favorite song lyrics (as much as they could remember) . They then turned to a partner and stated the lyrics out loud to one another as if in conversation. Many giggles were heard as metaphorical ice was broken for the day.

The members then passionatley dove into Writing Time. Pens and pencils were heard against paper as well as the sound of bubbly typing for those lucky enough to be laptopping. Writing Time rocks.

Mrs. Stefanie Watson, facilitator extraordinaire assigned chapters and sections to members for reading in Because Writing Matters. Members read vigorously then presented their sections Jigsaw style. Juicy tidbits of information about writing, teaching, and pedagogy overall were exchanged and celebrated. Critical thinking was happening intensely.

Members then celebrated with some eTime.

Lunch was delicious and was from Rita's. Thank you Rita.

Post edibalus was a wonderful presentation from the fabulous Susan Bennett. She gave the group an activity for editing caled Fishbowl. It is a great way to rethink response groups for the editing process. The group was fortunate enough to have participated in an example Fishbowl setting. Ms. Bennett read from her current novel (in progress) and the group was riveted by her prose. A good session of fun and learning!

Our gorgeous and intelligent facilitator then asked us to participate in yet another Writing Activity. Write the World is a fun writing activity where one recollects his/her day and writes it down in a timeline Cornell Note fashion. The goal is to find a kernel of inspiration for writing. This activity is so fun, and it works.

Closing out our day, the members gathered together to plan for our committees. People had some grandiose ideas that will hopefully will come to fruition. Until next time RWP. Go ISI!!