It was our first publishing event and when the whirlwind of set up finally settled, I began to look about the room and notice what happens within the nooks and crannies of an experience like this one. What I noticed I think was something necessary. In the quiet of the classroom, where students wore masks and kept themselves at a distance, there were humans connecting with other humans. They connected in the room with reading and writing, in ways that maybe only quiet can bring into light. These young writers connected with one another with small pieces of colored paper―notes left for the authors. I don’t really know if there could be anything much more powerful than moments like these in a classroom. “I’m sorry about your sister…” “I loved your story… it made me laugh…” “I hope you didn’t have anything else that is bad.” “Your story made me sad. But I loved it…” If there were a way to see what healing looks like, I’m sure it was then that it happened.
5 Comments
10/28/2020 04:24:34 am
I just love this. I've been searching for rays of sunshine these days, little signs that the kids will be okay, and this is it. Thank you!
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Kristin Dungan
11/3/2020 07:06:55 pm
You have inspired me to have a publishing party. I have allowed 2020 chaos to keep me from doing some of the things I love. Thank you for the reminder.
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11/8/2020 12:01:24 pm
Wow! I love this! I am trying to get my students to do this online. It's going...slowly. Thanks for sharing.
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AuthorI write. I read. I learn... and then I write some more. Archives
July 2020
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