What's This Planning Ahead Stuff?

So, as I was scrolling through countless pages of people I hardly know posting about how thankful they are about their spouses, kids, jobs, freedoms, salvation, Twinkies--none of which are to be discounted--I remember that December is coming soon.  And for those few who have followed this blog for the past few years, you know that I do some kind of daily post during the months of December.  It started as a repentant purging of my blogging laxness two years ago.  And so I posted once a day about something that I was thankful for...non-traditional items in most cases.

last year, I posted a music video each day.  That was pretty cool, and I experienced my highest viewership up to that point.  Now I face a conundrum.  How do I top that?  Or, at least, what can I follow up with?  What do I go to this year for my daily December schtick?  I need a new gimmick.  I have a few ideas, but I'm not too sure they would work.  So I'm open to ideas.  What could I post about on a daily basis that fits me?

Please help me brainstorm as I am up to my eyeballs in bad student writing right now.  I feel my brain might just melt--not Wicked Witch of the West melt, mind you, but more like Nazi dudes at the end of Raiders of the Lost Ark melt.

What is Literacy?

Yes, I realize that it's been nearly a month since I've written, so I've decided to try an interactive post of sorts.  Since I've started back up with the Ed.D. assignments, I've been doing quite a bit of thinking, reading, reflecting, etc. that have kept me from posting more regularly.  Of course I'm familiar with the bit about good intentions and pavement, so I'll just skip all that guilt crap, although I will have some more interesting posts when I can buy a minute or two of my life back.  (Don't ask, "What life?").  Really.  I have a few things from my classroom to share. I might even use pictures.  For now, quit bellyachin' and be content that there's actually something new here.

I'd really appreciate for all of you (yes, all four) to join in this conversation.  I recently addressed an anticipatory prompt in my Theories and Models of Literacy class the following:

What is literacy? What are all the sub-components of literacy? What is reading? What is writing? How would you characterize a literate person? Please describe a "literate" person that you know.

In a few days, I will post my response.  In the meantime, I'd like to hear what you have to say.  This generated quite a good conversation on the discussion boards.  Honestly, I am interested to hear your thoughts and opinions.  Don't worry, there is no one right answer, there will be no quiz on Friday either.

Please just post your thoughts as a comment; or I guess, if you are too shy, you could email them to me. You don't even have to address the entire prompt; a neat little slice would suffice.  Thanks.

P.S.  Yes, I know I could do this on the English Ning, but this is more intimate.  No super weirdos (unless you count me).

More of a Bluish-White Than Anything

In one of my doctoral classes, we've been discussing/playing/analyzing different leadership styles and methods. Quite a bit of leadership depends on who you are as a person as well as understanding those foolish enough to follow you (hence my contentment for junior high. J/K).

Today we looked at The Color Code by Taylor Hartman. There are some books that explain the categorization of identifying your personality type, but here is the link to his website. We've all taken several different variations of these tests, perhaps you've taken the Hartman test, or the Meyers-Briggs assessment, or maybe just a self-made fortune teller on the bus ride to fifth grade.

In the past, I have usually been pretty equally balanced across the categories, colors, shapes, acronyms, whatever. Even back in 9th grade when the counselors came in to help us determine what career path we should undertake, I was never dominant in one personality trait. Nothing ever really stuck out. By the way, the test results said I should be a clergyman, a middle school teacher, or a summer camp counselor. How'd'ya like them apples?

This morning, however, two of the Hartman colors sort of emerged from the other two, leaving them in the dust so to speak. The two-horse race labeled me as predominantly white, followed closely by blue, thus leaving my red and yellow selves somewhere in the past. Now, I don't believe all these things, as I do Miss Cleo and her tarot cards (remember her?), but it was interesting for me to ponder the way I see myself. And it made me wonder how others perceived me. So I ask you, my dear friends, a favor (yes, again), to help me with a little self-research.

Here is a link for a version of Hartman's test that doesn't have you create a profile with the website. Would you take a look, and while you take the test for yourself, shoot me a comment to let me know if you think I fit the bluish-white profile that I fell into today.

Here are a couple of descriptors I found about my particular combination. There are other more detailed interpretations. See if they fit. Also, if you can't find (online) how to analyze your score, let me know, and I'll send you another link.

Blues love to give of themselves to others. Intimacy, connecting, creating quality relationships and having purpose is what drives these people. Their natural gifts include quality and service. Blues can be counted on to be loyal, sincere, and thoughtful.

Whites are peacekeepers! Peace, or the absence of conflict, is what motivates a White. Clarity and tolerance are White gifts. Whites are also known for their qualities of kindness, adaptability, and patience.

If you are a Blue-White combination, you are comfortable. You express yourself softly and sincerely. Your personality is easy to read. People find you determined, yet flexible. You are someone with whom almost anyone can get along.

Is that me?

Happy National Day on Writing!

Last year, to celebrate this special occasion, I started this blog. I've made a little progress, picked up a few confused disciples along the way, and I've even done a bit of writing.

This year, I'd like to submit one of my previous blog posts to the National Gallery on Writing. I'm asking you, my readers, to comment as to which piece you believe I should attempt to publish. Feel free to browse my past posts, or if you know of some other piece I've done in the past (or am currently working on) that you think is worthy to be published--or close enough--let me know.

Here are a few possibilities arranged chronologically backward:

20 Aug Bring It On!
18 Jul Swears and Voice
1 Mar Back-to-Back-to Back Donut Jack
14 Feb Valentine Splat!
16 Dec Low Brow
26 Oct "Quality Piece"
22 Oct Where Do I Write?


In the meantime, I'll be working on a few pieces with my students today, and I might post one or two over the course of the day. Or maybe my conscience might get to me and I'll be writing my part of a group presentation for tomorrow.

I look forward to hearing from you.

Tips from Gary and a Favor

Last Friday I went to a reading by Newbery and Printz winning author Gary D. Schmidt. I first read Lizzie Bright and the Buckminster Boy when it first one the Newbery Honor. I enjoyed the voice so much that dashed to the local library to find all I could by Gary. I only found one dusty, old copy of Anson's Way, and it was tucked behind a few other new but never-read novels. (Thanks, Payson.) The crisp, bent pages made me doubtful, but I was pleasantly surprised. I thoroughly enjoyed it, even though seventh graders might shun the lack of immediate action. But that was all. Nothing else. The library didn't even have Lizzie Bright...yet.

And then I read The Wednesday Wars, one of my favorite new novels to explore with seventh graders. It is so full of meaning and description and beauty and sorrow and humor and everything. Wow!

So, here are a few tidbits of writing wisdom I picked up from Gary before I dropped a load (of cash) on more of his books, including the last copy of the book with my name in the title!

** The first thing Gary does when creating a plot is to find the narrator's voice. He tries to capture it, get it in his head before unfolding what happens. By doing so, you can understand what you want to say and how you want to say it. It's also important to distinguish between the voice of the author and the voice of the narrator/character.

** First drafts are simply that. "It's not brain surgery. You don't have to get it right the first time."

** Most young adult novels need to explode into the story. But every once in while try and break the rules (see his novel Trouble).

** Writing is discipline. You need to establish and keep a routine. You must write every day.

I think this is where I go wrong. Duh. Gary writes 500 words per day on each project he is currently working on. When he reaches that mark, he makes notes for the next day's work, to establish continuity. He also rereads any previous work on a chapter while writing a first draft. (Gary also uses a typewriter for each first draft. Think Grandma Walker will let me use hers?)

I guess I just need to get back into a habit of writing. To update my goals, I think I'll start baby taking baby steps, Dr. Leo Marvin, with a mere 15 minutes each day. It doesn't need to be perfect, or necessarily a draft of a novel, but I need to keep writing.

Could I ask all you awesome people out there to keep me on track? Check up on me every so often? Just ask me how I'm doing on my 15 minutes? I'd appreciate it. Thanks.

One last thought from Gary:
"Writing is never served by being in a hurry."
True dat.