NWP 2010 Annual Meeting

Indiana Writing Project at 2010 NWP Annual Meeting

Back Row - Liz Ralfe, Shirley Thacker, Barb Miller, Linda Hanson, Tammy Taylor, Linda Walker, Matt Hartman, Alena Bogucki
Front Row - Robin Sowder, Heather Abernathy, Linda Valley, Joy Dewing, Jaime Ellis

The Indiana Writing Project was proud to send twelve of its teacher-consultants and leaders to participate in the National Writing Project’s Annual Meeting, which was held this year in Orlando, Florida from Thursday, November 18 through Friday, November 19. During the two-day conference, teachers took part in sessions on a wide range of topics, including digital literacies, working with primary source documents, games for education and social impact, and arenas to publish student writing. Visit the NWP website for photos, videos, and additional highlights of the Annual Meeting.

Reflecting on lessons from the NWP Annual Meeting, Joy Dewing (IWP TC '04) shares, "The sessions at this year’s NWP Annual Meeting in Orlando, Florida were ‘magical’ and gave me many ideas to bring back to our IWP site. TCs from the University of Illinois Writing Project shared their work with digital portfolios. Using flip cameras, each SI fellow creates a short (about 3 minutes) literacy autobiography video during the first week of SI. The videos are one of the artifacts posted on each fellow’s website. Writing completed during SI is also posted on the TC’s website. The digital portfolios make the fellow’s writing more visible to a wider audience. The presenters also shared other ideas for networking, including a “social network ice cream social” in which fellows learn about social networking sites, sign up for NWPi and the site’s facebook page, and meet TCs from other years while eating ice cream sundaes. They also suggested using itunesU to create podcasts of the demos or read alouds. To aid in collecting photos from the institute, they have a site Flikr site. When fellows take photos, they upload them to Flikr and tag them immediately. The Flikr site is linked to their Writing Project webpage so they have both a record of photos from previous summers and a constantly updating collection from the current year. A TC from the Spartanburg Writing Project shared how her site encouraged professional development through their use of technology. Instead of a daily log, the site uses a blog. She explained that the conversations that begin during the day continue into the evening during the Summer Institute. Their site also podcasts their author’s chair to share writing with a wider audience. A third idea this TC suggested was offering a Comp Camp focused on writing with technology for older students. She also shared the website pearltrees.com which helps to organize and link websites. I can envision our IWP site using Pearl Trees as a electronic “Wall of Begats”.

In another session called “Developing and Responding to Teaching Demos in ISI” TCs from Eastern Shore Writing Project shared how they’ve moved their demo lessons into inquiry lessons. IWP moved to this model a few years ago, so I was interested to hear ideas for how this idea was working at other sites. Our IWP site has used a team approach to coaching demo lessons for a few years. The TCs from Easter Shore bring back fellows from previous years as “thinking buddies”. These buddies work with 2-3 fellows and help them think about and develop their lessons. Using thinking buddies has freed up the SI co-directors and has improved their continuity. It has also given the fellows someone outside of the Institute to share ideas with and a connection to other TCs.
During a session called “Writing in ISI” I explored some of my “burning questions” about education and had the opportunity to write about education issues from different stances. The San Diego Area Writing Project TCs shared how they develop fellows for leadership through their fall and spring conferences. In the General Session Friday morning, Donalyn Miller, author of The Book Whisperer shared her own struggles in writing. She suggested that teachers need to “stop worrying about how to teach an essay and think about how [we] would write it” and reminded us that “we are writers because we write.” I’m looking forward to sharing her book with teachers in my school next semester. Friday evening ended with a social and appearances by Mickey, Minnie, Daisy Duck, and Goofy. Overall, this year’s NWP Annual Conference was a magical experience and left me refreshed and ready for another Writing Project summer!"

[Left] - IWP TC (2010) Jaime Ellis (second from right, in striped shirt) shares during a roundtable session at NWP.

Alena Bogucki, IWP TC '07, noted on her classroom blog that two of the biggest "Ah-ha" moments of the NWP Annual Meeting came during a roundtable session on digital literacies; she said, "I realized that perhaps 'new' literacy is something that has no official academic standard or assigned role in day to day life, but is an enrichment and illumination, a new means of being and communicating. It affects our lives and way of life before we know where the ripples will end or evolve into. New literacy is very personal and dependent on the user; it has not been canonized. As well, Bee Foster from the Area 3 Writing Project offered an astute observation that 'If it contains meaning, it's [an opportunity for] reading. If it requires a process to create, it's [an opportunity for] writing'; this informed my view of literacy in and out of the classroom." Bogucki added, "Attending and participating at the NWP Annual Meeting is such an uplifting, empowering experience; there is a tangible energy of purposeful action, collaboration, and collegiality at NWP."

"During the General Session one of the speakers said, 'It is not the harvest of writing that we celebrate, but the planting of seeds that will carry us on for years to come!' I have thought about that often since November," Shirley Thacker, IWP 2007 TC, reflected. She continued, "It isn't one piece of writing that is so important, but the excitement of the doing the work on perhaps a daily basis. We learned in SI that it isn't the writing that is so important, but giving our attention to the writer. Boosting their confidence, teaching them the craft, introducing them to wonderful mentor text that will inspire them to write. . . ultimately making that reading - writing connection. That will give them the power to believe that they are writers, they are authors, they are successful. . . to keep planting those seeds."

Looking ahead, IWP's Core Council is already making plans to get even more IWP TCs to next year's National Writing Project Annual Meeting, which will be held "in our backyard" - Chicago!

Nominate a colleague for Summer Institute

TCs, do you have a colleague who would be a good fit for the Summer Institute? It's easy to nominate someone with the online form on IWP's website.

Visioning Retreat

IWP Teaching Consultants, this Saturday we will be gathering for our annual Visioning Retreat to collaborate on our vision for the future of the site. What should we be trying to accomplish this year? How do we get where we want to be? Come be part of the discussion!

Meet the 2010 IWP Teacher Consultants

Meet the new 2010 Indiana Writing Project Teacher Consultants. Learn about each Summer Institute fellow by reading their reflections on the SI experience, and checking out their project boards.

Leigh Bivens

"The fellowship and learning with other professionals at ISI has caused me to question my own philosophy of teaching writing and in turn will impact my classroom as I implement the best practices found in Writer's Workshop."

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Lindsey Cary

"The Invitational Summer Institute was a life-changing experience. Instead of being someone who writes, I became a writer! I can't wait to implement Writing Workshop in my classes. My students will start to see themselves as writers, too!"

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Rena Dossett

"It has been a very meaningful learning adventure in the Invitational Summer Institute of the Indiana Writing Project. I hope to be able to incorporate the Writer's Workshop philosophy and practice in all my future professional endeavors."

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Jaime Ellis

"Writing workshop was just what I needed. I am excited to go back to the classroom because it has transformed me as a teacher, not just of writing, but of all the subjects. The kids are gonna' love it!"

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Steph Hedge

"It was a much needed reminder that, for all the wisdom I want to impart to my students, it doesn't mean a thing if they're not writing. My students need to just write. And I can't wait to give them the opportunity."

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Amanda Hosier

"The ISI has allowed me to spend quality time discovering how I want to teach writing in my classroom. I am positive, through the research and practice I've done in this class, that Writing Workshop will allow my students to become successful writers."

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Melody Ivey

"This summer with ISI, I have grown as a writer and as a teacher of writing. I think I got the best possible progression in going through Open Institute last summer and ISI this summer. I now have a rock-solid base that will spring me into becoming the ultimate teacher of writers!"

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Mary King

"This summer, I was immersed in the theory and practice of Writing Workshop and now am more convinced than ever that it is the best way to teach writing in our schools."

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Andrew Mishler

"ISI is the best Professional Development I have ever experienced. It has changed my philosophy of education and will significantly improve my curriculum. I have enjoyed working with all the members of the institute, and have gained some wonderful friends. We are the cool group!"

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Karen Neubauer

"Being immersed in the ISI, I see that the workshop format is not just for writers (or those who think of themselves as writers, but for writing. It's only by doing the work of writing in a community that supports it that we become better writers. I'm ready to trust the process and build community with my students."

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Anne Reagan

"ISI has been exciting, engaging, and entertaining. It has challenged me to look differently at myself as a teacher and as a student and pledge for change. I am inspired by the Fellows who have surrounded me this past month. I am grateful and blessed to be a part of it and to share in our growth."

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Jeri Tarvin

"Thank you ISI. Thank you for the shot in the arm I needed to brush off the cobwebs of my brain and challenge my teacher heart. Thank you for the camaraderie and fellowship I have experienced with the most intellectually stimulating group I have ever met. Thank you, ISI."

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Bill Valley

"The Invitational Summer Institute has created a new paradigm shift within me. It culminates by empowering student learning through Writing Workshop. I am equipped with best practices and dear friends to help - I am Write Man."

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Mandie Walker

"The Invitational Summer Institute has reminded me that I am a writer and of the love I have for writing. I am so excited to share my new knowledge and embark on an amazing writing journey with my students!"

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Summer Institute Facilitators:
Tammy Taylor, Linda Valley, and Jane Snider

The Power of Writing: A Reflection of ISI

In ISI on Writing Workshop

by Bill Valley, TC 2010

Busy, incredibly busy
Learn, experience
Drink in every innuendo
Every phrase, new concept, and thought
Relishing the voice of sparks flying
Of what was said? I didn’t quite get that?
Wondering how this applies to my classroom
On new ideas in a crescendo of complete harmony
“I got it! I got it!” embarking on a new idea…

We new Fellows come with excess baggage
Loaded with thoughts
Pregnant with our fixed ideas
Wanting to share our best practices
Boast of our kids’ writings
Embolden to articulate our students’ works
Questioning the new ideas, concepts, trains of thought
That don’t quite sound right to our ears.
“What was that? What was that?” smashing preconceived ideas…

I stand alone in our group questioning my very being
Embarrassed to shame
Enlightened to hope
Stinging reality I am trapped in Standardized Testing
In the same old tired strategies
Driven by governmental mandates
Realizing I own the fact my teaching (methodology) misses the mark
Students don’t own their learning; or even care.
“It’s a failure! It’s a failure!” wondering why I even teach…

Suddenly, through time our thoughts begin to gel
Awed in inept wonder
Inspired in our very hearts
Writing we rise from the ashes a member of IWP
On the shoulders of the greats we read
Rejoicing in the words of the writing process
From Atwells, Fletchers, Katie Wood Rays
Co-Facilitators who foster Voice and Content and Craft
“We are writers! We are writers!” teaching with power –

Professional members of NWP!

Summer Reading for You and Your Students

Based on the events of September 11, 2001, Love is the Higher Law, David Levithan’s newest novel, is the undeniable literary grandchild of John Hersey’s nonfiction masterpiece Hiroshima. Dually founded on the brutal, chaotic physical and emotional aftermath of history-altering days, Love is the Higher Law and Hiroshima are captivating accounts of the frank and bittersweet details of each respective anthropological catastrophe. As well, both texts employ character-specific chapters to recount that individual’s thoughts and well-being; this collage of characters’ perceptions and conditions works to communicate to readers the commotion and turmoil of the minutes, hours, days, weeks, and months following these turning-point days of personal and world history.

Chronicling the “before,” “during,” and “after” of 9/11 in the lives and relationships of three New York City teenagers, Love is the Higher Law is told through the male and female protagonists’ raw, poignant voices in independent, episodic narratives. While you may first notice the dramatic, panoramic photograph of the Tribute in Light radiating from the cover of Love is the Higher Law, the contents of David Levithan’s 2009 work of fiction also delivers. Levithan’s incorporation of conversations and e-mails between characters, intimate places and realities known only to New Yorkers in the attack’s immediate aftermath, the new-found meaning of song lyrics, and the uncertainty of “getting back to life as usual” combine to satisfy, and illustrate, the promise of the book’s abstract, beatitude title.

Reviewed by Alena Bogucki, TC 2007

This Week at the Indiana Writing Project

This last week of June and first week of July finds the Indiana Writing Project's summer activities in full-swing.

Left - Comp Camp teacher Christie Dalton (TC 2008) listens as two students participate in Share Time. This summer, the elementary Comp Camp is being taught by Christie Dalton, and Maria Holden (TC 2001); the middle and high school Comp Camp teachers are Jenny Smithson (TC 2003) and Betsy Duckworth (TC 2008). On Friday, July 2, students' friends and families will enjoy the Celebration featuring read-alouds of students' published writing.

For more information about Comp Camp and to see students' writing published in an online anthology visit the IWP website.


Below - Fellows in this year's IWP Summer Institute are visited by teacher consultants and Open Institute participants during the Brown Bag Lunch on Wednesday, June 30.

Summer 2010 Advanced Institute: Teaching with Technology

During the week of Monday, June 14, through Friday, June 18, the first of this summer's IWP Advanced Institutes offered teacher consultants the opportunity and support to explore various technologies and incorporate these new tools into their lessons and classrooms for the coming school year. "Teaching with Technology" was attended by Becky Thibodeau (TC 2005) and Gail Gayda (TC 2009), and was co-taught by Casey McCardle (TC 2008), Matt Hartman (TC 2007), and Alena Bogucki (TC 2007).

Throughout the week-long workshop, attendees learned about and experimented with blogs, Prezi, PowerPoint, Google Calendar, Weebly, and delicious. Here are links to some of the projects created by the "Teaching with Technology" participants: check out Becky's innovative Movie Maker log, and website; and, see the neat wordle art on Gail's blog, and the class website she is preparing for the new school year.

"Teaching with Technology" Advanced Institute
Front Row - Gail (TC 2009) and Becky (TC 2005)
Back Row - Alena (TC 2007), Casey (TC 2008), and Matt (TC 2007)

Computers and Writing 2010: "Virtual Worlds"

On Saturday, May 22, and Sunday, May 23, six representatives of the Indiana Writing Project (Matt Hartman, TC '07; Robin Sowder, TC '02; Barb Miller, TC '09; Jodie Scales, '09; Alena Bogucki, TC '07; and, Carrie Milliner, TC '01) attended the annual Computers and Writing Conference, which was held this year at Purdue University in West Lafayette, Indiana. During the two days, IWP teacher consultants participated in a variety of workshops, demonstrations, and discussions focused on new technology and applications for such programs within elementary, secondary, and higher education; the Computers and Writing program may be viewed here.

Buckwell University's Eric Faden began his lunchtime presentation with an amusing clip entitled "A Fair(y) Use Tale," which features soundbites and clips from Disney films to educate the audience about copyright laws and fair use guidelines.

If you are interested in collaborating to create a program session for the 2011 Computers and Writing Conference, "Writing in Motion: Traversing Public/Private Spaces," at the University of Michigan, contact IWP Site Director Linda Hanson.

Comp Camp

The spring 2010 IWP Comp Camp concluded on Saturday, April 24, with a Young Authors Celebration. In addition to hearing readings by the Comp Camp authors, family and friends in attendance also enjoyed participating in a miniature writing marathon based on notable and historic sites across the Ball State University campus. Students received their own print copies of the group anthology at the celebration, and will also have their writing published in an online anthology.

Above - Spring 2010 Comp Campers

Visit the Indiana Writing Project website to get information about registering for future IWP Comp Camps. The upcoming summer 2010 Comp Camp will occur Monday through Friday, June 21 through July 2. Elementary-age students in grades 2 through 5 will attend camp from 9AM-12PM, and the camp for middle and high school students will occur from 1PM-4PM each day.

IWP at the 2010 NWP Spring Meeting

From Wednesday, March 24, through Friday, March 26, the Indiana Writing Project was represented at the 2010 National Writing Project Spring Meeting in Washington, D.C. by IWP Site Director Linda Hanson, IWP Co-Director Linda Walker, and local teachers Barbara Miller(TC 2009) of Cowan High School and Alena Bogucki (TC 2007) from Alexandria-Monroe High School. Once at the Spring Meeting, the IWP representatives were joined by Kristin Katsu, a Teacher Consultant from the Hoosier Writing Project and a Language Arts teacher at Noblesville High School.

One of the main objectives of the NWP Spring Meeting was to share with legislators the unique impact the National Writing Project has on teachers, students, and learning. On Thursday, March 25, the delegation from Indiana shared the accomplishments and efforts of the six Writing Project sites across Indiana in the offices of U.S. representatives Brad Ellsworth, Andre Carson, Joe Donnelly, Mark Souder, Mike Pence, Dan Burton, and U.S. senators Richard Lugar and Evan Bayh.

Pictured from left to right:
Alena Bogucki (IWP TC), Barbara Miller (IWP TC), Kristin Katsu (HWP TC),
Indiana 7th District Congressman Andre Carson,
Linda Hanson (IWP Site Director), and Linda Walker (IWP Co-Director)

During the Spring Meeting keynote on Friday, March 26, Katherine Schultz, professor at the University of Pennsylvania, shared the research behind her 2009 book Rethinking Classroom Participation: Listening to Silent Voices. The final day of the NWP Spring Meeting wrapped up with a selection of roundtable discussions focused on issues related to the classroom practice, core standards, partnerships between sites and schools, research, professional reading, and the history of the National Writing Project.

The Power of Writing: In Her Own Words

Drops by Peace

Chapter One: Goodbye

“I don’t understand why we have to go, I love it here. There’s everything we need here.” I said, but I knew that I didn’t have everything I needed, a mom.

“I know you don’t want to go, but we have to go because we don’t have enough money and I need more help on the farm.” Dad replied.

“I told you I can help.”

“Sam,” he said looking at me. I could see the sorrow in his eyes. I knew he didn’t want to leave either, but I knew we had to. I looked away because if I looked any longer I would cry. I turned around and headed up the stairs to finish packing. I found Mama’s favorite book that fell from my nightstand. She gave it to me two weeks before she died.

I finished cramming everything into my bag I started to go down stairs, but I had to look at the empty room one last time. It seemed so plain. I heard the truck start so I ran down the stairs and out the door. It slammed shut and I got into the truck.

Dad was waiting, I could tell he had been crying and I knew why, we had to leave all the memories of Mama behind. When we started to pull out of the driveway, he looked at me and said, “Would you like to say goodbye one last time? And don’t forget Mittens.”

“Okay, I’ll be back.” I got out of the truck and hurried through the rusty barn door. Mittens came running towards me as soon as I opened the door. I picked her up and kissed her on the back. She meowed. I looked at the barn, there was cobwebs everywhere and dirt all over the floor. I loved it in here, I always wrote poems sitting on hay bales. Then I would send them to Grandma, she loved reading my poems.

I walked out, shut the old door, and got into the truck. We started to drive and after hours and hours of driving, we reached a small white house behind tall, green trees.

Chapter Two: New Home

This was my new home. I might never be able to see the farm again. It made me sad to think about never being there and that the farm would never be my home again, now it was just a house in the middle of fields and trees.

I grabbed my suitcase and Mittens, then I heard a screech. I looked up and saw the screen door opening. “You’re here!” yelled Grandma. Dad went over to her and gave her a hug. She squeezed him hard. I could tell because he had an awful look on his face, but he smiled. I laughed a little.
I picked up my bags and started for the door, but Grandma gave me a big hug. She does squeeze hard, but I felt safe in her arms. But there was one thing that wasn’t good about the hug, she smelled like Mama. It reminded me of that horrible night. The night Mama died. I hated that April night, it was raining hard. It was very dark outside. Only a few stars shined, the moon was covered by the clouds, and you could barely see anything through the rain. We were heading home from the doctor, but Mama never made it home because of that big truck. Mama and I were talking about the baby. I was hoping for a girl, but I’ll never know because Dad and I lost two people that night, Mama and Anna is what I wanted to name her.

When Grandma let go, I almost fell over. “Sammy, George! I thought you would never make it. I wanted to see my little Sammy for so long. I’ve been waiting for years, ten years ago since I’ve seen you two, it seems. Grandma said with a huge smile on her face.

“Oh Rosie, it’s only been a few months.” Dad said smiling, too. He laughed. He hadn’t laughed since Mama died. Four months ago Mama died, Grandma went to the funeral.

“Well, it has seemed like forever. Now let’s get inside before the storm hits.” I’ve hated storms after Mama died.

Chapter Three: Rain

It only drizzled after we went inside. There was nothing to do, so I watched it drop. It was coming down fast now. It made everything look different and blurry, and then it started to thunder and lightning.

Grandma came in and watched it with me for a few minutes, then she handed me a couple pieces of paper and a pencil. “ Write a poem for me.” I smiled and went onto the porch to write.
There were two rocking chairs, one for Grandma and one for Grandpa, but now it was only Grandma, with a small table in between. A few drops of rain hit me on my shirt. I could hear the rain pounding on the awning. I thought a little while about what to write about. Then I looked up at the rain, it was calm. There were puddles everywhere, it reminded me of Mama. She was calm.

Chapter Four: Mama

Mama loved it outside, the birds chirping and the bees buzzing. She loved painting, too. I’d never be as good as her. She liked to paint the outdoors most of all. I started out like this;

‘I’m writing this poem
Far away from home
Because my mama died’
I crossed that part out and put,
‘I’m writing this poem
Far away from home
I wish my mama didn’t die
Because I didn’t get a chance to say goodbye
I miss her so much’

I crossed all it out and then a drop of water hit the paper. I realized it was my tear. I tried to think of something else. I crumbled up the paper and went inside.

“School is about to start,” Grandma said as I threw the paper away.

“I know.”

“Well, you better get ready for it.”

“I will.” I felt sad thinking of Mama and the rain. Rain always made me feel gloomy, like I was tired of life, but I wasn’t. I love life and try to cherish every moment because I could die tomorrow. I might never see my family again. I went to my new room and shut the door.

Chapter Five: School

It was time for school tomorrow and it was already late. I made sure I had everything for school and went to bed.

In the morning I woke up early to feed Mittens, but of course Dad was already up drinking coffee at the small table. I got some cereal and milk, got dressed, brushed my teeth, and did my hair.
The bus was coming down the road when I got to the end of the driveway. My heart had butterflies in it. I was going to be the new kid.

The bus ride wasn’t bad and then when I got in Miss Daniels class, I was introduced to her class and everyone went around and said their name. There was another new kid in her class, his name was Alex. He was bald. He was also very shy and he didn’t say much.

“Hello,” I said as he sat in the empty seat next to me. He smiled, but didn’t say anything back.
School didn’t seem very long and when I got home Dad was at the store and Grandma was picking vegetables in the garden. I went to my room and did my homework. I only had to read a few chapters in our new book and a little bit of math.

When I finished, I remembered I had to write a poem, so I went outside, walked through the woods, and found a tree to sit in to write. Soon the leaves would change color and fall to the ground. I didn’t like fall or winter because I think it’s too cold and you always get sick. And you never feel good.

I decided to write about summer. How everything shines and seems happy. And how everything seems to be okay in the summer. I drew a small apple at the end, it wasn’t very good, but it was best. Mama was the best at drawing things.

Chapter Six: Cancer

Miss Daniels said she loved my poem and hung it on the bulletin board. Alex’s was the best poem though, it was about having chemo. I felt bad for him, he must hurt every day. Grandpa had cancer, that’s how he died. I couldn’t imagine having cancer.

When he came to the back of the room to sit down, I saw a small tear drop from his eye. I tried to make him feel better, “I’m so sorry. I couldn’t imagine-“ then I realized it made him feel worse because I saw more tears drip from his eye.

That night when I went home I told Dad all about it, he didn’t say anything back, but I could tell he cared and was listening.

Chapter Seven: Dream

Every night I pray for Mama, Grandpa and, Alex. I thought about all of them while I lay in bed. I had a little trouble sleeping, but sometime in the night I fell asleep. I had a dream about the night Mama died. It wasn’t raining, it was snowing and we slid off of the road and ran into a tree. I only remember part of it, but I woke up at the end of the dream right before Mama died in the hospital bed. It was sort of like what really happened, Mama lying in the hospital bed that she loved me right before I heard a loud beep. A million tears were running down my face. I couldn’t stand thinking about that.

That day at school Alex and I talked and I guess we became friends. He is really nice. His chemo has gotten worse. He told me that he didn’t feel good. He went home early that day.
When I got home I did my usual routine. For dinner we had green beans from Grandma’s garden, corn bread, chicken and ice tea. The cornbread was chewy, but the green beans were delicious.

I played with Mittens for a while, watching a movie. He fell asleep in my arms. I fell asleep, too because I woke up the next morning lying in my bed.

Chapter Eight: Alex

Alex came back a week after he missed school. He said, “I’m not doing so good, but I wanted to come to school.” Below his eyes he had dark circles and he was pale.

He came to school for a few more weeks, but Miss Daniels told the class that Alex has moved to find a place with a better hospital. I couldn’t help but cry, Alex had been my only friend. I hope he would get better, but what if he didn’t. I was thinking the worst things, but then I realized that things just happen for a reason, like how Mama and Grandpa died. Maybe Alex would get better and live life to the fullest or go to a better place, but I didn’t know what would happen because I can’t make things happen. Everything just has to go along, you can’t control life and if it’s not good you’ll be hurt, sad, and you’d miss what you had, but you would always have the memory and the love. That’s why you need to cherish every moment of your life because your life could end tomorrow or someone you know. Remember every little, happy moment of your life because you could lose all of it in a second. Your tears will drop, the rain will fall, and things might not turn out to be good, but live life and be thankful to have it.

About the Author - In Her Own Words

My name is Peace and I'm 11 years old. I live in Gaston, Indiana and born on February 3rd, 1999. I go to Wes-Del Elementary and I’m in fifth grade. I have two brothers, a sister, and my mom and dad. I have two cats, two dogs, and 3 horses. I love to write poems and stories, I love to be outside, taking pictures, and I love animals. My favorite colors are light blue, lime green, orange and yellow. I also like summer and spring, to draw and paint, do crafts, play volleyball, and read books. I’m inspired to write from reading. I love to write!

About the Author - In Her Mom's Words

I did tell Peace that she should put in her "All about the author" that she has an anxiety disorder called Selective Mutism (SM), but she didn't want to. But, when I asked her if you could write anything you wanted about the author, she said, "Sure." I didn't specifically ask about the SM, but she's a smart girl so I think she knew what I meant by the expression on my face. Maybe this is her way of it not being her, but somebody else to tell her story.

She only uses her voice around us....nobody else. No friends even if they are here (at our home). She has been this way since she was three years old. It seems sad to me, but she seems extremely happy. I know it bothers her because she cries and wants to be normal (like “the other kids” is how she puts it). My heart goes out to her and it is hard to be her mother and watch this daily. My hope is that someday she will be able to use her voice to just have a normal day.....to interact with the kids at school, to voice her opinion, to ask the teacher a question.....it has to be so hard being her. I could not imagine how hard it must be to have not talked to any of my friends at all since the age of 3 and now she is 11...... eight years of being silent. When will the silence end? That is all I really want to know. - Angie, Peace’s mom

Submitted by Shirley Thacker, TC 2007

2010 NWP Indiana Network Retreat

During the last weekend of February, over forty representatives from the six Writing Project sites across Indiana gathered together in Indianapolis for the annual National Writing Project Indiana Network Retreat. Below, you will see a collection of photos featuring IWP Teacher Consultants involved in the weekend's activities.




Left - Tammy Taylor reads a mentor text while leading a teaching demonstration, which featured color-coding of feelings, dialogue, setting description, and action to guide revision.






Above - Shirley Thacker (TC 2007), Heather Poston (TC 2009), Jamie Stapleton (TC 2009), and IWP Co-Director Linda Walker compose letters and postcards to state representatives and senators to encourage support of IWP and NWP.


Right - Jenny Smithson (TC 2003) and Betsy Duckworth (TC 2008) work to set up the "National Writing Project Indiana Network" Community on The Learning Connection website.


Above - Jenny Smithson (TC 2003), Robin Sowder (TC 2002), and D'Anne Ettl (TC 2005) of the Indiana Writing Project participate in a breakout session on Saturday afternoon during the NWP Indiana Network Retreat.

National Recogition for IWP Teacher Consultant

Congratulations to Media Specialist Gwen Tetrick (TC 2006) and first-grade teacher Karen Duvall from Stony Creek Elementary School for recently winning recognition for a multi-faceted initiative to promote reading in Stony Creek Elementary School and the larger Noblesville community. Gwen and Karen earned the 2009 TEAMS (Teachers and Media Specialist) Award from Library Media Connection magazine and publishing company Gale Cengage Learning.

Check out the official accolades and view a brief film of Gwen and Karen describing their school- and community-wide program to encourage reading.

Upcoming Advanced Institutes for Summer 2010

Advanced Institute I - Teaching with Technology

Occurring Monday, June 14 through Friday, June 18, this Advanced Institute offers the opportunity to get better at using computer technology in your classroom. If you find it hard to dedicate time to really learn how to use software or to figure out what to do with it, now is your chance to learn! Come play around with the technology, get comfortable with it yourself, and learn ways to use it with your students. We will start with tools as familiar as Microsoft Office, and then explore other tools such as Google Docs and movie-making software. No experience is required.



Advanced Institute II - Problem-solving the Writing Workshop: The How's and Why's

Occurring Monday, July 12 through Friday, July 16, this Advanced Institute will allow participants to explore the roots of common issues in the Writing Workshop spanning all grade levels. You will investigate and share what has worked for you and what you would like to improve in your own classroom's Writing Workshop.