Tag Archives: writing

Writing Circles 20 July 2021

Posted on July 20, 2021 by Sally Gerard

The thing about being a writer is that one must actually perform the act that makes one a writer. From what I can see on Twitter, with my fellow writers, sitting down to write can be the most difficult task … Continue reading →

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Writing 17 August 2017

Posted on August 17, 2017 by Sally Gerard

The two summer courses I’m taking in my creative writing master’s program are coming to their end this week. Both “signature” assignments, which will end up in my portfolio, are due. I’ve been writing and revising them all quarter as … Continue reading →

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Altered Books 16 February 2017

Posted on February 16, 2017 by Sally Gerard

My freshmen have been studying and writing poetry since we came back from winter break. At the outset I told them that when we got to the end, they would beg me to keep doing poetry. They scoffed and laughed … Continue reading →

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11 January 2017 Doors

Posted on January 11, 2017 by Sally Gerard

I decided to have a quick write on my board and let my students take a journey into a little short story. When we came back from break, I let them know that ‘I don’t get it’ time was over. … Continue reading →

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Grace 4 October 2016

Posted on October 4, 2016 by Sally Gerard

As a teacher, it is rare to get anything but negative feedback from students: That’s due now? You want us to write? I don’t get it. Too hard, too long, too much. Can’t we just have this period off? Do … Continue reading →

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Finals 18 May 2016

Posted on May 18, 2016 by Sally Gerard

My students are presenting part of their personal hero quest as the oral part of their final. They had to write a letter to a mentor and explain what we’re doing in class with the monomyth and tell their mentor … Continue reading →

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Heroes 14 March 2016

Posted on March 14, 2016 by Sally Gerard

  We’ve been reading about heroes, starting with a basketball coach known for a philosophy called, ‘The Carolina Way.” It involved ‘playing hard, playing together, and playing smart.’ One piece that we read had to do with practicing a skill … Continue reading →

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The Closet 3 March 2016

Posted on March 3, 2016 by Sally Gerard

The Closet The drab, brown door opens up a new, a better world for me in the house of my childhood. Climbing to the top shelf, above the folded sheets, towels and washcloths, nestling in and among the bulkier blankets. … Continue reading →

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Finals 21 May 2015

Posted on May 21, 2015 by Sally Gerard

I gave my first final yesterday and I’ll give one today and one tomorrow. My freshmen are reading their narrative quests and their mentor letters out loud to satisfy our oral communication standard. They aren’t nervous because they’ve been sharing … Continue reading →

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Simple Thanks 19 May 2015

Posted on May 19, 2015 by Sally Gerard

We’ve written the final versions of our own hero narratives. Yesterday, I asked my students to think about those mentors and helpers who guided them along the path of that particular journey and to compose a letter to that mentor. … Continue reading →

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