Today was our first day at Columbia University. We both found it especially hard to stop our learning excursions and focus our minds on curriculum (and sitting in the classroom) again. We shouldn't have been worried, though. The Writing Summer Institute is full of movement and exceptional speakers. We (1000 teachers, administrators, and coaches) started at Riverside Church surrounded by amazing stained glass windows. Lucy Caulkins was our keynote speaker. She did a great job of getting us psyched about starting our new writing units. Her key phrase was, "Don't waffle. Go for it!" In other words, even if it seems overwhelming, just jump in and get started. Everything will come together once you decide to take the first step.
Following our keynote, we divided into a group of about 200 and talked about writer's workshop and the writing process, which due to our early summer training, we were already comfortable with the lingo (thank you Debbie and Jennifer). Our afternoon small group sessions were amazing. My instructor, Cornelius, is a classroom teacher in Brooklyn. You could tell he loves teaching just by observing the energy he put into modeling a lesson for us today. It is amazing how much we learn by observing each other in regular teaching settings! Our day closed with homework assignments (ugh) and a great feeling about the rest of the week.
Wonderful learning experience! You are the greatest.
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