reflective practice.

by Ruth Ayres

A few months ago I attended a two day workshop with Debbie Miller.  It was phenomenal.  The thing I was struck by the most, however, was her commitment to reflective practice.  Everyday after… Read More →

daily routine.

by Ruth Ayres

I’m amazed how a new routine can be established within a week and refined within three.  Amazingly, our life has reached a new normal.  And the majority of moments are quite lovely.  I’ve… Read More →

Ruth’s SOLC: I want chocolate milk!

by Ruth Ayres

Nearing the end of dinner, our two year old announced, “I WANT CHO-CO-LATE MILK.” We looked at one another and then said to him, “How do polite boys ask?” “I WANT CHO-CO-LATE MILK… Read More →

up for air.

by Ruth Ayres

Three weeks ago was the last time I posted.  Three weeks ago my life changed.  On March 14, our new daughters moved in.  That’s right, in less than a week our little family of 3… Read More →

Slice of Life Story Challenge: Day 17

by Ruth Ayres

Please link your Slice of Life Story to us here by clicking on the Mr. Linky Widget below. To learn more about this Challenge, please visit our Slice of Life Challenge Page. Also,… Read More →

Slice of Life Story Challenge: Day 15

by Ruth Ayres

Please link your Slice of Life Story to us here by clicking on the Mr. Linky Widget below. To learn more about this Challenge, please visit our Slice of Life Challenge Page. Also,… Read More →

Slice of Life Story Challenge: Day 14

by Ruth Ayres

Please link your Slice of Life Story to us here by clicking on the Mr. Linky Widget below. To learn more about this Challenge, please visit our Slice of Life Challenge Page. Also,… Read More →

first grade poetry.

by Ruth Ayres

I’ve been working alongside Colette Berg & Melissa Possell in their first grade rooms. We’ve been having students do a lot of collaboration as they make their first foray into poetry. Last week… Read More →

ruth’s solc: sick

by Ruth Ayres

Stomach twisted. Head pounding. On the couch. Overwhelmed. PS — This weekend’s slices of life are in my notebook; but I have to scan them in to share & that isn’t going to… Read More →

reflecting on charts.

by Ruth Ayres

Yesterday in Sue Price’s sixth grade language arts class, I led the sharing.  Her students are in the middle of reading their research (on a topic of their choice) in order to write… Read More →

solc: song on the radio.

by Ruth Ayres

What a busy day!  Currently I’m in the midst of a major life change.  Yesterday’s slice of life was too personal to post (not to mention that I left my house at 5:30 am,… Read More →

thinking about pictures.

by Ruth Ayres

When Debbie Miller was here, she had recommended Tony Johnston’s book, The Harmonica.  I was instantly intrigued by the book and ordered it from Amazon.  (You can too, by using the links in… Read More →

ruth’s solc: the harmonica.

by Ruth Ayres

Snuggled on the couch.  Surrounded by my favorite quilt.  Alone.  I hold a new book.  I take a moment to notice the dark cover.  Although it is hand-drawn, it almost looks like a photo.… Read More →

ruth’s solc: first words of the day.

by Ruth Ayres

Sam woke up early this morning.  I ignored the noises on the monitor since I was still in the middle of my morning routine.  However, I stopped in the middle of swiping on… Read More →

ruth’s solc: recovery food.

by Ruth Ayres

Let me begin by revealing that I am a really bad taker of naps.  Actually, that is an understatement.  I doubt there are many out there who are worse than I.  Seriously. There… Read More →

frank serafini.

by Ruth Ayres

Over the next few days I’m going to have a few posts inspired by Frank Serafini, author of numerous works, including Around the Reading Workshop in 80 Days.  All-Write Consortium (which my school district belongs)… Read More →

Ruth’s SOLC: Studio Desk

by Ruth Ayres

  The first day of March.  The first day of the Slice of Life Challenge (SOLC).  The first entry I’ve ever written in a Moleskine Notebook.  And I’ve found myself paying attention (even… Read More →

Slice of Life Notebook.

by Ruth Ayres

I made this special just for the challenge.  My very first Moleskine — ooh-la-la!

today –

by Ruth Ayres

I have just a few minutes before the day starts to really roll, but I wanted to quickly share a quote from Ralph Fletcher’s book, Live Writing: Breathing Life Into Your Words” We… Read More →

wn entry: quote challenge.

by Ruth Ayres

Stacey challenged a writer’s notebook entry on a quote.  I’ve been thinking ever since then, What quote will I write about? Funny how Friday afternoons work — I’m selecting one completely different from… Read More →