Revealed #slice2013

by Ruth Ayres

Here are the Slice 2013 buttons. Please notice there are two different buttons. One for our traditional challenge… Another for the classroom challenge… These are the official buttons for the 2013 Slice of… Read More →

Introducing Our SOLSC Support Team

by Stacey Shubitz

Last month I asked for assistance with the upcoming Slice of Life Story Challenge from fellow slicers. The response was tremendous! We now have a team of volunteers who are committed to making… Read More →

Rest.

by Ruth Ayres

Today was a holiday from school. Ever since we’ve added a sixth member to our family, I’ve been conscious about rest. Not just about sleep, but about relaxing and staying away from screens… Read More →

Essential Info About the First-Ever Slice of Life Classroom Challenge

by Stacey Shubitz

The nuts and bolts you need to know to participate in our first-ever online Classroom Slice of Life Story Challenge with your students.

Friendship recharges our spirit.

by Stacey Shubitz

Recharge your spirit by connecting with a dear friend. If you can’t physically meet up, then pick up the phone or Skype with him/her.

Q&A with Patricia MacLachlan + a Giveaway

by Stacey Shubitz

Like you, I read lots of books.  One of my favorite authors has long been Patricia MacLachlan, who I believe is one of the most exquisite writers of our time.  Her newest book,… Read More →

Words that are Speaking to Me

by Ruth Ayres

Try to remember tenderness is more important than technique. {Ralph Fletcher}   (I think this may become my new mantra when thinking about teaching writers. Not only does it apply to all aspects… Read More →

Prizes for the 6th Annual Slice of Life Story Challenge

by Stacey Shubitz

The Sixth Annual Slice of Life Story Challenge runs from Friday, March 1st – Sunday, March 31st.  Anyone who participates in the adult challenge (not the classroom challenge) for all 31 days of… Read More →

Why bother with a hashtag when you post your slice?

by Stacey Shubitz

I’m nearing 1,000 Tweets. This is shocking to me since I was resistant to signing up for a Twitter account. I had a-go with it and got into a groove with it in… Read More →

Conferring

by Ruth Ayres

Deb Gaby said this to me last week: Conferring is the heartbeat of workshop. I have to agree. Conferring is the way we gauge if our instruction is effective. It is the way… Read More →

Braving the Challenge: A Guest Post by Beth Scanlon

by guestteacher

Braving the Challenge Inspired by my writing and the other Slicers’ work during the Slice of Life Challenge (SOLC) in March 2012, I decided to attempt the same with my ninth grade students… Read More →

Finding a Space to Write

by Ruth Ayres

I’m a big advocate for writers to find a space that works best for them. I also think it’s important for students to learn to write anywhere. I’m productive as a writer because… Read More →

Behind the Scenes of I Haiku You + a Giveaway

by Stacey Shubitz

Betsy Snyder shares a behind-the-scenes process for writing and illustrating I Haiku You, her newest picture book published by Random House. Read through her post and then leave a comment for a chance to win a copy of this book.

All-Write Summer Institute 2013

by Ruth Ayres

I know I’m a little bias, but this is one of my favorite conferences. It is a little like summer camp for teachers. I think the reason why it’s so great is because… Read More →

ALL students have something to teach their classmates about writing.

by Stacey Shubitz

There are lots of things to keep top-of-mind when you’re leading a writing workshop.  Are all students engaged?  Are they crafting pieces that hold meaning and value to them?  Are kids constantly adding… Read More →

Slicing & Kind Comments

by Stacey Shubitz

Anyone who’s completed the month-long Slice of Life Story Challenge knows the greatest prize comes in the form of a writing community.  I recently reflected on the way this writing community has helped… Read More →

You Have Time.

by Ruth Ayres

One of the biggest barriers between us and the Slice of Life Challenge is TIME. We look at our schedules, we look at other’s slices, and we quickly jump to the conclusion that we… Read More →

Ten Tips for Creating an Electronic SOLSC for Your Students

by guestteacher

A Note from Stacey:  I recently asked teachers who’ve led an blog-based Slice of Life Story Challenge, or SOLSC, with their students to share their expertise with me.  After all, I’ve only led… Read More →

Hitting the Reset Button

by Stacey Shubitz

You can change your attitude, your priorities, or your thinking on any day. You just have to commit yourself to a new mindset or way of life.

Start Thinking About the Classroom SOLSC: Classroom Prizes

by Stacey Shubitz

Everyone wants students to be be intrinsically motivated to write daily. While we can hope our enthusiasm is contagious, sometimes it’s not enough for reluctant writers.  Working with reluctant writers means providing the… Read More →