Juli
Kendall's
2004-05
READING/WRITING
WORKSHOP JOURNAL
Entry #24
I'm Off to New Adventures
After four years of writing the Reading/Writing Project Journals, I'm off to new adventures. Just like The Allman Brothers Band sings, "When it's time for leaving, I hope you'll understand..." But first I'm going to indulge in a little nostalgia with a Crosby, Stills, and Nash song, "Wasted on the Way." Look around meI was born a Rambling Man
Trying to make a living and doing the best I can.
When it's time for leaving, I hope you'll understand that
I was born a Rambling Man.From "Rambling Man" by The Allman Brothers Band
I can see my life before me
Running rings around the way
It used to be I am older now
I have more than what I wanted
But I wish that I had started
Long before I did Anyone who knows me knows that I'm afraid of heights. I find bridges particularly terrifying, so bungee jumping off of one has never really been an option for me — until I met John Norton. Don't be fooled by his calm demeanor. This guy's definitely a risk taker. And four years ago, he took a risk on the Reading/Writing Project. All this time, John has nurtured us as our editor and listserv moderator. It goes without saying that the Reading/Writing Project would never have existed without John's leadership and tireless hard work. He's added and removed members, solved unending problems and concerns, edited and posted all the journals on the website, and much, much more. For the last few years, as we've both gotten older, he has volunteered his services and expertise to keep us going without complaint. John, you are the best! On a personal note, John is the reason that my writing gets published. Whether it's a journal on MiddleWeb, a book review, an article in a best practices magazine, or a book about English Language Learners, he works his tireless magic to make it all happen. There really are no words to express my appreciation to him for all he does. So I guess I'm left with a simple, "THANK YOU!" Back to the music — And there's so much time to make up
Everywhere you turn
Time we have wasted on the way
So much water moving
Underneath the bridge
Let the water come and carry us away So what have I learned by writing journals about my teaching for four years? Twice in my life I have been river rafting. Both times I went on the North Fork of the American River with a group of friends. On our bedroom wall, there's a fading photograph of me sitting in the middle of a group of people in a raft and paddling with all my might. They always seem to set up the photo opportunities near a terrifying rapid — one called "Widow Maker" or some such thing. So as I reflect back on the four years of journal writing, I am reminded of riding the rapids in an inflatable raft. It's kind of like when you are a teacher you just jump into the raft with all your expertise, your equipment, and your students, having no idea what lies ahead. Like a good raft guide, you have your previous experiences and knowledge of the terrain but there's always that unexpected element -- a huge rock appears and suddenly the guide yells, "Wrap!" and everyone's thrown out into the water and flailing around. The four years of journals is a record of the "rafting adventures" I've had with my students. I cherish each and every fast rapid and looming rock that we have traversed together. Looking back over the time, it's a wonder to me that we got it all done. And thanks to John Norton, I have a record of what happened. Cue the music — Oh when you were young
Did you question all the answers?
Did you envy all the dancers
Who had all the nerve? Look around you now
You must go for what you wanted
Look at all my friends who did and got what they deserved In the four years since we started, I've come to understand more about my teaching and the kids' learning. I'm less afraid to take risks when I think it will help them. I'm not afraid to tell someone what I think about the kids and what they need, even if I know they will disagree with me. If I have an idea that I think will help kids learn, I share it. No more walking into the classroom and closing the door behind me. So, in the end, I guess, in many ways, what I've learned from writing journals is that I need to do like it says in the song — And there's so much love to make up
Everywhere you turn
Love we have wasted on the way
So much water moving
Underneath the bridge
Let the water come and carry us away
Let the water come and carry us away
Juli Kendall is co-author of a new book from Stenhouse Publishers, Making Sense: Small-Group Comprehension Lessons for English Language Learners.
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