tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-86090036252949084552024-10-06T22:23:27.113-05:00Chubby Bunny's InkAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18421928919601722343noreply@blogger.comBlogger66125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8609003625294908455.post-28526702298989512102015-07-22T14:34:00.000-05:002015-07-22T14:35:23.047-05:00Interactive Spirals I started using interactive spirals from the very beginning. Over the years I have tried different systems but always come back to the spiral. I learned about the interactive spiral (IS) at a TCI (Teachers Curriculum Institute) training. An interactive spiral, is a binder, spiral or composition notebook (I let students pick what works best for them) that becomes a working portfolio of their Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18421928919601722343noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8609003625294908455.post-47798555246853217232014-07-30T18:15:00.001-05:002014-07-30T18:15:30.419-05:00Textbook Project a PBL Gone Right Every now and then you get something right. When my state adopted new learning standards for Texas History, the class I had taught for over 13 years. As we all know, the money in districts goes to subjects that have end of the year test.  I knew that we would not get the resources we needed for a long time. There aren't even that many resources online for it.  The only major Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18421928919601722343noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8609003625294908455.post-117845572261231782014-07-16T09:49:00.000-05:002014-07-16T09:49:04.508-05:00The Problem with Inquiry in PBL Via TeachThought Last year after a single day of training, I took the plunge and attempted the impossible, 100% PBL (Project based learning) classroom.  I spent a month of my summer planning, organizing and creating.  When the students came in we were pumped and ready to watch the learning magic, complete with fireworks and dancing unicorns.  Fast forward six weeks into the Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18421928919601722343noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8609003625294908455.post-3914114712522562112014-07-14T11:48:00.000-05:002014-07-14T11:48:03.887-05:00My Nerdy Obsession- iTunes U This summer I have discovered greatness.  It isn't new but this is the first time I checked out iTunes U.   I have taken all sorts of fun and free online courses.  I have learned about branding myself, and looked into writing techniques.  Once I experienced those I had to try out some history courses.  The best part about college for me was listening to my Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18421928919601722343noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8609003625294908455.post-21521886578829358342014-07-13T11:53:00.003-05:002014-07-13T12:03:16.279-05:00Web tools for teaching: Diffen Every teacher has a different process and I think mine changes each summer. This is the time we book our doctors appointments, dig out those recipes, see family, check those cleaning projects off the list and (my favorite) find fun stuff to do next year. A few web tools for Sunday: Do you ever need two things to be compared quickly for students? Go to Diffen.  So cool!  Super Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18421928919601722343noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8609003625294908455.post-26350323391746315142014-07-10T20:26:00.006-05:002014-07-10T20:26:50.623-05:00#Teacher Party   I know, it is July, this "school being out" is truly old news.  But not for me.  I was super smart in May and signed up for professional development...it was good but it was a week.  The first week of summer.  A week I say.  Then I was presenting at ISTE, for the first time.  So the next three weeks were burned by me fixing, redoing and practicing my Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18421928919601722343noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8609003625294908455.post-67610857246495326412014-07-09T00:16:00.002-05:002014-07-09T00:16:42.885-05:003 Ways to Win an Audience as a Presenter I didn't think it would work.  I found out on Twitter that applications were going to close soon for the largest education technology conference in the world.  We had a week to get it turned in.  No time to actually put in a winning application.  Little did we know the power of our mad writing skills.  After three to four hours of research I sat down with my Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18421928919601722343noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8609003625294908455.post-5353821442403484212014-06-28T19:08:00.001-05:002014-06-28T19:08:36.642-05:00ISTE...Teacher Nirvana The build up to ISTE has been killer.  I found out six months ago that my application to present was accepted.  I along with my best friend tried on a lark.  A shot...mostly believing that it would be good practice filling out the form for when I really do it.  Well, my practice was really good and having the help of my very dear friend, did the job.  We are scheduled Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18421928919601722343noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8609003625294908455.post-85700858052414863092013-02-04T22:25:00.002-06:002013-03-16T23:00:44.047-05:00Steps back to childhood Jeanne Birdsall weaves a beautiful tale of how we need to unwrap our memories to embrace our inner child in our writing.  Soft spoken she carefully scoops you up and takes you through her process and experience. I love her quote, "Memory what a gift and blessing they are to me."  Enjoy, you  deserve it.  Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18421928919601722343noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8609003625294908455.post-89827932538250428472013-01-02T08:00:00.000-06:002013-01-02T08:00:06.475-06:002013 Resolutely Downton photo source It is the day, that we sternly sit in front of the blank page and dutifully self-assess.  Sometimes this is marred by the previous night bender.  Perhaps that is just me.  I discovered how to watch Netflix on my phone last night at the same time I decided to "try out" this Downtown Abby show I have been hearing about from Facebook "friends."  It was New Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18421928919601722343noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8609003625294908455.post-20877330250531309172012-12-26T12:38:00.001-06:002012-12-26T12:39:03.351-06:00Follow that dream...plan your trip photo source We survived yet another NaNoWriMo, a doomsday prophecy, Christmas with the family and snowcation. That can only mean one thing...it is time to get back to setting up those writing goals for the New Year. I am a huge fan of creating list, so goal and resolutions are a yearly favorite.  Somethings to keep in mind as you start to come up with your own list... Time is Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18421928919601722343noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8609003625294908455.post-24955791675915548652012-12-09T19:47:00.002-06:002012-12-09T19:47:25.657-06:00Art feeds the soul photo source Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18421928919601722343noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8609003625294908455.post-82204393467752997672012-07-18T02:20:00.001-05:002012-07-18T02:20:23.660-05:00Day 4-6...no really I'm not cheating photo source I am learning a great lesson this week.  When you want something to happen get moving and seek your blessings.  You have to reach for them that is when the magic happens.   In the process to better define my writing company I have had more writing opportunities come to me...or maybe I went to them. I have been researching, writing, rewriting and editingAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18421928919601722343noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8609003625294908455.post-81143008015239534222012-07-14T23:02:00.002-05:002012-07-14T23:02:44.002-05:00PSP Challenge: Day 3 photo source The adventure continues.  I have found that I am enjoying the structure to the day. I did get one day off because of unexpected "life" stuff but am back on it.   My Novel:  For the last three days I have added 1k words to my WIP.  The restructure has really helped me to focus what I have and to shape it into a stronger story line.  I am happy with it. Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18421928919601722343noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8609003625294908455.post-4249750376841704432012-07-12T15:14:00.002-05:002012-07-12T15:15:07.736-05:00P2P Challenge Day two: Refocus photo source Aw now that is it!  You know it is funny the minute you set your mind to achieving great things is when a million other things come up to distract you.  That was my day 3. A previous article I wrote needed some immediate fixes before it could go to print. Another piece I did needed to be edited and sent to the publisher. Then there was regular life. I know sounds Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18421928919601722343noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8609003625294908455.post-32488920854493490522012-07-10T16:48:00.000-05:002012-07-10T18:01:42.381-05:00P2P Challenge: Day One, Refocus P2P Challenge The challenge, Personal 2 Professional, officially kicked off yesterday. The challenge is to dedicate 4 hours of your day five days a week for the next 6 weeks (Monday through Friday) to your writing.  Each hour will focus on a different area of your writing life. For me I chose: my novel, my blog, my business, my growth.I challenge you to share this Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18421928919601722343noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8609003625294908455.post-28552236349659995802012-07-10T01:27:00.000-05:002012-07-10T01:27:30.579-05:0030 days from now...from personal to professional writer photo source Ever find a blog post that gives you a spark?  There is some kind of magical mix with what is going on with you and something clicks? It is a powerful time.  I got the chance to experience that last night. I was suppose to be in bed...it was 3 in the morning. I had stumbled from one blog to another and then locked in and could not stop reading. When I finally pulled Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18421928919601722343noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8609003625294908455.post-26758513198008944322012-07-08T23:27:00.002-05:002012-07-08T23:27:49.565-05:00Set yourself up for success Photo Source There is a point as a writer you have to decide if you want to keep this as a hobby or take it pro. I have been tottering on the edge and have finally taken the plunge. It is funny...I would be bankrupt if I had treated a traditional business like I have been treating my writing. You know if you were opening a business you would commit everything you had to it.  It is yoursAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18421928919601722343noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8609003625294908455.post-43332350812385323872012-07-08T00:33:00.002-05:002012-07-08T00:33:38.923-05:00In the quest for greater communication... Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18421928919601722343noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8609003625294908455.post-32591965832916529742012-07-07T03:18:00.001-05:002012-07-07T03:18:14.119-05:00Writer? Do you get paid for that? Photo source Doesn't every writer wish and dream of the day they move from the amateur column to the paid professional column? Or even better to the elite well paid professional column. I have been a writer in my soul since I was in 5 years old and made my mother write down my stories. Or when I would make my Barbies and little ponies act out epic adventures of love, war, and Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18421928919601722343noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8609003625294908455.post-49283524025427382122012-06-24T22:05:00.001-05:002012-06-24T22:05:15.157-05:00For anyone with a little block photo source In case the story you have is sagging...take a look at this rowdy crowd and see if they can add some spice.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18421928919601722343noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8609003625294908455.post-39791491638342310542012-06-18T23:27:00.001-05:002012-06-18T23:27:24.052-05:00 Photo Source I love writing.  I love the mastery of finally crafting that perfect sentence and seeing its power and function in a story.  I love seeing a story and shaping it with each key stroke. I love that the industry doesn't require special permits, certifications, test or clubs to be a part of it.  I love the fellowship of other active writers that are working to hone Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18421928919601722343noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8609003625294908455.post-3436120033097087732012-06-15T12:09:00.000-05:002012-06-15T12:09:47.888-05:00John Updike This clip starts with a discussion of the sequel to The Witches of Eastwick.  He doesn't speak too much about his craft but speaks more about where he was in his life at this time.  It is a longer video but it is still intriguing to watch one of the greats of this century articulate his growth and changes as a person. I found the part about aging as a writer and Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18421928919601722343noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8609003625294908455.post-10231461831682818482012-06-14T01:18:00.000-05:002012-06-14T01:18:40.300-05:00John Grisham says... If you want to be a writer...then write.   Start with a page a day, 250 words.  Do that for a year and you have a giant pile of pages, who knows maybe even a book.  But it all comes back to you.  You have to do the work or the dream doesn't happen.   photo source Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18421928919601722343noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8609003625294908455.post-68048339405791727002012-05-01T21:38:00.002-05:002012-05-01T21:43:53.973-05:00Thoreau said it... "As if you could kill time without injuring eternity" ~Henry David Thoreau How do you spend your time?  Is it wasting away in front of Pinterest, Facebooking/Tweeting about writing?  I have done it. It is relaxing sometimes. The only problem is it is not writing...and at he end of the day you have nothing.  To have a strong body of work you must write, and continue to Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18421928919601722343noreply@blogger.com0