As I flew home from the NCTE Convention last night, my mind was full of all I had learned over the past three days. I was also grateful that I had the chance to meet so many of my Slice of Life and Twitter friends. This online community is still a marvel to me. At one point, I glanced out the window and realized a large chunk of the eastern seaboard was spread out beneath me. Millions of lights clustered in cities and stretched into the distance, following roads that seemed to go on forever. They looked like a dew-drenched web, illuminated by the moon.
I was mesmerized by the sight, and my book lay forgotten on my lap. Kate DiCamillo’s words immediately came to mind: “Stories connect us.” The web of lights seemed like the perfect metaphor for the web of stories that were spun out by teachers, storytellers and poets throughout the vast Gaylord National Resort during the convention, connecting educators from all over the country and around the world. These dedicated people had all come to Washington seeking ways to help their students learn.
In his new book, Minds Made For Stories (Heinemann, 2014), Tom Newkirk says “When we strip human motives from our teaching, I suspect we make learning harder, not easier.” (p. 17) The stories shared at NCTE were full of the very human motives of passion and curiosity, and it will take me weeks to sort out and internalize them. Inspired and enlightened by people I admire and feel so lucky to know, I went to school today with one goal in mind: to share this passion with my students and colleagues. I can’t wait to help them, in the words of Paul Hankins, “be wonder bound.” I can’t wait to see them deepen their connections with the world and find their stories.
Thank you, Stacey, Tara, Dana, Betsy, Anna, and Beth for this space for teachers and others to share their stories each Tuesday. Be sure to visit Two Writing Teachers to read more Slice of Life posts.
So beautifully written! I love the phrase “wonder bound!” I did not hear Paul Hankins speak – so many choices to make at NCTE, it’s impossible to see it all!
It was such a pleasure meeting you. I’m so thankful for this community.
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Thanks, Dana. I loved meeting you and learning about your family writing night. I’ve already talked to our principal and he thinks it sounds like a great program. Hope you and your family have a Happy Thanksgiving!
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So lovely to see you and experience NCTE with so many friends. Happy Thanksgiving, Catherine – enjoy!
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It was a wonderful weekend! I’m so glad we had a chance to get together. Happy Thanksgiving to you, Tara!
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It was a delight to sit beside you and swap stories at the slicer dinner. I also missed Paul Hankins. I can’t imagine a better guide than you to help students “be wonder bound.” I’m still reeling from the conference and the fun of meeting so many friends from the world of writers.
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Totally agree with you on the importance of stories. And I can’t wait to get hold of Newkirk’s book, he is one of my all time favorite thinkers in the world of education!
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Catherine,
I too love your “wonder bound” and think that one key is spreading our passion for literacy EVERYWHERE! It was so great to connect with you again in fun and in learning! ❤
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Being wonder bound sounds beautiful. Let us know how that goes!
Happy Thanksgiving, Catherine.
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Just ordered Newkirk’s book with the 30% off+free shipping from Heinemann.
GREAT to spend time with you!!
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Hi Catherine,
Your blog popped up on my WP recommendations list. Nice to ‘meet’ a fellow Tuesday Slicer/literacy educator.
I’m a firm believer: It’s always about story …. 🙂
Robin
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Loved see you and being a part of NCTE14. A vehicle to become “wonder bound.”
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