Memoir Practice with My Students

In our short, twenty minute class period, I had my Composition students go outside and use their senses to create a piece of writing. As always, I write with my students to practice my own skills but also to provide them with an example/model.

Here is my short piece from today:

As the smell of fresh coffee clings to my clothes, I step outside the school building. My students stand before me, quiet, waiting, wondering what the heck am I having them do. I understand those thoughts; once, I too have teachers who made me do “odd” things that I always really enjoyed. The weirder the teacher the more comfortable I felt.

Now, as an adult, I attempt to fill such large shoes, trying to inspire and instruct young minds. Some days go better than others. However, this fast-paced Friday flew by peacefully, and after a rushed and rocky start, the ground feels firmer beneath my feet. Even the weather has improved suggesting sunnier days ahead.

The wind pushes my hair and hugs my mask-free face, happily embracing the cool air after a long week of hot masks (the bottom portion of my face is beginning to fill with acne…ugh). I am exhausted but proud.

Proud to have made it through this week.

Proud to be balancing life as a mom, wife, and teacher.

And proud to be back among the students I adore so much.

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Ramblings of a Midwest Woman

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