"And let the words fall out..."

Today marked a temporary ending to our Abydos class.  We will meet monthly throughout the year to share ideas and discuss implementations in our own English classrooms, which is great since I have really grown close to our special group.  The final lesson was amazing and I plan on using it in my own classroom during the first week of school.

The desire to create a writing environment for my students that is a comfortable community in which risk taking is encouraged is of utmost importance to me.  I plan to do this through a series of team building exercises, short bursts of writing, and daily readings from the book Wonder by R.J. Palacio.  In order to adapt our lesson from today for my 7th graders, I will be providing them with the word "BRAVE" and having them write about how they think bravery and writing are connected.  We will share ideas and they will then watch the music video that has absolutely become my own anthem for the year, "Brave" by Sara Bareilles.

I will then have them reflect on how their connection of bravery and writing may have connected to the video and they will be welcome to add anything they like to their quick write. 

Mine looked something like this:
"Bravery is a characteristic crucial to create change.  It is required in order to attempt something new and often times goes against the norm.  If your attempt doesn't work, that is completely fine.  What is important is that you did everything in your power to try.  Writing works this way and I am reminded of this when Sara Bareilles says, "Maybe there's a way out of the cage where you live."  Many of my students are trapped in the "cage" of their home life and need the escape that writing offers.  More importantly, "Let the words fall out..."

As my kids embrace the release of writing and create a classroom community, I will be letting my words be heard in my life as well as we all become a bit more "Brave".

New Beginnings and Ideas

I am beginning this blog primarily as a tool for myself and my own classroom, but if it can help others along the way, then feel free to borrow ideas.  And before you ask, yes, "Barr's Room Blitz" carries inspiration from the 1973 hit "Ballroom Blitz", since along with teaching, oldies hold a special place in my heart.

For the past three years, I have been a middle school Math teacher, who just happens to hold a degree in Journalism... long story that had much to do with the state of the economy during the time I made the transition into teaching.  However, a math position taught me that I can truly do anything I set my mind to. 

In April 2013 my wish was granted to make the move to 7th grade English at another middle school campus in the district.  This adventure is something that I am beyond excited about.  Not only that, but I have just completed some PHENOMENAL training in writing through our district.  Abydos, formerly The New Jersey Writing Project, has completely changed my perspective of the way my students think and the psychology behind it.  I am eager to put many of these skills and strategies to use in my own classroom this year and I'd love for you to follow me through this process.