As I am driving home from the Write to Learn conference, thoughts ricochet through my brain like a pinball on speed. I’ve just spent the last three days listening to speakers who are passionate literacy learners. Jennifer Richards Jacobson spent an entire day sharing her passion for writing workshop. What can I say about Taylor Mali’s passion? For an hour I listened as he read and recited poetry that speaks to the heart, particularly the heart of a teacher. A standing ovation completed his sharing. Inferring and metacognition were points of passion from Tanny McGregor. John Schumacher (Mr. Schu) exuded passion for books, libraries, apps/websites, but most of all for Kate DiCamillo, I hope every person who attended one of his three sessions, walked away with fire in their hearts for books. If they didn’t, they should not be allowed in schools near children.
Ron Clark was the keynote Saturday morning. Passion does not aptly describe, perhaps fervor or zeal fit this educator. As he moved about the ballroom, jumping on chairs, stepping onto table tops. he relayed his stories of the good, bad, ugly, but also joy of being a teacher. One story told, led to another story, then another until two hours passed. Passion for teaching has taken this man on a journey from North Carolina to Harlem in New York to developing his own academy in Atlanta, Georgia. His life is an example of what can happen when you live your passion.
One of my last sessions sent my brain into overdrive. Six word stories have always intrigued me. This took it to another level. Don Goble presented Six-Word Story, Six Unique Shots: Enhancing Writing Through Multimedia. He has created a free book that can be downloaded on iTunes. High school students created 18-30 second videos for their six word stories. Here is a link to several. Let me recommend you viewing Told one lie, trust was broken. Be prepared to be in awe. I was. But this isn’t just for high school. Click here to find a six word story video from a student from Kristin Ziemke’s first grade class. Scroll down until you see PT 6 word story: This Is School. If you have watched these videos, you will know why my brain was on fire as I drove home. I want to try creating this six word story, but I don’t have the video skill knowledge, yet. (Bonnie, I need you!) Stay tuned one day there may be a six word video celebration.
Passion drives us to heights we can’t even imagine. I celebrate passion for learning!
elsie tries writing 
How do you find all these awesome conferences?! I am so envious. Took a look at some of those 6-word videos and really loved them. I can understand why you are so excited. It’s really a new world, isn’t it? Looking forward to your six-word movie. I know you can do it!
Was really relieved to read that the “passion” reference was to writing stuff . And NOT a reference to anything to do with Mike.
Can’t wait to check out what you’ve shared. I love hearing your passion for the past three days of learning. Would love to have been your seat mate as you journeyed through this passionate conference. Good luck as you move forward sharing your learning with others. I’ll be watching for that six word video!
Wonderful, and you brought new things home to consider and do! I will share the ideas, Elsie. They look terrific.
I will definitely check these out Elsie. Since retiring, I have missed that passion in action. I need to find a new passion for sure. Thank you for sharing.
The six word videos are amazing. The asian cola one had me chuckling. Can’t wait to see what you come up with. And then you and Bonnie can share the tutorial.