writing workshop

I nearly cried today during Writing Workshop.  And for the most part, I'm not an emotional basket case, especially on the happy side.  In other words, I was almost moved to tears because I had the chance to pause and really take in what was happening around the classroom.  And to me {and to no one else}, this was magical.

I am living my dream.  Ok, I've said that before, but it is such a nice thing to be able to say.  How many people say that? 

See, I looked around the room as I sat and worked with Olivia.  And my students were being writers.  They worked in partners and individually, scattered around the room.  They actually were talking about their writing work.  They were actually being self-directed learners. 

And, for a moment, I turned my attention to two boys who were lying on their stomachs on the carpet.  One boy, a tough guy who likes to finish fast and get things over with, was carefully listening to his partner's story as he read it aloud.  And he offered suggestions about what to add or make clearer.  Oh, my heart was so very happy. 

More than the fact that everyone was working hard was the fact that everyone was working together.  Some chose partners I never would have expected them too.  And another tough guy, Jimmy, is no longer shunned by the rest of the boys.  Instead, they want to be his partner.  They are starting to see all his good qualities {because there are many} despite the fact that last year his classmates tried to stay away from him. 

In other words, I saw God working through my students today.  And I was able to pause long enough to see that they are learning to get along; they are learning the importance of working with others; and most importantly, they are learning what it means to be an important member of a community {of learners}.  That's the moral of this teaching-rocks-my-socks-off story.