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RETHINKING REVISION
Revision Day! Today we worked on our institute piece and of course, I worked on The Opal Bracelet. What I really appreciated was thinking about revision in a new way. I am becoming more and more suspect of my own extremely narrow and unhelpful views about revision . . . which connects to why I want to inqurie into it . . . because I don't think I teach it well. I think it's like I've been thinking about revision like someone who thinks that to play means only to skip rope when in fact there are lots of ways to play--jumping rope being just one of them. What I liked doing today especially during our revision writing time was being able to "add." This worked well for me. And I have to say, that I have not really thought of this as an act of revision. But of course it is. I also noticed that I get bogged down in my writing with research data interruptions --- in today's case, I wanted to write Zippy's entry about the first time she learns that Jews are being gassed. And to do that, of course, I had to know the date when such info was first written about in the paper or reported on the BBC.
DIGITAL PRESENTATIONS AND FEEDBAAAAACK!!!!!!!
I am so happy that I finally got my digital piece all put together in a movie format. I paid $4.99 for the iMovie app and it was money well spent. Steve helped me try to figure out Doceri . . . I still had trouble making it work even when he found a way. In the end, iMovie saved the day. And now I know how to do iMovie, so big YAY for me!!! I am NOT digitally inclined so I am really proud of myself for persevering!!!
Meanwhile, what was so cool was doing the digital gallery crawl and checking out what others did. I learned so much about so many people. . . it's amazing how revealing we are in our writing autobiographies. It's a great way to get so know someone. I may try to use this assignment early in the semester in my writing class. I also appreciated the chance to write feedback for each of the DPs I viewed. The post-it note is a great idea --- another one to keep doing in class.
I loved today. Really glad my project worked, at long last. Really glad that I did not freak out about it not working and trusted that the Digital Gods would smile upon me.
Looking forward to being with my writing group tomorrow!!
I just love your embodied comments--so funny! I want a copy of your pic to post on my Facebook!! Can you "tag" it or do something to make it show up on my page? Revision is a difficult concept, because in the end--revision is writing more or crossing something out or moving something around--and it doesn't happen linearly--it happens as we go or when we are willing to try out other ways of saying things. Lacy told me that kindergarteners write versions of the same story--they get on a roll and they tell the story one way and then another as a form of play. When I get in that zone, I discover all kinds of new things to say--ways to explore.
ReplyDeleteAnd the digital projects today just blew me away. I have so many ideas now I want to try out (revise as a new version?)
I can't wait to read what you've updated! The Opal Bracelet is to a tee exactly the kind of book I would be reading as a young girl. I hope something great comes out of it! I agree that revisions are scary, it's a risk you're not always willing to take. I didn't apply many of the 22 ideas because I feel attached to what I created. However, as soon as I tried one, I kept the idea. Brilliant!
ReplyDeleteI couldn't have said it better myself! I echoed every sentiment. Can't wait until tomorrow!
DeleteOh, Tonya, you never cease to amaze me. You set your mind to something and you GET ER DONE! This is exactly what happened with your digital history, as you worked through all of the technological snags that exist in the robot world. Your presentation was amazing and I had to go back to finish it, I loved it so much! I felt as if we were kindred spirits with our early love of reading and our very special books. (Not to mention that we both love Stevie!) I also feel this way about your process of growth you are undertaking on being the best teacher of writing possible. The fact that you come every day shows that you are amazing and you are willing to step out and increase your vast bank of knowledge about writing. You are not unhelpful, but hopeful as you find new ways to share about the revision process for your students as well as for your own written stories. We have to be ready to embrace new ideas and you are open and willing to grow. This was proven with your revisions done today. I'm so proud of you!
ReplyDeleteYou are one tenacious lady, Tonya. You refuse to be daunted, frustrated, and you persevere until you make it happen. I wish I had that kind of tenacity in all things!
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ReplyDeleteI'm feeling a lot of support, ladies! ((((HUGS)))) and thanks!