Sometimes, when trying to write, the inspiration doesn’t come. At this point, I know I can find inspiration with a little help from my friends. Amanda Potts is someone I have never met in real life and have only “conversed with” through blog post comments, now spanning many years, and I consider her a friend. These friendships are a byproduct of being part of a writing community that I never anticipated. Last week, as I read Amanda’s post, Nearby, I knew I’d be tucking the idea of noticing what’s going on around me, nearby, for a day when I got stuck. As soon as that tiny seed was planted, I began to notice…
As I modeled a small group lesson in Lauren’s third grade classroom, I sat on the rug with two kids sitting in front of me. We were about to get started, working to make our voices match the feelings in the story we read. A quick glance up and I saw W. sitting at his desk, nearby, practically falling out of his chair, as if in a trance watching us get started. “W., do you want to join us?” I asked him genuinely. What’s one more kid in a small group? The trance was broken. He quickly righted himself in his chair and got back to his own reading.
Working in Carol’s class, two joyful kindergarten readers made their way through Ana and the Window as Carol coached them along. “Pit, pat, pit, pat,” they read, making the sounds that Ana’s drum made. Looking up once again, I noticed a reading partnership, also seated nearby on the rug, leaning in, entranced by the story.
Then yesterday, I sat at Amy’s table, watching her read with a small group, as the rest of the kindergarteners sat reading, scattered across the room. As the kids at the table worked, I noticed C.’s little head pop up from behind the table like a groundhog emerging from a hole. He had to get a closer look at the fun work happening nearby.
Admittedly, I can often get focused on the task at hand or what is right in front of my face. This week, I have been grateful for opportunity to pause and notice what is happening nearby. Thank you to Amanda, my friend, for the inspiration.
Where There Is Joy 
Oh, I love this! You find wonderful moments in the classroom where learning is happening “nearby”. Now I’m going to have to look for those moments, too. And yes to friendship after years of writing, well, nearby each other – even when in the physical world we aren’t nearby. One day, my friend, one day…
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Wouldn’t it be fun to rent a great big house and offer an open invitation to slicers? There are so many people I want to meet in person!
Love how you capture the observations, and yes! I learn a lot when I step back and take time to watch kids. I can picture the invitation to W. to join you– the power wof being invited, even if you don’t want to join, is real.
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Think of all the stories that would come from a slicing reunion. Love it!
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It would be so fun to connect with some people I’ve only met through blogs in real life!
The joy of teaching radiates throughout this piece. I found myself wondering as I read how anyone who criticizes teachers could ever draw conclusions about teaching practices if they could see the scenes you just captured here.
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I also love this format to guide writing…and agree that a big ol’ Slicer open house would be amazing! Your details are genuine and lovely, really drawing me into the spaces.
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I expected you were going to notice something in one time, not across a few times over a span of time. I love that. I know you are always noticing kids and that’s something I love about you!
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I too thought you were going to notice just 1 moment in time. I liked the different scenarios and how the kids were “entranced” by what was going on. It’s like being a fly on the wall.
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Love your noticings!
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It always surprises me how much delight I take in reading about children in school settings, particularly when offered in this warm observational tone. There’s a clear appreciation for the children and who they are in their unique expressions of self. And yes, underscore about the pleasures in friendships found right here in this community through writing.
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I really enjoyed this…and Amanda’s post. It’s so important to notice the ordinary moments. I found myself in two of those same classrooms this week, so naturally I was trying to figure out who W. and C. were. I think I know C., but I’m not sure about W. I know that wasn’t the point of this…just a fun distraction, since I was nearby.
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Once I tell you, the picture will be clear!
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So much to appreciate here! One is your actually noticings of the students around you. Another is your prompt idea – which I am also tucking away for a future slice! Yet another is the camaraderie you mention and friendships made within this writing community – I am only a second year slicer but already I love coming back in year 2 and “seeing” familiar faces and names. And lastly – the idea that when you have your eyes open, looking for moments and details to slice about, the world around you becomes more alive. Thanks so much for this slice!
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Thank you for observing so many tiny moments that make up part of a whole day and capturing the reactions and actions of children around about you. Such a lovely read!
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This is a great idea for a slice. I love the details about the kids entranced but not wanting to admit it. Also, I love hearing about kids learning to love reading. It warms my heart.
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