Before That

I have no grand ending this year, except maybe a sigh of relief that I’ve made it. In years past, I had an ending post in mind early on. A few years ago, I ended, reflecting on the impact this challenge has had on our school community and me. I’ve connected to how this challenge has helped me help other “find gold in every part of their story,” and I’ve always thanked the community of writers that shows up here every March for all they have shared and all the ways they have taught and inspired me.

Today, I keep thinking about Sally’s recent post about Tulips and the “Before That” structure she used, like many other slicers this month. Maybe it’s my own tulips, pushing further towards the sky, and the anticipation of the beauty that is about to burst. So I’m going to give it a quick go, but how I wish it was already drafted in my brain, with coordinating photos ready to import.

I completed my tenth year of the Slice of Life Story Challenge alongside friends, both in real life and virtual.

Before that, I invited our school community to write together in the month of March with the help of my friend Dawn. We have successfully grown closer as a community through our shared stories over the last four years.

Before that, my friend Erika invited me to join the challenge on February 28, 2017. I had no idea what I was signing up for or what I was taking on, as I was 6 months pregnant and had two daughters under the age of 4.

Before that, I was a teacher who loved literacy, collaborating with others, and was just beginning to understand the power that comes as a teacher who writes.

Before that, I was a little girl, who dreamed of being a teacher so I could make the world a better place.

Published by Jessica Carey

Unknown's avatar

I'm a mom of three daughters and a literacy coach in CT. I love to learn and share with others.

12 thoughts on “Before That”

  2. As Arnauld always says, you are living the dream. Fun format and you hit on important moments that are all connected! Congratulations coach…you did it…you wrote in many different spots!

    Like

    Reply

  6. Jessica, this is a powerful structure that really shows how dreams and writing impact life choices, direction and enjoyment! Your words are inspiring me to have hope in the generation of teachers who are no making schools work. Thank you for that.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  7. I’ve been a huge fan of the before that structure ever since Tell Me The Day Backwards by Albert Lamb and David McPhail became a favorite of Isabelle’s. You really made the structure work here, which does make this a grand way to end the month of writing.

    I’m so glad you accepted the challenge in 2017. You used the challenge as a catalyst to change how so many people — your kids, your colleagues, and students — viewed themselves as writers. (Make that Writers, with a capital W!) I admire all you’ve done and continue to do to make writing feel accessible for everyone. You certainly have made your corner of the world a much better place. I’m so honored to have you as a co-author.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

Leave a comment