March 2024 SOLC–Day 14
A huge thank you to Two Writing Teachers for all that they do to create an amazing community of writers and a safe, welcoming space to write, learn, share and grow.
http://www.twowritingteachers.org
Vignette Number 1:
I leaned in close to check in with C. who was engrossed in his book, Ricky Ricotta’s Mighty Robot.
“So, have you figured out what the problem is yet?” I asked.
“Yes,” he replied, “Dr. Stinky is trying to destroy the city.”
He suddenly paused, as if struck with an idea, then continued, “Wait! Maybe Dr. Stinky was bullied as a child… and that’s why he was trying to destroy the city!”
Vignette #2:
At the end of the day K. approached me as I was watching the computer for dismissals.
“Mrs. Hogan, do you want me to show you the chicken dance?”
“Sure!” I turned away from the computer to watch.
K. took a step or two backward, paused and took a dramatic deep breath. Then he scratched one foot on the ground. Then he scratched his other foot on the ground. Next, he bobbed his head back and forth a few times. He stopped moving and grinned at me.
“Wow, K. Did you learn that from someone, or did you make it up?”
“Oh, I made it up,” he stated proudly. Then he strutted away.
Vignette 3:
This last one isn’t my story, but it’s just too sweet not to share.
A colleague was walking down the hall and saw a first grader standing outside of an empty classroom looking a bit lost.
“Do you need some help?” she asked her.
“Yes, I’m looking for my soulmates.”
“Do you mean your classmates?” asked my colleague.
“Yes.”
Teaching elementary school offers so many sweet rewards!
Nix the comfort zone 
So beautiful. Thank you for sharing.
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Collecting these little bits across a day reminds you why you’re there. The sweetest!
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There are so many of these moments!
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I love these little stories. It is so important for us to notice and focus on these joys, because it is the big stressful things that often play back in our minds. I think the SOLC helps me appreciate these moments more! (or my brain is saying- there, a slice!)
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#truth!
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OMG– LOVE LOVE soulmates! That’s the best. I wonder where he heard that word! Thanks for the morning smiles, Molly!
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Isn’t that just too sweet!?
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”do you want me to show you the chicken dance?” 🤣😂 Wouldn’t it be nice to have a class full of soulmates!
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The chicken dance was pretty epic!
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Thanks for sharing. In the high school, kids rarely show me new dances that they’ve made up.
As the weather gets warmer, lots of them are looking for their “soulmates” though.
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lol Your comment made me laugh. I guess though, aren’t we all looking for our soulmates?
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Molly, thank you for sharing these. I’m so glad you are writing them down. That is something I wish I would have done for my career. Most of these vignettes are lost in time, but these three aren’t going anywhere! The young ones were some of my favorites to teach! These really illustrate why!
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I forget to write them down most of the time, but this challenge definitely nudges me to do so!
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As a retired Kindergarten teacher, these stories brightened my day. ( I almost missed teaching.)
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I’m sure you must have so many delightful stories! Hats off to you for being a Kindergarten teacher!
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I LOVE little student vignettes, and think ALL THE TIME how a teacher could easily write a book of just these little moments. The ones that I smile at in the car on the way home (or cry about).
You give us enough context (what you were doing, your position in relation to the child) in each context, so it was easy for me to imagine these small humans sharing their words. Clearly they are connecting with you — it’s amazing, and the best part of the job.
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It really is the best part of the job. I moved from the primary wing up to 4th grade to teach for about 6 years and I’m loving being back in second again!
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and the way they string together across a day; they demand to be captured. I love the use of dialogue; the way the teacher voice accepts each response as normal!
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Thanks! There are so many small moments like this, and it’s so easy to overlook them. I really like that the SOLC nudges me to pay a little more attention and capture a few.
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I love your vignettes. So much joy and sweetness caught in one.
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Charming! We should all find our soulmates in second grade. Life would be so much easier! But as much fun? Probably not.
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