Recently
I had playground duty and as I walked around the playground talking to my
students, my mind wandered to our next writing unit. We were going to begin a
fiction unit and I really wanted the students to be inspired. When I’ve read
their writing in the past, it usually lacks a strong setting. I wondered what I
could do to help with that and then I turned and saw the farm on the hill. One
mile from where I stood was the house I went to for preschool – Farm School. 
I clearly
remember Farm School. It might have been my favorite years of school ever. Many
times in writing workshop I write about my experiences there. One that stands
out is walking down the lane to the woods just south of the property. I’m not
sure why we went there, but when we did I was certain the wood were magical.
They felt special. With that thought in mind, I decided I wanted to take my
students there to write.
We headed
down the interurban track to the woods on the hill, just over a mile away. I
smiled as I watched some of the boys race to the top – it was nice to be able
to let them run ahead. With no traffic on this trail we could spread out
without any worry.
Once we
finally reached the woods, the kids spread out with their towels and blankets.
I instructed them to stare at the woods, to let their mind wander. What stories
could they tell here? What did they see? Were the woods magical? Did they hide
something? Write.
I moved
up and down the line of students. Some read to me what they had so far, some
furiously wrote, some had to be reminded to get writing. J I
watched as one student flagged down my friend and colleague who had come for a
walk with us – he just had to share his story with her. It was amazing.
All too
soon, we had to head back. I glanced up the lane at the beautiful house that
held so many memories. Now it had given me more, this time as a teacher instead
of a student. I cannot think of a better way to spend Earth Day than outside
writing with my class. I can’t wait to see what stories then come up with. 
Slice of Life is sponsored every Tuesday by Stacey and Ruth from Two Writing Teachers.
