#Why I Write by Heather Rocco https://padlet.com/hrocco73/rz1bbt80u8np We are celebrating NCTE's National Day on Writing on October 20! Please share why you write here! "I write because [insert reason here]." en-us 2018-10-19 11:56:25 UTC 2023-02-18 13:36:04 UTC hello@padlet.com https://padlet-assets.s3.amazonaws.com/icons/Apple.png Heather Rocco, ELA Supervisor, Chatham, NJ hrocco73 https://padlet.com/hrocco73/rz1bbt80u8np/wish/294770470 I write because it slows me down and centers me. Writing helps me understand who I am, what I remember, and how I feel.

]]> 2018-10-19 12:01:19 UTC https://padlet.com/hrocco73/rz1bbt80u8np/wish/294770470 Adriane Collett, ELA, Teacher, Chatham, NJ acollett2 https://padlet.com/hrocco73/rz1bbt80u8np/wish/294780225 I write because it makes me feel instantly connected to other people and the human experience that we are all sharing every day!]]> 2018-10-19 12:28:10 UTC https://padlet.com/hrocco73/rz1bbt80u8np/wish/294780225 Rebecca Sheasley https://padlet.com/hrocco73/rz1bbt80u8np/wish/294783425 Teacher,  Chatham,NJ
I write because it helps me to see and understand who I am.]]> 2018-10-19 12:35:58 UTC https://padlet.com/hrocco73/rz1bbt80u8np/wish/294783425 Kate Baker, teacher, Southern Regional High School, NJ kbaker8 https://padlet.com/hrocco73/rz1bbt80u8np/wish/294784399 I write so that it gives the time and space to craft what I want to communicate. Specifically, I write blog posts to share my ideas with others, and I write emails/text messages because I  have trouble with spoken/auditory communication. And, I write poetry for the love of art. 

]]> 2018-10-19 12:38:07 UTC https://padlet.com/hrocco73/rz1bbt80u8np/wish/294784399 Shannon Falkner, ELA Teacher, Chatham High School, NJ https://padlet.com/hrocco73/rz1bbt80u8np/wish/294791842 I write to connect to others and to myself. There is nothing more powerful for me than sharing my writing and feeling a reaction from others  that indicates that I've articulated something that we feel, know, or think together. Likewise, when I write and know that I've captured a feeling of my own that's been lurking, nameless, beneath the surface of my own consciousness, I feel lighter in my own body.]]> 2018-10-19 12:54:37 UTC https://padlet.com/hrocco73/rz1bbt80u8np/wish/294791842 Kenneth Kunz, K-12 Supervisor of C&I, Middlesex, NJ https://padlet.com/hrocco73/rz1bbt80u8np/wish/294799603 I write to connect teachers with ideas that can directly impact student engagement and literacy learning.  I find it exciting to share my passion for teaching and learning with other educators and to spotlight best practices that I observe in classrooms.  I write with the hope that a positive energy for impacting readers and writers will catch on not only in my district, but nationally and globally. #KidsDeserveIt]]> 2018-10-19 13:10:38 UTC https://padlet.com/hrocco73/rz1bbt80u8np/wish/294799603 Dana Ahmuty, ELA Supervisor 6-12, Parsippany, NJ https://padlet.com/hrocco73/rz1bbt80u8np/wish/294799787 I write to help me organize my thoughts and ideas. It allows me to articulate what I am thinking and keeps me focused.]]> 2018-10-19 13:11:03 UTC https://padlet.com/hrocco73/rz1bbt80u8np/wish/294799787 Sharon West, ELA Supervisor, West Milford, N https://padlet.com/hrocco73/rz1bbt80u8np/wish/294799858 I write because it helps me think, clarify ideas, and make stronger, longer-term connections in my mind. It helps me process thoughts, develop ideas, plan and reflect. In a very surface way (e.g., texting), it helps me stay connected to those I care about, share a laugh and/or connect my brain (and, in some cases, heart) to theirs. ]]> 2018-10-19 13:11:13 UTC https://padlet.com/hrocco73/rz1bbt80u8np/wish/294799858 Mary Kane, ELA Supervisor K-5 Parsippany-Troy Hills, NJ mekane2 https://padlet.com/hrocco73/rz1bbt80u8np/wish/294799879 I write to free my thoughts, share my experiences, and bring about emotions. I write to bring humor to the everyday experiences that all can relate to on some level. I feel good when I write although I am never completely satisfied with my writing .]]> 2018-10-19 13:11:15 UTC https://padlet.com/hrocco73/rz1bbt80u8np/wish/294799879 Katie Blanco, K-6 ELA Department Head New Providence https://padlet.com/hrocco73/rz1bbt80u8np/wish/294799976 I write to process my thoughts and to gain a clearer understanding of what I am learning, thinking, or feeling.]]> 2018-10-19 13:11:28 UTC https://padlet.com/hrocco73/rz1bbt80u8np/wish/294799976 Nancy Fanning, BSI Teacher, Chatham, NJ https://padlet.com/hrocco73/rz1bbt80u8np/wish/294800515 Journaling gives me the opportunity to revisit the happenings of the day. I usually get a better understanding of my feelings and reactions to what is going on.]]> 2018-10-19 13:12:33 UTC https://padlet.com/hrocco73/rz1bbt80u8np/wish/294800515 Susan Fischer, ELA Supervisor, Somerset Hills School District, NJ https://padlet.com/hrocco73/rz1bbt80u8np/wish/294801245 I write to...
reflect
refine my practice
read more closely
reach new ideas
remember]]> 2018-10-19 13:14:07 UTC https://padlet.com/hrocco73/rz1bbt80u8np/wish/294801245 Denise Velez, ELA Supervisor, Kinnelon, NJ velezd https://padlet.com/hrocco73/rz1bbt80u8np/wish/294802512 I write because it grants me solitude among all the chaos.]]> 2018-10-19 13:17:07 UTC https://padlet.com/hrocco73/rz1bbt80u8np/wish/294802512 Liz McKenna, ELA Supervisor, Scotch Plains-Fanwood https://padlet.com/hrocco73/rz1bbt80u8np/wish/294802595 I write to make sense of things and to make things real.  To give tangible life to things that are hard to pin down.

]]> 2018-10-19 13:17:17 UTC https://padlet.com/hrocco73/rz1bbt80u8np/wish/294802595 Brendan McIsaac Hunterdon Central - Supervisor of English & Media https://padlet.com/hrocco73/rz1bbt80u8np/wish/294802682  
Because of my kids and their demand for stories and not the read a book at bedtime kind but rather the campfire kind and not the well developed, rough draft, revise, writing circle feedback kind but rather the tell all of us a story now kind and make it spooky and make sure there is a twist and make sure it involves a tree or a leaf or the moon or that house over there ok go.  

So over the past five years I have become the uncle who tells on demand campfire stories to family or friends or to whomever happens to be around the firepit.  And I enjoy the challenge of spontaneous stories that are creepy and with twists but what starts to happen is you begin to see the story possibilities in everything around you and how the most ordinary things can open into the most extraordinary tales of mystery or suspense...so now I write when I drive and when I walk and go for a run and every minute...

 
]]> 2018-10-19 13:17:25 UTC https://padlet.com/hrocco73/rz1bbt80u8np/wish/294802682 Keith Dennison, Warren Hills Regional School District, 7-12 ELA, Social Studies, and Libraries dennisonk https://padlet.com/hrocco73/rz1bbt80u8np/wish/294802735 I write because it slows me down and reminds me of what I do know, and what I don't know.]]> 2018-10-19 13:17:32 UTC https://padlet.com/hrocco73/rz1bbt80u8np/wish/294802735 Gary Pankiewicz, ELA Supervisor, Fair Lawn, NJ https://padlet.com/hrocco73/rz1bbt80u8np/wish/294803224  I write to share my thinking--sometimes bold and specific but other times gentle or even awkward.  I write to participate in perspective and expression. ]]> 2018-10-19 13:18:29 UTC https://padlet.com/hrocco73/rz1bbt80u8np/wish/294803224 Dana Cansian, ELA, Social Studies, and World Languages Supervisor, Kenilworth, NJ https://padlet.com/hrocco73/rz1bbt80u8np/wish/294803296 I write to organize my thoughts and create efficient plans.]]> 2018-10-19 13:18:39 UTC https://padlet.com/hrocco73/rz1bbt80u8np/wish/294803296 Stacy Casais, 7-12 ELA Supervisor, West Essex Regional School District https://padlet.com/hrocco73/rz1bbt80u8np/wish/294803526 I write to create, to make something out of nothing.  Words that have existed in my for as long as I've had them, come together in a combination that is unique.]]> 2018-10-19 13:19:08 UTC https://padlet.com/hrocco73/rz1bbt80u8np/wish/294803526 Jenny Wnuk https://padlet.com/hrocco73/rz1bbt80u8np/wish/294803591 I write for many reasons, but most recently most of my writing time is spent developing my dissertation. . . which I hope to finish at some point this century . . .]]> 2018-10-19 13:19:16 UTC https://padlet.com/hrocco73/rz1bbt80u8np/wish/294803591 David Goldstein, Department Head, New Providence, NJ https://padlet.com/hrocco73/rz1bbt80u8np/wish/294805378 Why I write, so I can learn how to write, so that I can write to learn, about myself and others, about my other selves their other selves. The discovery of words becomes a discovery of self, of possibility and its needy helpers--regret, guilt, desire, ecstasy and desire. Why I write is as a simple as a letter, but often starts with an image--the way she puts her hair behind her ear, the way he holds the bat, wiggling it to shake off the doubt, the sound of a collar shaking in the night that reminds you of another collar not so long ago--she is gone but still prodding me to write. I write because of the beauty I cannot hold, that of the past and the present. Why I write is so that I can teach others to write, to find that collar that shakes in their mind too. ]]> 2018-10-19 13:22:44 UTC https://padlet.com/hrocco73/rz1bbt80u8np/wish/294805378 https://padlet.com/hrocco73/rz1bbt80u8np/wish/294806415 2018-10-19 13:24:31 UTC https://padlet.com/hrocco73/rz1bbt80u8np/wish/294806415 Brian Hamer https://padlet.com/hrocco73/rz1bbt80u8np/wish/294806681 I write because it’s fun.  Taking words and thinking about the effect they have is a form of art.  Also, it allows for a deep, therapeutic reflection about life.


]]> 2018-10-19 13:24:54 UTC https://padlet.com/hrocco73/rz1bbt80u8np/wish/294806681 Jessica Keuth-Rahtjen, English, Speech, and Theatre, Glen Ellyn IL https://padlet.com/hrocco73/rz1bbt80u8np/wish/294822350 I write to process, explore, create, and engage. ]]> 2018-10-19 13:52:13 UTC https://padlet.com/hrocco73/rz1bbt80u8np/wish/294822350 Nicole Blazier, Wheaton North High School, IL nicole_blazier https://padlet.com/hrocco73/rz1bbt80u8np/wish/294828394 I write to process my thoughts and then accurately present these thoughts to others. My writing is able to express who I am, what I am thinking, and what I value better than my spoken words will ever be capable of doing.]]> 2018-10-19 14:01:51 UTC https://padlet.com/hrocco73/rz1bbt80u8np/wish/294828394 Christine Turner, 4th Grade ELA teacher, Chatham, NJ cturner43 https://padlet.com/hrocco73/rz1bbt80u8np/wish/294845286 I write because it helps me think and clarify ideas.  I also write to encourage and inspire myself and others.  

]]> 2018-10-19 14:31:48 UTC https://padlet.com/hrocco73/rz1bbt80u8np/wish/294845286 Jenna Micko, English Teacher, Glenbard East High School, Lombard, IL https://padlet.com/hrocco73/rz1bbt80u8np/wish/294849651 I write because it is where I can always be authentic and honest. Writing to me is one of the few talents I have. I have been very fortunate to have had teachers foster my love of writing, and, as a result, I have been able to do the same to my students. Writing is like breathing for me, and I could not live without it.

]]> 2018-10-19 14:39:13 UTC https://padlet.com/hrocco73/rz1bbt80u8np/wish/294849651 Kris Fallon https://padlet.com/hrocco73/rz1bbt80u8np/wish/294872554 Teacher 
Chatham, NJ

I write because words are powerful. They reflect my emotions, my memories, my desires, my strongest sense of self. I can put a little piece of "me" on a piece of paper and that is pretty magical.

]]> 2018-10-19 15:22:19 UTC https://padlet.com/hrocco73/rz1bbt80u8np/wish/294872554 Sara Schumacher, English Department Chair, Glenbard East High School, IL sara_schumacher https://padlet.com/hrocco73/rz1bbt80u8np/wish/294873387 I write because it allows me to uncover meaning lying just beneath the surface that I had not yet stopped to consider. Writing affords me the opportunity for release and discover at the same time while documenting the moments of my life that prompted me to sit down with my thoughts and pour out words from my soul. ]]> 2018-10-19 15:23:42 UTC https://padlet.com/hrocco73/rz1bbt80u8np/wish/294873387 Sean Kennedy, Wheaton North High School, IL https://padlet.com/hrocco73/rz1bbt80u8np/wish/294897471 I write because it offers me an opportunity to connect deeply with those around me. Through those interactions I am able to gain appreciation and insight on the beautifully unique perspectives that I am surrounded by. ]]> 2018-10-19 16:08:27 UTC https://padlet.com/hrocco73/rz1bbt80u8np/wish/294897471 Taylor Heatherly, Wheaton North High School, IL taylor_heatherly https://padlet.com/hrocco73/rz1bbt80u8np/wish/294897613 I write to give others hope. Other people compose works that alter my perception of the world and help me believe in myself. I strive to give others the same experience through my writing.]]> 2018-10-19 16:08:45 UTC https://padlet.com/hrocco73/rz1bbt80u8np/wish/294897613 Christina McCabe, Chatham High School, English teacher https://padlet.com/hrocco73/rz1bbt80u8np/wish/294934281 I write because it helps me to remember. I write to think. I remember a teacher saying writing IS thinking, and it is -- when I write, I form thoughts I didn't know I had. ]]> 2018-10-19 17:24:19 UTC https://padlet.com/hrocco73/rz1bbt80u8np/wish/294934281 rebecca_boyd2 https://padlet.com/hrocco73/rz1bbt80u8np/wish/294991726 Rebecca Boyd, Glenbard East High School, IL
I write because it allows me to reflect over what I value most in life. Since I was only 7, I’ve always kept a diary or a journal that my mom stored away for me. The ability to recount all of the events and “moments” of my childhood in written form at each age is very special as I can now share these moments with my own children. ]]> 2018-10-19 19:31:09 UTC https://padlet.com/hrocco73/rz1bbt80u8np/wish/294991726 Josh Flores, Independent Consultant, AL https://padlet.com/hrocco73/rz1bbt80u8np/wish/295001658 I write because, well, how the hell else are we supposed to make sense of the world? ABC=Always Be Cursive writing, right? ]]> 2018-10-19 20:05:37 UTC https://padlet.com/hrocco73/rz1bbt80u8np/wish/295001658 Emily Meixner, Coordinator, English Secondary Education, TCNJ https://padlet.com/hrocco73/rz1bbt80u8np/wish/295009189 I write to be in conversation with others about things I’m passionate about: books, schools, teaching. I write to figure out and refine my ideas. I write to model writing. And sometimes I write because it’s required, even now. ]]> 2018-10-19 20:40:43 UTC https://padlet.com/hrocco73/rz1bbt80u8np/wish/295009189 Mary Hassenplug, ELA Supervisor, Sparta, NJ https://padlet.com/hrocco73/rz1bbt80u8np/wish/295010733 I write to remember that feeling of trepidation that students feel when asked to put their thoughts and feelings out there for others to see. I write to nurture a sense of community and trust--similar to what we wish for our students.  Writing reminds us that we are more similar than we are different.

]]> 2018-10-19 20:49:04 UTC https://padlet.com/hrocco73/rz1bbt80u8np/wish/295010733 Oona Abrams, ELA Teacher, Chatham, NJ https://padlet.com/hrocco73/rz1bbt80u8np/wish/295014330 I write because when I put pen to paper, I am my most honest self. I write to connect with other learners in what can sometimes feel like a solitary profession. I write to record the history of my family's life. I write to be messy and silly and sometimes insignificant, to celebrate my imperfections, to embrace process. ]]> 2018-10-19 21:15:55 UTC https://padlet.com/hrocco73/rz1bbt80u8np/wish/295014330 Tara Rossi - Sparta ELA Supervisor K-5 https://padlet.com/hrocco73/rz1bbt80u8np/wish/295111879 I write to get to know myself better. I write to explore ideas more deeply. I write to be free. ]]> 2018-10-20 19:52:46 UTC https://padlet.com/hrocco73/rz1bbt80u8np/wish/295111879 Pam Amendola https://padlet.com/hrocco73/rz1bbt80u8np/wish/295120005 English Educator-Dawson County High School-Georgia

Writing 
allows me to 

quiet 

the noise 
of the world 
around me. ]]> 2018-10-20 21:48:41 UTC https://padlet.com/hrocco73/rz1bbt80u8np/wish/295120005 https://padlet.com/hrocco73/rz1bbt80u8np/wish/295121179

]]> 2018-10-20 22:09:28 UTC https://padlet.com/hrocco73/rz1bbt80u8np/wish/295121179 Meg Leventhal - 5th grade teacher in New Jersey https://padlet.com/hrocco73/rz1bbt80u8np/wish/295121417 I write because it quiets my mind. Writing reveals things to me I didn’t know.

]]> 2018-10-20 22:14:12 UTC https://padlet.com/hrocco73/rz1bbt80u8np/wish/295121417 Alysia Della Salla, fourth grade teacher in NJ https://padlet.com/hrocco73/rz1bbt80u8np/wish/295129817 I write to express my feelings and to connect with others. Words seem to mean more to some people when they are written down. Memories are saved for years to come!]]> 2018-10-21 01:27:25 UTC https://padlet.com/hrocco73/rz1bbt80u8np/wish/295129817 Dr. Kia Jane Richmond, Professor, Northern Michigan University, Marquette, Michigan https://padlet.com/hrocco73/rz1bbt80u8np/wish/295222102 I write to connect myself to others. I also write because I learn while I'm writing. :) ]]> 2018-10-21 19:32:42 UTC https://padlet.com/hrocco73/rz1bbt80u8np/wish/295222102 Natalie Croney, Teacher of English, Bowling Green High School in Bowling Green, KY https://padlet.com/hrocco73/rz1bbt80u8np/wish/295698984 I write to purge my brain of jumbled thoughts that refuse to line up single-file. Writing produces clarity and order.]]> 2018-10-22 20:55:51 UTC https://padlet.com/hrocco73/rz1bbt80u8np/wish/295698984