Rocky the Squirrel

Quote of the Day:

Discipline determines Destiny.

~ Dr. Charles Randall

  Sorting through papers to find teaching ideas, I came across this wonderful writing exercise presented by Jeanne Whitehouse Peterson, my University of New Mexico professor of Children's Literature and children's book author. She came to Placitas Elementary School in Placitas, NM to lead an in-service workshop. I would like to share my journey.

Layered Writing Workshop by Jeanne Whitehouse Peterson

Materials: 1 sheet white paper & pen or pencil.
Directions: Fold paper in half hamburger style for 4 writing sides. Direct students in four 2 minute writing exercises.


(Cover)

Step 1: Think of a place, inside or outside, that you feel comfortable in; a place that delights you, or speaks to you, and write about it.


If I could be anywhere, I would love to be in the rez swimming pool in my workout suit, swimming laps and feeling the pull of my arms against the water. I love the freedom from weight that the water provides. I like the  physicalness of moving my legs up and down in a flutter kick and the mindlessness the exercise provides.

Step 2: Reread. Highlight or circle 2 or 3 words that jump out at you. 

Step 3: Choose one of your highlighted words as a title for the next 2 minute write.



(Inside Front Cover)

Step 1: Follow the last train of thought or let your chosen word guide you.

Step 2: Write for 2 minutes or so.

 Mindlessness

To be free from thinking and rethinking is such peace. I love to sit in my closet, my sanctuary, and center myself with incense and candles. I sit unthinking and let images, colors, shapes or ideas come to me without effort.

Step 3: Again, choose a word or two words you like. 

Step 4: Use your choice as a title.



(Inside Back Cover)

Step 1: Write for 2 minutes.

Thinking and Rethinking

To be going to school, learning a trade, and continuing my spiritual growth is a constant process of thinking & rethinking. I have thought my whole life that learning is a spiral and I see it, feel it, live it, now more than ever before. Every new thing I learn must be incorporated with what I thought I already knew. Each time, I realize I have come full circle, but on a higher level.


Step 2: There is always a common thread in the first 3 writings. Find your commonality, then on the back, write about something totally unrelated.


(Back Cover)

Step 1: Write for 2 minutes or so on your unrelated topic. 

Rocky the squirrel

Was a funny creature.

He was small and furry.

We gave him seeds and

he stuffed them in his cheeks

as if we would never

feed him again.

As an orphaned baby

He clung to the rabbit skin

We provided as a surrogate mother.

As he grew

We gave him more and more freedom

And then one day,

He left.

Just like a child.

Step 2: Notice how the 4th piece always ties in somehow.

What a cool exercise. What do you think was the overall relationship?