As Lucy greeted a packed church at the closing of the TCRWP Saturday Reunion yesterday, she reflected on it being the 90th Reunion. 90 Saturdays. 90 times where teachers volunteered to share what works for them. 90 times where teachers volunteered to come to learn from bright teachers. All coming to lift the level of their teaching.
For me, it has been 14 times. After my first Summer Writing Institute in 2009, I came that next October. I was overwhelmed by the crowd. Yet, after 5 hours of inspiration and a filled notebook of great ideas to guide my teaching, I return by train to VA. When March came, I trekked north again on a Saturday. And now it is my tradition. Now, I mark the Saturdays in October and March on my new calendar and you will find me at TC learning.
Lucy told a story about how 100+ Calkins family members gathered for a reunion years ago. Being among this extended group of related people, her son commented that made him feel OK and less weird. That is EXACTLY how I feel about coming to the TCWRP Saturday Reunion. I come to be around those who “make me feel less weird”. Back in VA, a few that I work with have a literacy focus and a desire to grow it as I do. I value the conversations I have with them that lift the level of our practice. A few have time to work on their literacy craft as I strive to also do. I value the collaborative times we share. Many have a different focus – math, young children to get home to, a wedding to plan, an aged-parent to look after. And I get that. This life we lead is big and our world offers so many focal points.
Yesterday, I left feeling exactly as Lucy’s son. It feels so OK to spend the day with people who all make me feel less weird! I came to the Saturday Reunion to be with my people! I am part of this family of educators who will never stop searching for an answer to this question: What can we learn today to lift the level of our practice?! I left with a notebook filled with ideas and a calendar in my purse marked to return on October 22, 2016 & March 18, 2017.
Writing Stories by Sally 
And a wonderful learning tradition for you!
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I to attended the 90th Reunion. Seeing that I have gone 5 times now I judge it is my new tradition. I am sure my next week will be filled with loads of slices much like you! Thanks for bringing me back to that wonderful story!
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As adults we get to choose the traditions that we value, even create them! I love this description of finding like-minded people to energize you twice a year. Two important squares on the calendar filled with significance.
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As adults we get to choose the traditions that we value, even create them! I love this description of finding like-minded people to energize you twice a year. Two important squares on the calendar filled with significance.
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But what is TCWRP? It sounds wonderful…
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I was there too and wrote about Lucy's closing. I wish the slicers had met up.
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I was there too and wrote about Lucy's closing. I wish the slicers had met up.
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It's awesome that you have this seen this tradition and that you have made it your own. 🙂
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Visiting your blog makes me feel less weird. I hope that doesn't sound weird. 🙂
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What a great experience to share! Thanks for the link to your notes, too.
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We all need to spend time in a place that makes us feel “less weird!” It's good for the soul.
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We all search out that place or that group that makes us feel 'less weird.' Glad you enjoyed Lucy and her bunch this weekend!
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I love attending conferences for the same reason you enjoy the TCRWP Reunions. I love hanging out with folks who focus on your question: “What can we learn today to lift the level of our practice?” It's a place to be with our tribe. I'll be back to read your notes, just trying to leave a few more comments before the 9:00 deadline (west coast slicer).
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So glad you found a place to feel connected and part of family. 😉
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Aaaah- I am so jealous! I have long wanted to attend a summer institute and finally applied for this summer- waiting anxiously to hear if I get in. I totally get the “it makes me feel less weird” – finding our tribe is so important!
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Aaaah- I am so jealous! I have long wanted to attend a summer institute and finally applied for this summer- waiting anxiously to hear if I get in. I totally get the “it makes me feel less weird” – finding our tribe is so important!
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I just started to try to synthesize my thoughts from the Saturday Reunion … such a powerful place to be. I love that there is so much to learn! I have gone twice, and I can't wait to go again. 🙂
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