two writing teachers - Judy Imamudeen

Lean in, It’s not too late.

By Judy Imamudeen | May 1, 2018 | Comments 0 Comment

I don’t want to look at my phone. The chatter of mating frogs is not muted by the buzzing air con. I know it’s too early but my mind is awake even if my body is motionless. I have students on my mind.

may-2018-blog-series-image1 You see I made the mistake of reading Two Writing Teachers’ Blog and, as our team worked on our final unit plan and learning overview, it was painfully obvious that time wasn’t on our side. What happened to April? How did May get here? How can we consolidate the great learning, yet still make an impact on the students who need more support? Oh, how many more weeks to make a difference?

It’s easy to “slide” out, but I want to lean it, pull up my sleeves and dig into these final moments with the students. I want to end this year empty–both for me and the kids, knowing that we did our best and gave our all. I’m inspired and renewed that there are educators who are just as insanely committed to making this school year end on a positive note. Perhaps you are too.

Judy Imamudeen

Developing learners as leaders is my joy! I am committed and passionate International Baccaluearate (IB) educator who loves cracking jokes, jumping on trampolines and reading books. When I’m not playing Minecraft with my daughter, I work on empowering others in order to create a future that works for everyone.

judyimamudeen.com

Kick in the Pants: Slice of Life Challenge

By Judy Imamudeen | February 11, 2018 | Comments 0 Comment

Everyone needs a kick in the pants sometimes. Recently I went on a Writer’s Workshop professional development training in Yangon, Myanmar. Since I’ve been in the Early Years for such a long time, it was fantastic to get a refresher course on this unique philosophy and approach to teaching writing and reading. I love it because it really has a lovely inquiry-based approach to examining texts and using those craft moves in our writing. But honestly, I took for granted the cornerstone piece of being an effective writing teacher is to be a writer yourself–to read materials from that perspective of a writer (whether for professional or personal reasons) and dedicate yourself to a life of writing.

It was during this time that I was reminded of the blog, Two Writing Teachers, and I immediately fell back in love with all the helpful and insightful posts in there. I noticed that they have a Slice of Life challenge coming up, which is another wonderful nudge to write consistently, if not daily. Being an authentic Writer’s Workshop teacher is probably less about the method and more about a lifestyle of close reading and practicing the craft of writing; so if I am to take this on seriously, then I need to stay committed to developing habits around writing.

So with that in mind, I am accepting this kick in the pants and publicly announcing that I am going to take this challenge personally. However, since this is my professional blog, I reckon that I will make my “slices of life” come from my classroom.

writing quote.jpg

The truth is that I have been a writer all my life, from the moment I could form my ABCs until this very moment here with you. Now in my 44th year of life, I am finally acknowledging this fact. It’s quite liberating and invigorating really.

And I hope you will join me in this quest to turn what may seem like a mundane task into an exciting turning point in your career, moreover your life. We can hold each other’s hands as we enter into the writing life together.

writing quote.jpg