Strategy #1 Agree on the given that everyone brushes their teeth after they wake up in the morning.
Focus on the toothpaste instead. What brand, what flavor, paste or gel? Bottom roller or top squeezer? Flosser, yes or no; waxed or unwaxed? Mouthwash or breath mints? (See the potential for sensory detail?)
Strategy #2 Point out that if they are sitting in the classroom with us today, we already know that they came to school.
Focus on the journey instead. Bus, car, bike, skateboard or legs? Cool breeze, biting rain, or heavy air? Stray dog, chirping bird, sidewalk worm or fresh-mown grass? (See the potential for sensory detail?)
Strategy #3 Locate just the right clip of Seinfeld in order to show how everyday nothing can become uniquely something, with just the right slice.
I often think about the “It’s a show about nothing” when I think of something to write about. We can make something extraordinary out of the most ordinary of moments.
ReplyDeleteI hadn't made the Seinfeld connection, but it is spot on. The thing that wows me is how we can capture both the universal and the unique in our writing, and they can hit just the same. Thanks for this advise as I sink into slicing for day 6th myself.
ReplyDeleteThis is about the time when I really start focusing in on what other slicers are doing and look for ideas. Some days writing is just hard - and by realizing this, we can better understand our students!
ReplyDeleteYou are toughing out! Way to go.
ReplyDeleteLove your strategies. I’m kind of in a place of “lack of inspiration”. I have to start reading more posts by others. That usually helps.
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