Write It Out Loud

Write It Out Loud Where students, families, and their communities meet to share honest, encouraging stories of hope.

While this wasn’t the large crowd that Steve is used to addressing, there was something special about the informality of...
02/14/2023

While this wasn’t the large crowd that Steve is used to addressing, there was something special about the informality of his presentation to students yesterday.

It was honest.
It was relatable.

It wasn’t fancy or scripted, just authentic conversation about how what we perceive as being weakness can actually become our greatest strength! When Steve left, students felt like he understood much of what they have experienced. His vulnerability in sharing reminded students once again that, even in moments where we feel like we’re alone, ‘there is always help; there is always hope.’



02/08/2023





This moment was entirely spontaneous ! The kids were feeling the beat, and I decided we could fit this into their performance. I sent them on their own to do more work, and thirty minutes later they came back with original lyrics and even incorporated a basketball!

And yes, I’m saving the end product for a surprise, but y’all…..

…..THESE KIDS CAN RAP!!!!!

An artistic gallery wall assessment of student comprehension, a.k.a. How well did students understand individual plot po...
02/01/2023

An artistic gallery wall assessment of student comprehension, a.k.a. How well did students understand individual plot points within The Hero’s Journey as they relate to overall theme?

Step 1: Set up individual stations for each plot point.

Step 2: Add previous student work to activate prior knowledge.

Step 3: Let students loose to connect the dots!

Step 4:
a. Hold in the teacher-panic as students seem unsure at first of how to proceed.
b. Restrain the natural teacher urge to give students the answers, rather than trusting that your instruction was suffiencent.
c. Remind yourself that your job is to model the process you wish for students to follow.
d. Reassure yourself that your students are capable of learning, even if this process takes longer than anticipated.

Step 5: Observe that students seem stuck, take on the role of devil’s advocate, act as a ‘student,’ and go through the process with them, modeling the correct thought process out loud with as you go.

Step 6: Assess student learning through observation.
- Are students engaged?
- Are students collaborating with each other to seek answers amongst themselves?
- Are students thinking out loud?
- Are student conversations related to the assignment?
- Are students able to answer the teacher’s questions about why they chose the answers they chose?
- Are students able to question and analyze other students’ input?

Step 7: Adapt and scaffold additional layers of instruction that will reinforce relevant and thorough student comprehension.

Step 8: Remind yourself that genuine learning takes time! Remind yourself that you are a capable teacher with capable students!

Data and conclusions are still ongoing! Back to the wall for day two, we go. Stay tuned for further result

When being a Superstar is literal rather than figurative…⭐️✌🏻
01/31/2023

When being a Superstar is literal rather than figurative…⭐️✌🏻

01/31/2023

Today, Write It Out Loud dove headfirst into Joseph Campbell’s ‘The Hero’s Journey!’

where we go from zero to hero,
from the bottom to the top,
from the loser to the winner,

and ‘The Call to Adventure’ is simply saying yes to being being ourselves…

01/24/2023




To date, today's lesson was by far the most joy-filled content I've ever delivered as a teacher! Ever. Controlled chaos, limited resources, clear guidelines, but complete creative freedom for students within this unique structural context.

Student focus, concentration, and motivation was the best it's ever been throughout this entire process. Students are learning to think, students are excited about learning, and I am excited to be able to teach the only way I've ever known how to teach, and that is by me just being "me."

And yes, I absolutely threw this stack of original, student writing into the air! I said "GO FOR IT" and stepped back, watching as students ran towards this assignment. They ripped apart papers, using only pieces they needed to deconstruct someone else's story and make their own "Messy Masterpiece."

But while this scene in real time looked like complete chaos, watching this mess unfold felt, to me, like this short video I was inspired to create. When you teach art, capturing the emotion of a moment is the most crucial piece of data you can collect....

Preach the Poet came and talked to the students about the importance of expression and finding meaning in words. The stu...
01/18/2023

Preach the Poet came and talked to the students about the importance of expression and finding meaning in words. The students made their own poems and wrote down the words in the music that stood out to them the most. Lots of music, discussion, and smiles!

A Big, Big thank you to teaching artist and spoken word poet Preach the Poet for working with Write It Out Loud kiddos t...
01/11/2023

A Big, Big thank you to teaching artist and spoken word poet Preach the Poet for working with Write It Out Loud kiddos today! Let’s just say that the boys were extra fearless in how they introduced themselves, the questions they asked, and the original poetry they shared. Despite being in Dallas and teaching over a screen, the energy Preach brought to this room made these students feels extra special. My heart is overflowing with gratitude and Hope for what’s to come…

12/12/2022

Write It Out Loud begins with every student
saying our “pledge” together as a group. This consistent practice encourages immediate focus, as well as positive, encouraging statements designed to promote personal growth and drive. So when the gentlemen wanted to lead the “pledge” by themselves, I was more than happy to oblige!

Research shows that students learn best in an environment where they feel safe. When students do not feel safe, this creates a mental block that interferes with the student’s ability to process and retain new information. In middle school, many factors contribute to students not feeling safe. The most immediate threat to this concept is constant worry about how their peers will perceive their actions. So rather than take chances
or ask for help when it is needed, students shut down before they even try.

Feeling safe means that students’ behavior is no longer driven by the need to protect themselves.

Feeling safe allows students to get to know others that might not be a part of their immediate circle.

Feeling safe means that making a mistake is not the end of the world.

Feeling safe means we can forgive ourselves and others with greater ease when we mess up.

Feeling safe allows students to pursue big dreams.

Feeling safe is essential for students to grow and excel in their learning.

When we say something often enough, it can become part of who we are, even if the circumstances of our lives are less than perfect. What we say about ourselves has the ability to inspire belief. Using this “pledge” regularly has helped to create a culture within Write It Out Loud where students feel safe enough to try something new…

“I am safe.
I am loved.
It is okay not to be perfect.
I can forgive myself and others for not being perfect.
I can choose good things.
I can do hard things.
I can accomplish my goals.
I choose Hope!”

When you watch your students walking in to the gym just like this, you take the photo. Her t-shirt sums it up perfectly...
12/08/2022



When you watch your students walking in to the gym just like this, you take the photo.

Her t-shirt sums it up perfectly: “HOPE SHINES HERE” ❤️

11/30/2022



Today we talked about self-worth. We talked about how people can place different values on the same ideas. We talked about how to decide what our individual value is, as well as what our personal worth is based on. This video clip came at the end of the session. If you knew how long I have been waiting for this kiddo to stand up and do his thing, you would understand why this is so special. This moment has been over a year in the making, and today was the day Aiden finally chose to speak up. Here are just a few seconds of his lengthy monologue to the group….

I’ve always spoken of Aiden as the protector, as being full of the kind of wisdom you don’t often see amongst seventh graders. Aiden’s mind is swimming with unique, original thought, but sometimes he struggles getting these ideas down on paper. But today was different; Aiden had to write. Instead of the normal practice of reading the writing out loud to a friend, he asked me if he could address the group. After he began, he tossed his writing aside and just spoke from the heart. “Just be yourself,” he says.

This is just the beginning of a longer piece that needs editing and practice with presentation, but Aiden has what it takes. When he speaks, his voice is filled with passion, and the points he makes includes consideration for other people that are different from him. Compassion comes easy for Aiden, which is a testament to the father who raised him, a father whom he loves and respects more than anyone. I am grateful to have students who are cared for by their fathers in this way.

As he spoke, I sat and stifled my cheers and applause so that I wouldn’t interrupt the moment. It was hard to keep these shouts inside because what Aiden chose to do on his own today has been something I’ve been hoping would come with time. He’s always had what it takes to address an audience in a moving and compelling way. Today was his moment to shine, and it certainly won’t be his last…

Bravo, Aiden!! You did it!!! My teacher heart is full, and I am tremendously honored to watch you grow and mature. Now, let’s do some more editing and practice! The stage is yours for the taking….

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