Studio WISE…a mosaic of literacy, history, and creativity

Those who know me or have followed this blog over the last few years understand that I love education, literacy, improving writing skills, journaling, helping others find their passion, and history. I like making connections, hearing and telling stories from years ago, and ancestry. A new opportunity will allow me to use all of that and even more. My heart is full and excited for what is to come.

This small business was begun in 2011 when I was still employed full-time, so it sat at times waiting for the attention it deserved. I retired in 2018 and since then have been blessed to manage and curate at two separate museums, one an old school building and the other a prominent home that is now owned by the local historical society. Getting to use many of my gifts has been heart-warming, but the time has come to devote my attention to Studio WISE and allow her to lead the way to new opportunities while building on what I have learned on the road to where I am today.

January 2024 will bring a new season for me, one that I soon will share.

Ok, as someone who has a difficult time getting rid of anything that has sentimental value–clothes, dishes, furniture, etc.–it hurts me to say this, but “Our children do NOT want our stuff.” All of that priceless junk is going to a huge, maybe sad, yard sale to be shared with those who never knew us.

Something should be said about not wanting to be tied down by belongings, so I get it (not really, but that sounded appropriate…). They don’t want our stuff, but you know what they do want. They would love to have our family stories documented, our memories recorded in a journal or on the back of some envelopes, photo albums with explanations of who the folks are and the significance they played in our lives, and maybe a few small items they can stick in a box or display on a shelf that brings a smile when they pass by.

Someone recently told me that we all spend the first two-thirds of our lives collecting stuff and the last third of our lives getting rid of it. My mind can’t dismiss that thought. I have started looking at my belongings and house furnishings, plus ALL my Homer Laughlin dishes I have collected over the years (it’s a sickness!) with new eyes. What have I seen for the first time with these new eyes, one may ask?

I have seen an extraordinary amount of STUFF, my stuff, that I love. Much of it stayed packed away for just the right time until recently. Lovely wedding china sat displayed in the dining room waiting for just the right occasion. Now it sits close by and is used. To be honest, I feel a bit guilty that our children didn’t eat on those dishes regularly. Now they and the grandsons will. One reason they’ll have the opportunity is they don’t want my stuff after we are gone. Haha. I need to use it now. Moral of this story is to use what you have collected.

That brings me to why I am really writing this post. I referenced early in this post and many times since that our children don’t want all our stuff but do want our memories, stories, and photographs that help to complete those special stories. There are actions you can take today to make that happen while keeping all that stuff that you love but know needs to be some place else, some way, some day, some time…

I realize not everyone loves to write, is as organized as you’d like to be, or has the desire to do what I am suggesting, but each of us can do something starting now to leave more than just our STUFF…

Write letters of memories to your children and mail them. Give each of them a pretty box in which to save the letters. Begin or continue journaling your innermost thoughts, your dreams, your bucket list, and anything else you want to live on when that time comes. Write names, locations, and significance on the backs of photos that mean something to you. Print some of the photos off your phone…

Most importantly, talk to your children and grands…really talk. Allow them to ask questions of you and answer them with honesty. You get the picture. Your stuff may end up living with strangers, but you can live forever in the hearts of your loved ones.

Reflective writing can help make sense of a world that doesn’t. ( Lichtenthal and Neimeyer) It is a way to help find peace and meaning after a loss. Grief, regardless of the type of grief, is a journey and is sometimes a very lonely place to be. A grief journal can be the companion that listens, one that is non-judgmental, and a shoulder to cry on when the grief is heavy.

Grief is a process. Some journeys take longer than others, and there are often stops along the way. Reversing the direction may even occur, so we must be ready for that. Just when we think we are alright, we are not. Keeping a grief journal helps to discuss the grief, unload, so to speak, without having to trust a human with the feelings, concerns, and fear that may bubble over.

Whether the grief is from the loss of a loved one through death or divorce, the loss of a pet, a job, or any other loss, talking through feelings does help, and a reflective journal is a way to accomplish that important step. Goals, friends, and experiences often change when we are faced with a loss. We grieve those, as well. We mourn missed opportunities and sometimes have to live with unresolved issues.

After loss, there are often triggers that one must be aware of and prepared for as life goes on without whatever has been lost. Special occasions, milestones, songs, smells, and sounds often cause a recurrence of feelings thought long gone. Writing about these feelings is very beneficial.

(If you are not one who enjoys writing, start a memory box or make a oollage as a way to reflect on and work through the grief.)

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It’s ok to speak of those who have now gone before

to live in a realm of glory with the Savior forevermore.

They lived here on Earth with us and were loved with all our hearts,

so speak of them often and have them still play a part.

It’s ok to remember fondly and laugh about special times,

but it’s also quite acceptable to cry when pain is what you find.

Remember the heritage they left and seeds of love they planted.

Don’t forget the joy they brought and times with them you were granted.

SL Holbert, 4/22/22

We all are the way we are for some reason. We often ask if it’s nature or nurture, though that is not why I am penning this post. I want you to think about your opinions, your experiences, your family dynamics, and influences that have molded you, but don’t get bogged down in all that. You are the individual you are for a reason. Start operating in your gifts and talents. Renew your mind. Rediscover the reason you are planted here on Earth.

So why are you here? It’s not by accident. You were created for a day such as this. If God had wanted you to live in a different time, you would have. Set out to discover what you can do to leave this world a better place for those who come after you. It may take some thought and even some discussions with those whom you trust, but dig until you are confident you know what light you plan to shine to guide those who walk sometimes in darkness. Maybe we are our brother’s keeper.

What is it you enjoy and feel happiest doing? What brings you joy? What do others compliment about you? Let that guide your thinking about your gifts and talents and what you are called to do. Do NOT look at others to see what they are doing or how talented they are. We ALL have gifts to use.

Maybe you are good with organizing and are at a time in your life that you can volunteer to organize the church food pantry or your Great Aunt Sue’s clothes closet. What about being skilled at fixing equipment? Maybe you check around for those needing oil changed, a battery replaced, a belt put on a lawnmower, or a ceiling fan hung?

Or you cook and love every last minute of every last word in every last cookbook…Meals on Wheels could probably use your help. Maybe you volunteer to spearhead the church breakfasts each Sunday. A gifted cook is in high demand.

Perhaps you love words and writing. Someone always needs help in the Card Ministry at church or you could even start your own from home. A handwritten card is a joy to receive. Are you an avid reader? Maybe you can work with the local library with Books on Tape or you could read to individuals at the retirement home.

If you are musical, so many opportunities are awaiting your discovery.

Something makes you tick, so use that something to your advantage and as a way to leave our world better than it was found. Go spread some joy.

If you get confused about what the standards are asking, maybe this information will help.

Argument

• tries to convince the reader to accept a claim as truth
• focuses on evidence
• grounded in logic, facts, and data
• needs critical reading of the text and may include other information from other sources
• addresses counterclaims fairly to allow for a complete argument

Persuasion

• tries to convince the reader to accept a thesis or truth
• appeals to the credibility, character, or authority of the writer
• often grounded more in feelings than facts
• often associated with speeches and frequently requires readers and listeners to take some sort of action

An argument is a claim supported by evidence. Students are often asked to read a selection(s) and then to defend their judgments with evidence from the texts. There is a progression of opinion to argument for students from K-12th grade.

(In a nutshell)

Research shows that the quality of teachers is the major school-related factor shaping student achievement. Educators are the critical stakeholders. The purpose of this short post is not to relay all the research but to encourage thought for change.

Expert teachers display certain qualities like high quality teaching, high expectations for ALL students, and direct instruction. They provide feedback, remediate students, and challenge students regularly. Expert teachers provide an optimal climate for learning in their classrooms. We need to identify experienced teachers and provide the help needed to move them into expert teachers.

That being said, a novice teacher shouldn’t equate to a poor teacher. Inexperienced teachers need to be identified, respected, and grown. If we identify weak and inexperienced teachers and work with them, we will be benefitting our students. To improve the students’ achievement in the United States, we must improve the quality of teachers.

I think a gap exists between teacher programs in higher education and the actual jobs that teachers must do. More training and mentoring is needed to account for this. More partnerships between school systems and Colleges of Education are encouraged. Also, over the last few years, changes have been made to the road to certification, so hopefully, fewer incompetent teachers will enter the profession. More time can then be focused on the experienced ones who just need that extra push to become an expert.

A recommendation I can make to anyone reading this and wanting to make a change in the quality of teachers in a school is to begin discussions about the importance of a quality teacher in a student’s life. Lay out the research, provide appropriate and useful professional learning, and monitor. Expect to see growth and reward it. In today’s world climate, teachers need all the help and hope they can get. (Don’t be afraid , after doing all you can to remediate teachers, to assist some in taking a different path…)

A couple of good articles:

“Good Teachers are the key to Student Success.” (2020)

“Teachers Make a Difference. What is the Research Evidence?” by John Hattie (2003)

Journaling is so beneficial. Studio WISE offers weekly journaling sessions and also is prepared to work with teachers to share how journaling and logs can be the heart of a literacy program. The benefits of journaling may surprise someone who has never journaled.

Benefits:

• Reduced stress
• Improved memory
• Enhanced creative expression
• More balanced emotions
• Strengthened cognitive abilities
• Motivation for writing
• Improved self-awareness
• Improved problem-solving skills
• Decreased depression for many
• Increased mental and social stimulation in dementia patients and caregivers
• Developed fluency
• Improved sleep for some
• Improved motor memory

Types of Journaling Sessions available at Studio WISE

• Grief
• Memoir
• Learning Logs
• Prayer
• Writing and Reading
• Art
• Bullet
• Gratitude
• Expressive

Contact slpholbert@gmail.com for information on the times and dates of sessions. Journaling is one of the most helpful writing activities available.

Most educators know that students who live in poverty may need more support than other students. It can be overwhelming when trying to plan with this in mind. An article I read awhile back, “Five Questions that Promote Student Success in High-Poverty Schools (2016),” reminded me that we must have targeted interventions in place. The following information is a summary of the article and my reflections.

Living in poverty affects reading and writing achievement in many instances. Exceptions to this rule do exist, but typically there is a negative correlation. Interventions that allow for more writing and reading have a powerful influence on achievement.

Suggested:

• Before, during, and after school small groups and individual tutoring
• Self-paced interventions using technology
• One-on-one academic advising and coaching
• Homework support
• Additional assessment time
• At the high school level, supplant an elective to provide explicit reading (and writing).
• Build caring relationships.
• Provide more opportunities for problem-solving, inquiry, and critical thinking to build understanding.

Much practice is required if skills are going to improve.

As with all students who are struggling, there is a process for intervention.

• Identify the problem/weakness.
• Gather data and analyze.
• Set goals.
• Select strategies and implement.
• Evaluate.

Remember to be cognizant of any students that are struggling and make a plan to help them succeed.

It in a nutshell: Evidence-based writing asks students to use outside sources to support their own ideas… Students are asked to identify a purpose, to read a selection, organize information, write , and get feedback. This should improve students’ analytical abilities. Citing evidence gives credibility to an argument.

Citing evidence:

• According to the text…
• The text explains…
• The author states…
• On page _____, it says _____

Explain your answer:

• This shows…
• This proves…
• Now I understand…
• I believe…
• Now I know…

Good writing is essential to student’s success in school and beyond.

Post words and sentence-starters on the wall or give students lists to use as they write. Strategies, hints, tips are not secrets. We need to provide as many tools as it takes to teach, really teach, our students to write evidence-based selections.

• graphics/visuals/organizers
• life experiences and background knowledge
• projects broken into a series of steps
• to be taught how to write effective beginnings
• to be taught how to write effective endings
• to be taught how to add description
• time to draw and write
• writing celebrations
• word banks
• rubrics
• checklists
• goals for improving
• interesting writing supplies
• more intensive, explicit instruction in skills and strategies (not in place of writing though)
• need self-regulation strategies
• need frequent and direct feedback and regular monitoring
• need to build fluency
• skills practice with immediate application in a meaningful writing task

We must do all we can to reach our students. They will learn to write by writing.