Two Writing Teachers Slice of Life March Challenge
March is coming soon. And you know what that means, a month of slices every day. The Two Writing Teachers has been hosting the yearly Slice of Life Challenge for 10 years. 2018 will be the 11th Annual Slice of Life Challenge. This is my 7th year to participate. About 4 years ago I got my students involved in this challenge. When I bring it up, many of my students who have been in my class for more than a year groan, then smile. They say, “It’s terrible. It’s horrible. I’ll never do it again.” and then “But this year I’m going to try to get all 31 slices done. Just watch me!”
One thing I can count on is their competitive spirit. I do offer a prize of a free book if they write all 31 days. I only require (for a grade) 3 slices a week. So this week we are getting ready. Noah already has 3 slices drafted. He is in the warm up position, revving his engine.
We started a padlet for writing ideas and will add to it as the month goes on. You can view our idea padlet here. We talked about a class hashtag and decided on #GTSOLC18. I set up a category in our kidblog site just for the challenge. I will be putting up sticker charts and a space for badges. A few years ago, Kathleen Sokolowski made badges and shared them in this Google Doc.
Kathleen set up a padlet this year for the classroom challenge. If you click here, you can see all the classes participating.
I am looking forward to joining my students on a monthlong writing journey. It will take us to places we are not expecting. Would you like to come along? You can view my students’ writing at Mrs. Simon’s Sea.
Reflections on the Teche 
The getting ready is exciting- I sliced about it too, as my third graders are getting ready for their first SOL Challenge! I am sure our kids’ paths will cross!
What an honor!!! I am part of YOUR padlet! I hope my list helps a “stuck” writer sometime this month! Happy March Writing Month.
You can make anything by writing! I love that quote and the fact that you are doing the classroom challenge. I am not doing the classroom challenge this year, but am looking forward to a month writing with everyone. Cheers, Margaret!
I’ve been writing for seven years too. Isn’t it crazy how much a part of our life this challenge has become?
I enjoyed reading about your class preparations for the March Challenge. I no longer have a class, but almost wish I did so I could participate. But the key word is “almost.” I am enjoying no longer having so much responsibility. I’ll try to check in on how your class is doing and live vicariously!
Wow, I’m so impressed. And thank you for the invitation to “Mrs. Simon’s Sea” –I’ve bookmarked it. Love that CS Lewis quote.
Ready, Set . . . Pause Briefly! Can’t wait to see what your students and YOU write about!!! 🙂
I can’t wait to read your student slices, Margaret. Maybe my Kindergarteners and I will post a few together. i didn’t try that last year!
My engine is revving up too, Margaret! 31 consecutive days of writing – I’ll admit I am nervous, but ready for the challenge.
I love how you ask your students to slice, Margaret! They are lucky to have you! I can’t wait to read your slices this year, my friend.