Word After Word

Books. Pop Culture. Teaching.

Hi! I’m Kelli, a teacher, a reader, a netflix-binger, and a coffee-drinker. I am also a German Shepherd’s pet. And this is a space where I will talk about all of those things.

I have tried my hand at blogging before with a group of friends, and I enjoyed it. But, as our virtual book club ended, so did our blog. I teach writing and reading. And I do both of these things a lot. But, last semester, as I talked to my students about the importance of recording their thoughts and responses when reading, I realized that I had fallen out of the habit of doing so. Sure, I have notes scribbled in various places, but I was no longer actively participating in conversations. I had even stopped writing down my teaching reflections and ideas. Part of the problem I experienced was the same problem my students experienced: busyness and intimidation. I always want my words to be perfect, and they rarely are. Yet, I always encourage my students just to write, to get it down. I wasn’t practicing what I preach.

In Margaret Atwood’s poem, “Spelling,” Atwood explores the connection of words/language to power, especially in the powerlessness of women throughout history who have been silenced. She writes, “A word after a word after a word is power.” I love this poem and have always liked that line in particular. It is one that informs my teaching philosophy, yet I have been allowing circumstances in my life to silence me.

In this space, I want to join a community of thinkers, readers, teachers, and writers, and I want you to join in the conversation.