Reflecting on the mini-marathon experience, Campers discussed how writing slows things down, giving one time to ponder words and measure thoughts, changing the pace of communication. As teachers, we long to not only give ourselves the luxury of this time, but we also seek to give our students this same experience. We should perceive this concept of time to write as a necessity rather than a luxury. - Vicki Sherbert2010

Flint Hills Writing Project Summer Institute

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JULY 7, 2010

Epic Poems, Socratic Circles, and a Mini-Marathon Inspire CampersPoetry Begins (and sustains) the Day

Poetry of epic proportions set the tone for the Wednesday, July 7, 2010 FHWP Summer Institute. After encapsulating the previous day’s events in an epic poem, Camper Patrick Hancock shared the persona poem of a young Egyptian girl and her untimely death. Patrick then encouraged his fellow campers to begin their own poems from an unusual perspective. Eloquent tales were told by Julie’s cluttered files, Laura’s fat, grouchy cat, Kristal’s piano, Vicki’s bookcase, and Erin’s crayons.

Socratic Circles and FishbowlsCamper Katie Winnie used her Inquiry

Workshop/Teacher Demonstration to bring the concepts of Socratic Circles and Fishbowls to the other extremely, and literally, cool campers in Bluemont 343. After providing an overview of how she implements these activities in her classroom with her students, she challenged everyone to share their

opinions of the best musicians of all time. She modeled her assertion that everyone has the right to their opinions, and asked campers to think about opinions not being right or wrong, but instead being informed or uninformed. Campers then participated in a small version of a Socratic Circle as they discussed the informed-opinion-provoking topic of teacher tenure. Katie shared a special moment of gratification when two of her students discussed ‘what is selfish?’ She then shared the f ishbowl activity and encouraged everyone to “Be amazed at your fish!”

Mini-Marathon Provides Productive Leisure

After a refreshing and leisurely lunch at Radina’s Coffeehouse in the Leadership Studies Building, campers were given a guided tour of this inspiring building by Administrative Assistant Lori Kniffin. Many leadership students refer to the building as the ‘Building Ray Cypress’ Building in honor of

the cypress tree that was saved during construction. After viewing thoughtful details of this soon-to-be LEED certified building, campers were free to appreciate the artwork of Kansas artists. Campers could be found near windows gazing out at the trees and buildings or seated in comfortable chairs in quiet corners honoring their writing selves. When campers gathered in the wonderfully windowed conference room for Author’s Chair, it became evident that poetry remained the preferred genre of the day. Each camper found his or her own inspiration - Judy, the building; Cheryl, a tree; Erin, a poem; Amanda, Haiku and rain; Laura, stress; Kristal, a wheat field; Patrick, a soccer star; & Katie, the search for a home. Lara shared a memory of an apartment she had in Texas. The Russian theme of Bluemont Hall was discussed as the beauty and serenity of the Leadership Studies Building nurtured and sustained the writing souls of the FHWP family on this day.

inclusive

leaders

Developing

knowledgeable,

in a

diverse and changing

world.

ethical,

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