When I was a teacher, my best friend was a sharpened, No. 2 Ticonderoga pencil.
In September, I’d open my brand new dark green grade book and faithfully copy down each of my students’ names. Five classes. About 30 students each for middle school Language Arts. And from that point on, I’d pencil in number scores for different assignments, weighting them appropriately. I’d tally, I’d erase. I’d paper clip pages together.
A pencil, not mechanical but wooden, was my favorite tool.
I’d berate my students (fresh from the one-room style of sixth grade and thrust into moving between several classes and a locker in between) for not having what they needed in class. Really, how hard is it to come to school with PAPER? Or your assignment notebook? Did they teach you ANYTHING in elementary school? These things were tools that were needed to complete their job of being a student. You can’t accomplish anything without the right set of tools; any mechanic or computer geek will tell you that.
In the past 7 years I’ve pretty much put away my pencils and tools of the teaching trade, and replaced them with dull crayons, markers without tops and dried up ball point pens. It is difficult to find a writing utensil that works in this house.
A few weeks ago, I rediscovered my love of a No. 2 pencil, sharp and dusty, smelling of lead and wood shavings.
It just popped into my head. I had been a little stuck in my writing, unable to discipline myself to begin/finish a couple projects. A pencil. And a piece of paper. Much different than a computer screen. A new tool, an old friend. I bought a box of yellow pencils on my next trip to the store and I fished out the sharpener from my desk at home. I sharpened three. They smelled good and felt good.
And I began to write. And it felt like the first day of school: a new grade book, a blank slate. Freshness, time ahead of me, and a sense of making anything happen.
Read my interview today at Creative Construction.
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I can relate to this on two levels. First, it makes me miss homeschooling Keilani. It wasn’t the “tool” of the pencil but the systematic way I felt organized in the way we did our day. I miss everything “in it’s place” and the simplicity of me, her, and learning. Second, I have a systematic way of getting myself ready for school. I had the same Old Navy backpack and folder system going on, and I used it for my entire undergrad career! I put two pencils, two high lighters, one blue pen, one black pen, clean college ruled paper, and my school schedule – all in their proper places. And as the semester progressed I would fill the folders up with handouts and assignments. And it felt right. I bought a new Coach backpack (carrier bag) for my 1st year at grad school with money I received for graduation. And I have new folders too. And it feels a little different. I still have the pens and pencils and all that stuff, but it feels different. But good. I have my tools and I’m ready! Sorry for such a long comment!
Wow…
You just jolted me back to my school days, since I graduated in 85 that’s along time ago.
I love the pencil not only because of the smell or feel, but also the “freedom” of being me.
I would take .99 spirals, and write poetry or devotionals or even just journal where God was taking me. Even through the dark times I would write.
All I needed was a pencil (didn’t matter the length) a good eraser and .99 spiral notebook and I was off to a land of finding me again.
Thanks!!! for reminding me to pick up some spirals today. I need some “freedom” to me time.
rochelle: so cool. unfortunately i was never that organized with any bag i carried! =)
heidi: i love love love a new spiral notebook. blank. unused.
I was at Target last night and just HAD to look in the school section – I miss buying all that stuff for my first grade classroom!
I love that you wrote with a sharp pencil and paper – after years of my inconsitent paper journaling, maybe it’s worth another try!
I puffy heart office supplies.
I "heart" school supplies. I've been out of school for years & every year when I walk through Target & see all the new pens, pencils, markers, notebooks…it's so fun for me! This was the first year I've had to go school shopping with Caleb & it was so fun buying him things. Hmmm…did I need anything too?
you go, girl…
btw…you guys’ gift to me yesterday was amazing…BOTH pictures…
love you,
dad
That’s great, Sarah. I feel like the computer helped me find my voice…I always got stuck when I tried to write with pencil and paper. But it is always good to do something like for a fresh perspective!
I ONLY buy Dixon Ticonderoga pencils.
Also? I have a small addiction to school supplies.
Fresh and open to endless possiblities. I love a new pencil and a new notebook.
I *heart* school supplies. Even though my kids didn’t need anything – they each got new pencils and notebooks. I loved the smell (and sound) of those pencils being sharpened – and the excitement of the kids over new supplies.
I am glad you rediscovered those old tools
)
I have to disagree with plamz007 and wish everybody reads those comments