Friday, February 1, 2008
Chp. 3- Share Your Writing Life
As I have read this chapter, my first thought was, "Oh no, please don't make me write in front of my colleagues. I am just feeling comfortable writing in front of my students!" I do agree with Regie when she says that we need to write in front of the students so that they can see and hear what we are thinking as we write. Not only do they enjoy learning more about me through my writing, but it gives them confidence that they can do it too. Another point that she made on p. 49 was that we as teachers need to enjoy writing in order for it to transfer over to our students. I can't remember a time when I was going through school as a student myself, that I enjoyed writing. Matter of fact, I really can't remember writing until high school and college, and let me tell you, the final products weren't pretty, according to my teachers. So, it has been quite a challenge for me to enjoy writing ever since those dreaded papers would come back to me all marked up and not with the grades that I was use to getting in other classes. Last year I started teaching writing again (I had been part-time and my job share partner had taught the writing.). I wanted my students to become good writers, but I was scared to write in front of them. So I did a lot of the prewrite (plan, web...) with them, which Regie suggests we don't spend so much time on. This year, I have gained more confidence with my writing in front of my students and have been composing in front of them. We ALL are enjoying writing in my room. One of my students just told me the other day that writing was her favorite subject at school! Wow!!!
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5 comments:
Steph,
Your latest blog had voice. Let me tell you why. I could just hear you saying "and let me tell you." I often hear you use that phrase when we are talking at school. Ha Ha! No, it's true. I can tell you are feeling more confident about your teaching of writing. Doesn't it feel good when a student tells you they love to write? I agree with your thought that we really don't need to prewrite, web, and etc. all the time. We can be the model!
Stephanie,
Your blog reminded me of my first writing class in college. I was so proud of the story I had written and I thought my teacher would love it...
Well, there were so many red marks on it that I wanted to cry. I couldn't believe it! Even though he probably went overboard on the red ink, I eventually became comfortable writing in his class and truly learned a lot.
It does feel good to write when someone else appreciates and applauds what you write.
Stephanie,
Your blog also reminded me of my college English classes. I had loved to write before then, but the love was soon gone! So I am also trying it in front of the students and loving it again. My students seem to be excited, too. Congrats!!
I think our students also always remember their failures so sharing your writing helps build them up when they see you brainstorm.
Steph,
I read all of your students' finished pieces out in the hall. I really enjoyed them. It was very evident that your modeling of the literacy tool was a success. I need some help with this question. Do you think we use this for objects only? I have been trying to think of other ways we could use the tool. I think you should bring a couple of your student pieces to share at our meeting.
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