To be honest, the last thing I thought I would be doing this Thanksgiving Break is writing. Reading. Yes. Writing. No. It does feel awkward to say that I going to do some writing when I don’t ‘have to’. Why would I take the time to write if there isn’t a purpose to it?
Hmm… I just made the connection.
I don’t see writing as something enjoyable.
I don’t see writing as something enjoyable.
Wow.
Okay. Now, instead of beating myself up for all the obvious reasons (since I am an Academic Coach that is responsible for leading the learning at the school), I am going to write. I do, firmly believe, that by writing I will become a better writer. Insert inspirational writing quote here.
So, I have told many students that most people write so others can read. I have to say, it is a little scary to think that I am going to publish this writing. I'm going to be out there for all to criticize and judge. I'm sure that is what some reluctant writers in the class think too. Before we can really expect our students to write freely and with maximum effort; establishing a safe, positive writing community is essential. Students need to know that they will never be judged or criticized. Writing will be read and talked about with the intent to become better writers. And, more importantly, to build a love for writing.
When I was in the classroom, about 3 years ago, I was teaching writing via Writers Workshop. I really liked how my students (well, most of them) embraced their Writer's Notebooks. I only got to try it for a couple of years, and I really didn't get very efficient with it, but I did increase the amount of writing instruction in my classroom tremendously. I believe I was too focused on the final product that was going to be produced for our District Benchmark Exams, instead of using mentor text and practicing author's crafts. I did immerse them in the different text styles, but I didn't emphasize the text enough. We didn't mine for examples, or read text as writers. Now, I would do things differently. Not only would my writing instruction change, but I would be more deliberate in incorporating writing in all content areas, especially math (that's another topic).
Hmm... After writing for a bit, I can see how people can get lost in their thoughts. I have to build stamina. I write a little, then think, then get distracted. Then, come back, reread, revise. Funny how the writing process presents itself without intentionally thinking about it. As I continue, I have to heed the words of many teachers out there (including myself):
"If you want to get better at something, you have to practice." I will keep writing, and I will get better.
Hmm… I just made the connection.
I don’t see writing as something enjoyable.
I don’t see writing as something enjoyable.
Wow.
Okay. Now, instead of beating myself up for all the obvious reasons (since I am an Academic Coach that is responsible for leading the learning at the school), I am going to write. I do, firmly believe, that by writing I will become a better writer. Insert inspirational writing quote here.
So, I have told many students that most people write so others can read. I have to say, it is a little scary to think that I am going to publish this writing. I'm going to be out there for all to criticize and judge. I'm sure that is what some reluctant writers in the class think too. Before we can really expect our students to write freely and with maximum effort; establishing a safe, positive writing community is essential. Students need to know that they will never be judged or criticized. Writing will be read and talked about with the intent to become better writers. And, more importantly, to build a love for writing.
When I was in the classroom, about 3 years ago, I was teaching writing via Writers Workshop. I really liked how my students (well, most of them) embraced their Writer's Notebooks. I only got to try it for a couple of years, and I really didn't get very efficient with it, but I did increase the amount of writing instruction in my classroom tremendously. I believe I was too focused on the final product that was going to be produced for our District Benchmark Exams, instead of using mentor text and practicing author's crafts. I did immerse them in the different text styles, but I didn't emphasize the text enough. We didn't mine for examples, or read text as writers. Now, I would do things differently. Not only would my writing instruction change, but I would be more deliberate in incorporating writing in all content areas, especially math (that's another topic).
Hmm... After writing for a bit, I can see how people can get lost in their thoughts. I have to build stamina. I write a little, then think, then get distracted. Then, come back, reread, revise. Funny how the writing process presents itself without intentionally thinking about it. As I continue, I have to heed the words of many teachers out there (including myself):
"If you want to get better at something, you have to practice." I will keep writing, and I will get better.