Participating in the SOLC had allowed an exploration of writing and I have been surprised, on many levels, where the journey has taken me. In todays slice I will reflect on what I have noticed and the implications for me as a teacher of writing.
What the SOLC has taught me about writing.
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Observation |
Conclusion |
This means |
| I have spent a lot of time ‘writing’ without actually putting anything on paper | Students are not procrastinating when they just sit there. Quite likely they are rehearsing in their heads. | Allow students the space to think and create without the pressure to put something on the page |
| Ralph Fletcher was on the mark when he said a subject must interest me and it must be something I think I can write well about.” I agree it is easier on both counts | Ditto for students.
Really highlights the importance of choice in writing for us all.
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Assign writing less. Allow more choice with topic, genre and audience |
| Reading other peoples Slices has given me inspiration, ideas and encouragement. | Mentor texts are very important for writers. We need to match our students to mentor texts. | My students and I need to learn to read like writers and build a resource of mentor texts. |
| The more I write the more I reflect on what I need to do with students
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Developing our own habit of writing does support our teaching of writing | Keep feeding the habit. |
| I am more observant of the world around me | As Donald Murray says “Writing makes me aware of the extraordinary in the ordinary,” | Foster writing opportunities for students that require them to observe colour, life, people, places, sounds…everything |
| I have relied on my Writer’s Notebook as a source of ideas. | Keeping a writer’s notebook is effective as a collection of seed ideas for writing. | Make Writer’s Notebook a non- negotiable part of the Writer’s Workshop |
| It has been powerful being part of a writing community | Audience is a motivator – it influences what we write | Students need authentic purpose and audience to influence their writing |
| The more writing I do, the more I get out of it | Ditto for students | Daily writing where students have choice is essential |
| The more I write the more I am rehearsing sub consciously, and ‘interviewing’ the flotsam and jetsom of my day as a perspective writing topic | My journey is taking me along the road to a writerly life | The more students write the more we introduce them to a writerly life |
| Thank you Ruth and Stacey for this fantastic learning opportunity | ||
I really like how you made a 3-column chart to show your reflections from different perspectives. It’s easy to read and follow. I agree with what you wrote! Especially giving more choice to students! It’s so important.
I love this chart! I have had a ton of these ideas swirling around in my head lately also, but not in such an organized form.
I am bookmarking this to refer to as I move forward. Already starting to think about how I want to do things differently next year with my students.
This is such a smart way to show all you have gained from the process. I think it has really validated the importance of writing if we are going to be teachers of writing. I loved the way you showed what you learned and what that means for the students in your classroom. Your chart was a perfect way to share this thinking. Great post! Lots to think about.
Cathy
I agree – great organization of your thoughts through this writing journey! It’s amazing what we can take away from doing what we expect our students to do on a daily basis. Thanks for sharing!
I agree with Michelle. This is excellent organization of the reflections that has been undertaken as part of your writing journey. The translation into future action is a critical next step. Most impressive!
Alan
You’ve demonstrated so clearly how writing is a thinking tool. I’m not sure I understood that until I was a college student, but I try to help my students see it for themselves in different ways. Great reflections!
I absolutely love this reflection piece. I am so visual! It makes complete sense to me! Thanks for sharing your epiphanies. I hope to read many more on your blog!
You have captured the significance of this experience for our teacher-selves. Thanks for reflecting, organizing and sharing. ~Theresa
I agree wholeheartedly! You put it all into words do clearly, too.