Sunday, November 7, 2010

Writing to Reflect, Think and Discover...

Choose a line from one of the last three articles we have read. Write the line in quotes at the top of your page and then write to it. What does it make you think about? Wonder about? How is this a part of your teaching? Your learning? Does it make sense or not? If you think there is a good idea, are you trying it in your classroom? If not, then why? If so, then how did it go? Here is my model:

"Linda Reif echoes those sentiments when she advises teachers to be what they teach. To teach writing, she states, one must be a writer. Students must be able to understand the complexity of the processes, we must show them what we value, provide models of adults of lifelong learners, and 'empower ourselves personally and professionally'"

"Be what you teach." I love this idea and it is one that I come back to over and over again. If we aren't able to know what we are asking our students to do then how can we help them? Write with our students. I know this sounds so strange, and yet it is one of the most powerful things we can do as teachers. In setting up the conditions for a workshop, having a real live model, which is the teacher, changes everything in the classroom. This modeling allows students to see that it is not just the product that matters, but also that the process is engaging, important and even fun! Sure enough you will have students gathering around you asking, wondering what you are writing. When it is time to share this also gives you an authentic opportunity to share something more personal about yourself and your writing. Someone once said that all we have to be able to do is just write a little bit better than them!! And once you start and you see the results you will only be motivated to try to do it even more. Of course, it is always about balance and figuring out just what your students need, but if you write alongside them, model on the white board for them, allow them to see your process...it will change your classroom forever. I have seen it so many times. Something comes over the class and then the kids can't wait to share and it is all about building a safe community of learners where everyone has a place to discover, think and reflect through their own writing! Happy writing!