Shannon, I like the idea of journals. I have kept one off and on over the years (mostly off lately). It gives you an amazing perspective over time of your own life and events. Everyone has interesting things happen and perspectives. I bet all teachers would like to look back in time at their own viewpoint as a child. I would recommend it to anyone. Eric
I agree with, Eric. I think journals are a great idea. I also was found profound importance in the connection between reader and writer. I liked the way it was described that they "meet" in the text. I also like your idea of emphasizing the important of "getting something down". That is a great way to students started. I agree that if they can post something on Facebook they can definitely post something on a blog.
I'm glad you are thinking a lot about how to integrate writing into your class. Plus, contemplating the blank page syndrome is important--especially for an English teacher. I encourage you, Shannon, to check out the elementary resources from week five on writing workshop. This is a great way to deal with the blank page. You do make a good point about texting as way to help students realize that they do have a lot to say. This emphasizes the importance of giving them different kinds of writing to do--not just essays or short answers to teacher questions. Students can create facebook pages, blogs, written conversations, create comics (pixton.com is a great resource), write a letter to a character in the book, etc.... Plus, the more authentic the writing experience, the easier it can be to find something to say and to feel like what you have to say is worth putting on paper.
I think the problem of the blank page is a very real issue! I like your solution of having your students journal regularly. This reminds me of a practice I read about in the book, The Artist's Way. I don't remember the name of the exercise but the premise is to write a number of "free" pages every day. The writer puts their pen or pencil to the page and begins to write - for a set amount of time. They write continuously, and it doesn't matter what. They could just be writing the letter e over and over again, they could be writing a lot of nonsense - although so often sense emerges from the nonsense. The idea is to get in the practice of just getting words on the page, and helping people find what they have to say - as you stated, students do certainly have a lot to say. --Emily
Shannon, I like the idea of journals. I have kept one off and on over the years (mostly off lately). It gives you an amazing perspective over time of your own life and events. Everyone has interesting things happen and perspectives. I bet all teachers would like to look back in time at their own viewpoint as a child. I would recommend it to anyone.
ReplyDeleteEric
I agree with, Eric. I think journals are a great idea. I also was found profound importance in the connection between reader and writer. I liked the way it was described that they "meet" in the text. I also like your idea of emphasizing the important of "getting something down". That is a great way to students started. I agree that if they can post something on Facebook they can definitely post something on a blog.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you are thinking a lot about how to integrate writing into your class. Plus, contemplating the blank page syndrome is important--especially for an English teacher. I encourage you, Shannon, to check out the elementary resources from week five on writing workshop. This is a great way to deal with the blank page.
ReplyDeleteYou do make a good point about texting as way to help students realize that they do have a lot to say. This emphasizes the importance of giving them different kinds of writing to do--not just essays or short answers to teacher questions. Students can create facebook pages, blogs, written conversations, create comics (pixton.com is a great resource), write a letter to a character in the book, etc.... Plus, the more authentic the writing experience, the easier it can be to find something to say and to feel like what you have to say is worth putting on paper.
I think the problem of the blank page is a very real issue! I like your solution of having your students journal regularly. This reminds me of a practice I read about in the book, The Artist's Way. I don't remember the name of the exercise but the premise is to write a number of "free" pages every day. The writer puts their pen or pencil to the page and begins to write - for a set amount of time. They write continuously, and it doesn't matter what. They could just be writing the letter e over and over again, they could be writing a lot of nonsense - although so often sense emerges from the nonsense. The idea is to get in the practice of just getting words on the page, and helping people find what they have to say - as you stated, students do certainly have a lot to say. --Emily
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