Share your writing life. I fully understand where the author is coming from, but this isn't something that excites me. Like I said earlier I don't really like to write and I don't feel comfortable doing it. Luckily I teach 2nd grade so my writings are geared more towards younger students. Many times I know what I want to say, but then when I try to express that in writing it just doesn't come out right.
I feel like a big part of my dislike of writing is that I don't remember ever really being taught how to teach writing. I remember having reading classes, math classes, science classes, etc. but I don't remember a college class that instructed us on how to teach writing. This year I have been using Write 4 Today and it has given me some structure. I am sure it isn't the best way, but for now it is better than what I had been doing. I am very curious to see what ideas and strategies this book has to offer.
I hope this book starts to help you enjoy writing and seeing yourself as a writer. Maybe you have compared yourself to other writers and thought you didn't measure up. You are the best writer that you want to be. Have confidence that you can do it and your students will see that as well without you even saying anything. Your love of writing will become contagious.
ReplyDeleteI'm like you I don't remember ever being taught how to write. I often feel like I have a huge case of writers block when I try to write. I also don't feel like I was ever really taught how to teach a student to write.
ReplyDeleteI agree that writing is a difficult subject to teach because as teachers many of us have not been taught how to teach our students to be effective writers. I attended several conferences on Writer's Workshop years ago which helped, but I feel that the information we learn in this class from each other and from our text will be very beneficial. I already feel more confident after reading the first three assigned chapters in Routman's text. I bet you will continue to gain more comfort and confidence when writing in front of your students as this class progresses.
ReplyDeleteI feel the same way you do about writing. I really don't feel comfortable writing in front of my students because I am not the best writer and I can never think of anything to write. We have a core program called Imagine It but I don't like the writing in it. It does give structure but it tells the kids what to write and thinks they should go through the entire writing process in 5 days. That is insane for my kids or any kids. I am also excited to see what this book has to offer as far as teaching writing.
ReplyDeleteI admire you for admitting your feelings about writing. Here's a little secret - I don't know that there is anyone who feels confident that they know how to teach writing - especially if they are having students write about their own topics. It's scary any way you look at it. But, the only way to gain confidence is to practice, and this is no different for writing - practice for your students and practice for yourself.
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