Chapters 9,10,13 of Writers Workshop

Something that really jumped out to me was a part of chapter 10 that talked about conventions. There are many conventions that students struggle with, but this chapter gave me great redirection regarding teaching these conventions to students. I agree that it is definitely better for students to be taught certain conventions that they are struggling with in a small group or during individual instruction. I will also remember after reading this chapter that it is often wrong to assume all of my students have the same need in regards to conventions that they need more instruction on. There are sometimes blanket conventional practices that can be directed towards the whole class. I saw this occur in my classroom as my 2nd graders were learning about transition words. They all needed to come to the understanding of what a transition word was, and it was helpful for all of them to try using them in their writing. I think that was a great choice of topic made by my mentor teacher, due to the fact that almost all of the students were being introduced to the topic of transitions for the first time.

I think another topic that really struck me was allowing students the opportunity to write outside of school. They are thus able to see writing apart from schoolwork. They are able to better see how writing can really become a part of their daily lives. I think that this is a great idea to encourage for all students in every grade level. It is a great way to really get to know your students and it is a great way to allow them to explore themselves while becoming writers. They will become more confident and will also have more constant writing practice that doesn't feel like a burden. Writing can put so much into prespective and I think that children can write in ways that can surprise us. We can begin to see their dreams, struggles, and the depths of who they are. I will definitely make sure that my students get constant opporutnities to just write, in the classroom and at home. I think it tells so much about a person.

Chapters 1-5 of The Writing Workshop

When I was observing in a 4th grade class last semester the writing time given to the students only consisted of writing to the standards on most days. They hardly ever got the opportunity to write for themselves or explore topics of choice on a regular basis. The classroom was not set up in a way where the students took  initiative for what they were writing. They were not confident in the process of becoming writers. I think that when the book describes being a writer as an identity to take on it is a very practical idea that most teachers don't embrace. It is true that teachers often don't feel confident in their own writing, as can be said about other subjects as well. I think it is necessary to embrace the topic and be enthusiastic about its implementation. It is vital for teachers to create an environment where students can grow as writers. At the end of a year in a classroom where a writers workshop is correctly implemented all of the students should feel much more confident in themselves as writers.

When reading the chapters I realized that there are so many things that are essential in making a writers workshop work. I think that the most essential element in making something like this successful is spending intentional time being engrossed in the workshop. I agree that in an ideal classroom it would be great to have a writers workshop each day, but am not quite sure that in reality that would happen. Thus, it is quite important to create your own writers workshop rhythm as a teacher. I am excited to continue to learn more about how to make the writers workshop that I implement my own, for my students to grow and learn to the best of their ability. I know it is necessary to spend time frequently writing, without integration of other subjects. I think that this book will open my eyes to many ways I can do this effectively!

Does my life make sense?

I was listening to the Passion 2011 live web stream @ live.passion2011.com/ and Francis Chan was speaking. His talk was convicting, challenging me in my walk with the Lord.

Do I live like I believe in Hell? Would somebody see the joy of the Lord radiating from me in the good times and bad? Do I act upon my faith and really live out loud, or am I passive about who I am in Lord? Does my life make sense in light the amazing truth that the gospel is? Do I live selectively in my faith, or can I praise my Father no matter the church scenery, fancy music, or other embellishments that seem to draw the crowds?

What does it truly look like to live my life devoting my all to the Lord? I don't think I know. I know I am far from living each moment for Him. I don't spend time with him because I am desperate for more of Him each day. I want to be desperate for the Lord. I too often think I can get by on my own with a little help from the Lord. That doesn't make sense to me, he should be my everything. I want to feel like I can not live each day to the fullest without spending time with Him, he should be my motivation in each decision, in each step.

Will my life "make sense in light of the gospel" in 2011? I sure hope it will make more sense, that I will grow so much closer to the Lord.