Hey guys! Welcome back. This is my reflection of the Teaching of Writing.
As I sit down to reflect on the recent series of blog posts delving into the art and science of teaching writing in the classroom, I find myself filled with ideas, lessons and a newfound appreciation of pedagogy and creativity. The exploration of the writing process, the symbiotic relationship between the writing process and the 6+1 traits, the various types of writing including narrative, persuasive, poetry etc. and the essential task of creating a conducive climate for writing has left a lasting mark on my teaching journey.
Before I learned so much about the details of how to teach writing, I used my own experiences and gut feelings more. I've learned that gut is useful, but an organized understanding of the writing process can help both teachers and students find their way through the maze of words and ideas.
During this journey, it became clear how the writing process and the 6+1 traits fit together, like pieces of a literary puzzle fitting together. It's not enough to just write; you have to make sure that your work has its own style while still following the rules of good writing. Finding the right mix between individuality and tradition, creativity and order, is an art that seems more real and easy to teach now.
Learning about the different kinds of writing was like entering new worlds. From the deep worlds of stories to the persuasion of speech to the heartfelt statements of poems, each type of writing opened up a wide range of options for me and my students. It reminded me that writing is not a single thing, but a bunch of different styles.
As one of the blog pieces talked about, making an environment for writing was a discovery in and of itself. To make writing fun, it's not enough to have the right tools or a nice-looking classroom. You need to create a culture that values writing. The classroom should be a safe place where people can share their thoughts and where mistakes can be used as learning opportunities.
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ReplyDeleteHi Jahirah! I know that many of us have a tendency to constantly follow our instincts, but I really like what you said about how "an organized understanding" benefits both teachers and students. I also wholeheartedly concur that teaching writing has a brighter future now that so many strategies and facts have been discovered.
ReplyDeleteHi Jahirah, I like the fact that you were able to gain something from the course that is beneficial to you and your students as you go back to the classroom and give it your best. Writing is complex and I like what you said about "writing is not a single thing, but a bunch of different styles". Giving students the opportunity to explore the different styles of writing and being able to guide them through their writing to be great writers is a great plus to get the students to gain a love for writing. I enjoy reading your experience about your growth as a writing teacher.
ReplyDeleteHi Jahirah. Your statement "It's not just about imparting knowledge; it's about nurturing a love for expression, empowering students" stood out for me. It is time that we as teachers find creative ways to assist our students in becoming good writers as well as guiding them in developing a love for writing as well.
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