Jean Phifer

OWP

Paper 4

Dear Oregon Writing Project classmates and instructors,

I'll be honest, I really wasn't looking forward to taking this workshop for several reasons: I wasn't sure I wanted to give up a month of my summer and writing isn't my favorite thing to do (probably the best reason I should take this class), even though I enjoy teaching it. But the lure of nine credits, which would finish up the goal I had been working toward, and the great price, had me give it a lot of consideration. I knew it would probably be a good class because those specifically for teachers usually are. So, after talking to several colleagues who had already taken the class, having gone into it with my same attitude, and then came out of it saying it was wonderful, I decided to go for it!

At first I thought I might feel intimidated being among people who probably really wanted to take this class or who were secondary teachers with writing as their specialty, and also with the writing that we would be doing. Those feelings quickly disappeared as I got acquainted with all of you. Nat, the tone you set in class was welcoming and non-threatening. You were willing to let the writing we did be flexible to fit our needs. The papers I completed were something I have wanted to do for a long time. Response groups were very helpful and a device I am anxious to use with my third graders. Revising is always tough for them to do and I'm hoping the response groups will make it easier.

Chris and Tara you always had smiles on your faces when you guided me with patience as I asked questions (many times the same one over and over) about how to do something on the computer. I was really out of my comfort zone with the technology use but, as the saying goes, "The more you do something the easier it gets." Exposure to "Power Point", "Inspiration", and creating a web page really challenged me. I hope to share this information with my school so that maybe these programs can be purchased and I will be able to use them with my students.

I know all teachers appreciate having new lessons to use and we all enjoy sharing what we do, so for me, the teaching of lessons by all of you was a favorite part of the workshop. Thank you everyone for the superb collection of new lessons that are jumping out of my full folder waiting to be tried with my students. I feel good about the writing program I use with my class, but I'm always looking for new ideas and ways to improve it. I especially want to use more literature, not only in my writing instruction but also in other subject areas. Thank you, Karen, for all the resources you shared. The experiences all of you put me through these past four weeks made me have a better understanding of how it feels to be a student and because of that I can now be a better teacher.

As this workshop is coming to an end I'm very glad I made the decision to attend. It has been a wonderful experience to be around all of you who so willingly shared your lessons, your writing, and yourselves. Reading and hearing what all of you wrote has truly enriched me. As I tell my own students, we all learn from each other and this has been true for me in this class. The beauty of the writing that has taken place has inspired me. Sometimes it made me laugh and sometimes it brought tears to my eyes. I don't know that I will ever be as good of writer as some of you, and that's okay, as we are all different and that's what makes this a great world. I don't think writing will ever be my favorite thing to do, even though while I was working on my papers I did actually say to myself, "Hey, this is fun." As I am writing this I'm thinking to myself, "I should be doing this or adding that, or saying this in a different way," so I revise and edit. But, you know what? Right now this writing is me and where I am. Now that I have found writing isn't so bad after all, I'm on the road to continued improvement.

Again, being honest, I will have to say I'm glad the class is ending, as I really do want some summer vacation. I completed my goal, have come away filled with a greater knowledge and appreciation of writing, did more writing than I have done for years, worked and shared with wonderful people. I'm glad I decided to go for it! Thanks for making it a rewarding experience everyone.

Sincerely,

Jean Phifer