Writing Response
I hate writing. I do. I used to tell people this and it was entirely true. Now I have developed shades of dislike associated with writing. I still hate to write. But now I know it is the physical act of writing that I hate. Other than that I dislike worrying about conventions. I dislike the process of feedback usually associated with writing. Contrarily, I like taking my creative ideas and putting them in a form that allows other people access to my neat stories. I have always had pride in my writing ideas and stories. After this course, I realize that students will have pride, if the environment is caring and safe. I was also reminded that we are our own worst critics. I believe this class renewed my enjoyment of the writing process and I really needed this to bring enthusiasm and a positive role model to my new class.
I greatly enjoyed networking with other teachers in this program. I am currently changing grades (involuntarily), I am going to teach sixth grade and I really felt like I had no idea what or how to teach this difficult age group. I received a lot of great ideas and strategies for my class that can be adapted for any ability level. While I still don't know the details, I know it will include some kind of writer's workshop.
The freedom to write was also great. All my life I have had many people criticize and judge my writing. The help I received from the group wasn't like previous experiences. I know in my class I always tried to let the students own the work. I could offer opinions and try to help but not stifle their creativity. This was reinforced by this class.
The reading required in this class was very valuable. Many times we buy a book and say we will read it when we get a chance. The chance never comes. I found being forced to read and having an excuse to allot time for reading was very helpful. The books offered were well researched and were very beneficial. The books I read gave me new ideas and inspiration to try different things.
I would say this writing course was a rejuvinator for the writer in me. Many times we forget the joys of an activity because of negatives we remember long after we discontinue it.