July 15, 2007

To Whom It May Concern:

RE: LETTER OF RECOMMENDATION FOR OREGON WRITING PROJECT

It is my pleasure to write this letter of recommendation for the Oregon Writing Project (OWP). This class has taken only four weeks to complete, but I know that it will positively affect my writing skills far into the future. OWP has not only challenged me as a creative writer, but some of the learned techniques have helped me to become a better responder to other writers by just having conversations about the writing piece. We attempted this by using google apps. or just discussing the paper in small groups where we could ask each other questions or point out anything that wasnít clear.

I have not only had the opportunity to watch other people share their personal papers created in this class, but also learned about some very practical ideas on how to teach writing lessons to my students. These included lessons on tall tales, writing descriptive paragraphs, using technology to aid and motivate students in their own writing, and showing many great books to use as examples of what good writers do. My observations of my peers teaching these lessons and sharing examples of studentís work were all very positive and encouraging. I felt that working so closely with other writers created an atmosphere of open communication, which was important because many of my peers, including myself, exhibited a lot of potential writers, but needed some guidance.

Some of the best things about OWP were the variety of people, grade levels represented, and lessons presented. When these lessons were presented, all of my peers were open to new and different ideas, did not hesitate to ask or answer questions and analyze how a task or lesson could be improved or modified to any grade level or student. I think each person could easily take away what they needed or would want from each lesson and apply it to their own classroom. Everyone in the OWP class has earned my respect when it comes to constructive feedback. What a wealth of great ideas I have to take back to my own classroom. Ý

As I took advantage of the writing assignments, the more I gained confidence in my own writing ability. Not only did I learn more about my writing skills, but I also had the time to read many different books on writing and how to teach it better. Some of my favorites were: Write Up a Storm with the Polk Street School, The Creative Writing Handbook, The Power of Poems, and Nonfiction Craft Lessons. Peers, teachers, and guest speakers encouraged my learning and enhanced my ability to be a better writing teacher and creative writer. ÝBecause of the variety of lessons there were many times that my classmates were able to try something new, plus find some kind of success in their writing.

OWP is very sensitive to the fact that students benefit academically when others share ideas and collaborate. This was definitely a program that understood peer response, and helped me understand the importance of talking about my writing with others. In the near future I will have a chance to teach this to my own students. I think they will feel the same way I did when I first had to share my writing with others ñ a little nervous at first, but then a sense that sharing actually helps to shape a paper that is easier to read and enjoyed by many.

OWP is a wonderful class that gives confidence to writers of all different levels. All of the resources are practical and ready to use. Support OWP today!

Sincerely,

Laura Jacobsma-Opdahl