Blog Post #6
In Chapter 12 “Teaching Diverse Types of Notebook Entries” Bomer discusses Starting with Little, Nearby Things. This approach to writing teaches students that writing isn’t always about pulling ideas out of thin air. It’s about seeing the potential to turn the simple things around you into something that you can write about. I love this idea because it takes so much of the pressure off of the students who struggle to come up with ideas for things to write about. Teachers could even pose it as fun challenge! They could set a timer for 60 seconds and allow students to circulate the room to find an object to write about. After the timer goes off students could return to their desks, draw a quick sketch of the object and begin writing. I really think students would enjoy having the opportunity to turn random, everyday objects into stories.
Another approach that I enjoyed reading about was “Thinking Toward Writing”. What I enjoyed about this approach to writing is that it teaches students to see the stories as they are happening in their lives. Any moment of their day could be turned into a story. This approach shifts their minds from seeing writing as an activity to seeing it as a part of their identity.
Intentional Strategies vs Assignments
The goal of writing in notebooks is to create a space where students have ownership and agency over content. They should be able to write about their interests, experiences and things outside of the classroom. Once we turn these notebooks into another place where teachers direct the content it takes away from its true purpose, and stifles their creativity and ability to develop themselves as true writers.
Another approach that I enjoyed reading about was “Thinking Toward Writing”. What I enjoyed about this approach to writing is that it teaches students to see the stories as they are happening in their lives. Any moment of their day could be turned into a story. This approach shifts their minds from seeing writing as an activity to seeing it as a part of their identity.
Intentional Strategies vs Assignments
The goal of writing in notebooks is to create a space where students have ownership and agency over content. They should be able to write about their interests, experiences and things outside of the classroom. Once we turn these notebooks into another place where teachers direct the content it takes away from its true purpose, and stifles their creativity and ability to develop themselves as true writers.
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