After much frustration and way too big an umbrella, I have come up with my final question, so consequently it will require a rewrite. Anyone have any feedback?
New Question:
How can I change teaching writing from a formulaic process taught in rigid sequence to a flexable method with recursive componants?
LeAnn, I think that some aspects of writing need to be taught formulaically, but not rigidly, if that makes sense?! I think that you will find a "formula" or a sequence you can use in your classroom to teach writing to your students, but it need not be a rigid formula. I think we will all get quite a bit of useful information and effective strategies in this workshop. I look forward to hearing about your progress on this concern!
ReplyDeleteI can recommend a perfect book or books for you to add structure without stifling creativity. Every type of writing has a structure within this structure you can be creative. Formula for me means that dreaded graphic organizer that doesn't help anyone really but it allows the teacher to feel as if they are doing something, right? We there are many different types of structures to be studied and played around with instead of those sterilized hospital smelling ones we grew up with. Yes, I am probably showing my age, but hey, with age comes wisdom. First, check out my blog- http://justwritebaby1.blogspot.com/ and join as a member. That would be so great. On the blog you will see resources and websites that tackle this same question you have and many people grapple with. Secondly, I can recommend some authors to check out: Gretchen Bernabei, Barry Lane, Kelly Gallagher and Jeff Anderson to name a few.
ReplyDeleteGretchen Bernabei's new book tackles these same questions- The Story of My Thinking and her other books Crunchtime and Reviving the Essay are great places to start, if you are interested. Kelly Gallagher released his book Write Like This where he speaks of lots writing situations. Jeff Anderson's new book 10 Things Every Writer Needs also tackles these questions. Thanks