I'm trying to remember if I've ever seen a teacher write in front of me. My memory rarely serves me well, but I'm pretty sure I haven't. Wouldn't this be akin to showing someone like myself a beautifully crafted quilt and then saying, "Now you go make one just like it." I need more than that. I need even more than simply talking me through it. I need to see the process first. I believe this is similar to what we're asking of our writers when all that we show them is finished pieces.
The topic of writing in front of our students recently came up in a meeting I was at. We were discussing the essentials of daily writing instruction. An honest question was asked regarding the validity of modeled writing. I'm glad they asked. I doubt they were the only one who hadn't thought about its importance before. The whole conversation, which was a great one, reminded me of Graves' quote. A lifetime is a long time for our young writers to live without seeing their teachers model writing in front of them.
So why should our writers see us write in front of them?
* They need to see it's normal and okay to struggle with any and every part of the process.
* They need to see writers use strategies to overcome their struggles.
* They need to see how writers cross out, mess up, and revise on the go.
* They need to see how writers make choices.
* They need to see the joy writers experience when ideas and words click.
* etc.
Why don't we write in front of our writers?
* We're fearful.
* We're embarrassed.
* We lack confidence.
* We're unaware of its importance.
Writing in front of anyone, even a first grader, can indeed be intimidating. My head and heart don't often get the words right on the first try and openly sharing that struggle is difficult. But that's exactly what they need to see. Sharing my writing space with my students lets them in on some secrets of writing that shouldn't be secret. They'll hopefully go more confidently into their own writing space because of it.
Yeah, still working up the courage to write in front of them. I write while they are writing, I share, but I haven't yet written transparently. I need to do this. Gauntlet thrown down . . . challenge accepted.
ReplyDeleteLaur, I wouldn't want to write in front of AP Senior Lit kids either. Let me know how it goes.
DeleteI began writing with my students 1-2 days a week this year. It has dramatically transformed the kind of writing I get out of them. They are so supportive of me and my writing. They see that I struggle but push through and so they have the courage to do so. They see that I start working in different places. Sometimes text, sometimes illustrations, sometimes rereading to someone or myself. It is a transformational part of my practice.
ReplyDeleteKimberley, you've confirmed exactly what Donald Graves believes to be true. Writers will benefit from seeing us write. Nicely done!
DeleteAck, hate writing in front of others. Don't like my handwriting. Need the quiet to think. I tend to fix grammar and spelling as I go. Hmmm, maybe those are precisely reasons I need to try. As Laurie said - I'll think of this as a challenge. Adding to my next year's list of "To Try" ideas. Sara
ReplyDeleteSara, you're very normal and so what a great example you are for your writers. We all are. :)
DeleteSo true, and such a good point! I don't think I've ever had a teacher write in front of me, but it would be setting a good example!
ReplyDeleteSusanna, I doubt many of us have had teachers write in front of us. It's scary but such a good practice.
DeleteWhat a great discussion that must have been! So glad that someone asked that question and opened up the discussion to why we should model writing.
ReplyDeleteLori
Conversations in Literacy
Lori, it was a very beneficial discussion all around. I hope we can have more of them.
DeleteWhat a great list about why modeling writing is so important!
ReplyDeleteTara
The Math Maniac
Tara, thank you, and I'm sure I've left some important points out!
DeleteSadly this is missing in SO SO many classrooms!! I can't wait to do this with my firsties next year. :)
ReplyDeleteI'm going to share your post on twitter-that's how passionate I am about teaching and modeling writing to kids!!
Shannon
http://www.irunreadteach.wordpress.com
Shannon, thank you for sharing. I love hearing about your passion!
DeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteLet me try again:)
ReplyDeleteI write in front of my kids but not nearly as often as I should. Why? Cause it's hard. But, as you said, the kids need to see that, our struggles and our successes. Something else to work on next year:)
Grade ONEderful
Ruby Slippers Blog Designs
Barb, there's always something else, huh? :)
DeleteThe good thing about first graders is that they think everything I write is wonderful, only I know the "real" truth. It is my plan to write for them, with them, and because of them next year! Thanks Tammy!
ReplyDeleteTammy, how very true of first graders. They do think that what we do is wonderful. Bless their hearts.
Delete