JayChesser

     The authors of this book see the writing process like this:  Conceive - Craft - Correct.  As teachers, we provide students with all the support early on in their writing.  We provide them with the topic, graphic organizers, and  other writing strategies.  Then we sit back and wait for the finished product.  The authors want teachers to get involved in the middle element which is craft.  Students are left on their own during this phase of writing.  Now the authors of this book are providing us with help in this crucial area.

     Before we can begin, we have to set the table for the craft lessons.  Number one is that we have to allow time for our students to write.  I find that I do not have a set time for writing.  I try to squeeze it in a little bit here and a little bit there.  I need to ensure that I plan time for writing.  Number two is making time for response.  When we read a student's writing, we are to respond first as a reader.  We need to go with our feelings when we read thier work.  Laugh when we read something funny or express confusion if we are puzzled about what has been written.  We must be positive about the student's writing.  We need to seek the writers intention.  This involves listening to the student.  We should lower our ambitions.  Instead of trying to teach many strategies, we should focus on one until that strategy is mastered.  Then we need to choose the next one.  Number three is responsibility.  Students need to have ownership over what they write.  Students need choice in what to write.  Number four is the addition of literature in the writing process.  Literature helps inspire student's writing.  In fact, rereading the same piece of literature is also helpful.  As you reread the text, point out new things that might have gotten overlooked in the first reading.  Plus teachers can point out a different aspect of writing that is featured in the book.  This allows students to see that literature has many dimensions.  The talk that surrounds the literature is also helpful in the writing process, sometimes clearing up misunderstandings within the text.

     After reading this first section in the book, I plan to allow more planned time for writing.  I will also attempt to narrow my strategies within thier writing to one or two.  This is very hard for me.  I expect my kids to write really well.  I put alot of pressure on them.  I think that part of this is why my kids hate to write.  I have taken the joy out of writing.  Plus, they do not give writing their best shot.  My kids tend to be done within five minutes, so they can go on to something else of their choosing.  My kids need to get serious about writing, and I need to slack off on the pressure I place on their writing.