Writing Essentials Chapter 1

Taken from Microsoft Word Clip-Art

When I think back on how to teach students how to write, I realize that the school in which I teach focuses on the same problems described by Regie Routman, procedures, processes, genres, and testing.  Too many times, other teachers have said that students should learn to write using the 4-square method.  The students write the topic in the middle and four supporting sentences around the topic.  I feel as though this method does not evoke a sense of true writing for students.

It is difficult to teach writing in a building that does not have a central focus for how to teach.  It seems that every teacher in the building teaches writing in a different way.  There is not a common language, like there is in math or science.  The students go through school learning a different way to write each year.

When reading Chapter 1, I saw that there was a building belief on writing.  Every grade level seemed to have input and it seemed to unify the building.  Once the building had a common belief system in place, they can look at the best way to incorporate that belief into teaching.

I know that in order to teach writing to the students I need to show them HOW to write, but the problem arises in the best way to do this.  For the past two years, I have followed the Writer's Workshop method of teaching writing, but I feel as though I cannot make the gains possible because the students come to me in fourth grade, not having had enough writing experiences.  When attempting to teach writing, I feel as though I have to start with the basics.  I do not have enough time to actually teach them how to write for authentic purposes and real readers.  It feels like a never-ending battle.