Focus on Writing #2

In recent meetings with teachers, it's been discussed that students have an apathetic view towards writing. Student writing, or lack thereof, is a big concern.
 
I have had the opportunity to attend ELA content meetings hosted by DESE. In the first meeting, the Missouri Writing Project addressed the topic of cultivating a writing community. An important part of creating a community of writers is sharing student writing. Sharing student writing comes in many different forms. Writing can be shared:

• with the teacher during a conference
• with parents and students during writing celebrations
• letters to organizations calling for action
• books in a designated spot in the library
• blogs, speeches, videos
• And don’t forget writing in math, science, and social studies is also writing!

Most importantly, students need to have an audience for which their writing is not just for the teacher for a grade. One idea mentioned during the conference was for students to post their first draft and their last to show how they grew as a writer.
 
Several years ago, our building celebrated student writing by “publishing” it in the halls.  Classes and teachers were often seen reading these pieces and even giving feedback. It was tedious to put up everyone’s work, but the payoff was that kids saw themselves as writers and felt honored. There was purpose and audience. When students see purpose and that someone is reading their piece, they are more likely to put in the effort to edit and revise their writing. 
 
Here are a few links regarding this topic with some ideas on ways to think differently about publishing and sharing student writing. 
 

• The Two Writing Teachers- Does “Published” Need to be “Perfect”
• Read, Write, Talk – Mining for Gold- Looking for the Good Stuff in Writing  **I love the Golden Lines
• The Two Writing Teachers – The Importance of Sharing

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