Maxmom’s Weblog

Good writing occurs in engaging, academically inclined classrooms, with much teaching, modeling writing tools and quality children’s books, where student work is displayed and teachers have high expectations. This is what I would love for my classroom to look like but I am uncomfortable and reluctant to teaching writing. Chapter 1 suggests a systematic spelling and handwriting program. We have begun a spelling program, but should consider consistent handwriting instruction. My students and I correct daily paragraphs, but I need to do more mini-lessons and modeling. I always feel rushed to complete a writing project and like I do not have the time for anything other than “writing’, although I realize there are other important components. In our county, we assess writing three times a year and use the Empowering Writers program to teach writing. The program is intense and does not suggest grades 1-2 to write complete stories, but only parts of a story. Of course the assessment requires a complete story. I am uncomfortable using the program and do not feel adequate in modeling writing. I also feel Empowering Writers teaches to the test, teaching imaginative prompts, but not real writing for real life in the real world. I look forward to learning and improving my teaching of writing.