Literacy, Nov. 30

I know that I am a novice to teaching, but while reading Routman's tenth chapter, I couldn't help thinking repeatedly, "Oh, that is so true." From what I have seen, experienced and heard from teachers, writing is that bear of a subject that educators very often want to systemize. I am sure that standardized tests contribute to this, but I also believe that part of the problem is teachers' fears and dislikes of writing. I hear many teachers say "I hate to write," or "I'm a terrible writer." And, I think where there is subject aversion, the remedy is to turn it into a digestible formula.

On that note, I wholeheartedly agree with Routman's insistence that teachers themselves need to write frequently, set goals around writing and brainstorm together about writing lessons. I think also if teachers, along with the students, shared their writings, there would be better energy around the subject of writing in the classroom. Additionally, Routman's practice of having students "visualize" the reader as they write is a great idea. I remember my writing professors in college constantly stressed that. That's a practice every writer should learn - and the younger, the better, I suppose.