Examine Your Practice
Many teachers are reluctant to write alongside their students or to share pieces they have written because they don't consider themselves strong writers. Read the following quote, consider your own students, and answer the questions that follow.
A teacher who doesn't feel comfortable with writing can be one of the best mentors for children. If you don't feel comfortable, just be honest. Teachers don't need to write so that kids see how to write well; that's what they'll learn from their reading. Teachers need to write so that children can see someone else going through the process and so that teachers will understand that process. If writing is hard for you, it puts you in a better position as a teacher because you understand what your students may be feeling.
Katie Wood Ray
Reflect on the quote from Katie Wood Ray and consider your own students. Then write your answers to the questions below in your notebook. If you are working in a group, share your responses.
- Is it necessary for a teacher of writing to be a "great" writer? Why or why not?
- How can it help students to see you struggle with and solve your own problems as a writer?
- How comfortable are you with sharing your own writing with your students? With others, in general?