Literacy Response Journal

Teacher as Reader and Writer Due: (Final print version, reflection and self evaluation in hard copy; digital story posted to wiki)
Writing Essentials Chapters 7, 8
Au (ER)
Bring 1 copy of the group reflection to class
Literacy Journal Entry (Blog) Online

Blog Prompt: Select a quote from Au that resonates with your experience. Why is that quote meaningful to you? Where have you seen some aspects of Routman Chapter 7 & 8 in action? Posted by: Nancy Place

"Literacy is not just a matter of skill or cognitive strategies, it is also a matter of will or feelings and emotions" (Au, p.21) This quote from Au's reading resonates with me because I think of how true this is for all writers. As writers, we brainstorm and write our best ideas when we have an interest in the material. This reminds me of the six traits of writing also because even if those six traits of writing are followed without interest in the material, then the writing will be mechanical and the writer will lack joy in writing. However, when the six traits of writing are combined with feelings and emotions, then the writing comes alive. When teaching students writing skills, it would be effective to help students to first write from their own perspective and to focus on quality and not the mechanics of the writing piece. With this, students can develop and be creative with their writing. I believe that it is also possible to successfully teach students how to write by integrating the mechanics of six traits with writing that incoporates their feelings and emotions.

This is exemplified by Routman, Chapter 7, where she writes that "if we shift our focus to meaningful teaching of writing and then teach the necessary skills to support that writing" (Routman, p.142) then students will learn a lot more. I have seen this concept of Routman, applied in school. One activity, is for students to write about a place that is special to them because this will enable students to focus on writing about something that they like or can relate to. Then the six traits of writing are incorporated as the students are asked to describe three things about that place. I have observed that students enjoy this type of writing activity because it allows them to share about themselves as well. I also like the idea of freewrites, that Routman explains in Chapter 8. I have also observed freewrites incorporated in activities such as journals and according to Routman, "is a great way to build endurance, confidence, and writing fluency" (Routman, p.179). Freewrites are also a great way for students who are beginning to learn how to write, to enjoy writing without the focus on mechanics.