Writing in the Classroom

Donald Graves stated in order to bring writing into the classroom that teachers must become writers themselves. My students and I are in the process of writing poetry since the latter part of April. So far, my students have written 19 poems. Some of the students hated and dreaded the thought of writing poetry. What I found that was interesting to them is when I read other students works from previous years, I captured their attention. Monday, we wrote about our childhood starting with the words, I remember . . . I shared my " I remember poem with them. They were intrigued with how many things I could remember from my childhood. Some students wrote as many as 20 lines or more even though the requirement was at least ten. Once, we had finished that particular poem, we work on copy change with Langston Hughes and William Carlos Williams. I had them listen to each poet read their poem from the cd. My students were able to connect the words of the poem, and the sound of the author's words. Yesterday, I decided to try out Donald Graves suggestion. Everyone was writing. The students were silient as they let their pencils or pens guide them into a different world of imagination. I was starting the feel my words just flow from my pen without even thinking. I felt my creative thoughts rushing toward my paper. Then, an unit principal came in and interrupted the writing atmosphere. So much for trying to write in school. My students could not get back to that point where they were writing. They were so disappointment as many had express they were in the groove of writing.

I found a website called 30 days of poetry and I have utilized many of the poems in my classroom. Students are now preparing their writing portfolios which include a Pet Peeve Essay, a shory story and over 20 original poems. Writing is still cool!!!!