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Tuesday, June 4, 2013

As a Writer...

Writing has become so much more than words on a page. I see and appreciate so much more about the writing process since becoming a writer myself. It was always in me but suppressed by fear. This community is what brought me out of that fear and helped shape a more confident writer, free to express herself. I wasn't sure what my slice would be today, my sick daughter (sinus infection), the beautiful sunshine (perfect day to be outside), a poem (HERE) or my growing excitement for the ALL WRITE!!! conference later this month...it could have been any of these.  Then Stacey's question begged to be answered.

What does being a writer myself do for me as a teacher:

  • grows my confidence
  • puts me through the frustration of not having anything to write about
  • gives me something to share
  • allows me to model planning, drafting and revision....yes even in kindergarten
  • becomes a bridge to drawing, another love
  • reminds me that writing is a process
  • connects me to other teachers who love teaching 
  • makes me vulnerable
  • makes me think and process more
  • helps me to reflect as a learner
  • reminds me that writing is fun and stirs my enthusiasm...therefore stirring my enthusiasm to teach writing.
I think that last one is what makes the most difference. Before I was a writer my enthusiasm for writing was lacking. I was at a loss. I didn't really know how to do it and how to create excitement. I saw writing as a "thing" to be done on the list of things. I now know better. I know it is so much more, so much more than just words on a page. 

If you didn't get a chance to see all the chalk-a-brators last week you should check them out. Remember, there is another Chalk-A-Bration on June 30th, July 31st, and August 31st! 


7 comments:

  1. What a fantastic foundation your Kindergarten students are getting from their teacher who is a WRITER! They have a great mentor in front of them.

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  2. Lucky you to be at Allwrite this year - please write about it for those of us who can't be there!

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  3. The SOL community has done much of the same for me, and the All Write changed my teaching life a few years ago as well. I wish I was going again this year, but it's a long drive for me. Have fun and please share!
    Tammy

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  4. Bullets 1, 2 and the last one are things I would put on my list too. Its interesting to see how similar yet different everyone sees writing's impact on teaching. I loved your poem link today too!

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  5. I love all that you wrote, and explained, Betsy. It's so important to write. I am often amazed at the idea that someone thinks they can teach writing without writing them selves.

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  6. I love what you wrote! And I can't wait to meet up with everyone too!

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  7. So many teachers think they can't be writers. I like how you said, "before I was a writer." Makes it feel possible for others to "become."

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Thanks for the comment love!