Writing Workshop: Chapters 9,10,13 Reflection

In Chapter 9, the author discusses the goals of writing workshop and characteristics that are trying to be established that resemble science experiments and museums. Strangely enough, the author compares the two and says that it's possible to create a writing workshop with similar ideas.  It asks the intriguing question, "What could students learn without my presence in the classroom?"  As a prospective teacher, this idea is initially humorous.  How can students learn without a teacher?  Without instruction and guidance can students really learn?  The author is clearly not saying classrooms can go without teachers, but I began to wonder myself the importance of creating a learning environment where students can teach/learn for themselves.  The author also included some of my thoughts about the teacher's role.  For writing workshop and I'm sure many other subject areas, teachers can create lessons and activities that are student focused and guided. I do believe that often, teachers can set the rules and basic instructions, provide the necessary materials and set students along their learning ways.

Writing is something you do, not something you know.  There is validity in this statement, personally.  As I have progressed through school I have learned that writing is so much more than the way some teachers show.  Writing is more than research papers and essays.  Writing can be creative, enjoyable, lyrical and telling.  Writing can be freeing and expressive in ways other forms of literature and communication cannot.  The text quotes the line from above and follows with "but there are all kinds of things to know about how to do it."  I also agree with this in that students should be informed of the many styles and types of writing.  I remember in grade school learning how to write business letters and friendly letters.  I would place a high importance on practical, real life writing styles, because know these things, such as how to write a resume, are types of writing that will benefit students long after high school research papers.  I think it is necessary to review the dept and breadth of writing.  Where there is freedom in writing, I also see the importance of proper formatting and style within it also.

I have a wonderful mentor teacher from Fowler Drive this semester and some awesome fourth grade students.  My teacher has already demonstrated at least two times how she uses writing workshop in her classroom.  She has taken the time to explain how she creates the writing lesson plans for the week.  Before we read from the text, I already knew the term "focus lesson."  I loved being able to read from the text about how to actually create and implement the steps of the focus lesson, but more importantly I am going to enjoy getting to observe focus lessons being taught in my field placement.