The topic for discussion for my (online) class for today was "Writing Programs and Curricula: Looking Critically at our practice." After reading chapter 1, The Writing Workshop: A Predictable Structure from Marvelous Minilessons for Teaching Intermediate Writing, Grades 4-6 by L. Rog, I couldn't help but reflect on the way my school requires us to revise and edit student work.
Recently, I posted to a class discussion with the revise and edit checklists that my class/school uses. While I love these because they are so helpful in accomplishing the goal of perfecting our work so that it is ready for the writing folders, I realized that the goal was the problem here. I am constantly struggling with the idea that every single writing activity that we do has to be perfect. Why does every essay/paragraph have to be revised/edited 3+ times to make it perfect? Doesn't that take the fun out of writing?
I love the idea of TAG conferences put forth by Rog in this chapter. I would love to just meet with my students and converse about their thoughts, give advice and answer any questions they might have. Rog did mention that if the writing was "going out into the world," she would look it over and act as the editor to ensure that there were no mistakes. However, she stated that classroom publications should be edited by the student and don't need to solely focus on grammar, spelling, etc.
Sometimes I wish I could go against the grain and revise and edit as Rog suggests but the reality is, that will not be happening at my school. There are very specific ways of doing pretty much everything. Now, while the system we have isn't perfect, it works! I wouldn't be a good teacher if I didn't reflect upon my teaching and how I can better my instruction. Sadly, the opportunity to completely better myself just isn't going to happen in this setting!
Something to look forward to down the line? Perhaps! If I stay at my school? I will just have to TAG my students every once in a while after I have closed the door... ;)
Remember, not all writing goes out into the world! LOTS Of writing is for us or for informal purposes - no matter where you are adn who your audience at that moment!
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