So far this class is going just fine. I was surprised on the first day to only see two other students besides myself, but I think the smaller number works to all of our advantage. I feel like we all get to share our ideas and questions and be heard, and receive feedback and know that it's genuine. The small class size leads to a warmer feeling in the class.
I also think the way the class is set-up is important to address. The writer's workshop the last 40 minutes of class is beneficial because it gives us time right after class to write/read/brainstorm/prewrite for our projects.
As far as habits of mind, I feel I have grown in all areas, but mostly creativity and openness. This is because of the emphasis on Hicks (2013) and digital texts. Before this class I did not know any other format for digital texts other than Powerpoint. I also now have a much greater understanding of the writer's role in constructing a text, intsead of just the the writer's task. Looking at genres, audiences, and the writer's situation helped me understand how important it is to consider factors beyond the 6 traits of good writing.
What I have learned so far that will be useful for me as a teacher of literacy is the use of the writing wheel while doing writing, much of what Tompkins (2012) and Hicks (2013) discuss in their chapters on author's craft/writer's craft, and the idea of multi-genre assignments.
One thing I wish we focused on more is teaching traditional writing. I would like some help with this. I know with all this new technology and how "cyber"-friendly students are it can be very beneficial to teach to this, but I get worried that students are losing the abilty to produce traditional texts, and I want the tools to be able to help them.
Those are my thoughts so far...:)
Casey, I appreciate you feel you are learning a great deal about teaching writing. I was curious to know more regarding what you meant by teaching traditional writing? Are there certain aspects of traditional writing you are thinking about? Obviously Tompkins entire book is dedicated to "traditional writing genres." We will be moving heavily into these genres in the coming weeks, so hopefully this will help to address your questions. If not, let me know.
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