Community of Writers

Write in the Middle Workshop website was very informational along with reassuring. Each of the key practices that were highlighted were some of the main points we talked about in our class. The key points stressed the sense of a community, making writing an experience of expression and a routine that helps making writing a non-threatening atmosphere.

I believe that a sense of community is one of the upmost important elements of writing. When a student, or any writer for that matter, feels comfortable with a teacher and a group of classmates they are more likely to share their work and not feel threatened. As a teacher this sense of community should be established on day one. Having a very comfortable room is one way to make writing non-threatening, but I think using the teacher’s writing as a model along with student writing creates the sense of equality even with the teacher.

Another element of the site that I enjoyed was when it said that teachers should provide opportunities for their students to celebrate each other’s writing accomplishments. I remember when I was in middle school and my paper or writing project was on the wall next to everyone else’s; I felt like a million bucks!

On the contrary of celebrating student writing I liked how the site mentioned that: students realize that response does not have to be threatening, that members of the community are helped and protected. I took it as response means editing and critiquing. This is one thing that I as a writer and as a future teacher struggle with. It is one thing to give constructive criticism, but it receive it is a little bit different. Constructive criticism is something that I want to get across to myself and students as a non-threatening helpful way of growing with writing.