In order to get students to write meaningful writing, you have to find something that is meaningful to them.  From all of the teachers that were interviewed in workshop 2 the main focus was power of choice. All of the teachers believed that if a student has a sense of involvement and is passionate about a top they will be more engaged with their writing. I really enjoyed the techniques of Mr. Moodie, Mr. Teng, and Mrs. Hamilton.

Mr. Moodie stressed the power of choice by letting the students use editorials. He believed that by letting students choose their own editorials that they will find stories that relate to their own experiences. I think by letting the students choose from current events it connects them to the community and the world; like Mr. Moodie said it gives them a sense of place. My favorite thing that I took from Mr. Moodie was when he was talking about the excitement of choice, “choice creates excitement and the excitement creates the product.” If students are excited about their OWN choice then they are engaged and wanting to write meaningful writing. In addition to choice Mr. Moodie also focused on technology and old school skills. Technology is the new method of access, but we should not lose the important skills of researching and reading through a book.

Mr. Teng used the techniques of reading a piece that related to the students, then they discussed the topic and after discussing they were able to produce a persuasive point. I really enjoyed how he used the “crossing the line” game. It showed the students that there is always an opposing side. By using this game it engaged the students and helped them lead into their persuasive paper. I really enjoyed how Mr. Teng connected choice with knowing the students.  If we let the students choose we learn more about them, we need to let them educate us.

Lastly, Mrs. Hamilton focused on feelings/opinions to increase engagement. She created the “Dear Know It All,” and it allowed students write anonymously and to discuss as a class. I think this activity is great. It served as a warm up for the beginning of class and it also allowed Mrs. Hamilton to find out what is happening in her students’ lives.  This method also stresses the idea of being yourself, this activity allows students to free write about anything, not a designated topic.