Reading so many blog posts from my colleagues who are seeing such a divide between how reading and writing are viewed, and also about how so much more research is being done in the area of reading instruction than that of writing, I decided to revisit a wonderful book called Because Writing Matters in an attempt to find comfort. This slim volume by the National Writing Project (NWP) and Carl Nagin reflects the most recent research and reports on the need for teaching writing. Read the Story Behind the Book and how the NWP continues to increase awareness of the need to make writing as important as reading.I was so encouraged when I joined the NWP and thought I would go back to my district and help enlighten my district, but it is true that it's difficult to be a prophet in your own land and my ideas fell on deaf ears. Only a few colleagues loved what I had to say and joined me in working on improving the teaching of writing. I encourage everyone to pick up this book when inspiration is needed and to investigate applying to the NWP Summer Institute when possible.
Karen, after reading so much theory and high minded research, it is refreshing to be directed to a pragmatic book. Since I haven't read it, I wonder, would it be a powerful resource for teaching preservice teachers how to teach writing?
ReplyDeleteKat, I wasn't surprised to hear that you went back to your school enlightened and determined to make a difference before you discovered that change making in schools is quite a struggle (of course, you know this better than I do). But, at least you and a few others took on the task of effectively teaching writing - that's a start; a few can educate a few, who can educate a few more....and so on....hopefully!
ReplyDeleteKaren,
ReplyDeleteThanks for providing the information on this valuable resource. I just read this book from The National Writing Project as one of the references for my inquiry paper. I found it very reader friendly and useful, as well. It is a definite must read for all current and future writing teachers.