Crafting Writers Blog

Blog entry Crafting Writers

09/19/10

                I really enjoyed Crafting Writers K-6, by Elizabeth Hale.  I found loads and loads of useful teaching techniques to use when teaching the craft of writing. These techniques make so much more sense than just practicing certain skills or memorizing vocabulary.  A recurring theme throughout all six chapters is the importance of teaching craft techniques which students can take away from group instruction and conferences to use during their own independent writing.   Another big idea is how important it is to teach students the “whys” of craft techniques.   When students understand the “whys” of writing techniques, they are more likely to want to use and feel comfortable using a technique, as opposed to just because the teacher said so.  On page 73 of chapter 5, the author states, “Helping students understand how different choices affect writing supports decision making at all levels”.  This statement in context refers to the use of reverse combinations and students taking the time to think about word choice and placement.   I believe however, that you can take this statement and apply it to encompass most of the craft techniques illustrated in these chapters.  All of the craft techniques are about giving students a huge repertoire of tools to choose from when they write.   As students write we want them to think about the words they are choosing, why they are choosing them, and to be able to use the techniques that make the most sense to them. This thought brings me to another theme in this book and throughout many of the readings in our classes thus far.  That theme is, the importance of  making the methods, techniques and tools we teach children meaningful for them.  It is abundantly clear that today’s teachers need to help students use their prior knowledge to make connections to what they are learning so that each student can assimilate the new learning in a way that makes sense to him/her.   This is much different than simply teaching skills, relaying information or showing students how to do something.   When students find a way to make this new knowledge meaningful, they are more likely to not only retain it but use it.  Isn’t this the ultimate goal of learning?   Let me finish up with one of my favorite lines from the book.  In chapter two on page 9, the author states, “Voice is the sum of all the strategies used by the author to create the illusion that the writer is speaking directly to the reader from the page”.  This was really powerful to me and I look forward to facilitating my students’ growth in finding their voice in writing.