My Beliefs about Teaching Writing

1. I will ask for and expect my students’ best. In return, I will give my best to my students.

2. I will allow students to see examples—good and bad—of work before they begin working on their own writing pieces.

3. I will share many authors, ideas, and genres with the students through literature and through their own works.

4. I will share some of my own writing pitfalls and shortcomings. This should help to break the illusion (that some teachers try to give) that teachers are perfect. Maybe the students can learn from my mistakes before making them for themselves.

5. I will allow students many opportunities to write. They may be structured assignments or simply freewriting. I will also check most of them simply for participation; however, some will go through the processes of writing until finished.

6. As a class, we will develop a plan of action for working together. Some points will be, no cheap shots, no demeaning criticism, plenty of positive feedback, and plenty of constructive criticism.

7. I will allow students to make mistakes/errors. The writing classroom will be a safe place for students to discuss possible solutions.

8. I will provide opportunities for students to work alone, one-on-one, and in peer groups. I will also allow for the students to access me for consultations.

9. I will encourage the students to take writing risks. Then, if they do not succeed, I will help them discover how to possibly vary it for the next time.

10. I will focus on the students’ successes rather than their failures. I will encourage them to continue to build and strengthen the areas of their weaknesses.