Re: Routman

Based on Chapters 7 – 9 (Routman, 2005), answer the following questions on this week’s Book Club blog:

1. What types of expertise do you need to develop in order to follow her advice?

In terms of content conferences, focusing on the writer above everything else is of upmost importance. At this time of development, students need encouragement and confidence building. The experience should be viewed in a positive light and empower the student to continue taking risks with his or her writing. For instance, always begin the conference by noting the positives about their work, identifying what they have done well. Give an overall response first and focus on only one or two main areas per conference. The teacher should review the piece and note what it does as well as what it has.

In regards to her overall message, Routman seems to emphasize the idea of focusing on the bigger picture. For example, she believes that it is best to teach a concept first and then label it later. This same mindset holds true throughout the other chapters as well. Writing should have meaning and it is crucial to foster a love of writing by empowering student freedom of expression and communication. Students should feel a passion towards writing and this cannot happen if their work (and them) are constantly held to the microscope.

2. What professional dilemmas might you encounter if you attempted to follow her advice in your teaching context?

A professional dilemma that may arise is a poorly established relationship in the classroom. Be it among students or teachers, the learning environment needs to be a trusting and comfortable place for students to take risks and grow as students and as individuals. If a student does not have a trusting relationship with his or her teacher, they may never open up and express themselves appropriately as writing can help to do.

3. How might you attempt to “finesse” or “hybridize” your literacy instruction?

I would follow in Routman's footsteps and view everything from above. I would encourage my students to focus on content, to get their message on the page without regards for grammar, spelling or punctuation. I also believe in the importance of boosting each child's self esteem as a budding writer, and work towards ultimate independence. There are countless ways to set up the classroom to best suit student and teachers needs- either in small groups, pairs, individually, or whole-class. I also love the idea of analyzing a piece of writing as a class, and identifying features to set criteria for future reference.

4. How are you developing your professional identify, building strong teacher-student relationships, constructing relevant curriculum or assessing students in meaningful and powerful ways?

Each day I come to school with a smile on my face ready and excited to take on the day. I make an effort to make small talk with other staff and get to know the parents of my students. My students and I are still developing positive relationships as I try to maintain an orderly classroom which can require a stern and authoritative role, while at the same time a light-hearted and trusting friend-like bond. I enjoy spending time with my students and hope to have more opportunities to get to know each child as an individual.