Writing Like an Author: Robin Leddington, Third Grade, Late Fall 2011

I can honestly say that teaching writing was my least favorite time of the day. Over my 17-year teaching career, I have never found a program or technique that inspired my students to think like writers and produce such talent.

A major advantage to the Being a Writer™ program was having the ability to use great literature to model what the children need to be able to do in the lessons. The children were fascinated by the diversity of the mentored text. I have heard them say on many occasions, ”I am writing like Tomie de Paola.” Additionally, when they read independently, the students gravitate toward the authors in the class library from which they are familiar.

When it was time to write, the children became excited and exploded with ideas. I have to say that pair conferencing has been extremely effective.  The children were considerate and offered advice willingly.  As I walked around the room, I heard positive feedback and excitement, which I never heard before. Even the most reluctant students were eager and enthusiastic about writing.

We just completed our first published piece of writing. The children have worked hard to build their community of writers.  As a culmination, we have invited the parents and the administrators to hear the authors of Room 106 present their masterpieces. Kids were excited to hear that refreshments would be served in their honor.