owp05

Refelction Paper

The Oregon Writing Project is exactly what I was looking for to help me learn how to more successfully teach writing. Prior to this summer virtually all I had seen modeled, and all the writing resource books I had seen, were variations on the 5 paragraph essay. While these have their place, I had seen results of one friend’s work with young children that were far superior to what I had experienced, and I wanted to know how to teach like she did. The following acrostic is something that will allow me to quickly remember the highlights of what I learned at OWP as I implement a writing workshop approach in my classroom. This acrostic, plus a list of projects presented by my classmates, should ensure that I do not forget any gems that I would like to present.

Vivian

  Vivian stood quietly gazing across the street, the only sign of the excitement building in her was the twinkle in her eye, and the deepening dimples that framed her smile; her outward stillness belied the energy building inside. Finally reaching a crescendo, it splashed out as she ran toward the grass, “Mommy, mommy, Ron and Susie are riding Hotwheels.  Can I ride my Hotwheels? Please, Mommy, please?”  She was three and the world was full of promise and adventure.

Warmth

Warmth comes from the sun.  It comes from fires and heaters and blankets. My abundant all encompassing warmth came from my first grade teacher.  On frosty mornings Mrs. Graves let me put my hands in her pockets.  My hands got toasty, but better than that – my insides warmed up.  Her pockets came with smiles and hugs and laughter.  It all added up to say, “I love you.”

Miracles Still Happen

“Mom, Mom, come quick!”  My daughter, Sarah, came running into the room.  She grabbed my hand, pulling me out to our front porch.  “Look,” she said, pointing to the wall where our garage connected to our house.  “I measured, Mom, and it’s changed three fourths of an inch!”