When I signed up for the Oregon Writing Project I had high hopes and great expectations. I tried several writing programs over the years but none of them seemed to fit my secondary, special education, students. If I were to say my students are reluctant writers it would be an understatement. My students are good plagiarists who count every word on their paper to see if they have made my quota. During basketball season most of my students give me their best effort and their best writing. A poor grade means they can't play on the basketball team. That was my goal for the Oregon Writing Project, to teach me so that I could teach my students to write like it was basketball season all year long.
I think I reached my goal and more. I am really excited about teaching writing this fall. A lot of the reason for this excitement is what I learned from others in the writing class. The diversity of class members meant that their ideas and insights were wide reaching and followed trails I had not thought of. The response groups were fabulous because other group members saw things I did not. I want my students to have those same wonderful experiences and if I set up the environment correctly, I think they will.
Another thing I brought from the Oregon Writing Project is a vast treasure trove of lesson plans. I can really use them. I actually have most of my writing classes mapped out for the year. The book and web reviews have also provided me with fresh resources. I have bought 6 books to use for reference. For the first time in a long time, I am ready to teach writing. My students aren't the only ones needing an attitude adjustment. It is me that needed to change first.
Even though my time in the Oregon Writing Project was shortened, I gained a great deal. I was lucky enough to be with a fantastic group of knowledgeable people who, in addition to being good teachers and writers, are good human beings. Since not everyone can know my classmates personally, their writings remain to show the kind and compassionate individuals they are. All my expectations and hopes for the Oregon Writing Project were exceeded because the people I was lucky enough to call classmates, made the experience exceptional. I cannot thank you enough.
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