Enjoying to write

I really enjoyed reading Routman's Writing Essentials and her statement that "excellent and enjoyable writing needs to become central to the everyday life of the classroom." (pg.4).  Reading the first few chapters of her book made me feel that teaching writing can be enjoyable, not just for the students, but for myself as well.  In order for us to teach writing, we need to become writers ourselves. 

In my own experience from high school, I remember not enjoying my English class to write.  I didn't like the thought of being graded for each strict prompts that I was given.  I felt that I was forced to go down the checklist of having the "right" answers for the prompt.  I felt that I wasn't taught to enjoy writing, but a skill necessary to succeed.  I think my thoughts would have changed if I read Routman's Writing Essentials and her tips to enjoy writing in my early educational career.  I really like how Routman encourage teachers to enjoy writing themselves, which will make the teaching process more enjoyable and valuable.  It is important for us to always have an essential question in mind of "how can I teach to help our students become an effective writers and communicators?"  "How can I help them to enjoy the process?" 

I can't wait to meet my K-buddy tomorrow and work on our ELP together.  Out of the 2 visits I had with him, I noticed that my K-buddy is a great reader but sometimes he lacks confidence in his ability to read, and would just give up and say "I don't know."  I hope that tomorrow's literacy activity will help him assess his literacy ability.