Wednesday, September 26, 2007

Do my words matter? Revised

Recently I posted about a little guy that doesn't believe that his words need to be on paper because they don't really matter. You can read that here.

Yesterday, after much support my little guy shared an original piece of writing. Let me preface this by saying that I am not talking about a kiddo that is a struggling reader or writer. His ability level is perfect. He has an extensive vocabulary, he is a phenomenal reader, and he should be a writer. His identity as a writer needs to happen. So, I sat and conferenced with him this week. I even chose his story starter, "One day.." I chit chatted with him and we discussed many different things that would be pertinent to his background knowledge. We finally agreed upon the piece and I even drew the pictures to guide his writing. (Like I said, much support) Then, the curtain rose, the crowd was hushed, and the little guy began. At the end, we celebrated his work. I asked the kids, "Are his words worth hearing? Should we have him share again?" The kids all nodded in the affirmative. He beamed!
I am still certain that I will have to prod and push this guy as we go but I am happy to do it. I am hopeful that in the end, his identity will be that of a writer. That is my hope for one...

4 comments:

Amy @ Literacy Launchpad said...

What an encouraging story!

I have a few kiddos that need prodding and pushing in some areas. I know they've got it in them, they're just timid to share it. I'm trying to work on ways to draw it out of them... It's tough!

Ruth Ayres said...

cool, cool, cool. i'm linking you to TWT -- you're amazing Sarah! your students are sooo fortunate!

Connie said...

Way to go Sarah! You are such an amazing teachers. I worship the ground that you teach on!

Kathy Douglas said...

I agree with Ruth. I am so thankful this little guy has you for his teacher. I shutter to think what would happen to him if he had been in a room where he would have been allowed to believe his words don't matter. Thank you for being the wonderful teacher you are and for caring so much about kids!