Tuesday, October 25, 2016

Why They Write

Last Thursday, the National Day on Writing, I asked my students to think about what writing meant to them and how they use it every day. To gather our thoughts together, we created a Padlet with each student answering the prompt of the day, "Why do you write?"

I'll admit, I was a bit nervous for their answers. I was worried that they would all say they write because they have to, because I tell them to, because if they don't, their grades will tank.

Imagine my joy and the thrill I felt when I looked over their Padlet:
Seeing their words and hearing their conversations about this topic made this teacher's heart happy.

It showed why it is so important to take time for writing every day. Why we must give our students the time to explore their thoughts, their wishes, and their wonderings (and the occasional letter to Santa).

This is my wish for all of us -- teacher and student alike.

11 comments:

  1. Oh how I love this!!! Jacob's answer made me smile! :) So practical and important! :)

    ReplyDelete
  2. Your students are very insightful. You are right, this is what happens when students are given time to write and do it every day. Lucky students!

    ReplyDelete
  3. This is wonderful, Jennifer! You can see everything from the innocence of a child to a more mature writer. Keep doing what you're doing. Your students are awesome! :)

    ReplyDelete
  4. Awwww...this is so sweet! I love the elementary age group, they're so curious and want to learn. They're so honest, too. What an awesome group of kids. Kudos to you for lighting their writing fire!

    ReplyDelete
  5. I love this Padlet! I had my students write individually on this, but it might have been better as a Padlet, because they would have been inspired by others. Great thinking!

    ReplyDelete
  6. I love this Padlet! I had my students write individually on this, but it might have been better as a Padlet, because they would have been inspired by others. Great thinking!

    ReplyDelete
  7. It's so inspiring to read their words, Jennifer. You must have smiled and smiled as you read these. What a gift you have given them!

    ReplyDelete
  8. I can see how your students' answers brought you joy. They know why they write and they can explain it well.

    ReplyDelete
  9. We actually blogged about this topic last week! We had the typical "because my teacher makes me", but also many insightful and down right emotional responses. We had a good discussion that we all write for a number of different reasons, but we all write! :) Thank you for sharing this slice with us!

    ReplyDelete
  10. This was such a cool idea! I love how you asked them to share as well.. You can keep this handy and show it to them, especially if they are needing a reminder! Jacob's made me smile so big! Love this! ;) Thanks for sharing my friend!
    Ana~

    ReplyDelete
  11. Thanks for spreading this heart happiness, Jennifer.

    ReplyDelete