Mr. Rennie's Class

  Well, 2010 is nearing it's end and as it approaches I reflect back and consider this past three and a half months to be one of the most productive in recent years. Not only do I teach a very cooperative and able group but they have shown a willingness to try, stretch and risk as they write stories and poems. They have all developed a great deal already. A sense of voice is evident and growing in all to some extent. Some of them are truly natural writers. Others have improve so much that their work is barely recognizable compared to what they produced only a few short months ago. They are all more fluent, writing flows more freely and demonstrates increased use of desriptive detail as well as  thoughts and feelings.

  As I try to evaluate what role technology has played in this development I can't escape the fact that keyboarding has freed certain students from their own awkwardness with a pencil which would literaly slow the flow of thoughts to the page. I know about this first hand as a person who often can barely decipher his own hurried handwriting. Maybe more importantly the capacity to use technological literacies that most were already familiar with or inclined towards has made it just easier and more engaging. We all enjoy things we're good or better at. Not that a challenge isn't desirable but when a challenge becomes a roadblock we sabotage learning. The various online sharing opportunities the young writers have at there disposal, frees some to do so with less risk. It takes the sometimes stressful situation and takes it down in intensity. Repetition of this process over time will, I believe, make them more confident and lead towards increased confidence in oral group sharing. I've seen evidence of this in their literature circle work. I applaud and thank my students. They have done a great job with little complaint and dare i say, enthusiasm. Happy Holidays peeps!