Some Thoughts

What makes writing memorable? Is it the conventions? These are the questions Routman reminds teachers and students to ask. While proper conventions are important to help the reader, the inspiration does not come from punctuations. Routman highlights the importance of the impact of words on the reader and the way the language is used (p.239). Lamott also shares in the intrigue of the words in her chapter, Finding Your Voice. “And the truth of your experience can only come through in your own voice. If it is wrapped in someone else’s voice, we readers will feel suspicious...” (p. 199). Combining Routman and Lamott’s views it is easy to see where standardized assessments falls short and where the teacher’s role becomes important in teaching kids about what good writing really means.

Digital Storytelling

I very much enjoyed writing a literacy vignette and then digitizing the story. I discovered something new with this assignment: I really like using technology! I found myself having fun learning how to play with the special effects of transitions, music, and voice over. This didn’t seem like homework to me after I had gotten started. I had a light bulb moment. I had always wanted to learn how to add pictures and music, but by forcing myself to also add my own voice from my writing gave it a personal touch and more meaning. I wish I had more time to play and work on it. Even though I had some trouble spots with volume and editing, I discovered something new that I didn’t know I could do, and may have found a new hobby.

I would also like to give my students lots of opportunity to discover interests they never thought they had. This also challanges teachers to find variety in lesson plans to develop different skills and exposure to a lot of different types of areas like technology and art. I can see students being very engaged with this type of assignment. Instead of an over focus on correctness with conventions, allowing students to read their writing and then listen to themselves can be an awakening and motivating facet for showing students the most memorable piece in their writing: the story, flow, word choice, and the message.