Writing Blogs

The first blog that I read is called, "How do I help my child with writing?" by Patricia A. Dunn.  Initially the main focus of the blog was outlining three main questions that parents should be asking their children about his/her writing.  The three questions are: Is your child excited about writing, does your child write outside of school, and does your child read outside of school.  The one question that stuck out to me the most was the one about whether or not parents know if their children are reading outside of school.  The most important part that I really liked, that was highlighted by Dunn, is that b by reading, students are not only learning new vocabulary words and information but they are also strengthening their literacy.  This immediately correlates to students and their writing and how they will improve with writing skills both in and out of the classroom.  Parents are a huge part of influencing their children to read by asking them if they are reading and by also setting the example.  This is huge for parents because it will strengthen their child's performance not only in writing but also in school overall.  The important part is to make sure the children are reading at home because the more information and vocabulary and knowledge they are absorbing, the better.  Students will be more motivated in the classroom if they are finding that reading is not so bad and can help them in the long run. 

The second blog that I read is called, "More than Just Laughs: Building Stronger Writers Through Improv Comedy" by Lauren Esposito.  The blog was initially about how to teach our students to have creativity and confidence when it comes to their writing (Esposito).  The main idea expressed was that teachers become improv coaches and help students to get ideas and prepare for what they are about to write.  One part that stood out to me was the "Yes And" activity which helps students to say yes to new ideas that they could be writing about.  It is formatted like a script and students have to say yes and then come up with a new idea.  I like how this echoes how the improv writers work and how they have to say yes often to come up with a scene.  Students can learn that there are many ways to approach writing and not be confined to one idea.  This definitely helps with creativity and to be open to new ideas on the spot or ones that they discuss with their peers.

 I chose the first blog because I think it's really important for parents to know if their kids are reading and writing and to access their process.  Teachers are supposed to do this but a child will have a higher chance of succeeding if a parent is motivating the child and monitoring their progress with reading and writing.  I chose the second blog because I was immediately drawn to the words improv writing and how that could connect to student writing.  I was really happy to see this connection and a different approach to teaching students how to write. 


https://writerswhocare.wordpress.com/2016/11/07/more-than-just-laughs-building-stronger-writers-through-improv-comedy/


https://writerswhocare.wordpress.com/2016/10/24/how-do-i-help-my-child-with-writing/