I’m a Writer-Reader-Teacher

What are the dangers of this mind set? What happens when teachers do not question their practice or the practice of their colleagues? Why are we so afraid to look over the edge…look at ourselves in the mirror…critcially reflect? Who looses when we fail to do so? Answer…we all do!! Don’t believe me…take a look at what’s going on in the Middle East…Iraq, Iran, Israel, Lebanon. When the issues, ideas, and values “we” and “others” believe in go unchecked, unchallenged…we are all put in harms way.

You don’t have to travel to the Middle East to experience this though. Take a look at your own teaching practice lately? If not, I suggest you do. Why? The children you teach demand that you do…They may not come right out and say…”Hey Ms. (insert your name here), why are we doing this? How is (insert your best practice here) going to help me? There are many forms of dissent. Can you recognize them for what they are?

What are your thoughts on this? I’d like to know!!

I’m constantly reading books related to writing, the teaching of writing and various other topics. Here are a few that are keeping me up late at night thinking about my practice of teaching…

unequal childhoods by: annette lareau

Thirdspace: Journeys to Los Angeles and other Real-and-Imagined Places by: Edward W. Soja

Pedagogy of the Oppressed by: Paulo Freire
If you’ve already read these books or are like me…in the process…please share your thoughts!!!

When we open ourselves up to critical reflection within the classroom, powerful things can happen. Here’s an article I wrote earlier in the year that appeared in North Carolina English Teacher (Winter 2006). I welcome your thoughts on this subject.

We teach to change the world…

I’m convinced that blogging helps create community within the classroom and helps students become better readers and writers. Here’s an article I wrote earlier this Summer. What do you think?

Creating a community of Readers and Writers through Blogging