Spelling and Writing

Throughout this week we have learned a lot about the writing process and spelling development. While we were discussing the writing process and as I was preparing for the mini lesson, I found myself reminiscing about writing when I was in elementary school. When I was in school, especially when the state writing test was involved, we always practiced the writing process. We had writing workshop folders that we kept all of our work in. We would always brainstorm, put those thoughts into a thinking map, write a rough draft, peer edit, and the write a final draft.

My opinions on writing haven't especially changed over the semester. I have always felt that writing was a great way to present ideas and thoughts, but never especially enjoyed it in a school context. Writing papers always makes me feel overwhelmed, even with the writing process involved. However, when I was a junior in high school we had to keep a journal. Some days we had specific things to write about, but other days could be free writes and we were able to fold the page over if we didn't want the teacher to read it. I always enjoyed that assignment.

I have enjoyed having a blog. It has helped me reinforce course concepts and relate them back to my personal and professional life. At first, I was not at all excited about having a blog, but I have really came around to the idea. I think it would be interesting to use in upper elementary and middle school as well.

I haven't finalized what I want to write about yet, but I think I will write about my experience at being a camp counselor at Camp Friendship. Camp Friendship is for children with cancer and their siblings. I did this for Junior Enrichment for Teaching Fellows, and at first I was dreading going. However, it was an amazing experience that changed the way I view a lot of things in life.