“Families can be great co-teachers, or even co-conspirators. If families believe in the work, they are more likely to share stories with their kids, ask questions instead of tell ideas, perhaps even carve out a writing space for their young authors in the living room.”
Communication and connections with students’ families are essential elements in a child’s education. What can we do to build a shared understanding about the important work that occurs during Writer’s Workshop?
This week, Colleen Cruz shares her own honest struggles and experience, as well as her proactive approach to draw in support of families who question the philosophy and intent of Writer’s Workshop. Knowing what can stop us from comfortably communicating the benefits of this style of writing instruction, Colleen takes our hand and leads us to a place of envisioning opportunity instead of resistance.
Perhaps you begin with planning out your clear responses to common questions as Colleen did. Or, maybe you begin to think creatively with your colleagues about ways to celebrate writing and share with student families. Whatever you choose, remember that you are not alone. Writer’s Workshop is a journey that everyone takes together.
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In addition to being the author of The Unstoppable Writing Teacher, M. Colleen Cruz is the author of several other titles for teachers, including Independent Writing and A Quick Guide to Helping Struggling Writers, as well as the author of the young adult novel Border Crossing, a Tomás Rivera Mexican American Children’s Book Award Finalist. Follow Colleen on Twitter.
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