On
demand writing is very stressful. The other day, another colleague and I were
asked to respond to an email from a newspaper reporter about the mobile book
libraries that we were organizing to help supplement classroom libraries at our
school. We had no space for a book room in our two building campus of 1200 kindergarten through sixth grade students. Our solution was to utilize several carts of books at varying
levels that teachers could wheel into their hallway or into their classroom to
use for both small group instruction and matching readers with books for
independent reading. Needless to say, this was and continues to be a huge and
very expensive project. The local newspaper wanted to write a piece about the
book carts and had requested a response to several questions by the end of the
day. My colleague and I were asked to craft this response to the email at 3:00 pm, thirty minutes before
dismissal. We knew our audience was the reporter and readers of the local paper, many of whom might be parents of our students. We surmised our
purpose was to give the reporter enough specifics and quotes to add to her
piece since she had already talked at length to the principal. We had no idea what the angle of her piece was going to be. We
also wanted to promote our school. It was extremely hard, especially given the
time limit. I plan to share this real life on-demand writing experience with
the third graders I’m working with this year.
I feel for you. It really stresses when I have to make an impression or persuade someone with my writing. Good for you that you are doing something so great to help your school.
ReplyDeleteI believe that your mission to create the mobile book library was the driving force to get this on demand writing done. You had a purpose and a message. I hope that the reporter uses the sentences that you value the most.
ReplyDeleteIt's so hard when dealing with the media. You never know if they are going to turn you into a hero or a villan. That seems like the only two ways they like to portray teachers in the media.
ReplyDeleteKatie
http://coffeefueledmusings.wordpress.com/
I'm guessing the time factor was the most inhibiting factor in this on demand writing. I don't do so well when a clock is ticking, and that is not just in producing writing. I hope you give us an update when the article comes out on the tone of the report.
ReplyDeleteReading this reminds me that I need to write my parent letter this morning so I can leave work early today! I can already feel the stress of that early deadline.
ReplyDeleteThis is the heart of why we teach in a workshop format...because we will face times we have to write on demand as writers. I love the way you model the things you know as a writer in order to succeed in this "writing prompt."
ReplyDeleteRuth
I wonder how having a "friend" in it with you helped your process...? I know I like having a commiserator when I'm up against a deadline! (Even if it makes things slower...)
ReplyDeleteWow, that sounds super stressful! What a great experience to share with your students though. I really like how you listed all the things that helped you accomplish it: knowing your audience, figuring out your purpose and goals, etc.
ReplyDeleteI agree one of the hardest part of writing especially when it has a "price" attached. And yet our children are subjected to it year after year.
ReplyDeleteTammy
First Grade @ Klinger Cafe
This is the most stressful of all on-demand writing: the kind that is about what is closest to your heart. I imagine this project is a special undertaking for you and your colleague. Hopefully the reporter is savvy enough to understand how to weave all of the information together in a way that showcases the benefit of such a program!
ReplyDeleteYour audience, your purpose and the essence of what you hope will get communicated - what great on your feet prep for writing under pressure! And what a great example for your students of how this skill is useful in 'real life!'
ReplyDeleteI agree with you- writing on demand is hard, and even harder given your audience is the media. I've committed this year to writing to every prompt that my fourth graders write, and even that, with a pretty friendly audience, has been hard! Has the article come out yet? How did it turn out?
ReplyDeleteI'm glad they had you to ask, Diana. It sounds as if you had all the right things covered, but still it did sound stressful. Your idea for the books is great. I hope it all goes well!
ReplyDeleteYes stressful. That reminds me I have some to do. What a great project. I hope the article brings lots of good surprises.
ReplyDelete