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| Author: Heather Ricks West Marion Elementary School |
Two summers ago, I sat in my first meeting and experienced a small portion of what C3WP brings to the table. I thought that it sounded great, but thought that there was no way that I would have time for that in my classroom. Therefore, I continued to teach writing the same as I always had. I would explain the components of writing, what should be included in good writing, and model for the students, but they were still struggling with writing on their own.
Then I was told that I would be involved in the C3WP grant the following school year. I was very hesitant, nervous, and honestly scared of what that would involve in the next school year. The professional development that we received from the South Mississippi Writing Project was different than any I had previously experienced. It was very hands-on. We were able to witness the SMWP professional learning facilitators teach the provided lessons and experience the lessons as a student. It also gave us the opportunity to connect with other teachers within our school district and “thinking partners” that were provided by SMWP. Having a thinking partner was a huge blessing to me. We were able to discuss the lessons, teach together, and collaborate to determine next steps for my students. My thinking partner brought a great deal of knowledge to the table and was there for me throughout every step ofthe C3WP process.
When the school year began, I immediately started including writing into the day into my daily schedule. I expected my students to be hesitant about this, but what I witnessed was the exact opposite. They looked forward to writing into the day! They also learned how to have discussions with their peers in a respectful manner while discussing their thoughts about the writing into the day assignments. This assignment that took 10 minutes of my class time completely changed the way my students approached writing, prepared them for more in depth writing assignments, taught them how to have discussions with people that they didn’t always agree with, and taught them a love for writing.
C3WP has taught my students more than how to write a good paper. It has helped my students become well- rounded thinkers who want to get their voices out there and stand up for matters that are important to them. It has given them the confidence to be able to have discussions in a productive way. For example, my students were very interested in trampoline parks and if they were safe for children. They conducted the research and had the desire to write the local trampoline park to provide suggestions that would make the park safer for everyone. This is the moment when I realized that I had achieved my goal and my students were on the road to becoming productive citizens. They realized that if they wanted something to change, they had to stand up for it.
Yes, C3WP has helped my students, but it has also changed the way that I approach writing in my classroom. Now, teaching writing does not feel like a chore. It has become something that I look forward to doing. I love engaging in discussions with my students and watching their brains churn as they find evidence to support their arguments. I have also witnessed my students change their argument if there wasn’t enough evidence to support their thinking. I have watched my students transform from struggling writers to successful confident writers that want to get their voices heard.
C3WP has helped my students become more well-rounded thinkers and writers and it has helped me become a better teacher. This program has completely changed my way of thinking about how writing should be taught and because of that I am seeing growth in my students' writing. The program can be scary, but trust the process! The results are so worth it.
Heather Ricks recently completed her 7th year as a classroom teacher. She teaches ELA to fourth grade students at West Marion Elementary School in Foxworth, MS. She has been teaching 4th grade ELA for 6 years and absolutely loves it!
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