Inside Out Strategies for Teaching Writing Chapter 15

Publishing Student Writing with and Without Computers

"Walk into any business, any professional workplace, and there's a computer on every desk." This quote is not only true to businesses and workplaces, but basically every where you go. Almost everyone in the U.S. has computer that they keep in their pockets that allow them to search the net, take pictures or videos, record music, and even write poems or essays. It's unavoidable and it is our responsibility as teachers to help our students used this new technology efficiently and effectively.

Benefits of Using a Computers

• writing process is more visible
• revising, editing, and proofreading is much easier
• provides smooth transition from school to work.

Getting Started

• Get to know school's IT for troubleshooting.
• Schedule regular time for computer use.

Cautions About Computers and Writing

• Not all students like computers; encourage and praise them.
• Be specific about plagiarism.
• Remind students that just because its printed doesn't mean its "done."

Ways to Publish in the Classroom

• Have students read the work aloud with peer or class.
• When exhibiting good writing; use your students writing even if its just a line or two.
• Have them make books; can use Jeanne's many different techniques for making books.
• Build a class website.
• Room Displays.

Producing a Literary Magazine

• Should be student centered; if they show interest in producing a magazine, then have them produce it with your guidance.
• You can photocopy work, staple, and distribute.
• Try offset printing through local printer.

Alternative to Literary Magazine

• Ask local paper if they would be willing to feature student writing.
• Ask local television station if they would like to feature student writing in their program.
• Ask local library if they will display student work.
• Check for writing contests.

A lot of the information in this chapter is something most teachers are familiar with. The main idea I walk away with from this chapter is to do something, anything with students' writing after they have completed their final version of it. Whether its reading it to one classmate or displaying the work in the classwork. Student writing should be revered and celebrated. I'm often guilty with correcting work and returning it to students and moving on to the next unit. I must take the time to celebrate their work because quite a few of my students write well and their work should be read by more people besides me and them. Also it takes time, effort, and creativity to produce their work, so some time and effort must be made for celebrating it.