We aimed for relevancy by posing the question: What are the topics trending in your life? Our students responded with #MeToo, Free Speech, Mental Illness, Gender Roles, Diversity, Black Lives Matter, Poverty, LGBTQ+, and Body Positivity. All relevant topics in need of exploration.
Pushing further posed a question to be answered in small groups: Why, specifically, is your topic relevant to your life?
The question created vulnerability and deep meaning began to form as students tapped into their personal connections. We collected and shared ideas - it is important to know you are not alone.
To achieve agency students formed literature circles based on the topic trending highest in their lives. Then they searched for and chose YA Lit novels interesting to them and on topic. We were impressed with the titles they chose and ordered them.
Will they get published? We don’t know. We do know authenticity exists when writers push the submit button and go for the rejection letter.
Staying inspired as a writer means to question, read, write, risk, and share.
My students inspire me, my writing, and my willingness to take risks in the classroom. Colleagues willing to plunge into the unknown inspire new writing territories. My PLN inspires me to keep pushing, exploring, and sharing what is possible in the classroom.
Though my voice is small it can be heard if I stay inspired, write, and share.
Andy Schoenborn is a high school English teacher in Michigan at Mt. Pleasant Public Schools. He focuses his work on progressive literacy methods including student-centered critical thinking, digital collaboration, and professional development. As a past-president of the Michigan Council of Teachers of English and National Writing Project teacher consultant for Central Michigan University’s Chippewa River Writing Project he frequently conducts workshops related to literacy and technology. Read his thoughts on literacy in the elafieldbook.wordpress.com and follow him on Twitter @aschoenborn.
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"Staying inspired as a writer means to question, read, write, risk, and share." This line really resonates with me. I admire your energy, Andy, and your determination to create a vital learning environment for your students. I'll be looking for their blog posts on Nerdy Book Club!
ReplyDeleteWhat a great way to make connections with books, students and an authentic audience! Question, read, write, risk and share - great inspiration! Thanks for writing and sharing your classroom with us this month!
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