Writing publicly about my students and classroom practice (Blogging), has helped me become a better writer. Having to write weekly entries has caused me to have to organize my opinions, form rational ideas and read to research my chosen issues. This has helped me to be able to write better professionally and see myself as a better writer personally. Blogging also has caused me to become a better thinker. The blogging process has inspired me to stop and think deeper about the things of my life and the worldview that shapes them, this helped me teach and encourage my young kindergarten writers that they have something to say. Once I started blogging, it made me begin to think more intentionally about who I am, who I am becoming and whether I like what I see or not. I have always been very intent on being just who I am and all that I can be. I believe if it is to be it’s up to me. I wrote about this in Kindergarten Students Understand What it Means to be a Writer.
I’ve learned that I can’t write about every event, every thought, and every happening in my life. Instead, blogging allows me to choose the most meaningful events and the most important thoughts. This process of choice helps me develop an eye for meaningful things. And remember that sometimes the most meaningful things appear in the most ordinary places.
Blogging has given me a new voice. Had it not been a required assignment in my classes, I would probably have never blogged to express myself or should I say share things I know and learned with others besides my professor/instructors. It takes the limits off to who my information can be shared with. It brings my voice (my perspective) to the world and it is important to have that opportunity. Blogging gives me the opportunity to write more and get things out of my head to a place where I can read my own blog or someone else. It causes me to think more positive about writing in general. Read:“Share the Pen”
My blogging has taught me that writing about a certain topic allows me to build on what I’ve already written to develop ideas on a greater scale. I’ve seen my young kindergarten writers start by writing a sentence that leads to another sentence which will lead to a book. As far as leadership – the ability to impact others through my words is an astounding concept. Learning to blog has helped me gain the tools to teach my students, family and friends how to operate in a information-based society effectively.
Overall, I have become more well-rounded in my mindset. I like the opportunity for readers to offer input. As the blog’s writer, I introduce a topic that I feel is significant and meaningful. I take time to lay out a subject in the minds of my readers and offer my thoughts on the topic. Then, the readers get to respond. And often-times, their responses in the comment section challenge me to take a new, fresh look at the very topic I thought was so important in the first place.
Writing Beyond the Classroom Walls 
I can relate to having to choose the best moment(s) to blog about. So much happens in the course of a week, sometimes it’s hard to choose what to blog about! I, too, find myself scoping out the most meaningful things that occur in my room to write about. I think one thing I’ve really learned to appreciate is the honesty that comes out of blogging. I think we are inclined to write on something really great! and wonderful! and exciting! but sometimes, it’s the failures and disappointments that need highlighting as well. One week, I wrote about really connecting with a student which was definitely the highlight of that week, while another week, I wrote on several of my students somewhat blowing off their assignment. I think it all shed true light into teaching and shows the resilience of our students and of us as teachers!
LikeLike
Wow! When I was thinking of how writing the blog impacted me as a writer and as a teacher I was thinking along the lines of what you described, but you did so with such elegance. I have done all of the things that you mention in your post, but failed to recognize that I was doing many of them. Thank you for this post.
LikeLike