3321 Mon. Night Chapter 14

I believe that writing is a marvelous way to help students become more independent, self sufficient, have a positive attitude about themselves, and be creative. It's a time of exploration and for hidden talents and skills to be seen. I am glad that we are doing this blogging because I have been reading about so many writers who realized at a young age that they wanted to become a writer or artist which led them to become an illustrator. Likewise, through the reading of books the imagination is stirred up in children. Children's literature is an excellent example for the young writers to gain knowledge from.
When a student writes about his or her life experiences, or what they are interested in you really come to know that student a bit better. There is a part themselves that is released and they become freer than before. I like the idea of the minilessons because they help target problem areas. I think the editing conferences are great for teaching the young how to accept criticism; and this will help as they become an adult. I also like the fact that students are taught how to criticize someone else without tearing them apart.
Writing about ones self is a good way to help others. Many children tend to feel that they are the only ones going through a hardship, or sorrow, or a weird situation. Tomie De Paola is an example of such a writer. His book Nana Upstairs & Nana Downstairs is about memories of his childhood. There are many other authors that have written books regarding a personal event in their lives.