I feel as though I was drawn to this genre because I have had positive writing experiences with the different types. The type I feel as though I identify with the most is autobiographies. Tompkins states that "students greatest source of information for writing is their own experiences..." My earliest memory of using this genre is a My Feelings Book, which I made in third grade. Throughout the years I have kept this book and it stays on my desk at all times. I don't know what it is about this book that has remained with me through the years, but I'm guessing it's the personal connection I have with the book and the feelings that I had at the time.
This type of writing has continued to play a role all throughout my education. I have always enjoyed the connection I fell with using this genre. How can I get it wrong? I can't it's about ME and MY LIFE! While writing this blog I am reminded of LTED 609 and the first night of class and the timeline we were asked to create. I had never had to think that in depth about my life. Although I had previously had positive experiences with this genre, I felt defeated before I even began this particular assignment. What could I even remember that was being asked of me? How I was I taught to read and write? Who read to me when I was younger? Everyone around me had these great memories about their literary experiences and it seemed as though they were right there on the surface. I really had to sit and think about these questions. What would I be willing to share? When I look back on these writing experiences it makes me wonder, why was it so much easier to write about these topics when I was younger? Why was it more difficult to write about these questions now?
We use this genre in writing all the time. When meeting my student for clinic this semester I wanted to build his trust and get to know him. In our first session together we created all about me books. We talked about our families, favorite foods, and our goals for our time together. This was a great way to break the ice and learn a lot about one another in a short amount of time.
If I were to incorporate this genre in my future classroom I believe that I would like to explore life boxes. I really enjoyed they way Kristen incorporated her life box in the presentation. Although I am friends with her outside of class I learned new information about her that I didn't know before.
Jaci, thank you so much for sharing this book. It is was wonderful to read. I think the questions you posed in your entry were really important. Do you think you have any insights as to why you have had such mixed experiences with sharing your writing? How will you be sure to help your own students like "Jaci" who might not be willing to share?
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