Entry #5 Writing Instruction

                 I don't recall receiving much formal writing instruction in elementary or middle school. There was a huge focus on grammar and spelling but I didn't have exposure to "Writer's Workshop" or a strong writing environment. I would say that my writing instruction fell into the realm of a "Traditional Writing Classroom," as describe by Freeman & Freeman.  In my classrooms, "[T]he importance of producing writing that follows conventions in handwriting, spelling, punctuation, and organization"(Freeman &Freeman, 2004, p.30) were major areas of focus.
               I recall being given topics and being expected to write a standard response. I was given an idea and an expectation as to I should be the focus in my writing; sentence length, paragraph length and at times a word bank to utilize.  I don't remember an actual focus on my writing ability but instead a great focus on the parts of my writing in particular the grammar and spelling.  This emphasizes the setting of a traditional classroom where "[T]he form of the writing becomes much more important than the content" (Freeman & Freeman, 2004, p. 31).
             As I finished middle school, I was introduced to the 5 paragraph essay, with a strong thesis statement. This became the basis for my writing pieces throughout my life. It was drilled into my head how to develop a thesis, represent your three ideas, and then proceed to give justification or information.  In high school, I gained knowledge of how to incorporate and explain quotations to support my argument. I also learned how to vary my word choice. My writing benefited from these ideas yet still remained within the structure of a Traditional Writing Classroom. My writing was again analyzed on the basis of structure, organization and mechanics.  My teachers "[C]orrected each piece of writing" (Freeman &Freeman, 2004, p.29). As I moved through high school and college this format became my writing instruction and foundation.
      Now as a teacher I struggle with how to best teach writing to my students.  I am the product of limited formal writing instruction and a "Traditional Writing Classroom."  I teach within an environment that lacks a formal writing program that transcends the grade levels.  I understand the value of the acquisition view  as well as a "Process Writing Classroom."  At times a I question if I find writing difficult to teach because of my own experiences in writing instruction or because of the subjective nature of writing? I wonder if I would be a different teacher of writing if I had received more opportunities to explore my own writing ability.