Little Victories Build Writers

Little Victories Build Writers

In Chapter 12 of Creating Writers, Spandel beautifully comments on page 364 that “little victories build writers,” (Spandel 2001). This statement, as short and simple as it may sound, was the underlying theme from this week’s readings, whether it entails mini-lessons on fiction, constant feedback and revision, or offering positive praise on students’ writing. It is the little corrections, little care, and the little ‘point in the right direction’ that helps students reach their potential as writers.

There were so many anecdotes and examples Spandel offered her audience to demonstrate how important the quality and attitude comments are. I agree that feedback has been a booster and deterrent in my writing and I bet more than half our LLED class could concur. I especially loved the examples of negative feedback or “unconstructive feedback” that’s too general. “Be more concise, more specific, and needs work,” have been seen all too well. As educators, we must stop this! I refuse to become a teacher that students hate writing for. We must praise writers when they do well to increase their motivations and aspirations to become successful writers.

I also greatly benefited from her suggestions to promote revision and student writing. Looking at a conference as a short “chat,” looking at the conference as a means to show the student you care about their writing, and using the conference for bouncing ideas off each other (one on one), are some great ideas.

Peer review and peer edit are two other meaningful methods of writing assessment. I must admit, I didn’t think there was a definable difference between the two methods. I enjoyed her explanations of assigning letter grades to numeric- 6 trait grading. I was under the misconception that a 5=A, 4=B, 3=C and so on. Spandel clarified that well for me. However, I find her opinion of grading unrealistic. I feel students need competition and a goal. Sometimes it helps students if extrinsic goals compliment or spark the students’ intrinsic goals. Especially in an era of raising and testing for standards, grades are necessary and inevitable.