Layoffs, cutbacks and bail outs herald the sunrise in headline media, so it is not surprising that a small voice is raised today to find money for the National Writing Project, recently cut by President Obama. If he did this personally, I know not, but with his background, I doubt it. The point is that something has been cut (again) that kids need. The National Writing Project is an effective tool for students and teachers. We the battle born in Nevada pride ourselves on the Southern Nevada Writing Project that has spearheaded the reawakening of many tired or disillusioned teachers and has created many children who believe in their ability to communicate via the printed word.
It is with great passion that I tell you that the National Writing Project has made a difference in my otherwise unremarkable life. Because of the Southern Nevada Writing Project, I began using Reading and Writing Workshops in my classes. Students' test scores increased, but what was markedly different were the children's attitudes about their writing. I stopped hearing, "I can't do this." Learning became challenging, fun, not rote. Revising became meaningful via the use of modified critical thinking groups. So much more can be said about the National Writing Project. Truly it is worth saving. When offered a choice between bailing out banks and bailing out children, which would you choose?
--Wake aka j.fowler
It is with great passion that I tell you that the National Writing Project has made a difference in my otherwise unremarkable life. Because of the Southern Nevada Writing Project, I began using Reading and Writing Workshops in my classes. Students' test scores increased, but what was markedly different were the children's attitudes about their writing. I stopped hearing, "I can't do this." Learning became challenging, fun, not rote. Revising became meaningful via the use of modified critical thinking groups. So much more can be said about the National Writing Project. Truly it is worth saving. When offered a choice between bailing out banks and bailing out children, which would you choose?
--Wake aka j.fowler
