Keywords
classroom writing, writing practice, persuasive writing, prewriting strategies
Submission Type
Research
Preview
"Slow walkers."
"Seniors crowding the hallways."
"When teachers write crookedly on the board."
The minute I read the writing prompt for the day-"What is one of your biggest pet peeves?"-the response from my 8th graders is electrifying and instantaneous. Responses like the ones above begin flying around the room, and I have to loudly remind them, "Write first, share second!" because everyone is immediately ready to rant. I call this my Soapbox Day. It's a day where I make sure to devote enough time for students to write substantial responses and then "get on their soapboxes" to share these rants. While the sharing could last all period long and I have to keep a firm grip on the time allotted for writing and sharing, I love this day because it reminds me that my students are passionate and willing to share their opinions. They are also only too happy to write when they care about the topic, particularly when the topic evokes a strong emotional response.
Recommended Citation
Brown, Emily
(2023)
"Voices with Power: Writing to Effect Change in 8th Grade,"
The Utah English Journal: Vol. 51, Article 4.
Available at:
https://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/uej/vol51/iss1/4