Literacy Blog #3

If you wish to not ever have to feel down about becoming a writer, then I recommend skipping the preface (pronounced prefice) of the book Bird by Bird.  It is disappointing because it really is the best part of the book thus far.  Over 30 pages in length, the preface gives in great detail the live story of the author Anne Lamont.  You fully understand by page xxxi why is such a good writer and why you spent hard earned money to read what she has to say.  So why on page xxii did she have to write, "So in addition to writing furtively at my office, I wrote every night for an hour or more, often in coffeehouses with a notepad and my pen, drinking great quantities of wine because this is what writers do; this is what my father and all his friends did.  It worked for them, although there was now a new and disturbing trend - they had started committing suicide."   What the heck is that?  A total reading buzz kill is what I called it.  If emotion is what she wanted then that is what she got, but in the preface?  I mean the story hasn't even started yet!!  It's like "Redemption", the two hour movie that preceded the 6th season of 24.  Only much, much more disturbing. 

Beyond this minor reaction the past couple days has taught me a bit about assessing the reading and writing abilities of a kindergartner.  The techniques are fairly normal but highly effective.  Check the kids ability to sound out letters, words, and rhyming abilities.  Have him/her write sown some samples and check for the position of the letters.  On top of all of this stands the emotion behind the assessment.  Our child was happy as can be until it was clear he wasn't sure how to pronounce a certain word.  He would become very quiet and sit back in his chair.  It took a lot of prodding to even get a response but once he did the smile came back to his face and so did his confidence.  I find it disturbing that it seems this is the age when these emotional reactions can grow out of control and get the better of us if there is no encouragement for the students to overcome the fears at this young age.  It makes me feel good that we are able to push him through it and after two weeks he is smiling at the end of each "assessment".   Go me!!