- How is a child’s writing influenced by the things the child has read
or has been read? Are those influences observable? - Is there a point in a young child’s development as a writer when
the child begins to desire standards, criteria, or rules for good writing?
Ta k e n t o g e t h e r , t h e s e k i n d s o f qu e s t i o n s r e p r e s e n t a s a m p l e o f s i n -
cere and genuine teacher concerns. If noted and pursued, they could eas-
ily provide the basis for compelling professional discourse.
Wonder(the Verb)
An interesting paradox emerges in considering the meaning of wonder.
My dictionary offers two definitions of wonderas a verb:
- a. To have a feeling of awe or admiration; marvel. b. To
have a feeling of surprise. - To be filled with curiosity or doubt. (American Heritage
Dictionary, 1993)
It is with both of these meanings in mind that I identify the act of wonder-
ing as a goal of participation in the protocol. Both have been discussed in
this chapter. The poem itself inspired admiration, and we marveled at the
complexity of the images and meanings in the text. We further admired
Jessica’s seriousness and playfulness as a writer and an illustrator. Jessica’s
efforts reminded us of the challenge of becoming a writer. This is a goal
we ask all our students to accept and embrace, but also one that takes
years and enormous persistence to achieve.
We w e r e a l s o f i l l e d w i t h s u r p r i s e a n d d o u b t. D i d J e s s i c a i n t e n d t h i s
ambiguity? Were our own interpretations of the text reasonable? Why did
others read this poem so differently from the way I read it? What, as a writ-
ing teacher, can I or should I do to help this child at this point in her
development?
The combination of awe and doubt is a particularly potent mixture.
Both have a way of opening us up to learning. We become engaged with
the object of our awe—the text or the child or, usually, both. We become
humble because of the complexity of the challenge of becoming a writer
254 Learning and Leading with Habits of Mind