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Overview
Mark Statman, a long time Writer-in-Residence for Teachers & Writers Collaborative, presents in this collection a series of essays and exercises on his own pedagogical approach to the elementary and college writing classroom.There is an emphasis on working with what the students already know, modeling after poets with whom the students are familiar, introducing new poets relevant to curricula and his own aesthetic preferences, and revision.
For teachers and students who are eager to read about how a talented and seasoned professional feels about his career, plans lessons, and works in the field with students, Listener in the Snow will be indispensable.
Synopsis
Mark Statman, a long time Writer-in-Residence for Teachers & Writers Collaborative, presents in this collection a series of essays and exercises on his own pedagogical approach to the elementary and college writing classroom.
There is an emphasis on working with what the students already know, modeling after poets with whom the students are familiar, introducing new poets relevant to curricula and his own aesthetic preferences, and revision.
For teachers and students who are eager to read about how a talented and seasoned professional feels about his career, plans lessons, and works in the field with students, Listener in the Snow will be indispensable.
KLIATT
Published by Teachers & Writers Collaborative and with a foreword by Kenneth Koch, Listener in the Snow comes with the educators' pedigree regardless of its own performance. Thus it is not surprising that this volume, aimed at those who teach the writing of poetry, is helpful, informative, and thoughtful. It is also apparent that it deserves the endorsements of both educators and writers who teach. Statman clearly and thoroughly presents a series of approaches and thematically based exercises, each of which is significant in itself. Topics like "Time," "Origin, Family, Roots," and "Loss" are rich veins to mine in anyone's life, but seem to be especially well suited to young writers. And his section on "The Necessary Art of Revision" is practical advice to young writers and their mentors. Even his personal list of "One Hundred Books," books that have inspired him "as a reader, a writer, a teacher," might well serve student and student-teacher alike. It is evident, though, that the real value of the volume lies not in any single unit but in the thoughtful approach presented in each. Rather than offering a random list of assignments, Statman presents a concept of thorough discussion and introspection prior to the writing assignment itself. Through this method he solicits individualized responses, unique and personal, the source of poetry on any level. In addition, his method displays a respect for students that would contribute to any classroom atmosphere. In some cases the volume relies too much on the examples of elementary school writers, but the principles of both writing and teaching are well served here. Teachers and students alike will benefit from this book. KLIATT Codes:SA—Recommended for senior high school students, advanced students, and adults. 2000, Teachers & Writers Collaborative, 175p, 23cm, 99-054406, $14.95. Ages 16 to adult. Reviewer: James Beschta; English Teacher, Quabbin Reg. H.S., Barre, MA, July 2000 (Vol. 34 No. 4)