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This is your EMWP Summer Institute Book Group blog. You are asked to post at least once a week before and during the Institute. Your group leader will post additional assignments and topics. Check back often. If you have any questions or concerns contact your leader, Bill - ypsilantibill@gmail.com .

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Wednesday, June 6, 2012

Prompt #1 - Why did you choose this book to read this summer?

6 comments:

  1. Easy! I am a Speech and Theater major, we do everything by talking it out. To me, this makes very simple sense. If we talk out our problems with life, let's talk about what we want to write.

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  2. I enjoy reading Elbow. I agree with his belief in free writing or journal writing that is not graded or assessed. I also loved the Leunig comic at the beginning of the book.

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  3. Vernacular Eloquence seemed like the best choice for me because I used to teach (and plan to teach again when I'm finished with my Master's work at EMU) developmental writing within a community college setting. The concept of using speech as a foundation for writing seems like a natural fit for use in the developmental classroom because it is a "way in" to drawing on students' existing strengths.

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  4. Like others have already commented, I enjoy Elbow's previous work. Not only do I enjoy reading it, I have been able to use it in practice in my classroom. Hopefully Vernacular Eloquence will provide me with the same theory I can put into practice as well.

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  5. Like some others here, I am a devoted reader of Peter Elbow. Reading this book I realize why. His style of writing uses the linguistic "involvement" strategies that characterize speech, without trying to be "folksy."
    By the way, Elbow has agreed to send us an autographed copy of this book to sell at the silent auction at our 20th Reunion on July 21. Circle this important date on your calendars!

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  6. (I know I'm supposed to be creating a new post. I will follow the rule next time - promise!)

    I've never read any of Elbow's books, but Vernacular Eloquence stuck out to me as a way to teach writing that students may find more intuitive - - and therefore more easy to apply. I've also dumped grammar worksheets and drill instruction from my courses. I'm particularly intrigued by his chapters on reading work aloud in order to figure out "good enough" punctuation.

    Looking forward to hearing more from those of you who read and use Elbow in your classes already (Becky!).

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