Writing, Redefined: Broadening Our Ideas of What It Means to Compose

by Shawna Coppola

What does it mean to write or to be a writer? In Shawna Coppola's book Writing, Broadening Our Ideas of What It Means to Compose, she challenges the reader to expand beyond standard alphabetic writing and consider alternative forms of composition when assigning writing to students. This book empowers teachers to change what counts as writing in schools and classrooms, opening the door to students who may not consider themselves to be writers, but should and can. Inside you'll find alternative, engaging writing assignments that are visual, aural, or multimodal that will involve all students, specifically By finding ways to accommodate all styles of writers, students are free to unleash their creativity and share their story with others. While there is no question composition in written form is important and worth of study, broadening our definition of writing expands an enormous range of possibilities for composing for all students.

160 pages, Paperback

Published December 9, 2019

Reviews

[Nawal Qarooni · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book blew me away. Not because the ideas are brand new ("Everything is a remix" p72), but because Shawna lays out so clearly an argument for WHY and HOW teachers should broaden their views on what it means to compose. At once about privilege, access and voice, she explains how teachers might begin to restructure "writing" assignments so as not to privilege alphabetic forms of expression, debunking myths around lack of rigor, naming plainly how to ensure assignments aren't just "language arts and crafts" (D.Miller, p91). She shows how multimodal compositions demand much more of students in terms of decision-making, preparing pieces to be "audience-ready" (p27), and allows students to feel their ideas are worthy. I underlined and tabbed much of the book but this lingers, "...our concept of what "counts" as writing in school spaces is, and has always been, severely limited. It doesn't erase the fact that this limited view of writing...privileges certain kinds of writing - and certain kinds of writers - and all but silences the voices that don't "fit" within those parameters" (p94). Lastly, it's full of Shawna's personal, hilarious anecdotes, making for a relevant, joyful, VERY practical read.

[Abby · Rating 5 out of 5]

When you ask the question, “who are we in this for?” and need some guidance on how to make your beliefs reality, this book provides it. Super down-to-Earth and full of amazing resources.

[Elana Porat · Rating 5 out of 5]

A refreshing look at ways to rethink how we teach writing and how to make it more accessible to students. It was like a satisfying conversation, paired with great examples and resources, and leaving you wanting to get kids busy creating, composing, and expressing their inner selves. It was very affirming of the attitude I’ve long held on written expression and how limiting it can feel when left simply to alphabetic representation. Teachers - read it!

[Kevin Hodgson · Rating 4 out of 5]

A thoughtful and in-depth look at how we can re-imagine our notions of writing in schools, moving beyond words on paper to multi-modal composition. There are many examples and lots of linked resources, all of which are helpful to classroom teachers. The author’s expertise and passion comes through. (Note: I received this as a review copy).

[Adison · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! Granted, I already strongly believed in the book’s premise, but Shawna gave me the language and the scholarship to advocate for redefining writing and bringing multimodal compositions into the ELA classroom. This book is also full of ideas and resources, which I appreciate (I loved the inclusion of QR codes). Thank you, Shawna and Stenhouse!

[Mathiasherm · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just what I needed!!!