Writing Without Boundaries:
The author discusses that having children explore different genres and discover their purpose helps them to understand things written in that genre better. Through genre study students learn to pick out the perspective, intended audience and the purpose for writing in that genre. It is important for students to not only read different genres but to also write different genres. Also, as we talked about with poetry it is important for students to model after other authors. The article mentions that students should have a “mentor text” for the genre they are writing in. A mentor text allows students to try out another authors’ style in pursuit of their own writing style. I have never completed a multigenre project before but I think it is a great way to learn to synthesis information. When students write from different perspectives they are forced to have a more complete understanding of the topic.
The Multigenre Paper:
I agree with the author that projects in forms other than the traditional paper are more meaningful and enjoyable. The multigenre paper allows students to do an activity different from the traditional paper. Multigenre papers also allow for information and creativity that would not fit into a traditional paper to be showcased. I think that the inclusion of endnotes that include: where information is from, why the author choose to write in that genre and other information not able to fit within the genre is important so that some more creative aspects can be used. I feel that a multigenre paper would encourage students to put more time and effort into the project because it is different than what they are typically asked to do.
