How to Read a Blank Page of Writing

Acknowledging and Celebrating the Writing Potential in Every Student

Abstract

Using the Currere methodology, the author reflects on memories as both a writer and a teacher, exploring strategies to overcome the vulnerability of the blank page and challenges existing classroom norms in addressing reluctant writers. The article's personal narratives from elementary to high school emphasize the importance of understanding diverse reasons behind blank pages, from anxiety to perfectionism, and highlights the lasting impact of early educational practices on a student's self-conceptualization. It explores the dynamics of teacher-student relationships and the struggle to bridge personal challenges with academic expectations. The article contends that acknowledging invisible struggles on blank pages is crucial for effective teaching, finding a delicate balance between encouraging writing and respecting students' individual processes.