Ralph Fletcher states, "In order to have an affect on someone else, you must first allow him to effect you." His words play a role in creating and developing a writing community. No writer is going to write the exact same way or about the same things as another writer. Also, many different writers have different views and opinions that can affect a reader. I think Ralph Fletcher’s words in the writing community would say that we should be opened minded to other author’s writings and see the kinds of affects it can have on us. If we allow ourselves to read other author’s writings and allow them to affect us, then we too can affect them.
I also see how Ralph Fletchers words can play a role in the teaching community. I once had a teacher at Meredith that told us a good teacher will know her students well. I relate that statement to Ralph Fletchers words. If we know our students well and get to know who they are and what they are capable of then we are more likely to let them affect us. We have to be able to engage the students in what interests them and make an outstanding impression on their lives. However, without knowing them and allowing them to affect us, then we as teachers are less likely to affect them too.
Good points about being openminded in the classroom. It is not always easy to do so because you will be so well trained and full of knowledge to share with your students. However, letting them share who they are and what they can contribute to the community can be a valuable experience for everyone involved.
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