ASSIGNMENT SIX: DVD Reflection- Included in your text is a DVD containing video clips of Regie’s conferences with writers in the classroom. There is a detailed commentary accompanying the DVD on page 336 of her text. Please watch the DVD and then look at her teaching notes beginning on page 336 (Regie suggests just watching without notes first so that you don’t miss what she and the students are doing.) After both watching and reading her notes, write your reflection and please post a copy of your DVD Reflection to the blog.
*NOTE: If you experience problems playing the DVD please refer to the Writing Essentials companion website at www.heinemann.com/writingessentials for directions for playing the DVD. Look in the upper right hand corner for the link.
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The DVD is very effective. It helped to answer a lot of questions I had on what I read so far. Seeing her in action helped to clarify a few points for me as well as give me some new ideas. I really liked how she had Ervin cross out words after she suggested it himself. This way, he is truly editing and making changes by his own choice, not just having the teacher do it for him. I noticed she did this in every conference. It is such a small thing to do, but extremely powerful. During the conferences where students wrote a story, Regie prompted questions to the student to get him to elaborate using his own words so it sounded more like a story. Obviously, teachers do this throughout the day in all subjects. However, I think what I took away was the simple, kid-friendly language she uses while conferencing. I especially like how she puts the choices back on the kids (with careful guidance) and celebrates ALL efforts that students put forth. I also need to keep the pace moving, as per her examples. The conferences do not have to be long, nor do we have to fix every mistake. Giving the students a sense of empowerment will help them to find the joy of writing.
ReplyDeleteIt was awesome to see Regie's demonstration. I am a visual learner and it really helped me to see this modeling. I was able to see for myself how it is possible to have productive, efficient conferences both whole group and individually. You truly can teach quite a bit in a short amount of time. I was especially intrigued with the example of struggling students Derek and Alex. I have grappled in the past with how to help struggling students get started and finish successfully. I saw how Regie guided with encouragement, asking the right questions but expecting the student to do the writing themselves. It was easy to see the value of whole group share conferences and individual conferences. I can glean where my whole group instruction needs to go, the students can learn from each other and I can help a struggling writer successfully complete their writing piece. When I have the opportunity I am excited to put Regie's writing essentials into practice. Quite honestly I am a bit intimitated by the ease and proficiency that Regie teaches writing. The reason I took this class was to become a better writing teacher and Regie's instruction should help me become one. I will be learning along with my students. I so appreicate the demo and Regie's book as a valuable resource. Working with my students will give me the opportunity.
ReplyDeleteWatching the video put what Regie has been talking about in her book to practice. There is nothing as real as watching her teach students unscripted. She was raw in her teachings and made real differences in the students writing progression.
ReplyDeleteI am often at a loss with how hard to push students, and I was surprised to see how much she pushed the students. Even when she had students writing on the overhead projector in front of the class they were pushed. Regie had the young boy spelling words over and over again until he got it correct. I feel that by then having him write the new words without looking it gave him new found confidence. I have always been uncomfortable about putting students on the spot out of their comfort zone, but I can now see the positive in it for not only the student having the conference, but the rest of the class as well.
One thing that I worried about was the students watching the conference. I understand that the students learn a lot from the conferences in front of the class, but how what about keeping their interest. After one or two conferences I would think that the students would get bored or even anxious to be working on their writing. I noticed a teacher talking to students who were squirming so maybe it would be best to have the conferences while a volunteer or helper was in the class.
For the first time since taking this class I feel that changing my teaching of writing is possible. I think that it took the DVD visual for me to better understand the process of teaching the writing with the students. Keeping the positive spirit of the students in writing is something I will definitely take from this class.
It was great to see everything that I've been reading about put into action. She makes it look so easy and gave me some great ideas. It seams like it's always easy to share-conference with students who are doing great things in their writing and to notice them and point them out. Thats why I'm really glad that she included lots of examples of struggeling writers in her conferences. Like Ervin who wasn't making sense with his writing. She was so supportive and to the point with what he needed to do so that the reader wasn't confused. And still found many positives in his writing.
ReplyDeleteI also liked all of the examples of what to write. The sub brochure is a great idea. I love the idea of students creating this and having a purpose for writing!
Assignment #6:
ReplyDeleteRegie's DVD.
I enjoyed the DVD. I especially liked hearing the story of each child along with their work. This put the level of work produced by the student in perspective. I did not expect the same level of work from Derek that I saw in Paige. It reinforces the fact that students learn at a different pace, and that it is okay for them to do so. I have always considered the abilities of students on an individual basis, and it was nice to see Regie doing the same.
Regie had a nice technique of encouraging the students by finding the good in their work, and also provoking more effort out of them. From her best to her worst students she utilized this technique. She always started and ended with a compliment of the student's work. In the middle she added a critique, and included the class in the discussion so that all the students could benefit from her comments. Her critique of the student's work was not one sided. Regie definitely included the student in the process and forced them to critique their own work. I liked this very much, because it demonstrated to the student that they are ultimately responsible for their work. The teacher acted as a guide in the process of improving the student's writing skills.
Regie did one other thing that impressed me about her method. She allowed for laughter during the poems. She even joined in! How nice to see a teacher enjoy the learning process along with her students! How good it must feel to those students to know that they can have fun in the classroom. I noted that the students would have a good laugh at some of the poems and then they would almost immediately focus on the teacher. This has been a good technique for me as a teacher as well. I have found that a good laugh at key moments in a class can do wonders to improving student focus and attention.
The summary of expectations printed on page 350 of Regie's book drew my attention. This list has become a useful tool for me. I see the benefit in the process regardless of the age of the writer. This 12 point summary is an excellent guide for students editing their spelling. I am going to try posting this in my classroom and set it as the standard for correcting spelling and see the reaction of my high school students. My thought is that they will appreciate the reminder on the process of correcting written work. I fully expect to see students referring to it in the classroom on a regular basis.
We're glad that you've enjoyed watching the DVD and found it a useful assignment.
ReplyDeleteLisa, you need to find a system and style that works for you. I do know that students have learned a lot from other student's conference whether they are at the meeting area or at their seats.
Patrick, I couldn't agree with you more. We need to have laughter and joy in our rooms!
Assignment 6 – DVD Reflection
ReplyDeleteI really like the celebrating with the whole class, because it teaches the other students how to do something and it builds up the confidence of the one who did the writing. When certain students are often getting things wrong in other areas of class, there’s almost always something outstanding you can find in some piece of writing of every student. This may be the only time some students really shine.
I could see the hesitation in Max at first to read his poem. I will have many students who feel that way at first, too, but I can see how enthusiastic they become when they hear celebrating for something they might already do. Then they would know that it would be safe to share their own writing, because someone else got praise for something similar. Even if they kind of copy someone a bit at first, it’s okay, because many good writers use parts of other people’s writing and make it into their own.
I liked that she didn’t correct some of grammar right away, because that could stop the flow of the writing. Then when she does go back to the editing, she doesn’t just zoom in on what is wrong, she has them look to see if there are any words that are misspelled. Students often know when a word is wrong, even if they don’t know how to spell it. So I liked how she had them check the letters they knew were right. Regie has a great checklist for teachers to use in Derek’s editing
I also like how she said, “I would expect to see _________ from second graders.” And I like the colored pencils idea, too.
Seeing the writing conferences on the DVD (and Regie live) was really great. It was beneficial to see both techniques talked about in the text used in "real life" and see Regie interacting with students. Prior to watching the writing conferences, I've only been able to visualize how to use certain techniques- seeing it all in action solidified the class/text thus far.
ReplyDeleteWatching the DVD also gave me confidence in what I've been learning. Thinking forward to next year I can see myself integrating a lot of what Regie advocates into my classes.
Hi Diane! I agree, we need to find examples of where our kids shine and celebrate their accomplishments-- especially for our struggling writers! What a powerful motivator.
ReplyDeleteEmily, we felt the same way after we viewed the DVD! We thought it would be a worthwhile assignment for teachers to see Regie in action. :)
Writing Essentials
ReplyDeleteAssignment #6
Watching her in action with everything she has taught through her writing was quite interesting. One of the fascinating things to observe was how each kid reacted to her comments within the group share. You could see them literally start to swell up with pride. They honestly felt like great writers by the time they were done sharing.
The one on one conferenceing was insightful. I think one of the big things I learned was first of all not to feel like every student needs to have a one on one conference. Also, to really set your standard high and demand that the students meet those standards.
I also found the Summary of Expectations: Editing and Spelling on pg. 350 very helpful and will use that as a reference tool for each writer.
After watching the DVD and seeing the students' writing, I feel more confident about how I respond to student work. I place a lot of value on students sharing their work with each other, and I love to point out the great things that students are doing to the whole class; even if they are embarrassed. I regularly ask for students to share out during writing lessons and I get antagonized by the kids if I forget.
ReplyDeleteOne thing I really appreciated about Regie's actions in the video was her constant focus on the positive things the students were doing. I find that this can be difficult at times; especially as you get closer to the end of the year. I really liked what Patrick said about making sure to keep laughter in the classroom. I'm sure my students would say that I do a pretty good job at this, but there's always room for more; especially for a difficult task like writing.
Thanks Vickie and Derek. Regie's positive attitude and high expectation just shine through when you get to see her in action.
ReplyDeleteYes Derek, I think the use of humor and fun, especially during difficult tasks, is essential for instruction. It's an area that people often comment on in this class :)
I love Conferencing with students. If high school it takes on a different style? Vibe? Not sure how to explain. I love the one on one time with my student s and I have done it different ways. Sometimes it is as short as what I call a ‘check in’. Where are you with you r writing? What help do you need right now? Questions of that sort. I also do one on one conferencing. I like the individual time I get to spend with each student because this seems to happen less and less as they progress through school. I don’t have quite as many problems keeping the other students quiet as I conference one on one as you may with a class full of elementary students. I also really like that Regie begins each personal conference with positive feedback. I also try to end on a positive note. I want them to understand the critique but also to feel inspired. I do not usually have spelling issues in papers unless the students have thrown together the paper. Since my papers are usually typed the students use spell check. As I said before I have more issues with ‘text’ language. This is something I continually work and struggle with. However the more we conference and the more I am able to proofread papers the instances with this go down. I think that I would like to try to combine teacher/student conferences with a student/student conference. This would help with peer editing and also teach them a skill they will need in college.
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