***I just thought I'd post the final assignments for those of you who might be going away for winter break and want to finish the class up. All assignments are due for the course by March 13th.
Assignment Nine: Final Course Reflection
It's been great reading what you all have to share! Take a look at the last section in Regie's text, Writing Essentials, it's chock full of great resources!!!
Teaching in Action: Lesson Essentials
5 Day Lesson Plans & Appendices
• Secrets of Second Graders
• Heart Poems
• Procedural writing
• Hero writing
• Persuasive writing
• Appendix survey
Be sure to look through this section. If you haven’t already done so, look at Appendix A (page A-2.) Re-examine your beliefs about writing by re-reading the statements about the writing process and marking true or false in your book. Did you change any of your previous answers? Would you consider bringing this page to your team or even to your entire school to jump-start discussions about writing?
Take some time to look through the appendices. There are several useful examples included. One we’d like to point out to you is Appendix L- The Genre Characteristics Excerpt on page A-13. Look to the Writing Essentials companion website at www.heinemann.com/writingessentials for the entire chart as well as directions to assist you playing the DVD.
ASSIGNMENT NINE: Final Course Reflection - Critically examine your current literacy program and develop realistic goals to improve your instruction. Also reflect on the balance between your home and school life. If our students are to become happy, literate people, they need happy, balanced teachers. BRIEFLY, share several of your goals with the class by posting them to the blog for this final assignment.
Thanks for taking our course!!!! Jackie & Mary!
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After reading Regie's book and thinking about my literacy program, I've thought about how I want my literacy program to look next year.
ReplyDelete1. I intend to do a lot more modeling using Regie's model of writing instruction. I am aware that students need to see and hear the writing process. That's where the majority of writing instruction takes place.
2. I will continue to share my outside experiences with kids, but will build on those experiences and turn them into writing opportunities with a balance of instruction in the different modes of writing.
3. Lastly, I want to conference with students more that I do now. I tend to only focus on the students who have trouble writing and let the "good writiers" go it alone. All students need feedback to advance their writing skills. After viewing the DVD, I feel like I can conference with my students on a more effective level.
This course and Regie's book have been inspiring. I am anxious to have fun with writing again, and help my students be more successful writers. I feel validated that my time at home is my own and that personal experiences brought to the classroom benefit the students in so many ways. Thank you for the thought provoking comments as well as the freedom you've allowed us to critically look at our writing instruction both good and bad. Take care.
Assignment #9
ReplyDeleteThere is so much I want to do but I’m going to break it down into what is realistic and manageable for the next few weeks. I feel empowered based on the research and evidence in The Essentials of Writing to discontinue some of the practices I’ve been using for teaching writing.
1. Have conversations with my colleagues regarding more free write time
-embedded throughout the day.
–across the curriculum
2. Modeling writing with gradual release of responsibility
-writing for a specific reader
-think aloud as I write
-rereading as I write
3. Raise expectations
-praise and celebrate students writing
-keep writing projects short and meaningful
4.Shared writing demonstrations with gradual release of responsibility
5.Use Concise Framework For A Shared Writing Lesson on page 88
–use teaching tips on page 89
–as a class
–small group
–with a partner
6.Allowing students a lot more time to think and talk about their writing before they write.
–with peers
–whole class discussions
7.Connecting writing with reading
–make sure students read quality materials
-have conversations with students regarding reading and writing
8.Regular conferencing with students
–whole class shares (use tips on page 215)
-quickshares (use tips on page 216)
-roving conferences (use tips on page 217)
-one-on-one formal conferences (use tips on page 219)
-peer conferences (use tips on page 220)
9. Use Regie’s best Advice on page 287
Later in the year my goals are
1. Teach summary writing
2. Teach nonfiction writing
3. Teach students to do more editing
Since taking this class, I am so energized and confident about teaching writing to my second graders. It is exciting to see the motivation, confidence, and improvement in my students’ writing skills as well. Thank you so much for a great class!
This is the best professional development book that I have ever read. After reading I feel like I have an image of what writing in my class should look like. I tried to read this book my first year of teaching, but I really needed more specific lesson plans at that point. This book seemed too overwhelming, and I was not sure what I was supposed to do. Now that I have taught for a few years and have gathered some specific writing projects and lesson ideas, I was ready to read about the theory behind it. I was able to shift my thinking and feel more positive about writing instruction. I feel like writing time has already changed in my classroom since I started this book. Before, I would model for the students what they should do, then give them silent work time, and every once in a while they got to share. Now, in addition to modeling I also have done conferences in front of the whole class, done shared writing, and given the students more time to talk about their writing and share with their peers. We have been working on adding detail to our writing, and when I see a great example I share it with the class and they love it. The kids feel proud, and they seem to understand the concept when I have examples for them. We have also talked about the audience more and more. They know that they are writing so that others can enjoy their story, and that is a great teaching point. They know now why it has to make sense, and why it has to be neat. I have had a few kids re-write something because I could not read it. They knew it had to be neat because it was going to be put in a class book. Because they understood that, I didn’t hear any complaints about re-writing it. In fact, some of my reluctant writers decided on their own that it needed to be written again.
ReplyDeleteI feel like I am more focused on having the kids express their thinking to a specific audience, rather than just having them complete a piece on a topic that I have given them. They are learning from each other, they are enjoying writing and they are proud of their work. I have several ideas of writing projects that we can do that focus more on great writing rather than just a prompt. I know that I will continue to re-read this book several times. It will always be a great reminder!
Assignment Nine: Final Course Reflection
ReplyDeleteI want to thank you both, Jackie and Mary, for offering this class. Like I said earlier, I’ve read Writing Essentials before, but this time was different. I liked your questions and reflection work. And I want to thank you for your feedback and helpful suggestions! I read this book with more open eyes!
I began taking a critical look at my writing instruction right after I started this class. I realized that I had forgotten how important it is to write in front of kids, to know your audience is a vital part to writing, and celebrating writing should never get left out!
I also changed my daily schedule around. I moved our writing time to first thing in the morning. I could also get in some of our science and social studies writing during this time. We write everyday now with no exceptions!!
The newest thing I started was including my students when choosing ideas for writing assignments. We would identify the audience, then think of ways to meet our writing goals. I swear, with all the acting I do to help guide their ideas, I should win an Oscar!! It has been fantastic to see such a difference in my kids’ work! They are excited and thoughtful about what they are writing now! They really care!
I am also excited about having writing conferences with my students, both individually and as a whole group. The more I do the whole group conferences the more comfortable the kids get with it. I am really getting to know my students’ writing skills! I’ve learned so much about my own writing habits too. The more we talk about writing and share our writing, the more confident we become with writing!
The Optimal Learning Model makes so much sense and it really works! My students are more responsible now and setting higher goals for themselves. I also love listening to them talk to each other about writing. A few examples: “Ask Katie, she can spell anything!”, “It sounds better this way.” , Can you help me find a different word for seeing?” , and “How should I end this?”.
I can’t wait to start my next school year with the knowledge I’ve gained from this book/class! I predict I will have happy writers and they will have a very happy teacher!
Thank you! Tracy
I am so inspired after taking this course! This was a wonderful professional development book that actually provided me with realistic ideas and tasks that are feasible for our busy schedules. Writing workshop and my specific structure was a professional goal I set for myself at the beginning of the year. After this course, I have very specific goals focused on areas where I can improve. I have already been able to make changes to the way I teach writing, and can’t wait to see what my student’s writing will be like next year, as I start the year with these great tools ready to go! The goals that I have been working on in my classroom and that I will continue to work on are the following:
ReplyDelete1. Emphasis on an audience for the writer- the mere mention of who the students are writing for gives so much more of a purpose for their writing. I have found that struggling writers really benefit from knowing their audience is more than just the teacher!
2. Share and Celebrate, celebrate, celebrate! Students love to talk with each other and sharing their work is even more joyful. They are able to hear praise and gain confidence, but also learn to be helpful critics to their peers. I didn’t do this nearly enough before reading this book, now I try to have time to share every day!
3. Raise expectations- I always worried that if I set expectations that were too high, my students would struggle and not enjoy the writing process. I now know that by being very specific and clear with my expectations, students can produce much higher quality work! I will focus on this goal for the rest of the year, and begin the next school year with high expectations for all students! I look forward to seeing all the great writing my students are able to produce!
4. Modeling!- By seeing me think as I write and go through the writing process, my students will have a better grasp on what it is that I expect from them.
I used to dread teaching writing, but after reading this book, I am feeling more confident in my skills as a writing teacher. This book will be one that is out and open in my classroom, not one that sits on a bookshelf and collects dust! Thank you for taking the time to read and comment on my reflections!
I have loved reading through Regie’s book during this class. I got the book during grad school, but I only skimmed through it since there was SO much reading to do. It was really nice to have the time to read through the entire book and gain so many good ideas from it. I have already made some changes to my writing instruction and I am looking forward to implementing more throughout the rest of the year.
ReplyDelete*I am most excited about starting a more formal conference system with my students so that I can meet with all of them and help them with individual needs.
*I also want to work on bringing the joy back to writing and making writer’s workshop a time during our day that the kids look forward to.
*Another thing I want to work on is talking about an audience when the children are writing. I think that is a very important part of the writing process that I have often left out.
I feel like it’s so hard to find a balance between home and school life, however it’s extremely important. It’s nice to know that it’s okay to let things go sometimes, and that you can’t focus on school all the time. My students notice a change in me when I am feeling more of a balance. They love to hear about the things I am doing in my life, so it’s important to be doing them!!
Thanks Ann, Karrie, Kelly, Tracy, Nicole & Kristin for participating and being so reflective about your writing instruction during this course. I hope that both your love of and knowledge of working with your students writers continues to grow! All of your grades will be submitted with an “A” grade to TINT!!!
ReplyDeleteAnn - Integrating your outside life experiences during your increased use of modeling will be extremely motivating for your students! I think that you will find that as you continue to get more confident and comfortable with conferring, you will find that it becomes the heart of your writing workshop. I am glad that the text was inspirational and has provided you with the validation you needed.
Karrie – “Knowledge is power”….and I’m glad that reading Regie’s text and reflection on your own work has given you the “power” to make some changes. You have the right idea when you mentioned breaking it down into more realistic changes. The last thing you want to have happen is to get both you and your students frustrated! You’ve got a lot of really great goals on your list, but it may even take next year to really get comfortable with these changes. As you mentioned, the students’ motivation and improvement will help to keep you energized.
Kelly – Yeah!!! Even though it can be a bit intimidating because it is chock full of great stuff….I agree, this is definitely on my “Favorites” list of top professional books. If you haven’t checked out Regie’s Reading Essentials yet, I highly recommend that book as well. I’m very happy that both you and your students are finding success with your writing program!
Tracy – I’m so glad that you’ve enjoyed the course and that it gave you the opportunity to reflect on your writing instruction. Unfortunately with the curriculum and crazy schedules, sometimes there’s barely enough room to breathe during the day, let alone reflect. High five on writing everyday and allowing your students to be so involved in their writing decisions…and yes, I think some of the best teachers out there do deserve Academy Awards for some of their best “work” :)
Nicole – I am so glad that you also were inspired (and more importantly…brave enough) to make such amazing changes in your writing instruction. Just considering Audience & Purpose are huge…keeping these two simple concepts in mind at all times will alone allow for amazing growth in your students’ writing. You have synthesized Regie’s book perfectly: audience & purpose, share & celebrate, raise expectations, and model…seems so easy doesn’t it :)
Kristin – When you find your “balance” (and it’s soooooooo hard), it will not only benefit you, but your students as well!!! Best of luck as you work towards refining your conferring system, just remember that it does take practice (and time) until you feel really comfortable in making those quick teaching decisions in your limited time frame with your individual students.
I wish you all you the best as you continue on your professional journey with writing instruction! It’s been a pleasure reading your reflections.
This has been such a wonderful class! Thank you so much Jackie and Mary!
ReplyDeleteI feel so much more confident and excited about teaching writing. As a substitute teacher I can’t really talk about my current literacy program but I know that my instruction has already improved and I look forward to more opportunities to put my new knowledge into practice.
The funny thing is that I already had “Essentials of Writing,” but hadn’t read it completely. It was a textbook for a class when I was getting my master’s degree, but we didn’t go into the depth that this class required. This is a book that I won’t be giving away!
My goals: more modeling (I already feel more at ease wiring in front of students), more shared writing, more connecting of reading and writing, better conferences, and more celebration of writing.
Just yesterday I taught a class of third and fourth graders and I had to go over their writing with them. (I was so excited!) The school was having an event that day called “Celebrate Writing,” and each student had to choose their favorite piece of writing to share. It was a treat to help each student choose his/her favorite piece and then have them read it with me.
Today I taught a class of first graders and they wrote about what they will be doing when they are 100 years old. Their teacher gave this assignment. They were given time to talk to their neighbor and brainstorm and then all got busy writing and drawing pictures. We had time to share and they were all eager to read in front of their classmates. I can see the importance of this kind of sharing from an early age.
Another good result from this class is that I am writing more. Just the other day I was inspired to write a poem about spring. I also wrote a letter to my mom, which I hadn’t done in ages.
One nice thing about being a substitute teacher is that I feel I have a good balance between home and school. I go to school each day excited with the new adventure. I never really know just what I will encounter but I always learn something new.
Thank you so much for this awesome class. And thank you to my classmates for all your comments. I have appreciated all that you have shared.
Happy teaching to all of you!
Beth : )
Assignment #9
ReplyDeleteI thought the word “realistic” was appropriate for our literacy goals. All too often we set goals for ourselves that are not realistic but we think if we set these “high” expectations we will be better teachers. Instead, we end up super stressed out because our expectations are unrealistic.
Goal #1: Model, Model, Model
• I think I should model everyday but really if I model once a week I’d be happy at this point. I always want to finish my writing with them but you can’t do that in 10-15. Because I read aloud to them at the start of writing, it always cuts into my modeling time. They love and expect a story so I try to make sure it’s a mentor text.
Goal #2: Conferencing
• Again, I’d like to have an organized system so I can easily see whom I need to meet with. I conference with many students daily but it tends to be the same students that “ask” for help that receive the help.
• Use the conference form provided in this course or the one provided by Regie Routman.
Goal #3: Continue to use Lucy Calkins
• I’m quite comfortable teaching narrative writing and I’d like to become more proficient in my ability to teach the other units in the Units of Study curriculum.
Goal #4: Literacy in Spanish
• Brush up on teaching literacy in Spanish and make sure that I continue to be an effective and efficient teacher of writing
• Writing is the last skill to develop with second language learners. I need to remember that writing was barely taught in the previous grades so they will not be where I “expect” them to be
I’ve mentioned, as recently as the last post, that I think I have a good balance between my school life and my home life. Spring break is coming up and I won’t think once about school, nor will I go back to school to do work. I will come back refreshed and ready for the downhill race that is the end of the year. My co-workers that will go in over break because they have “so much to do” will come back to work on Monday as stressed and as tired at they were before break. And they will wonder why they don’t like their job and how they wish for a day off. I have more energy for teaching because I “only” work part time. I am happier than some of my co-workers because I am able to balance work and home.
Jackie and Mary- Thank you for your reflective questions and offering a class that has been quite manageable for me. I look forward to taking another class with you!
After thoughtful reflection I have concluded that I need to do the following to improve my literacy instruction.
ReplyDelete1. Integrate more poetry and fun vocabulary. I teach kindergarten and what a great time to introduce playful poems and new words they can easily understand. I grabbed Shel Silverstein book off my shelf at home and have already been reading and exploring these wacky poems with my kids. They love it and my hope is it carries over into their own creativity with writing.
2. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes. I need to take chances in front of my
students so they can learn how real writers think. Do more shared writing that integrates more of who I am personally so my students can gain trust and a bond that will help them take risks with their own pieces of writing.
3. Read more to them. With a half day kinder schedule, it seems like I never have time to read to them. We are constantly on the go trying to learn new required curriculum standards. It is very demanding and stressful to try to fit it all in.
Lately, I have been better at balancing my home life with work. It used to be I would get home and start working. Now, I rarely bring work home and I haven’t been working on the weekends like I used to. I think I have finally found a balance and I am much happier. I had a massage and a facial (not on the same day!!) so I have pampered myself and given myself permission to not think about work 24/7 and I have actually been sleeping. I know teaching is demanding but I think we all strive to be great at our jobs and that is why we can easily be consumed with work. I think since this is my first year teaching kindergarten, I put more pressure on myself. I know next year will be better!! I learned a tremendous amount taking this course.
Most of all, write your blog in word, save, and then paste!!!!
Thank you for reading.
Sincerely,
Erin Dugan
I have learned many new ideas from this course that I have already begun to implement in my instruction to help my students grow as writers. In addition, I have begun to think about the next school year and setting goals for how I would like to structure my class in September.
ReplyDelete~My first goal is start writing from Day 1. This year I was so overwhelmed from getting hired late that my focus was on getting my classroom together and getting books and curriculum the first couple weeks of school. However, I really want my students to be in the routine of writing and feel it is a part of what we do in class. We always hear stories and do review of math the first day, we should be writing too.
~My second goal is set a specific writing time in our schedule. I am unsure of what our district program will look like next year, but I know what I would like to implement in my room. In order to fulfill my requirements of teaching the district curriculum (right now it is worksheets) and satisfy my conscience that I am actually teaching writing, I am thinking I will set up a schedule. Each day we will have about 45 minutes for writing. On Monday and Tuesday we can do the district worksheets for the first half, then for the second half we can do journal writing or a quick write, something quick, but still writing. Then on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday we can devote writing time to writing, conferences, sharing, mini lessons, etc. I have been guilty this year of not having my students write consistently, and much of this is due to us not having it worked into our daily schedule. I am currently working on rearranging our schedule to see where it will fit in for our last couple months of school.
~My third goal is to use more demonstration in writing. This is something I have begun to do with my students more often since I have been taking this course and I can already see a difference in their writing. I definitely need to be consistently writing in front of my class!
~My fourth goal is to do more genres and types of writing with my students. In addition to individual writing, I want to do more shared writing, and create class books. I had so much fun doing this with my kindergartners and they loved reading them. I also want to work on having my students write more genres of writing, such as nonfiction pieces and letters. I am thinking I might talk with my friend I use to teach with down in California and see if we can have our classes be penpals. That would be a fun way to work on writing letters and work on audience.
~My fifth goal is to do more conferences, more consistently. This year I mainly have done roving conferences and have just begun with one-on-ones and whole class celebrations. By next year I would like to be comfortable with all three types and be able to do them consistently with our writing.
~Lastly, I am going to try to do 3 read alouds a day. I have found with my students this year, when I am reading to them it is one time of day the entire class is quiet and captivated. I am up to 2 read alouds currently. A picture book and chapter book, which they love and has inspired many of them to start reading chapter books too. I am working on incorporating nonfiction in, but it tends to be more sporadic. We usually read them when we are doing a science or social studies lesson. However, the students still love listening to the books just as much as a story.
Thanks Beth, Lisa, Erin, and Jennifer. It has been a pleasure to read all of your reflective and thoughtful comments throughout the semester. I have sent in each of your names with a grade A to TINT. Thanks for participating, and hopefully, we will meet again during another course in the future!
ReplyDeleteBeth – I am so glad that reading Regie’s text and taking the course has helped to boost your confidence as a teacher of writing. I truly hope that you get to put your enthusiasm and learning into practice in your own classroom very soon! It’s actually really great that as a substitute, you’ve been able to practice these strategies with a broad range of learners. I’m glad that you are finding such joy in both the teaching of writing AND your own personal writing…best of luck working towards all of your goals!
Lisa – You’ve set 4 really big goals for yourself, but I agree that they are manageable…best of luck as you work towards them! I love your attitude about taking the time you need to personally recharge so that you are at your best for your students while you are there with them teaching. I can’t remember if it was you or someone else in the course, but I definitely recommend taking a look at the way The Sisters organize their Conferring Notebook which they use for both reading and writing. You can take a look at the set up in a video clip as well as download some of their forms at: www.thedailycafe.com .
Erin – Thanks for sharing your goals for improving your literacy instruction. I love that you chose integrating more poetry and vocabulary. Vocabulary is such a huge need, and I find that most teachers have a hard time deciding how to fit it in. And…”yeah!” to taking chances and being willing to make mistakes in front of your kids! It is hard to balance it all…school – especially ½ day K, and our personal lives at home. I’m glad that you are getting better at finding the balance..and YES, you will have more confidence going into next year.
Jennifer – I’m so glad that this course has given you some practical and applicable strategies that you’ve been able to implement so quickly. You’ve set great goals for yourself. Writing everyday (beginning on day 1) is wonderful, and SO important…practice makes perfect! Writing to Pen Pals is a wonderful way to provide both purpose and audience for your young writers, it’s a fantastic idea! Best of luck as you strive towards more modeling, read alouds, and conferences…just as with the students, pick one focus at a time to work on and gradual get them all in…otherwise you will end up feeling frustrated and over-whelmed!
Thanks again everyone!
Currently, my literacy program uses a lot of basal/worksheets, guided reading, independent reading, read aloud, and writing. My goal is going to be to put more critical writing into my read alouds to make them more worthwhile. I will definitely be asking more questions about language as we read. Instead of using worksheets. I plan on trying to use writing response journals. In science and social studies, I will still use cut up sentences and letters, but I realize that I need to do a lot more modeling of the letter audience and structure.
ReplyDeleteAt the beginning of the year I am going to try and accomplish these five things next year:
1. Discuss with teachers the sacrifice it takes for us to make the whole school successful writers. Telling them that we have to have writers who love writing and have good voice.
2. Establish a teacher writing program where we all are working on our own pieces. We need to feel comfortable with our writing and evaluate it to see the needs of our students. We also need to be able to show them how our writing is applicable.
3. Begin having professional writing discussions with all the teachers to see what their techniques are and what needs they might have. This will also give us a chance to use the research.
4. Allow kids to just write, establishing voice and audience. Normally I jump right into structure and organization. They need to enjoy their writing first to become great writers.
5. Do more share writing with my students so that they are a part of the learning process. Continue to model but don't just jump to the independent work.
6. Last, I need to conference more with students. The need the celebration in front of the class as well as getting positive feedback one-on-one.
These are just a few areas to get started, but there is much more that needs to be done. Through sacrifice and discussion our school can build a critical writing community. We can accomplish a lot if we don't settle for mediocrity.
In my personal life, I plan to do less worksheets to lessen the load. Giving the students more responsibility and sticking to my expectations will help me with this. I also have to change my goal to seeing all kinds of writing versus constant essays. This will save time. This year has been a struggle to keep up with the workload, and deal with our children, especially the one with T1D. I need to do what I can to leave work at school. I also realize how tired I have been. I need to be rested to bring the joy of learning to my classroom. I won't be able to take a lot more if I don't find a way to re-energize.
This has been a great experience. Thank you for pointing me toward Regie's text!
Scott – This is it :) Thanks for taking our course! I wish you the best of luck as you forge ahead to make your entire building a community of writers next year. You may want to consider having colleagues read portions of Regie’s text to discuss. You’ve set some huge goals for yourself: voice, choice & audience in writing, more conferring and modeling as well as celebration of writing. Just remember to integrate bit by bit, so that you don’t end up completely frustrated and overwhelmed. If you are successful in launching writing conversations with your peers, all of this will be much more manageable!!!
ReplyDeleteThanks again! Hopefully we’ll see you in a future course - Jackie