Reaching into Memory
It can be very intimidating for students to write about a new book or new content that they have learned that day. Simply requiring students to reflect on a memory to practice writing is a great way to begin a lesson. Not only are students describing an event in detail but this also could be a way to activate prior knowledge on a subject that may be discussed that day.
Thinking About a Person
Writing about a person who has inspired me or has special characteristics is another way to spark a writing experience. Writing has come easily when I am talking about my mother, someone who has made me the woman I am today. Kids are often interested in the people they can relate to. Whether it be a person on social media, a teacher, or even an important friend, the writing process can become easier when students' are able to write about the people that surrounds them.
Intentional Strategies Versus Assignments
The thing that stuck out to me the most was the use of notebooks in the classroom. The use of notebooks should not be a one-stop shop of assignments. As educators we want notebooks to be a place of refuge. Notebooks should be a place where students fell at ease when writing. We want to be able to hear students' voices within their writing and use notebooks as an extension for future writing assignments.
No comments:
Post a Comment