One of the most valuable understandings I've realized this week is the importance of making writing a comfortable activity. When students think that everything they write is for a grade, it makes them dread doing it. Writing can really be an enjoyable thing to do. I have to admit that I don't do much writing myself. This class has "forced" me to do this again, and I really have enjoyed it. It's almost like my brain has had to "wake up". I know that sounds corny, but it's exactly how it feels.
I liked several of the activities we were shown to make writing a low-stakes activity. I plan to try several of these with my fourth graders. I think I will do the micro-themes with some of my subjects to get the students more engaged in the lessons.
I'm still having trouble in my own writing with not focusing on the mechanics so much. I keep going back and fixing misplaced prepositions and things like that. I know that's not a bad thing, but it does get in the way of putting my thoughts down as they come to me.
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5 comments:
It is hard to write fluently and not worry about the mechanics. I think we are all so programmed to check the mechanics it is very difficult to just enjoy telling a story with our writing.
Your last paragraph summed up my feelings of my own writing well. I also, feel more comfortable using more writing in my classroom, not having to worry about grading every piece. I just want the children to use writing to learn more from each subject and retain it, along with being able to express themselves.
Paula, I agree about the micothemes and the otheer ideas. I also think it will be better to not worry about the mechanics as much. It is hard not to sometimes. I think it will be mucheasier for the children to write in the low stakes.
Paula, I agree about the micothemes and the otheer ideas. I also think it will be better to not worry about the mechanics as much. It is hard not to sometimes. I think it will be mucheasier for the children to write in the low stakes.
It's easier to read paper that flows nice. Hopefully now we will be able to focus more on the content and not the mechanical stuff. I'm more convenced now that the meat is more important than all of the fancy side dishes. It's true that they complete the meal but who fixes just a roast? If the main course well prepared tha side dishes will all come together in the end. Good luck with your journaling projects next year.
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